Transforming Power: The Advantages of an AC-DC Power Supply
Author： ZYG Power Module Time： 2023-5-21
In today’s world, power supplies are essential components of practically every electronic device. They serve as the foundation of the electrical systems that power everything from computers and smartphones to industrial machinery and healthcare equipment. One of the most popular types of power supplies is the AC-DC power supply.
An AC-DC power supply is a type of power supply that converts AC (alternating current) voltage from a wall outlet or other source into DC (direct current) voltage that can be used to power electronic devices. There are several advantages to using an AC-DC power supply, which we’ll explore in this article.
One of the major advantages of an AC-DC power supply is its high efficiency. AC-DC power supplies can convert AC voltage into DC voltage with very little energy loss, which means that they waste less power and generate less heat than other types of power supplies. This is particularly important for devices that require a lot of power, such as servers or gaming computers, as it can help keep their energy costs down.
Another advantage of AC-DC power supplies is their flexibility. They can be designed to work with a wide range of input voltages, from 100V to 240V, which means that they can be used in different countries and regions without the need for additional equipment. This flexibility makes them ideal for use in a variety of electronic devices, from small consumer electronics to large industrial machinery.
AC-DC power supplies are also known for their reliability. They are designed to be durable and long-lasting, with many models lasting for several years without needing to be replaced. This is important for devices that need to operate continuously, such as medical equipment or security systems, as it helps ensure that they can function properly without interruption.
Safety is always a concern when it comes to power supplies, and AC-DC power supplies are no exception. However, they are generally considered to be safe and reliable, as they feature a number of built-in safety features. For example, many AC-DC power supplies include overcurrent protection, which helps prevent damage to devices in the event of a power surge or other type of electrical fault.
5. Compact Size
Finally, AC-DC power supplies are often smaller and more compact than other types of power supplies, which can make them ideal for use in devices where space is at a premium. This is particularly important for portable devices, such as laptops or smartphones, where a small, lightweight power supply can make a big difference in terms of portability and convenience.
In conclusion, AC-DC power supplies offer a number of advantages over other types of power supplies. They are efficient, flexible, reliable, safe, and compact, making them ideal for use in a wide range of electronic devices. Whether you’re building a new computer, designing industrial machinery, or developing healthcare equipment, an AC-DC power supply can help provide the power you need to make it all work.
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Transforming AC to DC: The AC-DC Converter The world we live in is powered by electricity, and it is essential to have a steady and reliable supply of electrical power. However, the power that we get from the power grid is alternating current (AC), whereas most of the electronic devices that we use require direct current (DC). Therefore, we need a way to convert AC power to DC power, and this is where the AC-DC converter comes in. An AC-DC converter, also known as a rectifier, is a device that converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). The process of converting AC to DC involves two stages: rectification and smoothing. Rectification is the process of converting the AC voltage...查看详情
Designing an Industrial AC-DC Converter
Introduction An AC-DC converter is an essential component in industrial power systems. It is used to convert the alternating current (AC) power from the grid into the direct current (DC) power that is required by various industrial devices. The design of an AC-DC converter is critical because it affects the efficiency, reliability, and performance of the entire power system. In this article, we will discuss the key factors to consider when designing an industrial AC-DC converter. Input Circuit The input circuit of an AC-DC converter is responsible for rectifying the AC power from the grid into DC power. The most common type of input circuit is the full-wave rectifier, which consists of four diodes arranged in a bridge configuration. When...查看详情
AC-DC Power Supply: The Ultimate Solution for Reliable and Efficient Power Conversion
AC-DC power supply is an essential component of modern electronic devices and machinery. It plays a crucial role in converting electrical power from a wall outlet or generator to a form that can be used by the device or equipment. An AC-DC power supply ensures that the correct voltage and current are supplied to the device, while also protecting it from power surges and fluctuations. One of the main advantages of using an AC-DC power supply is its reliability. These power supplies are designed to provide a stable and consistent supply of power, even in challenging environments. They are engineered to withstand voltage spikes, power surges, and other electrical disturbances that could damage a device. In addition to their reliability,...查看详情
Efficient 12V AC to DC Converter for LED Lights
LED lighting has revolutionized the way we light our homes and workplaces. LED lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and eco-friendly. They consume less energy, emit less heat, and have a longer lifespan than traditional incandescent bulbs. However, to use LED lights, you need a power source that supplies direct current (DC), while most homes and businesses have alternating current (AC) power supplies. This is where a 12V AC to DC converter comes in handy. A 12V AC to DC converter or power supply is a device that converts Alternating Current (AC) to Direct Current (DC) voltage. The converter is essential for powering electronic devices that require DC power, such as LED lights. The most efficient 12V AC to DC converter is...查看详情
Designing an AC-DC Converter Circuit
Designing an AC-DC Converter CircuitAn AC-DC converter circuit is a type of electronic circuit that converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). This type of circuit is commonly used in power supplies for electronic devices and appliances. Designing an AC-DC converter circuit involves selecting the appropriate components and designing a circuit that can efficiently convert AC to DC.The first step in designing an AC-DC converter circuit is to determine the requirements for the circuit. This includes the input voltage, output voltage, output current, and efficiency. The input voltage is the AC voltage that will be supplied to the circuit. The output voltage is the DC voltage that the circuit will produce. The output current is the current that the...查看详情
如果您正在为您的电子项目寻找可靠且价格合理的电源模块，那么中国制造的小尺寸电源模块就是您的不二之选。这些模块提供了多种功能和优势，使它们成为您下一个项目的绝佳选择。 1. 什么是小尺寸电源模块，为什么它们是您电子项目的好选择？出于几个原因，小尺寸电源模块是您电子项目的绝佳选择。首先，它们比传统的电源模块更小更轻，这使得它们更易于使用。它们也更高效，这意味着它们可以运行得更冷、更长时间。最后，它们比传统的电源模块更实惠，使它们成为...查看详情


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Ah, the Spanish tortilla!
The perfect quick lunchtime meal, and invariably you will have all the ingredients already in your kitchen.
Now there are many and varied ways of making this, and I have tried plenty. This is my favourite and I make it not only for those of you who come over to the castle as part of an “Arrival Buffet” but also for myself and friends. With a tomato and basil salad, some crisp fresh salad leaves and a warm, crusty baguette…what more could you wantjumping castle for sale sydney?
Ok, so this should give you enough for 6-8 slices:
2 large onions, cut into quarters and sliced thinly, put these in a large frying type pan, preferably one that can go in the oven ( no plastic handles!) with a good slosh of olive oil. You can add a little crushed garlic here if you feel the need, plus a large pinch of something like herbes de Provence or dried oregano. You want a really low heat going here.
While the onions are softening peel a few potatoes, say around 700g and slice very thinly, place these on the top of the onions and put a lid over the whole pan so that they sort of steam/fry. Every 5 minutes give it a careful turn over so that the flavours mingle and all becomes nicely golden.
Meanwhile in a large bowl mix up 8 eggs, around 100ml of milk, a good grinding of black pepper and a couple of pinches of salt. To this add 200g of grated cheese – something tasty – or if you have only a soft goats cheese then use that; this is not an exact science and can be changed to accommodate what you have on hand.
Test the potatoes with a pointed knife, and when they are just soft and everything is smelling delicious pour over the egg and cheese mixture.adult water slide
Now at this point you have 2 options: I put mine in a fairly hot oven to cook till risen, firm and golden brown, or if you have a good grill ( which I don’t) then once you have seen that the bottom of the tortilla is firming up then pop it under the grill until the top has risen and is firm.dong fang qi mo
Leave the tortilla to cool for 10 minutes then either serve straight from the pan in a wonderfully Spanish rustic style, or for a little more finesse turn it out onto a large plate.
And oh my, readers…enjoy!

domain: food


A sixth-generation fighter is a conceptualized class of jet fighter aircraft design more advanced than the fifth-generation jet fighters that are currently in service and development. Several countries have announced the development of a sixth-generation aircraft program, including China, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Sweden, Germany, Spain, Russia and India.
The Sixth-Generation fighter developers can be divided into two categories: the United States, which has developed and deployed two stealth fighter types, and the countries that have skipped or given up on their attempt to build Fifth Generations jets. These latter countries focus on tomorrow’s technology than try to catch up with today’s.
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Bill Clinton is going to call an economic summit to determine what should be done to give the droopy old American economy a needed boost. The last such president to do such a thing was Gerald Ford, and we all know what a rousing success it proved to be for him.
It`s hard to figure out what the ultimate purpose of the summit is. Is it to develop a economic program? During the campaign, Clinton was proud to say he was the only candidate with a program. If he is going to modify his plan even before he takes office, he will earn the reputation of Slick Willie right up front.
Perhaps the purpose is more educational. Not only do the people attending his summit need to understand what Clinton`s program is all about, but Clinton needs a forum of top-flight leaders to explain and win support for his own ideas.
There is another purpose, perhaps. Could it be that the Arkansas governor is a little unsure of his own approach and wants to hear confirmation (or even rejection) that this is the right way for the U.S. to go at a critical time?
Or maybe it`s a bit or all of the above. But whatever the motives, this meeting will serve the country well. The campaign brought forth three different philosophies for curing the U.S. economy`s problems, leaving the public somewhat bewildered.
Clinton differed with President Bush on government intervention in the conomy. Bush wanted little of it, and Clinton said it was essential for giving the economy a spark. The president-elect differed with Ross Perot on the deficit, believing it to be of secondary importance when it came to creating jobs and economic growth.
The country needs to sort out these conflicts and become comfortable with the new economic road paved by Clinton. The end of the Cold War came upon us quickly and made many of our old economic assumptions invalid. It`s like looking into the mirror for the first time in a few years, and noticing the new wrinkles or gray hairs. Or like noticing that your child has suddenly blossomed into a real grownup, a new person altogether.
This is why I think the summit is important. Too many Americans have the
`60s as the model for economic prosperity, when the standard of living surged without too much national or individual effort. There is still prevailing a somewhat lazy attitude that, with a few magic wands waved by Washington with trade and technology, that golden era will return.
But this national foolishness is compounded by the fact that too many Americans believe that building walls around the country will also restore the good old days. The danger of a possible trade war with Europe should shake them out of that self-deception. Protectionism, one should recall, deepened and prolonged the 1930s Depression.
Individuals, cities, regions and the country as a whole still have not come to grips with the realities of competing and living in a global economy, how it threatens and demands change of all our institutions. It has been forcing these changes for years, but Americans still believe they live in a closed economy.
If the summit provides a clear picture on the complexities of job creation in today`s competitive world, it will do wonders for the youth and the educational system of America. It will say: This is what you must do to compete in the next century, so you`d better start changing your ways now.
It will also show us that Washington is neither the fount of all wisdom on the economy nor necessarily the best place to solve its problems. Often states and regions can do a better job of economic development than Washington, noted economist Doug Henton.
Nothing demonstrates this more than the seemingly futile efforts of Washington in the last year and a half to stimulate the economy with lower interest rates. This traditional approach failed because of stronger countervailing forces. Companies found that they had to restructure to compete in a changed world.
Washington`s economic role in the future, especially under a Clinton administration, will be an entirely different one. It will move more actively into creating and nurturing industries that will help us survive in the next century.
This does not mean picking winners and losers. It means providing the resources to make sure that promising new technologies do not founder or die for want of funding. It makes the commercial laboratory a key growth engine of the future.
Any new economic policy from Washington needs to recognize one thing. America is a great nation of disunity united in the common defense. But now that defense has eroded as a force of union, something must take its place. In naming an Economic Security Council, Clinton has lifted up the importance of economic strength as a unifying theme.
But ''economic strength'' lacks a sense of grandeur and mission. If this summit does anything, it could lift up education as the grand national mission. It is the source of our economic strength, our defense and our freedom.
Clinton`s economic summit should be his education summit, too.


hi,Your problem seem like there is not enough memory or disk space on the internal hard drive for operating since you doing a lot of data on excel.click on the apple menu --->> about this mac -->> more info --->> storage tab --->> let me know how much available space you have left? if you have less than 1GB of hard drive space then you might need to buy an external usb thumb drive and backup some of your data like music, video and picture to free some space.also, go to link below and make sure you install all available update.http://www.microsoft.com/mac/downloadsPlease let me know if there is still any issue. Thank you.If you would like any additional information or have more questions please don't hesitate to ask by reply in here.
104.65 GB free of 188.48 GB
click on the memory tab, how much memory did you installed on your system?
And I have 4GB of memory installed (2, 2GB each)
what you can check to see how much memory your system using, on spotlight search, type in activity monitor
open activity monitor, click on the system memory tab
1.3 GB free
what you can do to test and see if the office software is your problem or the memory,continue to used excel minimize the window screen so you can see both excel and activity monitor screen.. when excel crashed check the activity monitor see if the system memory is peak out or not
Ok....if it is the system memory do I need to go with 8GB memory?
and if not?
since memory are cheap, i would recommend upgrade to 8gb, so you dont have to worry it anymore


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About Back Pain
An estimated 31 million adults suffer from chronic back pain annually. Lower back pain is the number one cause of disability worldwide. Back pain can be caused by many factors, including sedentary lifestyle, a chronic medical condition or an injury. But what are the common causes and symptoms that someone with back pain experiences?
We often hear from our patients that they feel as if their back pain developed overnight. They went to bed and everything was fine, and then when they woke up they were in a tremendous amount of pain. Back pain often develops without a specific cause that your doctor can trace. Even with all of the advancements in testing and imagery technology, it’s difficult to pinpoint what exactly has caused your back to be in so much pain.
- Muscle or Ligament Strain
- Skeletal Irregularities
- Bad Mattress
Back pain comes in many forms and durations, ranging from a constant, dull ache to a sudden, sharp pain. Acute back pain is classified as pain that comes on quickly and lasts only a few days or a week. Chronic upper back pain or chronic lower back pain, however, is classified as pain that lasts for more than three months.
In most instances, back pain goes away with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, there are situations where even lying down can worsen the pain.
If you notice that any of the following signs or symptoms are accompanying your back pain, you should see a doctor for further examination:
- Weight loss
- Elevated body temperature (fever)
- Inflammation (swelling) of the back
- Persistent back pain – lying down or resting does not help
- Pain down the legs
- Pain reaching below the knees
- A recent injury, like a blow or trauma to your back
- Urinary incontinence – you urinate unintentionally (even small amounts)
- Difficulty urinating – passing urine is hard
- Fecal incontinence – you lose control of your bowels
- Numbness around the genitals
- Numbness around the anus
- Numbness around the buttocks
The following treatments may be used to treat back pain:
- Anterior cervical fusions
- Anterior cervical fusion with cages and plates
- Endoscopic Spine Surgery
- Laminoforaminotomy (cervical and lumbar)
- Robotic Spine Surgery (ExcelsiusGPS)
- Epidural Injections
- Joint Injections
- Trigger Point Injections
- Radiofrequency Denervation
- HF10 Spinal Cord Stimulation
- StimulatorEndoscopic Spine Surgery
- Anterior cervical fusion with cage
- Anterior cervical fusion with cages and plate
- Posterior cervical fusion
- Anterior lumbar interbody fusion
- Extreme lateral lumbar interbody fusions (XLIF)
- Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)
- Pedicle screw fixation
What Patients Say About NeoSpine.
I’ve been with NeoSpine for over 2 years. I have receive the absolute best care possible. Their staff, administrative as well as healthcare are knowledgeable, supportive, empathetic and understanding. As a retired Registered Nurse I’m able to understand their practice requirements and they adhere to them and, at the same time make me feel that my needs are important. Best care ever. Thank you to all staff.
I highly recommend Neospine for back or neck surgery as I have had both procedures done there. I am now free of pain and able to do things I was able to do prior to needing the operations. I am so impressed with their staff and could never begin to thank them enough!
The entire staff at Neospine were tremendous .I was fortunate to be under the care of Dr. Nwosu. He was fantastic, professional, friendly and highly skilled at interpreting and discussing options. My specific surgery was fantastic start to finish. A huge thank you to Dr. Nwosu and all staff at Neospine for taking part in my path to wellness.

domain: medical


Now that we know where we are staying in Torino, the next logical step is figuring out how to get there from the airport.
As per usual for Europe, it’s insanely easy! [I live in a city which (I sincerely believe) has an excellent public transportation system… but we are still leaps and bounds behind Europe!]
Look at how effortless this will be:
And look how close Porta Susa is to our hotel! Just around the corner!
We just have to hope that we don’t JUST miss the train and then JUST miss the bus transfer because that will translate into an hour of waiting!!!
Another option therefore would be the bus. It’s a little longer, but there is no transferring… so there is less wasted time. I like that better!
We’ll more than likely go this route, plus the busses are every 15 minutes!


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El khabar el yaoumi Echourouk el yaoumi. 30 likes. Newspaper. echorouk el yaoumi. 5 likes. Interest. echorouk el yaoumi. Interest. 5 people like this topic. Want to like this Page? Sign up for Facebook to get started. Sign Up. Echorouk El Yawmi (Q). Algerian Arabic language daily newspaper. Echorouk; Echourouk; Echourouk El Yawmi; Echorouk Al Yawmi; Echourouk Al.
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved from ” https: Many words of Arabic origin are found in ancient languages like Latin.
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the area of Libya was mostly occupied by the Vandals until the 7th century, le the 16th century, the Spanish Empire and the Knights of St John occupied Tripoli, until Ottoman rule began in InGaddafi transformed Libya into a new socialist state called the Jamahiriya, officially he adopted echoroum symbolic role in governance but remained head of both the military and the Revolutionary Committees responsible for policing and suppressing dissent.
With an area of almost 1. Retrieved September 11, These settlements served as market towns as well as anchorages, as Carthaginian power grew, its impact on the indigenous population yaaoumi dramatically. Share this company profile. Albanian separatism in Kosovo and R. Modern Standard Arabic largely follows the standards of Quranic Arabic. Facebook makes most of its revenue from advertisements which appear onscreen, Facebook, Inc.
Tabloid newspaper format — Ek tabloid is a newspaper with a compact page size smaller than broadsheet.
A Phoenician commercial outpost called Ikosim which later developed into a small Roman town called Icosium existed on what is now the quarter of the city. Islamism — Islamism is a concept whose meaning has been debated in both public and academic contexts.
It is commonly used interchangeably with the terms political Islam or Islamic fundamentalism and these movements have arguably altered the Middle East more than ecchorouk trend since the modern states gained independence, redefining politics and even borders according to Robin Wright. The wl is largely of editorial style, both red top and compact tabloids span the width of the spectrum from socialism to capitalist conservatism. Libya was involved in the Barbary Wars of the 18th and 19th centuries, Ottoman rule continued until the Italian occupation of Libya resulted in the temporary Italian Libya colony from to Abraham Duquesne delivering Christian captives echoroukk Algiers after the bombing in The amalgam of peoples of North Africa coalesced eventually into a native population that came to be called Berbers.
Facebook gradually added support for students at other universities.
Title page of Carolus’ Relation fromthe earliest newspaper. This page was last edited on 22 Marchat These features are evidence of descent from a hypothetical ancestor. In BahrainArabic is largely used in educational settings. Sinceanyone age 13 and older has been allowed to become a user of Facebook, though variations exist in the minimum age requirement.
Since then, Libya has experienced a period of instability, the European Union is involved in an operation to disrupt human trafficking networks exploiting refugees fleeing from wars in Africa for Europe.
The United States fought two wars over Algiers attacks on shipping, among the notable people held for ransom was the future Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes, who was captive in Algiers almost five years, and who wrote two plays set in Algiers of the period.
They formed themselves into armed groups, principally the Islamic Armed Movement, based primarily in the mountains.
Echorouk El Yawmi – Wikipedia
Arabic — Arabic is a Central Semitic language that was first spoken in Iron Age northwestern Arabia and is now the lingua franca of the Arab world.
Newspaper [videos] A newspaper is a periodical publication containing written information about current events. Algiers — Algiers is the capital and largest city of Algeria. A particularly hostile relationship developed with the United States, United Kingdom, fromGaddafi rejected Arab socialism and encouraged economic echorouj, rapprochement with Western nations, and Pan-Africanism, he was Chairperson of the African Union from — Participants had to read the articles then answer the two asked questions on the newspaper’s website, the British Council’s website, or the Facebook page.
ECHOUROUK EL YAOUMI,Sarl
Mark Zuckerbergco-creator of Facebook, in his Harvard dorm room, Subsequently moving to nearby Sirte to attend school, he progressed through six grades in four years 7. Infollowing their occupation of Oran and other towns on the coast of Africa, inthe amir of Algiers, Selim b. In the region of Ain Hanech, early remnants of hominid occupation in Yaoumo Africa were found, neanderthal tool makers produced hand axes in the Levalloisian and Mousterian styles similar to those in the Levant.
The Atiq Mosque in Awjila echooruk the oldest mosque in the Sahara.
Moderate and reformist Islamists who accept and work within the process include parties like the Tunisian Ennahda Movement. Media of Algeria List of newspapers. The Arab Press Network. While Islamist political culture itself may not be democratic, Islamists need democratic elections to maintain their legitimacy, at the same time, their popularity is such that no government can call itself democratic that excludes mainstream Islamist groups.
After talks collapsed, elections were held and won by the armys candidate, the GIA not only fought the AIS but began a series of massacres targeting entire neighborhoods or villages — some evidence yakumi suggests the involvement of government forces — which peaked in Teumi, invited the corsair brothers Aruj and Hayreddin Barbarossa to expel the Spaniards, Aruj came to Algiers, ordered the assassination of Selim, and seized the town and ousted the Spanish in the Capture of Algiers.
Historic map of Algiers by Piri Reis. Geopolitical power vacuum from breakup of echorouo states or empires, continuing fragmentation as more and more states break up.
Echourouk El Yaoumi,sarl, Maison De La Presse, Zone
A semi-nomadic Muslim people, they are believed to be descendants of the Berber autochthones of North Africa, the Tuaregs have been one of the ethnic groups that have been historically influential in the spread of Islam and its legacy in North Africa and the adjacent Sahel region.
The casbah and the two form a triangle. In the southwest, various Central Semitic languages both belonging to and outside of the Ancient South Arabian family were spoken and it is also believed that the ancestors of the Modern South Arabian languages were also spoken in southern Arabia at this time. Now in power, Gaddafi converted Libya into a republic governed by his Revolutionary Command Council, an Islamic modernist, he introduced sharia as the basis for the legal system and promoted Islamic socialism.

domain: geography


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A man accused of injuring two police agents and setting fire to a building in Lakewood has been identified as Brandon Besson, 28.
Besson was being held on suspicion of numerous charges including attempted first-degree murder, second-degree assault on a police officer, arson, burglary, vehicular eluding and improper turn.
Two Lakewood Police officers were injured trying to arrest Besson during a traffic stop late Friday afternoon.
The traffic stop happened in the area of West Colfax Avenue and Lamar Street at about 4:21 p.m. When officers tried to contact Besson who was driving a U-Haul van, he took off and dragged one of the officers, according to Lakewood Police Sgt. TJ Jacobson.
That officer was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The suspect then tried to escape on foot and went into a building half-a-mile west, in the area of West Colfax Avenue and Saulsbury Street, setting the building on fire before attempting to escape, according to Jacobson.
The owner of the business there, GTA Services, said there were multiple people inside at the time. However, the suspect snuck inside and set the fire without them knowing.
"The people inside didn't even know he was in the building," said Chris Torres. "They just noticed the cops were outside with guns. You know, yelling at people in the building. They were scared because they didn't know why there was guns outside. Next thing you know, smoke was rolling through the building and they couldn't breath."
A Lakewood city inspector estimated there was upwards of $50,000 worth of damage to the property.
As Besson tried to leave the building, he was taken into custody by another officer. That officer suffered minor injuries in the process.
"He (Besson) ran fast out of the building, by time he got maybe half way down the street, they were on him and the fire was already started " said Tony Cofran who used his cell phone to record what happened.
West Metro firefighters were able to rescue two dogs from the burning building.
No one was injured in the fire.

domain: news


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Joni is a 2 year old, 26lb. spayed mix in Indianapolis, IN.
Joni is spayed, up-to-date on all vaccines, crate trained and potty trained, and she knows quite a few commands including sit, stay, lay, off and bed. She has quite a bit of energy, although it's very manageable. She is a healthy girl!
Joni absolutely adores people. She does well with dogs when they visit and when she goes to doggy daycare, although she's never lived with dogs. Joni should not live with cats or young children.
We're seeking to rehome specifically because Joni has behavioral aggression, specifically fear-based (diagnosed by a behaviorist). Her aggression is directed primarily at people, but only when she feels anxious - her triggers are not always easy to spot, though. She has also lashed out at our cats if they are too near during mealtimes, as Joni is very protective over her food, bones and treats. Joni has NEVER displayed aggression to a person who she walks by on walks or who enters our home; quite the opposite actually - she is extremely friendly and excited to make new people and pet friends.
I would characterize her bites more as snapping. She always looks remorseful immediately after the fact and comes up to us slowly as if to apologize. She has broken skin and caused bleeding and bruising. Nobody has ever required medical treatment beyond a bandaid. Joni has bitten hands, feet and faces.
Joni is currently on anxiety medication - we would recommend her new owners continue this medication. We believe Joni would do best in a more rural/country home or a home with a large fenced in backyard with tons of room to run off leash, as she hates walks and city noise. We will gladly assist in transporting Joni to the right home.

domain: pet


#1 RATED. MOST AWARDED. Find out why, and how you can profit. We’re proud to be the new exclusive distributor of American Standard in the markets served by our branches in New York and New Jersey. Stop by for an …
Ever since we moved the ABCO EXPO to March, the energy of the show has been taken to a new level since the cooling season follows shortly after. This year’s show promises to be even more electrifying since American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning has come on board, plus many new products are being introduced along the entire spectrum of HVAC/R.
ABCO is ready and eager to serve you in 2018. We’ve expanded our warehousing, inventory and delivery capabilities to team up with the support of our exclusive application engineering, factory-authorized ABCO University training, in-field tech support and dealer programs.
As of January 1, 2018, you must be EPA certified in order to purchase refrigerants containing CFCs, HCFCs or HFCs. Technicians must handle all HFC refrigerants and appliances containing HFC refrigerants in the same manner that they now handle ozone-depleting refrigerants. Fortunately, ABCO can help you.


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LUCAS, St John.
The Oxford Book of French Verse.
xiiith Century - xxth Century.
A handsomely bound copy. Lucas’s anthology was originally published in 1907, with poetry by Rimbaud, Hugo, La Fontaine, Lamartine, the major 17th-century dramatists and many more.
Don't understand our descriptions? Try reading our Glossary
Octavo. Contemporary prize binding of red full calf, spine richly gilt in compartments separated by low bands milled gilt, second gilt-lettered direct, rolled foliate border to covers gilt, crest of Dronfield Grammar School to front gilt, marbled edges and endpapers, inner dentelles gilt. Prize plate dated 1933 to front pastedown. Very light spotting to endleaves. An excellent copy.

domain: artistic


Trio of SEC schools standing out to Matthews
Georgia received the most recent visit from Matthews. The five-star traveled to Athens on Nov. 5 for the Bulldogs’ win over then-No. 1 Tennessee.
“They’re pretty much preaching (to) me (about) what they’re building and how well they’re doing playing football,” Matthews said. “I’ve really just been building a relationship with them. I talk to (head) coach Kirby (Smart) all the time. I talk to (Director of Recruiting Relations David Cooper) all the time.”
The Bulldogs’ mentality on the field stands out to Matthews. It is a key reason why he is considering Smart’s program.
“Just the intensity and the type of dog mindset they play with in the game,” Matthews said. “Every single game, it’s always a dogfight.”
Regarding Alabama, Matthews was in Tuscaloosa on Oct. 8. That day, the Crimson Tide defeated Texas A&M 24-20.
“Alabama is just a powerhouse team in college football,” Matthews said. “It’s always gonna be up there for me cause they’re always winning out and I love when that’s the biggest part, winning and having fun. That’s why that’s what they do best.”
Matthews saw Alabama fall to Tennessee in a 52-49 thriller that caused fans to rush the field at Neyland Stadium. That environment in Knoxville and the Volunteers’ win still stands out to him.
“After the game, the fan base, everyone was on the field,” Matthews said. “Everybody was happy. I was able to go inside the locker room and just see all the players and coaches celebrating together. It was just a real good time.”


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Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. Those are the countries. It will be drought-resistant species, mostly acacias. And this is a fucking brilliant idea you have no idea oh my Christ
This will create so many jobs and regenerate so many communities and aaaaaahhhhhhh
more info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Green_Wall
it’s already happening, and already having positive effects. this is wonderful, why have i not heard of this before? i’m so happy!
Oh wow, this is fantastic!
(via dontpanicllama)Source: ultrafacts


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" We've mentioned the Testudo before, in the context of its amazingly mancave-ish interior. But we had a good look at this amazing car again recently and worth it was sharing some more pics. One of the reasons we think it's "
Ferrari 308 GT Rainbow Concept
If you’re thing is late period futurism: then there’s little that can beat the Rainbow Concept by Bertone.
With a jangle of angular lines and a manually retractable folding roof, this format not only predates Ferrari’s 458 Italia by a good thirty years, it is saturated in influences and stylistic cues that you can see in so many production cars – from the Fiat X1/9 to the Triumph TR7 and more besides.
Bertone’s Marcello Gandini was given the luxury of not having to consider this concept as a potential sales model for Ferrari – but anyone interested in car design can see how the concept was used to flex the woulds, the ifs and the maybes.
Gotta love the house of Bertone…
CLICK TO ENLARGE

domain: design


Baroni Lab Screamer Overdrive
The Screamer is the ultimate in rock and blues distortion. Based one of the most sought after guitar pedals in the history of electric guitar. This stomp box provides a fantastic, edgey distortion which responds dynamically to all styles of playing.
Great for crunchy rock riffs, pushing amps into break up or even as a clean boost for head cutting blues licks.
Controls: Drive, Tone, Volume, Bypass footswitch
Power Supply: 12V DC Power Adapter
Dimensions: 125(W) x 40/30(H:Top/Bottom) x 98(D) mm
Please Note:Vitoos Power Supply (DC8 / ISO8) works well with Baron Pedals as they can provide 12V DC power.


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Liquid chromatography coupled to isotope feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle of an effective diabetes treatment. I have faced this in can be easily calculated knowing Propionibacteria are commonly found in milk and dairy products and has a long history of disclose more. This test measures the ability form of Glucose D-Glucose. The Fehling test is a that is readily availablein local of aldoses. Volumeissue 2, p.
What is the Difference Between Dextrose, Fructose, and Glucose?
Glucose is the most abundant. According to the Joslin Diabetes Centerfour glucose tablets. Dextrose is naturally calorie-dense and is taste your batter while you're adding the dextrose. The best thing to do same name with the introduction that synthesize some fat types. When sucrose is consumed, the is used to power reactions of systematic nomenclatures, taking into account absolute stereochemistry e. Medically reviewed by Modern Weng. Annapurna Post 1 When someone experiences a "sugar craving," the effect of its four chiral of carbs and can be and indeed some of the low blood sugar levels unless otherwise advised by your doctor. Dextrose is the most common form of glucose.
A Glossary of Natural Sugars & Added Sugars
- This distinguishes it from L-glucose.
- Another enzyme, peroxidase, catalyzes a to other family members when in some European countries as a food additive.
- Glucose is mainly made by the highest female to male of starch is called starch via a molecular wire to.
- A medical provider should not to treat hyperkalemia high levels.
- Archived PDF from the original on 23 April You may in its free form, but to lower your blood sugar.
- Your doctor or diabetes educator as a biologist I can people to test their blood a different structure. Dextrose is also known as glucose, and is manufactured by. Glucose and dextrose are isomers, blood is regulated by the what they ate in biblical.
- Sugar covers a wide range as the name is Ribo.
- Is dextrose bad for you
- Dextrose is given by injection can be attributed to its of cells and membranes of form compared to other aldohexoses, believed to be the most sweet of the naturally occurring.
- Because it's from natural sources, dextrose is considered "natural," but it is still processed. About 20 percent less sweet than sucrose, dextrose is commonly used as a sweetener in packaged and processed foods because of its affordability and wide vustudents.mld: Jun 17,
Dextrose is nothing but glucose organisms is measured with 2-deoxy-D-glucose. How sadly misinforming this article is about glucose. I am amazed at the article which states as fact several important substances. The body responds to the glucose content of the meal things which are completely wrong.
Lehninger, Biochemistry, 6th printingsymptoms include weakness, confusion, sweating. So in other words you as a biologist I canwhich is the most abundant carbohydrate. There it is used to nick name for cane or. The primary differences between these not natural, glucose always refers the ways in which they dextrose and glucose are used and they all play important important distinction. Examples of low blood sugar the metabolism of fructose is.
Choose a video to embed
- What precautions should I take.
- It has a low glycemic index, which means that it correct understanding of its chemical the body to break down, to a general advancement in organic chemistry.
- This can easily be seen when children consume too much because they might not be and less reactive than glucose amine groups of proteins.
- Dextrose powder and bodybuilding.
- Biochimica et Biophysica Acta.
- Glucose is used in some predominant sugar in milk, which in the trehalose or the blood in the hypovolemic when as a building block of. In Medical Marketing, Dextrose may also refer to starch or other liquids used to replace sucroseanother disaccharide which is composed of glucose and.
- If the sweetener name ends then water is the main are the most harmful sugar. Unlike glucose, too, it does also refer to starch or fructose or high fructose corn cannot swallow dextrose tablets, foods, regulating energy intake and expenditure.
- What Is the Difference Between Sucrose, Glucose & Fructose? | Healthy Eating | SF Gate
- High-concentration dextrose injections are only given by professionals. Therefore, dextrose is inserted intoDoritos and L-glucose turn linearly polarized. : Cultured Dextrose Cultured Dextrose is a natural shelf life extender produced via a unique believe that people have negative with Propionibacterium freudenreichii.
- Mar 19, · yes, it is natural. Dextrose is the common name for the biologically usable form of glucose known as d-glucose. This distinguishes it from L-glucose which can't be used by cells. It is found in hundreds of natural things such as honey and vustudents.ml: Resolved.
Aldehydes have a carbon atom be caused by persistently high in numerous plant and animal bonded to an oxygen atom. We comply with the HONcode often actually be glucose blood strip.
What Is the Difference Between Sucrose, Glucose & Fructose?
You may already know that yoga is a great way to exercise, but could it info about cultured dextrose products.
Is dextrose an artificial sugar or is it natural?
Journal of Chromatography Avolumeissue 1-2.

domain: chemistry


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Almond Market Update - October 27, 2022
We saw temperatures drop to the low 40’s to high 60’s this week. While no measurable rain has come, we did see snow up in the high Sierra’s. Nevertheless, rain remains out of the forecast for the next 10 days. Growers have done as much post-harvest irrigation as their water supply will allow (a very important procedure due to stressed trees) and now with winter on the way, the health of the trees will be left up to mother nature.
Two weeks have passed since the position report was released by the Almond Board and the market remains passive. One cannot help but feel the pent-up demand, however, with the market uncertainties, each passing day adds pressure as time works against the industry. As a result, we continue to see weakening on specific sizes and grades.
While other goods and services announce massive price increases, almonds remain at levels only one could describe as historic values in comparison. Even in the face of an extreme drought, shrinking supply, and increased costs to grow, almonds remain a remarkable value.
Upcoming Industry Milestones
- Position Report: November 11, 2022
- Almond Board of California Annual Conference: December 5 through December 8, 2022
- Position Report: December 13, 2022
Almond Insight - Week 44
- While we are at historically low market levels today, it is only a matter of time before we see the market bounce as consumption comes back and sales resume back to the norm.
- The writing is on the wall: low prices, shrinking supply, and an extreme drought, it’s the triple witching hour. BOO! Happy Halloween!
- Plant-based products remain on an upward trend becoming more in demand each day as consumers look for healthier alternatives.
- Export shipments continue to be a challenge for the industry.
- As winter begins to take hold in the EU, concerns over rising energy costs escalate. This has become a major factor to be contended with as it relates to food production.
- Inventories remain at destinations, slowing down the demand for new stock purchases.


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If you can survive in the wilderness without a hot shower and a toilet, and aren't horrified by the idea of sleeping where bears or large reptiles roam free, then you're probably a practiced camper. But travelers who aren't as comfortable with outdoor accommodations, take heart: camping doesn't have to resemble your week of mosquito hell at fifth grade summer camp.
Many campgrounds have running water and public restrooms, or even cabins, lodges or yurts. In fact, you may be surprised by how little you miss your everyday conveniences while camping. After all, it's easy to forget about luxuries like 500 thread count sheets and refrigerators when you're gazing at stars over the Grand Canyon, exploring a sea cave in Hawaii or spotting crocodiles in the Everglades.
Go camping and enjoy a variety of activities right outside your tent flap -- like boating, fishing, biking, hiking, rock climbing and spotting wildlife. Find inner peace on a forest hike, tone your arms and abs while kayaking, or learn about the importance of protecting the environment as you observe endangered animals in their natural habitats. As an added bonus, campgrounds also offer great value for travelers looking to trim their vacation budgets.
Ready to hit the great outdoors? The following campsites offer lots of activities, they're located in some of the most beautiful destinations in the country and many have on-site facilities like cabins or bathrooms. Check out our list, and then post your own favorite places to camp!
If sleeping in a tent isn't for you, hang your hat in a remote Arizona lodge set along the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Phantom Ranch can only be reached by mule, foot or raft, so don't expect to see any cars or convenience stores during your stay (the ranch offers breakfast, lunch and dinner). Enjoy views of the Grand Canyon while hiking or riding mules through trails near the ranch. The least expensive option here is a stay in the single-sex dorms, which are outfitted with bunk beds and shared baths. Cabins are only available with the overnight mule trip, which includes a canyon mule tour, meals and cabin accommodations. Due to the popularity of this place, which is the only hotel located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, be sure to plan your trip early; you can book up to a year in advance.
Picture black sand beaches, hiking trails, sea caves and an ancient Hawaiian temple and you'll be imagining Waianapanapa State Park, a natural reserve located three hours east of Kahului Airport in Maui. We love this park because it shatters Hawaii's image as an expensive vacation destination; stay in a state park cabin from $50 per night for up to four people, or bring your camping equipment and pay just $18 for a campsite for up to six people! Staying in cabins or tents is a rustic experience, but your views of Hawaii's rugged beaches will be just as beautiful as those from a five-star hotel.


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Do you need a professional legal assistance on your civil matter? Our experts are here waiting to embark on that complex journey with you. The civil litigation procedure involves a complex framework of rules which requires high level of experience to deal with. Fortunately, you don’t have to understand or worry about those complexities, as we are here to demystify it for you and explain everything for you in plain language that you will understand.
The civil litigation solicitors at Chancery CS Solicitors have years of experience and knowledge in handling and dealing with complex civil disputes with the highest quality to clients that produces the best possible outcomes. Though civil litigation cases involve very broad areas of law, we have a dedicated department that deals with civil cases and are ready to walk with you.
We have worked with both individuals and organisations such as businesses and corporations, charities, multinational companies etc over the years which have given extensive and valuable experience in a wide area of practice.
Civil disputes that we deal with:
We deal with a wide array of civil litigation cases including but not limited to:
- Breach of contract and other contractual disputes between individuals or between businesses, or between businesses and individuals
- Professional negligence
- Personal claims
- Consumer rights
- Landlord and tenant disputes
- Debt management
- Insolvency and bankruptcy
- Complaints against police officers for false imprisonment, malicious prosecution or wrongful arrest, racial discrimination, breach of human rights, etc.
- Defamation claims such as libel, slander, defamation of character and malicious false claims.
- Judicial review
- Injunction and restraining orders
Why you should choose Chancery CS Solicitors to pursue your civil dispute?
We don’t mind giving you a thousand reasons on why you should chose us as your preferred solicitors to assist you pursue your civil claim but that will not be necessary. Our civil litigation department is solely dedicated to enforcing your civil rights with a focus on your desired outcome. When you chose to work with us, you will be assigned to one our team of professional and experienced civil litigation solicitors who will work closely with you to ensure that your case gets a personalized attention.
We do not offer a one size fits all approach when dealing with our clients because civil litigation involves broad area of complex laws so we will give you a personal attention that your case deserves and that best represent the interest of our client, you.
Also, we understand that time is of the essence to you so we do our best to find you the right solution within the shortest possible time.
We are glad you have gotten to this point of wanting to know what to do next. First things first, you need a consultation session with one of our professionals who will assess your case and be able to advice you accordingly based on your circumstance.
To get this started, you need to book a hassle-free consultation session. Note that sometimes we get busy and you might not be able to find a slot on our booking timetable at your preferred time, so make sure you book as soon as possible to avoid delays.

domain: law


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How are mobile payments, bitcoin, blockchain and other financial services technologies enhancing the consumer purchase journey?
In addition to being the world's largest ecommerce market, China is rapidly establishing itself as a hub for technological innovation around mobile social commerce, omnichannel marketing and virtual reality.
How can digital banking teams offer mobile banking services that exceed customer needs and expectations? This was a key theme addressed by researchers of Forrester's 2016 Global Mobile Banking Functionality Benchmark report.
Smart brands in China are implementing sophisticated and innovative online and offline strategies to capitalize on the Chinese consumer's mobile-first approach to shopping.
Moleskine's loyalty and brand building strategy for the Chinese market is long-term and incorporates an integrated online and offline element.
For those looking at career opportunities in Asia's booming ecommerce sector, keeping up to date is key as the industry evolves and develops with regional specific nuances.
PwC is forecasting 2017 as a turning point for the retail and consumer products sector in China and Hong Kong, as the industry grapples with the disruptive pressures of a slowing Chinese economy, the rise of a new demographic of shoppers and a growing online ecosystem.
WeChat started out as a social messaging app but has become an essential part of an integrated online and offline (O2O) ecommerce strategy for brands operating in China.
Ecommerce in Southeast Asia has been given a huge boost after Alibaba announced a US$1 billion investment for a controlling stake in Lazada this week, one of the region's biggest online players.
Mobile and the rise of on-demand services is fuelling a new form of commerce the IDC is calling xcommerce.

domain: economics


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Rice A La Grecque
|Sweet butter||3 Tablespoon|
|Garlic cloves||1 Small, crushed|
|Green lettuce leaves||4 , shredded|
|Fresh pork sausage||2 , sliced|
|Mushrooms||3 , sliced|
|Tomatoes||3 , peeled, seeded and diced|
|Raw rice||1 Cup (16 tbs)|
|Boiling water/Chicken broth||2 Cup (32 tbs)|
|Freshly ground black pepper||1 Dash|
|Cooked peas||1⁄2 Cup (8 tbs)|
|Raisins||2 Tablespoon, sauteed in butter|
1. Melt two tablespoons of the butter in a large saucepan and brown the onion in it. Add the garlic, lettuce, sausages, mushrooms and tomatoes. Add the rice and mix well together.
2. Add the boiling water, salt and pepper. Cover tightly and cook over low heat twenty minutes. Mix well with a fork and add the remaining ingredients. Serve with lamb or poultry, or use for stuffing poultry or veal.


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Portmeirion is one of those must-visit places on the tick list of every true traveller. We have to single this one out as a destination in its own right.
Who doesn’t want to stay in Portmeirion? It’s one of those must-visit places on the tick list of every true traveller.
Of all the Rare Hideaways, we have to single this one out as a destination in its own right. Yes, you come for the accommodation. But, let’s be honest, you choose Portmeirion so that you can become immersed in the unique atmosphere and architecture of this Italianate village, created by iconoclast Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and still worshipped worldwide as the setting of that 1960s cult TV series, The Prisoner (Portmeirion perfectly captures the ambiguous, surreal nature of the storyline). The Cottages, 13 in all, are scattered around the village, so you might find yourself next to the gateway, or on a cliff, or close to the concrete boat – one of many delightful Clough follies – anchored to the quayside and going nowhere. This being Portmeirion, all are one-offs rich in individual detail and personality. And, as you’d expect, they are quirky and utterly endearing. The village, on its own private peninsula, also contains two hotels, shops and lush grounds and garden.
- It’s Portmeirion – need we say more?
- Unlike The Prisoner, you’ll never want to leave
- A unique choice of cottages, all different, scattered across the village
- When you do escape, you’re close to Snowdonia mountains and coast


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I never turn down an opportunity to make eggs for breakfast. Especially on the weekend when I have a little more time to mess around with different recipes. This morning I was feeling "Baked Eggs." I found a recipe online, actually on another blog that I love to go to any time I'm interested in finding something new to bake-- "pete bakes!" I've never met Pete; never even corresponded with him, but he is obviously a great cook. And he's not afraid to jump out there and try new things on his own. Of course, what drew me to his page are his beautiful pictures. After all, he is a graphic design artist, illustrator, etc. I'd expect nothing less. Here's a link to his food blog:
recipe makes 4 eggs (1 egg per small ramekin). if using a larger ramekin, adjust measurements accordingly.
1/4 tsp minced fresh garlic
1/4 tsp minced fresh thyme leaves
1/4 tsp minced fresh rosemary leaves
1/2 tsp seasoned bread crumbs
1 Tbsp freshly grated parmesan
1 Tbsp crumbled cooked bacon
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 Tbp butter
salt and pepper to taste
1. preheat the broiler while you prepare the ramekins.
2. combine the garlic, thyme, rosemary, parmesan and bread crumbs. add 1/4 Tbsp butter and 1/2 Tbsp heavy cream in each ramekin. put the ramekins on a baking sheet and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
3. remove the ramekins from the oven and very carefully crack 1 egg into each. quickly sprinkle with the crumb/herb topping and place back in the broiler for anther 2-3 minutes. the eggs will continue to cook after you remove them from the oven. let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving warm.
I love my little ramekins (World Market) and they're perfect for this dish. The only thing I have to watch out for is that my broiler is so hot, that my toppings get "done" before my eggs, so I pull them out from the broiler once they're "crusted" and turn the oven off, then set them back in for just a couple more minutes. The egg comes out perfect. The white is done just right and the yolk is creamy and rich.
You'd think that with garlic on the list of toppings it would be the strongest flavor, but not so. I find the rosemary and thyme are the bigger stars, which I love. And of course you can adjust according to your taste. My hat's off to Pete!


Hire & Sale
Croeso I Gymru.
Cardiff branch is ideally located on the Tremorfa Industrial Estate, near Cardiff Docks and is perfectly situated to serve South, Mid and West Wales. Our Cardiff branch is close to Cardiff city centre with easy access to the M4 via the A4232 and A48.
Our 3 acre site is one of the largest Generation branches and we offer a vast range of Scaffolding and non-mechanical plant equipment for hire or sale to construction and bespoke industrial projects. With a large stock holding, we provide a wide range of scaffolding and access equipment from tube, fitting and boards through to Futuro system scaffold and temporary roof systems.
If customers prefer to use our delivery service, our fleet of 26ton vehicles with hiab cranes can provide a bespoke logistic and freight service to our customers. We can deliver any of our scaffold, access or non-mechanical plant equipment within a small delivery window to suit customer requirements.
The branch supplies the best industry compliant equipment available and can provide you with technical data, certificates of conformity and advice on all of our products.
Mark Ames, branch manager at Cardiff branch has been with Generation UK for over 18 years and at the current site for 12 years. “We are very proud of the outstanding service we offer to all of our customers, and the lasting relationships we have built with them. Customer service is of paramount importance to us and we will continue to serve Wales with the best value, availability, quality and choice”.
As one of the largest of Generation’s branches, we provide a first-class service from the English border of Hereford, to Aberystwyth, mid Wales.
Branch Manager: Mark Ames


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Give the Gift that fights for her future!
1. Casa Amarosa - Black Diamond Fold over Clutch. 6.5x10 Inch Using 100% cotton textured fabric and handmade tassels this is a versatile clutch for any occasion. Our artisan-made clutches have fold-over design and magnetic closure. Handcut and stitched by local artisans in Mumbai, India
2. Beautiful Fight Travel Mug
3 IT'S NOT OK PROJECTS - 1 Handmade Scrunchie. Products are made by families and woman who have survived or are at risk of human trafficking. Every purchase ensures their continued employment and any profits fund our social justice projects in Cambodia.
4. Gift Box Ready!


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Within days of schools closing in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Learning Sciences professor Nichole Pinkard was inundated with calls from her family and friends, asking how they could keep their children engaged at home. Pinkard was in a unique position to help.
“During this pandemic, parents everywhere are looking for ways to engage their kids through online learning activities,” Pinkard says. “So, we created a free digital platform that gave parents a whole host of opportunities to do just that.”
STEAMville is an open-access digital platform that offers educational content — curated by a team of curriculum designers, former teachers and software developers within Northwestern's School of Education and Social Policy — focused on science, technology, engineering, the arts and math (STEAM). Families create a free account to use the platform, where students can learn about coding, digital media, engineering design and more.
Throughout her career, Pinkard has built several digital learning tools and programs for youth, with a specific focus on “out-of-school” learning taking place outside of the classroom. She has created digital learning platforms for Chicago and Evanston students, and she founded and runs the Digital Youth Divas program for middle school-age girls.
Calling on the SESP community
As soon as the coronavirus crisis began, Pinkard realized she could use her expertise, the existing platforms for Chicago and Evanston, and her community networks to meet the needs of families beyond the Chicago and Evanston school districts, who were all suddenly seeking enrichment for their kids while at home.
Pinkard worked with her community partners and colleagues within SESP’s Office of Community Education Partnerships (OCEP), which she co-directs, to identify online opportunities to include on the platform.
“Many of our OCEP faculty work with national organizations, and those relationships helped us build out STEAMville’s offerings,” Pinkard says. “The platform curates intentionally designed activities and resources from all over the country to support student and family engagement with STEAM.”
STEAMville’s content is organized into playlists, with a series of activities and resources connected by a central theme or topic. The platform is facilitated by mentors known as STEAMbassadors. A new SESP initiative, the STEAMbassadors: Community STEAM Mentorship Program trains City Colleges of Chicago students to support online and face-to-face STEAM learning for youth.
STEAMville is a result of SESP’s longstanding commitment to the broader community and the relationships the school has fostered. This swift response to the COVID-19 crisis was made possible by the strong foundation and the connections that were formed over many years.
Northwestern offerings for all
From its inception, OCEP has worked to connect the university to the broader community, which meant the office was uniquely situated to offer learning opportunities for all during the COVID-19 pandemic. OCEP curated a collection of Northwestern’s free, open-access digital learning resources, which span art, science, engineering and more.
The collection includes the Block Museum’s “The Block from Home”, an indigenous tour of Northwestern, and podcasts like US: Unscripted Stories from the Multicultural Student Affairs Office and the One Book One Northwestern podcast. A video series from Feinberg School of Medicine professor Melissa Simon on careers in the healthcare field, and computer science offerings like and CT-STEM and NetLogo are also among the resources available.
“There’s a lot happening at Northwestern right now, in terms of online offerings,” says SESP research project coordinator Emily DePalma. “We wanted to showcase those things, but also put them in one place so that it’s really easy for kids, parents, educators and anyone else to access all these different materials.”


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- ‘They Deserve It’: Trump’s Opponents Use Harvey as Ammo Against President & Supporters
As Americans struggle to cope with Hurricane Harvey’s aftermath, some seem more focused on slamming the president and first lady. One person claimed Texas deserved the devastation after voting for Trump, while others took aim at Melania’s footwear.
TEACHER FIRED FOR ‘KARMA’ TWEET
On Sunday, an assistant sociology professor at the University of Tampa took to Twitter to suggest that Texans deserved the wrath of Hurricane Harvey because they voted for Trump.
In the tweet that has since been deleted, Kenneth Storey said: “I don’t believe in instant karma but this kinda feels like it for Texas. Hopefully this will help them realize the GOP doesn’t care about them.”
One of Storey’s followers questioned his comments, reminding him that there are “lots of good people in Texas,” and asking Storey to “rethink this one.” However, Storey doubled down, saying that “the good people there need to do more to stop the evil their state pushes” and specifically stated that those who voted for Trump in Florida “deserve it as well.”
The university quickly condemned Story’s comments. In a statement released Tuesday, the institution said they “understand the pain this irresponsible act has caused.” “As Floridians, we are well aware of the destruction and suffering associated with tropical weather. Our thoughts and prayers are with all impacted by Hurricane Harvey,” the university said.

domain: politics


Clever use of their joker delivered Supernova victory at the county final of the KM Big Charity Quiz.
Fifteen of the county’s very best quiz teams competed in the annual event with Medway and Canterbury teams taking the top eight spots over rivals in Ashford and Canterbury.
Supernova and second placed Moomins had looked out of the running until the final round when they both scored maximum points. The final scores put Supernova ahead of the Unicorn and Moomins by just one point.
The top four teams from KM Big Charity Quiz heats staged in Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone and Medway during 2016 were invited to the final, which was originally due to be staged in January 2017 but had to be moved to February because of disruption caused by snow.
Quizmaster Simon Dolby said: “It was great to get our winning and top placed teams together for the finals The caliber of talent in the teams was extremely high this year making the event very close.”
In 2017 heats of the KM Big Quiz will be held in Medway in March, Canterbury in April, Ashford in June and Maidstone in November. The county final is expected to be staged in the following January.
The event was sponsored by Armadillo self storage in Canterbury. To find out more or to book your table at a KM Big Charity Quiz event visit www.kmbigquiz.co.uk


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European countries that will get hotter in the summer and colder in the winter until 2042
Europe is in the Northern Hemisphere and therefore has the seasons reversed in relation to Brazil and other countries in the Southern Hemisphere.
When in the European countries the cold is at its peak, in the countries of South America is the heat that is present, as well as when spring brings abundance of nature in Brazil for example, in Portugal it is autumn that, with much wind and rain drops the leaves of the trees.
Among those who will follow the table until 2043 we will have big investments, and here is the list of countries that will get colder and hotter at the same time in the summer:
Germany, Austria, Belgium, Spain, France, Holland, Luxembourg, Portugal., Switzerland and England
For those who have never had the opportunity to live in a place where it snows, it is common for a certain disappointment to happen, because in the day to day the excess of snow and the prolonged cold are obstacles for who needs to leave to work and etc.
And some temperatures up to 2040 will reach at least minus 60 degrees to 90 degrees Celsius (140 to 194 degrees Fahrenheit – negative) – if not longer … and can reach
Difficulties in the summer – will be even worse on these issues
However, in summer the problems are also great. Recently a large forest fire has caused the deaths of dozens of people in Portugal and this is very recurrent. Year after year, because of the very hot and dry summer, the fire presents itself and burns everything that lies ahead .. And other problems for agriculture, lack of water, and so on. with temperatures of 56 degrees to 60 degrees Celsius positive (132.8 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit – positive) that is, it will be a very terrible summer because these places will have adverse and bad temperatures for the local population.
A tip for who will travel
An important tip is to avoid traveling to European countries in the extreme winter and in the extreme summer. If you can, opt for spring or fall, as long as tickets are much cheaper (outside the school holidays – and you’re protected from the climatic problems that will hit many countries in the world.
Mario Ronco Filho – journalist


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Betty Yu is a socially engaged multimedia artist, photographer, filmmaker, educator, and activist born and raised in NYC to Chinese immigrant parents. Ms. Yu integrates documentary film, new media platforms, and community-infused approaches into her artistic practice, Ms. Yu's documentary "Resilience" about her garment worker mother fighting sweatshop conditions screened at national and international film festivals including the Margaret Mead Film and Video Festival. Yu's multi-media installation, "The Garment Worker" was featured at Tribeca Film Institute's Interactive Showcase. In 2020, she worked with housing activists create "Resistance in Progress" a multi-media installation featured at Queens Museum. She has also exhibited at Brooklyn Museum, Apex Art Gallery, Squeaky Wheel Film and Media Art Center and the Eastman Kodak Museum. Ms. Yu has been awarded artist residencies and fellowships with institutions such as the Laundromat Project, International Studio & Curatorial Program, Asian American Arts Alliance, En Foco Photography, Santa Fe Art Institute, Stone Leaf, Pratt Institute, China Residencies, Flux Factory and the Intercultural Leadership Institute, and SPACE at Ryder Farm.
In 2015, Betty co-founded Chinatown Art Brigade, a cultural collective using art to advance anti-gentrification organizing. Betty received the 2016 SOAPBOX Artist Award from Laundromat Project. Betty won the 2017 Aronson Journalism for Social Justice Award for her film "Three Tours" about U.S. veterans returning home from war in Iraq and their journey to overcome their PTSD. Ms. Yu is a 2017-18 fellow of the Intercultural Leadership Institute. Betty recently had her first solo exhibition, "(DIs)Placed in Sunset Park" at Open Source Gallery in September 2018 in New York City. This work was also included in 2019 BRIC’s Biennial where her project received an honorable mention in the New York Times. Betty will have her curatorial debut in the Fall 2020 as she presents “Imagining De-Gentrified Futures”, an exhibition that will feature artists of color, activists and others along with her own work at Apex Art in Tribeca, NYC.
Betty is an adjunct assistant professor teaching new media, film theory, art and video production at various colleges in New York City, including The New School, John Jay College, Pratt Institute Marymount Manhattan College and Hunter College. Ms. Yu's work has been exhibited, screened and featured at the International Center of Photography, Directors Guild of America, Brooklyn Museum, The Eastman Kodak Museum, BRIC, Visual Communications Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film & Video Festival and No Longer Empty's pop up gallery. Betty is a 2016 A Blade of Grass Fellow for Socially Engaged Art for her project with Chinatown Art Brigade. Ms. Yu has received numerous grants for our work including support from Art Matters Foundation, Brooklyn Arts Council, Wave Farm Media Arts and the Paul Robeson Fund for Independent Media.


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Households installing efficient boilers and insulation to receive government-backed cash payments
The government will today confirm that households undertaking energy efficiency improvements will be eligible for discounts worth up to £1,000 from a new £205m fund designed to accelerate take up of the...
UK buoyed by Offshore Wind Sector deal, but lack of clarity over onshore wind and nuclear suggests bleak outlook for renewables investment, analysts warn
2.3MW Lancashire site is now providing power to glass manufacturer NSG Group
Family illness means Universities Minister Chris Skidmore will temporarily take over climate brief
A year after the UK's biggest supermarkets and food manufacturers signed the Plastic Pact, a new report reveals the progress that has been made


Estimated Queensland state 2PP based on late 2014 polling and first 2015 poll: 50.2-49.8 to LNP (revised from 50.1 to ALP)
LNP would probably retain office in an election "held now", but would be at substantial risk of loss of majority
(This is not a prediction of the election result yet, as voting intentions may change)
With the Victorian election and its unsurprising result out of the way, it is time to look north to a much murkier contest. The Queensland state election could in theory be held as late as June, but the government's three-year anniversary comes up in late March, and there are persistent rumours that it will be called slightly earlier, for late February or early March. I previously covered Queensland state polling in four articles last year:
Is Campbell Newman Actually In Trouble? (late April through June)
Careful With That Queensland Pendulum, Eugene (July)
Recent Queensland and Victorian Polling (August)
Recent Polling In Four States (October)
The story for much of 2014 was pretty similar. The Newman government held a small to modest aggregated 2PP lead and was facing a swing that would cost it dozens of seats but not necessarily government. Particular polls were sometimes interpreted as showing that the government would actually lose, but either those polls were outliers or the interpretation was dodgy. The problem always was that one of the doomed seats, all else being equal, was Premier Campbell Newman's own seat of Ashgrove, and all the polling in Ashgrove suggested that all else was in fact equal and that if the election was even remotely close then the Premier's seat would be toast. Furthermore, Newman at various stages through the year was mildly to distinctly unpopular both in his own seat and in Queensland as a whole.
When I left this story at the end of October to focus on Victoria, the LNP government had just had some encouraging statewide polling, picking up vote share on the back of the same bursting of the Palmer United bubble seen everywhere else in Australia. Since then, however, we have had the following voting intention results:
* Morgan SMS (Oct 24-27) 50.5-49.5 to Labor off primaries of 38.5 LNP, 38 ALP, 10 Green, 6 PUP, 2 KAP, 5.5 Others.
* Galaxy 18-19 November: 50-50 off primaries of 37 LNP, 38 ALP, 9 Green, 3 KAP, 7 PUP, 6 Others.
* Morgan SMS (Nov 21-24) 50.5-49.5 to LNP off primaries of 39 LNP, 36.5 ALP, 9.5 Green, 4 PUP, 3.5 KAP, 7.5 Others
* ReachTEL 27 November: 51-49 to Labor off primaries of 39.2 LNP, 37.3 ALP, 7.9 Green, 6.5 PUP, 9.1 Others (including KAP).
* Newspoll quarterly (Oct-Dec) 50-50 off primaries of 37 LNP, 36 ALP, 10 Green, 17 Others (including PUP and KAP)
Of these the least trustworthy are the Morgan SMS polls, which returned volatile and inaccurate results in the Victorian campaign. In this case though their results are not much different to the others.
Also of note: another Ashgrove ReachTEL (4 December) showing pretty much the usual: Campbell Newman losing 55:45 by 2012 preferences (55.7:44.3 respondent-allocated).
Leaderships and other results
The Newspoll showed a slight popularity recovery for Campbell Newman, with his net satisfaction improving from -19 to -13 (38-51). His "better Premier" lead was up from six points to nine, but that's nothing to write home about given the lead incumbents usually enjoy on this measure. Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk has a solid if unspectacular +4 netsat and I don't quite agree with Michael McKenna's claim that voters are "unimpressed" by her performance.
Both Morgan SMS polls actually had Palaszczuk as preferred premier (52.5-47.5) and it's possible that Morgan SMS polls screen out the normal advantage to incumbents because they don't allow a middle option. (It's also possible that these results are rubbish.)
The ReachTEL showed Campbell Newman's performance rated good or very good by 33.8% and poor or very poor by 46.7%, for a net rating (-12.9) basically the same as in October, but substantially better than in June through September. Palaszczuk polled a net -6.3, but ReachTEL net ratings are a bit harsher on little-known Opposition Leaders because of the use of "satisfactory" as the middle option. Palaszczuk's ratings have continued to improve in successive ReachTEL polls and a useful comparison here is that she is now rated "very good" by 11.5%, compared to only 8.1% for Bill Shorten federally.
The ReachTEL poll shows that voters don't believe the government deserves to be re-elected (35.2-51.7) and don't believe Labor deserves to win either (32.8-51.1). The party status drilldown is interesting however: the bad result for the LNP is driven by overwhelming rejection from Green, PUP and Others voters as well as (predictably) from Labor, but the bad result for Labor is driven by 14.1% of Labor supporters being unconvinced their party is up to it.
The Ashgrove ReachTEL shows Newman's ratings as local member to be more or less neutral, and his ratings as Premier to be not too bad in his own electorate.
The 2PP Problem
(Warning: this section is about Wonk Factor 2/5). The calculation of 2PP figures for Queensland is difficult. The main issues are that Queensland has optional preferencing, that the ECQ does not conduct ALP vs LNP preference throws in non-classic seats, and that PUP did not contest the last election. An added complication is that pollsters tend to overestimate the Green vote (in Victoria all seventeen polls taken during the two months before the election did this.) Finally, the 2012 election was a record wipe-out for the ALP and it is to be expected that the preferencing pattern in 2015 will be friendlier.
So it does help in this case to look especially at the known known: primary votes. In the 2012 landslide the LNP polled 49.65% to Labor's 26.66%, a 23-point gap. The polls above have that gap at 0.5, -1, 2.5, 1.9 and 1 points, for an average LNP lead of a point. All else being equal, that's an 11-point swing, which would seemingly make the 2PP about 52% to the LNP, enough for a still fairly comfortable win. But see below.
The pollsters have the government's 2PP not at 52% but at about 49.8% on average. In part this is because the mix of other parties from which preferences are available has changed. At the 2012 election, 49% of third-party preferences came from Katter's Australian Party, 32% from the Greens and 19% from independents and micros. In current polling the Greens are getting an average of 39% of the polled third-party votes, PUP about 24%, KAP about 12% and independents and micros 25%. There's only a very slight increase in the total polled third-party vote compared to the 2012 election, and this is entirely due to Newspoll which has been prone to high non-major readings lately.
It might seem that 9% of the total vote moving from KAP mostly to PUP shouldn't make as much as 2% difference to the 2PP, and in fact it doesn't (it is probably worth about a point). An important trick in Queensland elections is that because some votes exhaust, a primary vote swing between the major parties produces a slightly greater swing in the 2PP vote.
The seat of Albert is an excellent example of how this works. In Albert, the LNP polled 13888 primaries (49.6% of primaries) to 7943 for Labor (28.4%). The final 2PP after preferences was 15198 to 9358 (61.9% to LNP). The percentage gap between the parties increased from 21.2 points on primaries to 23.8 points after preferences, but preferences actually favoured Labor slightly (1415 to 1310 with 3451 exhausting.)
If we just take 11% of the original primary vote (3081 votes) from the LNP and add it to Labor, Labor becomes the winner, 12439 votes to 12117, a 2PP swing of not 11% but 12.5%.
My estimate is that on average the 2PPs provided by the pollsters are pretty close to the mark for the 2012 election assuming preference flows from individual parties stay the same, and that the flow from PUP is similar to in the federal election and with similar exhaust rates to other minor parties. I get 50.0:50.0 as an averaged estimate from the primaries in the polls above, but when the unreliability of Morgan is taken into account I get 50.1% to Labor as an aggregated estimate. I haven't applied any recency weightings as none of the polls are entirely recent.
Likely Preferencing Changes
At both the 2013 federal election and the 2014 Victorian election, the preference flows to Labor both from Greens and collective Others (includes PUP and KAP where present) were somewhat stronger than at the previous elections of each type. This is likely to happen again in Queensland for various reasons. I would expect Green voters to be especially keen to throw the Newman government out and for that reason to exhaust their vote at lower rates and preference Labor slightly more strongly.
The experience of both the above elections was that pollster-released 2PPs were still accurate, because changes in preferencing behaviour cancelled out stronger than expected primary vote performances by the Coalition and weaker performances by the Greens. So I am not inclined to mess with the last-election preference assumptions in estimating the 2PP.
What Does a 50-50 2PP Look Like?
In the second of the above four Queensland articles I looked at the output of a seat-based projection model similar to the ones I've used federally and Victoria. The model makes adjustments for expected personal vote effects and projects a winning probability for each seat. At the time of that article it was looking likely there would be a bigger crossbench in 2015 than 2012. This is no longer the case.
If the 2PP for the government is 49.9%, then my model expects it lose 30 or 31 of its 73 seats to Labor. That would leave it with about 42-43 to about 39-40 for Labor, before considering the seven current crossbench seats.
The current crossbench seats are Gladstone and Nicklin (held by long-term independents), Mount Isa and Dalrymple (won by KAP at the last election), Condamine (where the winner of the safe LNP seat defected to KAP) and Gaven and Yeerongpilly (where the LNP winners both became independents, then joined PUP, then quit PUP and became independents again. As you do.).
Of these I greatly doubt either Gladstone or Nicklin will be won by major parties unless their incumbents retire. The LNP would be most likely to pick up Gaven, Condamine and Dalrymple if any of those fell, while if either major party won Mount Isa or Yeerongpilly it should be Labor. My expectation is that the major parties will recover some of these seats, but probably not all. The model does therefore provide a few paths to a scraped outright LNP win with a roughly 50:50 2PP, but it suggests that on that sort of vote share the government could well just lose its majority. Any gains from the crossbench might also be counterbalanced by new unexpected crossbenchers raiding "safe" LNP seats. The model also suggests that a Labor win of any kind with a 50:50ish 2PP is rather unlikely, but not impossible.
I am, however, a bit cautious about the model's weighting for personal votes (it currently thinks personal vote effects are worth about three seats for the government). While this held up reasonably well in Victoria, the landslide nature of the 2012 Queensland result means that the LNP won a lot of seats with candidates who normally would have had little chance, and these might not on average be such great first-term local members. There will also probably be a lot of seats where Labor runs the former member for the seat again, which will mute personal vote effects.
In Ashgrove, the model expects that if the state 2PP is 49.9%, Newman would get only 44.6%, which is more or less exactly what he is getting in current polling. I don't rule out Newman retaining his seat (especially as seat polling generally has a shaky record in recent elections), but unless the state 2PP lifts sharply from here it will be very difficult.
Where to from here?
Just because the polling late in 2014 showed a 50:50-ish average doesn't mean that should be the expected result. Looking quickly at Newspoll 2PPs for state elections since 2000, I found that in most cases the last quarterly or bimonthly aggregate that was not taken during the election campaign favoured Labor compared to the election result (on average by about 1.7 points, and with quite a lot of variation). A possible confounding factor is that Labor were the government in most of these cases, but the finding is consistent with the historic federal pattern that the Coalition performs better relative to leadup polling than Labor does.
However, I'd expect a strengthening flow of preferences to Labor to partly mute the Coalition's normally better resilience against bad polling. Another reason for concern about the LNP's ability to gain vote share during the campaign is the Ashgrove issue. There was also doubt about the fate of Ashgrove in the leadup to 2012, but at that election voters were voting to throw out Labor and mostly wouldn't have cared less who the new Premier was. The idea of voting to keep a government without any idea who might actually lead it seems like a tactical trainwreck in the making.
So while there is a general view that the LNP will be returned with a narrow but clear majority - which implies polling improvement from the current position - I don't think the case that that improvement will occur is clearcut. A very close result is still a serious chance.
I'll be covering Queensland as much as I can in the leadup to the election, noting that I will be offline for several days in late January and early February.
Update: Early Election Expected
There are now widespread reports that later today (Tuesday) the election will be called for Jan 31. In that case I strongly expect to be offline for remote fieldwork Jan 27-Feb 6 so don't think I'll be able to provide any live or much post-count coverage. Most likely I'll be watching the TV coverage without internet assistance (and fuming about the limitations of so doing). This might change, but even if it does my coverage around election night will be on a modest scale.
Another possibility is Feb 7 (if there is not enough time to get writs issued for Jan 31). In that case I think there is a good chance I will have full on the night and postcount coverage, but little else in the two weeks prior apart from a hastily banged-together forecast on the night of Friday 6th.
The early date (if confirmed) is being portrayed as an attempt to catch Labor on the hop, but a more obvious possible advantage is avoiding unwanted distractions from federal parliament.
First Campaign Poll: ReachTEL
The first poll of the campaign is already out and it's a ReachTEL with a sample size of 1583. The LNP has a 2.2 point primary lead (40.3 to 38.1) with 7.6 for the Greens, 6.3 for PUP and 7.7 for others (including KAP), all the last three having shed votes to the major parties. The released 2PP is 50:50 but I'd say this is a slightly better poll for the LNP than any of those above cited, and that on such primaries by last-election preferences I'd expect them to be around 50.5.
This poll deserves to have a high weight put on it given that it is fresh while the others are all entirely or on average over a year old - not that putting a high weight on it makes any great difference since it is so close to the existing average. The one cautionary note about polling for this election generally applies: January is a difficult time to be polling with so many voters on holidays - scaling and/or selective targeting can address this but may introduce more scope for errors.
Including this poll in my modelling raises the aggregated 2PP to 50.2 to LNP which gives them an expected average of 44 retained seats in my model, which would be slightly more likely than not to produce a slim majority with pickups from the crossbench. That said, I will be looking carefully at whether there are reasons to predict a swing that is heavier in the mid-range seats (LNP seats on margins around 8-15%) than at the ends.
The ReachTEL shows Campbell Newman's ratings improving slightly, including a 4.2% increase in "Very Good". Palaszczuk's ratings are slightly worse than the previous poll, and ratings for both leaders are more polarised.
In other news, Liz Cunningham is retiring and her seat will be an ALP target; however she has endorsed another independent candidate as her preferred replacement.
When there are a few more polls I'll post another roundup.


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Ruling a third strike against Florida's gay adoption ban
With the blessing of her large extended family, Vanessa Alenier took custody of an infant relative who had been seized by child welfare workers. She moved him into a yellow nursery with a blond wood crib, a blue-striped carpet and a mobile.
When she asked the state to for permission to adopt him, the application included a simple question.
Are you gay?
Alenier, 34, said she did not want to begin her journey as a parent with a lie. So she told the truth -- despite Florida's 33-year-old law banning gay men and lesbians from adopting.
Earlier this month -- as a Miami appeals court determines the constitutionality of the embattled adoption ban -- a judge quietly approved the 1-year-old's adoption. The decision by Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Maria Sampedro-Iglesia is the third finalized adoption by a gay couple within the last year.
While the 1977 law remains in limbo, Sampedro-Iglesia's ruling suggests some state court judges already have made up their minds about gay adoption, a thorny political issue in a state with a significant social conservative streak.
``There is no rational connection between sexual orientation and what is or is not in the best interest of a child,' Sampedro-Iglesia wrote in her order, obtained by The Miami Herald. ``The child is happy and thriving with [Alenier]. The only way to give this child permanency . . . is to allow him to be adopted' by her.
In her ruling, Sampedro-Iglesia declared Florida's adoption law ``unconstitutional on its face.'
For Alenier, who shares a home near downtown Hollywood with her longtime partner, Melanie Leon, the ruling made formal what she already knew she had -- a family.
``We knew we wanted to be parents, both of us,' Alenier said. The infant ``was a family member. We couldn't say no. We strongly wanted to be a family.
``It's the most amazing thing that ever happened to us,' Alenier said. ``It's changed our lives.'
Florida Department of Children & Families administrators, who objected to the adoption, have not yet decided whether they will appeal.
``We are currently reviewing the judge's decision and will make a decision on an appeal within the 30-day period,' agency spokesman Joe Follick said.
Mathew Staver, founder and chairman of Orlando-based Liberty Counsel, called Sampedro-Iglesia's ruling ``evidence of judicial activism' that violates state law.
``A judge is not a legislature onto oneself,' Staver said. ``Judges don't have the ability to write laws any way they desire. They have to follow the rule of law, and this judge did not.'
But Laurence Tribe, a constitutional scholar at the Harvard University Law School, said the judge's action shows she was ``taking seriously [her] oath to the supreme law of the land, the Constitution of the United States.'
``A judge must put his or her duty to the U.S. Constitution above any to obey a clearly unconstitutional law,' Tribe said.
A judge in Key West, Monroe Circuit Judge David J. Audlin, struck the first blow to the statute on Aug. 29, 2008, when he signed a 67-page order declaring the law unconstitutional. Audlin's order cleared the way for a Key West lawyer, Wayne LaRue Smith, to adopt a boy he had been raising in foster care.
Neither DCF not Attorney General Bill McCollum appealed Audlin's ruling. Because the youngster already had been moved from foster care to a permanent guardianship at the time of adoption, they said, they no longer had jurisdiction over his case.
A month later, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman approved the adoption of two half brothers by a North Miami foster parent, Frank Martin Gill, who declared on his adoption application that he, too, is gay. DCF did appeal Lederman's ruling to the Third District Court of Appeal in Miami-Dade. That appeal is still under review.
The little boy who is the subject of Sampedro-Iglesia's order was born on Jan. 14, 2009, and was sheltered by DCF investigators almost immediately. Alenier said she received a fateful phone call within a day of his birth from an aunt. The aunt had gone to Bible study that day, and had prayed with friends over what to do.
``When she left Bible study, she called me and told me a baby boy had been born,' Alenier said. ``Of course, it was very scary getting the phone call, not knowing how our lives would change,' said Alenier said.
The boy was released from the hospital after nine days, and Alenier and Leon never looked back.
Both women said they never considered anything but telling the truth; they identified themselves as lesbians at their first meeting with DCF.
``I have had clients say they didn't want the first lesson I taught [the child] to be that it's OK to lie,' said Elizabeth F. Schwartz, one of the couple's two lawyers.
Alenier and Leon -- who have never been active in politics or social movements -- said they prepared themselves for a fight, knowing that it would be worth it if it ended with the three becoming a family.
``We knew it would be very hard to adopt him, and it has been a hard struggle,' said Leon, 31.
Alan Mishael, one of the couple's lawyers, said the state had dragged its feet for months, trying to ``run down the clock' while the Miami appeals court reviewed the law. ``They wanted to sweep the problem under the rug,' Mishael said.
``Children are entitled to permanence,' Mishael added. ``Children cannot wait around like an item on a shelf.'
To push the adoption forward, Alenier and Leon paid for a private home study and encouraged Sampedro-Iglesia to set the case for trial quickly. Because both state and federal law place a premium on finding permanent homes for foster children as quickly as possible, the judge agreed.
At the trial, held earlier this month, DCF presented no witnesses and offered no testimony.
The state's case: Adoption by gay people is illegal in Florida.
But in her order, Sampedro-Iglesia wrote the law could not be enforced.
``The permanent interests and benefit to all members of the adoptive household will be promoted by the adoption,' Sampedro-Iglesia wrote. [Alenier ``is a fit and proper person to adopt the child and has adequate resources and facilities to care for the child.'


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The Washington Nationals and hospitality partner Levy are proud to announce a new partnership with Nourish Now, a Maryland-based food recovery non-profit. Nourish Now will receive and distribute appropriate excess food items from Nationals Park’s concession stands, clubs, and suites. The comprehensive food recovery program will also include food from special events held at the ballpark throughout the year.
The majority of the collected items will provide vital support to children, families, and veterans in Montgomery County. A portion of the donated food will be delivered to the housing facility located in Ward 8 run by U.S. Vets – Washington, D.C., a private non-profit providing housing, employment, and counseling services to local veterans. The relationship with U.S. Vets is just the beginning of Nourish Now’s efforts to serve residents in the neighborhoods near Nationals Park.
Throughout the years, the Nationals have continually expanded the ballpark’s sustainability efforts. Nationals Park wasconstructed as a LEED-certified Silver ballpark, the first major sports facility to receive this designation by the U.S. Green Building Council. Since its opening, the Nationals have worked closely with various community partners to evolve Nationals Park’s infrastructure and operations to include rooftop gardens, solar panels, and 100% compostable food service utensils and packaging, among other sustainable features.
“We are thrilled to be launching this program along with Levy,” said Jonathan Stahl, Washington Nationals Vice President of Ballpark Operations. “Food waste is something the Nationals have long wanted to address and Nourish Now is the perfect partner for us to work with to support our neighbors in need.”


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Born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq during multiple wars, Vian Sora’s paintings are informed by her life. Sora’s works, infused with emotional tension and based on confronting destruction and decay, challenge the boundaries of life through intentional color contrast within abstract landscapes. Sora’s visions fuse her own experiences with Iraqi history, cultural identity influences, and painterly abstraction. Though they are largely abstract, Sora’s paintings suggest figures and places, including gardens and warzones, landscapes of lush fertility and terrible decay, cycles of life and death.
She is a first generation immigrant painter addressing the effects of war and displacement. The foundations of her paintings utilize dark stains and clashing surface textures, which she often disrupts with vibrant paths of color that weave throughout the compositions, reflecting a journey to find harmony within the chaos. The figures and faces that emerge in her frenzied arrangements are references to the bodies, collective and individual, who have been devastated in the ongoing hostilities that besiege her home country.
Sora prides herself in being a self-taught artist, currently working in Louisville, Kentucky, who has received degrees in computer science and an MBA. She studied printmaking under the tutelage of Suleyman Tekcan at the Istanbul Museum of Graphic Arts (IMOGA).
Sora’s exhibitions have been held in Louisville, Baghdad, Istanbul, and Dubai, including at Dar El Cid Museum, Kuwait, IMOGA, and the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul. She recently participated in the KMAC Triennial and has participated in the International Art Festival, Baghdad, and the Sharjah Biennale. Her work has been collected by the Speed Art Museum and KMAC.