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All About Minerals
?. Return to New Hampshire Geoscience Portal
Rocks are the solid material making up the surface of the Earth.
Minerals are the solid chemical compunds of which Rocks are made.
Mindat.org is a cooperative effort by mineralogists around the world to organize in one place as much mineralogical information as possible for all to use, and is a very useful resource for beginner and expert alike. It’s worth taking the time to browse.
Mindat.org currently lists 5,639 different known terrestrial minerals, all made from various combinations of 92 naturally-occurring elements, (as cited in most textbooks). Just as we learned about Rocks in the previous section, different minerals also form under different conditions, subject to the availability of constituent elements in the immediate environment, which is why some species are much rarer than others, and can’t be found just anywhere, but only where conditions were just right.
Check out this video: A Brief Introduction to Minerals (10:21)
Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt?
• A video about How to Identity the most common Rock-Forming Minerals (16:03)
You can usually identify most common minerals with some fun detective work and by applying the process of elimination. If you know where your sample came from, first look up that location at mindat.org and scroll through the photo gallery to see if any of the specimens depicted resemble your find.
If you can’t match it with any shown there, start off with the list of mineral species known to be found at that location. As you obtain your test results, (your clues!) you can narrow down the possibilities to a likely candidate. Usually an experienced collector, mineral dealer or mine owner can help you nail it down, but it’s fun to figure out on your own.
Here follows a list of distinguishing physical properties of minerals
• Color: Note the color. It is often the first thing you notice about a mineral, and it’s a good place to start, but you might be surprised how many different colors of Microcline Feldspar, for instance, can be found within the confines of a single quarry, or masquerade as other species, such as Beryl! Besides color, note whether the specimen is opaque, translucent, or transparent.
• Luster: Pay attention to how the surface of your sample reflects light. This mineral feature is descriptive, more than anything else. This video explains it very well. (6:45)
• Hardness: The Hardness of a mineral has nothing to do with how it feels to get clunked in the head by it, but with how scratchable it is. This video explains how to apply this important mineral identification method. (5:55) The results describe the hardness relative to readily obtainable objects, and gives you a Hardness range, but in each mineral description on MIndat.org the Hardness will be accorded a numerical value, from the Mohs Hardness Scale, for reference, then you can see which minerals fall within the range you determined.
• Specific Gravity: When collecting in the field, you will sometimes notice that a specimen feels either lighter or heavier in the hand than you would expect for its size. Specific Gravity is how we quantify that ‘heftiness’, and this video shows you How to Measure it. (1:47) In general, the heftier a mineral is, the further down the Periodic Table its component elements are, and the rarer and more collectible it is, so it’s worth checking out.
• Magnetism: Is the specimen attracted to a magnet?
• Cleavage/Fracture: Another important diagnostic feature is to note the appearance of the sample’s broken surfaces. This video demonstrates how they vary and are described. (4:29)
• Crystal System: When a mineral forms under favorable circumstances, its internal molecular structure will dictate the crystal into which it grows. If you find a piece that appears to have a regular shape, you will need to note how many sides the shape has, and the angles at which the sides meet. This video does a good job of explaining the first 5 of the 7 crystal systems. (4:36) All seven crystal systems, plus their more complex variations are explored in This Article.
• Crystal Habits: In addition to the basic crystal structures, you may find more complex formations defined in terms of what are known as their Crystal Habits. (article)
• Fluorescence: Here’s a fun physical property of some minerals, but in most cases you will require specialized equipment to observe it. Here is a video of Fluorite from England , (1:00), which is so sensitive to the UV rays in ordinary daylight that it will fluoresce a bright blue when you take it outside into the sunshine – no equipment required! This video is a basic lesson about Fluorescence. (1:38) There are 5 different ways Fluorescent minerals glow, as seen in This Video. (10:17) Other cool visual effects include Phosphorescence – when a mineral keeps glowing after the UV light source is removed Tenebrescence – the ability of a mineral to change color when exposed to light, (used in self-adjusting sunglasses), and Triboluminescence – when light is emitted due to impact or friction.
Some mineral enthusiats focus entirely on the collecting of Fluorescent Minerals.
For more, check out the Fluorescent Mineral Society.
Radioactivity: This is another measurable physical characteristic which calls for specialized equipment to detect, but it’s good to know when extra care is needed in the handling and display of a specimen. Here is a List of Radioactive Minerals which can be found in Nature – for the most part those which contain Uranium, Thorium, or Potassium in their composition.
• How to Identify Minerals (22:32)
The better you get at observing and describing the mineral you found in terms of its physical properties, the more easily you will navigate the process of elimination and arrive at an answer. Over time, as you collect, you will develop ‘an eye’ for these properties and be able to identify your specimens with confidence.
For Further Study:
• Free Mineralogy eBooks and downloads
• Downloads at Mindat.org
• Final Report on the Geology and Mineralogy of the State of New Hampshire:
With Contributions Toward the Improvement of Agriculture and Metallurgy, 1884

domain: chemistry


text:
Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved.
Diving & Snorkeling: Cozumel
Item Number: 9111
Retail Price: $24.99
SnorkelCity Price: $22.24
You Save: $2.75
Price / kg:
Cozumel is home to crystalline waters and colorful reefs, and boasts some of the best diving in the world. From Palancar Reef to the botanical wonderland of Tormentos, this book offers inspiration and advice to divers and snorkelers of all levels!
Diving & Snorkeling Cozumel Features:
- Detailed dive information to 21 sites
- Full-color photos throughout
- Easy-to-read maps of dive regions
- Guide to local marine life
- Island dive operations and topside attractions

domain: travel


|Body and chassis|
|Body style||3 or 5-door hatchback |
2-door coupe (US)
2-door coupé-cabriolet (Europe)
|Layout||Front-engine, front-wheel drive, (most models) or all-wheel drive (RS only)|
|Predecessor|| Ford Escort (Europe, North America and Argentina)|
Ford Laser (Asia and Oceania)
The Ford Focus is a compact car (C-segment in Europe) manufactured by the Ford Motor Company and created under Alexander Trotman's Ford 2000 plan, which aimed to globalize model development and sell one compact vehicle worldwide. The original Focus was primarily designed by Ford of Europe's German and British teams.
The Focus was released in July 1998 in Europe, succeeding the Ford Escort, and replaced the Mazda Familia-derived Ford Laser in Asia and Oceania along with the Laser-based North American Escort. Wayne Stamping & Assembly started producing the Focus for North America with sales beginning in 1999. The last North American-produced Focus rolled off the line at the Michigan Assembly Plant on May 4, 2018.Production of the fourth generation Focus began in 2018 in Germany and in China.
Ford of Europe introduced the Focus in 1998 to the European market as a replacement for the Ford Escort. The decision to name the new car the "Ford Focus" was made in early 1998, as Ford's senior management had been planning to keep the "Escort" nameplate for its new generation of small family cars. A last-minute problem arose in July 1998 when a Cologne court, responding to a case brought by the publisher Burda, ordered Ford to avoid the name "Focus" for the cars in the German market since the name was already taken by one of its magazines ( Focus ).This eleventh-hour dispute was resolved, however, and the car was launched with the name Focus. The Focus MK1 was awarded the 1999 European Car of the Year award. The project manager for the Ford Focus at Dunton was Rose Mary Farenden.
Ford of North America began marketing the Focus in September 1999 for the 2000 model year, with some changes from the European version. The car was launched as a three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and five-door wagon; a five-door hatchback debuted in 2001.
In 2002, Ford launched its highest performance version of the Focus, called the Focus RS. It came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged Duratec RS engine, a Quaife ATB limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, and a host of other performance changes, combined with a much more aggressive appearance, and was available only in Ford's Imperial blue. 70% of the components found on the Focus RS were unique, revised or uprated. This original Focus RS was only available in Europe with a limited run of 4501 cars being built; just under half (2147) of these were sold in the UK.
For decades, in the U.S., small cars like the Focus were seen as a tool to draw in younger buyers looking for a cheap basic transportation and to increase auto makers' fleet average fuel economies to meet U.S. federal standards.Ford was said not to concern about losing money on the Focus so the company could sell gas guzzlers for big profits. However, recent sales of new Focus's have been able to maintain lower or overall discounting incentive rates than many competing vehicles in its class. Many industry insiders view cars like the Focus as 'compliance cars' because of their role in helping to bring up the corporate fleet average fuel economy to meet current fuel-economy standards.
The second generation Focus was launched at the Paris Motor Show on September 25, 2004 as a three and five-door hatchback and an estate, although the new car was previewed,in 4-door sedan form, as the "Focus Concept" developed by Ford Europe at the Beijing Motor Show in mid-2004.
The basic suspension design, which contributed much to the Mk 1's success, was carried over largely unchanged from its predecessor. Along with a 10 percent stiffer bodyshell, according to Ford this offers a better ride, but critics claimed the car lacked the precise and poised handling of the Mk 1. The same body styles as the Mk 1 Focus were offered, though the sedan did not appear until mid-2005. A two-door coupé-cabriolet with a retractable hardtop was added to the line-up in 2007.
The Focus Mk 2 is larger and considerably heavier than its predecessor: it has a 25 mm (0.98 in) increase in wheelbase, and is 168 mm (6.6 in) longer, 8 mm (0.31 in) taller, and 138 mm (5.4 in) wider. As a result, the interior and boot space have increased. New technologies include a KeyFree system, a solar-reflect windshield, adaptive front lighting, Bluetooth hands-free phones and voice control for audio, telephone, and climate control systems.
Stylistically, the Mk 2 features the same design language found in the Mondeo and Fiesta. Although still recognisable as a Focus, the new car uses styling features from the abandoned B-Proposal for the original Focus which never reached production.
In 2005, Ford released a MK.II version of Ford's sports division of Focus, the Focus ST. This one produced 225 bhp (168 kW) and could achieve a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 6.4 seconds, and a 152 mph (245 km/h) top speed, using a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbocharged engine originating from Volvo.
2007–2008 saw a minor facelifted version introduced, featuring Ford's Kinetic Design philosophy. Major changes included a new bonnet with more creases, the removal of all mouldings along the doors and sides, new sculpted pull back headlights, and the big trapezoidal lower grille.
In 2009, the new Focus RS was launched, with a modified version of the 2.5-litre engine found in the ST.
For the North American market, development followed a separate path. Since debuting at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, the restyled 2008–2011 generation was available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan; the hatchbacks and wagon were discontinued. The interior was redesigned, including new seats, a new dashboard design with message center on top of the dashboard, ambient lighting, dashboard panels that simulate brushed aluminum, and Ford's voice-controlled Sync audio/Bluetooth system. Also included in the redesign was a support beam behind the dashboard for extra structural rigidity.
Though informally considered as the second generation, it was never officially referred to as such by Ford since its platform was the same as the first generation.
For the third generation, Ford reunited both international and North American models by releasing the international Mk3 worldwide. The previous North American version was discontinued, and the new model was launched simultaneously in North America and Europe in early 2011, both having started production late in 2010.
In designing the Ford Focus, a group of young designers used what's called the Third Age Suit in order to simulate the physical limitations of an elderly person. The suit, which restricts the wearer's movements, allowed for insights that were implemented into the car's design.
Ford unveiled the Ford Focus at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. The car shown was a five-door hatchback model, also debuting a new 2.0-litre direct injection inline-four engine. A five-door station wagon was also made available at launch. [ clarification needed ] Sharing the same chassis as the LW MKI Focus, the exterior of the Focus has been updated to reflect a more modern style.The new generation launched simultaneously in North America and Europe in early 2011, with production having started in late 2010. Production in Asia, Africa, Australia and South America was scheduled to follow later but the plan for Australian production was later dropped and that market and New Zealand were supplied, along with Asia, from a new factory in Thailand where output began in June 2012. This new generation of Focus incorporates a redesigned cabin with new materials and new entertainment technologies.
A significant amount of the new models of the first year experiences problems with rust underneath the front bonnet, partly due to issues with the seam sealer used between the structural part of the bonnet and the skin, which allowed water to seep in and create corrosion (similarly to other Ford models of the period). Other issues included rust developing on the trunk lid of the hatchback model due to vibrations of a plastic insert creating friction and wearing out the paint on the metal skin of the lid. Later models included a relocated park brake lever, redesigned adjustable front head rest and a redesigned accessory 12v plug that is more ergonomic.
Ford previewed the third generation facelifted model at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. 110 and 132 kW (148 and 177 hp) outputs in place of the current older 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre offerings. [ citation needed ] Another new feature is the 2016 Ford Focus RS's "Drift Mode", which allows the driver to more easily and safely drift the car.The updated version features a new redesigned front end design, incorporating Ford's new family grille and slimline headlights. The ST and RS models, the latter of which features an upgraded version of the 2.3-litre engine from the Ford Mustang, will continue Ford's performance range. The RS now has all-wheel drive. The new 2015 model year update Focus range will be offered with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder "EcoBoost" powerplant available in
On April 10, 2018, Ford unveiled the European and Asian-market versions of the fourth-generation Focus, to mark the brand's 20th anniversary. As in the previous generation, the model is available with sedan, hatchback and estate bodystyles.
The exterior features a sportier design, while Ford described its interior as being simpler. The company also emphasized technology featured in the new model, including the Sync 3 infotainment system, FordPass Connect, and the CoPilot360 driver assistance suite.
A crossover SUV trim level known as the Active is available with the hatchback and estate bodystyles. The car also has a Vignale luxury trim level.
In April 2018, Ford announced that all passenger vehicles but the Mustang would be discontinued in the North American market, in order to focus on trucks and SUVs. The Focus Active was intended to be the only version of the model available in the market,but Ford cancelled these plans in August 2018 over tariffs imposed by the U.S. government on exports from China, as the model is manufactured in the country.
Ford limited sales of fourth generation Focus in its 4-door saloon form in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Turkey, Cyprus as well as many Asian and African countries. Ford no longer sells the Focus in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan due to a broader reorganization of their European branch.
In April 2020, Ford confirmed there are no plans for a fourth generation Focus RS model due to pan-European emissions standards and high development costs.
The first Focus World Rally Car made its debut in rallying and the World Rally Championship on the 1999 Monte Carlo Rally with Colin McRae and Simon Jean-Joseph at the wheels of the two cars, replacing the Escort. It was immediately on the pace, setting many fastest stage times, but an illegal water pump meant that the two cars were excluded from that event. McRae went on to give the Focus WRC its maiden victory on the Safari Rally in February of the same year, and took victory again in the following rally, the Rally Portugal.
The MkI Focus WRC went on to achieve further victories over the years for McRae, Carlos Sainz, and Markko Märtin from then until it was phased out in favour of the MkII offering in late 2005.This car, a winner in both Marcus Grönholm's and Mikko Hirvonen's hands in the two-car factory BP-Ford World Rally Team that contested the 2006 World Rally Championship, duly racked up the manufacturers' title, spelling the end of a formidable twenty-seven-year wait for such an honour in this series for the Blue Oval. The team successfully defended the manufacturers' title in the 2007 season. The Focus WRC was used until the 2010 season, when it was announced that the new Fiesta will replace the Focus from 2011 and onwards.
All the rally cars are built, prepared, and run for Ford by M-Sport, the motorsport team based in Cockermouth, Cumbria in Northern England. The team is managed by Malcolm Wilson, a well known British former rally driver.
Besides rallies, the Focus has also been used in the SCCA Speed World Challenge Touring Car Series, the TC 2000, resulting champion in 2003, 2005, 2010, and 2012.
A Focus was entered into the 2006 Swedish Touring Car Championship season.
The Ford Focus ST made its debut in the 2009 British Touring Car Championship season, with Arena Motorsport. During its second season, the car ran on liquefied petroleum gas, taking the first BTCC win for a car powered by this fuel at Brands Hatch. In 2011, Arena (also known as Team AON) shifted to the newer Focus Mk3, while Motorbase Performance drove the ST version. Both cars had engines built to the Next Generation Touring Car engine rules. Motorbase continues to compete with the Ford Focus ST.
This car won four drivers' championships of the Argentine TC 2000/Súper TC 2000 championship (2003, 2005, 2010 and 2012). The first three of the Oreste Berta Ford YPF team with official support from Ford Argentina.
Arena Motorsport entered two Ford Focus Mk3s in the 2012 World Touring Car Championship season for Tom Chilton and James Nash. The best result is 6th place by Nash in the Race of Morocco.
In 2008 Ford South Africa entered two modified Focus ST models into Class T (reserved for turbocharged production vehicles) of the local Bridgestone Production Car Championship (essentially a Touring Car formula). They secured the Class T driver's titles in 2009 and 2011.
The car had success in the 2013 China Touring Car Championship,and won its class in the 2014 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour. The Focus that raced in the 2014 Bathurst 12 Hour was powered by a 5.0 L Ford Coyote V8 engine.
Europe 20: Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Romania, Sweden and Switzerland
The Ford Laser is a compact car, originally a subcompact car in the first three generations, which was sold by Ford in Asia, Oceania, and parts of South America, and Africa. It has generally been available as a sedan or hatchback, although convertible, wagon and pick-up versions have also been available in different markets. The sedan, and briefly station wagon, versions were badged Ford Meteor in Australia between 1981 and 1987. The Ford Meteor name was also used in South Africa.
The Volkswagen Polo is a supermini car produced by the German car manufacturer Volkswagen since 1975. It is sold in Europe and other markets worldwide in hatchback, saloon and estate variants. The Polo has been produced in six generations. Related Volkswagen Group models include the Škoda Fabia, SEAT Ibiza, and Audi A1.
The SEAT Ibiza is a supermini car manufactured by Spanish car manufacturer SEAT since 1984. It is SEAT's best-selling car. The Ibiza is named after the Spanish Island of Ibiza, and it is the second SEAT model to be named after a Spanish city, after the SEAT Ronda. It was introduced at the 1984 Paris Motor Show as the first car developed by SEAT as an independent company, though it was designed by SEAT in collaboration with well-known firms such as Italdesign, Karmann and Porsche.
The Ford Fiesta is a supermini marketed by Ford since 1976 over seven generations. Over the years, the Fiesta has mainly been developed and manufactured by Ford's Europe operations, and has been positioned below the Escort.
The Ford Capri is a fastback coupé built by the Ford Motor Company between 1968 and 1986, designed by Philip T. Clark, who was also involved in the design of the Ford Mustang. It used the mechanical components from the Mk2 Ford Cortina and was intended as the European equivalent of the Ford Mustang. The Capri went on to be highly successful for Ford, selling nearly 1.9 million units in its lifetime. A wide variety of engines were used in the car throughout its production lifespan, which included the Essex and Cologne V6 at the top of the range, while the Kent straight-four and Taunus V4 engines were used in lower-specification models. Although the Capri was not officially replaced, the second-generation Probe was effectively its replacement after the later car's introduction to the European market in 1994.
The Toyota Vitz is a three- and five-door subcompact hatchback produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota from 1999 to 2019. The "Vitz" nameplate was used consistently in Japan, while most international markets received the same vehicle as the Toyota Yaris, or as the Toyota Echo in some markets for the first generation. The Vitz was available in Japan from Toyota's Netz Store dealerships. Toyota began production in Japan and later assembled the vehicle in other Asian countries and in France.
A crossover, crossover SUV, or crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a type of sport utility vehicle-like vehicle built with unibody frame construction. Crossovers are often based on a platform shared with a passenger car, as opposed to a platform shared with a pickup truck. Because of that, crossovers may also be referred as "car-based SUVs". Compared to truck-based SUVs, they typically have better interior comfort, a more comfortable ride, superior fuel economy, and lower manufacturing costs, but also inferior off-road and towing capability. Forerunners of the modern crossover include the 1977 Matra Rancho and the AMC Eagle introduced in 1979.
The Ford EcoSport is a subcompact crossover SUV, originally built in Brazil by Ford Brazil since 2003, at the Camaçari plant. A second generation concept model was launched in 2012, and is also assembled in new factories in India, Thailand, Russia and Romania. The vehicle entered the North American market for the first time in 2018.
The Škoda Fabia is a supermini car produced by Czech manufacturer Škoda Auto since 1999. It is the successor of the Škoda Felicia, which was discontinued in 2001. The Fabia was available in hatchback, estate and saloon body styles at launch, and since 2007, the second generation is offered in hatchback and estate versions. The third generation Fabia was launched in 2015, and the fourth in 2021.
The Ford Escort is a small family car that was manufactured by Ford of Europe from 1968 until 2000.
The Suzuki SX4 is a subcompact car and crossover developed jointly by Japanese automaker Suzuki and Italian automaker Fiat, sold since 2006. It was available as a hatchback and sedan, with the former available in both front and four-wheel drive. In 2013, the second generation was launched, called Suzuki SX4 S-Cross — now exclusively a subcompact crossover SUV. The first- and second-generation SX4s sold alongside one another until 2014. The second-generation SX4 has not been marketed as a Fiat, and the SX4 sedan was replaced with the Suzuki Ciaz.
The Toyota Auris is a compact car derived from the Corolla, manufactured and sold by Toyota. Introduced in 2006, the first generation three/five-door hatchback shared the platform with the E150 series Corolla, while the second generation five-door hatchback and station wagon called "Touring Sports" uses the E180 platform. The "Auris" name is based on the Latin word for "gold", "aurum".
The C-segment is the 3rd category of the European segments for passenger cars and is described as "medium cars". It is equivalent to the Euro NCAP "small family car" size class, and the compact car category in the United States.
Ford of Europe GmbH is a subsidiary company of Ford Motor Company founded in 1967 in Cork, Ireland, with headquarters in Cologne, Germany.
The Volkswagen Polo Mk5 is the fifth generation of the Polo, a supermini-class car manufactured by Volkswagen since 2009. The vehicle unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March 2009, while the three-door version was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009. A four-door long-wheelbase sedan version has been produced and sold outside Europe in several emerging markets since 2010 either as the Volkswagen Vento or the Volkswagen Polo sedan. A short-wheelbase sedan version was sold in India between 2016 and 2020 as the Volkswagen Ameo.
The Ford Focus , also known as the Focus Mk III, debuted at the 2010 North American International Auto Show as a 2012 model. The cars shown were a 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback, also debuting a new 2.0-litre direct injection I4 engine. A 5-door estate (wagon) was previewed at the Geneva auto show a month later.
The Ford Focus Mk 2 is an automobile which was produced by Ford from 2005 to 2010. It was launched at the Paris Motor Show on September 25, 2004 as a three and five-door hatchback and an estate, although the new car was previewed, in 4-door saloon form, as the 'Focus Concept' developed by Ford Europe at the Beijing Motor Show in mid-2005.
The Ford Mondeo Mk IV , codenamed CD345 was officially unveiled in five-door production form by Ford in late 2006. Based on the EUCD platform developed with Volvo, the platform was the same as that used in the new large MPVs Galaxy and S-MAX, but not the North American Ford Fusion or the Mazda Atenza in Japan. It was also used for several Volvos starting with the Volvo S80 II.
The Ford Focus , also known as the Focus Mk IV, is an automobile which was produced by Ford from 2018. It was revealed in April 2018 to replace the third generation Focus. As in the previous generation, the model is available with saloon, hatchback and estate body styles. This generation marked the demise of the Focus line-up in many regions, including North America, South America, and Southeast Asia, effectively limiting its market reach to just Europe, China, Taiwan, Australasia, and other minor markets.
The Ford Fiesta Mk6 is the sixth generation of the Ford Fiesta supermini. The sixth generation Fiesta, also known as Mark VI was shown in concept form as the Ford Verve at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007 and marketed in principal European markets, Australia and the United States. Developed under the project code B299 and B409, this model uses the new Ford global B-car platform.
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ford Focus .|
|Full-size||LTD||LTD Crown Victoria||Crown Victoria||Crown Victoria|
|Country Squire||Five Hundred → Taurus||Taurus|
|Sport compact||EXP||EXP||Probe||Probe||Escort ZX2||ZX2||Fiesta ST|
|City car||Ka I||Ka II||Ka III|
|Supermini||Fiesta I||Fiesta II||Fiesta IV||Fiesta V|
|Fiesta III||Fiesta VI||Fiesta VII|
|Small family car||Escort III/Orion I||Escort IV/Orion II||Escort V/Orion III||Escort Vb||Escort VI||Focus I||Focus II||Focus III||Focus IV|
|Large family car||Taunus III/Cortina V||Sierra I||Sierra II||Mondeo I||Mondeo II||Mondeo III||Mondeo IV|
|Executive car||Granada II||Scorpio I/Granada III||Scorpio II|
|Medium SUV||Maverick I||Maverick II||Kuga I||Kuga II||Kuga III|
|Compact MPV||C-MAX I||C-MAX II|
|Large MPV||S-MAX I||S-MAX II|
|Galaxy I||Galaxy II||Galaxy III|
|LCV/LAV||Courier III||Courier IV||Transit Courier|
|Transit Connect I||Transit Connect II|
|Transit II||Transit III||Transit IV||Transit V||Transit VI|
|Pick-up||Ranger I||Ranger II||Ranger III|
Only models sold in Continental Europe and the British Isles are shown, overseas territories often have different offerings.
|Full-size||Falcon / Fairmont||Falcon / Fairmont||Falcon / Fairmont||Falcon|
|Fairlane / LTD||Fairlane / LTD||Fairlane / LTD|
|Falcon Ute||Falcon Ute||Falcon Ute|


A schedule, sponsors and location detail have been made public by organizers of the inaugural Festival of Murals event to be held in Downtown Fort Smith. At least seven U.S. and international artists will participate in the murals work, with 18 artists participating in the “Unexpected Art in the Park.”
The festival is set for Sept. 6-13 in downtown Fort Smith, with several events to coincide with large murals painted or applied to several downtown buildings. The first year of the event is being pitched as “The Unexpected Project” by Steve Clark, owner of Propak Logistics, and a CBID member and active supporter of the murals effort. The project is part of 64.6 Downtown, an organization formed in January to promote downtown Fort Smith.
Dutoit, an art curator from France and owner of the JustKids artist network, is working with the group to select artists and areas in downtown Fort Smith for the inaugural event. In addition to the national and international artists, Dutoit said they will select local artists from Arkansas and nearby states for other art projects, including sidewalk art.
John McIntosh is leading the murals project. His team for the effort is Claire Kolberg, festival coordinator; Don Lee, head of the art department at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith; Galen Hunter with Fort Smith-based MAHG Architects; and Jim Perry with Fort Smith-based ArcBest.
Rom Levy, with StreetArtNews and a partner with Dutoit on the project, has a lead role in developing the social media strategy for the event. He said he and Dutoit have coordinated many of these events and are confident they “know how to reach the people and hit the right targets.”
The Unexpected Art in the Park will include painting, sculpture, pottery, wood work, limestone carvings and fiber art. Not only with the artists be creating art, they will have art works on sale.
Following is the schedule for the event and associated events.
• Aug. 26, 5 to 9 p.m.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville
Claire Kolberg presentation to Artinfusion group: “Street Art – it’s inception, history and today.”
• Sept. 3, 7 p.m.
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Windgate Art & Design Building
Unexpected PRINTOLOGY Gallery Show
• Sept. 4
Downtown FS mural paintings begin (See www.646downtown.com for all wall locations)
• Sept. 4
Downtown FS Unexpected HQ opens; will include mural and artist info, t-shirts, coffee shop
• Sept. 8
Unexpected Student Art Competition judging. Painted skateboard decks. Winners announced Sept. 12.
• Sept. 10
UAFS Blue Lion Spoken Word event, featuring Malcolm London at 7:30 p.m.
• Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (free admission)
Unexpected Art in the Park
Ross Pendergraft Park in downtown Fort Smith
• Sept. 12
Unexpected Finale Celebration (private) for artists, sponsors and volunteers
More details on festival events will be posted on the 64.6 Downtown website. Link here for a map of planned mural locations.
Propak is the primary sponsor of the event, and is supporting the curator and international media outreach. Visiting artist underwriters are Arvest Bank, Beaty Capital & Temple Holdings, BHC Insurance, Cooper Clinic First National Bank of Fort Smith, the Hanna Family, Mercy Fort Smith and Sparks Health System.
Marketing and event promotion sponsors are Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corp., Beautify Fort Smith, Ray Gosack, Maggie Malloy, Network of Executive Women, Oklahoma Gas & Electric, and Penny Packard.
McIntosh on Tuesday morning briefed the Central Business Improvement District on the festival. In an interview with The City Wire after that meeting, McIntosh said the CBID is supportive and “there were a lot of positive head nods” during the presentation.
“Everything is lined up, all our permitting is complete, and I’m happy so far with all of the sponsorships from the community at large. We continue to pursue sponsorships with other community organizations,” McIntosh said.
He also said that as part of their marketing strategy, they do not plan to release names of the artists until a few weeks prior to the event.
Also shaping up is the “Hell On The Border” Criterium as part of the Arkansas State Criterium Championships, according to event organizer Spencer Kinsey. The event, set to begin at 8 a.m. on Sept. 13, could draw hundreds, if not thousands, to downtown Fort Smith.
The course is located in downtown Fort Smith on Garrison Avenue. It is a 6-turn, 81 mile “L” shape course. The start-finish line will be near 8th and Garrison, and the Festival of Murals will play an incidental part in the race.
“Two of our murals will be right there, literally, on the start-finish line,” McIntosh said.


text:
Very nice Ranch with multiple buildings, tanks, trees and fields.
Perfect for hunting, weekend retreat or primary residence.
House is functional yet needs attention.
Value is in land.
Easy access to triplex.
Family owned so we can owner finance the property for you....
NE TX Cattle & Horse Ranch, runs 500 cows, 4BR/5 Bath home.
1698 +/- ACRES N.E. Texas Cattle and Horse Ranch. Will run 500 cows & calves and produces all the hay you need.
Price: $ 3,495 per acre
Animal Units: Runs 500 cows and calves.
LOCATION: This beautiful recreational/hunting ranch is located about 9 miles northeast of Brady and 4 miles northwest of Rochelle. This ranch lies approximately 1 mile off of paved FM 1121, with good county road access.
WATER: Two water wells and one stock pond on the ran...
Gray Mountain Ranch is located in the Highland Lakes Region of the Texas Hill Country in Burnet County. It is approximately 60 miles to Austin, 80 miles to Waco, 105 miles to San Antonio, and 160 miles to Dallas. The ranch can be accessed via Highway 107, about 17 miles sout...
Ford County is located in Kansas. The county covers 1,099 square miles (703,584 acres), equaling less than one percent of the state's total area. Of the 105 counties in Kansas, Ford County ranks 16th in terms of the size of its population (34,536, according to 2015 Census estimates). Manufacturing and related services provide the main economic inputs to Ford County. Recent data from Lands of America calculates the average value of ranches, land, farms and other recreational acreage for sale in Ford County at $4,711 per acre. The average list price of property and land for sale was $12,571,413 (the most expensive listing being for $23.8 million) and the median size of land and property for sale in Ford County was 2,669 acres. Land for sale in Ford County totaled 5,337 acres and $25.1 million in overall land value, with the city of Dodge City featuring the most land for sale in the county. Farmland was the most common type of land for sale in Ford County.
Land for sale including Commercial Property in Ford County Kansas
Commercial building in Dodge City, Kansas. 3,528 square feet. Office building with large lobby and
reception area, 9 offices, 3 bathrooms, conference room, break room, vault, and 2 storage rooms. Ample
paved parking. Building could be split into 3 separate suites with 3 individual entrances. Central heat
and air throughout entire building. Location has lots of potential in a high-traffic popular industrial area
in growing Dodge City, Kansas.
Priced at $125,000 Owner Licensee

domain: geography


text:
|2009/2010 NBA Regular Season|
|March 16, 2010|
|The Palace of Auburn Hills|
|Radio - WTAM 1100 / FSOhio|
|Will Bynum||PG||Mo Williams|
|Richard Hamilton||SG||Anthony Parker|
|Teyshaun Prince||SF||LeBron James|
|Jonas Jerebko||PF||Antawn Jamison|
|Jason Maxiell||C||J.J. Hickson|
The Cavaliers and Pistons went several months without playing each other. They are following that up with 3 games in 16 days. Back on March 5, the Cavaliers came back from over 20 points down to beat the Pistons at the Q. It was a win tempered by a scary incident involving Rodney Stuckey, who collapsed during a timeout and was rushed to the hospital. Stuckey appears to be ok, thankfully, though he will not play tonight.
For the Cavaliers, the countdown continues until the return of Zydrunas Ilgauskas. The Cavaliers can begin negotiations with him on March 22nd and I expect something to get done that day. As for tonight, Delonte West will take a breather with what the team is calling a sprained left knee. It is considered precuationary, however, and the team expect West to play tomorrow night against the Pacers.
While the Cavs are on the front end of a back-to-back, Detroit had the mis-fortune of playing the Celtics one day after their defeat against the Cavaliers. Boston made short order of the Pistons - on ESPN no less, up over 30 points for large parts of the game. For that reason, at least in part, Sunday's rematch between the Cavs and Pistons at the Q has been moved from 8PM to 6PM and will no longer be broadcast on ESPN.
3-in the Key
1. At 52-15 (.776), Cleveland owns the NBA's best record and leads the league with highest point differential at +7.1. The Cavaliers are the only team with 50 wins, has won nine of their last 10 games and is 26-7 (.788) in 2010, which is the best mark in that span. After going a league-best 66-16 (.805) last season, the Cavaliers could become the first team since the Chicago Bulls in 1995-96 (72-10) and 1996-97 (69-13) to have sole possession of the best record in the regular season in consecutive years. After defeating Boston 104-93 on Sunday, the Cavs are now 28-9 (.757) against teams with a .500- record or better.
2. As the Cavaliers head to Detroit, the team's magic number to clinch their second straight Central Division crown is two. Cleveland will face four consecutive Central Division opponents and stands at 7-2 (.778) against their division this season while holding a commanding 15.0 game lead over Milwaukee, the largest division lead in the NBA. The Cavs have won five straight over the Pistons, including two consecutive contests at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
3. Anderson Varejao notched his 11th double-double of the season with 17 points on 6-8 (.750) shooting, 10 rebounds (six offensive) and one block to lead Cleveland's bench, which outscored the Celtics' reserves 27-15. Varejao has now scored in double figures in nine of his last 10 contests and is averaging a near double-double with 12.5 points on .707 shooting and 8.8 rebounds over that span. Varejao ranks second in reserves in total rebounding at 7.9 rpg in 58 games (Lamar Odom - 8.3 rpg in 41 games). The Cavs entered tonight's game allowing a league-low 25.9 points from the opponent reserves, and over the last four games, the bench has outscored their opponents' reserves 33.5-16.5.

domain: news


text:
MOUNT PLEASANT, Pa. - Three people were hurt in a house fire in Westmoreland County overnight Friday.
The fire started at a duplex along High Street in Mount Pleasant, causing extensive damage to the structure.
The three people injured in the fire were flown to Pittsburgh hospitals. Their names and conditions have not been released.
The fire marshal is investigating.
3 hurt in Westmoreland County duplex fire
Woman caught on camera stealing Salvation Army kettle at Waycross Walmart
Trump takes to Twitter to mull loss of citizenship, jail time for flag burners
Rescued, injured bald eagle treated at Audubon Center
DECISION 2016 ELECTION RESULTS -- Uncontested Races


When reporting their findings, researchers should not be reluctant to admitting what they don't know. What we know might remain in flux as new evidence comes to light, and identifying remaining uncertainties is more informative than presenting false confidence in an assertion. Indeed, uncertainty may be a critical part of the message that needs to be shared, such as when reporting on dynamic situations (like COVID guidelines and trends).
Blastland et al. found that expressing uncertainty did not have a negative impact on the trustworthiness of reporting. They further add that there's little downside in expressing findings in a range rather than as an absolute number. Blastland et al. suggest that audiences are more sophisticated at evaluating arguments and evidence than popular media tend to give them credit for and that they will, in fact, evaluate claims based on strength of evidence more than clarity of message.
Blastland, Michael, Alexandra L. J. Freeman, Sander van der Linden, Theresa M. Marteau, and David Spiegelhalter. “Five Rules for Evidence Communication.” Nature 587, no. 7834 (November 2020): 362–64. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-020-03189-1.


text:
Weaker CNY inducing more China capital outflow and reinforcing USD strength
The CNY is still one of the least volatile currencies in Asia, but it has become more volatile and is the weakest in Asia this year. Since the beginning of the year, The Chinese government has moved to emphasize management of its exchange rate against a basket of other currencies. Their official basket includes significant components for EUR, JPY, and GBP. As such, even though the CNY has depreciated significantly against the USD, it has been stable against its basket since July. Nevertheless, China did allow the CNY to depreciate steadily against its basket in the first half of the year, and it appears to be pursuing a weaker exchange rate policy. Chinese citizens and company capital outflow has persistent at a moderate pace this year, kept under control by capital flow restrictions. However, in recent months it has picked up to a high since January when adding inflows from onshore to offshore RMB. These flows do not appear be causing severe liquidity problems for Chinese capital markets or wider global risk aversion, but they do point to underlying weakness in Chinese economic confidence and may be contributing to strength in the USD against other currencies.
Chinese currency weakest in Asia this year
The weakness in the CNY is gaining considerable attention and appears to be spilling over to weaker Asian currencies more generally.
The CNY is still one of the least volatile currencies in Asia, but it has become more volatile over the last year and it is the weakest in Asia this year.
China emphasis now on the basket
The Chinese government has moved to emphasize management of its exchange rate against a basket of other currencies.
The China Foreign Exchange Trading System, an arm of the PBoC, has been publishing a weekly update of the CFETS RMB index on a weekly basis since December. It is a measure of the CNY against a basket of 13 currencies with weights based mainly on international trade, according to the PBoC.
The weights, shown graphically below, illustrate that the basket is highly influenced by the EUR and JPY. It also includes a 4% weight in GBP. It doesn’t include anything for KRW or TWD, despite the significance of trade with and in competition to Korea and Taiwan, but it includes the THB, MYR, and SGD. The SGD runs its own currency basket, with significant components for major currencies. There are also a number of commodity currencies.
As a result of the significant rise in recent weeks of the USD against other major currencies, (EUR, JPY, and GBP), the currency management approach in China has tended to also result in a significant rise in the USD against the CNY.
In turn, this has spilled over to weakness in its close neighbors’ currencies, KRW and TWD, and some broader weakness in Asian currencies.
There is a degree of self-fulling prophecy here. The increasing importance of CNY for Asia and global markets has contributed to some additional gains in the USD against developed and emerging currencies.
China capital outflow picks up
While the Chinese government may have shifted towards closer management of the CNY against the CFETS basket, its own citizens and companies are mainly seeing the increased volatility and, more recently, a rapid fall in CNY against the USD. This appears to be resulting in a more persistent capital outflow from China.
The chart below shows that the USD value of Chinese FX reserves peaked in 2014. It also shows two estimates of net monthly capital cross-border flow. The Green line is a measure of net foreign exchange sold for RMB. This turned most often to net sales of RMB (outflows) around mid-2014. Outflows rose to peaks in Sep and Dec 2015, as fear of CNY depreciation picked up after the one-off CNY devaluation in August 2015.
FX outflow has persisted this year, although it has been more moderate since April, perhaps contained at times by a weaker USD and Chinese government enforcement of capital controls, limiting outflow.
The blue shaded line shows an alternative estimate of monthly capital outflow. It includes the net FX sold for RMB plus cross-border movement of RMB (mostly movement from onshore RMB to offshore RMB held in Hong Kong).
Adding in these cross-border flows of RMB makes the capital outflow look more significant, picking up recently to a high since January of around US$73bn in September ($US44bn in RMB cross-border flows). The movement of capital in RMB may be a way for Chinese citizens and companies to avoid restrictions that apply to converting RMB to FX onshore.
The evidence suggests that once this RMB has been moved offshore (to Hong Kong), it is converted to FX. The chart below shows that even though there has been a sharp increase in RMB movement from onshore to offshore, RMB held on deposit in Hong Kong has declined, suggesting it is mostly converted to FX.
The Chinese government has turned to intervening, not only in the domestic CNY market, but also at times in the offshore CNH market. They have tightened liquidity in Hong Kong pushing up CNH rates in Hong Kong to help reduced selling pressure on CNH. The chart below shows one-year RMB rates in China and Hong Kong.
Another avenue some people have discussed as a way Chinese citizens have used to move capital offshore or at least exit exposure to CNY has been to buy Bitcoin. Bitcoin is much more ‘flighty’ and Its correlation with CNY is not obvious, but the value of bitcoin has increased by more than double since the CNY was devalued last year.
The outflow is also apparent at the corporate level with Chinese companies pursuing more offshore acquisitions in what appears to be in part driven by a desire to diversify balance sheet exposure away from the Chinese currency and assets. Bloomberg data estimates Chinese offshore acquisition at an annual record of $217bn this year.
CNY basket stable since July, but down this year
As mentioned the Chinese government has shifted to focusing on managing the CNY against the CFETS basket. The chart below shows the performance of the CNY against this basket and the USD.
It illustrates that while the CNY depreciation has accelerated recently, the CFETS basket has been relatively stable since July.
However, it is also true that through the first half of this year, the Chinese government allowed a steady depreciation of the CNY CFETS basket. This suggests that they have allowed the CNY to weaken to help support economic growth. The CNY CFETS basket is down around 6.6% this year, more than CNY against the USD, down around 3.2%.
Little evidence of panic or fallout
The one-off devaluation in CNY in August last year triggered widespread risk aversion. This flared up again in January. However, there is little evidence of negative fallout from the weaker CNY this year. If anything global asset markets, especially emerging markets, have remained resilient.
USD/CNY FX implied volatility and FX forward points are relatively stable, well below levels at the beginning of the year. Nevertheless, the capital outflow does appear to be persistent and has picked up recently. This may contribute to some tightening of liquidity conditions in China, and it might spill over to weaker demand for US and other government bond markets, via less FX reserves accumulation, somewhat higher global yields and a stronger USD against a broad set of currencies.


text:
Wiley was born in Ireland in 1846 and arrived in Western Australia in 1863. Much against her parent's wishes, he married Elizabeth Pearson in 1870. The couple had 10 children. Wiley was landlord of the Irwin Hotel, then the Hampton Hotel and later farmed on the Back Flats at Greenough. He died in Geraldton in 1924.
Elizabeth was born in England on Christmas Day 1848, as an infant she came to Western Australia as her father Francis Watson Pearson had been employed to work at the Geraldine Mine.
Following her mother's death, Elizabeth purchased the Hampton Hotel (by then de-licensed) in 1898 and lived there for 16 years. Elizabeth died in 1925.

domain: history


text:
This deviant's full pageview
graph is unavailable.
November 21, 1994
Last Visit: 6 days ago
just a regular stupid person.
This is the place where you can personalize your profile!
By moving, adding and personalizing widgets.
You can drag and drop to rearrange.
You can edit widgets to customize them.
The bottom has widgets you can add!
Some widgets you can only access when you get a Premium Membership.
Some widgets have options that are only available when you get a Premium Membership.
We've split the page into zones!
Certain widgets can only be added to certain zones.
"Why," you ask? Because we want profile pages to have freedom of customization, but also to have some consistency. This way, when anyone visits a deviant, they know they can always find the art in the top left, and personal info in the top right.
Don't forget, restraints can bring out the creativity in you!
Now go forth and astound us all with your devious profiles!
Watercolor on a format which is a little bit larger than A3. The painting is not as yellowish as in the picture... This was, however, the best picture of the painting after lots of attempts. Used this amazing stock as ref: www.deviantart.com/#/art/Trans…

domain: artistic


text:
As celebrations begin, the Office of Resident Services kicks of the Holiday Season with gift certificates totaling $50,000 to HCVP and Public Housing Families in Baltimore City. This is the fourth year that ORS and The Housing Authority of Baltimore City have done their part to make the holiday season brighter for the children they serve. “It’s just the right thing to do as a Service Coordinators unit” chimed Harriet Johnson, the Support Services Unit Administrator for the Office of Resident Services at HABC.
Distribution of the certificates is sponsored by Baltimore’s own, Santa Clause Anonymous, a nonprofit that sends gift certificates to social service organizations that then provide the certificates to qualifying families in need. ORS identified and selected HCVP and Public Housing families who meet the criteria with children ages 12 and under to receive gift certificates valued at $20 per child. Heads of Households may pick up at Mondawmin Mall December 4th thru December 6th from 1pm-7pm . Families redeem the certificates for children’s gifts at partnering retail merchants in the Baltimore area who are then reimbursed by Santa Claus Anonymous.
Although Santa is not present at Mondawmin Mall, the spirit and good cheer of the holiday is!

domain: sociology


Pudgy Penguins NFTs under fire amid infighting from members
A collector proposed the creation of a DAO
The Pudgy Penguins community is in turmoil amid allegations of lack of trust and transparency from key members.
One of the most prominent Penguin holders has alleged that the company could be without any cash available, despite two recent fundraising campaigns.
The collection is composed of 8,888 Pudgy Penguins NFTs and generated an overall sales volume of around $8.7m, according to Nonfungible data.
Pudgy Penguins are minted, stored, and traded on the Ethereum blockchain. The collection is worth a total of $145m in trading volume on OpenSea since its launch on 22 July 2021.
The 9x9x9. holder, who has made claims against the founders, says he possesses 242 pudgy penguins, mostly bought for a price of around ETH2, investing a total of around $1.8m.
What we know so far
The 9x9x9. holder revealed that he attempted to purchase some stakes in the company, but refused the deal the platform offered him.
“I reached out to the pudgy penguin founder a couple months ago wanting to buy shares in its company, they offered me 4000ETH for 20% equity, which is 20K ETH for the company valuation. I rejected the deal, but I did not stop buying these cute jpegs and helping them”.
However, he said he was later approached with a different and more convenient deal which he refused to sign.
9x9x9. could see his collection decreasing in value. He then proposed the creation of a DAO, not including any member of the current managerial team, to save the project.
The platform announced they were moving forward with the launch of an update. “We’ve been talking with the team about the best approach to move forward. We are currently in the middle of finalizing important details that we will be announcing. We have a ground-breaking update coming up. Huddle up and stay tuned,” they said.


text:
Dentist Near Valparaiso, IN, and Chesterton, IN
Serving Chesterton & Valparaiso, IN
For more photos see staff section
Since 1972, Airport Road Dental Associates, PC, has provided dental services. We’re located in Portage, but we serve people and families in Valparaiso and Chesterton, IN. We’re a patient-oriented practice, so your dentist will focus on creating a real and lasting healthcare relationship with you. In fact, we’re proud to say that we have some third-generation patients in our practice today.
Personalized Treatment Plans
We put patient care above all, so we make sure that all decisions about your treatments will be patient–dentist decisions. You’ll come in and sit down with your family dentist — Dr. Holm and Dr. Guzek — and discuss your oral health. Please ask the dentist all of your questions at this time so that together you’ll come up with a treatment plan that addresses your concerns and keeps you healthy.
This personalized care also helps children feel more comfortable in our practice. They get to know their family dentist so they can see that there’s nothing to fear about visiting us or taking care of their teeth.
Our team will always give you straightforward pricing and fees. Every fee is based on the materials used and the experience of our staff. We’re out of network for all plans because, this way, you’ll never have to worry about the fees for the treatments we suggest to you. You’ll know the cost from the start.
Is it time for you to visit the family dentist? Make an appointment from Chesterton or Valparaiso, IN, to see one of the friendly dentists at Airport Road Dental Associates, PC.

domain: medical


text:
Supplementary MaterialsSupplementary Information 12276_2018_41_MOESM1_ESM. brain following cerebral ischemia are important targets to develop a successful heart stroke therapy. Cell therapy using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) continues to be seen as a powerful approach to deal with stroke1, 2. There’s numerous experimental proof displaying that intravenous administration of MSCs induces practical improvement in cerebral ischemia through paracrine or endocrine signaling to the prospective cells. MSCs secrete multiple trophic elements, including vascular endothelial development element (VEGF) and hepatocyte development element (HGF), which promote cells repair within the broken brain3. Furthermore, MSCs have solid immune-modulating properties. Under particular circumstances, MSCs not merely decrease the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (we.e., interleukin (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis element (TNF-)) but additionally enhance the manifestation of anti-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., transforming development element (TGF-), IL-10, and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO)) in immune system cells3. These solid immune-modulating and regenerative properties of MSCs can offer multi-modal restorative features in a variety of illnesses, including heart stroke. The human being umbilical wire contains several populations of MSC-like cells4. Earlier Olcegepant studies show that intraparenchymal transplantation or intravenous administration of human being umbilical Rabbit Polyclonal to GPR126 cord-derived MSCs (hUMSCs) boosts practical recovery in pet models of heart stroke5, 6, indicating that hUMSCs could be a powerful resource for cell therapy in heart stroke. Nevertheless, many unresolved problems must be tackled before clinical software of hUMSCs to take care of human being heart stroke. Specifically, related preclinical data to describe the therapeutic system of intravenous Olcegepant administration of hUMSCs (IV-hUMSCs) to take care of heart stroke are still mainly lacking. Right here, we performed a comprehensive preclinical experiment to determine the effect of good manufacturing practice (GMP)-manufactured hUMSCs and investigated their therapeutic mechanisms in a rodent model of stroke. Materials and methods Ethics statements Olcegepant This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the CHA Bundang Medical Center for the use of umbilical cord (IRB no.: BD2013-004D). All experimental animals were manipulated in accordance with guidelines provided by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of CHA University (IACUC no.: 090012). Preparation of hUMSCs With informed consent from a single healthy donor, cells were retrieved from the umbilical cord Olcegepant at CHA Bundang Medical Center (Seongnam, Republic of Korea) and prepared immediately. Preparations of hUMSCs were conducted in the GMP facility, and the isolation and expansion of hUMSCs were performed according to the Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines of the Master Cell Bank. To isolate hUMSCs, we sliced Whartons jelly into 1C5-mm explants after the umbilical vessels were removed. Isolated slices were attached to -MEM (HyClone, IL) supplemented with 10% FBS (HyClone, IL), FGF4 (R&D Systems, MN), and heparin (Sigma-Aldrich, MO) on culture plates and subsequently cultured. The medium was changed every 3 days. After 15 days, the umbilical cord fragments were discarded, and the cells were passaged with TrypLE (Invitrogen, MA) and expanded until they reached sub-confluence (80C90%). The cells were incubated under hypoxic conditions (3% O2, 5% CO2, and 37?C). The hUMSCs at passage 7 were used in the present study. Karyotype analysis confirmed that the cells contained a normal human karyotype. Using reverse transcriptase PCR, the absence of viral pathogens (human immunodeficiency virus-1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human T-lymphocytic virus, EpsteinCBarr Olcegepant virus, and mycoplasma) in cell pellets was confirmed. To identify the immunophenotype of hUMSCs, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis was performed as previously described7. The hUMSCs expressed high levels of cell surface markers for MSCs (CD44, Compact disc73, Compact disc90, and Compact disc105), however the manifestation of markers for hematopoietic stem cells (Compact disc31, Compact disc34, and Compact disc 45) and HLA-DR was negligible (Supplementary Shape?S1a). The cells could possibly be differentiated into adipocytes effectively, osteocytes, and chondrocytes (Supplementary Shape?S1b). When hUMSCs (check with false finding rate modification (BenjaminiCHochberg check) for pairwise evaluations among each group. A differentially indicated transcript was referred to as a gene with a far more than twofold difference (FD) and factor within the corrected worth (((feeling 5-CCACAAAUCAGAUUAAUUUUU-3,.
March 6, 2021Histone Acetyltransferases


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text:
Pipeline will boost
production at refinery
SMOOTH FLOW COMPLETION OF A MAJOR PROJECT HAS GIVEN MACEDONIA CHEAPER OIL AND OPENS THE PROSPECT OF EXPORTING REFINED PRODUCTS WITHIN THE REGION
BIGGEST energy project in the Balkans, a pipeline linking the northern Greek
port of Thessaloniki with the OKTA
oil refinery outside Skopje, began full operations in September. The pipeline,
which took three years to build, will provide Macedonia with a constant and
reliable source of oil and, in the longer term, there are plans to export refined
oil products to neighboring areas.
Macedonia has been paying a high price to move a million tons of oil and petroleum products a year from Thessaloniki by road and rail. The 130-mile pipeline will cut those costs by transporting 2.5 million tons of crude oil to the refinery per year.
Plans to make OKTA part of a network extending to Kosovo and south Serbia
Macedonias sole refinery, was established in 1982 as the regional facility
for southern Yugoslavia. It was acquired in 1999 by Greeces state-owned
oil refining group, Hellenic Petroleum, as part of its strategy to enter the
Balkans energy market.
With an annual capacity of 4 million tons, OKTA is well able to meet Macedonias own need for 1.25 million tons of refined products per yearexpected to rise to 1.5 million tons by 2006. A ready, and cheaper, supply of crude oil means the spare capacity can be used to produce products for export to neighboring areas like Kosovo, where refining capacity was destroyed during the recent conflict.
Managing director of OKTA
Petroleum is the main investor in the pipeline and the European Bank for Reconstruction
and Development (EBRD) provided a loan of $50 million towards the $130 million
cost. Hellenic Petroleum holds an 80 percent stake through its subsidiary El
Pet Balkiniki, with the remaining 20 percent held by the Macedonian government.
Petros Karalis, OKTAs managing director, says Hellenic Petroleum expects to see a return on its investment within 10 years.
OKTA is now where it was planned to be, he says. We have finished a very big project in very difficult times, but this is not a static business. There are a lot of things going on and we have the capacity to do a lot more.
We would like to see OKTA working within a network that covers Macedonia and Kosovo. We are looking to expand to other areas, like southern Serbia.
project, entirely Greek-funded, has been launched to build a $40 million pipeline
to transport refined product from OKTA to the Kosovan capital, Pristina. Construction,
which began in September, is expected to be completed within two years. Sixty
miles long, the pipeline is designed to have the capacity to transport 300,000
tons of oil derivatives per year. There will be a second pipeline from OKTA
to southern Serbia.
In the meantime, Hellenic Petroleum has started to modernize the refinery and bring it up to EU standards. Refurbishment has already started, says Mr. Karalis. This is a fiber decentralization plan, worth $16-17 million, which is going to produce products of EU quality. We are going to reduce the sulphur content in products and there are some minor projects which will bring the total amount invested in the refinery to around $40 million.
produced at OKTA include liquefied petroleum gas, naphtha, motor gasoline, diesel
fuel and fuel oil. Environmental protection is regarded as a priority. OKTA
is the only company in Macedonia which has complete physical, chemical and biological
waste water treatment. The refinerys power supply comes from its own power
station. Surplus supply electricity is directed to the national distribution
Another of the strategic objectives of OKTA is to extend the distribution network by building around 30 modern petrol stations. Our retail business is small at present, but we have plans to develop in that direction, says Mr. Karalis.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT SUMMIT COMMUNICATIONS AT: 1040 FIRST AVENUE, SUITE 395, NEW YORK, NY 10022-2902. TEL: (212) 286-0034 FAX: (212) 286-8376 E-MAIL: firstname.lastname@example.org

domain: economics


text:
THIS PROPERTY IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR STAYS UNDER 7 NIGHTS - Be captivated by the views while parking your own boat out the back of this recently completed carefully designed stunning home located on the waters edge at the quiet Martha Cove Marina. Whilst the rest of the bay may struggle with strong sea breezes this calm harbor provides the perfect haven for your enjoyment.
A great deal of thought has gone into creating family space for the young and the old with areas for all to enjoy. Including a private upstairs terrace.
More than generous entertainers kitchen / living area opening out to the pool, second entertaining area at the water's edge.
Master Bedroom with King bed and ensuite, 3 additional spacious bedrooms all with Queen size beds.
A central bathroom with separate toilet, 2 baths, central reverse cycle heating/cooling and ceiling fans, and gas fireplace if the weather should change.
The private pontoon at the back can alternatively park the jet ski or Kayaks.
All this within a private estate providing 24 hour security.
When venturing out you will find all the charm of the local World renown wine region and golf courses. Excellent restaurants amusements for the children are all just a short drive from the Marina, with the road back to Melbourne and the Peninsula link just minutes away.
MINIMUM STAY 7 NIGHTS a bond is required.


text:
Shenzhen will complete construction of at least 600 kilometers of ecological pathways by the end of 2022 following an overall construction plan (2020-2035) of Guangdong Province, a news conference of the Guangdong Provincial Government said last week.
Based around the estuaries of the Guanlan River, Maozhou River, Dasha River, Longgang River, Pingshan River and Shenzhen River, the ecological pathways will reach at least 1,000 kilometers by 2025, according to the plan.
Of the total ecological pathways, 137 kilometers of demonstration sections will be built along the Maozhou River, Dasha River, Shenzhen River, Pingshan River and Longgang River by 2025, and 73 kilometers will be completed before the end of 2022.
In the agenda of the Guangdong government, the province will complete 5,200 kilometers of ecological pathways by the end of 2022. The length will reach 7,800 kilometers by 2025. In 2030, a network of 16,000 kilometers will cover the province.
The construction of ecological pathways in Guangdong Province will be created around the wetlands, estuaries, bays and mouths of the Dongjiang River, Xijiang River and Hanjiang River.


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The natural environment necessitates coverage, like it all might be a primary determinant about survival.
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Environmental press, belief in addition to analysis right from Guard US
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Disappointment towards protect along with rescue typically the habitat boosts the particular benefits for impurities and also harmful toxins that will purpose pollution.
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Innovatively Straight forward Options to be able to Preserve a Environment
Because of this, the actual weather penalties around the respiratory system ailments, cancer, along with asthma. Pollution in fluids develops throughout any runoff from dirty waters, badly disposed waste material and even not organic waste materials. The application newspaper posts about safeguarding typically the environment essay within typhoid, cholera, not to mention some other waterborne health problems. Oxygen not to mention standard water perpetuate everyday living and even ensures any healthy and balanced life.
One Detail An individual May well Do: Know Your own Organically grown Food
Hence, we tend to have to prevent pollution.
Saving a surroundings holds any near future creation. Typically the families provide now will certainly never take up residence always and forever. Subsequently, people need to abandon any conditions habitable and even conserved around a good process that will its grandchildren as well as wonderful grandchildren will enjoy this.
All of us can be blessed to make sure you have fun with any oncoming with sunrise not to mention setting sun, a stunning shores, the reforested land, jungles, together with pets.
E.P.A. Watchdog, Citing ‘Open Defiance’ regarding Queries, Rebukes Main Firm Aide
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text:
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domain: sports


SSP Kishore Kaushal-Led Team Nabs Criminals Planning Heist on Businessman in Preemptive Operation
Ranchi Police’s proactive operation leads to arrest of seven criminals planning a heist, recovering weapons and vehicles ahead of execution.
JAMSHEDPUR – Ranchi Police have achieved a significant breakthrough by arresting seven criminals even before they could carry out a planned robbery targeting a local businessman.
Acting on confidential information received by SSP Kishore Kaushal, the Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and the local police of Sukhdev Nagar took swift action.
A raid was conducted inside an empty house located in Navatoli of Sukhdevnagar police station area, leading to the arrest of five suspects.
Upon interrogation, these arrested individuals tipped off the police about two more accomplices who were scouting the businessman.
The police subsequently arrested the remaining two criminals, effectively preventing a heist.
Various items were confiscated from the arrested criminals, including a country-made pistol, a country-made katta, five live bullets, and two motorcycles.


Story at a glance
- After George Floyd’s death, demonstrators in Seattle joined those in other cities calling for defunding police departments.
- A group of protesters has established what they call the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” in a section of the city.
- Police have pulled back their presence but remain in the area.
As protesters around the country demand that cities defund their police departments, one group of demonstrators in Seattle is out to prove they don’t need the law enforcement officers.
On Tuesday night, protesters from what is now known as the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” (CHAZ) were joined by other demonstrators as they briefly occupied Seattle’s City Hall. Speakers called for the resignation of Mayor Jenny Durkan and the defunding of the Seattle Police Department before leaving the building about 1 a.m., chanting “defund SPD” as they returned to the zone.
BREAKING NEWS ABOUT THE GEORGE FLOYD CASE
— Jake Goldstein-Street (@GoldsteinStreet) June 10, 2020
Located in the Capitol Hill district, the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” surrounds the Seattle Police Department’s East Precinct. Police opened the area to demonstrators on June 8 after closing the streets in response to protesters demonstrating against police violence after the death of George Floyd. The East Precinct remains staffed, but Assistant Chief Tom Mahaffey said in a statement they were taking measures for the safety of officers and the building.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation and admiration for your continued efforts to protect this City and one another during this extremely challenging time,” Mahaffey said in the statement.
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) June 10, 2020
Local reporters and others have tweeted pictures and video from the area, showing people providing food and medical aid to protesters, some of whom are sleeping in tents. On Tuesday night, many watched Ava DuVernay’s documentary “13th” on a giant projector screen.
READ MORE ABOUT THE GEORGE FLOYD PROTESTS


In a keynote speech, the Lord Chancellor was telling lawyers they must clamp down on companies that encourage frivolous claims or face a barrage of new laws.
His speech follows rising concern about the eagerness of some lawyers to sue public bodies whenever somebody suffers a minor mishap.
Lord Falconer was warning the effect was that traditional activities, from school trips to conker playing, were being curtailed because organisers were afraid of being taken to court if something went wrong.
Recent cases include a school which ordered pupils to wear goggles to play conkers and a Girl Guide whose parents won ?3,500 after she singed her fingers cooking sausages.
"The perception that there is easy money just waiting to be had - the so called ' compensation culture' - creates real problems," said a spokesman for Lord Falconer. " Organisations become so scared of being sued that they stop perfectly sensible activities."
Lord Falconer believes genuine claims are being undermined. But he will say much of the problem is simply due to the fear of being sued because, contrary to public perceptions, there are not "vast pots of easy money" being paid out.
The issue has been raised as an election battleground by the Conservatives, who have pledged to repeal or amend the Human Rights Act. They say it has led to a ?10billion compensation industry and an avalanche of spurious legal actions.
But there is also mounting concern at the Department of Health over the cost to the NHS of compensation claims for medical mistakes. Health Secretary John Reid is expected to announce plans for a voluntary fixed tariff system after the election.
Lord Falconer denies the Human Rights Act is responsible for the trend and blames law firms that specialise in encouraging compensation claims and encourage people to "have a go" even when their claim has little merit.Reuse content


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Angry Birds Goes Turn-Based RPG
We're not kidding.
03.15.14 - 3:06 PM
In a surprise announcement, Angry Birds developer Rovio have revealed they will be releasing a new RPG entry in the series.
Angry Birds Epic will feature turn-based combat and even a crafting system. Equipment and resources can be earned in-game or bought using real money.
An early version of the game will be available in Canada and Australia on the AppStore by the end of the week. The fully complete version will launch worldwide on iOS, Android and Windows Phone 8 towards the end of the year.


BEIJING, November 23 (TMTPOST)— The ongoing global chip crunch is hitting the leading Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi hard in the third quarter, when it ceded the No.2 place in the global market that just grabbed a quarter ago.
Source: Visual China
During the third quarter of 2021 ended September, Xiaomi totaled revenue of RMB78.06 billion (US$12.2 billion) with a year-over-year (YoY) increase of 8%, beating analysts’ estimate of RMB77.46 billion. With YoY growth of just 0.5%, its core business smartphone posted revenue of RMB47.8 billion (US7.49 billion), short of analysts’ prediction of RMB49.21 billion. The smartphone shipment decreased 5.8% from 46.6 million the same period of 2020 to 43.9 million, much weaker than the second quarter which saw 52.9 million smartphones shipped with a robust YoY growth of 86.8%. The company took blame mainly for global supply shortage of key components including SoC (system-on-chip) and forecasted the total annual shipment would reach 190 million units, up 29.78% from last year’s 146.4 million.
“The key reason for our shipment decline is that our devices in short supply,” Xiaomi president Wang Xiang explained at the earnings call on Tuesday, the chip shortage led to reduction in shipment in a range between about 10 million to 20 million units. Wang expected Xiaomi would still face significant challenges in the first half of next year and the chip supply could improve in the second half.
According to Canalys, Xiaomi’s global shipments in the second quarter for the first time ranked the second with a market share of 16.7%. However, in the global technology market analyst firm’s ranking in the third quarter, Apple re-took the second place with the launch and strong sales of iPhone 13 that quarter, shipping 49.2 million smartphones and for growing 14% YoY and a 15% share, while Xiaomi took the third with 44 million units shipped and a 14% share and a YoY decrease of 7%. Canalys noted both Xiaomi and Samsung, the No.1 vendor, struggled with supply of devices, but Xiaom’s demand outstripping supply was partly due to a blockbuster performance in the second quarter, which depleted available stock.


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Dingo Sungod at Settlers Tavern
Dingo Sungod is an amazingly diverse fusion of sound and culture, exploding during their live show.
A fresh and exciting new band that has erupted out of Western Australia’s coastal melting pots – the alluring seaside hamlet of Exmouth and the wave, wine and forest rich region of Margaret River.
“On stage Dingo Sungod have a funky synergy that seamlessly blends genres and induces a contagious furore. Righteous rapping reggae meet hip thrusting bass and eclectic thumping percussion. One of the best live acts Froth Craft Brewery has had the pleasure of hosting. On the proverbial verge and one to watch out for!” Pete Firth, Director, Froth Craft Brewery (Exmouth, WA)
Following another rocking Winter up in Exmouth (sell out shows and a wicked Xavier Rudd support gig) the Dingoes are fully amped to come show case their music at Settlers Tavern on Saturday 25th Feb with support from Bleu Haze Baby!
Tickets are $20 on the door, so get your pre-sale and save.

domain: entertainment


Hey guys, it's been awhile since I've posted on here and last thing I posted about was my transmission problem (which is now fixed, thankfully) but I have run into another, less severe problem. The truck squeaks at around 3000 rpm and I've been told it might be an idler pulley or other sort of pulley problem. I looked at the truck today and noticed that the belt moved forward a little on the water pump pulley. Does anyone have any suggestions or comments or advice on what it could be and what I should do? Any input would be great.


James Rogers’ Answers to Salt Lake City 2017 City Council Election Candidate Questionnaire on Bicycling
Background: Cycling is a healthy and fun form of transportation and recreation that improves livability, health, and economy in Salt Lake City. We ask these questions to provide information to Salt Lake City’s citizens regarding your outlook on cycling.
Candidate Information: Please provide your name, contact info for your campaign, council district (describe too) and if you like, a brief statement regarding your candidacy.
- What is your vision for cycling (both road and mountain biking) in Salt Lake City? What would you do to make that vision happen (planning, budget, infrastructure, education, safety, economy, etc.)?
I voted for a vision in 2015 when council and I passed the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, and I still believe in that vision. That vision calls for a dynamic and complete network of trails and bike lanes, which provides cyclists with safe options no matter the level of experience. I am currently working on finding ways to fund transportation projects and programs that include bicycling.
- What is the biggest issue for cyclists currently in Salt Lake City and what will you do to address it?
With more Salt Lake City residents taking up bicycling for both commuting and recreation it is imperative that all road users feel safe. There are a few ways we can do this. First, building a bicycling network that is low-stress, logical, and easy to access for cyclists. The second is education for all road users. Both bicyclists and motorists need to be aware of each other and know the rules of the road.
- What would you like to see in your district in regards to bicycling?
A major bicycling milestone in district one was recently funded through CIP. A neighborhood byway will be coming online in the next year that connects the Jordan River Parkway, Newman Elementary, SLCSE, Constitution Park and Northwest Rec Center. The byway will connect with the 300 North bike lane completing a critical network in the ped/bike master plan. I think the next steps for cycling in District One is access to affordable and reliable biking options and an analysis of 600 North. Sure, it would be great to have GreenBikes in district one. I’d like to see more robust bicycling community groups in district one. Perhaps having one or two Bicycle Collective type shops on the Westside to foster a biking community that has access to affordable equipment and tools and provides programming on how to maintain people’s own bikes.
- In your district, the following is an issue for cyclists: The Marmalade, Fairpark, and Rose Park area have some great spots for cycling, but the crossing of I-15 and other areas need vast improvement. What are your thoughts on our Proposal for Better Bicycling in the area: https://www.cyclingwest.com/advocacy/road-advocacy/proposal-better-bicycling-marmalade-rose-park-fair-park-area-salt-lake-city/
What are your thoughts on this and what would you do on the Council to address it?
District One faces physical barriers for both pedestrians and bicyclists. I’m happy to have been a part of successfully securing funding for a 300 North ped/bike bridge that will close a gap in the network. That has been a need for many years. Additionally, Council recently funded the initial phase of an east-west connection study that will help guide our work to address those barriers and close the gaps. The Proposal for Better Bicycling identifies barriers that District One faces and provides solutions to those barriers. I think that this proposal along with the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master plan can provide mobility solutions for the residents of District One.
What cycling initiatives would you bring to the Council?
I believe the ped/bike master plan presents some outstanding initiatives. I think the biggest contribution I can make is by securing funding to implement those plans and projects which I am currently working on. I believe it is important that there is a complete biking network so people who are riding have direct and clear routes to get from point a to point b.
Would you favor strengthening the Complete Streets Ordinance? If so, how?
The City currently has a Complete Streets Ordinance that we should be adhering to whenever there is a street project being done. Complete streets make roadways safer and more desirable for everyone. It is a balanced approach to the way we use roadways.
Regarding the proposal 10,000 Wheels for Affordable Transportation, what are your thoughts and would you commit to working to implement this if you are elected? (https://www.cyclingwest.com/advocacy/cycling-utah-calls-for-10000-wheels-initiative-for-affordable-transportation-in-utah/)
Transportation costs can be a large burden for families, and typically is the 2nd largest cost in families’ budgets behind housing. This proposal can help lower transportation costs for individuals and families. I believe some of the initiatives in this proposal can be of benefit to those in District One. As I previously mentioned, access to affordable, durable bikes would be welcomed to the City’s Westside. Education on not only safety, but also routes, connecting with transit are also key to promoting alternative modes of transportation and easing the burden of transportation costs.
Regarding the proposal for a comprehensive recreational cycling plan for Salt Lake City, what are your thoughts and would you commit to working to implement this proposal if you are elected? (https://www.cyclingwest.com/advocacy/a-proposal-for-a-salt-lake-city-recreational-cycling-plan/)
Recreational cycling plays such an important role in our community’s health, economic development, and overall quality of life. This proposed plan can complement the existing ped/bike plan nicely. I would like to do a further study of this plan that includes economic development to analyze the potential benefits of further developing trails and paths. With the Wasatch foothills and mountains in our backyard, there is no reason Salt Lake City cannot be recognized as a world class mountain biking destination.
- The 2015 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan was passed by the Council in 2015. What will you do to ensure its implementation?
I’m proud to have voted in favor of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan in 2015. I look forward to working with a new Transportation Director when that person is hired to start implementing the priority routes and corridors. Funding this plan will certainly be a challenge, but my colleagues on the City Council and I are looking for new and creative ways to fund the plan.
- Do you ride a bicycle? Tell us more about how and where you ride.
I mostly ride for recreation, albeit not very often. When I do ride, I wear a helmet, ride on the right side of the street, and always use hand signals to let motorists know my next moves. My favorite place to ride is on the Jordan River Parkway. Looking forward to the new bridge this fall that will close the gap on the trail.
- Is there anything else you would like to add?
Our City and state are growing and we need to support alternative ways to move people around for an affordable cost. Bicycling is one way to meet that. Thank you Dave for sending this questionnaire out and letting the bicycling community know how each of the candidates feel about bicycling.


text:
Have you ever wondered if you were the only mom who thought about running away from her kids? Or what about admitting that you didn’t like your friend’s kids? Or even honestly being able to say that some days being a mom really sucks?
If you know that mommyhood isn’t always a good time and sometimes you wondered why you even had kids in the first place, then Jill Smokler’s bookÃ‚Â Confessions of a Scary Mommy is for you!
This book is actually being released today, but I got my hands on a copy a few months ago. I loved it.Ã‚Â This is a book written by a mom to be read by other moms. It’s a book that you can read a few pages of whenever you have time, or if you are lucky enough to have a few hours to yourself, you can read it all in one sitting. It’s a fun read, and one that will even have you laughing out loud in some parts.
If you are a mom, you will relate to this book. Jill writes openly and honestly, but it has a very casual feel – it’s almost like you are sitting down and talking to Jill about motherhood; the good, the bad, and the scary of it.
This book is for real moms out there. It is written in a way that is supportive and makes you feel “normal” for being able to admit that motherhood isn’t always fun or enjoyable. This is a book you can pick up to read a few pages of on those days when being a mom sucks – just to remind yourself that it sucks for everybody sometimes. This is a book I know I will pick up to read when I want to runaway from the kids or when I just need a funny pick-me-up.
It’s worth reading, and it’s funny. It would make a great baby shower gift, too!
What do you think? Does Confessions of a Scary Mommy sound like a book you’d read?
Photo Source: amazon.com

domain: library


text:
Look, it’s Elvira. If you came here expecting anything other than two minutes and forty-six seconds of double-entendres about breasts, you are 100% in the wrong place. Introduction to the Monster, Monster II series here.
Read more "Monster, Monster II – Two Big Pumpkins"
Let’s kick it off old-school with a fun video that only recently re-emerged from obscurity after New Line took legal issue with Will Smith taking the piss out of Freddy Kruger and supposedly got the original video destroyed as part of an out-of-court legal settlement, although a few poor-quality off-air VHS prints circulated from time […]
Read more "Monster Monster II – A Nightmare on My Street"
Fair warning: I can’t really talk about this without one minor spoiler, the title of the movie featured in the first episode, also revealed in the teaser trailer below. If you truly desire a blind first look on Friday, I’d skip this and go play outside. Get some fresh air and exercise, why don’t you? […]
Read more "MST3K Returns! Season 11 Episode 1 Sneak Peek Review"
So this weekend brought both sad tidings and good news about new projects in the nerd pop world. First the sad: Grace Lee Whitney, best known for her role as Yeoman Janice Rand in the first season of Star Trek has passed away at age 85. Stories differ, but while she was most likely fired […]
Read more "Notes from the ‘Net – Mixed Bag Edition"


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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday he is concerned about what President Donald Trump told Vladimir Putin in secret during their closed-door meeting in Helsinki and wants members of Trump’s national security team to testify about what they heard.
"Very importantly, probably most importantly, our Republican colleagues need to join us in demanding testimony from the President's national security team that was in Helsinki -- and we need to do that immediately," Schumer, a New York Democrat, said on the Senate floor, CNN reports.
He said those called before the Senate should include Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
"We need hearings as soon as possible to assess what President Trump might have committed to President Putin in secret. President Trump's public statements were alarming enough," Schumer said.
"Does anyone believe he was tougher on Putin in secret? You can't assume anything but that as weak as he was in public before President Putin, he was even worse in private. Why else did he not want anyone in the room?"
"Where are the notes from the meeting? What did the President agree to? Was Secretary Pompeo briefed afterwards on what happened? Were any other members of the President's team? The American people need to know what has happened … It's our security at risk.’’
Trump met for two hours with Putin behind closed doors and later said the Russian president assured him that his country had not meddled in the 2016 election – an assurance he believed over the conclusion of U.S. intelligence that there was interference.
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domain: politics