Re: Forging a new deal with doctors, Opinion Aug. 28
Re: Doctors association could turn into union, Aug. 26
Forging a new deal with doctors, Opinion Aug. 28
From their ivory tower perch, Steven Hoffman and Colleen Flood have failed to grasp the unique details and politics behind the Ontario doctors’ recent rejection of a proposed agreement with the Ministry of Health. By over-reading grander issues into the vote, they have misled Star readers.
First and foremost, physicians decided to reject the OMA leadership that had negotiated in secret for months, denied they were doing so, and then capitulated on the issue that mattered most to doctors: a fair system of binding arbitration to settle disputes.
It has now been revealed that the MOH handed the OMA leaders a short, vaguely worded “deal” just before the Canada Day holiday weekend, which was signed back within one working day, and then presented to the general membership as a fait accompli.
Far from being low, the 45 per cent turnout for the referendum was a record high for OMA membership, an astonishing achievement in the middle of the summer vacation period, for a vote that had to be hastily arranged after a coercive actions by OMA leadership described by an Ontario court judge as “sneaky.”
If Health Minister Eric Hoskins truly wants a larger vision of co-management of health care costs, this is not the way to do it.
Dr. Paul Ranalli, neurologist, Toronto
Doctors association could turn into union, Aug. 26
Dr. Eric Hoskins now proposes that he would be receptive to granting binding arbitration to physicians, but only if they change their status to a labour union, thus entailing loss of tax breaks from incorporation.
Yet in most provinces, physicians – despite being dependent contractors – are given binding arbitration. This was also suggested in the Canada Health Act.
If physicians are now to be viewed as unionized “employees” of OHIP, does the province have the financial resources to cover their office overhead and fringe benefits such as sick leave, study leave, vacations, pensions, etc.?
Clearly it is time for Ottawa to intervene. Dr. Jane Philpott should honour her recent pledge to “play an active role in improving Canada’s health system.” She should amend the Canada Health Act so as to mandate binding arbitration when negotiations fail, as they have in Ontario.
Dr. Charles S. Shaver, Ottawa


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GUC unveils Cover Art & Release Date For "The Message" Album | Pre-Order Available Nov 20th
Gospel Artist, GUC, under the EeZee Conceptz label, has revealed more details about his forthcoming debut album titled "The Message."
Following the revelation of the album title and some of the tracks, Minister GUC has unveiled the album cover as well as release date. He also revealed that there are 12 tracks in total on the album.
"The Message" album which is the Gospel music minister's debut, will be released on the 4th of December, 2020. But prior to the release date, pre-order option is available from the 20th of November.
In a video post on Instagram, GUC let in on these details featuring some yet-to-be-released materials and his popular songs in a mashup.
"The Message album," he wrote, "available for pre-order - 20th November. Out officially on 4th [of] December. We are ready for this. Are you ready? Check details on the video for more info."
GUC released “Knowing You” in August of 2020. The single has garnered over 1.5million views in its 3 months of release. It was the last release before the announcement of the album.
See Also: Oluwatoyin Odusanya unveils her official second single, "Holy".
Minister GUC joined EeZee Conceptz Global in 2019 and released a follow-up single to "Desperate," titled "All That Matters" in January of 2020. The single has crossed 24million views on YouTube as at present time.
EeZee Conceptz Global and GUC are ready. Hope you are too? Pre-Order available from November 20th. Album drops December 4th!
Get More Updates via Twitter - @Notjustok

domain: news


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domain: geography


Here’s a page from a small fold out comic I painted. As you can see I have fetishized the violin.
There is a famous dead volinist and composer named Paganini who played so well, he was rumored to be the devil come up to tempt mortals with his seductive music.
Before some performances he razored halfway through of one of his four strings so that when he bowed violently the string broke. Without pausing, Paganini continued to play, using the other three strings to compensate for the one lost.
To this day, his “24 caprices”, confounds the fingers of all but the greatest soloist. A for myself, I examine the necks of strangers for the violin-hickey chafed on the skin by hours of regular practice. When I see one, I know that they have a little of the devil in them.
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featured artist :: Rosie Music09:17
I want to share the beautiful work of Rosie Music with you all. Rosie Music is one of the first artists I stumbled upon when I first discov...
I want to share the beautiful work of Rosie Music with you all. Rosie Music is one of the first artists I stumbled upon when I first discovered Etsy. I was so excited when I first discovered Etsy...I had thought for awhile that there needs to be a site like ebay out there that is only for art and handmade. So finding Etsy was a dream and what followed was this blog and a reconnecting with that creative side.
So here we go....
Starting with my favourite of all, Snow Guitar Girl. This is an 8x10 print signed and dated. Its hard to say what exactly I love about this print, maybe it is the colour sceme (pink is my favourite colour) or maybe it is the cute hoodie, either way looking at her makes me smile!
And now we have other goodies....stickers, postcards and a fabric transfer. the fabric transfer is Redhead Girl.
And lastly two more of RosieMusic's prints that i have framed at home and on my bookshelves.

domain: artistic


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domain: food


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All You Need to Know Regarding CBD Oil 2411
All You Need to Know Regarding CBD Oil
CBDFLO is a leading cbd affiliate website that produces varieties cbd products for the benefits of the audience, you can sign up as an affiliate and follow the trend of CBDFLO, click here to buy now or be an affiliate - https://cbdflo.com/
CBD stands to get cannabidiol petroleum jelly. It is utilised to treat different symptoms although its use is quite controversial. There is likewise some confusion as to how the oil affects our bodies. The oil may have health benefits and such services and products that have the chemical are valid in most places now.
CBD is just a cannabinoid, a chemical found in cannabis plantlife. The oil comprises CBD concentrations and also the applications vary greatly. Back in cannabis, the chemical that is common is Delta9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. It is an ingredient found in bud. Marijuana has CBD and THCA and have different effects. cbd products
THC changes your brain when you are smoking or cooking together with it. This really is as it's separated with heat. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. It follows your state of brain does not vary with use. But, considerable improvements might be noted in the human body signifying medi cal benefits.
Hemp can be part of the cannabis plant as well as in most instances, it is not processed. This really is where a lot of this CBD has been expressed. Pot and berry arise from cannabis sativa, but are quite unique. Today, bud farmers are plants therefore they can possess high THC levels. Hemp farmers don't need to alter plants and are utilised to build the CBD oil.
How it works
Cannabinoids have an effect on the body by attaching to different receptors. A few cannabinoids are made by the human body also you also really are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB 1 receptors are located all through your system using a excellent amount of them being in the mind. The receptors are liable for disposition, feelings, anxiety, movements, manipulation, reminiscences, hunger, thinking, and lots different capabilities. THC influences these receptors.
Regarding your CB2 receptors, they truly are mainly in one's immune system and have an effect on pain and inflammation. Although CBD will not blend directly the following, it guides the body touse cannabinoids more.
The Positive Aspects
CBD is effective to individual wellbeing in various methods. It's a organic pain reliever plus has anti-inflammatory qualities. Within the counter medication are employed for treatment & the majority of men and women would rather have an even much more natural solution and this really is where CBD oil comes from.
Studies have indicated that CBD offers a better treatment, especially for individuals with chronic soreness.
There's also signs that indicate that the utilization of CBD can be quite valuable for anyone who is trying to stop smoking cigarettes and working with drug withdrawals. At some study, it had been seen that people who smoke who had inhalers who experienced CBD tended to smoke than that which was usual for those and devoid of further urge for cigarette smoking. CBD might be a great remedy for persons with addiction disorders especially to opioids.
There are a number of other health conditions which are helped by both CBD plus they also comprise epilepsy, LGA, Dravet syndrome, and seizures and so on. More exploration is being conducted on the results of CBD in the human body and the results are absolutely promising. The possibility of fighting cancer along with different anxiety illnesses is also being looked at.

domain: chemistry


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Velázquez on President’s Tweets Threatening to Withdraw Help for Puerto Rico
Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the President’s Tweets this morning suggesting he may attempt to withdraw federal assistance from Puerto Rico:
“The President of the United States’ most solemn duty is to protect the safety and the security of the American people. By suggesting he might abdicate this responsibility for our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico, Mr. Trump has called into question his ability to lead.
“I would note that the President did not make similar threats to Texas and Florida following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. He should immediately renounce these Tweets and clarify that that our federal government will meet its obligation of assisting U.S. citizens impacted by this once-in-a-generation humanitarian crisis.
“Despite the President’s attempts to distract and create division, we will not allow the federal government to abandon Puerto Rico in its time of need.”


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Whether in painting, poetry, performance, music, dance, or life, there is an intelligence working in every situation. This force is the primary carrier of creation.
If we trust it and follow its natural movement, it will astound us with its ability to find a way through problems—and even make creative use of our mistakes and failures.
There is a magic to this process that cannot be controlled by the ego. Somehow it always finds the way to the place where you need to be, and a destination you never could have known in advance.
When everything seems as if it is hopeless and going nowhere . . . trust the process.
About the Author
Shaun McNiff PhD, ATR is the Provost and Dean of Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts. An internationally-renowned figure in the creative arts therapies, he has written many critically-acclaimed books including Art as Medicine: Creating a Therapy of the Imagination, Educating the Creative Arts Therapist and Depth Psychology of Art. Dr McNiff has been honoured on many occasions for his pioneering contributions to the creative arts therapy field, and he is the 1997 recipient of the America Art Therapy Association's Honorary Life Member Award.
"McNiff is able to expand the reader's view of what it means to truly live with the labyrinthine path of the creative spirit, conveying an unlimited sense of the ways of the lived imagination."— Common Boundary
"The instructions and insights in this 'artist's guide to letting go' can lead you to creative heights and depths no matter what your medium."— Yoga Journal


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Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with the vandalism at St. Francis of Assisi Polish National Catholic Church in Denver that left a statue nearly destroyed.
A surveillance camera very clearly caught a man bashing a statue outside a church in Denver.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock says he supports the police chief’s actions following the vandalism of a fallen officers memorial, even as the police union is calling for his resignation.
Police in Fort Collins have arrested a suspect in a series of vandalism cases involving graffiti on businesses.
A defaced memorial to fallen police officers has led to major backlash that includes the president of the police union, the police chief and a community group said to be responsible for the vandalism.
During a police protest a memorial dedicated to fallen police officers was vandalized, which has led to a controversy involving police administrators and the head of the police union, who is calling for the police chief to resign.
Investigators in Centennial are hoping someone will recognize a group of teens who were caught on camera drinking in a park before one of them damaged a camera.
A homeowner in Federal Heights says he’s been repeatedly targeted by a vandal, and this time he caught that man on video trashing his car.
One man convicted of vandalizing Englewood High School last year has been sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay restitution for the damage he caused.
Police in Parker are looking for the person or people who vandalized Cottonwood Park on Christmas Day.

domain: law


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A debate over bed tax increase is heating up in Collier County—some want tourists to pay more when visiting Naples.
It's an idea the county commissioner shot down time and time again.
The tax charges visitors who stay at hotels or rent out vacation spots.
It has been at four percent since 2005.
But Murray Hendel, the president at Collier Citizens Council, says a penny increase to five percent could raise an additional three to four million dollars per year.
He says that money could be used for advanced beach renourishment-- something the county couldn't afford in 2013.
"The people who are opposing the bed tax are the big hotels who claim they need a competitive advantage. The bed tax is for beach renourishment and related matters, it should not effect who makes money and who doesn't make money," Hendel said.
Local hotel owners say the four percent number gives them a "competitive edge" over other areas like Miami and Orlando - especially when it comes to corporate gatherings.
Hendel and his group hope to have a formal recommendation ready for county commissioners in the next few months.
3719 Central Avenue Fort Myers, FL 33901
Main Phone: (239) 939-2020 Newsroom Phone: (239) 939-6223

domain: economics


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YOU may be entitled to extra help with your finances if you have a long-term health condition, on top of your Universal Credit payments.
Here is how to apply for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and find out how much you could be owed.
Universal Credit was introduced in 2013 to bring several benefits such as unemployment and housing support into one single payment.
The standard Universal Credit allowance starts at £342.72 but you could also be entitled to up to £151 extra through PIP if you have an illness, disability or mental health condition.
What is PIP?
PIP was launched in 2013 to gradually replace the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
You can get financial support if your condition means you struggle with moving around or everyday activities, such as getting dressed.
Applicants can get between £23.60 and £151.40 a week from age 16 up to state pension age.
Who can apply?
Unlike Universal Credit, PIP isn’t means-tested so it doesn’t matter how much you earn or what your national insurance contributions are.
You must have a health condition or disability that has made it hard to cope with moving around or daily living, or both, for the past three months.
The difficulties should be expected to continue for at least nine months.
You usually need to have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the previous three years to be eligible.
How much could you get?
PIP is made up of two parts: daily living and mobility.
You will be assessed by an independent health official appointed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
For the daily living part, the health assessor will see how you cope with tasks such as preparing and eating food, getting dressed and making money decisions.
What to do if you have problems claiming Universal Credit
IF you’re experiencing trouble applying for your Universal Credit, or the payments just don’t cover costs, here are your options:
- Apply for an advance – Claimants are able to get some cash within five days rather than waiting weeks for their first payment. But it’s a loan which means the repayments will be automatically deducted from your future Universal Credit payout.
- Alternative Payment Arrangements – If you’re falling behind on rent, you or your landlord may be able to apply for an APA which will get your payment sent directly to your landlord. You might also be able to change your payments to get them more frequently, or you can split the payments if you’re part of a couple.
- Budgeting Advance – You may be able to get help from the Government for emergency household costs of up to £348 if you’re single, £464 if you’re part of a couple or £812 if you have children. These are only in cases like your cooker breaking down or for help getting a job. You’ll have to repay the advance through your regular Universal Credit payments. You’ll still have to repay the loan, even if you stop claiming for Universal Credit.
- Cut your Council Tax – You might be able to get a discount on your Council Tax by applying for a Council Tax Reduction. Alternatively, you might be entitled to Discretionary Housing Payments to help cover your rent.
- Foodbanks – If you’re really hard up and struggling to buy food and toiletries, you can find your local foodbank who will provide you with help for free. You can find your nearest one on the Trussell Trust website.
The weekly rate could be £59.70 or £89.15 depending how much support you need.
You will get the higher daily living part if you’re not expected to live more than six months.
The weekly mobility payment is either £23.60 or £62.25, depending on how hard it is for you to get around.
It is based on criteria such as how well you follow directions and if you can stand and walk unaided.
You will continue receiving DLA payments if you were age 65 or over on April 8, 2013.
These are worth £23.60 a week at the lowest rate, £59.70 for the middle range of support and £89.15 at the highest.
How to apply
You can apply for PIP through the DWP’s PIP claims line, which is open between 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
The number for the DWP PIP claims line is 0800 917 2222 or you can request a form to apply through the post by writing to Personal Independence Payment New Claims, Post Handling Site B, Wolverhampton, WV99 1AH.
You can use the Relay UK service if you can’t hear or speak on the phone by dialling 18001 then 0800 917 2222.
PIP is usually paid every four weeks and your decision letter will tell you your first payment.
Payments are regularly reviewed, sometimes after a year and often after 10 years and you must inform DWP of a change in circumstances.
You can challenge a decision if you are rejected by downloading an online form from the DWP website.
New easy broadband switching rules could help you save £90 a year
FEEL THE HEAT
All the postcodes that can get £25 a week help with energy bills revealed
ATTACK OF THE CLONES
Debt firms ‘tricking’ hard-up Brits into paying to fix their finances
Four things to know about new rules for Klarna, Clearpay and Laybuy
Council tax to rise by 5% – adding £100 to bills – for millions in April
The work and pensions secretary has rejected a boost to Universal Credit payments.
Low income households can get up to £140 towards their electricity bills with the government’s warm home discount scheme.
We also round up other ways to get help paying your energy bills this winter – and it can save you over £1,000.


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Anoushka D'souza is the founder of Conxcious Produxtions- a multi sensory healing company. Raised in Canada, she moved back to India to connect back to her roots. She's fused together her B.A in Philosophy, Yoga Teacher Trainings, intuitive guidance and conflict resolution training to create a space to heal in non traditional ways. Her niche clients are creatives from all industries to normalize therapy and meditation as part of their creative lifestyle. She addresses: Social anxiety, fear of following your passions, how to live a soulful despite having a successful career, how to trust our intuition, how to stop fearing money to name a few. Her goal is to continue building an empire of sustainable wellness for all across the globe. She s soon to be launching "Conxcious Online Studios" a remote healing space for people to access Yoga, spirituality, & group therapy (such as anger management, scream therapy classes.)
What is CBD YOGA?
Yoga infused with your PRESCRIBED CBD. Anoushka facilitates a unique blend of asana movements (inspired by Kung Fu, Tai- chi & Hatha Yoga), meditation and chakra activations. We will learn to integrate CBD in our yoga practice to welcome an even deeper sensory activating class. Every class is very unique and catered to the group. Please NOTE CBD is optional.
Individual CBD YOGA Flow Sessions: 2000 RS.
10 Class Pass CBD YOGA: 20,000 RS.

domain: psychology


text:
Madison County water system’s water usage hit an all-time high last month.
Utility director Steve Shaw told the industrial development authority Sept. 19 that the county billed 759 customers for a total of 8.3 million gallons used in August. He said this was approximately two million gallons above the previous month’s usage.
Shaw said that the Commerce-Neese water line project is complete with all lines in service as of Monday.
Executive director Marvin White told the authority that the IDA will take over the billing for the Black’s Creek Church Road water lines, currently billed by the city of Commerce, in October.


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|Written by Jerry Santiago|
UFC 101 will feature a main event that matches up the top two 155 pound fighters in all of Mixed Martial Arts for the UFC lightweight championship! UFC 101 fans will have the choice of defending Mixed Martial Arts lightweight champion BJ “The Prodigy” Penn against challenger Kenny “KenFlo’ Florian.
Also featured on the UFC 101 main card will be a light heavyweight Mixed Martial Arts matchup of Anderson “The Spider” Silva against Forrest Griffin. Anticipation on both bouts is high and the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia will have a huge crowd for UFC 101 as this the first time that the circuit has visited the “City of Brotherly Love.” There should be no love lost, however, for UFC 101 as the lightweight title bout could be one of the most intense and hard fought in the history of the series.
Penn won the lightweight title on January 19, 2008 at UFC 80 Rapid Fire in Newcastle, England as he defeated Joe Stevenson with a submission by rear naked choke. He added to his UFC 101 credentials on May 24, 2008 with a successful lightweight title defense win over Sean Sherk at UFC 84 Ill Will at Las Vegas, Nevada as he won by TKO on strikes after 3 rounds.
Florian has the hot hand entering UFC 101 as he has won his last 6 fights. He has also recently defeated Stevenson as on November 15, 2008 he scored a submission win by rear naked choke at UFC 91 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The win over Stevenson made Florian the number one contender for the lightweight title at UFC 101.
Speaking of the hot hand Silva certainly has it as he enters UFC 101 with 10 consecutive wins. Silva is the defending UFC middleweight champion that is fighting as a light heavyweight in Philadelphia. He will defend his middleweight championship at UFC 106 on November 21, 2009 against Dan Henderson at Las Vegas, Nevada.
Griffin is coming off a loss for the UFC light heavyweight championship on December 27, 2008 against Rashad Evans. He had previously won the light heavyweight championship on July 5, 2008 on a unanimous decision over Quinton Jackson.


text: This turnkey corner villa in Tuscany Bay is the largest model. 3 bedroom,2 bath with 3rd bedroom being used as a den. Tile floors thru-out. This well designed villa comes completely furnished. New Roof 2022 & New A/C 2021. Community Clubhouse with wonderful amenities. This is an opportunity to enjoy the true Florida lifestyle.

domain: design


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Roadkill Ghost Choir hail form DeLand, Florida and are now streaming the song “Classics (Die Young)” off their forthcoming EP False Youth Etcetera. The album is due out on February 3rd, 2017 and is volume 1 of 2 due out that year. (Volume 2 will be released in the Spring while a full-length incorporating both is planned for the summer.)
“Classics (Die Young)” is reminiscent of Tom Petty and blends rock and folk into a smooth yet gritty result.
“Going into In Tongues (the band’s previous album released in 2014), I was terrified. I had never written under such a pressured amount of time, and I struggled with writer’s block for a good portion of it” said vocalist and guitarist Andrew Shepard. On the new music he elaborates, “It ended up being the first time I didn’t have a timeline, so I went right back to that – me sitting and recording, getting ideas down, and navigating what I really wanted to do sonically and lyrically. False Youth Etcetera is more textural, more synths, more interesting.”

domain: entertainment


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In the Army you'll be handling some of the world's most advanced weaponry and equipment, supported by formidable armoured vehicles, high-tech aircraft and sophisticated ICT systems.
From weapon systems to advanced body armour, the Army is constantly evolving to extend and strengthen our capabilities. Across Infantry, Artillery, Armoured and Aviation Corps, we maintain strategic superiority through the use of state-of-the-art weapons, which include our assault rifles, machine guns, anti-tank weapons, missile systems, heavy artillery, helicopters, tanks and other armoured vehicles.
Modern Army command and control systems demand reliable, high speed transfer of large volumes of data. Optimum communications are maintained using a mix of radio, fibre optic, microwave and satellite links, keeping the Army informed and in touch 24/7, anywhere in the world.
Operating at the forefront of technological innovation using cutting edge Electronic Warfare equipment, we gain the decisive advantage during conflicts through influence over and control of the electromagnetic spectrum.


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A total of forty-four defaulters have been apprehended and charged to mobile court in Nnewi Local Government Council over failure to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols.
The exercise was in collaboration with the State Ministry of Transport, the Nigerian Police Force, Anambra Traffic Management Agency, ATMA, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and OCHA Brigade, Anambra South Chapter.
Speaking before the exercise, the SSG, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu represented by Hon. Sunday Okafor, COVID-19 State Admin Officer noted that it is primarily to sensitize people on the need to always have their facemask properly fitted on their face and the possible punishment for the defaulters at the mobile court.
He stressed that Anambra state government led by Chief Willie Obiano will not relent in her effort to curb the spread of the virus.
The SSG explained that government is not so much interested in the fines from defaulters nor their prison sentences, but most importantly wants all and sundry to comply with the COVID-19 protocols, especially wearing of facemask at public places.
The Zonal Commander OCHA Brigade, Anambra South District Mr. Emmanuel Obi, chided those that still disobey the directives of the government as he insisted that the government will continue to fight for the entire well being of her citizens.
The Coordinator COVID-19 Taskforce, Nnewi Zone, Hon. Chikeluba Ezefunamba beckoned on Anambra people to always go out with their facemask, so as not to force the government embark on another total lockdown due to the increase in spread of the virus.


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Get 15% off - Dogpound Hydration Supplements with discount code SMASHCITY.
Better than Liquid IV or Pedialyte.
Export 7 ingredients for grocery delivery
Heat the oil in a medium soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the carrot and onion. Cook, stirring often, for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Transfer the vegetables to a blender. Add ½ of the black beans, the salsa, and the vegetable stock. Cover with the lid and puree until smooth.
Pour the pureed soup back into the pot and turn to medium heat. Add the remaining whole beans, cumin, garlic powder, and pepper. Taste the soup and add salt, if desired.
Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, until all ingredients are warmed through. Serve with optional toppings, if desired.


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Benign prostatic hyperplasia is among the most common health problems in men, but there are a variety of treatment options available. Here are some things that you should know about the treatment for enlarged prostate:
- Treatment with over-the-counter medication – in early stages, prostate enlargement can be efficiently treated and kept under control with the help of over-the-counter medication. These drugs usually contain an anti-inflammatory component that stops and reverses the growth process.
- Treatment with prescription medication – in more advanced stages, prostate enlargement can be treated with prescription medication. The process of getting that prescription involves a physical exam performed by a urologist. It could also include laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that could cause the patient’s symptoms. The medication used for the treatment of enlarged prostate usually needs to be taken for a long time, the first positive results being noticeable after a couple of months.
- Surgical approaches – there are a variety of surgical options available for the treatment of enlarged prostate, look for the best treatment for BPH Denver clinics have to offer. The traditional, most radical surgical intervention involves transurethral resection. The alternative minimally invasive method involves the embolization of the prostate gland and is performed by an interventional radiologist.

domain: medical


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In June 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex (a plant-based formulation of CBD) to treat seizures for people 2 years of age and older with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which are two rare forms of epilepsy.
We look at nine medical conditions where CBD may be, or, has already proven to be, beneficial.
Most studies investigating if CBD is beneficial at relieving nausea or vomiting, have used a combination of CBD and THC, rather than just CBD alone. A 2016 review found the combination to be either more effective or as effective as a placebo. 14
Conclusion: CBD shows promise for improving the quality of life in people with Parkinson’s disease but larger trials are needed.
Several smalls studies have investigated using CBD to relieve symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, with mostly encouraging results. For most studies, there were no differences across groups with regards to movement-related outcomes; however, groups treated with CBD 300 mg/day had a significantly improved well-being and quality of life as measured by the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire [PDQ-39]). 15
There have also been suggestions that CBD may aid in the treatment of cannabis and nicotine addiction. Further research is needed.
Many of these interactions are mild and require no adjustment to treatment. Others may require a drug substitution or the separation of doses by several hours.
Medical marijuana is frequently prescribed to people with intractable (treatment-resistant) pain, including those with terminal cancer. There is some evidence that CBD contributes to this benefit.
CBD oil should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A 2018 study from the American Academy of Pediatrics warned women to avoid marijuana during pregnancy due to the potential risks to a baby’s development. Although it is unclear how CBD contributes, CBD is known to pass through the placental barrier.
CBD oil contains CBD mixed with an inert carrier oil, such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil. The bottled oil, called a tincture, is sold in various concentrations. There are also CBD capsules, CBD gummies, and under-the-tongue CBD sprays.
Guimaraes VM, Zuardi AW, Del Bel EA, Guimaraes FS. Cannabidiol increases Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens but not in the dorsal striatum. Life Sci 2004;75(5):633-8. View abstract.
Singh RK, Dillon B, Tatum DA, Van Poppel KC, Bonthius DJ. Drug-Drug Interactions Between Cannabidiol and Lithium. Child Neurol Open. 2020;7:2329048X20947896. View abstract.
Rajesh M, Mukhopadhyay P, Batkai S, et al. Cannabidiol attenuates cardiac dysfunction, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammatory and cell death signaling pathways in diabetic cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol 2010;56(25):2115-25. View abstract.
Parkinson disease: Some early research suggests that taking high doses of CBD might make muscle movement and tremors worse in some people with Parkinson disease.
Santos de Alencar S, Crippa JAS, Brito MCM, Pimentel ÂV, Cecilio Hallak JE, Tumas V. A single oral dose of cannabidiol did not reduce upper limb tremor in patients with essential tremor. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2021;83:37-40. View abstract.
Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice. Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement in Schedule V of Certain FDA-Approved Drugs Containing Cannabidiol; Corresponding Change to Permit Requirements. Final order. Fed Regist. 2018 Sep 28;83(189):48950-3. View abstract.
Campos AC, Guimaraes FS. Activation of 5HT1A receptors mediates the anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol in a PTSD model. Behav Pharmacol 2009;20:S54.


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Flower Chain Petit Fours
1 Light Pink Sugar Sheets Edible Decorating Paper (covers 7 treats)
1 Light Yellow Sugar Sheets Edible Decorating Paper (covers 7 treats)
Each petit four serves 1.
Bake and cool 1 in. high sheet cake using firm-textured batter like pound cake.
Cut cakes with knife, using smallest round cutter as a guide.
Place cakes on cooling grid over a drip pan. Cover cakes with melted white or light cocoa Candy Melts. Chill until firm.
Using punch with Flower Chain Border Cutting Insert, cut two strips of flowers from Light Pink or Light Yellow Sugar Sheets!
Using a knife, cut one flower from chain; attach to cake top using piping gel. Attach seven flowers to the side of cake using piping gel.
With tip 2 and buttercream, pipe a dot for each flower center.
Get Inspiration and Great Deals
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The Tour de Fleece
The Tour de Fleece started this past Saturday July 5th. For those of you unfamiliar with this yearly festival, it's the spinners tribute to those other spinners - the ones who ride bicycles all over France, the Tour de France. They spin in their way and we spin in ours. If you haven't seen Peggy's description of the rules, check out our Facebook page for all the details.
We started our Tour de Fleece spinning on July 5th at our local yarn shop - Yarntopia. We had a great group and spent a lot of time laughing which is one of the wonderful things about spinning. Here are Peggy and me spinning...
Last year Peggy jumped into the Tour de Fleece with both feet. She spun every day for the 21 day contest and managed to create thousands of yards of wonderful yarn. I wasn't quite so enthusiastic. I thought it was a great idea in the abstract but I lost focus almost immediately and by the second week didn't even remember I was supposed to be spinning. This year is different. I am enthusiastic and I will try to keep focused. This year Peggy's goal is to use up much of her stash and spin 10 pounds of fiber into yarn. It's an admirable goal. My goal is less lofty. I just want to spin every day.
I started spinning flax last summer and loved it. I worked hard at it until I came down with walking pneumonia. There was nearly a month when I didn't even come out to the studio much less get any spinning done. When I was finally feeling better I went on to other things, mostly weaving. For the last week or so I've been getting ready to spin flax for the Tour de Fleece. I've cleaned up my Rick Reeves flax wheel, checked the drive band, oiled everything that needs it and worked on getting my bobbins in shape. This last part required the help of my husband. I wet spin flax which means dipping my fingers in a small cup of water and smoothing down the hairy fiber as I spin. The flax goes on the bobbin wet, or at least damp. The bobbins are made of wood, oak in this case. I spent so much time spinning flax last summer that when I went back to it this spring two of my three bobbins were so swollen they wouldn't fit on the flyer shaft. Ron found a narrow round rasp and was able to widen out the bobbin centers.
After all that work, my flax wheel is totally up and running. I spun for about three hours at Yarntopia on Saturday and for about four hours in my studio on Sunday. That's a great beginning but here it is only day three and I'm just sitting down to spin at 9:30 pm. I had horse feed to buy today, animals to feed, laundry to do, furniture to move, bills to pay. But I'm here now and off to my spinning wheel!

domain: hobby


- A U.S. Navy E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning and control plane crashed Monday in Virginia.
- The four-person crew successfully escaped the aircraft and were rescued on the ground.
- The Hawkeye’s high-powered radar makes it the eyes and ears of a carrier battle group.
A U.S. Navy airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft crashed on Monday during a training flight over Virginia. All four crew members safely egressed from the aircraft and were rescued on the ground. The Navy has yet to indicate what caused the plane—the largest aircraft stationed on an American aircraft carrier—to crash.
✈ You like badass planes. So do we. Let's nerd out over them together.
At 3:50 p.m. on Monday, the Hawkeye went down on Wallops Island, the location of a NASA flight facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. A video from a local news station showed the aircraft plummeting to Earth, followed by a black cloud of smoke.
The E-2C Hawkeye normally flies with a crew of five: a pilot, copilot, combat information center (CIC) officer, aircraft control officer, and radar officer. The CIC, aircraft control, and radar officers sit in the rear of the plane monitoring data from the AN/APS-145 radar system.
The AN/APS-145 is located in a large, 24-foot-wide circular radome mounted above the fuselage. The radar has a range of at least 341 miles and is capable of tracking up to 600 radar targets at once. It can also coordinate up to 40 intercepts simultaneously, vectoring friendly fighters in the direction of the plane.
Named for its ability to see threats hundreds of miles away, the Hawkeye is capable of detecting and classifying enemy aircraft, then vectoring in fighters such as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet or F-35C Joint Strike fighter to intercept. This allows Navy fighters to intercept with their radars off, making them harder to detect.
The Hawkeye can also detect high-flying ballistic missiles, low-flying cruise missiles, warships, and other vessels on the surface of the ocean. The E-2C can even stand in for civilian air traffic controllers in the event a natural disaster closes an airport control tower, managing the flow of planes full of relief supplies and rescue workers as they land and take off again.
Getting out of a stricken Hawkeye is not easy. Unlike fighter jets, the propeller-driven E-2C lacks ejection seats for the air crew. Crew members must don parachutes before flight and, in the event of an emergency, unbuckle themselves from their seats, open the side door, and jump out of the aircraft. This CNN segment gives some idea of the cramped nature of the cabin:
According to U.S. Naval Institute News, the aircraft went down in a soybean field, and the site features a photo of plane wreckage covered with firefighting foam.
The E-2C is an older version of the Hawkeye that's currently being replaced by the newer E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. The aircraft involved in the crash was assigned to Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 120 Fleet Replacement Squadron.


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I love singing. When I was a little boy, I sang in a Church choir which I joined of my own rather stubborn and precocious will. It was through singing about Christ and to Christ that I came to know Christ. Blessed Augustine said:“ To sing is to pray twice!” I know many who would agree!
Although I have an eclectic taste in music, I often relax by listening to J. S. Bach and if in “party” mood to Vivaldi!
Shoes made of Turf ( part 2 of 2)
As he walked (on his Iona-Turf shoes)towards Armagh, St. Columba sang his old songs and many people came out of their homes to listen to him and followed him all the way to the Bishop’s House. The Bishop was displeased to see the saint and said that he did not like the bards because they conveyed the Gospel stories in their own words in song. St Columba replied that the bards sang from the heart and they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Bishop could make no answer, but, seeing the large crowds listening with such enthusiasm to Columba’s singing, let the saint and the people go on their way.
Nine Daughters of Memory
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
The old lady sat in her chair musing on past times with her daughters:-
“Do you remember your holiday report, my dear?
The story told in stoic, epic verse
How your heroic deeds the battle won
The dragon slayed to end the curse.
Hope from despair by words alone set free
Your voice and pen gave vent to certain harmony.”
“Do you recall the lyre lessons and the speeches that you gave?
That concert that you played on Parnassus Mount.
Plucking from history well-worn strings
Strumming the tune of truth’s account.
You made famous those who went before
Those close to home and those on distant shore!”
“Do you honour in verse the hymn you used to sing;
To please the congregation of your choice?
Do you still play the flute and entertain
The crowd and encourage them to rejoice.
Such happy days, it still brings a smile
To ponder on your grace and style.”
“Do you bear in mind the love letters that once you wrote
When you were young and words were rare?”
The playful lines you loved to quote
In summer’s heat, when scent of roses filled the air.
Your dark eyes still claim the other’s sight
Like piercing arrows of the night.
“Do you salute the mask you cherish of pretence?
Your life that hides the other you, ere long
Of celebration in the midst of tragic circumstance
And tears that flow with melodious song.
The knife, the club, the boot, the mask
Would answer all I need to ask.”
“Do you recollect the serious tones you taught?
From solemn spur and gravest revelation
The whispered sacred silence that you sought
Which led eloquence itself to echo in elation.
Praises cannot cloak or veil your name
Your works have earned immortal fame.”
“Do you celebrate in dance those shows of such delight?
Your movement midst the chosen nine
Seated, waiting for a chance to flirt
With twirling skirt amongst the chorus line.
Does knowledge of the arts still spring from Helicon?
If music guides your feet my sweet, dance on.”
“Do you memorise the jokes you used to tell?
I didn’t see you with your entourage!
The verdant flourishing of your comic dress
Midst clowns that offered camouflage.
Your crown of ivy, wearing boots
You climbed the heights from humble roots.”
“Do you honour the heavens and thank God for gifts?
Raise the eyes of others to celestial height from naught
Majestic beauty and grace behold that which lifts
Imagination from the power of rational thought.
You used to ponder cosmic birth
The sun, the moon, the stars, the earth.”
So where now are these daughters?
Covered by the nymphic waters!
“All at sea” they say,
Where is their poetry today?
Their mother too, it seems, has slipped away.
Memory, it appears, no longer lives
Though joy of culture still forgives
The sins of the secular select:
The cynic, philistine, politically correct,
Who sail upon the fashions’ tide,
Who in sterile towers of greed reside,
and for their own intentions guide
The arts and life in Titanic struggle.
Too few hands, too many things to juggle!
Yet there is to each a time and chance
To rescue life
-through poetry, music, art and dance.
- Ὁ βίος βραχύς,
- ἡ δὲ τέχνη μακρή,
- ὁ δὲ καιρὸς ὀξύς,
- ἡ δὲ πεῖρα σφαλερή,
- ἡ δὲ κρίσις χαλεπή.
“Ars longa vita brevis”―
Life is short,
[the] art long,
Music doth withdraw our minds from earthly cogitations, lifteth up our spirits into heaven, maketh them light and celestial. (St John Chrysostom)
With the famous image of bees that gather from flowers only what they need to make honey, Basil recommends: “Just as bees can take nectar from flowers, unlike other animals which limit themselves to enjoying their scent and colour, so also from these writings … one can draw some benefit for the spirit. We must use these books, following in all things the example of bees. They do not visit every flower without distinction, nor seek to remove all the nectar from the flowers on which they alight, but only draw from them what they need, to make honey, and leave the rest. And if we are wise, we will take from those writings what is appropriate for us, and conform to the truth, ignoring the rest” (St Basil” Ad Adolescentes” 4).
I enjoy singing too.
God considers the human voice to be the most sacred instrument. 🤗
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domain: literature


text:
Artists, art duos or art collectives from the Post-Soviet states are invited for an 8-week remote residency (13 December 2022 - 7 February 2023) to create an interactive 3D environment accessible online from laptops, mobiles, and VR headsets. Programming skills are not required. The selected artist will receive a bursary of $300, curatorial feedback sessions, technical consultations with the 8XR team, and a solo show as a result of the programme.
The organisers expect applications from artists proposing an original born-digital project with collaborative and critical approaches towards our present times. The purpose of the Solidarity Circles residency is to build new connections and models of cooperation between artists, activists and art professionals. During the residency, the participant will be invited to give an artist talk or another public event online to present their work.
The programme is organised by Chimera virtual exhibition platform in partnership with 8XR metaverse graphic game engine.


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WHAT THEY'RE DOING TODAY Watching reruns of "Matchlock" all day Watching videos of himself circa 2000 all day A lot of women A lot of men Biding time til next 6 month marriage and child Everything but infomercials (so far)
(Britney Spears, *N Sync)
Super Genius Man Tapes Mentos to His Body Then Jumps Into ...
A Random Text for Somebody Named Ash Turns Into an Opportunity ...
This is the Worst Elevator Ride These Guys Will Ever Have
Best of Tinder Week 2/22-2/27
Meet the McDonalds Employee Who Hates Fun
The Weightlifter's Struggle
These Terrifying Maps Show What Major Cities Would Look Like ...
This Lady Gives the Ultimate How-To Guide To Dickpics
These Guinea Pigs are Better Cosplayers Than You
Thank Your Lucky Stars You Don't Have a Schedule Like This ...
Pick Your Site Name
Tell me more


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You can choose between two funds, A or B. If Fund A has an 85% chance of beating Fund B over five years, would those be good enough odds for you to want to pick Fund B?
More and more investors are realizing that using active equity managers is a bad bet. This is Manager Risk, which is the risk that your portfolio fails to achieve your target returns because of the active managers you selected. When there is a significant probability that a manager lags an index fund and only a small chance that a manager beats that index, taking that risk is going to be a losing proposition for the majority of investors.
Here are three ways Manager Risk can bite you:
1. Performance chasing doesn’t work. Top funds often have a good story about their “disciplined process”, or “fundamental research” approach, but there are so many reasons why today’s leader is often tomorrow’s laggard:
- Massive in-flows of cash into popular funds make it more difficult for managers to be nimble and to find enough good investment ideas to execute.
- It’s possible that the fund’s specific approach (style, size, sector, country, etc.) was in-favor recently and then goes out of favor.
- With thousands of funds, some are going to be randomly lucky and have a period of strong performance that is not repeatable or attributable to skill.
2. The data is clear: over a long-period, the vast majority of funds do not keep up with their index. According to the Standard and Poors Index Versus Active (SPIVA) report: 84.23% of large cap funds failed to keep pace with the S&P 500 Index over the five-years through December 29, 2017.
If 17 out of 20 large cap funds do worse than the S&P 500, why do people bother trying to pick a winning fund, instead of just investing in an Index Fund? I think some of it is that over shorter periods, it can be pretty easy to fund funds that are out-performing and people mistakenly think that recent leaders are going to continue their winning streak.
Consider, amazingly, that nearly 85% of Small Cap Growth funds did better than their benchmark in 2017 according to SPIVA. What a great environment for active managers, right? They must have a lot of skill! But let’s look back further: over the past 15 years, 98.73% of those Small Cap Growth funds lagged their index. That is the worst performance of any investment category in the SPIVA report.
If your odds of outperforming the index over 15 years is only 1 in 100, you’d be crazy to bet on an active manager. It’s a risk that isn’t worth taking.
3. In some categories, there are 10-20% of managers who do outperform the benchmark over five or more years, which means that there might be dozens of funds which have done a nice job for their shareholders. Why not just pick one of those funds?
Standard and Poors also produces The Persistence Scorecard, which evaluates how funds perform in subsequent periods. Let’s look at two five year periods, in other words, the past 10 years. Imagine that five years ago, you looked at the top quartile (the top 25%) of all US Equity funds. How did those top funds do over the next five years (through December 2017)?
25.34% remained in the top quartile
21.56% fell to the 2nd quartile
18.87% fell to the 3rd quartile
23.45% sank to the bottom quartile (the worst 25% of all funds)
10.24% were liquidated or merged, which is the way fund companies make their lousy funds’ track records disappear.
So, if you picked a top quartile fund, you had about only a one-in-four chance (25.34%) that your fund stayed in the top quartile (which is no guarantee that you outperformed the index, by the way). But, you had a one-in-three chance (33.69%) that your fund fell to the bottom quartile or was liquidated and didn’t even exist five years later. Again, those are not odds that are in your favor.
This is why fund companies are required to state, Past performance is no guarantee of future results. We can look backwards at fund history, but that information has no predictive value for how the fund will perform going forward.
It’s an unnecessary risk for investors to use actively managed funds. And that’s why I have moved away from trying to pick 5-star actively managed funds, and have embraced using Index funds.
From time to time, you may hear, “this is a stock picker’s market”, because of volatility, or concentrated returns, or whatever. Don’t believe it. Even when active managers are able to have a good month, quarter, or year, the vast majority remain unable to string together enough good years in a row to beat their benchmark.
There’s enough risk in investing as it is. Let’s reject Manager Risk and instead recognize that an Index Fund is the most likely way to beat 80, 90% or more active funds over the long-term.

domain: finance


In 1996, in the research department of Valbopan, SA factory, in Famalicão da Nazaré, a research project is started to develop and improve wood-based products already on the market.
In 1998, a unique and innovative product is developed. Wood-based, with colour throughout the thickness and specific features of physical and mechanical resistance: Valchromat is born.
Valchromat is launched in Paris during the Approfal fair.
Valbopan, SA is awarded with the 1st prize of Product Introduction and 1st Prize for Technological Innovation.
Since then, this product has been subjected to several industrial tests which enabled it to reach the state of maturity where it is today. In cooperation with manufacturers, architects and technicians, the economic, technical and aesthetic benefits of its use have clearly been demonstrated.
Currently, as a result of an exceptional commitment to promote it among architects, designers, decorators and carpenters, Valchromat is present in the four corners of the world, with an extensive network of distributors.


'Gnar Gnar'- Blood Tide's "Gnarly" Review
Turn up the muhfukkin’ speakers and let me grab my goTTdamn longboard! The power of music to transport you to a time and place is something Blood Tide has tied into the sound of their new EP, Gnarly. The project’s soundscape is a mixture what I would describe as a more contemporary experimental coastal vibe and early 90s grunge-punk. I pressed play and Immediately heard the Rocket Power theme play in my head along to “Piss in the Streets”. Dope. As an avid hip hop listener, I can especially appreciate the delivery in vocals and penmanship. “I meet you...at the asshole convention.” CLASSIC SHIT !!! Every line after more enticing than the last. "Failure Medidation”. When you say, “gnarly” this track is just Gnarly and nasty as hell !!! It definitely stands out to me as a potential favorite, but every track brings out something worth listening to. With that said, I couldn’t have thought of a better close out track for the EP than “On the Last Night from Within a Dream”. It was every bit of drifting off that I needed it to be for me to just keep it on repeat and start back over. Gnarly, is worth 1,000 spins solely based on how well the projects flow is composed. Nice. Dopeass dark distorted melodies, rockin’ass drums, and a cool vibed-out bass throughout make Gnarly a sick EP worth listening to.


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One of the highlights of the last three summers for me has been photographing sweet Audrey and, on occasion, her equally as sweet parents. Every year for the past three years, I have been super blessed to photograph Audrey for her birthday, and now, Audrey is getting a little sister to photograph too! Last month I met up with Audrey and her parents, Whitney and Josh, to commemorate Audrey’s big third birthday and get a few family photos as a family of three for the last time and some maternity shots of Whitney.
As always, I was super excited to see all of them, but if you know Audrey, you know the pure joy she brings to anyone around her. She’s so full of spunk, and I have absolutely adored photographing her with each session I have shot. This year I even got to photograph Audrey on her actual birthday, and she was super excited about turning three. I know she’s going to be an amazing sister, and I LOVE the names she has picked out for the new baby. 😉 As for her parents, Josh was an awesome sport (as always) and Whiney and I talked more than I think I took pictures (as always). The location for their photos is a favorite of mine, and I had a fantastic time rolling around in the grass to get some great shots for Whitney, Josh, and Audrey.
Check out a few of my favorite photos of this sweet family’s session below. I can’t wait to meet the newest member soon!


Tista' taqra bil- Malti.
Joe Mizzi was one of the three former cabinet members who was stripped of role in cabinet, as Prime Minister Robert Abela appointed his new cabinet today, sworn in a few hours after being announced.
Charmaine Craus, his communications coordinator, took to Facebook to vent her admiration towards the former Minister. She said that he did not deserve not being given a ministry, as he is hard-working and generous.
Craus admitted that she’s proud to have worked with such an honest man. She described him as being unique and having worked from behind the scenes with absolute loyalty to his principles.
She said she hopes that now he will find the time to enjoy his family and his grandchildren, who he never got to spend time with because of his previous role.
Apart from Mizzi, Chris Cardona and Anthony Agius Decelis were also stripped of their portfolios.


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CBJ Assembly member Jerry Nankervis gave an overview of the agenda on Action Line Friday:
Posted Monday, May 16th, 2016 10:45am by Colt Dylan
The Committee of the Whole meets Monday evening.
CBJ Assembly member Jerry Nankervis gave an overview of the agenda on Action Line Friday, "The Treadwell Advisory Board will get an update, we will get an update on the Airport Sustainability, we have a resolution regarding moving money at the airport for different reasons, and we have an update from the Lands department on the Renniger subdivision. We put that out for bid and had some interest."
Nankervis gave more detail on who's interested in the subdivision lots, "There were six lots. Alaska Housing Finance was interested in the two which are directly behind their Gruening Park. The Home Building Program expressed an interest in the one above the hill so the Pacific Development Group was looking at developing three of the lots in conjunction doing a partnership with the city. One of the three lots they were looking was the same lots the Home Building Program was looking at. So there was some discussion at the last Lands Committee meeting about whether those folks could get together and decide which lots were the most amendable. We might look at getting rid of all six of those."
The Committee of the Whole convenes at 6:00 PM Monday in Assembly chambers at City Hall. It's preceded at 5:00 PM by a meeting of the Lands and Resources Committee.
More from News of the North
Tlingit and Haida Awarded Grant for Museum and Preservation Efforts
Juneau, AK (KINY) - The Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska announced that they have been awarded $66,000 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services grants program.
Alaska lawmaker seeks review of document leak
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — An Alaska lawmaker has asked the state Department of Law to review whether the leaking of a confidential audit merits prosecution.
Retail Calzones Recalled for Sharp Plastic Bits in the Product
Juneau, AK (KINY) - The USDA have announced a recall of a Stefano Foods Calzone that could have sharp plastic bits in the product.
Suicide Basin Could Flood Areas Around Mendenhall Lake, Could Hit Records
Juneau, AK (KINY) - According to Tom Mattice, the Director of the CBJ Emergency Management Department, the Suicide Basin is now draining into the Mendenhall Lake.
Child porn downloaded at Alaska bowling alley
Anchorage, Alaska (KINY) Ronald Teekell, 53, was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison and life on probation for child pornography charges.
NTSB releases preliminary report on plane crash
Prince of Wales, Alaska (KINY) Bad weather is seen as a major contributor in last week's seaplane crash.
JPD plans to ramp up officer recruitment effort
Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Juneau Police officials talked about the need for the recruitment of additional officers on Action Line Wednesday.
Ban on smoking becomes law
Anchorage, Alaska (KINY) Governor Bill Walker signed a bill that bans smoking in the workplace, bars, restaurants and other public places.
Rep. Eastman fights ethics complaint
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Candidate for congress doesn't live here
Anchorage, Alaska (KINY) Democratic Party leaders have questions about the candidacy of Carol Hafner who says she lives in South Dakota and New Jersey.
There are Many Aspects to Consider for an Electric Vehicle Ordinance
Juneau, AK (KINY) - The Juneau Commission on Sustainability held a public meeting in search of input on how the commission might address an ordinance proposed by the Planning Commission that asked for a $50 annual fee to use city chargers.
Prison riot results in convictions
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domain: politics


Beyond the Basics: Maintaining and Optimizing Your Tankless Water Heater
Welcome to the world of tankless water heaters, a marvel of modern home comfort that’s gaining popularity every day. Unlike their bulky predecessors, these sleek units provide hot water on demand, saving space and energy. But, as with any sophisticated appliance, getting the best out of your tankless water heater means understanding how it works and taking good care of it.
In this blog, we’re diving deep into the nuts and bolts of tankless water heater maintenance. Whether you’re a new owner or looking to get more from your existing unit, you’re in the right place. We’ll cover everything from routine upkeep to troubleshooting common issues and share some insider tips on optimizing your heater for peak performance and energy efficiency.
So, stick around if you’re ready to learn how to keep your tankless water heater running like a dream while cutting down on those energy bills. This journey will enhance your knowledge and ensure you get a steady flow of hot water without a hitch whenever you need it. Let ‘s get started!
Understanding Your Tankless Water Heater
At the heart of every tankless water heater is a simple yet brilliant concept: heat water as needed. Unlike traditional heaters with large tanks, these units don’t store hot water. Instead, they use high-powered burners or electric coils to rapidly heat water as it passes through the system, delivering it straight to your taps or shower without the wait.
This on-demand operation is convenient and energy-efficient, as it eliminates the need to keep a large volume of water hot at all times.
Essential Components and Their Functions
Understanding the critical components of your tankless water heater can be a game changer in maintaining it. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Heat Exchanger: This is the heart of your heater, where the water is heated. It’s typically a copper or stainless steel component that efficiently transfers heat to the water.
- Gas Burners or Electric Coils: These elements provide the heat source depending on your model. Gas burners are standard in gas-fired units, while electric models use coils.
- Control Panel: This is your interface for adjusting temperature settings and can display error codes for troubleshooting.
- Flow Sensors: These sensors detect when a hot water tap is turned on, triggering the heater to start heating water.
- Venting System (for gas models): This expels combustion gases safely outside your home.
Benefits of a Well-Maintained Tankless System
Investing a little time and effort into maintaining your tankless water heater isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns; it’s about reaping a bouquet of benefits that enhance your daily life. A well-maintained system is the silent hero in the background, ensuring that your showers are warm, your dishes are clean, and your energy bills don’t skyrocket.
It’s about ensuring that you’re greeted with a reliable and efficient stream of comfort every time you turn on that hot tap. So, let’s take a closer look at the advantages of keeping your tankless system in top-notch condition, from improved efficiency and consistent performance to cost savings and safety.
- Energy Efficiency: A well-maintained unit operates more efficiently, using less energy to heat water, which can mean lower utility bills.
- Consistent Hot Water Supply: Regular upkeep ensures you always have hot water when you need it, without unexpected cold surprises.
- Extended Lifespan: Tankless units already have a longer lifespan than traditional water heaters; regular maintenance can extend this even further.
- Safety: Keeping your unit in top shape ensures it operates safely, especially for gas-powered models.
- Cost-Effective: Preventive maintenance can save you from expensive tankless water heater repairs down the line.
By understanding how your tankless water heater works and the importance of keeping it well-maintained, you’re setting the stage for years of reliable, efficient service. Stay tuned for our next section, where we’ll dive into routine maintenance and upkeep specifics!
The Importance of Professional Help When Installing Tankless Water Heaters
While savvy homeowners can handle many aspects of tankless water heater maintenance, there are times when calling in a professional is not just advisable but essential. Knowing when to pick up the phone and call a technician can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches., and here are the reasons why:
- Expertise and Experience: Professionals have the training and experience to diagnose and fix issues quickly and effectively.
- Warranty Preservation: Many manufacturers require regular professional servicing to keep the warranty valid.
- Safety Assurance: Technicians ensure that all safety protocols are followed, which is especially important in gas models.
- Longevity of Your Heater: Regular professional maintenance can significantly extend the life of your water heater.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your system is in the hands of a professional can give you confidence and peace of mind.
Tips for Finding a Qualified and Experienced Technician
Navigating the waters to find a skilled and reliable technician for your tankless water heater can feel overwhelming. But fear not! By following a few essential tips, you can ensure that your system is in capable hands.
Whether dealing with a routine check-up or a complex repair, selecting the right professional is key to a job well done. Let’s dive into some practical advice on how to scout out the best technician for your needs, focusing on qualifications, experience, reputation, and the assurance they can bring to your home’s hot water system.
- Check Certifications and Licenses: Ensure the technician is certified and licensed to work on tankless water heaters.
- Read Reviews and Ask for Referrals: Look at online reviews or ask friends and family for recommendations.
- Experience with Your Specific Model: Find someone with experience specifically with your brand or model of tankless water heater.
- Ask About Warranty and Insurance: A reputable technician will offer a warranty on their work and have liability insurance.
- Get an Estimate: Don’t hesitate to ask for a written estimate before work begins.
Taking Care of Your Comfort: The Mansfield Way
As we conclude our blog about tankless water heaters, remember the essence of maintaining and optimizing these modern comfort providers. Regular upkeep and help from professionals like us at Mansfield Plumbing, Electric, Heating & Air are vital to ensuring your system’s longevity and efficiency.
You’ll enjoy continuous hot water, energy savings, and peace of mind by prioritizing these aspects. If you ever need expert assistance or advice, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Let’s keep your home cozy and your showers warm with a well-maintained tankless water heater. Contact Mansfield Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Air today for any water heating needs!
- Understanding Your Tankless Water Heater: Recognize the efficiency of on-demand heating, learn about its components, and appreciate the advanced technology behind your tankless system.
- Benefits of a Well-Maintained Tankless System: Emphasize the importance of regular maintenance for energy efficiency, consistent hot water supply, and extended unit lifespan.
- The Importance of Professional Help When Installing Tankless Water Heaters: Highlight the necessity of professional installation and repair for safety, warranty preservation, and optimal performance.
- Tips for Finding a Qualified and Experienced Technician: Offer guidance on choosing a skilled technician, focusing on certifications, experience, and customer reviews for reliable service.
- Taking Care of Your Comfort: The Mansfield Way: Underscore Mansfield Plumbing, Electric, Heating & Air commitment to providing expert care and ensuring the smooth operation of your tankless water heater.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I service my tankless water heater?
It’s recommended to service your tankless water heater annually to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Can I install a tankless water heater myself?
Due to the complexities of installation, including handling gas lines and electrical systems, it’s strongly advised to have your tankless water heater installed by a professional technician.
What are the signs that my tankless water heater needs repair?
Common signs include inconsistent water temperature, reduced water flow, strange noises, and error codes on the display panel.
How do I choose the right technician for my tankless water heater maintenance?
Look for a technician with certifications, experience with your specific model, positive customer reviews, and who offers a warranty on their work.
What makes Mansfield Plumbing, Electric, Heating & Air a good choice for tankless water heater services?
Mansfield Plumbing, Electric, Heating & Air offers experienced, certified technicians, a commitment to quality service, and a focus on customer satisfaction, making them a reliable choice for all your tankless water heater needs.


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Welcome to C Natural’s first Breaking the Silence post, a new series that will be published every Wednesday where I’ll bring in other musicians, music educators or music researchers to share their musicians’ health stories and experiences in order to create a sense of community around these issues.
My first guest is Stéphane Krims, a double bassist and guitarist. I met Stéphane at McGill and in the past year, he’s mentioned to me several times his interest in changing the conversation surrounding musicians’ health issues. During this interview, Stéphane was very open to sharing his experiences with mental and physical illness, both throughout his life and during his time in university. I urge you to read on knowing that there are kind and caring musicians out there like Stéphane!
Born: Edmonton, AB
Now in: Montreal, QC
Genre: A little of everything
If you didn’t play the double bass, what instrument would you like to play?
I already play a bunch of other instruments! I play guitar as seriously as I play bass, and I also play keyboards, drums & percussion, a bunch of obscure instruments, and I’ve studied violin, tuba, and trombone.
What’s been your experience with musicians’ health?
Because I started classical double bass at the age of 7, I spent many years playing basses that were much to big for me. I also started playing solo quite early, so I was often hunching over the instrument and not always being able to reach the notes I was going for. This often gave me back pain, but never anything I really had to be seen for. Once I grew into my bass, the problems were nowhere near as bad. I did start hurting a bit last year, but once I got some tips and tricks from a physiotherapist, I was able to apply them and the pain subsided. My biggest issue was my wrist during second year at McGill – I’ll address it more in one of the questions below.
There’s also the mental health angle. Not everybody knows this, but I have Asperger’s syndrome. Mine is mild enough that I can socialize like anyone else, but it doesn’t come naturally. I don’t really consider this to be a burden because with it I also see the world in a different way than most people, and the musical ideas that come naturally to me are quite different than others I’ve seen.
What really affects me more on the mental health side, though, is a combination of anxiety, which I’ve known about for a long time, and depression, which I only discovered recently. My experiences both in high school and at McGill were quite similar—on paper I appeared to be doing well, with good grades and musical achievements, but this was really all I was able to do. I never really had any sort of social life until my third year at McGill, and it was very hard for me to do anything of my own, above and beyond what was called on me at school.
What’s been your biggest struggle in being a musician?
Getting things done. When I was still in school and going to summer programs this meant being a terrible procrastinator when it came to practice, but now that I’m out of school and doing other projects, this translates to often not feeling able to get up and do anything unless it’s required of me by someone else. Which is fine for getting by and surviving, but not if you’re trying to do something which is meaningful to you.
The depression/anxiety combo is a major factor here, because I often feel unable to start doing something meaningful (depression) but I’m also constantly worrying about not being good enough or not taking enough action (anxiety). Those two illnesses together can really combine to create some very powerful, and very convincing, negative thoughts. I’ve only recently been discovering how to re-evaluate them. In the past few days I’ve been trying to set more concrete goals for myself to start advancing more with my own projects, and I hope that I can start to tame this beast of procrastination soon.
Tell me a bit about your physical injury and what your experience was like accessing healthcare?
In my second year at McGill, I had a very sudden attack of carpal tunnel syndrome in my left hand. I hadn’t been practicing much that week, so in a vain attempt to compensate for it I would always do some extremely intense and often painful finger exercises with my left hand. It was actually the weekend of McGill Symphony Orchestra’s first show at the Maison Symphonique. The day before, we rehearsed for about four hours, after I had done some crazy exercises. The morning of the show, I couldn’t press down my middle finger on the string at all without feeling a searing stab of pain. I had to fake basically the whole show, except the parts where it went below a low E—I was the only one in the orchestra who had a C extension!
I had to completely stop playing for a couple of months. The first few weeks after that, it was so bad that just sitting and doing nothing would actually hurt my wrist. I had been playing in MGSO and the McGill Jazz Orchestra at the time, so I had to be replaced in both. Luckily nobody thought any less of me for it—everybody understood the severity of the problem, and they let me take as much time as I needed to heal. I started seeing a physiotherapist at the McGill Sports Medicine Clinic in order to help soothe the pain I was having. I had an MRI done in my wrist, which showed absolutely no damage at all, so I was really lucky in that regard. I started seeing another physiotherapist at Kinatex named Isabelle Duchesne, who is specialized in musicians’ health, so she was able to give me some insights on playing that the sports clinic had never addressed.
But I think my biggest change was when I started studying with Alec Walkington in my third year, and he showed me a different way to approach left hand technique that instantly eased the pain and discomfort that I had before. The double bass is a particularly physical instrument compared to other strings, and so having a technique that doesn’t hurt you is an absolute must. If your technique is problematic, all the health care in the world won’t be able to help you, because that technique will keep dishing out physical hardships no matter what you throw at it. Striking the root of the problem is key, always.
How do you cope with the pressures of being a musician?
One thing that really took the pressure off me was leaving the classical world! When I was growing up, I really thought that I would become a solo classical bassist—Joel Quarrington and Catalin Rotaru come to mind as people I most wanted to emulate. When I got into the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, it was an absolutely overwhelming experience; I loved the music we played, and many people were supportive of each other, but there was also a huge element of external pressure for me to play with as much precision and accuracy as possible. And the etiquette! I really don’t want to lambast the classical music community because I still love the music and I really hope to work more with classical musicians in the future, but when I played in orchestras, I found there to be some very… dare I say archaic?… etiquette rules that I had to follow, one of which seemed to be “don’t explain the rules to anyone else.” The Asperger’s didn’t help.
What really sparked my transition out of classical music was when I entered the jazz program at McGill. Since then I have been playing all kinds of things, ranging from pretty much everything in the Black American traditions, to rock, to punk, to folk, to free improv, and I’m always looking to try new things. I find myself feeling much more free now that I’m not trying to just play things note for note all the time. I would like to play a bit more classical down the road, but just some one-off occasions—nothing I would ever try to make a career out of.
What do you do to keep yourself healthy or prevent re-injury?
Physically, the biggest thing for me was to change my technique. Now that I have a healthy left hand technique, I haven’t had any problems with carpal tunnel anymore. Same goes for bow and back problems, I’m slowly retraining myself to position myself in a different way so that nothing hurts.
As far as mental health, I’m still working on it. I’m seeing a therapist now, and I have some incredibly strong and smart friends who can not only see through the clouds in my head, but keep me active and occupied so that I can stop worrying about it. I still need to work on filling up my time when I’m alone, but with any luck it’ll come with practice.
What brings you joy?
It’s the music, first and foremost. I often forget that, because I’ve had so many personal struggles outside of music, but I can be myself the most when I’m playing.
But apart from that it’s probably the closest friends I have—some of whom are also bandmates of mine, with whom I’ve shared experiences I never would have thought could happen to me. Many of them remind me of how much I have in my life and how much better I could be, just by being themselves. I feel really fortunate knowing that after having spent the majority of my life chasing toxic relationships, I have now started to know what real human relationships feel like.
And biking. Biking is fun.
What do you think needs to change so that musicians are more healthy?
Honestly I want to say mental health is a big one, because it’s not just a musicians’ issue—everybody is susceptible to mental illness just like everybody is susceptible to physical illness, and unfortunately many people still don’t believe that. Discussions on mental health have exploded in recent years, and some great stuff has come of it, but action is needed much more than discussion. Access to mental health care needs to improve, anybody who’s interested should be encouraged to work in the field, etc.
The Me2/Orchestra is an organization that I’ve been following quite closely recently that’s a group of community orchestras who raise awareness for mental health issues and are open to anyone who wants to join. I hope to get better acquainted with them in the future.
For both mental and physical health, I would like to see more musician-specialized practitioners and facilities open up. Even a single practitioner working full-time in a school can go a long way. But the more the merrier!
Stéphane is currently collaborating on two projects, with Aleksi Campagne and The History of Gunpowder. He also teaches upright and electric bass, guitar and theory. You can find a recording of his trio here on YouTube.
If you have a musicians’ health story or perspective, you can contact me here to be featured.


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How to Keep Your Dog Safe While Hiking
The temps are dipping and the leaves are falling, which means it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and take your dog on an adventure! Whether you’re going to a nearby park or venturing out a little farther from home, taking your furry friend for a long walk or hike offers tons of great benefits: it helps with weight management for dogs, provides plenty of mental stimulation and is an excellent way to bond with one another.
But before you hit the trail, you should keep a few things in mind to guarantee you and your pup are as safe as paw-sible:
Heading to a hiking locale for the first time? Make sure to do your homework! Double check that dogs are allowed on your trail of choice, and read up on the leash laws so you know what to expect. Even if your pup loves to roam and explore on their own, it’s safest—both for your dog and others—that they remain on leash throughout your hike. After all, you never know when you’ll spot a deer, squirrel or other cute critter, and you don’t want your canine chasing after them and getting lost or hurt.
Have a pup who’s a little uncomfy around other dogs? Read online reviews to find out whether the spot you’ve chosen has high levels of doggy traffic, and try to avoid trails where there will be lots of off-leash dogs.
Odds are your adventure into the great outdoors will be super safe and fun. But just in case your pup runs into a little trouble, make sure you know where the nearest pet hospital or emergency vet is located, especially if you’re hiking farther away from your established veterinarian.
If you live in a spot that’s warm year-round, keep your canine from overheating with a cooling bandana. Venturing out into downright-chilly weather? Wrap your pup up in a doggy coat to keep them warm! Our Adjustable Puffer Coat is made with a water-resistant shell, micro-fleece lining and rib-knit trimming for added comfort, warmth and style, and is designed to be worn with the Attachable Coat Leggings for full head-to-tail protection.
You wouldn’t go hiking without packing a water bottle for yourself, right? So make sure your pooch has some H20, too! There are plenty of on-the-go water bowls for your four-legged friend to keep them from getting dehydrated while exploring outside.
As tempting as it can be to embrace your rugged side and go off-roading, make sure you stay on the designated trail with your dog to avoid potentially dangerous terrain (and getting lost!). It’s also smart to dress your pup in dog boots so they stay safe. Our Outdoor Boot Leggings feature waterproof rubber boots and water-resistant legging fabric, so they protect your pup’s precious paws from sharp rocks, painful burrs and other ruff stuff.
You know your dog best, so make sure to tailor your outing to their abilities and activity level. While younger dogs and active breeds may have the stamina to hike for miles and miles, older dogs, smaller breeds and more mellow pups might have a hard time with long distances or steep inclines. Plan ahead and don’t go too far, or you might end up having to carry your dog on the return journey!
Once the hike’s complete and you’re ready to head home, make sure to check your dog for ticks. (Hint: Our dog boot leggings cover your pup’s paws and legs, keeping them free from ticks and other bugs!)
You should also wipe down your dog’s coat with hypoallergenic bath wipes to remove any potential allergens, dirt and mud that might irritate their skin or get your car and home dirty. Even better: If they’re wearing Walkee Paws, there’s no need for a bath when they get back home! Just take off their leggings, rinse them under cold water and hang to dry.

domain: pet