text:
|Publication number||US4303751 A|
|Application number||US 06/159,931|
|Publication date||Dec 1, 1981|
|Filing date||Jun 16, 1980|
|Priority date||Jun 16, 1980|
|Publication number||06159931, 159931, US 4303751 A, US 4303751A, US-A-4303751, US4303751 A, US4303751A|
|Inventors||John E. Campbell, Neal F. Kelly|
|Original Assignee||Polaroid Corporation|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (6), Referenced by (7), Classifications (9)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
This invention relates to photography, and particularly to a novel fluid container for storing and dispensing aqueous alkaline photographic processing compositions.
Ruturable containers for the storage and dispensing of aqueous alkaline photographic processing compositions are shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,543,181; 3,056,491; 3,056,492; 3,649,282; and others. Containers of this kind are employed in photographic products such as the Polaroid SX-70 film units made and sold by Polaroid Corporation of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The basic requirements of such a container are that it exclude oxygen and other environmental reagents from the processing composition, and prevent the escape of any appreciable quantity of water or other pod reagent components, until the composition is to be dispensed.
Fluid containers disclosed in the above-cited patents essentially comprise an outer layer of paper, a polyester or the like adhered to a metal foil that serves as the required gas barrier. The metal foil is adhered to a liner of a material such as polyvinyl chloride that is in contact with the processing composition and functions to prevent contact between the processing composition and the metal foil gas barrier.
Metal foils of lead, aluminum and silver have been proposed for use in containers of the kind here considered. Of these, only lead foil has previously been commonly employed. Lead is reasonably stable in the presence of aqueous alkaline compositions in the absence of oxidizing agents, such as oxygen, although pinholes in the liner must be avoided to prevent reactions that might occur over extended periods of storage. As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 3,649,282, contact between lead and the processing composition may lead to reactions producing a black product on a photographic layer processed with the composition. However, it has been found that this problem can be effectively prevented with a vinyl liner.
Aluminum foil would be a highly desirable replacement for lead foil in processing fluid containers. Aluminum is not only considerably less expensive than lead on a weight basis, but is much lighter and can be obtained in reasonably pinhole-free foils of about one-half the thickness of a lead foil with an equivalent pinhole population. However, aluminum reacts readily with aqueous alkaline compositions, forming an aluminate and gaseous hydrogen. As pointed out in U.S. Pat. No. 3,649,282, the hydrogen produced in such a reaction could cause rupture of the container. Conventional liners, of vinyl or the like, have not been found acceptable as a means of preventing this problem.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,649,282, it is proposed to include an acid reacting layer between a foil of lead or aluminum and a vinyl liner to trap migrant alkali and prevent contact with the foil. However, this expedient has been found unnecessary with lead foil. And in view of the considerably more serious consequences of a failure with aluminum, it has not been considered sufficiently reliable.
The object of this invention is to enhance the isolation of a metallic layer in a fluid container from an aqueous alkaline composition in the container to a degree that makes negligible the probability of any reaction between alkaline components of the composition and the metallic layer.
Briefly, the above and other objects of the invention are attained by a novel fluid container comprising a metallic gas barrier, preferably of aluminum, adhered to a liner adapted to contact aqueous alkaline processing fluid in the container. The liner includes at least one layer of a polymer highly resistant to permeation by alkali. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention, the liner further includes a puncture resistant layer that will preclude mechanical intrusion of the metallic gas barrier onto processing fluid in the container. Preferably, an outer cover comprising paper is adhered to the metallic layer.
The invention will best be understood in the light of the following detailed description, together with the accompanying drawings, of various illustrative embodiments of the invention.
In the drawings,
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective sketch of a blank useful in forming a rupturable container in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective sketch of a completed rupturable container made from a blank such as that shown in FIG. 1 and filled with processing composition;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view, on an enlarged scale, of one end of the container of FIG. 2 as seen essentially along the lines 3--3 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 2 taken essentially along the lines 4--4 in FIG. 2 on a verticle scale enlarged relative to the horizontal scale;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary diagrammatic elevational sketch of a laminate useful in forming containers in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and
FIGS. 6 and 7 are sketches similar to that of FIG. 5 and showing other laminates useful in forming containers in accordance with other embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 1 shows a blank 1 of one type commonly used in forming rupturable fluid containers. Except when specially made in accordance with the invention as described below, the construction as shown is also typical of the prior art as described, for example, in the above cited patents.
In general, the blank 1 comprises a laminate including a lining 2 of material chosen to be stable in contact with the processing composition to be enclosed and to be capable of forming a liquid impermeable seal with itself, when folded over on itself as suggested in FIGS. 1 and 2, in selected regions to which heat and pressure are applied.
Adhered to the lining 2 is an intermediate metal layer 3 serving as a gas barrier to limit the exchange of gases and moisture between the inside and the outside of the finished container.
An outer cover 4 is usually adhered to the metal layer 3 for various purposes, as to contribute mechanical strength to the laminate, to impart a desired external appearance to the container, and the like.
A stripe 5 of a selected sealant is adhered to one edge of the lining 2. When the blank 1 is folded over so that the opposite edge of the lining 2 contacts the stripe 5, and heat, pressure, or both are applied, the stripe 5 serves to adhere the opposed edges of the lining 2 together to form a rupturable seal in the manner and for the purposes fully described in the above-cited patents. As there discussed, the sealant 5 is selected to form a bond weaker than the bond formed by sealing the ends of the lining 2 together, so that pressure applied to the finished container will cause the container to open preferentially only along the edge sealed by the stripe 5. Alternatively, if so desired, the weaker seal region can be attained without the use of a stripe 5, by sealing the liner material to itself under lower temperatures and/or pressures than those used in forming the other seals.
The blank 1 is folded over with the lining 2 on the inside, and sealed along edges 8 and 9 as indicated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,649,282, up to this stage in manufacture, the blank 1 may be part of a longer length of laminate.
The tube formed by sealing the blank along the edges 8 and 9 is next filled with aqueous alkaline processing composition 30 (FIG. 4). The container may then be closed by applying heat and pressure along the ends as indicated at 6, while crimping the edges as best shown in FIG. 3. If desired, for various purposes known to the art, such as controlling the distribution of processing composition when the container is ruptured, one or more intermediate seals, as at 7, may be formed between selected confronting regions of the lining 2. The particular arrangement of seals 7 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to that shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,833,381; such seals divide the pod into three separate compartments. In other known arrangements, communicating passages allow flow between or around the intermediate seals. The presence or absence of such intermediate seals and their location if present will be determined on the basis of considerations known to the art and not necessary to an understanding of this invention.
The overall configuration of the container so far described is typical both of the prior art and of this invention. The particular manner in which a container is constructed in accordance with the invention will next be described in conjunction with FIGS. 5-7.
FIG. 5 shows a laminate in accordance with one embodiment of the invention suitable for the construction of fluid containers of the type described in connection with FIGS. 1-4. As shown, the cover 2a preferably comprises a sheet of paper 11, such as a tissue paper about 1 to 2 mils (around 25-55 μm) in thickness, adhered to the metal layers 3 by any suitable adhesive 12.
The paper 11 provides strength to allow the laminate to be manipulated through the various steps in the construction of the finished container. In addition, it may be selected for color; for example, a desired shade of white to match the border of a photographic product of which the container is to form a part.
The adhesive 12 may be selected from any of those known in the art for the adhesion of paper to metal, but is preferably a cross-linkable polyester adhesive such as Adcote 503A, made and sold by Morton Chemical Company, of Chicago, Ill., with a suitable catalyst added prior to application. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the metal layer 3 is of aluminum foil from 0.25 to 1.0 mils in thickness, and the 503A adhesive is coated on the foil in a suitable solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone. Lead foils or other metals may be used instead of aluminum, if so desired. The solvent is removed by drying, and the coated foil is laminated to the paper under heat and pressure. The adhesive is coated to a dry weight of about 3 pounds per ream (about 5 grams per square meter) in accordance with a particular and presently preferred embodiment of the invention, though lesser or greater coverages may be employed so long as adequate adhesion is obtained.
The lining 4a comprises a layer 13 of an adhesive alkali barrier. The alkali barrier 13 is a thermoplastic resin chosen for its ability to be adhered to the metal layer 3, to be adhered to itself, for chemical inertness in the presence of the aqueous alkaline processing composition, for its ability to form an unbroken film free of pinholes, and particularly for its ability to block the passage of aqueous alkali. A presently preferred material for this purpose is a nitrile rubber comprising a copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile with a relatively high ratio of acrylonitrile to butadiene, preferably applied to the metal substrate from a suitable solvent. A preferred composition is made as a solution in a suitable solvent, such as methyl ethyl ketone or other conventional nitrile rubber solvent, of a mixture of the nitrile rubber with a copolymer of a vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate modified by the addition of carboxyl groups, as by the addition of about 1 percent of maleic acid to an 86/13 weight ratio vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate monomer mixture before copolymerization. The nitrile rubber may be a non-cross-linked butadiene/acrylonitrile copolymer chosen for its alkali resistance. Particularly suitable is a copolymer of 41 parts by weight of acrylonitrile and 59 parts by weight of butadiene. The weight ratio of nitrile rubber/carboxylated vinyl may be from 25/75 to 75/25, and is preferably 50/50. A presently preferred composition is available as Bostik 4048 adhesive, as made and sold by Bostik Division, USM Corporation, of Middleton, Mass. This composition is preferably applied to the metal substrate in two solvent coats, the first of which is dried before the second is applied, to prevent pinholes. The two coats may have different ratios of nitrile rubber to carboxylated vinyl chosen for optimum properties; e.g., chemical resistance, or a preferred lower softening temperature for the coating adjacent the processing composition. Specifically, a lower ratio of nitrile rubber to carboxylated vinyl, such as 25/75, in the first coat, and a higher ratio, such as 75/15, in the second coat, would produce a layer preferentially softening on the side on which seals are made to resist penetration of the alkali barrier layer during sealing. In addition, if so desired, the second coat may include a minor amount of wax, e.g., 1 to 2 percent by weight, or a more efficient anti-blocking agent, such as fatty acid amides and the like, in amounts of 0.1 to 0.3 percent by weight, to facilitate handling of the product. Each coat may be applied to a dry coating weight of about 2 to 4 pounds per ream (around 3 to 7 grams per square meter). A single coat may be employed in the alternative constructions to be described below. The desired result in either case is a monolithic layer of a mixture of nitrile rubber and carboxylated vinyl resin in contact with the processing composition, in which the ratio of the components may vary through the layer as noted above.
Among suitable sealing materials 5 for use with the preferred nitrile rubber/carboxylated vinyl adhesive are those described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,649,282 as suitable for use with polyvinyl chloride. Alternatively, the strip 5 may be omitted and the desired differential seal attained by using different temperatures and/or pressures to effect the seals 6, 8 and 9, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,173,580.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be apparent that the crimping and sealing operations employed in forming the end seals 6 and any intermediate seals 7 involve applied stresses that could conceivably result in a rupture or penetration that would carry a portion of the metal layer through the lining and possibly into direct contact with the processing composition in the container. FIG. 6 shows a laminate for forming containers in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in which this possibility is greatly minimized, if not altogether prevented.
Referring to FIG. 6, the outer layers of the laminate, comprising the paper layer 11, its adhesive 12, the metal layer 3 and the adhesive alkali barrier layer 13, may be as described above in conjunction with FIG. 5. In FIG. 6, however, a mechanical barrier layer 14 of tough, resilient material resistant to puncture, shock and flow is interposed between the metal layer 3 and the adhesive alkali barrier 13. The barrier layer 14 may be adhered to the metal layer 3 by any suitable conventional adhesive 15.
The barrier layer 14 is preferably of a polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, on the order of 0.25 to 0.75 mils (about 12.7 μm) in thickness. Among other suitable materials are oriented polypropylene, nylon and polyethylene. Polyethylene is particularly desirable for its resistance to aqueous alkali. The barrier layer should be infusible at the temperatures and/or pressures used in forming and sealing the container, to prevent portions of it from squeezing out to permit contact between the alkaline processing composition and the metal, or to allow the barrier layer to become so thin as to permit the flow or diffusion of reactive components of the composition into contact with the metal.
The adhesive 15 may be chosen for its adhesion both to the metal layer 3 and to the mechanical barrier 14, for which purposes a cross-linked polyester such as Adcote 503A is well suited where the metal layer is of aluminum foil and the mechanical barrier is polyethylene terephthalate. Preferably, the adhesive 15 is of the same alkali barrier material as the barrier 13, except that the barrier 13 preferably includes an antiblocking agent as noted above, which would serve no purpose in the adhesive layer 15.
Additional peel strength, or resistance to delamination, between the mechanical barrier 14 and adjacent structure may be provided by including a thin primer coat, e.g., 1 to 3 μm, of an adhesive chosen primarily for its adhesion to the mechanical barrier 14 and to the adjacent layers 13 and 15. For example, if the mechanical barrier layer is of polyethylene terephthalate, and the adhesive layers 13 and 15 are of a nitrile rubber-carboxylated vinyl composition, a primer coat of a cross-linkable polyester, such as Adcote 1069, as made and sold by Morton Chemical Company of Chicago, Illinois, on both surfaces of the layer 14 will materially increase adhesion. A catalyst is added to this material prior to coating in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
FIG. 7 shows a laminate presently preferred for its high strength, alkali resistance, and resistance to delamination or puncture. The several layers of the structure may be as described above. The method presently contemplated for the manufacture of the laminate of FIG. 8 is as next described.
In a particular and presently preferred embodiment, a 0.5 mil sheet of polyethylene terephthalate, shown at 20 in FIG. 8, is coated with a solution of Adcote 1069 polyester adhesive in methyl ethyl ketone, to a dry coating weight of 1 to 2 pounds per ream, and dried to remove the solvent. The layer 19 of adhesive primer is next coated with a solution of Bostik 4048 nitrile rubber adhesive in methyl ethyl ketone to a dry coating weight of 4 pounds per ream, and dried to remove the solvent. A sheet of aluminum foil 3a, 0.5 mils in thickness, is then laminated under heat and pressure to the adhesive layer 18 of the laminate 20, 19, 18, accelerating the cross-linking of the polyester adhesive layer 19 in the process. Next, a coating 12a of 3 pounds per ream of Adcoate 503A adhesive is applied from a solvent solution as described above, and laminated under heat and pressure to a 1.2 mil sheet of white tissue paper 11, removing the solvent and accelerating the cure of the adhesive 12a in the process.
The laminate 11, 12a, 18, 19, 20 is now solvent coated with a priming layer 21 of Adcote 1069 polyester adhesive and dried to remove the solvent. A dried coating weight of 1 to 2 pounds per ream is adequate. Over the layer 21 is solvent coated a layer 22 of the same nitrile rubber adhesive used to form the layer 18 to a dry coating weight of 4 pounds per ream, and dried to remove the solvent.
While the invention has been described with reference to the details of various specific illustrative embodiments, many changes and variations will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading this description, and such can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
|Cited Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US2543181 *||Dec 11, 1948||Feb 27, 1951||Polaroid Corp||Photographic product comprising a rupturable container carrying a photographic processing liquid|
|US3056491 *||Aug 29, 1958||Oct 2, 1962||Polaroid Corp||Fluid containers|
|US3056492 *||Oct 3, 1960||Oct 2, 1962||Polaroid Corp||Fluid containers|
|US3173580 *||Sep 21, 1962||Mar 16, 1965||Polaroid Corp||Fluid containers|
|US3649282 *||Apr 15, 1970||Mar 14, 1972||Polaroid Corp||Fluid containers having an inner acid reacting layer|
|US3833381 *||Oct 25, 1972||Sep 3, 1974||Polaroid Corp||Photographic products including rupturable containers|
|Citing Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US4814260 *||Jun 16, 1987||Mar 21, 1989||Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd.||Method of storing photographic processing solution in a package having specific oxygen permeability|
|US6199698 *||Dec 3, 1999||Mar 13, 2001||Alusuisse Technology & Management, Ltd.||Pharmaceutical packaging with separation means|
|US6530477 *||Nov 1, 2000||Mar 11, 2003||Joseph G. Martorano||Flexible packaging for maintaining the efficacy of chemicals|
|US9211538 *||Dec 5, 2008||Dec 15, 2015||Thinxxs Microtechnology Ag||Microfluid storage device|
|US20040159575 *||Dec 26, 2001||Aug 19, 2004||Jutaro Shudo||Access resistant envelope|
|US20100308051 *||Dec 5, 2008||Dec 9, 2010||Lutz Weber||Microfluid storage device|
|US20110212438 *||Mar 24, 2011||Sep 1, 2011||Iseao Technologies Limited||Kits and Devices for Performing Methods of Detecting Viability-Associated Molecules|
|U.S. Classification||430/208, 206/524.3, 430/497, 206/524.5, 430/449, 206/524.2|

domain: chemistry


text:
A great camping experience is in a league of its own. All that fresh air and nature is amazing. If you would like to experience the joys of camping for yourself, the tips featured in this article will provide you with the guidance that you need.
Search out shelter before the sun sets when you are camping. Once the woods are dark, it is very difficult to find firewood, pitch your tent and prepare some food. That can be especially true for someone who live in the suburbs and is not used to total darkness. Do not wind up in this position. Seek shelter and make camp for the night well before darkness sets in.
Let everyone know they have a say in the campsite and should help pick a favorite spot. Talk about the state you wish to see. The many options may make it difficult to settle on one. Narrow down your top choices and let your entire family decide.
Consider having a “jungle breakfast” if you are on a camping trip with children. You can tie small food and drink boxes into the trees. Then, when the kids wake up, have them go and “hunt” for their breakfast. This is a fun way to bring excitement to the morning.
Did you know that dryer lint can make great kindling to get a campfire started? Collect the lint in your dryer and store it in a bag a few weeks before you go camping to prepare for this. Just hang a grocery bag next to your dryer and stuff the lint into the bag. Using this method, you can acquire kindling and camp in the same day.
Pack a first aid kit. Pack an emergency kit that contains basic first aid supplies as well as anything needed for the specific location in which you are camping. You should bring things like a flare and antivenom as well, you never know what might happen.
No matter how rough and tough your camping plans, bring along a small bit of luxury to add an elegant touch to your camping trip. For example, bring a bar of chocolate or a small container of cream to put in your coffee. Such little luxuries will really pick up your spirits!
A roll of duct tape is a very important piece of camping equipment. It can fix so many different things, holes, leaks and just about anything else that arises.
Before you decide to take off on a camping trip somewhere you’ve never been, you need to do some research on what the area is like and be aware of the local risks and dangers. Knowing what poisonous creatures to watch out for, where terrain gets rugged, and when to expect dangerous weather are key to ensuring your safety. There are natural hazards associated with every camping area.
Camping is fun for children, but make sure to plan out some extra activities they will like. They could get bored if there isn’t anything to do. While fishing, pitching a tent and starting a fire might sound fun, they are not the activities kids are used to. Consider introducing your kids to these things in advance of your trip so they know how to do them and view them as fun.
If you are camping for the first time, stay close to home. You could run into problems with your gear, or decide to cut the trip short. You might find that you do not have enough clothes or food. First-time camping is a learning experience and anything can happen, so find a campground near your home.
The whole point behind camping is to be one with nature, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for it. You need a sleeping bag, but you need to take extra blankets too. That way, you will be prepared for an unexpected chill, or you can have a softer place to sleep.
A utility knife can serve you well on your camping trip. Utility knives have many uses in a campers tool kit. It may even be a good idea to bring an extra in case your first one gets lost.
It’s essential to take duct tape on every camping trip. While tents are generally well-made, it is not unusual for them to tear. Your tent can easily be repaired with some duct tape, which will keep you nice and dry in your damaged tent.
Make sure you know how to use a compass and map before you go camping. Even if you’ve already been to your future campsite, getting lost once there is still a possibility since many areas of the site will look the same. You will be able to avoid possible tragedy when you learn how to use both of these life saving items.
When your camping trip is over, make sure to leave a clean campsite behind. You should have trash bags on hand for this purpose. Make sure to take any food that is left over as well. A basic camping rule of thumb is to only leave your footprints behind.
Hopefully this article has helped you see, there aren’t very many experiences in this modern world that can rival camping. The scenery, being around nature, and the fresh air are all great things to enjoy while camping. No matter where you camping trip takes you, the helpful advice in the article above will make your trip one to remember.

domain: hobby


text:
Whether you're searching for the perfect corporate retreat location, a mountaintop wedding or bringing the extended family together for a reunion, Whitecap Mountains Resort is your answer, offering year-round family recreation, lodging, and down-home hospitality in Northern Wisconsin.
During the Winter months you can discover three mountains with forty-three trails for every ability, spread over a vast 400 acres within the ancient Penokee Mountains. Experience an abundance of lake effect snow, meticulously groomed trails, along with incredibly helpful staff that will make your trip here unforgettable.
Throughout Summer and Fall, whether your looking for your calm up North or a day full of activities, you will find it all at Whitecap Mountains Resort. Here at the resort you can enjoy golf, disc golf, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. Within a short drive you can spend the day at Lake Superior, view waterfalls, enjoy kayak tours, boat trips to the Apostle Islands, or check out local festivals.
Property Name: Whitecap Mountains Resort
Address 1: 9106 W County Rd E
City : Upson - Wisconsin
Postal Code : 54565
- Gift shop
- Meeting rooms
- Photo copying service
- Swimming pool
Check-In / Check-Out Policies
This property has the following check-in and check-out times and policies.
Check-In: 4:00 PM
Check-Out: 11:00 AM
Property and Cancellation Policies :
30 or more days before arrival date - 100% refund
15-30 days before arrival date - 50% refund
0-14 days before arrival date - NO deposit refund
ALL REFUNDS ARE CHARGED $25 PER UNIT BOOKKEEPING FEE
Once you are within 14 days of your arrival date, your deposit cannot be transferred to any other unit.
If you have canceled at least 15 days before your arrival date, you may use the one (1) time only re-booking option. This allows you to use your entire deposit amount to rebook your reservation within a one year time limit. There are no monetary refunds with this option.
Terms and Conditions
ALL BALANCES ARE DUE UPON CHECK-IN
2 NIGHT MINIMUM REQUIRED IN PRIVATE HOMES
Early Check in/Late check out Policies
Hotel rooms $75 +tax
Private Homes $75 +tax
Please check with reservation desk for availability
Christmas week 12/25-12/31 **Weekend rates apply everyday from 12/25-12/31**Three night Minimum
Presidents Weekend 2/15-2/18**Three night Minimum at weekend rate
Pets are allowed in the hotel rooms and homes:
Homes: Davos, Mt. Meadows 1 and Mt. Meadows 8
There is a $25 +tax fee/per pet
The pet policy contract is to be filled out and approved prior to arrival
Rates subject to change without notice. Please call to verify.
We reserve the right to move guests to a comparable unit.

domain: geography


text:
Your Search Returned 58 tagged news reports
Classics, March 19) The first novel by Renata Adler, a former staff writer at The New Yorker , has been criminally out of print and overlooked for years. The book follows a disillusioned journalist named Jen Fain as she hops between parties and
For several years, more than 200 nonprofits and businesses called upon Knopf to provide the electronic tools needed to succeed in the online world...At least that's what he told Calvary Chapel and the Not for Sale Campaign when they asked him to
The Three Essential Prayers Anne Lamott (Riverhead; $17.95) 3...From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail Cheryl Strayed (Knopf; $25.95) 6...Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't Stephen Colbert (Grand Central; $28.99) 8...Winston Spencer
The Remarkable Life of Julia Child, by Bob Spitz (Knopf; 557 pages; $29.95). Every Love Story Is a Ghost Story: A Life of David Foster Wallace , by D.T...James Joyce : A New Biography, by Gordon Bowker (Farrar, Straus and Giroux; 608 pages; $35).
Willow Wilson. (Grove, $25.) A young hacker on the run in the Mideast is the protagonist of this imaginative first novel...Translated by Katherine Silver. (Graywolf, paper, $16.) In this glorious satire of machismo, a Mexican agronomist
From that high warbling voice to her imposing height and impish wit, Julia Child probably would have won hearts no matter what she did on national television. But long before there was a Food Network, Child's public television show taught a nation of
On Sunday, Winfrey's interview with memoirist Cheryl Strayed, the first author chosen for the new book club, airs on OWN's Super Soul Sunday (11 a.m. ET/PT) and simultaneously stream on Oprah Radio and on OWN'S Facebook page. (OWN is short for Oprah
James Salter's classic erotic novel "A Sport and a Pastime" will be coming out as an e-book. Open Road Integrated Media, a digital publisher, announced Tuesday that it planned to release digital versions of "Sport and a Pastime,"
LBJ's sudden presidency, the Civil Rights Act and war on poverty. Wild," by Cheryl Strayed (Knopf: $25.95) A woman-on-the-verge embarks on an 1,100-mile solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. I Am a Pole," by Stephen Colbert (Grand Central: $15.99)
Andreas Samuelsson As a magazine devoted to talking about what is most current and most vital in the music world, we have infinite respect for those outlets that do the same in other arenas and genres. We consulted a handful of discerning mindsmakers,

domain: library


text:
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Effect of habitat and foraging height on bat activity in the coastal plain of South CarolinaAuthor(s): Jennifer M. Menzel; Michael A. Jr. Menzel; John C. Kilgo; W. Mark Ford; John W. Edwards; Gary F. McCracken
Source: Journal of Wildlife Management. 69(1): 235-245.
Publication Series: Miscellaneous Publication
Station: Northeastern Research Station
PDF: View PDF (1.02 MB)
- Check the Northern Research Station web site to request a printed copy of this publication.
- Our on-line publications are scanned and captured using Adobe Acrobat.
- During the capture process some typographical errors may occur.
CitationMenzel, Jennifer M.; Menzel, Michael A. Jr.; Kilgo, John C.; Ford, W. Mark; Edwards, John W.; McCracken, Gary F. 2005. Effect of habitat and foraging height on bat activity in the coastal plain of South Carolina. Journal of Wildlife Management. 69(1): 235-245.
Keywordsbat echolocation, call structure, pine plantations, riparian area, South Carolina, southeast United States, time expansion, wing morphology
- Bat Response To Carolina Bays and Wetland Restoration in the Southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain
- Research and absence of bats across habitat scales in the upper coastal plain of South Carolina
- Presence and absence of bats across habitat scales in the Upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina
XML: View XML


Vyking brings digital fashion to life with digital app, Flex
Augmented reality technology company Vyking has launched Flex, a digital app that will allow digital collectibles creators to display their collections in AR.
By combining augmented reality technology with digital fashion ownership, Flex enables creators and collectors to mint, collect and trade digital fashion collections such as NFTs (non-fungible tokens).
Thibault Marion de Procé, Vyking’s co-Founder and Chief Product Officer said: "The world around us is changing rapidly as the pace of culture continues to move in lock-step with that of technology. We at Vyking saw a unique opportunity to leverage our proven AR technology that powers AR experiences for leading brands into a user and creator-centric application that combines real ownership and AR with the expanding world of digital fashion. flex is a game-changer for digital fashion and we are thrilled to play a part in bringing this creative revolution to life."
The company added that it is reinventing fashion retail by "creating a collaborative space at the intersection of creativity, 3-D design, blockchain and AR for creators and global brands alike."
Flex will also launch its debut sneaker collection in collaboration with digital fashion and 3D design brands including French AR artist Johwska, footwear designer Finn Rush-Taylor and French creative agency Monument. The collection will be issued through leading digital art and collectibles NFT marketplace Rarible.


text:
FOR SALE! $199,000
CONTRACT FOR DEED TERMS AVAILABLE! INQUIRE FOR DETAILS- MUST HAVE DOWNPAYMENT
INVESTMENT TRIPLEX IN CANNON FALLS MINNESOTA
Just a short 30 minute drive south of Apple Valley, this cash flow investment property has great features. The property boasts 3 large units and is currently fully occupied creating a nice cash flow opportunity for the right buyer.
Unit 1: This apartment is on the main and lower level of the property and features spacious living at 1500 square feet. There are 3 bedrooms, one is on the main level and the other two bedrooms are on the lower level. All of the rooms are large with the living room at a whopping 20X13! There is also a large office, central air, all kitchen appliances, a washer and dryer, and a nice size eat in kitchen. This unit currently rents for $1350/mo.
Unit 2: This unit is on the upper level and also provides plenty of living space at 1000 square feet. There are 3 large bedrooms and 1 3/4 bathrooms. Also included with the apartment are the kitchen appliances, washer and dryer, water softener, and a good size eat in kitchen. This unit currently rents for $650/mo.
Unit 3: This is the smallest of the three units at 503 square feet. This is a one bedroom one bath main floor apartment. There is a nice porch, central air, kitchen appliances, and large rooms. This unit currently rents for $465/mo.
$199,000 (c4d available- owner financing)
This is a great set up if you are looking to owner occupy or just rent the units. The current rental set up stipulates that the owner covers taxes, water, sewer, and gas. The tenants are responsible for electric, lawn, and cable T.V.
The property is not a short sale or foreclosure!

domain: economics


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Originally Posted by dwaynedays
Started dabbling with ARs damage when weak bullet is on compared to not seems about the same so far (only 1 point in it) Im lv 18 and was doing about 40 damage each hit on vol dragon with my regular attack and about 200ish with my PAs. Doesnt seem too solid so far but I managed to not get hit at all and I haven't begun to understand affixes yet so Im sure when I get into that it'll help
Anybody got anymore ranger help or advice
If you want to maximize your Assault Rifle's damage with Weak Bullet, you need to be aiming at the weak spots on the enemy (ie the red spots on the Darkers). Well, this applies even without Weak Bullet. You need to be aiming for the certain points on an enemy to fully get the maximize damage for each 3-shot burst.
Besides, 40 to 200 is a huge damage increase.

domain: game


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A Blessing for the New Year
an annual reprisal
(click little red triangle thingy above to listen to a recording of me reading this to myself)
A New Year’s Blessing for realists.
As you enter this new year, as you pack away the Christmas decorations and get out your stretchy pants,
as you face the onslaught of false promises offered you through new disciplines and elimination diets,
as you grasp for control of yourself and your life and this chaotic world -
May you remember that there is no resolution that, if kept, will make you more worthy of love.
Yearly reminder: there is no resolution that, if kept, will make you more worthy of love.
There is no resolution that, if kept, will make life less uncertain and allow you to control your aging parents and your teenage children and the way other people act.
So this year (as every year),
May you just skip the part where you resolve to be better do better and look better this time.
Instead, may you give yourself the gift of really, really low expectations. Not out of resignation, but out of generosity.
May you expect so little of yourself that you can be super proud of the smallest of accomplishments.
May you expect so little of the people in your life that you actually notice and cherish every small, lovely thing about them.
May you expect so little of the service industry that you notice more of what you do get and less of what you don't and then just tip really well anyhow.
May you expect to get so little out of 2024 that you can celebrate every single thing it offers you, however small.
Because you deserve joy and not disappointment.
So, I wish you a Happy as possible New Year.
Spend this year in The Corners with me and the other spiritual misfits here (we are going to get through it together, not matter what happens).
If you’d like full access to everything in The Corners, but a paid subscription isn’t for you, shoot an email to email@example.com with “free subscription” in the subject line and we will hook you up.

domain: psychology


LENOX — On Sunday afternoon, a pair of friendly BSO volunteers stood on the path between Ozawa Hall and the Koussevitzky Music Shed, armed with hand-held ticket scanning machines. They were presumably there for the simple purpose of ensuring that only ticket holders for the BSO’s matinee concert were able to gain access to the Shed.
But their presence like guards at a border checkpoint also underscored the sense of metaphorical separation between the two centers of activity at Tanglewood: the BSO and its summer academy known as the Tanglewood Music Center. Indeed, these spheres rarely feel as remote from one another as during the summer’s annual Festival of Contemporary Music. Over several days in Ozawa Hall, the FCM focuses mostly on the works of living composers, while the BSO continues with its populist bread-and-butter programming just up the path.
During his time as the BSO’s music director, James Levine dreamed of narrowing this gap by involving the entire BSO in one FCM concert annually. What better way, he argued, to show that contemporary music was also a priority of the highest rank for the institution as a whole? Levine’s vision was realized for one summer during the all-Elliott Carter edition of FCM, but not since. What’s more, for years a single work by a living composer would appear on the weekend’s BSO Shed programs, specifically designated as the orchestra’s official contribution to FCM. Mysteriously, even that token contribution has now slipped away.
All of this said, the entire array of the BSO’s new music activities should soon be receiving a jolt of sorts, as the estimable British composer Thomas Adès takes up a newly created “artistic partner” position with the orchestra this fall. Adès will also direct FCM for at least the next two summers, and it will be fascinating to see what becomes of the festival under his watch. One hopes his arrival can mark the beginning of a fresh integration between the orchestra’s essential new music commitments and its larger performance mission.
The FCM concerts offered this weekend were rewarding in their own right, and consistently maintained the high performance standards this festival has set for itself in the past. Programs this year were curated by the composer Steven Stucky, whose death of brain cancer in February of this year came as a shock to even his closest colleagues. In his introductory program note, the BSO’s Robert Kirzinger observed that “by humbling, unpredictable coincidence” the music on these concerts spans, almost exactly, the lifetime of their curator.
The works across Stucky’s six programs did not trumpet any overarching themes, nor did they seem intent on making any partisan revisions to received narratives of the recent musical past. Rather, they grouped themselves around clusters of influence, pedagogic and musical, across different generations. Friday’s quartet-centric program stated this most simply with its opening work, the String Quartet No. 1 by British composer Joseph Phibbs, himself a former student of Stucky’s, which took the idea of influence itself as a subject to be explored, not as a source of “anxiety” but of inspiration. In this attractive score, ghosts of string quartet masters past are not banished but seemingly invited in to join the banquet. It was followed by Hans Abrahamsen’s Third Quartet, in an often hushed and mesmerizing performance.
On the same program, the composers Sebastian Currier and Donnacha Dennehy both reached out beyond the standard string quartet configuration. Currier, in his “Deep-Sky Objects” reaches way beyond, to sketch a vision of intergalactic romance, as electronics built from actual space sounds punctuate luminous settings of evocative texts by the poet Sarah Manguso, strikingly sung on Saturday by Sophia Burgos. Dennehy, in his “One Hundred Goodbyes” uses samples from old Irish field recordings of vanishing Gaelic folk songs to underscore the haunting presence of the past. In Friday’s performance, this year’s excellent New Fromm Players — Natsuki Kumagai and Jordan Koransky (violins), Mary Ferrillo (viola), and Francesca McNeeley (cello) — conveyed this music’s sense of awe in its own found materials.
Highlights of Saturday’s program included Donald Crockett’s taut, lively “Whistling in the Dark” as well as the premiere of Erin Gee’s “Mouthpiece 29” for voice and string instruments, a work that gleefully splashes around in the possibilities of vocalism freed from the burdens of signification or language. Gee herself was the vocalist here, deploying a wide range of extended techniques that turned her voice into a protean instrument capable of conversing with any member of a trio of strings (violin, viola, bass) as if speaking in a native tongue of her own invention.
Sunday morning’s concert opened with elegant clamor courtesy of Anders Hillborg’s Brass Quintet, and also included a Sextet (“Old Kings in Exile”) by Brett Dean as well as Jonathan Harvey’s “Song Offerings,” a group of lapidary Tagore settings for soprano and mixed chamber ensemble. In the latter work, soprano Sarah Tuttle beautifully captured the pointed, calligraphic quality of Harvey’s glinting vocal lines. And mezzo-soprano Quinn Middleman made a similarly persuasive case for Harold Meltzer’s “Variations on a Summer Day,” a gleaming setting of texts from the Wallace Stevens poem of the same name. The music of Pierre Boulez was also represented by a rewardingly detailed performance of his “Dérive 1,” presented here in the composer’s memory.
Boulez was of course a student of the towering French composer Olivier Messiaen, as was the composer George Benjamin. These threads will be drawn together in the FCM’s final concert scheduled for Monday night, and set to include a keenly anticipated pairing of Messiaen’s iconic “Turangalila” Symphony with the US premiere of Benjamin’s “Dream of the Song.” The festival tends to end with a major flourish, and this year should be no exception.


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Longchamp Returns to its Roots with its Fall 2021 Advertising Campaign
The Longchamp Fall/Winter 2021 fashion show, filmed at the Gustave Eiffel-designed Battesti riding hall, was inspired by the label’s Parisian origins and equestrian heritage—it was, after all, named after the French capital’s most famous racecourse. The season’s advertising campaign, which was shot around the show, continues the tribute, with star model Mica Arganaraz embodying Longchamp’s vision of the Parisienne.
In the lead visual, Mica wears the look with which she memorably opened the show: a black safari jacket belted over a red skinny-rib and the shortest of white shorts, with black rain boots and long red socks. Leaning against a wall of the stable with a horse in the background, she is the epitome of effortless elegance, dressed for life on the go. As if to emphasize the point, she carries the collection’s graphic reinterpretation of Longchamp’s iconic Roseau bag – launched in 1993 as a spacious tote secured with a bamboo toggle – which boldly combines glossy crocodile-print and velvety suede leather.
A second visual depicts the bag hanging from a ring to which a horse would normally be tethered, below an equine name plate marked Roseau. Another still-life features the most luxurious iteration of the Roseau, in smooth, cognac-coloured calfskin with cream edges. Perched on a saddle in the tack room, it evokes Longchamp’s tradition of savoir-faire. In another image, Mica strides out of the stables in a caramel suede ensemble carrying a mini Roseau with a vintage-look acetate toggle and chain. Here, as throughout the campaign, sunlight on the golden stone of Paris creates a warm, luminous ambiance, conveying the energy and authenticity that are fundamental to Longchamp.
This season, Longchamp’s irresistible array of bags are designed to accompany the Parisienne life on the go. The stars of the season are the Roseau and Brioche.
For the past 25 years, Longchamp has put the iconic Roseau bag front and center with its line of bags and its latest take gives a distinctively modern take. With its smooth cowhide leather in natural, ecru, and red, this bag is accessorized with vintage-looking acetate toggle and chain. The structured shape is complemented as well with the glossy crocodile-print texture.
Like its namesake delectable French pastry suggests, the Brioche is a chic and compact statement bag that also highlights a functional luxury. It features a neat flap that conceals a deceptively spacious interior and has a sliding metal chain that allows to be worn in a variety of ways. The butter-soft lambskin highlights pastel shades such as powder pink and dove gray. It also puts the spotlight on a refined and relaxed variation in a distinctive denim style.
Collaborating with photographer Rémi Lamandé and videographer Hugo Jozwicki, creative director Sophie Delafontaine's vision of Très Paris collection is clear: the union of luxurious elegance with the brand's equestrian heritage is a dynamic expresion of Longchamp's art de vivre.
Très Paris collection is also available in-stores at Rustan's Makati, Shangri-La Plaza, and Cebu

domain: artistic


There is a new way to talk about skin ageing. It’s no longer about fighting or reversing it but getting strong, healthy skin. Lines and sagging are even accepted. Goh Yee Huay looks at this growing movement where beauty brands are framing this natural process in a positive light.
"Ageing is a natural consequence of being alive. To be anti-ageing makes no more sense than being anti-life."
A geing is natural, and that’s going to happen to all of us… I just want to always look like myself, even if that’s an older version of myself.” So said Halle Berry in a 2015 interview.
She probably didn’t know it at the time, but that sums up a growing movement in the beauty industry, where the focus is not so much on anti-ageing, but on ageing well. No more obsessively fighting the signs of age – it’s about keeping your skin in healthy, tip-top condition at any age.
What led to this new approach of prioritising skin health over wrinkle count? Well, for one, there’s the larger wellness trend of recent years. The shifting attention to things like fitness, holistic living and clean beauty has also changed attitudes on how to look after one’s skin. Much like how fad diets whose sole function is to shed kilos have been rejected in favour of more sustained wholesome lifestyles.
Another likely factor: the rise of numerous indie or “millennial” brands like Drunk Elephant, Sunday Riley and Saturday Skin, which generally target younger women for whom traditional anti-ageing lingo like “fighting wrinkles” and “firming skin” aren’t very relevant or appealing. Instead, these brands put a more positive and fresh spin on skincare, using upbeat words that run along the lines (pardon the pun) of “radiance”, “glow”, “vitality” and “renewal”.
“The term ‘antiageing’ just feels a little backwards, disingenuous and marketing-driven. You never hear people worrying about how their liver or stomach is ageing – they just know that if they don’t take care of themselves, they won’t be in good health for long,” says Tiffany Masterson, founder of Drunk Elephant.
“It’s the same with our skin, our largest organ. We need to respect its basic needs, give it more of the things that keep it healthy, while avoiding those that cause it stress. By doing this, you’re going to have skin that ages more gracefully with time,” she says.
Even the UK’s Royal Society for Public Health has weighed in on this issue. In a June 2018 report that surveyed 2,000 people on their attitudes towards ageing, the health education body found that three in five respondents believed they would become less attractive as they aged. Half the women say they feel pressured to look young.
The findings were worrying enough for the Royal Society to urge major retailers and beauty magazines to ditch the term “anti-ageing”, and rethink their narratives about ageing.
“All human beings – at all stages of life – are ageing in their own way, as a natural consequence of being alive. To be ‘anti-ageing’ makes no more sense than being ‘antilife’,” said the report’s authors.
Of course, this doesn’t spell the end for antiageing skincare per se. Not when the global market in 2020 is said to be worth US$42.51 billion (S$57.5 billion) and is expected to hit US$55 billion by 2025, according to market research firm Market Data Forecast. On top of that, a United Nations report says that almost every country in the world is seeing an increase in the size and proportion of older people in their population. Do the math – the customer pool is only going to get bigger.
What the new tack in anti-ageing has brought on is a boom in products that work towards skin’s long-term health, rather than specifically fighting wrinkles or sagging. Some are premised on supporting skin’s natural abilities so it can continue to function smoothly. Others still use conventional anti-ageing ingredients, like retinol, AHAs and antioxidants, but couch the benefits in more age-inclusive terms such as “luminosity”, “freshness” and “energising”.
Take Estee Lauder’s new Advanced Night Repair serum, for instance, first launched in 1982 and a forerunner of the current wave of health-skewed skincare. Angie Leng, Estee Lauder Singapore’s education manager, says the serum came about when Estee Lauder scientists discovered that skin has a natural repair mechanism that peaks at night.
“The original formula was the first product developed to help skin repair and recover from the visible effects of UV light exposure. Working in sync with the skin’s own natural processes, it boosted skin’s renewal process and repaired the visible signs of ageing during the restorative hours of sleep,” she says.
Since then, other players have launched their version of “universal” products said to help users of all ages improve skin health and resilience – without explicitly calling them “anti-ageing”.
Lancome’s Advanced Genifique serum, for one, works like a probiotic supplement to balance skin’s microflora; SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence and Albion’s Floral Drip are nutrient-rich ferments said to improve various aspects of skin; and Chanel’s Blue Serum promises to keep skin healthy, using botanical ingredients drawn from the world’s Blue Zones – places where people have extraordinary longevity. Underlying these products is the assumption that healthy skin that can properly carry out all its natural processes will then look radiant, smooth and, yes, youthful.
“I’m not sure notions of skin ageing have changed as much as the preferred method of getting there. Never before have we had as many options – including lasers, Botox and fillers – to make the skin look younger,” says Masterson. “[The anti-ageing market] has also gotten younger, thanks to social media and reality TV. Now, everyone is obsessed. I think the industry is targeting all ages,” she says.
TEXT GOH YEE HUAY PHOTO 123.RF


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Grammy-winning rapper Lil Wayne has added some new ink to his facial collection, now throwing up an eye-catching “BAKED” tattoo onto his forehead.
A photograph of his latest facial addition started circulating online Wednesday (January 2) afternoon.
You know what they say: “New year, new face tattoo.” At least that’s what Lil Wayne says. The rapper-turned-skateboarder decided to pay homage to skateboard company Baker the best way he knows how–by tattooing the word “baked” on his forehead. Weezy, who already has stars, a lightning bolt and teardrops (among other things) tattooed on his noggin, chose the area above his right eye for his new ink because… that’s the only place he has left? (FUSE TV)
Earlier this year, West Coast rapper Game joked about former NBA champion Magic Johnson needing to get facial ink.
“Yo, man. I was gonna recommend that Magic gets the same tattoo I have but just the blue star. I think that’d be so cool. I talked to [Dodgers star] Matt Kemp in the club a couple of weeks ago,” Game said in an interview. “I even brought that up, that Magic should get a face tat. He was like, ‘I don’t know.’ Hopefully, man. He’s gonna see what he can do. I think it’d be dope. We’ll see. It’s Magic. Stars are affiliated with magic. Even at Disneyland, when Mickey wears the little magic hat, it’s got stars on it. So what I’m saying is it might be a good look for Magic, man.” (ESPN)
Back in 2011, the platinum-selling rapper talked about Atlanta’s Gucci Mane donning an ice cream tattoo on his cheek.
“I seen Gucci’s new face tat and as soon I did, I thought ‘finally they can get off me about his butterfly/star/LA sh*t.’ That’s what I thought. But you know what man, I don’t give a f*ck about what they say about anybody, a muthaf*cka could tattoo a butterfly, ice cream cone, apple pie on their cheek. Bottom-line, if you know Gucci, you know he’s real. He been on trial for his life and all of that. He bodied people. So he could tattoo a f*ckin’ tampon on his face for all I care. You can’t say he’s buster or whatever. And me I done been shot, stole sh*t, robbed people, everyth-f*ckin’-thing you can think of. Tattoos don’t mean sh*t, they ain’t nothing but good art.” (VIBE)
In the past, tattoo addict Machine Gun Kelly sat down with SOHH and talked about the facial craze.
“Nah dude, nah, no ice creams on my face,” Kelly told SOHH referring to Gucci Mane’s publicized face ink. “I’m trying to score those movie roles, man. I’m trying to be on the big screen like I’m f*cking Ronald Reagan, f*cking Harrison Ford. [laughs] I mean, hmmm… Tom Cruise. Leonardo DiCaprio. As soon as I lay the major movie role where I’m satisfied, like, never having to be in a movie again, I’m going to tattoo the sh*t out of my whole body.” (SOHH)


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Did you know? Allister Graham served in the Canadian Navy during World War II. Discover more at… https://t.co/NGdZVgeQTU
Flood, G. Stanley
- Township: Embro & West Zorra
- Branch: Perth Regiment
- Wars Served: World War II
- Country enlisted with: Canada
When he enlisted with the Perth Regiment, G. Stanley Flood was working as a hired man for George Chalkley on Lot 25, Concession 5. His brother Robert worked for Angus Green of Lot 25, Concession 3.


By migrating its EHR database from RISC to an open standards-based architecture, University Health lowers TCO and boosts performance and flexibility.
See how, by migrating its EHR database from RISC to an open standards-based architecture, University Health is slashing total cost of ownership (TCO) while boosting performance, flexibility, and coordinated care for patients.
Software-defined networking (SDN) enables on-demand provisioning of networks and network services.
Intel IT is adopting software-defined networking (SDN) to enable on-demand provisioning of networks and network services. By virtualizing the network through a programmable interface, we can offer better support for Intel application developers.
Upgrading our data center network architecture to support speeds greater than 10 GbE is essential in optimizing our data center infrastructure.
Upgrading our network architecture to support speeds greater than 10 GbE is essential in optimizing our data center infrastructure to more quickly respond to business needs while enhancing the services and value IT brings to the business.
Show IT the benefits of pursuing a data center refresh in the medium term, including prepping for an SDI future.
The video presents an overview about how upgrading data center technology can help IT deliver innovative capabilities to line-of-business customers more quickly and efficiently.Full View >
An overview about how upgraded data center technology can help IT spend less time managing the data center and more time serving the business.
The video lays out the challenges IT faces as demands on the data center continue to increase, and provides solutions to these challenges focused on combining the latest hardware, software, virtualization, and orchestration capabilties.Full View >
Solution Brief: Manufacturing company used the Intel® Xeon® processor E7 v2 family and VMware vSphere* to optimize virtualized SAP HANA* performance.
Solution Brief: Manufacturing company optimized performance of a mission-critical virtualized SAP HANA* platform and added new business capabilities by upgrading to the Intel® Xeon® processor E7 v2 family and VMware vSphere*.


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Michigan Consumer Sentiment: January Mostly Unchanged
The University of Michigan Preliminary Consumer Sentiment for January came in at 98.1, down fractionally from the December Final reading. Investing.com had forecast 98.5.
Surveys of Consumers chief economist, Richard Curtin, makes the following comments:
Consumer confidence remained unchanged at the cyclical peak levels recorded in December. The Current Conditions Index rose 0.6 points to reach its highest level since 2004, and the Expectations Index fell 0.6 points which was lower than only the 2015 peak during the past dozen years. The post-election surge in optimism was accompanied by an unprecedented degree of both positive and negative concerns about the incoming administration spontaneously mentioned when asked about economic news. The importance of government policies and partisanship has sharply risen over the past half century. From 1960 to 2000, the combined average of positive and negative references to government policies was just 6%; during the past six years, this proportion averaged 20%, and rose to new peaks in early January, with positive and negative references totaling 44%. This extraordinary level of partisanship has had a dramatic impact on economic expectations. In early January, the partisan divide on the Expectations Index was a stunning 42.7 points (108.9 among those who favorably mentioned government policies, and 66.2 among those who made unfavorable references). Needless to say, these extreme differences would imply either strong growth or a recession. Since neither is likely, one would anticipate that both extreme views will be tempered in the months ahead. Nonetheless, it should be noted that among the majority of consumers who referred to neither positive nor negative views on government, the Expectations Index was a strong 90.9, supporting a real consumption growth of 2.7% in 2017. [More...]
See the chart below for a long-term perspective on this widely watched indicator. Recessions and real GDP are included to help us evaluate the correlation between the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index and the broader economy.
To put today's report into the larger historical context since its beginning in 1978, consumer sentiment is 14.7 percent above the average reading (arithmetic mean) and 16.1 percent above the geometric mean. The current index level is at the 88th percentile of the 469 monthly data points in this series.
The Michigan average since its inception is 85.5. During non-recessionary years the average is 87.6. The average during the five recessions is 69.3. So the latest sentiment number puts us 28.8 points above the average recession mindset and 10.4 points below the non-recession average.


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(If backgrounds have been removed, etc. please be honest with your techniques to help others learn)
This is a very nice picture of a chipping sparrow. American tree sparrows have a rusty eye stripe, yellow lower mandible, and a black spot on the chest. You controlled the harsh lighting very well and the highlights are bright but not blown…Jim
A nice shot of the Chipping Sparrow, John. Detail looks good and I like the perch and composition. I think I’d come down just a bit on the exposure of the bird. While they’re pretty light colored, this feels just a bit too bright for my taste.
I like the composition of this one: nice perch and the way the bird is situated on it; all against a good background.
Thanks Allen, I appreciate your views. Even the regular sparrow has beauty. I’m posting another view of the same bird with some branches removed.


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Wednesday, 9 March 2011
I’ve always wanted to do a little post about the stuff I eat everyday; you know, the things which you eat just because of convenience, or because it’s affordable to be had on a daily basis. I’ve not really mentioned this before, but usually for lunch, I either have what I bought for breakfast (porridge or something), or some fruit from the fruit basket.
It’s partly because I’m reluctant to pay £5 or so for lunch – something which I eat at my desk, while not really putting much thought into anyway. I also don’t fancy much of the stuff on offer around, mainly Pret, Eat, McDonald’s and stuff from the canteen. Sometimes, when I fancy a treat, I get a few bits of sushi from Wasabi, but I usually end up spending quite a good few quid without getting full.
So, since I can’t eat something nice, and can’t get full anyway, I usually decide to just either not eat, or nibble on other stuff throughout the day.
Also, since I can’t bring my dSLR around on a daily basis (already have enough stuff to carry around while trying to avoid taking up any space on the Tube), it would make a food post rather … boring.
So, last weekend, the fiance and I were in town, and deciding that we’d like to have something easy to eat, but yet satisfying, we decided to go to Samurai. Now, I don’t know about you, but I have my list of which are the best Japanese ‘takeaway’ style places to go to in London.
1. Yoshino (which used to be part of the Japan Centre, wonder if it still is?) on Shaftesbury Avenue. Sometimes, they do 50% off offers if you go at the right time.
2. Samurai (which does the freshest sashimi and sushi considering this is after all, a takeaway). Pity they don’t have squid there much, if at all.
3. Wasabi (from where I buy lots and lots of squid sushi, and sometimes the crab roll).
Back to Samurai. The one we went to was the one at Holborn, just kinda by where the Tube station is.
It was really crowded in there, and we (almost) had to share tables. Lots of trendy, chic-looking singletons eating sushi on a Saturday lunchtime while reading a book.
I’ve not tried the hot food from here before, but I reckon it’d be OK.
We bought 2 sushi sets; one was for the man (sashimi) and one was for the lady (maki and crab salad mmm mmm mmm).
The sashimi was really thick, and fresh to the bite. Really fab for a sushi takeaway place. Best of all, it came with this lovely tangy, sesame oil, nutty, sweet and sour sauce in which we dipped the sashimi.
I’m not sure why they serve sashimi with a dip here, and I know you’re probably not meant to dip fresh fish into anything which then hides the freshness of it, but this sauce works!
Their makis also manage to retain a lovely, soft bite to them, without a single hard rice in it. Lovely stuff. The crab salad was also remarkably fresh, with the slightest hint of mayo to it.
I really like Samurai, and wish they’d have more outlets around town. Oh, and do try out the miso soup too, one of the best in town (yes, it seems most other places can’t master the art of putting hot water to miso paste so these guys somehow manage to grab first place).

domain: food


The Indigo Girls @ Macky Auditorium, 4/5
The Indigo Girls, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, are returning to Boulder, Colorado early next month for a very special collaborative recording session with the Colorado University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gary Lewis. This unique, recorded concert event takes place on Wednesday, April 5 at Macky Auditorium at the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Tickets are only $25 and on sale now at http://tickets.cupresents.
With 15 albums to their credit and a career that spans decades, the iconic duo continues to challenge themselves creatively, adding to a body of work that contains such hits and fan favorites as “Galileo” and “Love of Our Lives,” and “Closer to Fine.” You can expect to hear classics as well as songs from the duo’s latest album release, One Lost Day.
**Please note that this event is a live recording session. The Indigo Girls may stop, start, and restart songs and may also ask for audience participation or silence at some points during the recording. There will be no intermission. Indigo Girls plan to release a concert album featuring the live recordings from this concert later this fall.**


Firestone All Season: Unleash the Power of Performance and Versatility
When it comes to finding the perfect set of tires to enhance your driving experience, Firestone All Season serves as a compelling choice that caters to a wide array of driving needs. Combining outstanding performance, impressive technical specifications, and a reliable brand reputation, these tires truly deliver on their promise. Offering remarkable traction, durability, and comfort, the Firestone All Season tires stand out as a top-notch option for drivers seeking optimal all-year performance and peace of mind on the road.
Firestone All Season tires excel in providing an exceptional performance that meets varying weather conditions. Whether you encounter rain, light snow, or dry roads, these tires are designed to adapt and deliver an unmatched driving experience. With their innovative tread pattern and carefully engineered compounds, Firestone All Season tires ensure superior grip and traction on any road surface, thus enhancing your control and responsiveness behind the wheel.
The Firestone All Season tires boast an impressive range of technical specifications that make them a stand-out choice. Featuring an optimized tread design with wide circumferential grooves, these tires efficiently evacuate water and slush, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and enhancing traction. Furthermore, the robust construction of these tires, thanks to their high-strength steel belts and polyester body plies, ensures superior stability, durability, and resistance to punctures.
Firestone All Season tires are available in a vast range of sizes, catering to various vehicle types. Whether you drive a sedan, SUV, crossover, or minivan, these tires have you covered. From compact 15-inch wheels to larger 20-inch options, Firestone offers an extensive selection to accommodate your specific vehicle requirements and preferences. By choosing Firestone All Season tires, you can be confident that your vehicle will be equipped with the perfect fit for optimal performance.
If there’s one area where Firestone All Season tires truly excel, it is traction. With their innovative technology and design, these tires ensure exceptional grip on both wet and dry surfaces. The wide grooves efficiently evacuate water, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and maintaining stability even in heavy rain. In snowy conditions, the unique tread pattern enhances traction, providing the confidence to take on winter roads without compromising safety.
Firestone All Season tires are built to last, delivering exceptional durability and longevity. The high-strength steel belts and rugged construction ensure resistance to punctures and damage from road debris. With their robust built-in sidewalls, these tires can withstand impact and curb damage, extending their lifespan. Say goodbye to frequent tire replacements and enjoy the durability offered by Firestone All Season tires.
The comfort provided by Firestone All Season tires goes beyond expectations. The specially designed tread pattern minimizes road noise, allowing for a peaceful and enjoyable ride. The tires’ shock-absorbing properties and advanced materials contribute to a smoother driving experience, reducing vibrations and enhancing overall comfort even on long journeys. Whether you’re commuting or embarking on a road trip, Firestone All Season tires provide a quiet and comfortable ride.
Firestone All Season tires are engineered with fuel efficiency in mind, helping you save on your gas expenses. By reducing rolling resistance, these tires minimize energy wastage, allowing your vehicle’s engine to work more efficiently. The result? Improved fuel economy, meaning fewer trips to the pump and a lighter burden on your wallet.
Firestone All Season tires offer exceptional handling, braking, and stability, ensuring an enhanced level of control on the road. Their advanced tread design and optimized rubber compounds deliver outstanding grip, allowing for precise steering and confident maneuverability. These tires also feature an intelligent braking system that significantly reduces the stopping distance, promoting safety and peace of mind. With excellent stability at high speeds and during sudden maneuvers, Firestone All Season tires provide a secure and responsive driving experience.
One of the key advantages of Firestone All Season tires is their impressive tread life. Built with high-quality materials and advanced construction techniques, these tires are designed to last miles upon miles. With their resistance to wear and tear, you can rely on Firestone All Season tires for thousands of trouble-free kilometers before needing a replacement.
Price and Warranty Coverage
Firestone All Season tires offer exceptional value for money, providing premium performance at an affordable price point. With their competitive pricing, you get a high-performance tire without breaking the bank. Additionally, Firestone offers generous warranty coverage, ensuring peace of mind should you encounter any manufacturing defects or premature wear. This warranty coverage further solidifies the brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
Firestone All Season tires are compatible with a wide range of vehicle sizes, making them accessible to an extensive customer base. From compact cars to SUVs and trucks, Firestone ensures that their tires come in dimensions that perfectly fit an array of vehicles on the market.
Firestone has established itself as a leading tire manufacturer with a long-standing reputation for quality and performance. Known for delivering reliable and durable tires, Firestone has garnered a loyal customer base over the years, earning their trust and respect. By choosing Firestone All Season tires, you invest in a brand that consistently delivers high-quality products.
Pros and Cons
The pros of Firestone All Season tires are numerous. Outstanding performance, impressive traction, optimal durability, exceptional comfort, and fuel efficiency are just some of the notable benefits these tires offer. As for the cons, some users have reported that these tires may show slight wear over time, especially in extreme weather conditions. Nevertheless, given the overall performance and value they provide, Firestone All Season tires are a highly recommended choice.
Users who have experienced Firestone All Season tires consistently praise their performance, reliability, and versatility. Customers frequently highlight exceptional traction in various weather conditions, comfortable rides, and long-lasting durability. These positive user reviews further solidify Firestone All Season tires as an excellent choice for drivers seeking outstanding performance and value.
Who Should Buy?
Firestone All Season tires are a perfect fit for drivers who prioritize a reliable and versatile set of tires that perform exceptionally all year round. Whether you face rain or light snow, seek comfort and quietness on the road, or value fuel efficiency, these tires meet your needs and expectations. Equally suitable for daily commutes or long road trips, Firestone All Season tires offer a well-rounded package that caters to a wide range of driving styles and preferences.
In conclusion, Firestone All Season tires deserve serious consideration from those seeking optimal performance, versatility, and confidence on the road. With their outstanding performance, technical prowess, excellent traction, durability, comfort, and fuel efficiency, Firestone All Season tires consistently deliver on their promises. By choosing Firestone, you join a countless number of satisfied customers who have experienced the unbeatable value and dependable quality that this renowned brand offers. So, equip your vehicle with Firestone All Season tires and embark on a driving experience like no other – one that guarantees safety, performance, and peace of mind in all weather conditions.


Laser microstructuring of strong metal and stainless steel to create replicative tools. The process of laser microstructuring is becoming more and more common in tool manufacturing.The key benefits of laser structuring are the small structure sizes and achievable surface roughnesses, in addition to maximum geometric and material freedom.
Surfaces can be microstructured very precisely using laser processing and an ultrashort pulse laser.The laser is appropriate for micrometre-accurate tool and ceramic machining, for roughening materials for bonding or joining processes, as well as for functionalizing surfaces, such as by reducing friction or resisting marking.
The substance in focus is vaporised by ultra-short pulse lasers because of their extremely high light intensity. The lack of melt or processing residues on the workpiece ensures a clean, post-processing-free processing.
As a result, micromachining by laser ablation has a great technical potential and is already applied in numerous fields.
The Global Laser microstructuring machine accounted for $XX Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach $XX Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of XX% from 2023 to 2030.
Applications of direct femtosecond laser surface nano/microstructuring. new uses for direct femtosecond laser surface nano/microstructuring.
Due to its flexibility, simplicity, and controllability in producing various types of nano/microstructures suitable for a wide range of applications, direct femtosecond laser surface processing has distinguished itself from other conventional laser ablation methods and turned into one of the best ways to create surface structures at nano- and micro-scales on metals and semiconductors.
Recently, significant progress has been achieved in using this approach to modify the optical characteristics of metals and semiconductors.
As a result, highly absorbent metals and semiconductors known as “black metals” and “black silicon” were produced. Furthermore, structural colouring on metals has been used to produce hues other than black.
Moreover, novel materials with wetting characteristics ranging from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic can be created via direct femtosecond laser processing. Superwicking materials, which can make liquids stream vertically uphill against gravity over a large surface area, have been developed in the most severe scenario.
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Ph.D., M.A., University of Missouri
B.A., University of Virginia
I never intended to get a Ph.D. Never. In fact, I didn’t really want to become a therapist. I started graduate school expecting to gain a basic understanding of human behavior that would help me write self-help books for people of color and sexual minorities.
Obviously, things turned out a bit differently than I had planned. In graduate school, I quickly realized that I enjoyed helping people learn. Students. Clients. Even my peers. I loved (and still love) helping people gain insight and teaching them new skills. And I realized that I couldn’t teach at the college level without getting a Ph.D., so I continued my studies and got one.
Along the way, I found myself drawn to study questions about things I saw in the everyday lives of my clients and of myself. What factors help African-American students be successful at predominately white institutions? How do LGB (lesbian, gay and bisexual) students create safe spaces in school environments that are hostile? In what ways is therapy different when both the therapist and the client are members of the same marginalized minority group? I soon noticed that what I studied had a profound impact on my work with clients and students. The more I learned, the more I was able to share.
My teaching practice is still informed by my work as a researcher and a counseling psychologist. Even though I no longer aspire to write self-help books, I can convey what I’ve learned from teaching, researching and being a therapist through my scholarship. I’m still interested in helping improve the lives of marginalized populations. In fact, it’s the work about which I feel the most passionate.
My career looks much different than I imagined it would, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Instead of writing for the popular press, I write for therapists and practitioners to inform how they work with marginalized populations. I get to help future therapists become more aware of their impact on their clients. And I get to work with my own clients to help them learn and grow. Being a professor and therapist allows me to have an even broader influence on the lives of both African Americans and sexual minorities. I feel fortunate to be able to continue that work here at the University of Baltimore.


New California Department of Conservation Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) underground injection control (UIC) compliance regulations, effective April 1, 2019, impact ~55,000 enhanced recovery and water disposal wells in California. Key elements of this new regulation include:
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Automated reports delivered on a set schedule, contain injection values, flow rates, maximum pressures, and alarm conditions.
Continuous monitoring of measurements every 5 minutes allows Operators to comply with CalGEM requirements.
Receive high pressure alarm notifications via text or email based on well conditions
Request a consultation to see how our IoT data solutions can give you the reliable data you need to improve business outcomes.Request a Consultation


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The Walter W. Tunnessen, Jr. MD Award for the Advancement of Pediatric Resident Education honors a Program Director or Associate Program Director (past or present) for extraordinary or innovative contribution(s) in pediatric graduate medical education.
The 2013 Recipient is:
Nicole Paradise-Black, MD, MEd
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Director, Pediatric Residency Program
University of Florida College of Medicine

domain: medical


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Area conversion tool
Helping You Work with Any Kind of Measurement System
Whether you are planning a home renovation project, buying a new carpet, or measuring a land area, converting measurement units can be daunting at times. You need to remember the standard conversion factors and use them for your calculations. Without proper knowledge, it can result in inaccurate measurements and wastage of time and money. Thankfully, there are many area conversion tools available online that can help you convert any measurement units with ease.
In this blog post, we will discuss the ultimate area conversion tool that can help you work with any kind of measurement system. From square kilometers to square yards, this tool can handle every unit of area measurement in just a few clicks. You will also learn how to use this tool and why you should choose it over other online conversion tools.
One of the best area conversion tools available online is the Unit Converter from RapidTables.com. This tool is not only easy to use, but it also provides accurate and reliable results for all your area conversion needs. With this tool, you can convert between 112 different area measurement units like acres, hectares, square feet, square meters, and more.
To use an area conversion tool, all you have to do is enter the value you want to convert and select the conversion units. Once you hit the "convert" button, the tool will provide you with the converted value in the selected unit within seconds. The Unit Converter also includes a history function that allows you to go back and check your previous conversions.
One of the reasons why the Unit Converter from RapidTables.com is the ultimate area conversion tool is its simplicity. The user interface is straightforward, and you can easily find the measurement units you need. It also allows you to customize the number of decimal places you want to include in your results. Moreover, this tool is completely free and does not require any signups or installations.
Another advantage of using this area conversion tool is the supporting documents it offers. In its website, they provide an extensive list of conversion factors for all types of area units. You can also find relevant formulas and definitions for each unit of measurement, making it easier for you to understand the conversion process. Furthermore, they also include examples that show you how to use the conversion factors in your calculations.
There's no denying that an area conversion tool is a lifesaver when dealing with measurements. The Unit Converter from RapidTables.com is a reliable and accurate online tool that can handle any type of area measurement units. It's easy to use, completely free, and provides useful conversion factors and supporting documents. With this tool, you can convert any area measurement units in just a few clicks, and avoid any errors or confusion. So, next time you need to convert any area measurements, make sure to use the ultimate area conversion tool – The Unit Converter from RapidTables.com.


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Mary Kate Caverly and Caroline Corcoran finished with 13 points each to pace Red Bank Catholic, ranked No. 2 in The Star-Ledger Top 20, to a 47-37 victory over No. 11 Holmdel in Holmdel.
Alex Barazotti finished with 11 points for Red Bank Catholic, which outscored Holmdel 31-18 in the second and third quarter. Tara Inman led Holmdel with 14 points and Morgan Graziano added nine points.

domain: sports


I saw in the release notes for Couchbase Lite developer build 16 that encryption is supported. I could not find documentation on how to use it. (I think the docs from 1.4 do not apply to 2.0 )
On my UWP .net target I got encryption working simply by setting EncryptionKey
var couchbaseDbConfig = new DatabaseConfiguration
Directory = dbPath,
EncryptionKey = EncryptionKeyFactory.Create(),
mDB = new Couchbase.Lite.Database(“DbName”, couchbaseDbConfig);
However on my Android target (using Xamarin) it doesn’t work, I get System.NotImplementedException with “Encryption is not yet supported”.
Is it really not yet implemented on Android ? Or am I doing something wrong ?
How about iOS, can I use SQLCipher there ?


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"Thomson Reuters ‘State of the Global Islamic Economy Report’, recently reported that Muslim consumers’ spending on apparels was the highest in 2015 around $243 billion and is projected to touch $368 billion by 2021. As per Pew Research Center, Muslims are the fastest growing religious group in the world, estimated to increase the population of Islamic Faith by 70 per cent in the next 40 years. In order to tap this opportunity, brands are increasingly finding means & ways to lure this tribe."
Thomson Reuters ‘State of the Global Islamic Economy Report’, recently reported that Muslim consumers’ spending on apparels was the highest in 2015 around $243 billion and is projected to touch $368 billion by 2021. As per Pew Research Center, Muslims are the fastest growing religious group in the world, estimated to increase the population of Islamic Faith by 70 per cent in the next 40 years. In order to tap this opportunity, brands are increasingly finding means & ways to lure this tribe.
These reports point towards a critical aspect that age and location make a big difference when it comes to clothing in the Middle East, which is the largest region of concentration for the Muslim community. The way a certain set of people dress reveal not only their personality, but also the region and social class they belong to. In the Middle East, local traditions and Western fashion mix together to pave way for a new market which designers and brands are now eyeing with interest. When comparing the variables of age, economic class, and education, not all Muslim consumers exhibit same spending habits or fashion preferences. Millennials and Gen Z consumers in the region are increasingly moving towards westernised clothing concepts, reserving more traditional styles for ceremonial and religious occasions, while the older generations continue the trend of traditional garments.
Within the regions also, from Morocco to Oman, the concepts of modest dressing and traditional garments deviate from one country to another and the clothing is also hugely dictated by the climatic conditions prevalent in that area. Many women in Lebanon do not cover their head, but majority of women in Saudi Arabia still have to wear a niqab. People living in the cities are more attentive to the latest fashion trends, while those in smaller towns and rural areas are still conservative, following traditional norms.
All Arab women wearing hijab seems to have become a stereotype today. Rising literacy rates and blurring boundaries point towards the acceptance of western clothing in these regions. Recently, Sheikh Abdullah al-Mutlaq, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars, and a senior member of top Muslim clerical body in Saudi Arabia, stated women need not wear loose-fitting, full-length robes symbolic of the Muslim faith known as the abaya. Some Muslim countries have even gone ahead and started following top fashion trends. These include: Lebanon, Dubai, Jerusalem and Jordan. In Lebanon, women have little in common with the fashion preferences of Saudi Arabian and UAE women. They are open to experimentation with westernised fashion concepts. Women prefer more revealing clothes with shorter hemlines and longer necklines. In countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Yemen, the emphasis is more on the traditional dress.
Multi-brand retailer stores expanding base
The younger cohort (people under the age of 30) in the UAE, Saudi or Qatar makes up more than half of their entire population. There are some 350 million people in these countries who are still below 26. While a bigger purchasing power lies with the older generation. With the country boasting of a wealthy consumer base in terms of GDP per capita the opportunities for luxury clothing are immense. Tapping huge potential, mainstream international brands have expanded their clothing lines into the Modest Fashion, launching across the region and also stocking modest fashion products. Brands such as Dolce and Gabbana, Burberry, Nike, and Uniqlo have introduced exclusive modest fashion ranges.
Meanwhile at International Fashion Weeks Muslim designers have emerged strong. All these together signal the dawn of a new era in fashion, which is set to challenge the conventional norms set by society over ages, and signals the advent of modest dressing. The level of success achieved by designers such as Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad and Rami Al Ali, is testimony of their rich culture, talent and innovative skillsets. It’s about time to give greater emphasis on nurturing and developing younger designers.


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This week, one of the foxes asked about our favorite dystopian world. I’ll confess I had to look up the term, because I wasn’t quite sure what dystopian meant. Oxforddictionaries.com defines dystopia as “an imagined place or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one.” In other words, not the kind of stuff I normally read or write. But I have been exposed to a few.
In high school, my English class read 1984, by George Orwell. I didn’t particularly enjoy that book, especially since I figured I’d probably still be alive by that year and it scared me to think that my world might become like Oceania.
In the 1970s there was a string of disaster movies like The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno, Airport, and Earthquake among others, but I don’t imagine those count. The only one I watched that might qualify was one called Logan’s Run, which dealt with a domed world in which people weren’t allowed to live past their 30th birthday and all procreation was done in a laboratory. I watched that when I was in college and didn’t particularly enjoy it. I’ve often wondered how the characters, who broke out of their dome at the end, managed to survive and get by in the outside world.
I have absolutely no interest in watching shows like The Walking Dead or The Maze Runner, although I was thrilled when one of my granddaughters who struggled with reading told me she enjoyed reading the Maze Runner books. I gladly bought the rest of the series for her. I figured if it was interesting enough to motivate her to read, it was worth the investment. But I didn’t read it myself. As for The Walking Dead, why on earth would I watch something like that every week when I already have a difficult time getting to sleep at night? I guess I just never understood the fascination with a possible zombie apocalypse. Avatar is another popular movie that I never made time to see, though the premise was intriguing. If I were paralyzed like Jake, would I choose to enter a world like Pandora so that I could be mobile again? I’m not sure.
Using the definition above, I would argue that stories like the movies Annie and Oliver, as well as the comic strip and novel they’re based on, depict dystopianesque (did I just make up a word?) worlds – at least for the main characters at the beginning of the stories. But the difference between these and true dystopian stories, aside from the fact New York and London are real places, is that for both Annie and Oliver there is a happy ending. And that makes those stories palatable to me. I can handle living (through the characters, of course) in a dystopian world as long as there’s a way to escape into a better one. I guess that’s why I write romance.
Do you enjoy reading about dystopian worlds? If so, which ones do you like?

domain: entertainment


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a limit holdem flush draw
Here's the essence of her post.
I positioned myself to the left of a southern California thinking maniac. She was the small blind, I was the big blind. I had Q4s.
The flop came with two hearts (my suit), and a straight already possible. She bet out, I called, we got four overcalls.
The turn brought my flush, she bet. I felt that my best move was to smooth call her, hoping for the overcalls. I didn't raise because of the loose/passive opponents left in the hand. I also felt that given the odd chance that I was beat, I would lose less. If I won the hand, I was hoping to get many overcalls by our passive opponents who were basically playing defense against the maniac and would call down with any piece of the flop.
On the turn, two passive players called her bet. On the river just one.
My first instinct, which was to go for the overcalls, seemed like the best at the time. There were seven big bets to start the hand. After the flop, there were ten. After the turn, fourteen. After the river, seventeen.
She showed J2s for the jack high flush.
My comments --
This is an example of why it's better to be on a maniac's right. You want them acting after you, not you acting after them.
In this situation if you'd been first and the maniac second, you could have check raised the flop and trapped the other two players in for a capped pot. Once they call that first bet by the maniac they'll keep calling (and you'd be getting 3-1 as a 2-1 dog, so you profit from the raises).
On the turn you'd have the same situation. You check, maniac bets, they call, you raise. The maniac then re-raises and you probably lose one of them at that point, but even if you lose them both you got one bet out of them.
Overcalls are nice, but if you plan ahead and try to get a better seat you can go for both overcalls and extra bets.
But, given your bad seat you did about as well as you can expect. I might have raised the river. But might not have.
Probably just as well that she has me blocked from commenting on her blog. I needed to make a post here anyway.


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For children who feel left alone in the world after profound loss, there are ways to mitigate the harm.
Tanuja Gandhi, MD, a practicing psychiatrist at Bradley Hospital, Rhode Island, provides steps to identify grief in children and ways health care providers can address symptoms of grief after loss.
Grief is a phenomenon common to all of us. It is the process of adjusting emotionally to the loss of a loved one. It is a universal, yet personal experience. Like adults, children can also have very strong feelings about the loss of a loved one and may experience and express grief differently than adults. A child’s understanding of loss varies depending on their age and stage of development.
When helping children cope with feelings of loss, it helps to first find out what the child already knows and understands about the situation. Think about creating a safe space for the child to have an open conversation about what they know, and their worries to help pursue an honest conversation about the situation. When having this conversation, it is vital to keep the child’s age in mind and tailor the information to their stage of development. These are difficult conversations both for children and adults. It is okay for parents or guardians to show their emotions when talking about their feelings, as this helps model for children, how to understand what they are going through, to help process their sadness and to know that it’s okay to be upset when you lose someone.
When children experience the loss of a loved one, their reactions may vary depending on their age, level of development and understanding of loss. Younger children under aged 5 years may present with changes in their daily routine, sleep, appetite, and other emotional reactions to the loss. Younger children may perceive the loss of a loved one a temporary separation.
Older children, around aged 8 to 12 years, have some understanding of illness and a growing understanding of death as a permanent situation. Their experience of loss may present as changes in daily routine, appetite, sleep but also as a stronger emotional reaction. They may have worries and fears about their own safety and security because older children have some understanding of death and loss. They may also have a lot of questions about the circumstances of death of their loved one.
To help older children cope with feelings of loss, it helps to have a simple, and honest conversation about the situation while again keeping in mind the child’s ability to process the information. Sometimes, children have feelings of guilt and regret that accompany sadness around the loss which can often be difficult for them to talk about. Each child deals with these feelings differently. It is important for caregivers and family members to meet the child where they are at and support them in their experience of grief and bereavement.
For more on this topic:

domain: health


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Share Your Experience
Have you seen Dr. Wrood Kassira?
July 15th, 2014PATIENT DR. KASSIRA FROM OCTUBER 2013
IAM VERY PROUD OF DR. KASSIRA SHE IS MY DOCTOR, SHE IS VERY PROFESSIONAL, SWEET, CORTEOUS I NEVER FORGET ALL SHE HAS BEEN FOR ME, GOD BLESS HER. I RECOMMENDED
May 8th, 2016
May 20th, 2014
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