text:
If you already have an account, you may login here:
$10.80 RISC-V AIoT module supports Linux
My Linux Laptop
Laptop Dual Boot Project: Part 2
Laptop Dual Boot Project
Lenovo Laptop Love..Not!
Attempting to install Linux on a new laptop, a follow-up
Attempting to install Linux on a new laptop
Don't miss our LXer Features!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Disposition: inline
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Hello fellow developers! It's already been 10 days since I started my DPL term and I haven't
made any formal annoucement yet, so here it is. It's a bit late to
comment on the elections, but let me thank all other candidates anyway,
with extra sympathy for Steve McIntyre who for the second time came
second by less than 10 votes and Gustavo Franco who had a platform very
similar to mine yet wasn't rewarded with as many favourable votes. Also
many thanks to Anthony Towns, my predecessor, and Steve McIntyre again
for making the switch as comfortable as possible. I spent most of the week answering to the press, but a few real
things also happened or are going to happen soon. Since Etch was released before my term started, Debian is now rid of
the stress and bubbles with new ideas and new projects, and I love the
atmosphere I've been thrown into. The current release team is already
poking the various packaging teams[1] to make plans for Lenny, we have
nine students who are going to work on various Google Summer of Code
projects[2] (amongst which a web-based interface to the BTS, which I am
awaiting with breathless expectation), the web team is discussing both
structural changes[3] and cosmetic changes[4] to the website, and I am
really sorry for not mentioning /your/ great new project here, but feel
free to use d-d-a for this purpose! I have been asked whether I'd be continuing with a 2IC position or
something similar this year. I don't know yet. At that time last year
Anthony had already decided so, but I am not sure I want/need that
right now since I am more in favour of delegating people for a precise
project. I will keep you informed of the organisational changes I plan
to do. For now, and until they no longer wish to, Anthony and Steve are
still subscribed to the leader@ alias so that the transition is smooth,
and so that they can hit me hard with their experience when I screw up.Teams
----- In my platform[5] I suggested in many places that I wanted to have
more people in our various core teams. As much as I cannot throw anyone
in a team and expect them to work together magically, I can also not
throw anyone in a team when I have no idea who they are. So please,
don't hesitate to talk to me about what you would like to do in Debian.
I cannot guess who you are.Events
------ I will attend an Etch Install party in Paris[6] on May 5th and give
a talk about the Debian project. Christian Perrier will also attend and
give a talk about what is new in Etch. Sun sent us an invitation for the JavaOne[7] conference in San
Francisco on May 8-11th. Since Sun is making Java GPL, we can hope for
very productive cooperation with the Debian project. I cannot attend,
but Anthony Towns, who is already familiar with the Debian-Sun relations
with regards to Java, should be able to attend. I will attend the Encuentro Linux 2007 conference in Arica, Chile[8]
on October 11-14th. I know it is in 6 months, but I thought it might be
an opportunity to meet with other developers in Latin America, so this
is a warning that I will be in the area. I'd be happy to know of other
Free Software events in Latin America that I could attend.Meetings
-------- Matt Taggart proposed that dpkg developers meet in person during a
dpkg summit[9] to talk about future dpkg development. The meeting would
be sponsored at least by Debian and HP. I suggested inviting people from
the Fink and ipkg projects as well as other distributions, too.Press
----- We took part in the GNOME Mobile & Embedded Initiative announcement
on April 19th[10]. This is an excellent opportunity to remind you that
Debian is still the #1 distribution in the embedded world according to a
linuxdevices.com survey[11]. A few weeks ago a WHATWG discussion about the element in
HTML was brought to our attention[12] because it might lead to patented
codecs becoming mandatory. I wish to issue a formal statement by the
Debian project stating our view on software patents and the danger
they may pose to our users. I started a wiki page[13] to draft this
statement, but I am requesting help to word it in proper English, so
please contact me if you have time to work on this with me.
Well, that's all for now. Have fun!
[1] http://lists.debian.org/debian-release/2007/04/threads.html
[2] http://wiki.debian.org/SummerOfCode2007
[3] http://wiki.debian.org/DebianWebsiteDiscussion
[4] http://wiki.debian.org/WebsiteLayout
[5] http://www.debian.org/vote/2007/platforms/sho.en.html
[6] http://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-french/2007/04/msg00011.html
[7] http://java.sun.com/javaone/sf/index.jsp
[8] http://tinyurl.com/2kwe5v
[9] http://wiki.debian.org/dpkg_Summit
[10] http://www.gnome.org/press/releases/gmae.html
[11] http://www.linuxdevices.com/articles/AT7065740528.html
[12] http://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2007/03/msg00559.html
[13] http://wiki.debian.org/Drafts/WhatWGRegards,
Content-Type: application/pgp-signature; name="signature.asc"
Content-Description: Digital signature
Content-Disposition: inline-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.4.6 (GNU/Linux)iD8DBQFGMXPCfPP1rylJn2ERAiYSAJsFS3QrH2lprxNSnwAArRvt/STJuwCcCNJI
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-------GvXjxJ+pjyke8COw--
To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [e-mail:firstname.lastname@example.com]
with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [e-mail:email@example.com]
« Return to the newswire homepage
This topic does not have any threads posted yet!
You cannot post until you login.


text:
It was a busy Monday, so we don't blame you if you missed it! We put on a great webinar on the importance of Revenue Strategy, what it is, and a couple of steps you can take to get started. GuideStar was kind enough to host it for us. We had over 200 attendees. Not bad!
We know your day doesn't stop just because we are hosting a webinar. So, here it is for your watching and listening pleasure. Enjoy!
Yours in pursuit of revenue,
The Room40 Group

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Several readers have emailed me saying they scored this deal – and Penny Pinching Diva! even took a picture!
Look for these boxed pajama sets clearanced for $1 at Walmart!
Clearance can be hit or miss, so don't head just for this deal, checkout my Walmart deals, and make sure to make a full trip of it!
Thanks, Penny Pinching Diva!


text:
UPDATE: Cottonwood Pass reopens after vehicle recovery; CDOT images show extensive debris on I-70 still
440, 13-ton loads of debris removed from Glenwood Canyon over the weekend
UPDATE Monday 12:30 p.m. — Cottonwood Pass has been reopened following a successful vehicle recovery.
UPDATE Monday 11:45 a.m. — Cottonwood Pass between Garfield and Eagle counties is reportedly closed temporarily late Monday morning to allow for a vehicle recovery. Colorado National Guard is now conducting traffic control on the mountain pass. There is no estimated time for reopening the pass, which has restricted access.
Photos released Monday by the Colorado Department of Transportation show a large amount of debris still covering one particular section of Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon and damage to the highway surface, giving a glimpse of the likely long road ahead before repairs can be made.
The progress photos are of the area near mile post 123, roughly 2 miles east of Grizzly Creek, where the largest of debris flows occurred the nights of July 29 and 31, including damage caused to the roadway and the barrier wall in that location.
I-70 through the canyon remains closed indefinitely due the amount of debris still on the roadway and damaged caused by some of the largest slides.
CDOT provided an update Monday, saying good weather over the weekend allowed crews to work without interruption on clearing mud and other debris from I-70 in Glenwood Canyon.
"CDOT crews were able to make significant progress … hauling 440 loads over the two days," CDOT said in a news release. "Each truck load equals 13 tons of material."
There were no official weather watches over the weekend from NOAA and there was no precipitation at the burn scar or in the canyon, as dry weather takes hold again.
The interstate clean-up effort included 204 loads hauled on Sunday to the CDOT dump sites at No Name (MP 119) and Dotsero (MP 133). Another dump site is located along a frontage road section of Colorado Highway 82 across from Aspen Glen.
"On the east side of Glenwood Canyon (from Hanging Lake Tunnel to the Bair Ranch area), crews continued to work on loading trucks," CDOT said in the release. Another 110 loads were removed from that side of the canyon on Sunday.
"Crews cleared the remainder of the debris from the eastbound lanes at MP 124.3, which is an important area to assess in order to determine what is required to safely reopen I-70."
"Work will resume (Tuesday) with crews cleaning drainages and drop drains, and washing roadways," CDOT said. "The priority will be to continue to clean up all the slides from Hanging Lake Tunnel to Bair Ranch on the eastbound lanes, where there is still a lot of debris."
On the west side of Glenwood Canyon closest to Glenwood Springs, 94 loads were hauled on Sunday.
"Crews were able to completely uncover the remainder of the debris at the washed out area at MP 123.5 (Blue Gulch) eastbound, so that the CDOT inspections and CDOT engineering teams can get a better assessment of the damage," CDOT said of the area depicted in the photos. "This is one of the most critical areas for the inspection/engineering team to inspect the potential damage now that the debris is cleared in order for visual inspection to occur."
The impacted area on the eastbound side measures approximately 120 feet wide on the north side/passing lane and narrows up to approximately 70 feet on the south side/driving lane, according to the release.
"Crews will continue to excavate the debris mud out to original grade/solid ground Monday," CDOT explained. "Eastbound lanes have been cleared all the way to the MP 123.5 with rocks cleaned off. Also on the west side of the canyon, crews were able to remove a large boulder."
Priorities for Monday include continued cleanup at MP 123.5. Smaller areas still need to be cleaned both eastbound and westbound in that stretch, and all of eastbound from Hanging Lake Tunnel to Bair Ranch.
"The engineering team will be conducting inspections, with better access now that crews have been able to remove more debris," the release states.
I-70 continues to be closed to through traffic at Exit 87 (West Rifle, with a local traffic bypass on Highway 6). The detour takes through traffic up Colorado Highway 13 to U.S. 40 at Craig headed east to Colorado Highway 9 south to I-70 at Silverthorne. Traffic control at the diversion points is now be run by a contractor, CDOT said.
CDOT and contractor crews are jointly managing Exit 116 in Glenwood Springs, and CDOT is still manning both sides of Colorado Highway 82 over Independence Pass until a contractor can mobilize more flaggers.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around Glenwood Springs and Garfield County make the Post Independent's work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.


text:
The 15th Early Years Conference Supporting Children's Health and Well being took place recently at Doncaster University Centre. Over 100 delegates from local schools and nurseries attended the event which was both inspiring and thought provoking.
The key note speaker Dr Carol Harper, a specialist therapist who uses animals and nature in a therapeutic way to meet the needs of children, provided an engaging opening presentation.
Coral introduced the audience to a range of theorists who have researched the impacts animals can have on children and identified how we as humans are pre-programmed to seek relationships and how animals have a unique part to play.
Sam Goddard provided the second address and spoke about the importance of Forest School and allowing children to take risks in their play. Delegates enjoyed a series of hands on workshops that introduced news skills and ways of working with children using natural resources.
The raffle was won by Kim Simmons and raised £122; proceeds will go the local flooded communities.
Thank you to everyone that joined us and we look forward to seeing you all again soon!


text:
Abstract for: The more you see the less you "get": On the importance of a higher-level perspective for understanding dynamic systems
This paper describes the design and outcomes of an experimental study that addresses stock-and-flow-failure from a cognitive perspective. It is based on the assumption that holistic (global) and analytic (local) processing are important cognitive mechanisms underlying the ability to infer the behavior of dynamic systems. In a stock-and-flow task that is structurally equivalent to the department store task, we varied the format in which participants are primed to think about an environmental system, in particular whether they are primed to concentrate on lower-level (local) or higher-level (global) system elements. 148 psychology, geography and business students participated in our study. Students' answers support our hypothesis that global processing increases participants' ability to infer the overall system behavior. The beneficial influence of global presentation is even stronger when data are presented numerically rather than in the form of a graph. Our results suggest presenting complex dynamic systems in a way that facilitates global processing. This is particularly important as policy-designers and decision-makers deal with complex issues in their everyday and professional life.


text:
Say goodbye to Walmart's robotic towers
Walmart is committed to its online order and store pickup program. As it turns out, however, how those orders are being picked up is a bit different than some of the retailer's leadership may have been envisioning a year or more ago. Walmart is removing its automated in-store pickup towers from some of its locations and turning them off in others as it focuses on fulfilling orders at the curbside, reports The Wall Street Journal.
The retailer has pulled the 17-foot high vending machines from service in 300 locations while another 1,300 have been "hibernated," according to Larry Blue, CEO of Bell & Howell, the vendor Walmart hired to install and maintain the devices. The retailer first began installing pickup towers in its stores in 2017.
Walmart, for its part, told the Journal that the decision was made by shoppers. "The customer told us they want one pickup spot, and they want that pickup spot to be outside," said a spokesperson for the retailer.
This is not the first news of Walmart stepping back from robotics in its stores. The retailer pulled the plug last year on using robots to track its in-stock positions on store floors after determining that the same task could be done less expensively using its associates. Walmart found that the large numbers of personal shoppers working in its stores were able to quickly identify low levels of inventory and out-of-stocks on shelves. Robots, in this instance, were a redundancy.
Walmart's partial retreat from its use of robotics should not, however, be read as a souring on automating tasks to improve its performance and support margins. Clear evidence of this is the retailer's scaling of automated local fulfillment centers (LFCs).
Tom Ward, SVP of customer product, Walmart U.S., wrote in January on the company's blog that the retailer was increasing its emphasis on fulfilling online orders locally. The retailer first began testing LFCs, "compact modular" warehouses built within or as an addition to a Walmart store, at a location in Salem, NH, in 2019.
The retailer has since begun working with a number of partners to help scale LFCs, which use robots to pick orders that are then assembled by human associates, to quickly fulfill orders for a wide variety of products at a lower cost.
- Walmart Is Pulling Plug on More Robots – The Wall Street Journal
- Is Walmart building a tower of power with its expanding in-store pickup network? – RetailWire
- Will Walmart's decision to scrap robots have far-ranging effects? – RetailWire
- Will Walmart gain an unrivaled edge by automating its local grocery fulfillment? – RetailWire
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: What is driving automated technology tests at retail and how can retailers better prioritize their investments? What is your take on the approach that Walmart has taken to date?
David NaumannMarketing Strategy Lead - Retail, Travel & Distribution, Verizon
David NaumannMarketing Strategy Lead - Retail, Travel & Distribution, Verizon
Andrew BlatherwickChairman Emeritus, Relex Solutions
Andrew BlatherwickChairman Emeritus, Relex Solutions
Join the Discussion!
32 Comments on "Say goodbye to Walmart's robotic towers"
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Efficiency and cost reductions which will impact profit are the motives for deploying this type of technology, but as this article makes clear, robots/automation don't always beat humans. I'm impressed that Walmart abandoned this project with 300 stores already deployed – to stop the project now based on customer requirements shows a sign of maturity in their approach. Testing and then rejecting a technology solution is not a failure, it's a learning and Walmart has become a very good learner.
All through 2021, retailers will be evaluating the solutions they came up with during the pandemic, with an eye toward improved efficiency and profitability. Smaller retailers should watch what the big companies are doing and follow suit.
The drivers of automated technology tests are improved efficiency and customer service. The likes of Walmart and any other retailer with deep pockets will continue to experiment out of their R&D budget. They can afford to. Consequently those retailers will lead in their respective categories. Industry-wide adoption will come after the technology is proven by the big companies to deliver on the two drivers and after the costs come down, as they always have with technology.
I think there are at least two drivers. Some retailers want tech for tech's sake because their executives experience something cool and tell their team to try it. Others do it because there is an unmet need that technology can solve. I don't think the first path is a bad one IF they are intentional and create some working hypotheses and intend to test and learn. Unfortunately, I still think tech for tech's sake drives many — not the shopper need, and that's never good in my view.
I have no issue with Walmart's approach. In my experience, they have been very open-minded with testing, are usually in touch with their shopper and have a willingness to admit when something doesn't work. Incidentally, I never liked the towers, they seemed odd so they won't be missed.
If shoppers want pick up outside, give them pick up outside. For a historically operational efficiency driven company, the fact they are listening to the shopper and meeting their needs is a great thing.
The drivers of automation tests are pretty clear: pressure to maintain service levels while managing labor expenses; the unfavorable unit economics of online versus self-service retail; and, most recently, the comparative resilience and reliability of robots during a pandemic.
It's perhaps unusual to see such a large, relatively capital-intensive initiative suspended or rolled back so quickly, but Walmart is clearly following its customer and continuing to invest in future-ready operations.
Given its scale and leverage, perhaps Walmart is also negotiating favorable terms with some of its partners, enabling it to test and learn nimbly while sharing or shifting the risk to emerging technology providers eager to produce case studies.
As pointed out in the article, it is important to get the right takeaways. Robots have a big place in warehouses and MFCs. It could work very well during night times in 24×7 stores when they replenish.
The key thing to remember for in-store technology is that it has to enhance the customer experience. When robots share aisles with shoppers, it is an annoyance once the novelty wears off.
The quest for cost savings, efficiency and ROI has only been magnified and accelerated by the pandemic. But if an idea that sounded good before the pandemic doesn't work during the pandemic, then it's time to cut bait and move on. Exploration and pioneering work can lead to a lot of dead ends. I mean, people are buying cars from "vending machines," so surely they will work in our stores! I'll continue to applaud Walmart for their continual testing of boundaries and their efforts to continually expand the range of shopping experiences they offer.
Automation certainly has a place in retail for operational, repetitive types tasks. We're still working through the growing pains for sure. The benefits are obvious: workforce reduction, accuracy, and 24/7 availability. For tasks like inventory scanning in aisles — the test that Walmart has walked away from — it's difficult to balance the cost of the a robot, which can only preform a specific task with a team member, who is flexible and can interface with customers as needed. I give Walmart a lot of credit for trying different types of technology in their stores. I also give them credit for stopping tests when they don't think they're getting the desired outcomes.
I think it is a big stretch to call these robots. Quite simply, they didn't work out. This relentless push to keep people curbside to me is short-sighted. I doubt many have ever said, "Please, can we drive down to a parking lot and wait to pick up our stuff?"
I know a number of people in the 50+ age group who were not online grocery shoppers prior to the pandemic who have come to value the convenience of scheduling curbside pickup orders. This is, in large part, because it gets them out of walking around large stores and then having to stand in the checkout lane. My guess is that the same applies for many Walmart Supercenter shoppers. Seems a logical response by Walmart to a customer ask.
My point is, brick and mortar stores excel at discovery. People go out to see what's new. Fulfillment is getting all the attention when demand will be the key. Unless you use the store for more than a warehouse, and unless you're one of the big 6, it simply doesn't scale for the ROI
Bob, your point is well taken. I don't think, however, that it means an end to in-store shopping especially in grocery where people typically find themselves having to make a quick run for an item or two to prepare a meal. What I think it does is it ups the ante for retailers in several ways online and in stores. Number one – they need to do a better job of creating opportunities for discovery online (better recommendations come to mind). They could also find opportunities for messaging at the point of pickup. Most importantly, I think, is that they need to elevate both the levels of service and presentations in stores to provide the types of experiences that consumers want to repeat.
Here's the thing about in-store technologies: Mechanical stuff breaks. And when they break, they require attention. Store personnel are not equipped to manage the more sophisticated of them.
It's simply easier to have someone take the order out to a car. If you've ever been a practitioner, you know this is true. And that's why various technologies like Amazon Go will not last. I like the Bell and Howell concept, but sadly, it apparently is too much as well.
Automated technology tests for retail are typically driven by the anticipated reduction in labor costs and not by customer demand. In the end, customers' preferences win. Walmart's test and evaluate approach is smart and adapting to whatever is best for the customers is a smart strategy. Automated robots still have a lot of great use cases, especially for repetitive tasks that don't interact or interfere with customers.
First, the consumer would rather have the convenience of curbside pickup, rather than going inside. Second, what is most efficient for Walmart? What system allows them to track inventory levels and deliver merchandise to the customer in the most efficient way possible? The system has been in place since 2017, which is four years ago. So, maybe it has aged out and it's time to find a better system. There is a balance between efficiency and the customer experience. Walmart knows what it is doing.
It is very refreshing and honest of Walmart to admit when they get things wrong or make changes, especially when driven by customer comment and sentiment. It is great that they listen to their customers and make changes where necessary. This does not mean that all robotics technology is wrong or that Walmart has wasted their time trialing these things. If they had not done so they would not have learned and been able to move on. Better to try, monitor and change than not try at all.
Very large retailers like Walmart can afford this sort of experimentation. It helps the whole industry, as smaller players could not stand the cost or the loss of trying and having to change. All retail benefits from this sort of forward thinking, so long may they continue to push the boundaries.
This is fast-fail testing in action. Walmart tried robots, started rolling them out, but when customers wanted something different, Walmart pulled back. Many companies would have chased the sunk costs and tried to make it work anyway.
Consumers' heightened expectations of speed, convenience and good value are driving tech tests. Efficiencies save shoppers time and money.
To prioritize their investments, retailers can examine their overall strategy to spot risky gaps. Filling those gaps could involve tech investments, partnerships or acquisitions.
While Walmart is a traditional retailer, it's far from allergic to technology. In 2005, I covered its RFID pilots. Since then, I've been fascinated with how Walmart and Amazon approach omnichannel from opposite ends of the retail spectrum. Walmart's pickup towers and in-aisle robots stood out as unique innovations for a retailer known for its stores.
Yet that's why retailers test: to see if there are better ways to make shoppers happy and loyal.
I think what's abundantly clear is that there is massive change going on at retail. Brick and Mortar retail is absolutely alive and well, but the pace of change and adaptation have significantly accelerated over the past year. This sets up an environment where testing of all kinds becomes even more of a requirement. I'm sure we'll see substantial changes to store layouts, footprints and levels of automation as retailers figure out how to optimize the relationships between picking for eCommerce, speed of fulfillment and delivery, in-store pickup and traditional "down the aisle" in-store shoppers.
What we know is that things will look different even one year from now, and that the path to what that future state is will not be a straight one; there will be a lot of great ideas and innovations that will have to prove themselves along the way.
"The customer told us they want one pickup spot, and they want that pickup spot to be outside," said a Walmart. That in itself is a huge statement. Would this be a customer's statement 5 years ago? I am confident that in the same studies that this conclusion was surmised, that there were other nuggets that emphasized how import time saving and convenience is for the customer. It is an unstoppable trend for the foreseeable future. It suggest how grocers and other retailers should be prioritizing their investments and focus.
Walmart keeps trying and keeps finding the right path. They will continue to do so. They think the future.
Retail has evolved, and so has the need to be flexible and adaptable with technology solutions across the organization. Walmart has changed its culture to be one that is open to trial and error, to make quick decisions about what is and is not working by watching consumer behavior and to keep testing new concepts with an eye to improve the customer experience. This is what more retailers will need to do to remain relevant in a rapidly changing environment. Sticking with something that isn't working is just poor management.
Every test brings learnings to the organization that help it grow. No more robotic towers? Doesn't mean those learnings won't reappear in another form.


text:
When it comes to our bodies it's interesting to think about the multiple functions, purposes and processes that happen each and every second inside of us, discovered or some not discovered yet. How about our blood type, could its only purpose be blood transfusions? I always thought there is more to that and it turns out, there is.
After the poll I did on Instagram ( " Do you believe in blood type diet? ") and asked others around me, I came to the realization that the majority of people believes in the blood type diet and lots of them don't know about it. So I thought writing about it would be a great idea. Also after reading and doing my research about it, I can say I tend to go for it too.
" Throughout your life, you've probably observed that some people tend to lose weight more easily, while for others, their weight is an ongoing battle. Or wondered why some people are plagued by chronic illness while others stay healthy and vital well into their advanced years. Very simply, the answer is in your blood type. Knowing your blood type is an important tool for understanding how your body reacts to food, your susceptibility to disease, your natural reaction to stress, and so much more. A single drop of blood contains a biochemical makeup as unique to you as your fingerprint. " Dr. Peter J D'Adamo says on his official website www.dadamo.com
Peter D'Adamo is a naturopathic physician who is also an author, researcher-educator, Ivesian, amateur horologist, budding software developer and air-cooled enthusiast. He is considered a world expert in glycobiology, principally the ABO (ABH) blood groups and the secretor (FUT2) polymorphisms. In 1990 Dr. D'Adamo was awarded Physician of the Year by The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and in 1996 Dr. D'Adamo wrote the NY Times Bestseller Eat Right For Your Type.
He says I quote " A one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition does not work". That is something I truly believe in and not just when it comes to nutrition. Ever heard of people talking about how a diet changed their life, " Atkins/Keto/vegetarian/pescetarian is the best diet!"? I did. But I also heard others talking about the same diets only that they had different results. Why? Why two people can follow the same diet yet have different out comings? It's as simple as it sounds. They are different, their bodies are built different, their blood is different. And Dr. Peter D'Adamo tells us why by describing each blood type in particular.
Dr. A'damo explains why each blood type is more susceptible for certain diseases, how each blood type reacts differently to stress, for example, it takes type " O's " longer to recover from stress because it is more difficult for them to clear the adrenaline from their bodies. Also he says that our blood type antigens are not just in our blood, they are everywhere and they influence how our body reacts to the food we eat through several factors. He refers to the gut bacteria as well explaining why each blood type has different gut bacteria and we know now how important bacteria is for us; " Even though for years, we thought of bacteria as organisms to avoid. It turns out our bodies are already loaded with trillions of bacteria. They help digest food and play an important role in your well-being. Research suggests your gut bacteria are tied to your probability of things like diabetes, obesity, depression, and colon cancer. " (Source: WebMD )
Many hours and words have been used to write about thousands and thousands of diets. Each one of them proven scientifically that it can be the best for you, yet some of them you've tried but nothing happened. My suggestion for you as a Health Coach is " be your own scientist! " and experiment with yourself until you find what is the best option for you. In my perspective, everything is worth a shot. This is very interesting after I read about my profile and I found myself in it I decided it's worth a shot. Go ahead and read yours here! Let me know what you think.


text:
Ullmark shines while the rest of the Amerks flop
- The Amerks were outshot 47-14 and lost their third in a row
UTICA - When the shot-counter on the scoreboard reads 47-14, you can pretty much bet the score will be pretty darn ugly.
How could it not be when a team allows nearly four dozen shots on goal?
When you have a goalie who plays really well, that's how.
Despite the onslaught on shots that Linus Ullmark faced, the Rochester Americans lost just 4-2 to the Utica Comets on Wednesday night.
"All the credit goes to him that it was as close as it was," Amerks coach Randy Cunneyworth said.
Ullmark allowed just three goals — all to second-year left winger Hunter Shinkaruk — even though the Comets maintained offensive-zone puck control for minutes and minutes at a time. The final Utica goal was scored into an empty net with under two seconds to play by Alexandre Grenier.
"They definitely out-everythinged us," said Amerks captain Cal O'Reilly, who played as a visitor for the first time in Utica after playing the previous two seasons with the Comets. "We're still trying to find ourselves. They played desperate. They hadn't won a game (1-2 now) and you could tell."
The Amerks do have two victories, winning both games on opening weekend on home ice. That included a 2-1 triumph over Utica. Since then they have lost three straight, all on the road, and all in a five-day span.
"None of games have really been the hockey we need to play," O'Reilly said. "We have to be better in a lot of aspects."
The two games against Utica are proof. The Amerks have been outshot a combined 86-36 by the Comets, yet Ullmark's first-star performance on Oct. 10 enabled Rochester to win.
For a guy who hadn't played in five months and missed all of training camp as he recovered from surgery on both hips, he has been very good. He has stopped 110 of 118 shots, a .932 save percentage, in three starts. He made 43 saves on Wednesday.
"The problem is I've lost two in a row," the rookie from Sweden said. "You're kind of bummed out about that.
"If I don't look at the results (a 1-2 record), then I feel secure how things are going. I think I've found my game again."
He has made a quick adjustment to the North American game, where the ice surface is smaller and plays develop more quickly.
Players have less time with the puck, and forecheckers can be forcing a defender to move the puck with less precision than Ullmark has grown up playing behind.
"There's more risk in the game because it's tighter," he said.
Ullmark's ability to adapt to a new style of play is hardly a concern for the Amerks. Their play as a team, however, should be cause for concern.
They don't spend nearly enough time in the attacking zone and they have difficulty exiting their own zone cleanly. They also don't win many puck battles.
"When there are confrontations for the puck, we have to win," Cunneyworth said.
They may not have had more than two shots off a rebound on Wednesday. Jason Akeson drove a shot past screened goalie Joe Cannata to tie the score 1-1 midway through the first period and Jerome Leduc drilled a one-timer home on a power play to make it 3-2 with 4:58 left.
Kevin's 3 stars
1. Hunter Shinkaruk, LW, Comets ... Scored 3 goals.
2. Linus Ullmark, G, Amerks ... The only reason this wasn't a monumental blowout.
3. Alexandre Grenier, RW, Comets ... A force in the offensive zone.
Rochester 1 0 1 -- 2
Utica 1 1 2 -- 4
First period: 1, Utica, Shinaruk 1 (Vey, Fedun) 2:04 (pp). 2, Rochester, Akeson 2 (O'Reilly) 15:11 Penalties: Donovan, Roch (slashing) 1:39; Baptiste, Roch (roughing) 7:42; Leduc, Roch (interference) 15:11.
Second period: 3, Shinkaruk 2 (Gaunce, Subban) 18:17 (pp). Penalties: Negrin, Utc (delay of game) 8:10; Pedan, Utc (cross checking) 10:14; Austin, Roch (interference) 17:47.
Third period: 4, Utica, Shinkaruk 3 (Jensen, Pedan) 6:46. 5, Rochester, Leduc 2 (Ruhwedel) 15:02 (pp). 6, Utica, Grenier 1 (Ehrhardt, Hamilton) 19:58 (en). Penalties: Varone, Roch (unsportsmanlike conduct) 7:12; Friesen, Utc double minor (unsportsmanlike conduct, roughing) 7:12; Catenacci, Roch match misconduct (slew-foot) 9:33; Robak, Roch (roughing) 14:39; Bancks, Utc double minor (attempted spearing) 14:39.
Shots on goal: Rochester 6-5-3--14. Utica 19-13-15--47.
Goalies: Rochester, Ullmark 1-2 (46 shots, 43 saves). Utica, Cannata 1-2 (14, 12).
Power-play conversions: Rochester 1 of 4. Utica 2 of 5.
Penalties/minutes: Rochester 7/22. Utica 6/12.
Attendance: 3,835.
Referees: Geno Binda, Ben Moser. Linesmen: Francois Dussureault, Kory Nagy.


text:
By Nikky Necessario
Fond of plants inside bulbs and glass cages? Continue reading as Marvz Conti, founder of Habil Crafts, shares his experience making terrariums, living wall art pieces, and other projects made with moss.
But first, what is a terrarium? Back in the 1800s, botanist Nathaniel Ward wrote a book titled "On the Growth of Plants in Closely Glazed Cases." Originally, Ward wanted to observe insect behavior so he placed a chrysalis and a mold inside a glass bottle.
He saw that the bottle moistens up during the day and the moist circulates back down to the bottom at night. He later on put it in an area with sunlight and to his surprise, a fern seedling and grass grew inside. Plants sprouted and matured inside the glass even without water and air and that's when the art of terrarium started.
Conti grew up watching his mom cultivate plants in her garden; it's his earliest memory of taking care of greenery. "I think it was a process of discovery and rediscovery," said Conti. As a child, there are things that interest you that you eventually forget, but rediscover when you grow up, and that's how Conti renewed his interest in plants. He started incorporating plants with upcycled materials, eventually stumbling upon moss when he used it to add more aesthetic to a handmade calendar that he was working on then. From there, Conti researched about moss and today, he's been doing terrariums for five years.
Constructing a terrarium
Conti also shared the step by step process of how to make a terrarium. First is to decide whether you're going to have an open or closed terrarium. This help make you identify the type of vessel to use. Containers can be made from glass, wood, and even acrylic, but most people prefer using glass for their terrariums because transparent containers will let you see the life inside or as Conti calls it, "a tiny world enclosed in a glass."
Other materials needed can be gathered once you have decided if either a zen or a lush set-up is what you want. For those who want a minimalist or zen-type terrarium, bigger stones with different textures are used. This also adds height to your terrarium. If going for the latter style, adding driftwood and twigs of different sizes will give you a woodland feel. The last step is to put the moss and other greenery in whatever position you desire.
The Filipino terrarium
Filipino terrarium enthusiasts need not worry since there's a lot of room to grow regarding moss awareness, said Conti. Mosses are a common sight in the Philippines, especially in damp places. The most common species of moss that can be easily found in plant shops and nurseries are sphagnum moss and peat moss, which are commonly used as a potting soil ingredient because they help increase the soil's water and nutrient holding capacity.
All the materials that Conti uses in making terrariums are local except for reindeer moss, which is not being cultivated in nurseries in the Philippines. He also mentioned that terrariums are often easy to take care of since they do not need to be watered. Different terrariums need specific care instructions, and it can depend on the type of vessel the terrariums are settling on and as well as if it is open or closed.
Conti did not have previous training in horticulture. He considers himself an 'autodidact,' which means that everything he knows about terrariums are self-taught. "When you really love doing something, you do whatever it takes to equip yourself with the tools that you need," the terrarium creator claimed.
Conti finds making terrariums a job he loves. It makes him value the slow creative process and the positive feedbacks that his customers give him. Studio Habil terrariums' prices range from R350 to R3,000, depending on the size and intricacy of a piece. They also accept large scale projects that are priced per square meter.
"I think as humans, we have this innate tendency to connect and reconnect with nature," said Conti. He added that being connected with nature is not only by trekking or going to the beach but can be as little as having a potted plant or a terrarium at home. He also sees having terrariums as a small step that, if done collectively, would help create awareness about greenery and how it reduces stress levels and promote wellness for people surrounded by it. He encourages everyone, especially the youth, to take care of the environment, even in small ways. As Conti said, "Start with whatever you have at the moment and slowly build up from there."
This appeared in Agriculture Monthly's January 2020 issue.
For more information, visit Studio Habil on Facebook.


text:
Jon Schaeffer lays out every possible NCAA Tournament seeding scenario for the Aztecs ahead of the Mountain West Conference. Are they guaranteed a #1 seed in they win out? What is the likelihood of ending up in the West Regional? And why a 1 seed is much better than a 2 seed.
Photo: Getty Images


text:
Rose Door Swag, Summer Wreaths, Front door decor
Rose Teardrop door swag in shades of Pink and White that will dress up any front door or wall. The Swag starts off with a swag of coco leaves topped with African Daisies, Spider mums and Pink roses. The flowers are all high-quality realistic silks. The Swag is topped off with a Black and Pink floral Bow. Add the richness of roses to your front door or Give this elegant Door Swag as a wedding gift and watch it dress up the new couples door.
Your swag will come wrapped in tissue and bubble wrap packaged in a sturdy box to ensure a safe arrival.
The swag measures approximately 25" long and 5" deep.
We Also Recommend
Red and White Christmas Door Swag, Christmas Wreath with Cardinal Ribbon


text:
Josh Dreamer
From Bywpedia
| Josh Dreamer
|Ring name
| Josh Dreamer
Psycho X
|150 lbs.
|Baltimore, Maryland
Josh Dreamer, formerly Psycho X, is an American backyard wrestler competing in Baltimore Elite Wrestling Alliance. He also competed in XBW Philadelphia, Backyard Championship Wrestling Xtreme gaining reigns as a BCWX Rage Champion and BCWX Tag Team Champion, Maryland Underground Wrestling becoming an MUW International Champion, MUW United States Champion and MUW Tag Team Champion, and is best known for his tenure in XBW Wrestling, where he was a former XBW Maryland Champion, 6-time XBW Hardcore Champion, and XBW Champion.
Backyard wrestling tenure
XBW Wrestling
Season 3 (2005)
Josh Dreamer in a photo taken in season 3.
In 2005 on episode 20, season 3 Revolution, Josh Dreamer as Psycho X appeared in XBW Wrestling attacking Deathwarrent briefly chased off by storyline owner, War. His gimmick was originally suppose to be a long-haired crazed avenger of Psycho, who was allegedly and repeatedly admitted to the Psychiatric Ward. The "Psycho" moniker was also borrowed within his name. At the Breaking Limits supercard, Venom was on a phone call backstage with who shortly made a live-in-person appearance to be Psycho X, who stumbled across newcomer Heavy D, leading to the consolidation of The Asylum. After failing to win an XBW Hardcore Championship invitational during the event, Psycho X challenged XBW Champion Ryan Stevens at the same event to a non-title match, ending up getting an upset victory with the assist of Deathwarrent, who was pursuing to dethrone Stevens of his title. There on out, Psycho X's psychotic nature phased away as he became a potential for the high flying division.
Dreamer went on to defeat Asylum member, Venom for the Hardcore Championship for an interim period on episode 24 Revolution shortly before it was regained moments later due to 24/7 ruling. He soon advanced to the semi-finals of the Kings of Carnage Tournament but lost to an advancing War, compensating it later by winning a contender's match for the XBW Maryland Championship. A short association with Tommy Gunn came about while darting after XBW interim owner Jesse James and the XBW Maryland Title. At Final Revolution, Psycho had returned from the Psychiatric Ward to "teach him how to take pain" in a match which Psycho X lost. In the same event, he however, won the XBW Maryland Title from Tommy Gunn with the biase officiating by Jesse James. By the end of the season, Psycho X was voted "Rookie of the Year" in the XBW Year End Awards, and following a brief existence, Asylum fell to shambles after Venom left XBW leaving Psycho X and Heavy D to form team DNX.
Season 4 (2006-2007)
Psycho X soon teamed with Psycho before learning of his departure from XBW, who was exhausted with life in the "psyche wards", leaving Psycho X as his apprentice. As DNX had a chance in an XBW Tag Team Championship Tournament, XBW owner Deathwarrent kept Heavy D away from the arena due to his ongoing conflicts with Jesse James and Chris Phoenix, forcing Psycho X to direct accusation on a seemingly advantageous Deathwarrent and have to select a partner in War which led to no advance. During this period, Psycho X began feuding with Reaper, resulting in loss of his title at Total Chaos.
Josh Dreamer after winning the 4th annual Kings of Carnage Tournament.
Psycho X later teamed with Heavy D for the first and last time in DNX, coming up short in a XBW Tag Team Championship contender's match against The Family, as eventually subsequent, Heavy D quietly left XBW. Psycho had shortly unceremoniously returned to strip Psycho X of the "Psycho" name for disgracing him, which left him known as only "X". They also settled the altercation in a one-on-one match on Revolution. The disownment fuelled X to adapt (also at his choice out of storyline) a new personality by trimming his hair and transitioning into a fierce combatant known as Josh Dreamer, showcasing his stiff strikes coupled with his lightweight ability. Attempts at regaining the XBW Maryland Title went unavailing and also pursuits after the XBW Tag Team Championship with Jerico Drum suffered the same fate. Two reigns with the Hardcore Title, however, were gained during the time.
After years since Jackass Championship Wrestling fell into alleged "Chapter 11 bankruptcy", they reemerged to continue where they left off in season 2. Dreamer showed his allegiance in defending XBW alongside Chris Phoenix, Deathwarrent and Bob Hollywood. He also won three more Hardcore Title reigns in a string of momentary title switches. At Kings of Carnage, Venom (last seen in season 3 apart of the group once known as The Asylum) had made a brief return to officiate the Kings of Carnage match, where Dreamer proceeded to win the third annual Kings of Carnage Tournament, after which, he was assaulted by former groupmate Venom with a Snake Bite, who admonished Dreamer not to use his "Snake Bite" move again resulting in Dreamer only renaming his version to The Dreamcatcher. A feud did not occur since Venom ceased to stay.
The Kings of Carnage Tournament win rewarded Dreamer a shot at the XBW Championship held by The Reaper, who had defected to JCW. In endeavoring to keep the title to that side of the battle lines, Dreamer was repeatedly targeted without any assistance by personnel of XBW, injected in a feud with Reaper, who had conflict that lied between himself and Deathwarrent as well. Moreover, at Decadence, Dreamer captured the XBW Title in a Triple Threat match with Reaper and Deathwarrent voted "Match of the Year" by online fans in the XBW Year End Awards. Later, after a feud with Stevens, he lost the title at Valencrimes.
Season 5 (2007-2008)
Instead of using his rematch clause against Stevens for a title match, Dreamer exchanged with Deathwarrent for an opportunity at an alternative title which was agreed upon since Deathwarrent was unpermitted to face Stevens in accordance to a deal between the two. Dreamer, War and Reaper all anticipated the announcement that XBW commishioner Shawn Hartless was resurrecting the XBW Internet Championship and competed at Total Chaos in a Triple Threat match won by Reaper.
Note: The release of final XBW tapings are still in delay with many episodes ceasing to be completed. Dreamer now actively wrestles for Baltimore Elite Wrestling Alliance.
Maryland Underground Wrestling (2008)
Josh Dreamer (double champion) with H.I.V as MUW Tag Team Champions
For the majority of 2008, Dreamer competed in Maryland Underground Wrestling achieving reigns each with the MUW International Championship, MUW United States Championship and the MUW Tag Team Championship with H.I.V, which they held to set the longest run as tag champions. After a huge dispute between members in MUW, Dreamer followed along with others to Baltimore Elite Wrestling Alliance.
Baltimore Elite Wrestling Alliance (2009-present)
In 2009, Dreamer premiered in Baltimore Elite Wrestling Alliance during its initial event Warfare on February 1, where he competed against his tag team partner from Maryland Underground Wrestling, H.I.V and lost. Shortly, his attempts at pursuing the BEWA Championship came to no avail.
On the March 1 edition of Warfare, Dreamer introduced his new interview segment called Dreamstreet. Subsequently in the show, he lost a Reverse Triple Threat contender's match for BEWA Intercontinental Championship. Matters later shifted for Dreamer as he became prevalent as the 2009 Brawl For All Winner and moved forward to face the BEWA World Heavyweight Champion H.I.V at BEWA Legacy 2009 on May 17 to become the champion.
XBW Reunion Show (2009)
On March 2, 2009, it was announced on the XBW Wrestling website that Josh Dreamer is booked and will participate in the final XBW event against an opponent that will be revealed at the show.
In wrestling
- Finishing and signature moves
- Dreamcatcher (Jumping cutter)
- X-Slam - (Olympic slam) - used as his finisher as Psycho X
- Moonsault
- Shooting Star Press
- 450 Splash
- Frog Splash
- Flying Elbow Drop
- Lungblower
- Backcracker
- Signature taunts
- Runs out raising arms - used as Psycho X
- Tag Teams and Stables
- Entrance theme
- "Take It All" by TRUSTcompany / Remix with WWE's Triple H King of Kings theme
Championships and accomplishments
- XBW Wrestling
- XBW Championship (1 time)
- XBW Maryland Championship (1 time)
- XBW Hardcore Championship (6 times)
- Season 3 Rookie of the Year
- Season 4 Match of the Year - vs. Deathwarrent and Reaper at Decadence
- Backyard Championship Wrestling Xtreme
- BCWX Rage Championship (1 time)
- BCWX Tag Team Championship (1 time)
- Maryland Underground Wrestling
- MUW International Championship (1 time)
- MUW United States Championship (1 time)
- MUW Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with H.I.V
- Superstar of the Year 2008
- Face of the Year 2008
- Match of the Year 2008
- United States Champion of the Year 2008
- Tag Team and Champions of 2008 - with H.I.V
- Baltimore Elite Wrestling Alliance
- BEWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
External links
- Official Josh Dreamer's profile on XBW Wrestling website
- Official Josh Dreamer's Myspace Profile
- Official Josh Dreamer's Youtube


text:
Penny stock alerts by the penny stocks experts. Join our award-winning newsletter for free and learn strategies for successful penny stock trading
Owner: Alex_Haven
Listed in: Finance
Language: English
Tags: penny, stock, market, free, newsletter
Site Statistics
Unique Visitors Today:
Page Views Today:
Unique Visitors this Week:
Page Views this Week:
Unique Visitors this Month:
Page Views this Month:
Total Unique Visitors:
Total Page Views:
Total Hits Out:
Latest Blog Posts for Penny Stock Alerts by Penny Stock Experts
- Rare Element Resources (REE): Chart Playon Dec 28, 2013 in Commentary Stock Picks Rare Element Resources REEExplosive Penny Stock Alerts by PennyStockHavenRare Element Resources (REE) shares gained 20.86% on Friday's trading session closed a few cents off of its monthly resistance within 4X 3month volume average: Classical chart setup, isn't it...
- InfoSonics Corporation (IFON): Settled Back for The Next Leg Upon Dec 27, 2013 in BUZZ on the Street Commentary Stock Market Movers & Losers IFON InfoSonics CorporationExplosive Penny Stock Alerts by PennyStockHavenIFON announced on December 19, 2013 that it received a letter from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Staff (the "Staff") advising that the Staff had determined that: The Company had not regai...
- GlassesOff (GLSO): Game Ghanging Technologyon Dec 15, 2013 in Commentary Stock Picks GLSOExplosive Penny Stock Alerts by PennyStockHavenGlassesOff (GLSO) could revolutionize how presbyopia is treated, all for 15 minutes a day, 3 days a week, for 2 – 3 months at most. Decades of research into neuroplasticity underlie a robust program th...
- SANUWAVE Health, Inc. (SNWV): Received a "Extracorporeal Shock Wave Device" Pattenton Oct 26, 2013 in Commentary Stock Market News SNWVExplosive Penny Stock Alerts by PennyStockHavenSANUWAVE Health, Inc. (SNWV), our long term holding, has received a patent issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office entitled "Extracorporeal Shock Wave Device." The claims of the patent...
- SANUWAVE Health, Inc. (SNWV): Received a "Extracorporeal Shock Wave Device" Pattenton Oct 26, 2013 in Commentary Stock Market News SNWVExplosive Penny Stock Alerts by PennyStockHavenSANUWAVE Health, Inc. (SNWV), our long term holding, has received a patent issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office entitled "Extracorporeal Shock Wave Device." The claims of the patent...
- Pennystockhaven.com Subscribers: Congratulations on ADXS Rallyon Sep 14, 2013 in Commentary Stock Market Movers & Losers Stock PicksExplosive Penny Stock Alerts by PennyStockHavenWe sent email to our subscribers on August 29th with our new break-out pick: Advaxis (ADXS). Congratulations to all who followed our alert – ADXS's share price doubled in less than 2 weeks!
- Sanuwave Could Run Up Into Approaching Catalyston Jun 5, 2013 in Commentary Market Movers & Losers Stock Market News SANUWAVE SNWVExplosive Penny Stock Alerts by PennyStockHavenfrom email to subscribers: Sanuwave (SNWV) stated that enrollment for the last part of their phase III study of 'dermaPACE' is set to begin before the end of Q2 – which is less than 30...
- AntriaBio (ANTB): An Opportunityon Mar 17, 2013 in Commentary Guest Posters ANTB AntriaBio biotech investment opportunity Novo NordiskExplosive Penny Stock Alerts by PennyStockHaven"Must-Read" review from BiotechIntel Novo Nordisk – the world's largest insulin producer – and major diabetes drug manufacturers – could see BILLIONS in recurring reve...
- AntriaBio (ANTB): Bounce Opportunityon Mar 14, 2013 in Commentary Stock Picks ANTBExplosive Penny Stock Alerts by PennyStockHavenAntriabio – which trades under the ticker "ANTB" – is about to bounce. If you've been following what I have to say I also think ANTB has 10-bagger potential (more about that in a moment). A...
- Mid-Term Investment Opportunity with AntriaBio (ANTB)on Jan 22, 2013 in Commentary Stock Picks AntriaBio FMYYDExplosive Penny Stock Alerts by PennyStockHavenedited on 02/02/2013: AntriaBio, Inc. ("AntriaBio") announced that FINRA has approved a change of the Company's stock ticker symbol. Effective today, the Company's common shares w...
Loading Comments...
{ds_PageTotalItemCount} commentcomments


text:
What started as a consultation about a shoulder injury, turned into an incredible life change for black belt and Jiu-Jitsu instructor, Manny Slack. In an effort to avoid surgery, he sought the help of orthopedic cellular therapy treatments to walk without pain from the Albano Clinic.
Manny's Stem Cell Journey
"Dr. Albano went over my medical history," Manny recounts. "And, due to being on Prednisone in my early 20s, he was concerned about my hips. So, we did an MRI on my hips and found out there was some pretty extensive damage and some issues with the structural cartilage that generate the bone…"
Our goal at the Albano Clinic is to help you move better, feel better, and live better. We're passionate about treating you as a whole person. What does your body need to feel its best and get you back to what you love?
For Manny, we got to work and treated both of his arthritic hips with a combination of orthopedic stem cells, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and physical therapy customized for his specific needs. We wanted to help him move even better than before and get him back to teaching what he loves.
The results were incredible. Here's how Manny describes it:
"What's interesting is, being that I've always had problems with my hips, it's a new feeling! Something that I've never had the experience of knowing… So, it's good! It's nice to know what it feels like to have movable hips."
Manny continues, "If I hadn't done this, it would have just been leading me into bigger problems… So I'm glad I was able to find out about these problems and get them treated, but also get them treated with more than just the stem cell level. Being able to get the hormones, supplements, physical therapy, all of those things that encompass the entire treatment – that has been the beauty of me coming here."
If you experience pain that keeps you from doing what you love, we would love to meet you. Schedule a consultation and let us help you find the right treatment for your body. Let's get you back to moving and feeling better.


text:
home remedies for heavy bleeding
Effective tips to regulate your period naturally
By stephany On 19/06/2020
Many women experience irregular rules throughout their lives without really knowing what these misalignments are. Let's start from the point that having an irregular period is not healthy for many reasons. Therefore, it is necessary to deal with this subject not only when you are looking for a pregnancy, but throughout your fertile life.
An irregular period is one that appears in cycles of more than 35 days and / or of different duration . That is, if your rule appears every 32 or 33 days, it would not be your case. Although the usual is 28 days, in reality each body is different and many women experience somewhat longer or even shorter cycles.
The constituents of this tisane allow it to regulate your menstrual cycle and dispose any problem that may lead to infertility. Some of the plants that make this possible are Cloves and Acridoscarpus, these are very powerful plants, the mixture of these plants with other secret herbs have made it possible to restore to normal the menstrual cycle. In addition, Our natural remedy is the secret to cure any form of female infertility. We offer you a definite advantage: the absence of undesirable effects and contraindications. The natural approach is often the best approach to find the solution. Our natural remedies have allowed many women to have children.
READ ALSO: 10 AMAZING medicinal plants to get RID of UTERINE POLYPS
Within the irregular rule, we can find:
- Oligomenorrhea : irregular rules between 36 and 90 days. Sometimes it is natural amenorrhea due to circumstances such as pregnancy or menopause.
- Amenorrhea : Absence of period for more than 3 cycles.
Both oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea are related to problems in the sexual organs that secrete hormones such as estrogens or testosterone. In many cases, these imbalances are included in a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (or PCOS).
If you have a clear diagnosis of PCOS or have just always had an irregular period, it is important to know that there are different natural methods to help your period to function regularly and naturally:
Herbal teas have been used throughout history for different purposes. And one of them has been the natural regulation of the menstrual period .
For this and for various reasons and similar results, infusions of cinnamon, verbena, peppermint , rue or chamomile are famous .
If you also add a little ginger , you will help, among other things, to reduce inflammation, facilitate digestion and reduce premenstrual pain.
Omega 3
The Omega-3 fatty acids fulfill many functions in your body. Among others, they are anti-inflammatory and promote proper blood circulation .
You find Omega 3 in fish like tuna, mackerel or salmon; dried fruits like walnuts or seeds like flax or chia (remember to crush them for their effective benefits); or in soybean, canola or linseed oils .
Vegetables everywhere
Fruit and vegetables provide a significant amount of flavonoids , which promote the production of estrogens and help the body to function normally.
For this reason, daily intake of vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, arugula, yellow peppers and onions can be of great help to you ; and of fruits such as blueberries, skinned apples, strawberries and cherries.
Furthermore, cocoa beans are also a source of flavonoids, so an ounce of dark chocolate a day can also help regulate your body. It's great news, right?
Take care of your weight
In many occasions the maladjustments in the rule are caused or aggravated by an unhealthy weight . Whether overweight or extremely thin , the body tends to modify its normal cycles.
That is why if you have an irregular rule, you must know what is your adequate body mass index and adapt to it. In this way, in addition to looking better, you also feel better and your body appreciates it by fulfilling its usual functions.
Top natural remedies for heavy bleeding
By stephany On 19/06/2020
Excessive bleeding is a problem that many women manifest during their menstrual period and that can lead to various complications, such as anemia, fatigue or migraines. In addition to having an impact on our health, this type of bleeding can affect the daily routine and lifestyle of the person who suffers from it.
Menorrhagia is menstrual bleeding that lasts more than 7 days. It can also be bleeding that is very heavy. How do you know if you have heavy bleeding? If you need to change your tampon or towel after less than 2 hours, or you have clots the size of a coin or larger, it means that bleeding is heavy. If you have this type of bleeding, you should see a doctor.
African herbal tea for menstrual disorders
Birthing a child is the dream of every women but at times our uterus develops issues that hinders fertility. However, africandoctor has found the best medicinal plant to help you solve any uterine disease, severe abdominal pain during menstruation, dyspareunia, Menorrhagia, anovulation, irregular menstrual cycle and amenorrhea which are also linked to infertility so you can experience the joy of a mother. Stop your uterine bleeding without surgery.
However, it is very necessary to consult your doctor for a better diagnostics to receive the best treatment. This is because, it might be due to diseases like; ovarian cyst, uterine polyps, adenomyosis and so on.
Most common causes
• Problems with the lining of the uterus
• Hormonal imbalances
• Uterine tumors
• Adenomyosis
• Complications in pregnancy
• Thyroid problems
• Changes in diet
• Consumption of certain medications (anticoagulants, steroids, etc.)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
Most common symptoms
• Long menstrual cycles
• anemia
• weakness
• Mood swings
• Severe cramps
• nausea
• Difficulty breathing
Natural medicine
Fortunately, there are a number of natural methods that can help us control bleeding and alleviate the accompanying symptoms. If symptoms continue or worsen, we recommend consulting a specialist immediately.
chamomile tea
This infusion is known to reduce menstrual bleeding and relieve accompanying symptoms. Place some chamomile leaves in a cup of boiling water, add a tablespoon of honey and consume after 4 or 5 minutes.
Cinnamon is a powerful spice that is used to treat various health problems, including menstrual cramps and bleeding. One of the most effective ways to alleviate these symptoms is to drink a tea with a teaspoon of cinnamon, twice a day until an improvement in the picture is observed.
If left untreated, heavy or prolonged bleeding can prevent you from living your life fully. It can also cause anemia . Anemia is a common blood problem that can make you feel tired or weak. If you have a bleeding problem, this could lead to other health problems. Sometimes treatments, such as dilation and curettage (also called curettage) or a hysterectomy, are done when these procedures could have been avoided.
Aloe vera
Although many people know that aloe vera is an effective natural remedy for treating various skin conditions, few knew that it can also be beneficial in relieving excessive bleeding. Drink aloe vera juice regularly to reduce bleeding, cramps, and other symptoms.
Omega 3
It is recommended that women who have strong and long menstrual cycles increase their intake of omega 3, to reduce inflammation caused by bleeding and decrease breast sensitivity caused by estrogens. The main sources of omega 3 are fatty fish, such as salmon or tuna, walnuts and avocado.
According to the "Women's Association for the Advancement of Research and Education," sage contains antispasmodic oils and tannins that provide relief for menstrual cramps and prevent excessive bleeding. You can consume this herb as an infusion or incorporate it into your daily preparations.
Raspberry leaf tea
Raspberry leaves are medicinal plants used to alleviate the symptoms of menstruation. This infusion is believed to help tone the muscles of the uterus and pelvis, as well as acting as a natural astringent, reducing excessive bleeding and accompanying cramps.
The effectiveness of ginger root in reducing menstrual pain and bleeding has been proven on several occasions. Its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties are a great relief for these symptoms. Prepare an infusion with several pieces of fresh ginger and a teaspoon of honey and drink it in the morning and at night.
Get Rid Of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Naturally
By stephany On 19/06/2020
Discover How To Terminate Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Naturally
Normally, periods shouldn't be a problem for you from month to month. However , if it is so heavy, painful or unpredictable that it prevents you from doing your normal activities, you may have a medical condition that needs to be treated.
You need to go see a doctor, if this is your case.
Doctors check the following when they diagnose abnormal uterine bleeding ;
How heavy is your period?
Under normal circumstance, a woman in her period loses about 2 – 3 tablespoons (of 14ml) or 6 teaspoons (of 5ml). While that is the average, women have given varying reports from just a spot to over two cups (540ml!) in one menstruation.
However, 5 tablespoons are believed to be unusually heavy, but that's had to judge.
How often do you have your period?
Your period should be fairly regular- the length of each cycle should generally not change by more than a week. And if it lasts less than 3 weeks or more than 5, that could be a sign of a problem.
How long does it last ?
A typical period lasts 4 or 5 days. If yours usually lasts less than 2 days or more than week, that could mean something is wrong.
African herbal tea for menstrual disorders
Birthing a child is the dream of every women but at times our uterus develops issues that hinders fertility. However, africandoctor has found the best medicinal plant to help you solve any uterine disease, severe abdominal pain during menstruation, dyspareunia, Menorrhagia, anovulation, irregular menstrual cycle and amenorrhea which are also linked to infertility so you can experience the joy of a mother. Stop your uterine bleeding without surgery.
However, it is very necessary to consult your doctor for a better diagnostics to receive the best treatment. This is because, it might be due to diseases like; ovarian cyst, uterine polyps, adenomyosis and so on.
What causes It ?
Problems with your hormones are the most common reason for abnormal uterine bleeding. When one of your ovaries releases an egg (called ovulation), certain hormones tell your body to build up, and then remove the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium). With adolescents and women who are approaching menopause, the endometrium can accumulate too much, and that can lead to a period irregular or heavy or spotting between periods.
Other possible causes :
- Birth control pills
- Rapid weight loss or gain
- Emotional or physical stress
- Another possible reason is a physical problem with the uterus.
- Millions of women have fibroid, a non cancerous benign tumour that gros in the muscles of the wall of the uterus.
- A polyp is an other kind of growth that can form on the lining of the uterus.
These are much less common, but abnormal uterine bleeding can also be caused by :
- Bleeding or coagulation disorder
- Cancer of the cervix, endometrium or uterus
Home remedies for Menorrhagia
Red Raspberry
Red raspberry has astringent properties that soothes cramps during heavy periods. It is also compatible with the reproductive system by strengthening the walls of the uterus thanks to its bioactive alkaloiod components. This infusion is believed to help tone the muscles of the uterus and pelvis, as well as acting as a natural astringent, reducing excessive bleeding and accompanying cramps.
Not only that raspberry leaves are rich in magnesium, potassium, iron and vitamin C. To stop excessive bleeding, dissolve the raspberry powder in a cup of hot water and let it sit for 15 minutes. Drink the solution three times a day throughout the menstrual period.
Being rich in fiber and antioxidants, tamarind helps reduce cholesterol levels and prevent excessive bleeding. Place 10 pieces of tamarind along with 5 dehydrated plums in a container with half a liter of water, and soak them overnight. In the morning, remove the seeds and crush the ingredients to form a paste. Incorporate two tablespoons of honey and consume the mixture daily, on an empty stomach, for 6 days.
Orange juice
The components of natural orange juice are beneficial to health. Its high content of vitamin C helps reduce the symptoms of excessive bleeding. For this reason, to prevent and alleviate this condition, we recommend drinking two or three glasses of natural orange juice per day.
Radish works wonders in relieving menstruation symptoms and normalizing irregular cycles. The only thing you need is to process two or three radishes together with a few tablespoons of water until you obtain a paste, add a cup of milk and consume several times a day.
Pumpkin can work as a natural remedy to reduce excessive bleeding during menstruation. Take a piece of pumpkin and let it dry at room temperature. Then pass it on a grater and add two tablespoons of sugar. If you consume this mixture daily, along with milk or yogurt, you will begin to feel the difference.
To control menstrual bleeding, specialists recommend incorporating papaya in the daily diet of women. This fruit has an enzyme called papain, which is involved in regulating blood flow. Be sure to consume this fruit or its juice daily for good results.
Who does it affect?
Heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) is one of the most common problems that women report to their doctors. It affects more than 10 million American women each year. This means that about one in five women has this problem.
How can you care for yourself with menorrhagia?
- Get plenty of rest.
- Keep a record of your periods. Write down when your period begins and ends and how much flow you have. That means counting the number of pads and tampons you use. Note whether they are soaked. Note any other symptoms. Take this record to your doctor appointments.
- Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse call line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Try to reach a healthy weight. If you are trying to lose weight, do it slowly with your doctor's advice.
- If you are taking iron pills:
- Try to take the pills about 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. But you may need to take iron with some food to avoid an upset stomach.
- Vitamin C (from food or pills) helps your body absorb iron. Try taking iron pills with a glass of orange juice or other citrus fruit juice.
- Do not take antacids or drink milk or caffeine drinks (such as coffee, tea, or cola) at the same time or within 2 hours of the time that you take your iron. They can make it hard for your body to absorb the iron.
- Iron pills may cause stomach problems, such as heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and cramps. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, and include fruits, vegetables, and fibre in your diet each day.
- If you forget to take an iron pill, do not take a double dose of iron the next time you take a pill.
- Keep iron pills out of the reach of small children. An overdose of iron can be very dangerous.


text:
In the past, supermarket clothing departments tended to be made up of lots of childrens clothes and mumsy blouses and knee length skirts. Now, they seem to cater much more for the teenage and twenty-something market, and many of the pieces wouldn't be out of place in Primark or New Look.
Perhaps it's a good thing my local supermarket doesn't have a clothing department, otherwise I would end up buying a new dress and a pair of shoes every time I went in to get a loaf of bread!
Do you ever buy clothes and accessories at supermarkets like Asda, Tesco or Sainsburys? Do you think supermarkets could become rivals to highstreet stores like Primark?
Gillian x
(p.s. this is my first attempt at a scheduled post - if all goes to plan this should be posted while I am staying at my friend's house, sleeping off all the vodka from the night before!)


text:
Now Reading
As expectations of sustainability grow among employees and consumers alike, new analysis reveals leadership opportunity for FB&A businesses willing to prioritise the environment.
As expectations of sustainability grow among employees and consumers alike, new analysis reveals leadership opportunity for FB&A businesses willing to prioritise the environment.
Published 11-19-20
Submitted by The Nature Conservancy
Amidst the global pandemic, new market analysis shows sustainability is now table stakes for the food, beverage and agriculture sectors. © Cameron Karsten Photography
Demand Grows Globally for Food, Beverage and Agriculture Companies to Accelerate shift Towards a Nature-Positive Future
ARLINGTON, Va., November 19, 2020 /CSRwire/– As food, beverage and agriculture businesses increasingly ramp-up efforts to reduce their environmental impacts, a major new market analysis from The Nature Conservancy – the first of its kind from the organization – and Edelman has underlined the importance of these sustainability strategies for both customers and employees, hinting at the compelling commercial and reputational rewards available to those companies willing to act fast on this urgent agenda.
Despite the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chains seen earlier this year and consumer confidence shaken, these findings provide powerful evidence that – even in turbulent times – simply 'doing no harm' is no longer seen as enough. What's needed are products and practices that make net-positive impacts on nature and climate – and decision-makers across the FB&A space are listening.
"What really resonates from this analysis – indeed, what is most pleasing from a conservation perspective – is that environmental sustainability is clearly seen as fundamental to competitiveness in the agri-food sector. COVID-19 has exposed just how quickly disruptions to our food supply chains can precipitate crises for the industry. If we delay, it will likely be too late to avoid tipping into another global crisis," comments Michael Doane, The Nature Conservancy's Global Managing Director for Food and Freshwater Systems.
"Consumers, employees and executives all recognize that in order to have food produced in a way that actively restores the health of the planet – a truly regenerative food system – we must approach agriculture in ways that restore habitats, protect biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while also preserving the livelihoods of the farmers, fishers and, ranchers on the front line."
Conducted by Edelman Data x Intelligence on behalf of The Nature Conservancy, the analysis – Food & Nature Digest: Accelerating the Green Recovery – compared environmental sustainability commitments and perceptions amongst over 4,300 FB&A decision-makers, sector employees and informed consumers across eight key markets: Australia, Brazil, China, France, Mexico, South Africa, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Headline findings include the fact that environmental sustainability is now firmly established alongside the likes of product safety and nutrition as top consumer priorities – across a range of concerns, from water pollution and waste, to climate change and biodiversity loss.
The analysis also shows a clear feeling among FB&A workers and consumers alike that companies need to be doing more for the planet, embedding sustainability right at the heart of their business strategies to deliver net-positive impacts. Businesses that commit to net-positive environmental outcomes can, it is increasingly clear, do so safe in the knowledge that they have a mandate to act from employees and customers alike.
"Our findings indicate many consumers want the industry to do even more," stated Stewart Lindsay, The Nature Conservancy's lead for corporate engagement and business practices. "Businesses with the boldness to act quickly – by increasing investments in regenerative production systems, establishing ecosystem service markets, and collaborating on new policies and scientific insights – can be a major catalyst in the transition to nature-positive practices, and should see not only reduced environmental impact to the planet, but also benefits to their bottom-lines and increased loyalty from employees and consumers."
To explore the findings of The Nature Conservancy and Edelman's research in more depth, please visit: https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-insights/perspectives/food-industry-market-analysis-green-recovery/
The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded at its grassroots in the United States in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and more than 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories across six continents.
More from The Nature Conservancy


text:
Okemos lacrosse falls, 10-9, in state championship
TROY – In the midst of the most pivotal moment in his team's season, Blake Grewal-Turner sensed that his squad was going to accomplish something no team before them had done.
And in the final seconds of Saturday's Division 2 state championship game, the Okemos boys lacrosse team fell just short of capturing the program's first ever state title.
After trailing Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, 6-4, at the end of the third quarter, the Chiefs battled back to tie the game, 9-all, when Charlie Ciuk scored with 1:20 remaining. But the Cranes' Johnny Wagner netted the game-winning goal with 10 seconds left to play to give Cranbrook-Kingswood a 10-9 victory in the title game held at Troy Athens High School.
"I was thinking we got this," said Grewal-Turner, whose second goal of the game brought Okemos within one in the fourth quarter. "Especially when we were going one by one, (inching) closer and closer, it was definitely confidence booster.
"You really can't ask for much more ... We played our hearts out."
The Cranes, who have appeared in the last three state championship games, scored the first two goals of the final quarter to take an 8-4 lead. However, Cole Jamieson's second goal of the contest jumpstarted a 5-1 run by the Chiefs.
During that spurt, Okemos scored four goals within a two-minute span.
"We had one mission all year, and that was to get here and try to win. That's all we talked about growing up together," said Chief goalie Cameron Stelljes, who had two of his nine saves in the fourth quarter. "It was the realization that this would all come to an end — it was our last chance."
Okemos gave itself an opportunity to win by changing its defensive approach. After 24 minutes of allowing Cransbrook-Kingswood to take its time offensively, the Chiefs picked up their defensive pressure in the second half, and it created more scoring opportunities for the offense.
Jamieson and Bennett Sherman, who had two goals, scored for Okemos in the third quarter after the Chiefs failed to grab a goal in the second.
"I think we played pretty well defensively (in the first half), but they took a lot of shots. They possessed the ball a lot," Stelljes said. "We wanted to fuel are offense and give them as many looks as we can, so we talked about pressuring a little more and trying to get the ball back."
Davis Lewandowski and Adam Goodsir also scored for the Chiefs in the loss, which caps a historic season for Okemos. For the first time in program history, the Chiefs captured a regional title and played for a state championship.
And despite the nail-biting defeat, 13-year coach Shawn Grady couldn't be more proud of his team's effort.
"We came up short, and that's OK," Grady said. "Sometimes in life you give everything and you still come up short.
"But if you gave it all your effort, (you won't) look back and say that you could have done more."
Contact James L. Edwards III at firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.


text:
|Jan 19, 2012
Gold nanorods could improve radiation therapy of head and neck cancer
|(Nanowerk News) Radiation therapy is an important part of head and neck cancer therapy, but most head and neck tumors have a built-in mechanism that makes them resistant to radiation. As a result, oncologists have to deliver huge doses of X-rays to the patient, damaging surrounding tissues and producing significant side effects. To overcome this resistance, researchers at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo and the University of Southern California (USC) have developed a nanoparticle formulation that interferes with the resistance mechanism, and as a result, increases the efficacy of radiation therapy in a mouse model of head and neck cancer.
|Reporting its work in the journal Integrative Biology ("Gold nanorod–sphingosine kinase siRNA nanocomplexes: a novel therapeutic tool for potent radiosensitization of head and neck cancer"), a research team headed by Paras Prasad of SUNY Buffalo and Rizwan Masood of USC's Keck School of Medicine describes how it used gold nanorods to deliver a small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecule to head and neck tumors. This siRNA molecule blocks the production of a protein known as sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1). Previous work by the USC team had shown that this protein prevents radiation-damaged cells from undergoing apoptosis, the cell death program triggered in healthy cells when they age or experience major damage.
|RNA interference, which uses siRNAs to reduce the production of specific proteins, has shown promise for treating cancer and other diseases, but these molecules are readily degraded in the blood stream. To overcome this problem, the SUNY-Buffalo team, an early pioneer in the cancer nanotechnology field and an original member of the National Cancer Institute's Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer, has developed biocompatible gold nanorods that can protect siRNAs from degradation and deliver them to tumors.
|Working together, the two groups created a gold nanorod-siRNA construct that targets SphK1. When injected directly into head and neck tumors growing in mice prior to radiation therapy, this formulation boosted the efficacy of radiation therapy by over 50 percent. Moreover, this boost in efficacy was seen using greatly reduced doses of radiation. Animals that were treated with the nanoparticle formulation showed no ill effects from the drug. The investigators are now developing a new formulation that could be used to sensitize tumors for which direct injection of drug is not feasible.
|Source: National Cancer Institute
Subscribe to a free copy of one of our daily
Nanowerk Newsletter Email Digests
with a compilation of all of the day's news.
Nanowerk Newsletter Email Digests
with a compilation of all of the day's news.


text:
Kevin Durant will have to wait a few months before he suits up with the Warriors at Oracle Arena, but he made his first in-game appearance in front of his new fans on Tuesday.
USA Basketball took on China in an exhibition game at Oracle Arena, and Durant was welcomed to a long, loud standing ovation.
This is what the whole arena looked like:
On Sunday, Durant was booed before Team USA's game at the Staples Center. Oh, what a difference that plane flight can make.
They didn't have to wait long to see Durant's first points.


text:
Most Windows Users Are Unaware of Windows 11's Existence, Survey Finds
(Photo:Microsoft)With only a few days left until the release of the long-awaited (and debated) Windows 11, it's been revealed that most Windows users aren't even aware that the new operating system exists. According to a recent survey by Savings.com, 62 percent of users surveyed indicated that they weren't aware Windows 11 was on its way.
In an effort to "gauge awareness and excitement for Windows 11," Savings.com surveyed 1,042 current Windows users regarding their knowledge of and willingness to upgrade to the new OS. A hair under 40 percent of users said they knew of Windows 11's pending release, with about the same number of those respondents saying they'd be willing to upgrade once their time came. Nearly two thirds of all users surveyed stated they didn't know if their devices were compatible with Windows 11, especially since the OS is incompatible with older CPUs. (Luckily the PC Health Check app is capable of telling users whether Windows 11 is an option with their current hardware.) Older users were also more likely to indicate they were aware of the update, with only 28 percent of respondents between ages 18 and 24 saying they were aware of Windows 11—opposed to 56 percent of respondents over the age of 55.
Forty percent of users isn't exactly a great awareness rate, especially you compare Windows with other major OS releases, like Apple's iOS and macOS, which iPhone and Mac users tend to eagerly await. This raises the question: Why isn't Microsoft more heavily advertising Windows 11 to PC users? While we've discussed in the past how Windows 11 doesn't seem to be for any one audience in particular (likely due in part to its more stringent hardware requirements), one would assume the company would be a little more proud of its latest release, especially as new devices come preloaded with the OS beginning this fall.
Windows 11, due to begin rolling out on October 5, rides the tailwind of the overall successful Windows 10—and therefore has some big shoes to fill. It's expected to be a worker-friendly update, with added productivity features like "Snap" multitasking layouts and Microsoft Teams integration, as well as virtual desktop support and the reintroduction of desktop widgets. Whether a decent chunk of Windows users will take advantage of the upgrade as opposed to buying new, however, is clearly still up in the air.
Now Read:


text:
We love doing cover reveals at The Quiet Pond, and we are thrilled to be able to host one today! We are incredibly excited to share with you all the cover reveal for The Boy With Fire by Aparna Verma, a dark Indian-inspired fantasy about an assassin, an heir to the throne, and a tyrant in a story about war, prophecies, and betrayal. Sound awesome? We think so too!
As well as the cover reveal for The Boy With Fire, I also got the chance to interview Aparna! When you read Aparna's thoughtful answers and learn more about The Boy With Fire, you will feel your excitement for this book increase tenfold. Vengeful and imperfect gods, lore inspired by Hindu goddesses, and ferocious female warriors! What's not to love?
Here is the summary for The Boy With Fire:
Yassen Knight was the Arohassin's most notorious assassin until a horrible accident. Now, he's on the run from both the authorities and his former employer. But when Yassen seeks refuge with an old friend, he's offered an irresistible deal: defend the heir of Ravence from the Arohassin, and earn his freedom.
Elena Ravence prepares to ascend the throne. Trained since birth in statecraft, warfare, and the desert ways, Elena knows she is ready. She only lacks one thing: the ability to hold Fire. With the coronation only weeks away, she must learn quickly or lose her kingdom.
Leo Ravence is not yet ready to give up the crown. There's still too much work to be done, too many battles to be won. But when an ancient prophecy threatens to undo his lifetime of work, Leo wages war on the heavens themselves to protect his legacy.
The first of The Ravence Trilogy, The Boy With Fire is the tale of a world teetering on the edge of war and prophecy, of fate and betrayal, of man's irrevocable greed for power — and the sacrifices that must come with it.
The Boy With Fire by Aparna Verma
Cover design: Mario Jeric
Author Interview: Aparna Verma
CW: Hello Aparna! Congratulations on your amazing cover reveal for The Boy With Fire! What is your favourite thing about the book cover?
Aparna: Everything! It's so striking and immediately grabs your attention which, as a Leo, I'm very pleased with. Also, I love the silhouette! I'm a sucker for illustrative metaphors, and Mario captured my vision perfectly.
I'm a strong believer that we carry our home inside of us: whether it's a place, a person, or a longing for something. Yassen Knight, the protagonist, longs for his home, the desert Kingdom of Ravence. I was largely inspired by my own upbringing in Rajasthan, India, when creating Ravence; you can see Mughal-inspired architecture in the skyline, as well as long, sloping dunes. Yet a lot of epic fantasy, no matter the region, is set in the past. Why? Why do these magical worlds have to be limited to ancient history? I wanted to write about a futuristic, magical world, where the past mixes with the future. In the Kingdom of Ravence, there are hovertrains, sandscrapers, gamesuits, but also decaying temples, ritualistic traditions, etc. It is a blend of marching modernity and the stubborn past. You can see that in the skyline captured within the silhouette on the cover.
CW: Let's talk a little bit about your debut, The Boy With Fire! The Boy With Fire is the first of The Ravence Trilogy. It is heavily influenced by Asian mythology, specifically Indian mythology, which is really exciting! What were your influences, and what do these influences mean to you personally?
Aparna: I grew up with the stories of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. There were earth-shattering battles, intense prophecies and a lot of twists and turns that make a heart-stopping epic. Although the gods were strong, they were not perfect. They fell to whims of jealousy, much like humans. That really compelled me. It made me think: what would happen if you worshipped a vengeful god? Enter the Phoenix in The Boy With Fire. Like all gods, the Phoenix is powerful, but She is fickle. You never know what She will do with you.
But I think the biggest inspiration to me were the Hindu goddesses, particularly Durga and Kali. Durga is the warrior goddess. She is fierce, unforgiving, and later creates Kali, the demon-slaying goddess who is often depicted with a necklace of decapitated heads. I can go on and on about the duality of good and evil of these two goddesses but ultimately, for me, Durga and Kali represent the ferocity within women. We are warriors. We will fight fiercely for the ones we love, and will protect our families or homes when push comes to shove. You'll see this world-defying ferocity in all of the characters in The Boy With Fire, particularly in Elena and Ferma.
Ultimately, Indian mythology inspired my world-building, but the book is not a reinterpretation of these myths. Nor is it an accurate depiction of Indian history. My roots inform my storytelling, and I take the creative liberty to create magic out of what I was given.
CW: You've pitched your book to be Dune meets The Poppy War with Indian mythology! Can you walk us through those comps?
Aparna: As a reader and as a writer, I'm compelled by morally ambiguous characters. Heroes inspire us to do better, but I believe villains are more realistic. They show our flaws, the things that make us human. The characters in The Boy With Fire, much like Rin in The Poppy War, balance moral integrity with the desire for revenge. They battle against the fickle gods.
The atmosphere in Dune, from the desert planet of Arrakis to the religion of the Freemen, inspired some of the landscapes and religious obsession in The Boy With Fire. The Ravani people follow the Phoenix, who has set forth a prophecy declaring that a prophet will rise and burn the land of its sinners. I think what makes my characters relatable (especially Leo), is this struggle between individualism and fate. When a prophecy threatens the world you know, what do you do? Would you pray for salvation and accept the whims of the gods? Or would you fight back — even if it means that you'll be eternally damned?
CW: What can readers expect from your story? Who are you most excited for readers to meet?
Aparna: The Boy With Fire is, at its heart, a story about madness. It shows a world teetering on the edge of war, and the people who push it over. The book is DARK. It's written in three character POVs, and each character must make cruel decisions. There's genocide, terrorism, vengeful gods, and man's battle against fate. In short, the book is not for the faint of heart.
But, there are lighter moments! There is a subtle romance subplot, fast-paced dojo scenes, and an amazing BIPOC cast. Elena, the heir to the throne, is perhaps the most relatable character; Leo, the tyrant, is a secret favorite; and Yassen, the assassin, will break your heart. Some of the side characters like Ferma, the ferocious Yumi whose hair can cut through steel, have already become favorites of my early beta readers. I also can't wait for the readers to meet Samson, the militant who hires Yassen for one last mission. He's dashing, smart, but harbors a secret that will keep you on your toes.
I often tell people that I didn't choose this story, but that this story chose me. I have lived and breathed these characters for years. They pop up in my head throughout the day, when I'm writing or boxing or even washing the dishes. Mostly, I felt as if they were friends who had come by, made themselves at home, and told me their story. And I, the simple scribe, wrote it all down.
These characters have taken my heart. Hopefully, they'll take yours too.
About the Author
Aparna Verma was born in India and immigrated to the United States when she was two-years-old. She graduated from Stanford University with Honors in the Arts and a B.A. in English. THE BOY WITH FIRE is her first novel. When she is not writing, Aparna likes to ride horses, dance to Bollywood music, and find old cafes to read myths about forgotten worlds. You can connect with Aparna on Twitter and Instagram at @spirited_gal.