STEINBERGER made the GL2 between 1983 and 2001. It has the classic minimalistic headless Steinberger design with one piece reinforced carbon fiber composite neck and body. Optional extras were a Steinberger TransTrem bridge (GL2T), white finish, 12 string configuration and left handed configuration.
Steinberger's premier six-string guitar, the Model GL-2 embodies all the technical practical and aesthetic advances introduced on the Steinberger Bass. Guitarists can now enjoy the exquisite balance and comfort of the renowned Steinberger "headless" design It is truly the "State of the Instrument" in an electric solid-body guitar.
Fabricated from a proprietary blend of reinforced composite materials the neck and body are molded as a single, ultra-rigid unit and provide sonic properties unknown in wooden instruments This structure isolates the vibration of the string, thereby increasing harmonic content and permitting extremely long sustain An added dividend is a neck free from the "dead spots" which plague all wooden-necked instruments. The GL-2 has unmatched brilliance. clarity and dynamics It opens up a new range of sound.
The GL-2 guitar features the revolutionary Steinberger Double Ball System which allows super fast string changes, re usability of strings and does away with sudden de-tuning due to string slippage. The system's equivalent at a 40:1 ratio enables far more precise and accurate tuning than traditional geared tuners can offer. A special provision in the guitar headpiece permits the use of conventional guitar strings as well. Equally innovative is the Steinberger fully-adjustable bridge and its unique locking mechanism. Fine adjustment of action and intonation is accomplished with a single screw for each function.
Active EMG pickups. designed to augment the extended frequency response of composite construction are at the heart of the GL-2's sophisticated electronics They are manufactured to Steinberger's exacting specifications and are only available on our instruments Tonal variety and flexibility are provided by discrete volume and tone controls in conjunction with a three position micro toggle switch. A special phone jack will automatically accept external power via a stereo patch cord. when coupled with a phantom power supply. available from Steinberger.
Take the STEINBERGER GL2 price survey.
Buy STEINBERGER GL2 electric guitars.


August 8 sees The Bachelor Pad back on TV with a new spin to it. The latest installment is The Bachelor Pad sees 18 former participants in The Bachelor or The Bachelorette come together under the one roof. This time they will be competing for half a million dollars and a second shot at love.
Hosted by Chris Harrison (The Bachelor, The Bachelorette), Bachelor Pad returns MONDAY, AUGUST 8 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET) with its most controversial cast to date – 18 of the unforgettable characters from the Bachelor franchise, including the ones we love and those we love to hate.
The latest ratings continue to confirm the dominance of ABC over its rival networks. ABC is now airing seven of the top 20 TV shows in the adults 18-49 years-old bracket, which is more than any other network.
Additionally the network is also delivering two out of the top three most-watched shows overall.
The week beginning May 23 is a big one on ABC with new seasons beginning and others bidding farewell to our TV screens for a hiatus.
Monday, May 23 is the performance show season finale of Dancing with the Stars. Here you will see and exciting display of cha cha, rumba and other dance styles burning up the dance floor for the last time this season. The finale will be broadcast on ABC from 8 – 9pm and followed up by the season premiere of The Bachelorette from 9 – 11pm.


The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has concluded its Annual Excellence Awards Night, a once a year event.
Several journalists walked away with various awards after they were announced winners at this year's Awards Night held in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County on Saturday, 9 June 2018.
The 2018 Awards Committee was headed by Journalist Jarlawah A. Tonpo, Former Correspondent of the British base dissolved West Africa Magazine, George Kennedy formerly of the Daily Observer Newspaper, veteran female journalists Torwon S. Brown, now of Internews, Liberia and Tete Kanneh formerly of the Liberia Broadcasting System as well as Sports Journalist Horatio Bobby Willie of the defunct Star Radio, Liberia and Carolyn Myers Zoduah, formerly of Love FM and Television.
The committee dished out awards in several categories; namely, Legislative, Judiciary, Human Rights and Land Rights Reporting. Others were Investigative, Developmental, Sports, County Social Development Fund, Extractive Industry, Environmental, Health and Women Rights Reporting.
Journalist Bettie Johnson Mbayo of Front Page Africa Newspaper, Liberia bagged three awards including Health, Judiciary and Women Rights.
Her report on Women's Rights for which she was named Reporter of the Year, was based a story she reported which has to do with violation and sexual assault of a minor (female).
The Judiciary Reporter of the Year also went to Journalist Johnson Mbayo, of Front Page Africa Newspaper. She became PUL's 2018 Judiciary Reporter winner from her report on an alleged bribery in the sector involving key authorities.
Her stories on this were lifted from the 2016 Human Rights Report of the United States Government's sate's department report which tip from a whistleblower. She worked as undercover visitor to unearth the facts.
While Anthony Stephens of Power FM and Television was named Investigative and Environment Reporter of the Year. His investigative report impacted the artisanal mining sector which was defrauding generation the needed revenue including the recycling of plastic in Liberia.
On the environment, Stephens report highlighted made an impact on the country's population especially in the Extractive Industry for which he collected the Extractive Industry Reporter of the Year Award.
His work tremendously impacted the public as the artisanal mining sectormade contributions to national government and the economy and the impact of its departure. Both winners (Mbayo and Stephens) took home three awards each, the highest in this year's Annual Awards of the Press Union of Liberia.
Freelance Journalist, Samuel Dweh, was chosen as Press Union of Liberia (PUL's) Developmental Reporter of the Year, because of the numerous development stories highlighted or reported and the manner and form he uses his innovation to support his family and education worth commendation from the population if not only limited the fraternity, the journalism he has chosen.
The 2018 Awards Night was held at the Fair Ground, Buchanan, Grand Bassa County on 9 June 2018. Journalists and invitees were dressed in their best that rainbowed the occasion.


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Vistara Wins Award for Hospitality Experience at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2019
The airline also won awards at 2019 TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards
As a milestone in customer service, India's full-service carrier Vistara receives 'Best Airline Staff in Central Asia and India' for the second time in a row at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2019 held at Paris Air Show in France.
The travellers choose Skytrax World Airline Awards through an airline passenger satisfaction survey conducted every year. Factors such as service efficiency, friendliness, hospitality, language skills, and overall quality consistency at the airport and onboard are considered to measure customer satisfaction.
Also Read: Vistara Leases Six Aircraft From BOC Aviation Ahead of Its International Launch
Every single day, our effort is to delight our customers by making flying an experience one can always look forward to. We're happy to receive this esteemed award by Skytrax which reflects the trust of our customers and recognises the dedication of all our customer-facing staff to consistently deliver an unparalleled flying experience to millions of travellers in India, Leslie Thng, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara said.
We congratulate Vistara on the fabulous achievement of being voted the Best Airline Staff Service in Central Asia and India, for the second consecutive year. The airline should be extremely proud of this success as this result comes directly from their customers, Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said. Edward Plaisted presented the award to Nikhil Pandey, Deputy General Manager – Airport Standards & Performance, Vistara at the award venue. Skytrax World Airline Awards 2019 was held on the sidelines of Paris Air Show.
Vistara wins titles at the 2019 TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards
Besides Skytrax World Airline Awards, Vistara also bagged titles of 'Best Airline – India' and 'Best Regional Airline – Asia' at 2019 TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards.
Vistara is a joint venture of Tata Sons Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA). Tata Sons holds the majority stake of 51% in the company and SIA holds the remaining 49%.
Also Read: Vistara to Commence International Operations by the Second Half of 2019: CEO
Çelebi Aviation Introduces Taxibots at Delhi Airport
Vistara Adds 62 New Flights to and From Mumbai and Delhi
best airline india
best regiona airline asia
Skytrax World Airline Awards 2019
tripadvisor travellers choice awards

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


We hold church worship service every Sunday at 10am.
The Islip United Methodist Church Council is pleased to announce the introduction of an electronic option for making regular offerings via Vanco Payment Solutions. This feature was brought to our attention by Ross Williams, CFO of the New York Annual Conference, who recommended using electronic giving through Vanco Payment Solutions. Vanco is a PC1 Level 1 Compliant Service Provider.
Contributions can now be debited automatically from your checking or savings account or processed using your credit or debit card. Our new electronic giving program offers convenience for you and provides much-needed donation consistency for our congregation. If you are currently giving on a weekly basis, you will no longer need to write out 52 checks a year or prepare 52 envelopes. And, when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending services, this program will allow your weekly offerings to continue on an uninterrupted basis. Any payment options you choose now can be changed at any time.
We are very excited to begin this new venture and hope you will be too. There are other Churches in our Conference which already utilize this optional payment method for your offering. We understand that many of you will have questions and concerns. Please feel free to visit the Vanco website www.vancopayments.com or email me at nli33@optonline.net with any questions. If you prefer, you may sign up during these sessions on a computer that will be setup in the Church office for your privacy.
Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to moving ahead together to further the stewardship of the Islip UMC.
The United Methodist Church of Islip provides religious and emotional support to the members of our church and community. We strive to do this by being an open, caring congregation that welcomes people of all races, ages and nations. With God's help we seek to be Christ centered in our hearts, minds and actions. We extend to all people the hand of friendship in Christian love.
Worship Services are held every Sunday at 10am held by Rev. Douglas Madlon, Pastor. Come join us, our door is always open to new members.
Worship Service is held every Sunday at 10 am with Rev. Douglas Madlon, Pastor.
If you would care to order either item, please make your check payable to Islip United Methodist Church and foward it to the church office. You may either mail the request or place in the secretary's mailbox on the office wall. Envelopes are provided by the flower Chart in Fellowship Hall. Payment must be made one week prior to the date wanted. If anyone currently owes for bulletins or flowers, please forward payments as soon as possible. Thank You.
Beautiful Note cards are available in the church office during the week. A small donation of $1, $2, or $3 is greatly appreciated.
Prayer cards for the deceased may be purchased in the church office during the week. A small donation is requested.
Leaves are available for inscription to remember a loved one or to celebrate a special date such as a birth, anniversary, etc. or to celebrate God's love. They are $75.00 each. Please see Doreen Burke or call 631-581-3297.
These prints of our magnificent church are available through Pat Dymek. Many of us have very special memories of Islip UMC and this would be perfect to hang in your home.
Have you any news you would like to share with us? Someone must be graduating! Engagements, Weddings, promotions, new arrivals? What's going on with your church committee!! News for the following month's Circuit Rider must be in by the 15th of the month.


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Home / AfD / Angela Merkel / CDU / democracy / Germany / News / politics / Merkel attacks AfD: "they want to destroy democracy"
Merkel attacks AfD: "they want to destroy democracy"
February 12, 2020 AfD, Angela Merkel, CDU, democracy, Germany, News, politics
BERLIN. Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) has accused the AfD of wanting to destroy democracy. "The AfD has a very clear agenda," said Merkel on Tuesday, according to dpa news agency, at a meeting of the Union faction in the Bundestag. "And this agenda is also a particular challenge for us, especially when it comes to the CDU, because it is very clear that democracy is to be destroyed," warned the Chancellor. The attempt to undermine democracy can be seen in every session of the Bundestag.
On the occasion of the election of the prime minister in Thuringia, Merkel underlined the decision to demarcate the Left Party and the AfD, with which no common cause would be dealt with. The demarcation from the Left Party and the AfD is "clearly the same, so to speak, but they are still differently positioned," explained the Chancellor.
After the election of Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) as Thuringian Prime Minister with the votes of the CDU, FDP and AfD, Merkel had demanded that the result be "reversed" and strongly condemned the process. A little later Kemmerich announced his resignation. The AfD has therefore announced that it will report Merkel for coercion.
Merkel attacks AfD: "they want to destroy democracy" Reviewed by PostDiscus on February 12, 2020 Rating: 5


We don't get smarter, stronger, and better alone. Here's where you'll find the support and insights needed so we can transform cancer care for the better, together.
We offer more than 225 ONS chapters, many of which partner with healthcare organizations to offer continuing nursing education and dinner programs. Membership in your local chapter is included in your ONS member benefits. Search by zip code to find the closest chapter and start making connections.
Caring for patients with cancer is multifaceted, which is why we offer you the opportunity to join a group that focuses on a specific subspecialty. Share your ideas, information, and experiences in the community that matches your specific interests.
There are endless opportunities for you to contribute to health policy efforts that impact both your professional work environment and your patients' health. Your experience brings a much-needed voice to both the legislative and regulatory levels.
Gain insight and experience learning from nurses who have seen it all, or be that guiding hand to novice nurses who could benefit from your wellspring of career lessons learned.
As a professional organization committed to promoting excellence in oncology nursing, we depend on the time and talents that people like you contribute. By volunteering, you'll not only help other oncology nurses, but you'll build leadership skills and expand your career network.
ONS welcomes your experience, knowledge, ideas, and voice.


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Backyard Putting Greens
Designs and Patterns
Roof Deck and Patio
Agility Training and Track
Artificial Green Walls
Sport Courts
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An Exclusive Look at Butler Football's Recruiting Process
cjyonker
Photo by Grace Denckhoff
With Butler Football announcing its class of 2022 just last week, the program now prepares for another long process for their next group of recruits.
College recruiting in Butler's football program is built on a year-to-year basis. The process starts by regions, as each position coach is assigned at least one area of the United States to cover. Running-backs coach Matthew McCarroll, for example, recruits athletes from highschools in Kentucky and Florida.
"Anybody from those areas that we think are good prospects, I'll kind of shake the tree and get that process going," McCarroll says, "Then, at that point, I let the position coach kind of watch him."
Once the position coach is alerted of the recruit, he or she can start developing a recruiting board that places each of the most desired recruits for the program on a list.
"As we get closer and closer to signing day, deeper and deeper into the process, you get your, trim your fat so to speak, you get your legitimate recruits," McCarroll says.
When it comes to advertising Butler as the right program to his recruits, McCaroll uses three, primary attributes of the university, the first being Butler's campus.
"You know once you get on campus if this is gonna be the school for you, so I could recruit the heck out of you, but if you don't like it [campus] then it is what it is."
The second aspect relies on Butler's significant and praised academic programs.
"Just from a school standpoint, we have a lot of stuff we can offer, such as internships to jobs."
Finally, McCarroll focuses on promoting the city of Indianapolis as much as he does the university.
"We sell the city just as much as the school. You can drive 15 minutes and be downtown already for a football or basketball game."
As far as what Butler looks for in a recruit, they have two focal points: academics and love of football.
"That's vital. To have guys who love football. That's like the overarching thing, and then the type of school you go to, you have to be great in the classroom as well. And if you're those two things, then we can at least kick the tires on you."
Butler Football is also strongly adamant about finding the right athletes where the program is best for everyone. The recruitment process takes significant time to judge each athlete and carefully determine if Butler Football is the appropriate place.
"I never want to get a kid here just to get a kid here," says McCarroll, "It has to be a great fit for both parties."
The recruiting process is long and arduous, but with coaches like McCarroll, Butler Football hopes to bring in the right guys to push the program forward.
The program will commence its season this fall on September 17, putting the newly-signed athletes into action.
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Dawg Talk – Episode 3
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Recap: Butler baseball swept by Seton Hall
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Description: For one in five U.S. teen girls, the most vivid memories of high school will not be her junior prom or a favorite history teacher. Instead, 20% of teen girls will remember the abuse inflicted by someone they were dating. Teens experiencing dating violence are more likely to suffer long-term negative behavioral and health consequences, including suicide attempts, depression, substance abuse, unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. However, there are interventions that are helping to prevent dating violence, increase safety and improve health. In this session, presenters will give an overview of the research on teen dating violence and its impact on youth, and will offer promising programs on how to respond. Specific clinic interventions will be featured and tools and resources for health care providers, teachers and parents will also be shared. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from community-based providers who have developed culturally responsive prevention and intervention strategies, as well as youth-driven and youth-led prevention programs.
This course, sponsored by Futures Without Violence (License #5155), meets the qualifications for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
For social workers outside of California: This webinar meets the qualifications for continuing education by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. It is your responsibility to determine whether the course meets your state board requirements.
Futures Without Violence designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Login to join the live webinar on February 20, 2013. Your login and log out times will be automatically recorded by the online webinar system. To receive full credit, you must participate for the full 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Complete the online evaluation form in its entirety by February 25, 2013 (the link will be provided at the end of the webinar).
A Certificate of Completion will be provided after steps 1-3 have been completed. Please be sure to include your full name, address, and email in the evaluation form. You will receive an electronic copy of the certificate via email approximately 5-7 business days after receipt of your evaluation form.
This activity received no commercial support. This webinar is sponsored by Futures Without Violence's National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence. The Center is funded by a grant from the Family Violence Prevention & Services Program, Family & Youth Services Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.


I'm a marketing coach, but don't much like the hype and false marketing promises that I have seen over the past nineteen years.
I believe that we can rise above that manipulative approach and exist in a space of authenticity and truth.
If you're a coach, solopreneur, business owner, nonprofit, or social media manager, the beauty of connecting with people and building relationships is at the core of creating a long-lasting and thriving business.
It starts with how you show up – in person and online. It continues with how you attract and work with clients. And it never ends – whether the contract technically ends or not. You've built a connection and have provided value. How do you want people to think about you afterward? If you want referrals and repeat business, your reputation is everything.
If we share the same beliefs, then there is a good chance we might be a good fit.


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She hated to admit it but he had become her security blanket to the world, whisking her away from the ill intent of others and bringing her to this safe haven. It wasn't a fear of being left alone that had her missing the foundations her feet now rested on, it was doubt.
"What aren't you telling me?" she asked suspiciously finding his flighty eyes with her own determined ones. Eric was usually straight with her, not bothering to placate her insecurities.
"I will be seeking the help of Sophie Anne," he admitted softly trying to hold on her fleeing body that had been nestled into his. The hurt look on her face gave no room for argument. He was guilty and they both knew it. He tried appeasing her with arguments but Sookie could hardly stand to listen. "She is the goddaughter of the lawyer that set up my grandmother's secret trust and is executor to my uncle's estate. She has already agreed to help me."
She felt betrayed once more and it hurt all the more that it was Eric. That he would seek the help of one of the co-conspirators that had no qualms in aiding Bill and Lorena.
"I'll see you when you get back then," she said coolly as she retreated to their once shared bedroom and closed the door on it. The very same door she had left open in invitation every night previous.
Eric had departed in the early morning hours and all Sookie found of him was a file that contained translated obituaries of his parents and a request that she try and seek out Halina again. He didn't bother with an apology, well aware with her policy by now. She assumed the obituaries were to provide some background information in case Halina mistook her for Astrid again. Sookie visited her every day that Eric was gone but Halina was never lucid or talkative enough when Sookie came by. She told the staff she was writing a short story on the elderly woman for a class and they seemed to indulge Sookie's presence and her inquisitive questions without qualms. Unfortunately she didn't discover anything new that hadn't become apparent from her file.
It was on the fifth day that she received a call from Amelia to come out with some of her friends that night. Having only had Halina as company for days she agreed without hesitation. At the realisation she didn't have anything appropriate to wear in her limited wardrobe Amelia promptly invited her to her apartment in Vasastan, not far from the library where they had initially met, so she could borrow her something for the evening.
Sookie happily gave Amelia wide berth to play dress up with her, trying on several of Amelia's clothes. They were hardly the same size or body type, Amelia was waifish where Sookie was more of a classic hourglass, but Amelia had a wardrobe that would cater to a whole host of different women. Whenever she would have arguments with her father, which was often, she would retaliate by assaulting his credit card not mindful at all to what she was buying.
They finally agreed on a dark navy body con dress that Amelia would never be able to fill out but fitted Sookie like a glove. Sookie did insist on wearing very warm tights and her leather boots with a modest heel underneath. She would not be venturing out into the cold, bare legged like Amelia was intending to.
As the evening progressed Amelia's friends joined them who had all been very pleasant with Sookie. They each seemed to be originating from a uniquely different part of the world and spoke with interesting accents, which Sookie sometimes found difficult to understand forcing them to repeat a word to her over and over again. The drinks that were being downed in the process were hardly helping everyone's coherence and was only adding to the greater hilarity of it all.
It was already getting quite late in the evening and Sookie wondered if they were ever going to leave the apartment when Amelia's boyfriend arrived with a waiting taxi downstairs. They piled into the van and headed off to a club where Amelia gleefully announced, "Drinks are on Daddy!" while flashing about her selection of black credit cards.
After an intense round of carefree dancing Sookie left the extensive gyrating and grinding to Amelia and her friends as she breathlessly collapsed in the sumptuously decorated booth with Alcide. He had briefly introduced himself earlier, he seemed sweet to Sookie. He was attractive standing just as tall as Eric but with wavy brown hair and mischievous green eyes. He was a diplomat's son from Paris. His mother, Elisabetta, a contessa from Italy and his father, Jacques Herveaux, descendant from a long line of public servants serving the French government since Napoleon's regime.
She was completely engrossed in the nonchalance at which Alcide spoke of his life, lineage and experiences while he seemed suitably unimpressed by his own tales. It caught her completely unaware as she was laughing at one of his stories when he pulled her body upon his and kissed her hard on the lips pushing his punishing tongue between the seams of her lips. In her intoxicated state she opened up and permitted his tongue to seek out hers, thinking she should allow herself a moment of validation in the hands of a handsome man.
It was the very next morning that Eric emerged by the door of the bedroom bags in hand.
"Miss me?" he asked with a triumphant smile.
"Whatever makes you say that?" she groaned her head pounding away at her skull.
He simply held up his phone displaying the text released by her drunken thumbs. She pulled it towards her hardly making out the message with squinted eyes.
"Shit," she groaned the actions of her drunken behaviour only now resurfacing again. She let her body crash back down upon the bed as she let out a frustrated low grunt. It was too early to think or fain enthusiasm at Eric's return.
"I am never drinking or having sex ever again." Her words were laced with venom as she projected them at the non-threatening white expanse of the ceiling.
When she moved her head back to the door Eric had disappeared and she heard the coffee machine churning in the background. He re-entered the room set down a mug of coffee on the bedside table and departed mumbling he'd be back later that night and not to wait up for him.
Sookie just closed her eyes and only barely remembered his presence when she saw the coffee that had gone cold beside her when she woke again in the early afternoon. Still in pain she sought out aspirin in the bathroom, unable to muster the courage to look at the train wreck she would surely find looking back at her in the mirror.
"Who the hell doesn't have aspirin," she moaned miserably. "Of course the man who doesn't believe in curtains either." Sookie sighed painfully at her reflection during a failed effort to soothe her headache by massaging the temples of her forehead.
She set about to ingest copious amount of greasy foods and gallons of coffee and spent the rest of the day lounging on the couch watching mindless reality TV, trying fervently to forget the events of the previous night. Apparently the Swedes were obsessed with the reality genre, as it seemed to be playing on all the different channels.
She looked at her phone intermittently, noting no new messages from Eric, much to her disappointment nor was he answering her calls. There was a text from Amelia but she deleted it without reading it. She made a note to buy a new burner phone in the morning. If it wasn't her only connection to an absent Eric she would have tossed this one out by now.
Somewhere in the late afternoon she had fallen asleep again with the television still on. She woke to a rumbling stomach and some sort of cook off show playing in the background which she promptly switched off. Encouraged by her empty stomach she went in search of something to eat in the fridge. It wasn't until she placed some leftovers in the microwave that she noticed that it was well past midnight.
Sookie startled at the sound of jiggling keys by the front door and was relieved to find Eric at the other side of it. In her excitement at seeing him again, now fully sober, she flew her arms around him.
"Good to see you back," she greeted him genuinely happy to see him despite her feelings about Sophie Anne. The time apart had given Sookie pause to think and she came to the conclusion that she would have done the same in his position. She had hoped to tell him this before he got back but she had lacked the courage to call him. However, he held his body firm not reciprocating her embrace as he coolly disentangled her arms from him.
"Yes," he simply responded monotonously as he moved past her and towards his little cave. Sookie was confused with the apparent aloofness and she quickly followed his movements through the apartment. She leaned into the doorpost of the room where he had seated himself behind the desk as he continued to ignore her presence.
"I didn't like you seeking out Sophie Anne's help," Sookie said regretfully. "But I understand the necessity. I forgave you before you even left the country. I'm sorry I didn't say anything sooner."
He nodded his understanding but he didn't speak any more fumbling unnecessarily through the papers upon his desk. Confused at why her apology hadn't cleared the air she wracked her brain what else she had to apologise for. The text was relatively harmless maybe she had said something unkind earlier?
"I'm sorry if I said or did anything this morning? I was a bit hung over."
"I am not upset with what you did this morning," he spoke pointedly emphasizing the last two words.
"Spit it out Eric," she said irately her growling stomach not helping matters. "I've never taken passive aggressive well."
Sookie barely made out his clenching fists in the dimly lit room, as he seemed to be shoring up his response.
"Fine," Eric gritted out. "Next time you seek out meaningless sexual encounters I prefer you not to invite strangers into my home."
"What! This is what has you upset? No one came in here Eric. This is your home I wouldn't jeopardise your safety or your privacy," she spoke erratically desperate to disprove his erroneous thoughts. "I had the night from hell. Whatever made you think I was entertaining men in your bed?"
"You said you were never drinking and having sex again and the room stank of both," he sneered at her masking the hurt of her betrayal. There were no spoken agreements between them but her promise of 'someday' had kept him firmly bound to her.
She sighed heavily, "Well the drinking was on account of the hangover, I don't think I've ever drank so much. Those cocktails sure go fast."
Eric gave her annoyed glare to get on with it.
"Right, self-explanatory. The sex: where to begin…. Amelia invited me out to a club with her," she trailed off into her story.
The previous evening
"Stop," Sookie managed with some semblance of sobriety to pull her body from Alcide's wandering hands and lips. For the mere second of enjoyment that she allowed guilt and regret crashed into her threefold.
"You are not enjoying yourself?" Alcide whispered in his thick accent, still holding her firmly by her arms.
"Yes. I mean no. You're a very good kisser…" her words were spilling out at high speed before she took a much needed breath, "Amelia." Eric.
"Amelia told me you needed cheering up, non?" Alcide returned with a cheery grin while loosening the grasp on her at which Sookie immediately distanced herself from him.
"What? I'm not gonna do this it's really inappropriate," Sookie mumbled as she quickly exited from the booth in search for Amelia to bid her goodbye. She hoped not all French men were this inconsiderate towards their partners. From what Sookie had gathered from Amelia and seen from their interactions they were a really happy couple together.
"Suzy what happened to you?" Amelia asked as she took in her frazzled appearance. She pulled a tissue from her designer purse and started cleaning up the smeared lipstick around her lips.
"Minor altercation, I'm sorry Amelia but I think I'm gonna head home," she yelled over the loud thumping music.
"No. Please stay we're having so much fun," Amelia pleaded pulling her by the hands to dance with her again. Sookie stood her ground and shook her head no, standing still in the over joyous crowd writhing in synchronised movements. "Well if you insist Alcide will bring you home."
"No I'll manage on my own. Don't worry about me."
"Don't you like Alcide, hasn't he been friendly to you?" Sookie really didn't know how to respond, had you asked her five years ago she would have immediately told Amelia about Alcide's advances. Today she wasn't ready to be that friend. She had been that friend to Tara and that hadn't ended well.
"Alcide's fine. I just really don't want to be around any men right now," she lied. What she really meant was I really don't want to be around your man right now.
"Suze I'm so sorry," Amelia said gave with a small pout. "Tell you what I'll send Alcide away he seems to be moping in the corner anyway. Then we'll head over to Riche, the security there is way better. Just us girls."
Sookie considered it. Up until Alcide's unwelcome attentions she was having a really good time with Amelia and her friends. "Ok, just us girls," she agreed.
The rest of the evening had continued in much the same spirit as before and Sookie had really enjoyed herself as the three remaining girls stumbled out of the club. They were drunk arguing about how to get home, Sookie just wanted to get back to Södermalm to the comfort of her own bed. However she seemed unable to pronounce her street name in her drunken slur, much to Amelia and Katrina's hilarity. Eventually it was decided Sookie would stay in Amelia's guest room until someone could understand where she lived. At this point Sookie really didn't care where she was going to sleep as long as it had a pillow. Amelia was texting away rapidly on her phone while intermittently making out with Katrina on the cab ride back.
Sookie was glad she hadn't told Amelia about her concerns with Alcide earlier. Apparently they were both liberal with their lips. When they got to Amelia's apartment Katrina was dragged into the main bedroom while Sookie was pointed towards the guest bedroom. She heard the two women start to make out again but she was too tired to care. Sookie entered the bedroom not bothering to switch on the light kicked off her boots and slid under the covers of the bed where she collided with a hard, warm and very naked body.
"Fuck me," she groaned in annoyance with perhaps not her best choice of words. Amelia didn't tell her she'd be sharing a bed with some random person. Before she could even identify the stranger his voice made himself known.
"Happy to oblige, ma chérie," he spoke excitedly as Alcide moved his body over hers clawing at her dress. Sookie froze at his assault on her as well as the words he had spoken to her. They were some of the first words Eric had spoken to her with amusement, when they stopped being assassin and mark and became Eric and Sookie. She filled with rage that someone else would sully those words for her.
"Get the fuck off me!" Sookie screamed into the dark.
"Suzy do not worry it is me, Alcide," he returned holding her firm in his grasp as he continued his forced seduction on her, kissing down her still dressed body as he tried to lift the hem of her dress.
"I know who you are," she hissed as she desperately tried to keep her clothing on her body but it hardly seemed to stop his onslaught.
"AMELIA!" she screamed trying to release herself from Alcide's grasp.
The door flung open to an Amelia sporting a pair of lacy boy shorts and nothing else as light flooded in behind her. Instead of the domestic dispute Sookie had expected while she scrambled out of the bed Amelia seemed decidedly unimpressed by her boyfriend in bed with another woman.
"What's wrong Suzy? I thought you and Alcide hit it off."
Sookie's jaw was hanging down, her mouth gaping, wondering how the hell she had ended up here, in this situation.
"Seriously? What's wrong with me?" she yelled finding some semblance of rationality in her drunken state. "Who the hell pimps out their boyfriend to their friends? What made you think staying over at your house meant me sleeping with your boyfriend?"
She simply shrugged completely unbothered by the situation at hand and her own naked state. "We have an open relationship when one of us sees something they like we help each other out. We were hoping you'd join us both in our bed eventually. You have a great body you know."
Sookie had heard enough and gathered her things and ran for the front door while unfortunately overhearing the trail end of Amelia and Alcide's conversation over her departure.
"Come on Alcide join me and Katrina."
"Pfff. She screeches so much. I really wanted to fuck that Snoozie tonight."
Sookie slammed the door behind her disgusted at their behaviour. She walked the streets of Stockholm vainly in search of a taxi. Her feet were killing her and she wished she could just call Eric and he would rescue her like he always would.
In an unbridled drunken moment she sent him a text after the days of radio silence between them.
I miss you. Please come back to me.
"So in the end I ended up walking the whole way back home and you found me exhausted a few hours later," she said as finished relaying the entire story to Eric.
Eric pulled her miserably sagging body into his in the kindest of embraces. "I'm sorry I overreacted," he murmured into the shell of her ear. Eric held himself together for her but underneath rage was boiling at what had happened to her in his absence. "You seemed so out of character I should have known better. I'm sorry to have assumed the worst."
Sookie sighed contentedly in his chest. "For once your apologies are actually warranted. Thank you for being here for me." She buried her head in a little further, basking in the comfort he offered. "Seriously Eric, do I you just scream 'sexual plaything for you to use and abuse'?" Sookie asked looking up at him finally releasing the tears she had been holding in all day.
He looked down at her earnestly, brushing aside the hair that had stuck to her dampened face. "Don't you ever think that. You are trusting, loving, loyal and kind," Eric said confessing her most admired qualities as he kissed the top of her head. It hit him then that the smell that lingered in hair now resonated as home to him. Ever since arriving back in Sweden he hadn't felt settled until this moment. Breathing in the scent of the first woman who was trusting, loving, loyal and kind to him. "Perhaps these are qualities you shouldn't bestow so easily on strangers. Listen to your gut a little more. Did you even think to use your ability on Alcide or Amelia?"
She shook her head no, Sookie wondered aloud what it was that made her utilise her ability so easily with people who had the best intentions but shut it out with those with the worst.
"People with good intentions aren't defensive, they're open to you, they have nothing to hide as long as they are unaware of your ability," he concluded after some thought.
"That's what it was like for you?" she asked with furrowed brows. "You came to kill me, your intentions were hardly good."
"I was highly reluctant to kill you to begin with," he corrected as his ran through her tangled hair. "After the dud I had no interest in harming you. Before that it was only because I had to and even then I was struggling with it."
"Ok," she spoke softly to his chest.
"Come, let's get your food."
He sat her down at the table as he checked on her impromptu meal and he reheated it slightly and served it to her with a tall glass of water.
"It's true," she smiled at him. "You really do have the best intentions."
He couldn't help but smile back at her, his anger at the situation dissipating, as he sat across from her nursing his own glass of water.
"You don't drink," Sookie remarked only now realising she had never seen him partake in alcohol.
"Only on rare occasions."
"Are you an alcoholic?"
"No," Eric answered holding her free hand in his. The events had shocked him and he feared the worst that could have happened to her. Somehow holding her assured him she was safe and sound. His thumb traced the lines of her fingers in a rhythmic soothing. "I was in Russell's care at the age when you are supposed to be interested in parties and chasing girls. I was home schooled and I saw little appeal in it."
"You're not Bill's next recruit are you?" she sniggered for the first time being able to find some lightness in events transpired. Sookie could hardly imagine a man of Eric's looks still holding on to his V card.
He smirked at her, an expression that had annoyed her greatly before but which she was now glad to see return. "Far from it and Bill's hardly my type," he leered in jest. "Speaking of which you have yet to explain the sex smell in the bedroom."
She gulped down her bite of spaghetti audibly, the hand he held onto tried to escape his grasp but just like the answer she owed him it wasn't going anywhere.
"Shit," she offered sheepishly. "I hoped my story was distracting enough that you had forgotten about that." Eric merely responded with a demanding quirk of his eyebrow.
"Fine," she huffed out. "I may or may not have been entertaining a very excitable dream in my drunken state. Don't worry I'll change the sheets and sleep on the sofa from now on if you want me to."
Eric chuckled at her admission, if only she knew what he had been entertaining about her in his subconscious, never mind when he was conscious. It was all very excitable indeed.
"You're welcome to continue to make use of the bed," he said with a leisurely perusal of her body. "Are you still comfortable to have me in it?"
She nodded shyly, her face still flushed, only confirming to him that said dream had involved his presence and not that of the arrogant diplomat's son that had stolen her lips from him. The thought of that made him happier than he had been in months, perhaps even years.
A/N: A little announcement:
I have a few days off before the weekend so I'm going to be doing some maintenance to the site as I have found that it works perfectly fine when you realise the black square in the top right hand corner is a drop down menu but it is an extreme pain to navigate if you don't realise that. So I'll most likely be changing some appearances so apologies if you have, or had, issues with accessing the site. And…
I'll be off on holiday for the next couple of weeks to a place where Wi-Fi will be shoddy at best. I'll see what I can do but it may happen that a week passes without an update or that it happens on a different day. It's Already Gone is the only story that will continue as scheduled seeing that it coincides with the show. For those impatient ones among you I suggest to read/catch up with another one of my stories while I'm gone or make sacrifices to the Wi-Fi gods and pray for good reception. I'll be back at work September 1st so unless I catch Hep-V regular scheduling will commence from that point onwards.
15 thoughts on "Chapter 9 – Interlude"
6 Months to Live: Chapter 8 is ready! | Fang meets Fairy and other encounters	 July 30, 201420:18	 Reply
[…] Chapter 9 – Interlude […]
mom2goalies	 July 31, 201400:20	 Reply
Glad he listened and glad she explained. Really enjoying these characters and hope they can both be honest with each other about feelings soon…how can she just sleep while in bed with him?!?!?!
hisviks	 July 31, 201410:52	 Reply
Like anything wrong in Sookie's life I blame Bill for her lack of making any moves. His seduction of her was quick (engaged within 42 days on the show and this story) and she's determined not to make the same mistake twice and Eric is suffering in silence because of it. Poor man. Ah… if everyone just knew everything life would be so much simpler… but I'd have nothing to write about 😉
Well, we can't have you with nothing to write about! That would leave me nothing to read. Bill can be blamed for everything wrong in the universe as far as I'm concerned LOL
New Posts 7/30/14 | Fanfiction Minions	 July 31, 201406:01	 Reply
outinritefield	 August 9, 201421:39	 Reply
I was worried that Sookie had gone out and had too much 'fun' when she made that comment. I didn't think for a second that she brought someone back to his place. Just enjoyed the company elsewhere. Glad that they cleared that up and didn't go several chapters bickering and angry with each other. Now we can get back to finding out who is behind the hit on Eric's parents.
Have a great holiday!!
hisviks	 August 9, 201423:20	 Reply
Can't stand bickering so I shall avoid it when I can in writing and in RL… little bit of the A+A aftermath at the start of the next chapter but then we will get back to digging more into Eric's family's past, hope to get it out sometime early next week.
damn on the Amelia and Alcide thing sand yeah I would get a new phone too… but Eric, damn dude you cornered her but she prevailed with the truth and it won you over… hmm the dreams i can think of a few … KY
murgatroid98	 December 17, 201400:42	 Reply
What a shame it seems Sookie needs to interrogate potential friends. Amelia's behavior is not as bad as Bill's but it's still no way to treat someone you hardly know.
redjane12	 January 3, 201512:13	 Reply
Huh Amelia is a douche just like in the books… one of my fav. characters to hate… so glad she is awful here too… spoilt self-centred brat… The 'sex' confusion was great to get Eric all worked up and jealous but glad they've cleared the air… Sookie really has to start being a bit more careful when meeting new people… I do get that she doesn't want to 'interrogate' people but she should before trusting to go into their homes etc…. Most people are full of good intentions but look at that Bill/Connor experience…
hisviks	 January 3, 201514:28	 Reply
I always thought Amelia was the worst friend in the world for Sookie and Alcide's actions were always questionable. I think Sookie's weakness was always that she viewed her ability as a disability and stopped listening to her gut in extension and that's what made her the inevitable trouble magnet.
desireecarbenell	 January 12, 201518:47	 Reply
Well now I know that Amelia and Sookie are not going to be besties.
Jackie69	 January 24, 201522:15	 Reply
Well i guess Sookie and Amelia aren't going to be best friends right?
The scene with Alcide in bed reminds me of what happen in the books….
So glad Sookie cleared things with Eric and he listened…
gwynwyvar	 March 8, 201604:41	 Reply
Hope you had a great trip away last year 🙂
Dang, that's a freaky thing to have happen. I was invited to a threesome when I was 19, my friend and her boyfriend. We'd all been spending a lot of time together over a few months, and it was kinda flattering that they were both attracted to me, but I was a virgin lol.
I had one year where I had three non-single guys hit one me, all within a few weeks. I felt like I was cursed! I won't judge others for having open relationships, if they are both happy, then who am I to say anything… I just can't… Even when both of them tell me it's fine, I just… Nope. Poor Sookie. That was just being blindsided!
Yay for Sookie and Eric getting things sorted between them again. Glad Sookie got over her snit that Eric was getting help from SA.
hisviks	 March 8, 201622:27	 Reply
Boundaries are a weird thing these days. I think threesomes were a bit of a sexual fad for awhile, I guess now it's anal and I'm getting rather worried about what's next…


text:
Q: What are the chances my wife has lupus? *1.5 million people have lupus in America out of a population of 308 million. 90 percent are women. My wife is white, as is 63 percent of the country. Minorities are three times more likely to have lupus than whites.
My wife has been diagnosed with lupus, but the diagnosis may not be correct.
*20 percent of lupus patients have a parent or sibling with lupus. My wife does not.

*

*70 percent of people with lupus have positive double-stranded anti-DNA test.
My wife does not.

*70 percent of lupus cases are systemic, which is what she is diagnosed with.
What is the probability she has lupus?
So, to be simple... What are the chances given the first set of stats, the 1.5 million out of 308 million and further reducing stats, that she would have lupus (one out of 9 million, etc)?
second question, can the probablity and odds be calculated from the percentages. There was a one in five chance a sibling or parent has it, plus a 70 percent chance she would have the double dna test, but didn't. As we combine these percentages and figures, can it be deduced?

A: There is no way anyone can give the answer to the question you ask based on the information you provided. Most of the information you do provide might, if it was thoughly completed (you certainly need the correlations between the individual factors you provide) give the a priori prababilty that a white woman with no sibling etc. would have lupus. That probability could also be computed simply by counting the number of lupus cases among people in that exact category compared to the total number of people in that category (but counting lupus cases is not that simple: your question boils down to asking whether your wife should be included in such a count).
However the key ingredient in the question is that your wife has been diagonsed (maybe incorrectly) with lupus. There is no way in which one can derive the effect this has on the probability. Certainly if the diagonosis is worth anything, it greatly increases the probability above the a priori probability. But to know by how much this affects the probability, one would need to know all the factors the diagonsis is based on (and you supply none), together with a very detailed analysis of how those factors correlate with this disease or other ones. So people are right that you should ask an epidimiologist, who has some chance of knowing the relevant information, unlike the poeple on this site. And even for an epidimiologist the question is very hard to give a reliable answer to.

A: An answer that explained why the question cannot be answered in its present form was given but then deleted after you commented on it; I'll try to explain in more detail why there is not enough information to state the desired probability. I want to emphasize that I'm not saying this because I disapprove of the question; as I wrote in a comment, I think it's not for us to decide whether you should be asking this question; it's just that there is simply not enough information, and if you really do want to find the desired probability on your own, you'd need to obtain the missing information.
First, we know nothing about the tests that were performed. You can see that the answer must depend on the reliability of the tests by considering the extreme cases: If the test is utterly unreliable and its results bear almost no relation to the actual presence of the disease, then the probability is tiny, namely roughly the same as before the test. If the test is perfectly reliable and never fails, the probability is $1$. That's a huge difference, and the only way to know where between those extremes the actual probability lies is from information about the reliability of the test, which we don't have.
Second, all the correlating properties that you list (ethnicity, sex, relatives, ...) may or may not be correlated among each other. That is, lupus might tend to be congenital in men but not in women or vice versa. Without knowing these correlations, one could only give bounds on the probability by making opposite extreme assumptions on the correlations. These bounds might be slightly more useful than the range "between tiny and $1$" due to the reliability issue, but to get a single probability you'd have to know these correlations or at least make reasonable assumptions about them.

A: My take, as an Epidemiologist: The question really isn't answerable as given, for several reasons:

*

*Without very subject specific knowledge, there's no way of knowing if there's effect measure modification between some of those estimates. For example, if you're more likely to have lupus as a woman and more likely to have it as a minority, what happens if you are a female minority member? Are the two independent? Do they interact additively? Multiplicatively?

*There's a key factor missing: Why is he asking? He's probably not sitting at his desk going "I wonder if she has lupus..." Next week, we're likely not going to get "What is the probability my wife has dengue fever?" There's a reason he thinks this is true, which distorts all those statistics again, as those are population figures, not "Population where a family member suspects you have lupus" figures.

*The closest thing I could peg as a thing where you could produce a specific value is the "Negative Predictive Value" of the diagnostic test, but a quick googling suggests there are several brands of that particular type of test available, and without more information, you can't really answer it.

What should this poor guy be told? To consult with his wife and her doctor. Trying to apply population level statistics to an individual is exactly not what epidemiological evidence is meant to do.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Clocking In
Kevin Spacey channels Frank Underwood in 'Call of Duty' game trailer
By mysa-admin on May 2, 2014 at 6:20 PM
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Kevin Spacey is just about the last person you'd expect to see in a video game — albeit a CGI-version of the Academy-Award winning actor — but he slips into full Frank-Underwood-beast-mode in the new "Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare."
While not officially associated with the popular Netflix series "House of Cards," there is no denying the resemblance between Spacey's portrayal of the ruthless, murdering politician, Frank Underwood and Spacey's portrayal of CoD's ruthless, murdering corporate overlord.
The first clip of Spacey in the animated role was officially unveiled on CoD's Instagram account with the actor voice the tagline, "ideas don't determine who's right. Power determines who's right. And I have the power, so I'm right."
Sounds like Frank to me.
-Chris Preovolos


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Bill Thomas grew up in Austin, Texas. His father was a doctor and he started playing in many local rock and roll bands. The most notable was the Eternal Life Corporation, Primitive Moderns and Slow Motion. Slow Motion opened up for The Police on their first American tour. Bill started playing guitar and recorded two albums of his original material. The two CD's are "The Love Doctor" and "Turn the Dice." Both CD's are available at CD Baby and iTunes. Bill has also finished two full length screenplays. They are "The Loose Quarter" and "Tres Hombres." Bill has also finished a novella entitled "The Three Souls." The books is available at Amazon and many other online stores. Bill is also currently working on a new CD and is working on another book.


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There's exhaustion and then there's extreme exhaustion which can not be fixed by a coffee or an early night. This is often diagnosed as Adrenal Fatigue!
To be correctly diagnosed, you should complete a 24 hour urine test which will give you an accurate look at what your cortisol levels are doing throughout a 24 hour period. After taking this test myself, I discovered that my body had stopped producing normal levels of cortisol and was already in conversation mode. My adrenal glands produced just enough cortisol each day to basically keep me alive but they were completely overworked. Since being diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue, I've had to implement a few lifestyle changes to bounce back. I already eat well, exercise 6 days per week and try my best to practice meditation daily – what I realised though, is that once adrenal fatigue has set in, it's a real uphill battle to recover from and this just wasn't enough.
I was a three-shots-per-day kind of girl for more than 6 years so being told to remove caffeine from my diet for a few weeks was torture. Nonetheless, I knew I had to make some big, uncomfortable changes and coffee was the most important and probably the one thing that contributed the most to me being able to bounce back as quickly as I did. I removed caffeine from my diet for 3 weeks and replaced my usual flat white with a protein smoothie to curb any cravings.
As for my diet, prior to Adrenal Fatigue, I followed a paleo-based diet which limited whole grains and as a result, kept my daily calories on the lower side for me. After being diagnosed, I included more gluten-free carbohydrates into my diet such as Quinoa, Teff, Sorghum, Buckwheat and Kamut. When we don't consume enough calories throughout the day, this can force our body to increase cortisol so you want to ensure that you aren't putting yourself into a calorie deficit unnecessarily.
I've heard that some people can successfully get back on their feet simply by taking 2-3 rest days between workouts but I had to stop my usual workouts for a minimum of two weeks. For some, this can extend out to a few months just depending on how severe the fatigue is. As someone who has consistently exercised for the past 3 years, stopping altogether was a little daunting because I mainly exercise to keep my mental health in check. What I did instead was turn to YouTube where I stumbled across @SarahBethYoga. Sarah has an incredible restorative yoga playlist dedicated to targeting stress & anxiety. I did the same guided 30min practice every day for the first week and I can't begin to explain how euphoric I felt after each session. After this, I made my way through her 7 day yoga challenge and haven't looked back since – I still turn to Sarah's channel regularly!
It took a good month of consistent restorative yoga before I felt like I could attempt HIIT style workouts and when I did, I started very slowly by doing 20secs work and 40secs rest and improving on this ever so slowly each week. Exercise is brilliant for your mind & body but sometimes, more intense forms of exercise can stress the body even more which is not ideal in this situation.
When life gets busy, the time we go to bed usually gets pushed back which creates a real knock-on effect. I had to make a conscious effort to go to bed before 10pm and switch of all devices at least 1 hour before shut eye. Studies have shown that we tend to get a second wind after 10pm so making sure you are asleep by this time is key to getting enough good quality sleep.
My Naturopath suggested a monthly dose of liquid herbs to help support my adrenals which worked like a charm. If you are unable to work 1-ON-1 with a Naturopath to formulate a specific blend for you, Cort RX by ATP Science is an incredible product which contains adaptogenic herbs to help combat our stress response in a very similar way.
On top of my daily meditation, I also incorporated weekly acupuncture sessions for 1 month. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy that is said to work very effectively to reduce chronic stress plus it forces you to lie in a meditative state for a significant amount of time which has huge benefits of its own.
Was this diagnosed by your doctor or naturopath? Sounds like something I have (am) experiencing!


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stacker:docs:licenseterms [2016/03/15 19:19] (current)
====== Zerene Stacker: License Terms ====== ====== Zerene Stacker: License Terms ======
- Here is a draft representation of the end-user license agreement for Zerene Stacker Version 1.04. + Here is the end-user license agreement for Zerene Stacker Version 1.04, as it is embedded in the current software.
- This version is provided for planning purposes only and may contain slightly different wording from the official agreement provided when the software is downloaded and installed to start your trial period. +
===== ===== ===== =====
16. LIBTIFF. The SOFTWARE incorporates libtiff version 4.0.0beta3, in accordance with its licensing terms as copied below. 16. LIBTIFF. The SOFTWARE incorporates libtiff version 4.0.0beta3, in accordance with its licensing terms as copied below.
- 17. GOVERNING LAW AND GENERAL PROVISIONS. This EULA will be governed by the laws of the State of Washington, U.S.A. + 17. Metadata Extractor. The SOFTWARE incorporates the metadata-extractor-2.4.0-beta-1 from https://drewnoakes.com/code/exif/, in accordance with its embedded licensing terms.
+ 18. ExifTool. The SOFTWARE incorporates ExifTool. Standard Version 9.98 from http://www.sno.phy.queensu.ca/~phil/exiftool, in accordance with the Perl Artistic license, Paragraph 8, embedded aggregation of the Package.
+ 19. GOVERNING LAW AND GENERAL PROVISIONS. This EULA will be governed by the laws of the State of Washington, U.S.A.
+ Zerene Stacker is copyright (C) 2009-2015 by Zerene Systems, LLC., all rights reserved.
- Zerene Stacker is copyright (C) 2009-2013 by Zerene Systems, LLC., all rights reserved.
====== ====== ====== ======
- The additional agreements referenced by clauses 10 through 16 are not provided here, but are included with the installed software as described. + The additional agreements referenced by clauses 10 through 19 are not provided here, but are included with the installed software as described.
stacker/docs/licenseterms · Last modified: 2016/03/15 19:19
Copyright 2009-2019, Zerene Systems LLC, all rights reserved.


text:
Nearly 1,000 tonnes of fish reported dead in Đồng Nai River
May, 23/2019 - 16:33
The fish, including hemibagrus, red tilapia and carp, were mature and ready to be sold
A farmer collects his dead fish on La Ngà River in southern Đồng Nai Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Lê Xuân
ĐỒNG NAI — Nearly 1,000 tonnes of fish have died since last Thursday on the La Ngà River in southern Đồng Nai Province, causing losses of billions of đồng to local fish farming households.
Ngô Tấn Tài, vice chairman of the Định Quán District's People's Committee, told Tuổi trẻ (Youth) newspaper that 81 fish farming households from La Ngà and Phú Ngọc communes had reported 977 tonnes of dead fish as of Monday.
The fish, including hemibagrus, red tilapia and carp, were mature and ready to be sold.
Earlier, last Friday, the committee reported there were 16 affected households in the two communes with 330 tonnes of dead fish.
Tài explained that the committee so far still had no final figure and would continue to collect statistics on dead fish from local households to get the most accurate number.
Tài asked the provincial People's Committee, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to work with relevant agencies to investigate the mass fish deaths.
On May 16, fish farming households found their stock floating on the water after heavy rainfall occurred at about 5am. They showed signs of a lack of oxygen.
The households said they did all they could to save the fish, including using oxygen aerators and pulling fish cages towards lower areas of the river. However, the fish still died en mass.
On May 18, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment required the provincial People's Committee to take water and fish samples to evaluate the pollution of the river and re-examine wastewater sources being discharged into the river.
The ministry also asked the committee to direct departments, sectors and agencies to assess losses of the affected households and to instruct them how to collect dead fish properly to avoid environmental pollution.
Notably, the ministry said a similar mass fish death occurred at the same time last year.
The results of the inspection must be publicised to local people and press agencies, the committee said.
The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development estimated that more than 1,900 tonnes of fish from 132 local households were found dead along the 5km river last June.
Locals suspected that discharged wastewater from nearby factories might have caused the deaths.
Water and fish samples were collected for testing two weeks later.
The results showed the low oxygen content in the water and the high density of fish were the main cause of the mass fish deaths.
The heavy rainfall, which swept the polluted water upstream, worsened the incident.
As of last December, the provincial People's Committee spent more than VNĐ12 billion (US$516,000) to support affected households in Phú Ngọc and La Ngà communes. — VNS
Domestic elephant to be taken to Yôk Đôn National Park
Cold weather to blanket northern Việt Nam during Tết
Workshop discusses marine spatial planning for sustainable oceans in Việt Nam
Back to the wild
Rich biodiversity database debuts
Climate change adaption set as IFAD's priority in its next decade to Việt Nam
Private investment mobilisation to rural areas, micro finance for women and smart climate change adaption are three top priorities of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in its coming years in Việt Nam, IFAD Associate Vice President Donal Brown said Wednesday.
Vân Long Wetland Nature Reserve is Việt Nam's 9th Ramsar site
The Vân Long Wetland Nature Reserve in the northern province of Ninh Bình has been recognised as Việt Nam's ninth Ramsar site.
Gia Lai struggles to fight pine forest destruction
Gia Lai Forest Protection sub-department has asked police to investigate the destruction of pine forest emerged recently, Thanh Niên (Young People) newspaper reported.
River erosion dangerous in Kiên Giang
The total river erosion length is about 195km, of which 25km is very serious. Total seaside erosion is more than 64km, with more than 30km very serious
Forest watchers makes mangrove forest their homes
More than a hundred forest watchers from the HCM City's Youth Volunteers are spending their days and nights in the vast Cần Giờ Mangrove Forest.
Nanotechnology reduces odour on Tô Lịch River
A Japanese cleaning nano-technology has helped reduce the bad smell from the polluted Tô Lịch River in Hà Nội, according to online newspaper toquoc.vn.vn.
Seventh graders win environmental documentary award
A short documentary on how to unleash the potential of sustainable tourism of Quảng Nam Province's Thu Bồn River after the historic flood in 2000 brought a special prize for two secondary school students in the "School Ambassador in Disaster Prevention and Climate Change Adaptation" Competition 2019 on Saturday.
HCM City wholesale markets to ban unprocessed farm produce
The HCM City's wholesale markets of Thủ Đức (in Thủ Đức District), Bình Điền (in Bình Chánh District) and Hóc Môn (in Hóc Môn District) are scheduled to ban unprocessed agricultural products since the end of the third quarter of this year.
Central Highlands pepper farmers hit by massive losses


text:
2020 FBI Norfolk Future Agents in Training Application Period Now Open
The application period for the 2020 FAIT closed March 21, 2020.
The FBI Norfolk Division is now accepting applications for this summer's weeklong Future Agents in Training (FAIT) program. The program is open to high school students ages 16 to 18 who live in the Hampton Roads region or Eastern Shore of Virginia and may be thinking about pursuing a career in the FBI, law enforcement, the law, or other public service.
FBI Norfolk is now accepting applications for our summer 2020 Future Agents in Training Program.
Acceptance into the FAIT program is competitive—a limited number of spaces are offered to young leaders from across Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore. The goal of the program is to help students learn about careers in public service. While some of the students may eventually find a future in law enforcement, the program focuses on exposing participants to the wide variety of options before them. Students will not only have the chance to interact with and learn from FBI employees, but they will meet and hear from our local and state police partners, public attorneys, and other community leaders, too.
"My experience in the Future Agents in Training program was a great one," said Isabel, now a high school junior from Newport News. "I was able to experience and learn so much about the FBI's role in our nation's government. I did not realize the different types of career paths I could pursue."
Throughout the week, students will take part in hands-on activities and demonstrations with FBI specialty teams such as the Evidence Response Team, SWAT, and FBI bomb techs, as well as with local teams like K-9 and marine patrol. Federal and state prosecutors will provide insight into the court process, and experts in counterintelligence, civil rights, violent crime, and white-collar investigations will engage the participants in discussions and case studies.
Acceptance into the FAIT program is competitive. A limited number of spaces are available for young leaders with an interest in pursuing a public service career.
Cheyanne, now a junior from Chesapeake, said, "I really enjoyed the experience, getting a behind the scenes look at the FBI and connecting with other kids who have similar interests. It was really eye-opening and interesting to have various experts come in and show us what their lives are like. We got to learn how to disassemble a bomb, prevent catastrophes before they happen, and hear how a person who legally 'doesn't exist' can testify in court."
One of the highlights of the week is when participants have an opportunity to work with FBI fitness instructors to learn how to train for FBI's Physical Fitness Test and then take on the test themselves. Last year, six students passed, demonstrating they are already on the right track for a future career as an agent.
Noor, now a senior in Virginia Beach, had such a good time in the program she said she would come back every summer, and her mother appreciated the impact it had on her daughter's career planning. She said, "The FAIT program was so impactful to my daughter it redirected her to looking at classes, colleges, and experiences that would help put her on a career path to work at the FBI. It offered her a wonderful set of goals built on integrity, honor, equality, diversity, and service."
FAIT students take part in hands on activities throughout the week with FBI and local law enforcement specialty teams.
FAIT students are challenged to take a mock FBI Physical Fitness Test (PFT). Those that pass prove they already have what it takes to become a special agent.
This year, FBI Norfolk is partnering with the Hampton Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. Each daily session will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in a different location, including the FBI field office in Chesapeake and venues in Hampton. The program is free to participants due to the support of the Norfolk FBI Citizen's Academy Alumni Association, which is a separate 501(c)(3) non-profit organization made up of graduates of the FBI's Citizens Academy.
Interested students must complete and submit the application (as one attachment) to vbtorres@fbi.gov by March 21, 2020. Students will be notified of the selections in May.


text:
Transcend Robotics Introduces ARTI3 Product Line for Mobile Ground Robotics
March 22, 2016 (PRLEAP.COM) Business News
Washington, D.C. – March 22, 2016 – Transcend Robotics, an innovator in ground-based robotic mobility, has introduced the ARTI3 family of products: ARTI3 Mobility Platform for integrators and developers, and ARTI3 Vantage for end user applications such as tactical and dangerous situations. These products leverage the patented Articulated Traction Control (ARTI) technology for quickly climbing stairs and other obstacles – ascending 3 steps in less than 8 seconds – without the need for complex software and controls.
"Until now, the ability to climb stairs and navigate human environments has been a major challenge for mobile robots. Traditional approaches of tackling this problem are too slow, require complex controls, and are too expensive for most applications," said Phil Walker, CEO of Transcend Robotics. "ARTI technology will transform the world of robotics mobility. The ARTI3 family of products brings that mobility to countless applications with unprecedented speed, simplicity, and versatility."
"ARTI3 has been a game changer for us," said Naeem Ahmed, President of Clickmox Solutions, a technology provider in the mining and industrial sectors. "By equipping ARTI3 with a laser scanner, we can easily produce 3D scans of hard-to-access and rugged environments, such as caved-in openings in underground mines and underneath civil structures with narrow openings. We do this remotely even without line-of-sight to ARTI3, with complete visibility with the 360-degree pan-tilt-zoom camera, and most importantly, safely without putting our staff in harm's way."
The ARTI3 product line from Transcend Robotics consists of two new offerings:
ARTI3 Mobility Platform enables integrators and developers to mobilize a broad range of applications in the real world. Use cases and industries include 3D mapping, telepresence, construction management, mining, and manufacturing. This versatile platform enables integrators to quickly mobilize sensors, electronics, and software, in as little as 90 days.
ARTI3 Vantage is an out-of-the-box solution for anyone to bring mobile robots into the environment they work. It comes equipped with pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, 30-lb payload capacity, IP-54 for wet environments, zero-degree turn radius, and color LCD remote control. ARTI3 Vantage is ideal for human and dangerous environments, such as tactical operations and hazardous inspection.
The patented ARTI technology is the first mobile robotics platform that utilizes a purely mechanical solution for seamless mobility up and down stairs and obstacles. ARTI technology can ascend 3 steps in less than 8 seconds without the complexity of artificial intelligence or highly trained operators. An ARTI robot simply needs to move in the forward direction to climb steps and navigate other obstacles that have previously limited robotics capabilities.
To see ARTI3 in action, visit: www.transcendrobotics.com.
About Transcend Robotics
Transcend Robotics is building the future of ground-based mobile robotics with the ARTI platform which is capable of traversing the many obstacles of the human world. Transcend's patented technology (patents: US 8434576 B1, US 8893832 B2) enables robotics mobility for the real-world without the need for skilled operators or complex automation software. Transcend currently distributes the platform to a variety of industries, including telepresence, defense/security, 3-D scanning, manufacturing, hospitality, mining, education, and research. Transcend Robotics is based in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.transcendrobotics.com.
Transcend Robotics
Email Transcend Robotics
Follow @transcendrobot


To make it start automatically at login, press the <Super> key and search for 'Startup Applications' in the Dash.
Click 'Add'. Type whatever in the name field and the command would be, 'classicmenu-indicator' (without quotes) as shown in the screenshot below.


It is said that the best Italian chefs are those born in the kitchen watching the family cooking.
I do not know if it's always true, but chef Vito of Aroma restaurant certainly belongs to this category. I'm glad I listened to my friend Joe and his wife Judy who urged me to experience this restaurant.
The low key interior is simple with a cozy décor. It looks like a nice, elegant restaurant of rural Italy with well used cookbooks that you can see on the wooden shelves, displayed old photos (not of celebrities, but of family), and a private room on the ground floor near the wine cellar. The place is perfect for private events. Aroma presents itself with a simple and tasteful character. The wine selection is stunning. You can find perfect pairings for each course such as a Ruche' of Castagnole Monferrato, a cozy Morattina Sangiovese di Romagna or a full-bodied Sicilian eponymous Etna Rosso wine born on the slopes of that volcano. Cheer on meat selections with a recommended Petit Verdot of Lazio (French in name but of Italian production). Vito's skillful enological choices is a card to play for there is no gamble here. The cured meats, as an appetizer, are a rarity, as the cacciatorino shipped directly from Italy is made using local pigs, raised naturally. They eat what humans eat, and hence we know the quality of their nutrition. The farro and leek soup, served not too hot enhances the pleasure of sipping it. Simple and tasty, it is undoubtedly the best way to start such a rare culinary adventure.
What I noticed, and I respect and admire deeply is the inventiveness of the chef in changing traditional family recipes to find new ground. Vito's mom's meatballs made with 33% portions of veal, pork and beef, mixed with chopped smoked scamorza cheese, onions, cooked in a pan and served with a ragu that cooked for 6 hours, are the exact example of a renewed classic recipe the result of which is flawless. I don't usually eat meatballs, unless I or my family made them, but these are to try and enjoy repeatedly. The ravioli, made in the shape of saccottini (little purses), are stuffed with fresh ricotta from DiPalo and artichokes cooked in a white wine sauce. Served with a sauce of cream and guanciale ham which was sautéed in a white wine vinegar, they are surprisingly delicate and delicious. Through the thin green dough, you can taste all the various flavors that make this dish so delectable. The work that goes into a dish like this fully shows in the final tasty result. The Portuguese octopus, tenderest of its kind, need only to be cut with a fork. It's served with corona beans and a precious green olive oil. It works as a perfect appetizer for those who do not eat cured meats. I recommend that you try them both if you have an appetite and desire to combine meat and fish. The risotto with crescenza cheese and guanciale ham sounds like a dish from the north of Italy. However, Vito, proudly southern, created this dish "listening" to what his palate and creativity were suggesting to him. Served properly al dente, this risotto has the flavor of the soft crescenza cheese smoothing out the strong character of tasty guanciale ham. It is a perfect marriage on the palate.
As far as the desserts, I recommend the semifreddo with Nutella (you cannot have lived without Nutella) creation of Vito's, with a Florentine crust and gianduja ricotta cheese. Various fresh sorbets accompany it with the excuse that they aid digestion. The chocolate tart with a heart of creamy fudge and finally the Cinnamon raisin bread pudding that you can consider a reinterpretation of the classic Italian Zuppa Inglese are also palate worthy. The experience at Aroma's is not like going to just a simple Italian restaurant, but rather finding a particular eatery, where you feel as if you were welcomed into an Italian family and served their proud recipes of generations. Fortunately, for this genuinely Italian, homey restaurant you do not have to take the plane to get there; Aroma is quite at hand right here in NYC.
Riccardo Costa, was born in Bologna, one of Italy's food capitals. From the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, Riccardo earned a BFA. In Italy and New York he worked as an assistant to director Spike Lee, among others. In his free time Riccardo is an accomplished chef. Learning to cook from his grandmother, a famous Bolognese socialite from the '50s, he assimilated all the century-old family culinary secrets. He has recently penned a cookbook of some of these traditional Italian recipes, which he shares with friends, acquaintances, celebrities, intellectuals, politicians, and artists who come to his apartment to eat exceptional food, discuss ideas, and network.


Dry eyes as a result of contact lenses adversely affecting tear film surface quality (TFSQ) can be a very real problem for both rigid and soft contact lens wearers. Researchers reporting in the May 2012 Eye & Contact Lens: Science & Clinical Practice demonstrated that both rigid and soft contact lenses negatively impacted the TFSQ in both natural and suppressed blinking conditions with no significant differences found between the lens types and materials. "This research is important to keep in mind when contact lens wearers present for LASIK consultations since the evaluation of the tear film quality and quantity is a critical consideration of determining the patient's candidacy for any type of Laser Vision Correction-but especially for LASIK surgery," commented Baltimore LASIK Surgeon & Corneal Specialist Brad Spagnolo, M.D., F.A.C.S of Baltimore Washington Eye Center. "Given that a significant number of our patients electing to have LASIK today are indeed contact lens wearers and that dry eye is probably the most common side effect of LASIK that we see with our patients, we need to be aware that some of the pre LASIK tear film abnormalities that we find are actually due to their contact lens wear and that, with a sufficient amount of time without contact lens wear, many contact lens wearers who want LASIK will recover a normal tear film surface quality and be able to proceed with Laser Vision Correction," noted Fairfield County LASIK Surgeon & Corneal Specialist Leslie Doctor, M.D. of Doctor & Associates with offices in Norwalk, Westport and Wilton, CT.
Contact lens patients considering LASIK or any type of Laser Eye Surgery for vision correction are encouraged to find the best LASIK Surgeons in their area and have a thorough evaluation, examination and consultation in order to find out if they are good candidates.


text:
Emerging Markets : Investors Cheer As Rules Are Relaxed
Author: Thomas Clouse
On the rise: China's rule changes have boosted Hong Kong's markets.
China has further relaxed constraints on the investment industry, saying it will, for the first time, allow private citizens to invest individually in the Hong Kong stock market. Following the announcement of the pilot program, potential investors swamped Bank of China Tianjin, the first bank allowed to participate in the program, and anticipation of investment money flowing from the mainland drove stock prices in Hong Kong to record highs. Implementation of the pilot program has slowed since the announcement, however, because of concerns that capital outflows from mainland China might destabilize Hong Kong and domestic stock markets. Chinese companies' stock prices in Hong Kong are significantly lower, based on price/earning ratios, than stock prices for the same companies on mainland exchanges.
The government's own investment managers are also spreading their wings. In order to fund an investment management company to oversee its more than $1.3 trillion in foreign exchange reserves, the Ministry of Finance sold 600 billion yuan ($79 billion) in special treasury bonds in late August. The new fund had already bought a $300 million stake in New York-based private equity company Blackstone in May. China historically has invested its foreign exchange reserves in US treasuries but has cut back its purchases, hoping to achieve higher returns through other investments.
Chinese companies are taking advantage of loosening financial restrictions to raise money through corporate bond issuance. In the past, issuances required the backing of a state-owned bank, effectively turning them into low-risk, government-backed bonds. Under new guidelines, some companies are allowed to issue bonds without bank guarantees. China Vanke and Gemdale, two of the country's largest property developers, announced plans in August to issue corporate bonds.
China Eastern Air says it will sell a 24% stake to Singapore Airlines and its parent company Temasek Holdings and will cooperate with Singapore Airlines in a number of areas. Singapore Airlines, Asia's most profitable airline, will gain greater access to China's rapidly growing airline market, while Eastern China Air, which has posted losses for the past two years, will benefit from Singapore Air's managerial experience and receive fresh capital. China Eastern Air's competitor Air China, in which Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Air holds a more than 17% stake, reported profits of 1.57 billion yuan ($206 billion) in the first half of 2007, a threefold increase from the first half of 2006.
Thomas Clouse
This article appeared in issue October 2007