Hair loss can affect people of different ages. There are many different causes of hair loss, and some of them are preventable to some extent. The team here at our New York City hair transplant surgery center would like to take just a little time right now to look at the common risk factors for hair loss. This may help you identify behaviors you can change in order to keep your head of hair as you get older.
One thing to keep in mind is that baldness is genetic. The thing to keep in mind, however, is to disregard old wives' tales that you may have head. Your maternal grandfather does not hold the answer to baldness in the future. The genes of both your parents will determine the likelihood of you experiencing hair loss or pattern baldness as you age.
One avoidable type of hair loss is known as traction alopecia. Basically, this is hair loss caused by your hair being pulled too tight. Hairstyles such as ponytails and cornrows can result in this sort of hair loss. Ideally, you don't want to put this type of tension on your scalp, and avoiding such stress on the scalp can help you keep your hair longer.
Some people who are dealing with iron deficiency will experience thinning of the hair, so it's important to eat a balanced diet. In general, nutrition and good overall health can help prevent hair loss down the road. Some studies have suggested a link between smoking and balding, so you'd be advised to quit for this and other obvious reasons.
Hormonal changes will affect hair growth and hair loss. Many women who have just given birth may notice additional hair shed from their scalp. This is normal as the hormone levels adjust. That said, it's important to note any instances of excessive hair loss and bring it to their attention of your doctor as it may be the sign of a systemic disorder or adverse health condition.
If you would like to learn more about how to address baldness and the hair transplant costs in New York City, it's important that you meet with the team at True & Dorin for a consultation. To schedule an appointment, contact our New York City hair restoration center today.


Published 04/26/2019 12:34:10 am at 04/26/2019 12:34:10 am in Grow Box For Vegetables.
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text:
The Supreme Court Just Delayed the Execution of Nathaniel Woods
UPDATE 10:11 p.m. ET: Nathaniel Woods, 44, was executed by the State of Alabama and pronounced dead at 10:01 p.m. ET.Attorney General Steve Marshall issued the following statement: "Tonight, justice has been served. Nathaniel Woods, one of two cop-killers in 'the bloodiest day in Birmingham Police Department history,' has met his just fate."8:53 p.m. ET:…
UPDATE 10:11 p.m. ET: Nathaniel Woods, 44, was executed by the State of Alabama and pronounced dead at 10:01 p.m. ET.
Attorney General Steve Marshall issued the following statement: "Tonight, justice has been served. Nathaniel Woods, one of two cop-killers in 'the bloodiest day in Birmingham Police Department history,' has met his just fate."
8:53 p.m. ET: Gov. Kay Ivey has denied clemency for Woods, according to al.com. "Governor Ivey does not presently intend to exercise her powers of commutation or reprieve in this case," according to a letter from the governor. "While Governor Ivey reserves the right to grant clemency at any time before an execution is carried out, she has determined, based on her review of the complete record … that clemency for Mr. Woods at this hour is unwarranted."
The Supreme Court just stepped in and temporarily stayed the execution of 44-year-old Nathaniel Woods, who was convicted of murder and sentenced to die despite both a full confession from his co-defendant and alleged police misconduct.
The execution was to take place at William C. Holman Correctional Facility at 6 p.m. CST, where Woods served his sentence since his 2005 conviction. The Supreme Court issued the stay with minutes to spare; the execution could still proceed if the stay is lifted before the death warrant expires at midnight, according to al.com.
Attorneys for Woods filed a petition to the Supreme Court asking for the stay and a review of the case. The Alabama Attorney Generals Office called the stay "unwarranted." "First, Woods is not entitled to a stay because his motion is extraordinarily untimely. Second, he cannot show a substantial likelihood of success on the merits."
In a statement, Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL) said he reached out to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to express concerns about the sentence. "Given the questions and mitigating issues involved in this case — and the finality of a death sentence — a delay is warranted to provide time for a thorough review of all the facts," he said.
Woods' scheduled execution started attracting national attention last month after Birmingham businessman Bart Starr Jr. tipped off the likes of Martin Luther King III and Kim Kardashian and prison reform groups like the Death Penalty Information Center, that the inmate's case had been mishandled thanks to alleged police misconduct and incompetent legal representation.
In June 2004 police officers Charles Bennett, Harley Chisholm III, and Carlos Owen were shot and killed by Kerry Spencer after they entered a Birmingham apartment where Woods and Spencer lived and sold drugs, to serve Woods a misdemeanor warrant. Spencer says he shot the officers when he saw them beating Woods and pointing a gun at him, and claimed he pulled the trigger in self-defense.
The incident marked the deadliest day in the Birmingham Police Department's history.
During the trial, prosecutors painted Woods as a cop-hating criminal mastermind who set the officers up for the deadly shooting. They allegedly offered Woods a plea deal for 20 to 25 years in prison, an offer he turned down after his trial lawyer advised him not to take it and falsely told him he couldn't be sentenced to death.
Both Woods and Spencer were convicted of murder and sentenced to death in 2005, despite there being no evidence that Woods planned the murders. There was also evidence that the officers who were trying to arrest Woods had previously taken bribes in exchange for protecting the drug operation, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Spencer, who confessed to shooting all three victims in 2004, has also claimed that the shooting was not premeditated.
The Alabama judge decided in favor of both men's execution, even with only 10 of the 12 jurors on the case voting in favor of the death penalty.
This week Spencer once again tried to exonerate his co-defendant in a letter released by Wood's lawyer this week.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The last act of Jeremiah's eventful career takes place in the wake of Babylonian destruction, as he is part of a contingent left behind in the land of Judah after the invasion. Jer 40–44 is not among the most popular sections of the Hebrew Bible, but a remarkable story is contained in these chapters. Despite the trauma of Jerusalem's collapse, the community who remain have every reason for cautious optimism about their future: they are provided with reasonable leadership, the Babylonians seem unexpectedly benevolent, and the prophet Jeremiah resides in their midst. But any sanguinity disintegrates in the midst of factionalism, unsubstantiated rumors of covert foreign involvement, and then, more darkly, murder, carnage, and a hostage crisis that results in an armed clash among the remnant. So, in these chapters there is an internal war after the external invasion, prompting the reader to ask how matters go so terribly awry. In this book the narrative of Jer 40–44 is subject to a literary reading that analyzes a powerfully composed story that features a host of stylistic devices and deftly sketched characters.


text:
Encontrar y rentar espacios
Administrar propiedades y portafolio
Diseñar y concretar proyectos
Transformar con tecnología
Hoteles y hospitalidad
Tendencias y Perspectivas
Ubicación Oficinas | JLL
Acerca de JLL
Buscador de contactos
Seleccionar ubicación
Europa - Medio Oriente - África (EMEA)
China (Continental)
Macao RAE, China
RAE Hong Kong, China
Why real estate finance is going green
Real estate finance is going green, with the use of new bonds linked to the sustainability of a project.
Fergal Harris
A number of developers around the world starting to look towards green bonds – fixed income instruments which raise capital for projects with environmental benefits. Funds can be used to finance green projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation and of course green buildings.
While a total of US$155.5 billion of green bonds were issued in 2017, the amount is tiny in the context of the global fixed income market, where US$6 trillion of bonds were issued last year.
Of that total, 29 percent of the proceeds were used to fund green building projects, according to the Climate Bonds Initiative. Total real estate green bond issuance more than doubled to US$45 billion from US$19 billion in 2016. One of the largest green bond issuers was the U.S. state mortgage lender Fannie Mae, which issued US$24.9 million of green mortgage bonds – more than half of the global total.
Earlier this year, Swire Properties became one of the first major Asian developers to issue a green bond, raising US$500 million at a coupon of 3.5 percent. The bond gained a rating from rating agency Sustainalytics and was also the first bond issue to be certified under the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency's Green Finance Certification.
Fanny Lung, Finance Director, Swire Properties, says the bond offered a number of positives for Swire. "The green bond issue attracted different investors to Swire Properties' other bond issues: over half of the $500 million was allocated to dedicated green investors or those with a strong commitment to green bond investment or broader sustainable financing initiatives," she says.
"The intangible benefits of the green bond issue have been significant. The Hong Kong government is happy to have its green finance initiatives supported by large companies and it has sparked a dialogue over other green initiatives."
However, from a financial point of view, green bonds do not lead to much cheaper debt, especially not for a blue-chip company such as Swire, which can borrow at low cost.
Lung says: "The "green bond saving" is not very significant for Swire Properties, amounting roughly to a five basis point difference between yields on the green bonds, compared with conventional bond issues."
In February, National Australia Bank launched the country's first green mortgage bond, raising A$112.5 million for low carbon buildings. However, the bond pricing was close to the bank's "conventional" mortgage bonds, indicating that pricing is not a major factor in the market.
Australia's ANZ was the first bank to launch a green buildings bond in 2015; raising A$600 million, of which 40 percent was used for loans backed by green buildings.
While green bonds are unlikely to ever significantly impact the real estate finance environment, they will "play a material part", says Fergal Harris, head of debt capital, Asia Pacific at JLL.
"For issuers, the benefit is more about being seen to be a good corporate citizen, rather than cheaper finance," he said.
Additionally, green bonds open up a new pool of capital for developers, which Harris believes can only be beneficial.
"It is also important, especially in developing markets, for industry players to be rewarded for good sustainability practice and so we hope to see more green bond issues."
¿Podrá la tecnología blockchain lograr una transformación en los bienes raíces?
El acceso al transporte público coloca a los mercados en la ruta adecuada
Cómo está impulsando la tecnología una transparencia en los bienes raíces
¿Qué le aporta el arte a un desarrollo?
Derechos reservados 2019 Jones Lang LaSalle IP, Inc.
Compromiso de Privacidad


Scott Willis for WAER: History has been made at a 107-year-old apple orchard in Lafayette that teamed up with a drone technology company to help do what nature sometimes can't. The pilot project is apparently the first time in the U.S. and maybe even the world that apple blossoms have been pollinated by drone.
It goes without saying that agriculture is heavily dependent on the weather, and nature. So when Beak and Skiff partner Peter Fleckenstein heard of a way to eliminate some of that uncertainty, he jumped at the chance.
"One less weather related event that I have to worry about every spring is are we going to have good bee work, is it going to be good bee weather."
He says Central New York's fickle spring weather can mean short four-day window for the bees to do their work if it's warm and sunny, like it was about two weeks ago when the blossoms opened. That window can be as long as two weeks if it's cool and damp… but that means the bees might stay home.
"It's that small window. If you're in full bloom and you don't have good bee activity, what else can you do to make sure you have apples like this?" Fleckenstein said, referring to branches full of apple buds.


Sugiri Willim is a self-taught artist. He currently resides and works in the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta. Sugiri has been actively participating in numerous exhibitions. In 2012, he emerged as one of the finalists in the 'Art Takes Times Square' Competition held in New York, and his work was showcased on the Times Square billboard.
Having gained some experience in the field of advertising, he went through an arduous process of exploration before discovering his distinctive style. Instead of using a brush or palette knife, Sugiri Willim is known for his sponge technique. Contemporary paintings these days are perpetually filled with new inventions, countless ideas and techniques, where artists are constantly seeking new ways to express themselves. According to Sugiri, a greater sense of enjoyment is derived from using a sponge as compared to other painting tools. He feels that the effects created can never be attained through brushstrokes, and the outcome provokes his senses. With sponge, Sugiri is even capable of expressing himself by incorporating a fusion of styles in his works – impressionist, minimalist and realist, an all-in-one combination that no other mediums could ever achieve.
Sugiri's canvases are usually populated by quirky depiction – often light-hearted and humorous. His particular attention to the subject of humanism became highly optimized in every human object that he portrays. Even with a minimalist style of painting, Sugiri managed to bring out the character of each of his subject matter by successfully bringing forth each individual expression. His human objects are very important in the sense that whenever he tries to present them, they will always try to communicate to the viewers. Although they are inanimate objects, they will continue to engage us in a dialogue through each of their individual characters' expressions.
Some of his paintings' theme started off from his personal experiences, as a result from a dialog with himself, the surrounding as well as with our Creator. Hence, each of his work has a tendency to contain messages of morality, from light-hearted ones to those that require deeper thoughts. Each of his messages convey primarily humor tendency, so the viewers do not feel dictated but are invited to tag along laughing at some silly things, only to realize later that these things might apply for themselves too.


Immigration Law — Rodriguez and Gimbert, P.L.L.C.
Please explore the links to the right to learn more about how we can assist you with your immigration case.
When you or your family and friends are facing the challenges that accompany immigration, you will need an attorney familiar with immigration law. Whether you are dealing with deportation, immigration, or simply filing for your DACA card, our attorneys are equipped to help you receive the protection that you deserve.


text:
Triller warned that it 'must legitimize its business by properly licensing all music on its platform'
By Murray Stassen
Los Angles-based Triller has been making a lot of noise this week.
Today for example, we learned that the company has sued Chinese-owned rival TikTok for patent infringement.
This is of course happening amidst the political backlash in the US against TikTok over data security concerns, which is also the reason why, as we found out on Monday, one of TikTok's biggest stars, Josh Richards, has left the platform to join Triller.
Then came yesterday's news that Triller is raising between $200m and $300m to fuel its expansion, having hit 50 million monthly active users around the world in June, "surpassing TikTok's user count when it was sold to ByteDance for $1 billion in 2017″.
After MBW posted the news about Triller's nine-figure investment, NMPA President & CEO David Israelite, took to Instagram and alluded to the possibility that the platform has not properly licensed all of its music.
MBW subsequently asked the National Music Publishers Association for comment and Israelite told us this:
"Triller's popularity is largely based on music. It boasts 'millions of songs at your fingertips,' however many of those songs have not been properly licensed.
"The pattern of tech platforms asking for forgiveness instead of permission to use songwriter's work must stop. Triller must legitimize its business by properly licensing all music on its platform."
"The pattern of tech platforms asking for forgiveness instead of permission to use songwriter's work must stop."
David Israelite
The suggestion that Triller has not properly licensed some songs for use on its platform gets a little bit more complicated when you take into account the fact that all three major music companies own stakes in the platform.
MBW also reached out to Triller CEO Mike Lu for comment regarding the company's licensing arrangements with publishers.
"Triller has agreements with all the major and minor labels and publishers."
Mike Lu
"Triller has agreements with all the major and minor labels and publishers," Lu told us.
"This includes Sony, UMG, Believe, Warner Chapple, Believe and Empire among others. It is extremely important to us that we work closely with our music partners and we believe that our platform is integral to both established and emerging artists.
"Triller puts artists and creators first, and our goal is to create an ecosystem where everyone can benefit."
There are of course a few notable omissions from Lu's list, so as Israelite's Instagram post concludes, "Stay Tuned"..Music Business Worldwide
News United States Triller
Tuhin Roy exits SVP of Innovation role at Universal Music Group to join TikTok rival Triller
TikTok sues rival Triller over patent infringement
Triller in merger talks to go public in the US (report)
Triller names top female execs for new Music Advisory Board as platform tops 27m daily users


SITE Sante Fe presents a new project by Enrique Martínez Celaya, The Pearl (2013). For this exhibition, Martínez Celaya transforms all 15,000 square feet of SITE's gallery space into an immersive installation environment that includes several large and small-scale paintings, sculptures, video, waterworks and olfactory interventions.
This volume records the conception of the work with drawings and studio photos, as well as installation images of the final work.


text:
Walerian – imię męskie pochodzenia łacińskiego. Wywodzi się od słowa oznaczającego "mocny", "silny", "zdrowy". Wśród patronów – św. Walerian, męczennik z III wieku (wspominany 14 kwietnia).

Walerian imieniny obchodzi: 29 stycznia, 14 kwietnia, 23 sierpnia, 15 września, 17 września, 27 listopada, 28 listopada i 15 grudnia.

Zobacz też

 Walerian I – cesarz rzymski w latach 253-260
 Walerian II – syn cesarza Galiena (zm. 257)
 Walery

Męskie imiona łacińskie

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
WHL Roundup: Sunday, December 8, 2019
Staff The Canadian Press
CALGARY – Jake Christiansen had back-to-back goals as the Everett Silvertips rallied past the Calgary Hitmen 6-3 on Sunday in Western Hockey League action..
Christiansen's second goal of the game came at the 7:32 mark of the third period as Everett (15-9-4) came back from a 3-1 deficit.
Wyatte Wylie and Martin Fasko-Rudas also scored in the third as the Silvertips reeled off four unanswered goals. Bryce Kindopp and Jalen Price had goals as well.
Dustin Wolf made 32 saves for the win in net.
Riley Stotts scored twice for Calgary (15-9-4) and Egor Zamula added a single.
Jack McNaughton stopped 20 shots for the Hitmen.
Everett went 0 for 2 on the power play and Calgary was 1 for 4 with the man advantage.
GIANTS 4 AMERICANS 1
LANGLEY, B.C. — Tyler Preziuso scored twice as Vancouver topped Tri-City.
Connor Horning put away the eventual winner at the 15:55 mark of the first period for the Giants (14-13-2) and Michal Kvasnica also scored.
Connor Bouchard was the lone scorer for the Americans (12-12-3).
WINTERHAWKS 4 COUGARS 1
PORTLAND, Ore. — Robbie Fromm-Delorme put away the winner at the 7:19 mark of the second period as the Winterhawks flew past Prince George.
Johnny Ludvig, Jaydon Dureau and Seth Jarvis also scored for Portland (20-6-3).
Josh Maser replied for the Cougars (6-20-3).
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 8, 2019.


As you may have noticed on my Facebook page, our car broke down this month and it costs more to fix then it would to buy a new one. With this in mind, we have decided to try and manage car-free over summer whilst we save for a new one and I've spent some time trawling the Internet for the best options for us.
Busy families need four wheels that can get them from A to B quickly and without any hassle when it comes to strapping the kids in and keeping them entertained on the journey. So,which cars on the market are the best options?
Hatchbacks are always a great choice when it comes to family cars, small enough to make maneuvers in tight spaces on the school run but with enough boot space to fit the kids' scooters and a picnic basket and the dog at the weekend they're ideal for busy families on the go. It's also an affordable car, more so than other hatchbacks on the market and the latest model is 200kg lighter which means it's better for emissions and fuel costs.
This great sized car is fun to drive and is only available in a five door model, which is ideal for families who have to take their time securing the kids in car seats in the back. Ford Focus models are easy to find on the used car market, confirming their popularity and status as dependable family cars and are extremely roomy inside – especially when it comes to boot space. It's not the cheapest family car on the market due to its popularity but it's perfect for those looking for a vehicle perfect for weekend motorway drives to days out or comfort on the way to school in the morning.
If you're looking for a stylish family car, then the Octavia doesn't quite have those credentials but it's one of the best vehicles on the market for a busy family. The cabin size is vastly bigger than other hatchbacks and there's plenty of leg room in the back as the little ones grow. Available in a variety of engine sizes, the 1.0-litre petrol version is still powerful enough for city driving and the 1.8-litre is perfect for diverse roads you might need to navigate.
For the stylish parents out there, the BMW 1 Series not only looks great but is also surprisingly economical to drive. You can choose between three or five door options, depending on your needs and budget, and while it isn't the most spacious of the cars on the list it does feature a powerful engine making it perfect for longer trips as a family. The BMW 1 Series features a clever infotainment system in the form of the iDrivefeaturing a host of gadgetry and features designed to make the driving experience easier and more enjoyable – although bear in mind that the sat nav only comes as standard on the 116d ED Plus model.
For the busy family, ease of access, comfort, room and economic driving is important when choosing a vehicle which is why you should definitely consider one of the cars listed above, all of which are available to buy outright or lease and enjoy new.


Carmen Carbonell is founder and President of Your Own Italy. Carmen was born in the United States, where she obtained a degree in Architecture. Following college, she married an Italian and moved to Rome, where she raised 4 sons. She also developed a passionate love for Italy – its art, its architecture, its cities, its countryside, its culture and cuisines, and its people.
Now, after nearly 30 years living in Italy, Carmen wants to share her love for Italy with American travelers who want more than a standard tour…travelers who want to experience the real Italy, with the heart and soul of the nature and its people. She founded Your Own Italy as a boutique tour company that will provide private tours that take travelers deep into Italy's heart and soul, with vacation packages that will be memorable for life, and shore excursions that will give tour ship guests a unique day in Rome, Florence, Venice or the Amalfi Coast.
The team works with boutique hotels, tested and proven restaurants, historic sites, museums, basilicas, plus individuals and tours that meet Your Own Italy's standards – standards virtually guaranteed to ensure that Your Own Italy vacation or shore excursion will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will remember forever. And long to repeat with your new friends in Italy, Your Own Italy.
Prior to becoming the Your Own Italy Rome office manager, Gianni worked in the tourism industry in Italy for two decades. Besides running the show from Piazza Venezia, Gianni is our main salesperson for our 14 Vacation Packages and 24 Shore Excursions from 13 ports throughout Italy. A native of Rome, Gianni's in-depth knowledge of the territory and culture ensure that all operations run smoothly!
Heading our Washington D.C office, Cristy has been working with Your Own Italy from the onset and is responsible for managing the operation side of our business, processing payments and answering all questions regarding vacation insurance to ensure that our clients receive the best possible service at all times.
Michael joined the team in 2017 as the coordinator and designer of tours throughout Italy. A licensed tour guide for the last 20 years in English, Italian and French as well the author of "National Geographic Traveler - Rome, Michael has the last word on which tours are developed and added to the Your Own Italy repertoire.
All systems function thanks to Gene's behind the scenes talent! From solving internet glitches to online payment processing, Gene ensures that Your Own Italy's website is a pleasure to browse !
Are you enjoying the Your Own Italy posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? Thank Ashley, our intrepid Social Media Manager with a flare. Ashley is also our marketing hub in the U.S – coordinating Your Own Italy's participation in Travel Shows throughout the country.
An invaluable asset in the main office, Cristina coordinates the multiple daily meeting points for our tour guides and clients as well as the management of data entry in Italian and English. She's also the kind voice that answers phone calls in both languages in Italy.
Lexi is responsible for assisting Cristy in our operations department. She has many diverse roles to play within the company, but one of her main duties is to fine-tune customized itineraries for each individual client to ensure everything goes to plan for clients travelling with our company.


text:
package com.bwssystems.HABridge.plugins.homewizard;

import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.HashMap;
import java.util.Iterator;
import java.util.List;
import java.util.Map;

import org.slf4j.Logger;
import org.slf4j.LoggerFactory;

import com.bwssystems.HABridge.BridgeSettings;
import com.bwssystems.HABridge.DeviceMapTypes;
import com.bwssystems.HABridge.Home;
import com.bwssystems.HABridge.NamedIP;
import com.bwssystems.HABridge.api.CallItem;
import com.bwssystems.HABridge.dao.DeviceDescriptor;
import com.bwssystems.HABridge.hue.ColorData;
import com.bwssystems.HABridge.hue.MultiCommandUtil;

/**
 * Control HomeWizard devices over HomeWizard Cloud
 *
 * @author Björn Rennfanz (bjoern@fam-rennfanz.de)
 *
 */
public class HomeWizardHome implements Home {

	private static final Logger log = LoggerFactory.getLogger(HomeWizardHome.class);

	private Map<String, HomeWizzardSmartPlugInfo> plugGateways;
	private Boolean validHomeWizard;
	private boolean closed;

	public HomeWizardHome(BridgeSettings bridgeSettings) {
		super();
		closed = true;
		createHome(bridgeSettings);
		closed = false;
	}

	@Override
	public String deviceHandler(CallItem anItem, MultiCommandUtil aMultiUtil, String lightId, int intensity,
			Integer targetBri, Integer targetBriInc, ColorData colorData, DeviceDescriptor device, String body) {

		String responseString = null;
		if (!validHomeWizard) {

			log.warn("Should not get here, no HomeWizard smart plug available");
			responseString = "[{\"error\":{\"type\": 6, \"address\": \"/lights/" + lightId
					+ "\",\"description\": \"Should not get here, no HomeWizard smart plug available\", \"parameter\": \"/lights/"
					+ lightId + "/state\"}}]";
		} else {

			if (anItem.getType() != null && anItem.getType().trim().equalsIgnoreCase(DeviceMapTypes.HOMEWIZARD_DEVICE[DeviceMapTypes.typeIndex])) {

				String jsonToPost = anItem.getItem().getAsString().replaceAll("^\"|\"$", "");
				log.debug("Executing HUE api request to change activity to HomeWizard smart plug: {}", jsonToPost);

				HomeWizzardSmartPlugInfo homeWizzardHandler = getHomeWizzardHandler(device.getTargetDevice());
				if(homeWizzardHandler == null) {
					log.warn("Should not get here, no HomeWizard smart plug configured");
					responseString = "[{\"error\":{\"type\": 6, \"address\": \"/lights/" + lightId
							+ "\",\"description\": \"Should not get here, no HomeWizard smart plug configured\", \"parameter\": \"/lights/"
							+ lightId + "/state\"}}]";
				} else {
					try {
						homeWizzardHandler.execApply(jsonToPost);
					} catch (Exception e) {

						log.warn("Error posting request to HomeWizard smart plug");
						responseString = "[{\"error\":{\"type\": 6, \"address\": \"/lights/" + lightId
								+ "\",\"description\": \"Error posting request to HomeWizard smart plug\", \"parameter\": \"/lights/" + lightId + "/state\"}}]";
					}
				}
			}
		}

		return responseString;
	}

	public HomeWizzardSmartPlugInfo getHomeWizzardHandler(String plugName) {
		return  plugGateways.get(plugName);
	}

	public List<HomeWizardSmartPlugDevice> getDevices() {

		log.debug("consolidating devices for HomeWizard plug gateways");
		Iterator<String> keys = plugGateways.keySet().iterator();
		ArrayList<HomeWizardSmartPlugDevice> deviceList = new ArrayList<>();

		while(keys.hasNext())
		{
			String key = keys.next();
			for(HomeWizardSmartPlugDevice device : plugGateways.get(key).getDevices())
				deviceList.add(device);
		}

		return deviceList;
	}

	@Override
	public Object getItems(String type) {

		if (validHomeWizard)
		{
			if (type.equalsIgnoreCase(DeviceMapTypes.HOMEWIZARD_DEVICE[DeviceMapTypes.typeIndex]))
			{
				return getDevices();
			}
		}

		return null;
	}

	@Override
	public Home createHome(BridgeSettings bridgeSettings) {

		validHomeWizard = bridgeSettings.getBridgeSettingsDescriptor().isValidHomeWizard();
		log.info("HomeWizard Home created. " + (validHomeWizard ? "" : "No HomeWizard gateways configured."));

		if (validHomeWizard)
		{
			plugGateways = new HashMap<>();
			Iterator<NamedIP> gatewaysList = bridgeSettings.getBridgeSettingsDescriptor().getHomeWizardAddress().getDevices().iterator();

			while(gatewaysList.hasNext()) {

				NamedIP gateway = gatewaysList.next();
				plugGateways.put(gateway.getName(), new HomeWizzardSmartPlugInfo(gateway, gateway.getName()));
			}
		}

		return this;
	}

	@Override
	public void closeHome() {

		log.debug("Closing Home.");
		if(closed) {

			log.debug("Home is already closed....");
			return;
		}

		plugGateways = null;
		closed = true;
	}

	@Override
	public void refresh() {
		// noop
	}
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Submit your Guitar How old is my vintage amplifier? There are several ways to determine when a Fender amp was produced. First use the cosmetic features to get a range of possible years. Next, if applicable look for the date code on the tube chart.
Dating by LMP and confirming gestation by ultrasound Gestational age is calculated from the LMP. To allow accurate assessment of gestational age, women need to have.
The surface of the graphite is sputtered with heated, ionized cesium and the ions produced are extracted and accelerated in the AMS system. After acceleration and removal of electrons, the emerging positive ions are magnetically separated by mass and the 12C and 13C ions are measured in Faraday Cups where a ratio of their currents is recorded. These are the raw signals that are ultimately converted to a radiocarbon age.
From a contemporary sample, about 14C counts per second are collected. It is expected then, for a 5, year 1 half-life or 11, year old 2 half-lives sample that or 63 counts per second would be obtained. Although one can simply measure older samples for longer times, there are practical limits to the minimum sample activity that can be measured. At the present time, for a 1 milligram sample of graphite, this limiting age is about ten half-lives, or 60, years, if set only by the sample size.
U.S. online dating site and mobile dating app usage , by age; Online dating site and mobile dating app usage among U.S. internet users as of June , by age Chart type Show tooltip.
This listing is intended to determine an approximate time frame for the publication of your map or globe. Unfortunately, we cannot provide more detailed case by case analysis to private collectors. Specific inquiries are best resolved with professional appraisers or with a visit to local public or university library. Links to possible sources of information and other suggestions are found at the end of this page.
General Information A globe or map publisher will sometimes include a copyright date or edition date near the legend, globe name, or publisher's information.
The mathematical expression that relates radioactive decay to geologic time is called the age equation and is: Dating rocks by these radioactive timekeepers is .
The code is helpful in dating decks after , the year it started, according to the Hochman Encyclopedia. But, I have found evidence that the dating code was actually in use prior to which is why I have amended the chart to include highlighted in yellow, below. Kei Izumi, a collector from Japan, found a Motor No. This strongly suggests that the date code was indeed used at least as early as A few cards from Kei Izumi's Motor No. The letter is really the only thing helpful to collectors; the numbers are likely related to the printing run.
Determining the value of an Atmos Clock depends on the model, age and the over-all condition of the clock and the actual value can vary significantly depending on what the market will bare at that particular time. Atmos clocks with Oriental Motif Cases white or black plexi-glass , the Gruen wood case models or any other models with rare and unique cases will obviously be worth more then the types described above, depending on their condition.
Most Atmos clocks are "graded" by using the following guidelines: Excellent Condition – Clock runs perfectly, the finish is bright and clear with only a few minor hairline scratches that are noticeable only at close inspection.
It just so happens that Christian Rudder released his book Dataclysm last week, which features a chart showing us the age range that men search on OkCupid for when looking for women to date. One of my first thoughts when I saw this chart was: Do men on OkCupid follow the Standard Creepiness Rule?
The data is for the youngest possible age it is legal to get married with parental consent. Ages for legal marriage without parental consent will be higher.
November 29, NASA When asked for your age, it's likely you won't slip with the exception of a recent birthday mistake. But for the sprawling sphere we call home, age is a much trickier matter. Before so-called radiometric dating, Earth's age was anybody's guess.
World Globe Universe › Globe University › Dating your Globe › Cram Age Chart. Statement from Cram We hope that this listing of major, selected political changes can assist you in estimating the age of a world map or globe. This listing is intended to determine an approximate time frame for the publication of your map or globe.


A U.S. District Judge in Pittsburgh has denied a plaintiff's motion to certify a class in a products liability lawsuit. In Haggart v. Endogastric Solutions, Inc., the plaintiff claimed that a medical device manufacturer failed to warn of certain risks associated with a device used to treat his gastroesophageal condition. The court ruled that he failed to demonstrate the prerequisites for class certification, finding that the potential class members did not have the common experiences or interests that would make a class action an efficient way to resolve their claims.
He had the device implanted in June 2009, but he learned three months later that the device had failed to properly implant. On his doctor's advice, he went ahead with the Nissen Fundoplication, and he learned that the EsophyX was not "reversible," but rather "revisable." The fasteners for the EsophyX were not removable, because tissue had grown around them. This allegedly foreclosed other medical options that might have otherwise been available. After the Nissen Fundoplication, he alleged that his GERD symptoms grew worse.
His lawsuit, originally filed on March 16, 2010, asserted products liability claims for false or misleading marketing and other alleged fraudulent statements. He moved the court to certify a class of plaintiffs consisting of everyone who underwent the EsophyX since September 24, 2007, or alternatively, everyone who underwent the procedure in that time period based on the defendant's representations that the procedure was "reversible," or a similar representation.
The court denied the plaintiff's motion for class certification on June 28, 2012, finding that the motion failed to meet any of the requirements of Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Rule 23(a) has four requirements, summarized by the court as "numerosity, commonality, typicality, and adequacy." A class must be large enough that it would be impractical to join all members as plaintiffs. Class members must each be in a substantially similar situation to the plaintiff. They must also have substantially similar, or "typical," legal claims. Finally, the plaintiff or class representative must be able to adequately represent the interests of all class members.
The court found that the plaintiff failed to meet, at a minimum, the commonality and typicality requirements. He apparently conceded that most EsophyX procedures were successful, and he did not prove that other putative class members had injuries, such as the need for follow-up procedures, similar to his. The court also found that the plaintiff could not identify the number of people who relied on certain specific statements by the defendant in opting for the EsophyX procedure. Essentially, the court found that class certification was inappropriate because the plaintiff's injuries were too personal to his own situation.
Lebowitz & Mzhen's attorneys are skilled at pursuing justice for people in Maryland who have been injured by faulty, dangerous, or defective products. Contact us today online or at (800) 654-1949 for a free and confidential consultation.


It's an uncommon thought, from a guy who's had quite an uncommon career. Probably best known for his turn as Warren Mears in Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer, he's been acting onscreen since an early role in Luc Besson's Léon: The Professional in 1994. His acting resume stretches through starring roles in two other series, in addition to guest spots on bigger series like House and Grey's Anatomy and a starring role in the film-fest-hit short The Dungeon Master. And his musical career, including associations with They Might Be Giants, Dan Bern, and the Indigo Girls, stretches back even further.


When you think of a neurosurgeon, you probably immediately think of brain surgery. While this depiction is not entirely inaccurate, it does not fully represent the scope of what neurosurgeons do. Neurosurgery not only treats conditions affecting the brain, but also the entire central nervous system, including the spine. In fact, some neurosurgeons focus entirely on spine surgery, which combines orthopedic knowledge with a deep understanding of the central nervous system and the role the spine plays within it.
While the above symptoms may require a surgical treatment approach, not all back pain and degenerative spinal conditions will need surgery. That's why when you schedule an appointment with a neurosurgeon specializing in spine surgery, you will be presented with many conservative, non-surgical treatment options to try first. When surgery is recommended, minimally-invasive surgical techniques will be utilized as often as possible. With these surgeries, patients experience less physical trauma, so they have less pain in their recovery as well as a shorter overall recovery time. This may be a contrast to what you envision with neurosurgery, as many people imagine complex surgeries that are much more disruptive to daily life.


text:
package node

import (
	"fmt"
	"reflect"
	"strconv"
	"strings"
	"time"

	unversionedcore "k8s.io/kubernetes/pkg/client/clientset_generated/internalclientset/typed/core/unversioned"

	log "github.com/golang/glog"
	mesos "github.com/mesos/mesos-go/mesosproto"
	"k8s.io/kubernetes/pkg/api"
	"k8s.io/kubernetes/pkg/api/errors"
	"k8s.io/kubernetes/pkg/api/unversioned"
	"k8s.io/kubernetes/pkg/util/validation"
)

const (
	labelPrefix         = "k8s.mesosphere.io/attribute-"
	clientRetryCount    = 5
	clientRetryInterval = time.Second
)

// Create creates a new node api object with the given hostname,
// slave attribute labels and annotations
func Create(
	client unversionedcore.NodesGetter,
	hostName string,
	slaveAttrLabels,
	annotations map[string]string,
) (*api.Node, error) {
	n := api.Node{
		ObjectMeta: api.ObjectMeta{
			Name: hostName,
		},
		Spec: api.NodeSpec{
			ExternalID: hostName,
		},
		Status: api.NodeStatus{
			Phase: api.NodePending,
			// WORKAROUND(sttts): make sure that the Ready condition is the
			// first one. The kube-ui v3 depends on this assumption.
			// TODO(sttts): remove this workaround when kube-ui v4 is used or we
			//              merge this with the statusupdate in the controller manager.
			Conditions: []api.NodeCondition{
				{
					Type:              api.NodeReady,
					Status:            api.ConditionTrue,
					Reason:            slaveReadyReason,
					Message:           slaveReadyMessage,
					LastHeartbeatTime: unversioned.Now(),
				},
			},
		},
	}

	n.Labels = mergeMaps(
		map[string]string{"kubernetes.io/hostname": hostName},
		slaveAttrLabels,
	)

	n.Annotations = annotations

	// try to create
	return client.Nodes().Create(&n)
}

// Update updates an existing node api object
// by looking up the given hostname.
// The updated node merges the given slave attribute labels
// and annotations with the found api object.
func Update(
	client unversionedcore.NodesGetter,
	hostname string,
	slaveAttrLabels,
	annotations map[string]string,
) (n *api.Node, err error) {
	for i := 0; i < clientRetryCount; i++ {
		n, err = client.Nodes().Get(hostname)
		if err != nil {
			return nil, fmt.Errorf("error getting node %q: %v", hostname, err)
		}
		if n == nil {
			return nil, fmt.Errorf("no node instance returned for %q", hostname)
		}

		// update labels derived from Mesos slave attributes, keep all other labels
		n.Labels = mergeMaps(
			filterMap(n.Labels, IsNotSlaveAttributeLabel),
			slaveAttrLabels,
		)
		n.Annotations = mergeMaps(n.Annotations, annotations)

		n, err = client.Nodes().Update(n)
		if err == nil && !errors.IsConflict(err) {
			return n, nil
		}

		log.Infof("retry %d/%d: error updating node %v err %v", i, clientRetryCount, n, err)
		time.Sleep(time.Duration(i) * clientRetryInterval)
	}

	return nil, err
}

// CreateOrUpdate creates a node api object or updates an existing one
func CreateOrUpdate(
	client unversionedcore.NodesGetter,
	hostname string,
	slaveAttrLabels,
	annotations map[string]string,
) (*api.Node, error) {
	n, err := Create(client, hostname, slaveAttrLabels, annotations)
	if err == nil {
		return n, nil
	}

	if !errors.IsAlreadyExists(err) {
		return nil, fmt.Errorf("unable to register %q with the apiserver: %v", hostname, err)
	}

	// fall back to update an old node with new labels
	return Update(client, hostname, slaveAttrLabels, annotations)
}

// IsNotSlaveAttributeLabel returns true iff the given label is not derived from a slave attribute
func IsNotSlaveAttributeLabel(key, value string) bool {
	return !IsSlaveAttributeLabel(key, value)
}

// IsSlaveAttributeLabel returns true iff the given label is derived from a slave attribute
func IsSlaveAttributeLabel(key, value string) bool {
	return strings.HasPrefix(key, labelPrefix)
}

// IsUpToDate returns true iff the node's slave labels match the given attributes labels
func IsUpToDate(n *api.Node, labels map[string]string) bool {
	slaveLabels := map[string]string{}
	for k, v := range n.Labels {
		if IsSlaveAttributeLabel(k, "") {
			slaveLabels[k] = v
		}
	}
	return reflect.DeepEqual(slaveLabels, labels)
}

// SlaveAttributesToLabels converts slave attributes into string key/value labels
func SlaveAttributesToLabels(attrs []*mesos.Attribute) map[string]string {
	l := map[string]string{}
	for _, a := range attrs {
		if a == nil {
			continue
		}

		var v string
		k := labelPrefix + a.GetName()

		switch a.GetType() {
		case mesos.Value_TEXT:
			v = a.GetText().GetValue()
		case mesos.Value_SCALAR:
			v = strconv.FormatFloat(a.GetScalar().GetValue(), 'G', -1, 64)
		}

		if errs := validation.IsQualifiedName(k); len(errs) != 0 {
			log.V(3).Infof("ignoring invalid node label %q: %v", k, errs)
			continue
		}

		if errs := validation.IsValidLabelValue(v); len(errs) != 0 {
			log.V(3).Infof("ignoring invalid node %s=%q: %v", k, v, errs)
			continue
		}

		l[k] = v
	}
	return l
}

// filterMap filters the given map and returns a new map
// containing all original elements matching the given key-value predicate.
func filterMap(m map[string]string, predicate func(string, string) bool) map[string]string {
	result := make(map[string]string, len(m))
	for k, v := range m {
		if predicate(k, v) {
			result[k] = v
		}
	}
	return result
}

// mergeMaps merges all given maps into a single map.
// There is no advanced key conflict resolution.
// The last key from the given maps wins.
func mergeMaps(ms ...map[string]string) map[string]string {
	var l int
	for _, m := range ms {
		l += len(m)
	}

	result := make(map[string]string, l)
	for _, m := range ms {
		for k, v := range m {
			result[k] = v
		}
	}
	return result
}


text:
Jamie Todd Rubin
Guest posts, link sharing, etc.
Reprint Request Policy
Why I Don't Update Old Posts
How I became a professional science fiction writer
Practically Paperless with Obsidian
Vacation in the Golden Age
Science Fiction Age re-read
Using Scrivener
What I Have Read Since 1996
Curated Index to the Blog
January 18, 2017 January 17, 2017 Jamie Todd Rubin 8 comments
The other day the doorbell rang and we found ourselves facing an unfamiliar Girl Scout and her father. She was going around the neighborhood selling Girl Scout cookies. I guess it is that time of year again.
I know very little about the Girl Scouts as an organization. In fact, everything I know about the Girl Scouts centers around the selling of cookies. That's can't be a good thing.
I am sure that the Girl Scouts do a lot more than sell cookies. I imagine that their activities are similar to what I've seen in the Cubs Scouts. They learn things, they make friends, they volunteer their time, they socialize. But if the only thing I really know about the Girl Scouts is that they sell cookies, then a PR problem exists. The Girl Scouts should be about a lot more than selling cookies.
The Little Miss recently joined the ranks of the Daisy Scouts, and so far, there has been no talk of hocking baked goods. Frankly, I am not looking forward to the time when selling cookies becomes a significant activity. I don't like the idea of kids hocking things as a way to raise money. It is emotionally manipulative, for one thing. Who can say no to a cute 6-year old? For another, selling isn't for everyone. Some people are uncomfortable pushing things on family, friends, and especially strangers.
When the Little Man's scout pack recently raised money for a new Pine Wood Derby track, they attempted to do so by sending the kids home before the holidays with a catalog of junk to pawn on family and friends. The pack would earn a percentage of whatever was sold.
I took the packet home and immediately tossed it. I told the Little Man that he didn't have bother selling junk to his family and friends. Instead, we would just make a donation to the pack, specifically for the Pine Wood Derby track.
Setting the emotional manipulation aside, the other problem with Girl Scout cookies is one of scale. It is one thing to buy a box of Girl Scout cookies for four bucks from a neighbor kid. But in the area that we live in, the scale of things is much larger. We don't get asked to buy Girl Scout cookies by one neighbor kid. We get asked by dozens of people:
Neighborhood girls.
Parents of Girl Scouts at work.
Out-of-state relatives.
Friends whose kids attend different schools.
If we bought one box of Girl Scout cookies from every person who asked us to buy cookies, we could open up a cookie store.
What gets lost in all of this is what the scouts themselves get out of selling cookies. Sure, there are prizes they can win if they achieve certain sales benchmarks. And some of the money from the cookie sales must go back into the local packs. Here is what the Girl Scouts website says about revenue from the cookie program:
One hundred percent of the net proceeds from Girl Scout Cookie sales are reinvested back into the originating council to fund activities and Girl Scouts' Take Action projects, which positively impact their communities. Each council determines its own revenue structure depending on its cookie cost, local retail price, and the amount that is shared with participating troops and groups. On average, Girl Scout council net revenue is approximately 65–75 percent of the local retail price; the amount shared with participating Girl Scout troops, referred to as troop proceeds, is approximately 10–20 percent of the local retail price.
I think it says something that Girl Scouts require cookie sales to fund their programs, when the Boy Scouts don't require a similar stream of cash to fund theirs.
The Girl Scouts should be about more than selling cookies, and probably it is. But the only time I hear about the Girls Scouts is during cookie season, and that, I think, is a problem.
My son just started college, but he spent many, many years from Tiger Cub to Eagle Scout selling things to help fund his council/pack/troop activities. In our neck of the woods it was all about popcorn for Cubs (and they flogged it as relentlessly as Girl Scouts did their cookies). Never loved it and never competed to be "top sellers" or anything, but he did participate.
I don't think it hurt to learn early that things in life don't happen magically — that important things require a personal investment of effort. If you can see that helping sell popcorn or cookies helped pay for an event you enjoyed, that's not a bad lesson. I think it carries over to other things too (studying ->good grades, practice->better athlete or musician, saving now->big purchase later). I agree that can be a big leap at 6, but I definitely saw my son's ingrained work ethic at work later when he was a Boy Scout creatively fundraising for a week-long backpacking trip in the mountains of Philmont, New Mexico, or when he raised over a thousand dollars to build an information kiosk at a nature preserve and develop a website for his town promoting its parks and open spaces.
Scouting was great for him – he went from a shy and quiet boy to someone very comfortable dealing with his peers and adults and who confidently tackles challenges and new situations. Some of that, I think, comes from years of meeting and working with — and sometimes selling popcorn to — people he'd never met before.
Don't know as much about Girl Scouts (my daughter tried it for a year and then jumped to her real loves of gymnastics and dance), but imagine some of their reasoning for cookie sales are the same. They definitely both do more things than just sell snacks — for instance a big push for both groups is incorporating STEM into their programs!
Jamie Todd Rubin says:
I think there is value in both Boy and Girl scouts. My son started as a Tiger and is now a Wolf, and he enjoys it. We don't have to do much fundraising beyond things like the track, probably because their school sponsors the pack, as well as few other organizations. It's not the programs that bother me. My real problem is that I just don't like getting inundated with requests to by cookies. The market is oversaturated. How many boxes of cookies does a person really need!?
Ben W says:
Notice they say 100% of net. They don't talk about the overhead, which includes GSA's cut. Most of the cookies are commercially available. I am always wary of supporting an organization that tells girls to ply their wares on street corners.
Bernice Rubin says:
Just say no. It's easy. If you want to support a particular scout do so but it doesn't mean you need to support all scouts. Can't tell you how many times I've said "I already bought". Try it sometime.
"Can't tell you how many times…" That's it exactly. I have no problem saying "no." But I'm not saying no once, I'm saying it 40 times!
Here's an idea. Post on your blog that you don't like being inundated with solicitations for Girl Scout cookies.
In all seriousness though, I did a quick search and found this link to show you how the "cookie crumbles" in D.C., as an example.
http://www.gscnc.org/en/cookies/about-girl-scout-cookies/where-cookie-money-goes.html
You can also ask a Scout or their parent to provide you with the info – as each scout should have access to "how the cookie crumbles" in that area. We give it to each scout when cookie time rolls around here in NY.
And while, yes, GS cookie FLAVORS are available in other forms (coffee mate, ice cream, etc…) you cannot buy a box of Girl Scout cookies unless it's sold by a scout or a troop. In other words you won't find them in the cookie aisle at Target or Safeway.
As a Girl Scout leader I can tell you first hand, a troop that sells a lot of cookies can earn enough to fund the next years activities. That's a big deal. Our troop has gone on several field trips and participated in many service projects with money they have earned from selling cookies. Other troops I know of are entirely self funded (no cost to parents, no troop dues, or cost for uniforms, badges, trips, etc…) after selling cookies for a year or two. I don't like cookie season either but it does have value beyond the dollar. If a girl is selling she is learning skills she will use throughout her life.
I did not mean to imply that there are not valuable life skills to be learned from selling cookies. I understand completely the need and desire to raise money to do good things. My view is from the other side, where I am the recipient of many requests to buy the cookies. I hate saying no to anyone especially someone I know. We usually buy cookies from a few people (as you know) and Kelly and the kids are happy because they like the cookies, so it is a win-win. But after that? The requests don't stop. There are more people asking me to buy cookies.
Actually, I almost didn't publish this post thinking it would stir up too much controversy. The takeaway would not be about cookies, it would be He doesn't like Girl Scout! But then I decided, what the heck, you need some controversy now and then. And the reaction to the post was minimal, anyway. 🙂
Ben Wilson says:
The "Cookie Crumbles" breakdown is interesting, especially to a DC cynic like me. I don't mean to disparage the cookies and I'm sure GSA does a lot for the girls just as BSA does for boys (who sell popcorn).
I am spending $4-5 for a dollar box of cookies.
For every $4-5 box of GS Cookies (percentages assumes $4/box):
– $0.69 (average) goes to troops, so some make more some make less; (17%)
– $1.05 goes to product and GSA-incurred costs in running the cookies program (26%)
– $2.26 includes (56%)
— GSA regional facilities and salaries (but not national), GSA property maintenance, GSA national marketing and IT support
— scholarships (an probably its administration costs), and adult leader training and regional activities
So 17% goes to troop activities and 56% goes back to six GSA regional activities with an unspecified portion being allocated for supporting disadvantaged girls. It would have been interesting to see the scholarship separated as the troop earnings, and to see the salary and facilities costs breakdown of that 56% portion.
Guest Posts, Collaboration, Link Sharing
Copyright © 2005-2021 Jamie Todd Rubin. All Rights Reserved.


The European University Association (EUA) has published the findings of the 2017 Public Funding Observatory on its website, both in a report and as an online tool. The report provides up-to-date information on 34 different higher education systems.
The analysis reveals that since the 2008 financial crisis, the divide between higher education systems that increase public funding, and those that reduce investment, is getting wider. It also shows that while 2012 was the most difficult year in terms of cuts, any recovery that can now be detected is slow and fragile. 14 systems had higher funding in 2016 than in 2008, whereas 19 systems had lower levels of direct public funding in 2016 than in 2008.
According to the report, national funding cuts also make it more difficult for universities to compete successfully for EU grants, as can also bee seen from the low overall success rate in the EU Research Framework Programme, which has dropped to about 10%. The report therefore calls for more funding both at EU level to improve the efficiency of the Framework Programme, and at the national level to enable universities to remain competitive and attractive.


text:
Viruses in the human gut show dynamic response to diet
August 31, 2011 – The digestive system is home to a myriad of viruses, but how they are involved in health and disease is poorly understood. In a study published online today in Genome Research (www.genome.org), researchers have investigated the dynamics of virus populations in the human gut, shedding new light on the gut "virome" and how it differs between people and responds to changes in diet.
"Our bodies are like coral reefs," said Dr. Frederic Bushman of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, senior author of the study, "inhabited by many diverse creatures interacting with each other and with us." The interactions between viruses, bacteria, and the human host likely have significant consequences for human health and disease, especially in the delicate ecosystem of the gut microbiome.
In this work, lead author Sam Minot, Bushman, and colleagues investigated the dynamics of the gut virome during perturbations to diet. The group studied six healthy volunteers¬—some received a high fat and low fiber diet, others a low fat and high fiber diet, and one an ad-lib diet.
By analyzing DNA sequences from viruses and bacteria present in stool of the volunteers over the course of eight days, they found that although the largest variation in virus diversity observed occurred between individuals, over time dietary intervention significantly changed the proportions of virus populations in individuals on the same diet, so that the viral populations became more similar.
"The study provides a new window on the vast viral populations that live in the human gut, demonstrates that they vary radically between individuals, and shows that dietary changes can affect not just bacterial populations but also viral populations," Bushman said.Scientists from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) contributed to this study.
This work was supported by the Human Microbiome Roadmap Demonstration Project, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the National Institutes of Health, and the Molecular Biology Core of The Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases.
The authors are available for more information by contacting:
Karen Kreeger, Senior Science Communications Manager, Department of Communications, Penn Medicine (+1-215-459-0544; karen.kreeger@uphs.upenn.edu )
Interested reporters may obtain copies of the manuscript from Peggy Calicchia, Administrative Assistant, Genome Research ( calicchi@cshl.edu ; +1-516-422-4012).
About the article:
The manuscript will be published online ahead of print on Wednesday, August 31, 2011. Its full citation is as follows:
Minot S, Sinha R, Chen J, Li H, Keilbaugh SA, Wu G, Lewis J, Bushman FD. The human gut virome: Inter-individual variation and dynamic response to diet. Genome Res doi: 10.1101/gr.122705.111.
About Genome Research:
Launched in 1995, Genome Research (www.genome.org) is an international, continuously published, peer-reviewed journal that focuses on research that provides novel insights into the genome biology of all organisms, including advances in genomic medicine. Among the topics considered by the journal are genome structure and function, comparative genomics, molecular evolution, genome-scale quantitative and population genetics, proteomics, epigenomics, and systems biology. The journal also features exciting gene discoveries and reports of cutting-edge computational biology and high-throughput methodologies.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a private, nonprofit institution in New York that conducts research in cancer and other life sciences and has a variety of educational programs. Its Press, originating in 1933, is the largest of the Laboratory's five education divisions and is a publisher of books, journals, and electronic media for scientists, students, and the general public.
Genome Research issues press releases to highlight significant research studies that are published in the journal.


text:
Land Manager Exclusive House-building opportunities in the North West! Interested in...
Peel to launch rail container service at Port of Liverpool
Peel Ports has announced that it is in advanced contract discussions with both a rail provider and shippers, with the aim of running the first services for its customers before the end of 2017.
This will represent the first time Peel Ports has offered an integrated package, giving shippers a seamless route to market from quayside to any UK destination served by major rail lines, or vice versa.
The potential impact on warehouse occupiers, logistics operators and those charged with satisfying their property requirements could be significant. The port already has an operational rail terminal, which is used to supply biomass to the Drax power station in Yorkshire, among other uses. The port is 25 miles from the West Coast mainline.
Peel said that the available train path capacity directly to and from the Port of Liverpool is currently amongst the highest of all major ports within the UK.
The proposed service was presented this week at a London International Shipping Week event, a key event for operators in logistics, warehousing and supply chain efficiency.
Gary Hodgson, strategic projects director at Peel Ports, said: "This is the next step in our journey to provide shippers with a more integrated, end-to-end answer for their cargo needs.
"It's also an important milestone in our evolution as a company and underlines how serious we are about being a genuine partner in the supply chain community."
Adding to the recent calls form civic figureheads to prioritise the improvement of east-west rail infrastructure, Hodgson added: "There are generally good connections north and south, but cross-country is a real problem. It's long overdue that the east-west infrastructure was brought into the 21st century so we can expand rail freight usage and reduce the impact of longer-distance road haulage."
Jerome Wildsmith, head of supply chain at retailer B&M, added: "Good value is at the heart of our consumer offering so a flexible and lean operation is critical to our business model.
"Routing through the Port of Liverpool has already saved us the equivalent of four million road miles. We are excited about the possibilities that this new service will provide our business for achieving even more efficiency gains for our growing operation."
What are the prospects for Peel's "Port" Salford one wonders. Is there any genuine prospect or intention of delivering the wharves and rail link?
September 14, 2017 at 12:16 pm By Cynic
Good news, glad to see old Whitty, is taking the Bull by the Horns, now how about doing a bit more to kick off the Liverpool Waters…
September 14, 2017 at 1:00 pm By Man on bicycle


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Nov 23, 2022 : Joseph Gonzalez Thru-Hiking Culture
My 5 Favorite Trail Towns on the Triple Crown
If I learned anything from my travels on the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail, it's that hiking them would be nigh impossible if not for the communities that host and rejuvenate hikers along the way. In this article, I will highlight my five favorite towns on the Triple Crown.
Please keep in mind that this list is entirely subjective and based on my personal experience, needs, and hiking style. I keep town visits quick, light, and affordable and avoid taking zeroes at nearly all costs. Regarding resupply, it's worth noting that my hiking partner on the CDT and I have plant-based dietary needs.
I don't know what I don't know that I don't know.
Although I knew to look out for a handful of destinations on each of the Triple Crown trails, I intentionally kept from learning too much in advance so I'd experience each town in the moment, without prejudice.
I spent the most time in towns on the PCT, but coming from the west, I was familiar with many of them already. I hiked the AT quickly, and while I visited many a hostel, the only zeroes I took were in NYC (by way of Pawling, NY). Towns on the CDT were the most refreshing surprise: some were as desolate as rumored, while others were welcome surprises.
Regardless of the details, a good trail town will be sure to leave you feeling like you want to stay another day.
Idyllwild, CA
Two hikers pose with Mayor Max in 2019. Photo via Liz Archibald.
About: Idyllwild is a quaint vacation town situated in the San Jacinto Mountains, high above the desert floor of Southern California. It is well-known by PCT hikers for its cooler temperatures, pine trees, and treacherous snow in early spring. The community's only two mayors have both been golden retrievers, both named Max (RIP Max II).
Accessibility: Unlike most towns on the PCT, Idyllwild is only a few miles' walk from the official redline. Keep in mind it is a getaway location for many residents of Southern California, so weekends and holidays can feel crowded.
Food: Idyllwild has numerous restaurants, including at least one vegan eatery, several pubs, and a pizza joint. You can't go wrong.
Idyllwild is a great place to rest before taking on the harsh heights of San Jacinto.
Resupply: Resupply options are plentiful in Idyllwild, including several health food stores. Even hikers with dietary needs should have no issues resupplying here.
Outfitters: Several gear shops in town cater directly to the thru-hiker base, such as Nomad Ventures.
Lodging: Idyllwild has no dearth of places to stay. Inns, cabin rentals, and campsites dot the town map. Lodging can get a bit expensive here, so I recommend sharing a cabin with your trail family if possible.
Amenities: This town has got it all. Even if you don't have a hotel, there is a local laundromat, and the town should have ample cell coverage for those of us who don't have access to Wi-Fi. The kicker for me? Idyllwild has its own movie theater.
My first 150 miles felt like a huge accomplishment.
My Experience: I was absolutely beat when I arrived in Idyllwild in 2016. The walk from Mike's Place to Paradise Valley Café was the longest day I'd ever had on trail at that point, and my feet were blistered to bloody stumps. My friends and I hitched into town and secured a cabin at the Idyllwild Inn for two nights.
It was perfect: because of the proximity of businesses, everything I needed was within a five-minute walk. I secured enough ice cream, beer, and tortilla chips to last me my stay and holed up to rest. While there, I purchased a new pair of Dirty Girl Gaiters (the clear sign of any new PCT hiker) and watched Captain America: Civil War on the big screen. The overall charm, location, and amenities left a lasting impression on me.
Stehekin, WA
Views of the North Cascades.
About: Stehekin is a tiny community on the shores of Lake Chelan near North Cascades National Park. It is one of the northernmost communities and resupply points on the Pacific Crest Trail. Besides being surrounded by dramatic peaks and tall trees at every angle, Lake Chelan itself is the third deepest lake in the United States.
Accessibility: Part of its charm is its remoteness: Stehekin is only accessible by foot, boat, or floatplane. PCT hikers hoping to visit Stehekin must take a shuttle from High Bridge. Just make sure to plan accordingly—the shuttles only run at specific times.
Food: While the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin Restaurant is an option, the fabled Stehekin Pastry Company draws the unanimous adoration of the hiking community.
Resupply: The General Store at the Lodge at Stehekin has apparently grown its offerings in recent years. However, the store's inventory has historically been extremely limited, and most hikers would do well to mail a package to the post office instead.
North Cascades NP Sign.
Lodging: There are a couple of camping options locally. North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin and Stehekin Pastry Company offer more comfortable stays for a price.
Amenities: Showers and laundry are available in town. Stehekin's location makes it overall one of the most scenic communities on the Triple Crown trail system.
Mysterious sign in WA – let me know if you know the story behind it!
My experience: I rolled into Stehekin on 9/11/16 after an arduous, rainy trek from Stevens Pass. Somehow I managed to use a payphone while doing my laundry to call my parents, although the phone didn't seem like a reliable option at the time. The campsite I stayed at was beautiful and overlooked Lake Chelan. I picked up my package from the PO Monday morning before taking the shuttle back to trail. (The general store didn't offer much in the way of resupply, let alone champagne, much to the disappointment of soon-to-be PCT finishers.)
On the way out, every hiker on the shuttle hit the bakery. To be clear, the hype surrounding the bakery is absolutely real. I took three cinnamon rolls (the last of which I consumed at the Canadian border a few days later), a sticky bun, and two Red Bulls out of there with a smile on my face. It was the perfect way to cap my first thru-hike.
Damascus, VA
VA/TN border not far from Damascus.
About: Damascus is well-known in the long-distance hiking community for being home to Trail Days, an annual gathering of hikers, volunteers, and gear vendors to celebrate the community and stewardship of the Appalachian Trail. It has been appropriately dubbed "Trail Town USA." Damascus stands deep on the southern edge of Virginia, making it an iconic waypoint for NOBOs and a reminder that the trail is nearly finished for SOBOs.
Accessibility: It's directly on trail! In fact, the AT takes you down the main drag of town, past gear shops, hostels, and eateries alike.
Food: A brewery in town isn't a must to make this list—but it sure helps. Those with dry throats can find respite at the Damascus Brewery or the Appalachian Heritage Distillery. Mojo's Trailside Café and Coffee is another favorite in the hiking community. Meanwhile, those with appetites for typical American cuisine can get their fill at both Wicked Chicken as well as Damascus Diner.
The notorious Damascus doorway.
Resupply: There's a Walmart in nearby Abingdon and a Food City a few miles outside of Damascus proper, which some hostel proprietors might be willing to shuttle hikers to. Easier to access is the Dollar General near the main drag.
Outfitters: Several outfitters in town ensure more than enough options for hikers to re-up on gear needs: Damascus Outfitters, Mt Rogers Outfitters, and even a few bike shops.
Lodging: Like any good trail town on the AT, Damascus has several establishments where tired hikers can lay their heads. I stayed at Woodchuck Hostel in what I believe was Chuck's final year of operation. Other popular options for hikers include Crazy Larry's and The Broken Fiddle Hostel.
Amenities: Damascus provides everything the hiking community might want, and it does it in style. Locals are as hiker-friendly as any trail in the Triple Crown circuit. Local businesses are laced with history and colloquial flair. I particularly like it as a substantial rest opportunity before hikers begin their first miles in the AT's longest state.
It was a slog for me, but Grayson Highlands is a highlight of southern VA.
My Experience: Back in March of 2018, I spent the night not far from the TN/VA border. It was wet and muddy, and neither of my lighters would work, so I was looking forward to staying in town. Woodchuck's Hostel offered me a warm bed as well as a resupply opportunity at Walmart. The good people at Damascus Outfitters helped me fix a zipper issue on my sleeping bag.
I ate my fill of Woodchuck's homemade hot breakfast the following morning before walking some 28 miles through snow to Thomas Knob shelter. Considering the slog I'd soon face through fresh powder in the Grayson Highlands, the respite I received in Damascus was invaluable.
Sunrise near Mt. Zirkel Wilderness.
About: Steamboat Springs is a ski community and the last resupply option for NOBO hikers in Colorado. It's known for its world-class skiing, natural hot springs, and watersport opportunities on the Yampa River. Due to its proximity to the Wyoming border, Steamboat Springs, CO, and Encampment, WY, are sometimes thought of as the unofficial halfway points on the CDT.
Accessibility: "The Boat" is about a 30-minute drive west of the CDT at Rabbit Ears Pass. NOBOs must endure several hours of road walking along US Route 40 before reaching the hitching intersection. SOBOs must navigate the Mt. Zirkel wilderness before arriving at the highway. Given its prevalent outdoor culture and robust transportation nexus, hitching out of Rabbit Ears Pass to Steamboat Springs is relatively easy for many hikers.
New Altras from the Ski Haus had me feeling Like Mike.
Food: The culinary delights of Steamboat Springs help elevate it over most communities on the Divide. Vaqueros Mexican hit the spot, although it was slightly lacking when compared to the Mexican cuisine of New Mexico. Winona's Restaurant and Bakery delighted me with a scrumptious scramble, as well as one of the best cinnamon rolls on the entire Divide (the five-layer bar wasn't bad either). These two businesses were but a taste of the offerings available down Steamboat's main drag.
Resupply: Among the many resupply options in Steamboat Springs, I preferred to shop at City Market. I particularly enjoyed quaffing a half gallon of Blue Bunny ice cream, which I've never seen in the PNW (eat your heart out, Tillamook).
Outfitters: Most gear aficionados like to visit BAP! headquarters (aka the Big Agnes factory store). The outdoor brand is a long-time staple in Steamboat Springs that has a wide-ranging influence on the outdoor industry. Straightline Sports offers some basic essentials but mostly caters to front-country camping and fishing.
I'd argue the Ski Haus is the best outfitter for thru-hikers in town: I exchanged some worn Darn Tough socks, bought new shoes, and had my trekking poles tightened there. The employees at the Ski Haus were friendly and knowledgeable about thru-hiker needs, given the outfitter's proximity to both the CDT and the Colorado Trail.
Lodging: Several chain hotels, as well as some higher-end resorts, dot the town. Many hikers prefer the Rabbit Ears Motel due to its pricing and location. There's also a KOA on the outside of town. For hikers hoping to get in and out of town in one day, there are some delightful campsites on the CDT less than a mile north of Rabbit Ears Pass.
Amenities: Whether posting up for true rest or taking a leisurely zero, Steamboat has everything you could need. Besides eateries and gear shops, the Yampa River runs through town and is a fun feature to explore. I also recommend the Yampa River Botanic Park for those who have extra time.
Thru-hiker wall in town.
My Experience: Cleansweep and I were on a mission to reach Steamboat Springs as early as possible to maximize our time. That meant hiking 30+ miles by the early afternoon, arriving at Rabbit Ears Pass just in time to acquire a hitch from some down-to-earth locals. In Steamboat proper, we stayed with my friend and former coworker, Anna.
In town, I mailed home extra clothes I had for Colorado, bought new shoes, replaced my socks, and ate my heart out. Leaving Steamboat was one of my only true neros on the entire trail—we hiked less than three miles after hitching out in the evening the following day, allowing our bodies maximum rest before venturing into Wyoming and beyond.
The Gila River is spectacular.
About: Silver City is located on the northern fringes of the Chihuahuan Desert and serves as the county seat for Grant County. It boomed in the 1800s as a mining community but has since transitioned into a town known for its southwestern culture and recreation opportunities.
Accessibility: Here's the good news: it's on the official CDT redline. The trail runs directly through Silver City before veering north toward the Gila River. Here's the bad news: the northbound redline involves a road walk along US Highway 180 for several hours.
Food: The food in Silver City is perhaps the best of the entire New Mexico section of the CDT. LA Cocina Restaurant was one of my favorite Mexican meals all summer. We enjoyed generous portions and (pretty solid) beer at Little Toad Creek Brewery for dinner. I enjoyed a plate of sugary French toast and a cold beer for breakfast at Adobe Springs Café and left satisfied. Finally, as I set off for the Gila River, I chowed down on a deliciously thick and savory sandwich from Chaos.
Lucky Toad Lager makes for a mean trail beer.
Resupply: There's a Walmart on the edge of downtown. Silver City Food Basket is closer to trail for those who want to walk less. Some hikers might prefer the Silver City Food Co-op downtown—but be aware they don't have many plastic water bottle options.
Outfitters: The town's two gear stores should meet all your needs: Gila Hike & Bike, which offered a surprising amount of long-trail-themed gear that was not specific to the CDT, and Morning Star Sports. Sadly, Martyn Pearson and Alexandra Olsen of Gila Hike & Bike suffered fatal injuries in a car accident earlier this fall. It is unknown how their operations will change for the 2023 season.*
Lodging: Not far from trail is an RV park for those who prefer to save cash. Alternatively, stay downtown at the Palace Hotel or the Murray Hotel. I split a room at the Palace with two other hikers and was satisfied with the value there. Unfortunately, Triple Crown Hostel closed for good in May of 2022.
Amenities: With its murals and local charm, Silver City feels like a mining town reinvented as a hippy, artsy community that serves as the jumping-off point for many would-be hikers or bikers eager to leap into the desert landscape. Lordsburg is closer to Crazy Cook and offers anything a hiker would need, but Silver City feels like the first iconic community on the Divide.
Silver City has plenty of local charm. Photo via Madeline Gould.
My Experience: I camped at the last water source before US Highway 180, then woke up at four a.m. to do the road walk into town. The trail from Lordsburg had been tough on me and the other hikers in my party, so we were all eager to crush the flat terrain and maximize our time in civilization.
Silver City offered everything I'd ever need from an overnight in town: resupply, a new water filter, culinary delights, a solid hotel room, and even some Star Wars original trilogy on the TV. Before venturing into the Gila Wilderness, I nabbed a meal with Turquoise, a hiker I met on the PCT who does trail angel work on the CDT.
Shasta, CA: Beautiful town, awesome outdoor culture and gear, and lots to do —just not great accommodations and not very walkable.
Ashland, OR: Indexes high in every category, just doesn't offer the same level of small-town charm as its competitors on the PCT.
Bend, OR: Fantastic city with the best beer on the Triple Crown, but can be expensive and is far from trail.
Hot Springs, NC: Plenty of places to stay and great restaurants, but I felt it wasn't worth the overnight due to its location.
Hanover, NH: Is located on trail, has great restaurants and outdoor culture—just a bit crowded and expensive (Dartmouth = college town).
Pagosa Springs, CO: This was the hardest community to leave off the list. It's a beautiful town with awesome water features and great resupply/restaurants. But it's just a bit too expensive, and the PO is a long walk from most hotels.
Lander, WY: Perhaps the best hospitality I experienced on trail with lots of food and resupply options, outdoor culture and gear (NOLS HQ), etc. Just too tough a hitch from trail to make the list.
Featured image: Photo via Joseph Gonzalez. Graphic design by Zack Goldmann.
*Sadly, Martyn Pearson and Alexandra Olsen of Gila Hike & Bike suffered fatal injuries in a car accident earlier this fall. It is unknown how their operations will change for the 2023 season.
Nov 23rd : Joseph Gonzalez
Joseph Gonzalez's Bio
My name is Joe (he/him) - but you might know be as Mr. Overhill. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and in 2016, I thru hiked the PCT. Since then I have hiked numerous long trails, including the AT, AZT, Tahoe Rim Trail, Wonderland, and more. In my passion to live adventurously, and get others to live adventurously as well, I've dedicated myself to a career in Adventure Travel. Whether guiding travelers up Half Dome, or designing custom itineraries in North America, I am at my best when empowering others to get outside. My professional and recreational pursuits are intended to help bring awareness to the need to preserve wild places and our environment for generations to come.
mireille mandanice : Nov 24th
Hi Joe, it is always great when people enjoy our town of Silver City, NM. Lots of changes here since covid hit but we will rise back like the phoenix. I love this place, such beauty & wonderful people (& yep I'm an old hippy myself). However some bad news, the couple who had the Hike & Bike both lost their lives this month in a traffic accident. Such a tragegy for this town. Well, on a happier note & wish you well on the trail adventures.
Best to you & safe travels,
Joseph Gonzalez : Nov 28th
Hi Mireille,
Silver City was an absolute delight to visit – I can see why you love it so! Thank you for informing me about Martyn and Alex of Hike and Bike. That is an absolute tragedy.
Really appreciate you reading the post. Keep things groovy and take care!
Pinball : Nov 27th
JoeGo, most of what you write are things I won't experience nor benefit from… but I sure do appreciate it. Thanks for your time and effort sharing knowledge. Always look forward to reading your down to earth approach.
Hi Pinball,
Thanks for reading. It's great to know you appreciate the humble perspective. I'll try to continue to keep it light!


Every now and then you meet someone who you get along with so well you know they will always be in your life. Lauren has been one of those friends for me. We met in college while we were studying abroad in England. Instant friends, we bonded while traveling, visiting art museums and eating pints of ice cream together.
I've been wanting to visit her for years in any of the various cities she has lived in, I just never made the time. Moving from Guatemala to Nebraska, and most recently to New Mexico. She is building her career as a potter. In between traveling for residencies, she has set up a studio in the most idillic valley, surrounded by expansive hills and grasslands.
When Lauren invited me to come for a visit, enticing me with one-on-one workshops in her studio, I could no longer put it off. This visit needed to happen. Two weeks later, I was on an airplane on my way to New Mexico.
Sitting on the plane in between two well fed business men, I thought about the trip ahead of me. I was thankful to be out-and-about experiencing someplace new. Someplace on my own. Someplace that held adventure but with the promise of a return home. When I landed, Lauren was there waiting for me and it finally set in that this trip was happening.
Every morning I would be greeted by a skinny, bright beam of light pushing it's way through the crack of my closed bedroom door. It was eagerly waiting for me to open the door so it could flood the room with warm, bright light and remind me what sunshine was like.
Lauren and I would sit in her sunny dining room and have breakfast together. Before each meal I would choose which mug and dish I wanted to use, exploring her collection of colorful pottery from various artists that filled her kitchen shelves.
My pottery experience consists of four years of high school and a community education class I took last year. I have a good sense of basic techniques, but most of what I've created has been slightly off-center pots thrown on the wheel, glazed by being dunked into a bucket of slip. Lauren has been focussing on hand-building and using a transfer process to add design to clay surfaces. I had never done anything like this before so I was excited to learn something new.
After a quick brainstorm of ideas, I decided to spend the week making a set of four octagonal dinner plates. I had never made plates before, let a lone a set. Each day Lauren would walk me through the steps I needed to learn and then I would try them for myself, getting better with each plate I did. She worked next to me, on a large rectangular table covered with canvas, drinking tea and talking about where we found ourselves in life. Shelves of glaze in small plastic containers lined the wall above our heads. Whenever I had a question about my work, she would stop working on the plate commission she was painting to give me a hand.
Lauren would often say how much fun she was having and how glad she was to have company in the studio. It couldn't possibly compare with how amazing I felt, appreciating the opportunity to work in an art studio all day with a talented artist and friend.
As much fun as we both were having, there were more things we wanted to get in each day. The sun and the hills could only be ignored for so long. By mid-afternoon we would cover up what were were working on with plastic, make sure the heater was turned off and then head out the door for the trails.
Timing was close, but I finished my plates before I had to head home. They're currently drying, awaiting the firing process. Stay tuned for a final photo.
In the mean time, take a look at Lauren's amazing work.


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Are American Christians 'Unashamed' of Their Faith?
CP U.S. | Friday, May 24, 2013
By Jeff Schapiro, Christian Post Reporter | Friday, May 24, 2013
A new report from LifeWay Research reveals that many churchgoers are not open or transparent about their faith.
The Nashville-based research organization's survey identifies being "unashamed" as one of eight attributes of discipleship that are consistent marks of maturing believers.
"There are two elements to this discipleship attribute: being unashamed of Jesus Christ around nonbelievers and showing transparency among other Christians," said Scott McConnell, director of LifeWay Research, in an article about the study. "This transparency is seen when a mature disciple is open to spiritual accountability and willing to share about challenges with other believers."
The survey of 2,930 American adults who attend a Protestant church at least once a month revealed that 14 percent of churchgoers agree with the statement: "Many people who know me are not aware I am a Christian." Another 72 percent disagree with the statement, and 14 percent said they neither agree nor disagree.
When it comes to interacting with other Christians, 66 percent of those surveyed said Christians should seek honest feedback about their spiritual lives from other believers. Twenty-nine percent say spiritual topics do not normally come up in their daily conversations with other Christians, while 50 percent disagree. Also, 57 percent of those surveyed said they openly share their struggles with their Christian friends, while nearly a quarter (24 percent) said they do not.
"It is easy for Christians to put their 'church' face on at church and pretend everything is fine. But without transparent interaction among followers of Christ, blind spots are left unattended and opportunities for change are unsupported," said McConnell.
He added, "The other temptation for Christians is to pretend to be 'not-too-religious' when they are around neighbors and co-workers. Yet, Scripture calls believers to not be ashamed of the gospel and its work in our lives."
Researchers found there are certain indicators that can help to predict a person is less ashamed. One such factor is praying for other Christians more frequently. Only 34 percent of those surveyed said they pray daily for fellow Christians they know, as compared to 10 percent who said they pray for the believers they know once per month or "rarely/never."
Other indicators include reading the Bible more frequently, sharing with others how to become a Christian, being mentored or disciple by a more spiritually mature believer and habitually confessing sins to God.
Study: Christians Who Tithe Have Healthier Finances Than Those Who Don't
Most Illegal Immigrants Are Christians, Says Study; Faithful Urged to Help 'Brothers and Sisters In Christ'
Study: US Entrepreneurs Pray, Meditate More Frequently Than Non-Entrepreneurs


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Smiler's Got The 'Enza' Feeling...
UK Rap Artists Smiler set to release single 'ENZA' after his EP 'Clarity' which had features with Nate James, Roll Deep, Ghetts and many....
Online PR News – 20-March-2010 – – UK Hip Hop artist Smiler Says "I'm trying to bring people back to the lyrics, the beats and real talent... Now it's Hip Hop's time and I'm bringing the sound back to the fans". And he does just that because whether you're strictly in the UK hip hop camp or dedicated to the crème of Grime, there's no denying sparks fly when two artists at the top of their game, combine. Smiler, one of the scene's most talented lyricists teams up with producer Nutty P to create his new release 'Enza', predicted as the UK's next Hip Hop smash hit.
Taken from Smiler's hugely popular EP 'Clarity', 'Enza' has been repeatedly tipped to be one of the biggest UK Hip Hop songs of the year, with approval from many including Mistajam (Radio 1), DJ Semtex (1Xtra), Steve Clarke (Choice FM), DJ 279 (Choice FM), DJ Grind (Express FM), Chantelle Fiddy (RWD/Guardian/Ctrl.Alt.Shift), Ragggs.com and Hip Hop Chronicle.
'Enza', (which is an inclusive word meaning 'that vibe' or 'X-Factor' feeling) has a universal sound and can be enjoyed at any time, from your mp3 player, radio station or club speaker. The song opens with a space-like female loop before being met with the bass drum and sub-woofer core of the track. The song can best be described as a 'club banger' and will amplify any event into an atmospheric room of head bobbing and booty shaking.
The South London rapper, renowned for his fearless delivery of intelligent lyrics and witty metaphors, does not compromise his lyrical standards on 'Enza'. Instead, Smiler manages to achieve the impossible by creating a track with both commercial charm as well as an underground, 'real hip hop' appeal.
Smiler has collaborated with some of the UK's top talent including Nate James, Roll Deep and Ghetts, and has also supported the likes of Royce da 5"9, D12 and Wu-Tang's GZA in concerts. Furthermore, Smiler has been directly co-signed by the likes of Marly Marl, Styles P and the world famous DJ Premier.
Smiler will be performing at 'ILUVLIVE' on March 29th.
To listen to 'Enza' you can download it via this link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/oygthl
Or if you wish you listen to it online you can via this link: http://bit.ly/d91Eqh
For more information please contact: Zanna@framepublicrelations.com
Zanna Maison
Frame PR
Frame Public Relations
https://www.framepublicrelations.com


Abstract:Objective: Fibromyalgia is a common, chronic pain condition for which patients frequently use complementary and alternative medicine, including Reiki. Our objective was to determine whether Reiki is beneficial as an adjunctive fibromyalgia treatment. Design: This was a factorial designed, randomized, sham-controlled trial in which participants, data collection staff, and data analysts were blinded to treatment group. Setting/location: The study setting was private medical offices in the Seattle, Washington metropolitan area. Subjects: The subjects were comprised 100 adults with fibromyalgia. Intervention: Four (4) groups received twice-weekly treatment for 8 weeks by either a Reiki master or actor randomized to use direct touch or no touch (distant therapy). Outcome measures: The primary outcome was subjective pain as measured by visual analog scale at weeks 4, 8, and 20 (3 months following end of treatment). Secondary outcomes were physical and mental functioning, medication use, and health provider visits. Participant blinding and adverse effects were ascertained by self-report. Improvement between groups was examined in an intention-to-treat analysis. Results: Neither Reiki nor touch had any effect on pain or any of the secondary outcomes. All outcome measures were nearly identical among the 4 treatment groups during the course of the trial. Conclusion: Neither Reiki nor touch improved the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Energy medicine modalities such as Reiki should be rigorously studied before being recommended to patients with chronic pain symptoms.


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