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US: New book on US-China educational exchange
"With close to 10,000 Americans studying in China, and almost 70,000 students and 10,000 Chinese scholars in the US, educational exchange is one of the best vehicles for the continuing development of constructive relations between the two countries," said Allan Goodman, president of the IIE, which specialises in the exchange of people and ideas, has 20 offices worldwide, more than 900 college and university members and 6,000 volunteers.
The IIE says the publication, also involving the cultural exchange organisation the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) and its foundation, seeks to expand practical information on US-China academic exchange available to policy-makers and practitioners.
It examines key issues in US-China exchange from multiple perspectives, with the goal of strengthening these relationships, and includes essays by American and Chinese experts from government and academia and chapters on exchange of teachers and students at secondary schools, exchange programmes for advanced scholars, government sponsored programmes in the US and China, and case studies on successful university linkages.
The book can be ordered from the Institute of International Education.
More information on the IIE site

domain: library


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Grand Northern Sync: The sync licensing and music supervision department.
We work with global brands and are always looking for songs to place in Film, Television, Documentaries, Short Films, Adverts, Web Ads, Highlight Shows and many more.
Click on the Music Xray button and have a look and the opportunities available at the moment and submit a track to us.
You can also submit a track to Alex for critiquing. If you feel you have a great track but feel it may be missing something, he will give your song a thorough listen and detailed critique to help you finish it to its full potential and help you with an insight into what Music Professionals are looking for in a piece of music.

domain: artistic


Our Tuning Box Classic 6101 chiptuning unit will upgrade the performances of your JCB Fastrac. You will have more power (+46 hp) and more torque (+185 Nm) with this diesel chip. The power of your diesel 7170 6.7 175 hp engine is increased by up to 221 hp* and its torque is boosted by up to 985 Nm*. Moreover, tuning the ECU with an electronic chip will cut your consumption off by -1L./100km*.
This performance chip especially developed for this diesel 7170 6.7 175 HP engine works as a custom ECU remap. Thanks to the supplied AMP plugs, this tuning box can be easily connected and scrupulously respects the power reserves and engine protection systems of the brittish manufacturer.Read more
Tuning Box offers a 1-year engine warranty with this power box.
Great Service, keep as it is and no improvements needed
Great customer support!
My dad wanted it so I ordered from Japan. My dad told me that it works perfect and highly recommended. We live in Japan and have Range Rover Velar. Dad said it takes about only 3 mins.
Let us know what you think via our Ekomi platform. If you encounter a problem with one of our products, get in touch with our Customer Services team.


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Deciding between a fixed or variable mortgage rate is an important consideration when buying real estate. Both options have their pros and cons, and the choice ultimately depends on your personal financial situation and risk tolerance.
A fixed mortgage rate offers stability and certainty, as your interest rate and mortgage payment remain the same throughout the term of the mortgage, regardless of any changes in the market. This can be a good choice for those who prefer to have a predictable budget and are risk-averse. However, fixed rates are typically higher than variable rates, so you may end up paying more in interest over the life of the mortgage.
On the other hand, a variable mortgage rate fluctuates with changes in the market, which means your mortgage payment can vary from month to month. While this can be more risky, as your payment could increase in response to interest rate hikes, it can also be beneficial if interest rates drop, as your payment would decrease. Variable rates are typically lower than fixed rates, so you may save money in interest over the life of the mortgage.
Ultimately, the decision between fixed and variable rates will depend on your personal financial situation and risk tolerance. If you prioritize stability and predictability, a fixed rate may be the best choice for you. If you’re comfortable with some level of risk and want to potentially save money in interest, a variable rate may be a better option. It’s important to carefully consider your options and consult with a financial advisor or mortgage specialist before making a decision.

domain: finance


Coating production workshop in addition to flavor air purification machine Product Description:
Air purification machine is for the factory, laboratory, chemical shop, electronics factory, machinery workshop, pharmaceutical and other large areas of specialized research and development production of a new generation of air purification machine. The machine has the functions of photocatalytic purification, biological deodorization, UV sterilization deodorization, ion purification, high efficiency filtration, or high efficiency oil mist filtration. Taking into account the complexity and diversity of odor gas, but also consider the dust control, oil mist, sterilization and disinfection of the comprehensive, the use of large amount of wind cabinet structure, purification air volume, the effective decomposition of toxic and harmful gases, odor gas, Dust particles, bacteria, mold, is the ideal place for air purification air purification options.
Coating production workshop in addition to taste air purifier Product Features:
1, sustained and efficient elimination of harmful micro-organisms: instantly kill bacteria, viruses, micro-organisms.
2, photolysis volatile organic matter: such as formaldehyde, benzene, TVOC, **** and other chemical organic matter.
3, deodorant function: to eliminate through the human body breathing, sweat, urine, mildew, rotting and other chemical reactions generated odor, can eliminate garbage stations, public toilets, sewage pumping stations, chemical workshop odor.
4, high-energy negative ion generator: can release a large number of negative ions to the air, can sink a variety of respirable particulate matter, dust, dust, dander, solid sulfide, solid carbide, etc., as small as 0.01 micron particles.
5, anion oxygen bar function: the machine after the opening of anion function, the release of a large number of negative ions, give you as the feeling of exposure to the forest.
6, the use of photocatalytic technology: through photon irradiation to produce a large number of superoxide oxidation · OH, oxygen ions, OH- and a large number of negative ions, and air, such as benzene, formaldehyde and other organic matter photocatalytic reaction to achieve degradation of organic matter and removal The effect of harmful odor molecules.
7, the use of air filter: filter air in the larger diameter of dust, fiber and other particles, improve air quality.
8, remote control function: the machine has long-range remote control function: 8 meters long distance remote control, 120 degrees large angle to receive.
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10, power, environmental protection: the wind volume of this product, power consumption is small, is the general air conditioning power consumption of 1/20.
11, wind, wind free choice: The machine has a strong, medium and weak third gear speed, to meet your different needs. Air direction can be automatically left and right swing.
12, wind class selection: the machine has a microcomputer control of the ordinary wind, imitation natural wind, sleep health wind three wind model for you to choose to use.
Industrial air purifier Applications:
1, chemical shop, food factory, flavor spices factory, paint shop, electronics factory, mechanical processing workshop, pharmaceutical factory, optical precision instrument factory paint workshop, spray paint room, dye factory.
3, fragrance factory, meat processing plants, slaughterhouses.
4, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, laboratories, dressing rooms and other public places.
5, metal foundry, rubber factory, pesticide factory, slaughter plant, paper mills, plastic factory, kraft paper mill, synthetic resin plant, pulp mill, paint factory, circuit board factory.
6, printing plant, gas plant, fertilizer plant, foundry, refinery, feed mill, steel plant, soap factory, sewage treatment station, garbage disposal plant, refuse transfer station, cigarette factory.


text:
Play the karaoke of Anything
Lyrics of Anything
Any reproduction is prohibited
as made famous by JoJo
Original songwriters : Beau Alexandre Dozier, Justin B Trugman, Mischke J Butler, David Paich, Jeff Porcaro
This title is a cover of Anything as made famous by JoJo
Share your thoughts about Anything
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La France Airship Posters
La France Airship Posters is very imposing and makes a singular wall decoration, this dimension is 18 x 24 inch and the price is $59.99. If you're trying to hunt for top recommended La France Airship Posters with low-cost price, this one is the terrific deals for you.
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Dimension: 18 x 24 inch
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Skip to main content
Renowned guitarist Melendez to perform in Worthington
Annual Pioneer Village Halloween event is Saturday
Worthington births increasing every year
Pheasant hunter finds missing Minnesota 9-year-old
Prep football: H-LP finishes off perfect regular season
Prep volleyball: Setters are crucial to winning
Blast From the Past: Lefty Krohn was a pitching legend
Prep soccer: WHS has five on All-Big South boys team
Section 2A soccer: So close; Trojans edged by Mankato West
Letter: Let's not throw stones at each other over referendum
Column: MNsure not the problem
Column: MNsure not the problem
Column: My vote, explained
Column: Using assistive technology to overcome barriers
Laurine Mary Somers
Elaine K. Nelson
Milton W. Matasovsky
Margaret R. Drahota
Pumpkin soup perfect start for lively (but civil) dinner party
Potted mums difficult to establish if planted in fall
Column: Worthington is no stranger to election hullabaloo
New adaptation of ‘Sense and Sensibility’ arrives at Guthrie
Princess pride: Madilynn Mandelkow, 7, and family make community service a priority with The Den
out and about
Van Der Linden-Lindell wedding
Hogan 90th birthday
Henning 60th anniversary
Data: Oct. 24, 2016
Data: Oct. 22, 2016
City of Worthington Notice of Public Hearing
School Board Minutes September 2016
Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Abatement Request
February 5, 2016
Minnesota’s Glen Taylor, others buying PM Beef facility
WINDOM— The former PM Beef processing plant in Windom is being purchased by a group of business partners that includes Minnesota billionaire...
February 5, 2016 - 10:13pm
January 30, 2016
Shepherd, 'Reading Grandmas' earn Chamber honors
WORTHINGTON — A group of Worthington grandmothers were presented with the Friends of Education Award Friday night during the Worthington Area...
January 30, 2016 - 10:39am
January 28, 2016
First State Bank Southwest gives to housing effort
WORTHINGTON — First State Bank Southwest has donated $10,000 in an effort to ease the housing shortage facing Nobles County. “It’s heartwarming...
January 28, 2016 - 11:06pm
Innovation, improvement key to success of Bioverse Inc.
WORTHINGTON — Driving rural roads in southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa in late spring is one sure way to catch a strong whiff of “liquid...
January 28, 2016 - 10:07pm
January 1, 2016
State's economy a mix of both good and bad
ST. PAUL — Minnesota’s economy is a study in contradictions. So much of the news looks good: near record-low unemployment, overall wage payments rising, few signs of the recession remain. But there also are warning signs: manufacturing, mining and farm economies lag; some parts...
January 1, 2016 - 9:45pm
December 30, 2015
Local businesses to close for New Year's Day holiday
WORTHINGTON — Many local businesses will close Friday for New Year’s Day. Worthington city offices and Nobles County offices will be open regular hours today but be closed Friday. The Worthington Chamber of Commerce will be open for regular hours today. It will be closed Friday....
December 30, 2015 - 9:44pm
December 29, 2015
Algadi: Promenade project is still poised for progress
WORTHINGTON — WREDC Executive Director Abraham Algadi is optimistic about the Promenade on Oxford project, and sees it as a crucial step toward a positive future for Worthington and the surrounding area. “The challenges that the mall can help us address are longstanding challenges...
December 29, 2015 - 2:28pm
December 28, 2015
Year in Review: Promenade on Oxford -- a timeline
Jan. 30 Brian Pellowski, owner of PBK Investments, speaks at the Worthington Regional Economic Development Corp. conference and unveils preliminary plans for the Northland Mall property redevelopment. Pellowski explains that the mall building was too deteriorated to be rehabilitated...
December 28, 2015 - 10:00pm
City confident Promenade development can advance
WORTHINGTON — As Worthington is gripped in winter’s icy embrace, Worthington Mayor Mike Kuhle and City Administrator Steve Robinson are looking to the next several months, when — if all things go as hoped — spring will bring with it significant developments with the mall...
December 28, 2015 - 9:56pm
December 23, 2015
Eighth U.S. death linked to Takata airbag rupture
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Reuters) — The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday that an eighth U.S. death is linked to...
December 23, 2015 - 4:10pm
December 11, 2015
Mohs named new Brainerd Dispatch publisher by FCC
BRAINERD — Pete Mohs has been named the new publisher of the Brainerd Dispatch, Forum Communications Co. announced Friday. Mohs, who also will...
December 11, 2015 - 9:33pm
December 4, 2015
Dayton retreats as Essar pays some of its outstanding bills
NASHWAUK — Essar Steel Minnesota has paid $20 million in overdue bills to contractors working on its Nashwauk taconite plant, a good-faith effort that has spurred Gov. Mark Dayton to back off calling a debt the company owes the state. Dayton earlier this week threatened to call...
December 4, 2015 - 10:09pm
November 13, 2015
Sibley's new AmericInn hosts open house
SIBLEY, Iowa — The doors are open and guests are flocking to the AmericInn in Sibley. Four weeks to the day of its soft opening, AmericInn...
November 13, 2015 - 5:19pm
October 30, 2015
Dayton: Communication necessary on mine issues
ST. PAUL — Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton wants PolyMet Mining to communicate with Minnesotans if the state issues a permit to open a copper-nickel...
October 30, 2015 - 9:52pm
October 23, 2015
Work session on mall site is Monday
WORTHINGTON — It’s hard to miss the less-than-attractive sight of the former Northland Mall property while driving along Oxford Street. Promenade on Oxford, a redevelopment proposal that combines the addition of both new retailers and much-needed rental housing, has the potential...
October 23, 2015 - 9:54pm

domain: news


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The Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil (the Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil) has published guidance for a presidential election in October.
The guidance includes essays on political participation and the gospel, the church’s constitution and the Anglican Communion’s Five Marks of Mission. It addresses issues such as inequality, violence, corruption, and Christian responsibility in political life.
The guidance suggests that Anglicans listen to candidates’ proposals and “separate those that do not correspond to some or all of these principles.” It does not endorse candidates, but suggests that readers ask which candidates’ policies “correspond to all or most of these principles.”
The elections on Oct. 7 will be the first in Brazil since President Dilma Rousseff of the Workers’ Party was impeached. Rousseff was elected in 2010, and re-elected in 2014, with just over 51 percent of the vote.
She was suspended by the Senate in May 2016 ahead of her impeachment in August that year, on charges of breaking budgetary rules. Vice President Michael Temer of the Democratic Movement Party assumed the presidency.
Bishop Francisco De Assis Da Silva, Anglican Primate of Brazil at the time, opposed her impeachment.
If none of the 13 candidates achieves at least 50 percent in the first round of voting, the two candidates with the most votes will face enter a runoff election on Oct. 28.
Adapted from ACNS

domain: politics


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Latest asylum rule is proof of the Trump administration’s racist agenda
The United States has abandoned morality and compassion for flagrant discrimination against Central American and Caribbean populations seeking refuge.
July 17, 2019 – As of yesterday, the United States is implementing a new rule requiring all asylum seekers who have travelled to the border by way of another country to first apply for asylum in the transit country before applying in the United States. Oscar Chacon, Executive Director for Alianza Americas, issued the following statement on the matter:
“This policy will essentially make asylum unattainable for people from Central America who are travelling through the Central America-Mexico corridor. In practical terms, this requirement is a negation of the right to asylum. It is a clearly racist measure that is part of a pattern of discrimination against Latin American and Caribbean populations, particularly those from Central America, and advances an agenda built on white supremacy that has consistently characterized President Trump and will continue to be part of his re-election strategy in 2020.
Having been thwarted in its initial attempts to force Safe Third Country” agreements on Mexico and Guatemala, the United States taken unilateral action that will bring devastating consequences to the region. The country that claims to be the strongest and most stable on the continent has shamefully resolved to export a humanitarian crisis to less stable countries. This rule will create greater vulnerability, leading to new forms of extortion and trafficking for thousands of foreigners travelling through the Central America-Mexico-US corridor in search of protection. Additionally, it reinforces a focus on punishment and restriction that has failed for decades, and does nothing to address the causes that are forcing thousands of Central Americans to flee. The Trump administration’s failed strategies have resulted in deaths, trauma, suffering, and lack of protection.
With this rule, the United States is ignoring international responsibilities to offer protection to those who have fled their countries in search of safety. The United States is violating the principle of non-refoulement by adding an additional requirement for asylum seekers that runs contrary to international rights and United States law. This violation of national laws and international responsibilities must be challenged immediately.
Children, women, men and families who have been forced to flee Central America require support and protection. The United States is morally responsible for the causes driving this exodus that has been occurring through decades of failed policies and strategies in the region. The United States can and must come up with measures to respond to this massive exodus. Instead of being an example to the world of how to address humanitarian crises, the United States is doing the complete opposite, demonstrating how not to respond to migration and refugees.
Alianza Americas is a network of 50 immigrant-led organizations representing more than 100,000 families across the United States. It is the only US-based organization rooted in Latino and Caribbean immigrant communities that works transnationally to create an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable way of life. Learn more at alianzaamericas.org.


It's official, Australia is Asian
Well, not exactly, but the big news in the world of Australian soccer is that the Asian Football Federation has formally invited Australia to wean themselves away from the puny Oceania Football Federation to join the much larger Asian Football Federation.
Normally the province of painters and poets, in this case, it's soccer players who are the harbringers of change. And the future is Asian.
Of course, Australia joining Asia is only the latest episode in the entertaining sideshow Australia gets jerked around by FIFA. But it's precisely because geographically, Australia is located awkardly between the America and Asia, that Australian sport can be jerked around. It's not that FIFA is blind to geo-politics: Israel plays in the European Federation, whereas the rest of the Middle East play in the Asian Football Federation.
In previous years, for Australia to make it into the World Cup tournament, it would have to win the Oceania Federation - in which the only decent opponent is New Zealand - and then Austalia would have to beat the fifth placed South American team. Beating a South American team is always a daunting prospect as South America has produced some of the greatest players ever, Pele, Ronaldo, Romario, Maradona. North America and Asia players do not inspire nearly as much fear.
Over the last few years, the qualification to the World Cup has been a roller-coaster of capricious changes. For the 98 World Cup in France, FIFA changed the rules to help Australia where Australia had to beat the fifth-based Asian team on a wild-card to get in. Australia got so close, leading 2-0 in the penultimate match, only for the plucky Iranians to squeak in 2 goals in the last 20 minutes. But then for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, Australia got put back into South America, as FIFA had to make room for both South Korea and Japan, thereby reducing the number of places for Asian teams. Australian officials then tried to get an automatic qualification for Oceania. This was accepted by Fifa but then immediately rejected, and rightly so, because the entire population of Oceania barely fits into a province in Brazil.
It's not that Australia lacks talent, players like Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka, and Tim Cahill ply their trade in the upper-echelons of European club soccer. But it's hard to imagine these Premiership millionares getting worked up to swat past the amateur players that some of the Oceania nations offer. Now with the tough new Asian teams (South Korea and Asia), Australian super-stars can look forward to qualifying games that will truly test their steel. If they do qualify, it would be due to a steady accumulation of points and not to a sudden-death Russian roulette with the fifth-placed South American team.
So Australian soccer officials finally saw the light that Australia's future is with Asia, an Asia that welcomes us with open arms. Unfortunately, it is a light that our current Prime Mininster John Howard, in his racist myopia, cannot see - that Australia is the gateway, the door, the doorman for the West to the East. This is something that the previous prime minister, the reviled but neverthteless visionary Paul Keating, clearly understood. Under Paul Keating, the Australian government had started to tilt its cultural axis towards Asia - promoting business and cultural exchanges, bringing in the high-flying Asian tourists, and more imporatantly, implementing educational policies such as requiring all high-school students to learn one asian language.
All this has been reversed under the Howard government. Australians are now pasty yes-men to Americans, immigration policies are used to create fear of anyone non-anglo-american. If Australian soccer followed this strategy, they would be playing stodgy defensive football, with the only attacking option being a hopeful long ball lobbed over the midfield. To its credit, Australian soccer can now play entertaining football, passing its way through the midfield, and finishing with aplomb. Such confidence has allowed Australia Soccer to stake its claim in Asia. And if this is a sign to come, the rest of Australia will surely follow.


January 31 - 6-8pm: Poster presentation "Disruptive laser diode source for embedded LIDAR sensors"
Dr Andreas Kohl (Quantel Laser) will present the poster "Disruptive laser diode source for embedded LIDAR sensors" at Photonics West, San Francisco Moscone Center , CA, USA.
26 January 2017 Back
MOSCONE WEST LEVELS 2 & 3
Céline Canal, Arnaud Laugustin, Andreas Kohl and Olivier Rabot (Quantel Laser Diodes)
This presentation will bring into the picture a cutting edge laser diode source that can deliver millijoule pulses as short as 15 ns. Already used in photoacoustic handheld medical devices and in active imaging systems for civil-engineering, these laser diode sources are dedicated to systems that needs compactness for short-pulse laser light while providing high peak powers. That also seems to be a requirement for automotive LIDAR to reach a medium detection range of about 100 meters. Further work continues to go beyond the state-of-the art through miniaturization of the laser diodes, which will bring even shorter pulses and contribute to cost savings in their manufacturing.


Brainerd Public Schools announce distance learning model for all its students
"Thank you for your unending support for high quality education for all learners at Brainerd Public Schools and please stay strong, courageous, patient, and most of all — healthy," Brainerd superintendent stated in a letter.
Brainerd Public Schools announced Tuesday, Nov. 10, it will move the rest of its students into the distance learning model.
Students in fifth through 12th grade moved Nov. 5 to the distance learning model and now students in the early learning programs through fourth grade will begin transitioning to distance learning effective Monday, Nov. 16.
Brainerd Superintendent Laine Larson offered details of the move in a letter sent Tuesday to all the parents in the school district.
“On behalf of the Board of Education and the administrative team, it is once again with a heavy heart and out of deep concern for the health and welfare of our school community that I am making the following announcement,” Larson stated. “Brainerd Public Schools students in early learning programs through fourth grade, as students in grades 5-12 who are attending in-person, will begin transitioning to distance learning effective Monday, November 16, 2020.”
Teachers will use Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 16-17, as planning days so there will be no school for students in the early learning programs through fourth grade for students who attend on-site or virtually. Distance learning will officially begin with teachers on Nov. 18.
Students in grades five through 12th will continue to participate in distance learning throughout the elementary school transition period and until further notice, the school reported.
RELATED: Walz to announce additional COVID-19 restrictions on Tuesday
To continue timely connections, the district will send out bi-monthly updates to communicate learning model changes for all students throughout this uncharted period of time, Larson stated in the letter.
The extensive details of this most recent change, including information for students in early learning and special education programs at all levels, will be announced Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 11.
“In the meantime, we know staff and families will have many questions,” Larson stated. “We request that you hold on to those questions until after the details are released on Wednesday in order to give our leadership team the time needed to address and finalize the plans we have been developing but hoped we would never need to implement. Included in those details will be directions for submitting any questions that remain unanswered after you review the information.”
Wednesday’s detailed communication will also address recent updates that will impact Brainerd students in fifth through 12th grade.
“I am confident that our staff are now better prepared and equipped to provide high quality distance learning instruction until we can safely and enthusiastically bring all students back into our buildings for the hybrid learning model once COVID-19 cases notably reduce in our schools, county and state. Thank you for your unending support for high quality education for all learners at Brainerd Public Schools and please stay strong, courageous, patient, and most of all — healthy.”


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this would be the second time i have done this hike. however, i did it back in the summer, when it was hot and we had not had a lot of rain. first i would like to say, that i am thankful that i had my trek poles on this one. actually, i have to admit that i really don't go on a hike without them since i have gotten them. this particular hike is probably the hardest i have yet to do, and i believe that it was much more difficult this time as oppose to last time.
as i drove up the road to the trail head, the surroundings started turning white with a dusting of snow. it was pretty, and i got really excited. however, i was in no way prepared for what i was about to endure. i waited at the trail head for my hiking partner to get there. he finally showed up, we got our gear on, and began our journey. this was his first time on this trail, so he was excited. i was too, because i knew it would be different. the higher we got, the deeper and more covered the snow was. the cold air made it hurt a bit to breathe. the jeep road that starts out the trail is 1.5 mile.
we got onto the "real" trail which went another 2.5 miles. it seemed last time, that it took longer to do this hike, but this time didn't seem as long. we talked a lot, which is maybe why it seemed that way.
there are two areas that you have to cross that have the footlog foot bridges. the first one, we crossed without incident. the second one, however, proved to be my nemisis, and it's a wonder it didn't turn into a water rescue. as i was crossing the bridge, my foot slipped on a part of it that wasn't level. my foot went off to the left, but i managed to grab ahold of the railing before i went crashing into the water below. i didn't even drop a pole surprisingly. i looked back at my partner, and the look on his face was the look of shock. i think i nearly gave him a heart attack. i nearly had a heart attack. i got up, shook it off, and walked on across. i was laughing as i made it to the other side.i do that. i tend to laugh at myself when i do clumsy things like that. it really could have turned into a serious situation. i don't feel so bad, though, because he slipped a couple of times too. it was really not ideal for footing. it was very icy and snowy, which is where the poles came in handy.
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we did have to cross one creek, and figuring out how to do it was challenging. some of the rocks were ok, but some of them did have ice on them. we managed though. my partner and i agreed that i needed to invest in some water proof shoes. we both should have brought ponchos too, but we didn't know what to expect. we had no idea it would be that snowy. his outfit, however was water proof, so he was better off than i was.
when we managed to forge the creek, i happen to look up and realize we were there. i turned to him and said "hey, we're here!" we both looked up and it was like WOW! we could not believe how pretty it was. he even said it was breath taking, and i 100% agreed. i had seen it in the summer time, but this, i mean really.....FANTASTIC!
i'm also going to include a pic from the summer so you can see the difference.
we stood up there for awhile. my partner was cool enough to bring his ezbit stove and some hot chocolate mix. he made us some hot chocolate and we both stood under the trees. unfortunately, the sun was coming out, and the snow was beginning to melt, so we were getting a cold shower from the trees. the melting snow was even sweet enough to "kiss" our hot chocolate. we laughed as it fell into our cups we were holding. with the conbination of the cold air from the falls, and the melting snow, i started to get VERY cold. i was shivering and my hands were red and hurting. i tried to get one of my hot hands things to work, but for some reason, it wouldn't. we decided that standing under the melting snow was not the best idea, so we carefully made our way back.
the way back was much harder than the way up. we had to be careful not to slip on the steep rock steps close to the falls. we started to pass more people coming up. we were amazed at some of the people going up to the falls. a couple of them were wearing shorts.
i have to say, that i believe that this one took longer than the summer hike, but i believe it was prettier than the summer hike. i did start to warm up once we got to moving again, but the wet clothes were not a help. i am glad that we did this hike, despite the cold weather. it was worth it! i am going to leave you pics to take in the beauty, but of course it does it no justice.ENJOY!

domain: geography


text:
Lynn Fitch led the Republican primary race for state treasurer Tuesday night based on early returns, but did not have enough votes to prevent a runoff.
Fitch, 49, executive director of the State Personnel Board, will face state Sen. Lee Yancey, 43, in the Aug. 23 runoff.
Fitch had 37 percent of the vote with 1,624 of 1,873 precincts reporting, compared to Yancey's 34 percent.
"I'm very humbled and honored to be in this position," Fitch said from her election return watch party at the Old Capitol Inn. "This is a great statewide win, and this shows people are interested in having a qualified individual be their leader in the treasurer's office."
Yancey, a first-term state senator and investment adviser, watched the election returns over pizza and soda from the Fox Bay Clubhouse in Brandon. Throughout the night, Yancey was confident he'd have a spot in the runoff.
"We had more volunteers, more signs, more groundwork than anyone else," he said. "We're going to pour it on like thunder and lightning."
The third candidate, Lucien Smith, 30, former budget adviser and legal counsel to Gov. Haley Barbour, carried 29 percent of the vote.
From Brent's Drugs in Fondren, Smith said he would throw his support behind the runoff winner.
"At this point, I've called Lynn and Lee to congratulate them on moving forward," Smith said. "My plan is to make sure we have a Republican treasurer in November."
On the campaign trail, the Republican contenders shared similar views on key issues such as bond debt. They each advocated reasonable bond issuance strategies so that what's being issued in a given year does not exceed the amount that was paid off the previous year.
They also touched on better funding for the state retirement system. Each advocates different benefit structures for new hires, while preventing significant changes in employee contributions and benefits for current employees and retirees.
The winner of the Republican primary will face Ocean Springs Mayor Connie Moran in the Nov. 8 general election.
Moran, 55, was unopposed in Tuesday's Democratic primary. Moran has said she would use the treasurer's office to create jobs and strengthen the state's college savings plan.
Before being elected mayor in 2005, Moran previously served as director of Jackson County Economic Development and managing director of Mississippi's European Office in Frankfurt, Germany.
Tate Reeves, state treasurer for the past eight years, chose to run for lieutenant governor.
In addition to overseeing the state investments and accounts, the treasurer serves on a three-person bond commission that authorizes projects approved by the Legislature.
To comment on this story, call Cassandra Mickens at (601) 961-7280.


Up for bid is a semi-auto SPRINGFIELD M1 GARAND rifle with a parkerized receiver, 24 inch barrel and 8 round magazine. The sights are fixed. The stock is walnut. Sling swivel stud loops front and rear. The metal has some worn finish areas and scratches. The stock has some scratches and dents but no cracks. Metal finish is conservatively about 90-95% overall, stock finish is about 85-90%.
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About Oldsmobile Bravada
Oldsmobile Bravada is a mid-size luxury SUV manufactured by General Motors and sold under its brand Oldsmobile from 1991 to 1994 and again from 1996 to 2004. The first Oldsmobile Bravada was introduced for the 1991 model year as General Motors' first foray into the mid-size SUV class and also Oldsmobile's only SUV model. As a 4-door SUV, Oldsmobile Bravada had been produced through three generations.
The second generation Oldsmobile Bravada (1996-2001) was introduced in 1996 as no 1995 models produced. It was available in 4-door, 5-passenger configuration and equipped with all-wheel drive system. The only available engine is the 4.3 L 191 hp L35 Vortec 4300 V6 engine with single exhaust. The third generation Oldsmobile Bravada (2002-2004) hit the market in February 2001. It then was available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive systems. There was a Final 500 special edition when the Oldsmobile brand demised in 2004. Oldsmobile Bravada was powered by a 4.2 L 270 hp LL8 Atlas inline 4-cylidner engine since 2002.
Oldsmobile Bravada Common Problems & Maintenance Tips
Anything would wear and tear as time passes by, without exception for Oldsmobile Bravada. Some problems would start to come for it as accumulation of its mileage. And in order to help more Oldsmobile Bravada owners in diagnosing and solving common problems on it, we have collected two most common:
First, transmission failure and the vehicle won't go into all gears. Based on Oldsmobile Bravada drivers' description as indicator does not match the gear or vehicle starts in another gear. Sometimes, it would be difficult to shift gears and the engine RPM shows higher than it should be. Gear slippage may happen as well. If any above symptoms appear on your Bravada, you can try checking the shift cable, oil pressure switch and flywheel just for in case.
Second, engine and suspension issues. Engine issues on Oldsmobile Bravada show as slower acceleration response, overheating, squealing noise coming from behind the dashboard and illuminated Check Engine Light, which could be caused by a broken radiator, speedometer, body control module or throttle cable. As for suspension failure, faulty front cross-member and sway bar bushing are often the culprits on Bravada.
Actually, some electrical auto parts on Oldsmobile Bravada such as instrument cluster, turn light switch, oxygen sensor, distributor cap, and ambient temperature sensor are also easy to go break. Not to mention some daily used parts, drive belt for instance. Wiper switch and wiper motor are key parts of windshield wiper or wiper blade; they should keep at prime condition to provide bright and clear driving vision for you.
Our website is a one-stop online shop for OEM auto parts. All brand new Oldsmobile Bravada auto parts ranging from power window switch to door lock cylinder could be found here at the lowest prices. What's more, all genuine Oldsmobile Bravada are backed by the manufacturer's warranty and will be delivered to your door step at the fastest speed. So please start your shopping with one simple click.


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Comedian Taaooma has hit one millions fans on Instagram.
“THANK YOU! One million Family! 😩😩
“Thank you for bringing me this far, this would have been nothing without you guys! 🎥 : @_abula @thegreenadecompany”, she announced on the social media platform on Saturday.
And she is really excited about the feat as she swayed and danced in a video.
(Watch the video:
Taaooma’s real name is Apaokagi Adedoyin Maryam.
She was born and raised in Ilorin, Kwara state , where she had her early education.
She also spent most of her years growing up in Namibia.
Taaooma is now 21 years old. She has a bachelors degree in tourism from Kwara State University.


SILENCE: Protesters from across the U.S. are arriving Friday in Washington, D.C., demanding the U.S. government impose sanctions on Venezuela. In the South American country, meanwhile, a man wears a narrow strip in the colors of Venezuela’s flag over his mouth Thursday in protest of officials breaking up camps maintained by student protesters in Caracas.
By Marianela Toledo | Florida Watchdog
MIAMI — Venezuelans living in exile in the U.S. are converging on Washington, D.C., demanding the federal government enact sanctions against their homeland.
The “Trip for Freedom” convoy, an event organized by Independent Venezuelan-American Citizens, on Thursday departed Miami and headed to the U.S. capital. Buses also departed from Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and 19 other states bringing protesters to Capitol Hill.
The activists, who plan to arrive in the nation’s capital on Friday, will urge the House and Senate to go forward with their proposed sanctions outlined in a bill drafted by U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen R-Fla., which proposes targeted sanctions on individuals carrying out or ordering human-rights abuses against the citizens of Venezuela. The House was expected to debate the bill on Friday.
Organizers say protesters will gather outside the White House before heading to the offices of the Organization of American States, an organization that aims to promote cooperation and solidarity between the independent countries of America. Thus far, OAS has stayed on the sidelines as Venezuela falls into chaos.
“Venezuela hurts me,” said Freedy Moros of IVAC while riding in one of the buses heading to the Capitol. “We cannot stop (our support) because in Venezuela the protests have not stopped.
SANCTIONS, NOW: Some 1,000 protesters are arriving Friday in Washington, D.C., where they will ask the U.S. government to support sanctions against Venezuela.
“I don’t know if (President Obama) doesn’t understand (what is happening in Venezuela) or is waiting for something to happen to make a decision,” said Maria Teresa Guma, an activist with IVAC.
“What we want is that he clearly understands that he cannot delay anymore,” she said.
On Thursday Roberta Jacobson, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere Affairs, told the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations that members of the opposition coalition had requested the White House not to impose sanctions on Venezuelan officials, yet.
When asked by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., which members of the opposition were asking for the delay, Jacobson could not name one.
Protests in the South American country began in February and show no signs of retreating. The violence has escalated, hundreds of arrests have been reported and at least 40 people have been killed, according to official figures.
At the same time, attempts to find consensus between the Venezuelan government and the opposition has failed and led to hyper inflation and food and medicine shortages.
The organization Human Rights Watch has accused the Venezuelan government of illegally arresting people and abusing protesters.


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BSA celebrates new NICU air ambulance service
Baptist St. Anthony's Hospital celebrated its new critical care air ambulance service for babies in their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Thursday evening. There have been a handful of Apollo MedFlights since the transportation service launched Sept. 21.
"Some of the transports have been infants that were critically ill that required a lot of management," said Kelly Clements, BSA NICU medical director. "We're really proud to see the hundreds of hours of training and planning that have gone into this really come to fruition."
The Beecchraft King Air 90 fixed wing transport isolette is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that provides warmth or cooling and monitors a baby's vital signs during transport. Additionally, it has the only Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist system in the Panhandle. Previously the hospital did not have a NICU transportation aircraft and had to contract out services when needed.
"NICU babies require transportation with a specially trained and certified critical care specialty team. Babies under five kilos are too small to be transported by a traditional adult or pediatric transport team," Clements said. "This has been something that we've been planning for about a year and a half. We wanted to make sure that everything was in place when we had the official launch party; we also wanted to bundle it with our 20th NICU anniversary celebration."
With Apollo MedFlight, the BSA NICU transportation team can fly to rural communities to transport babies from area hospitals to the Level III designated BSA NICU.
“Although it’s recommended for high-risk pregnancies to deliver at a hospital with a (NICU), sometimes it’s inevitable that a birth happens in a hospital without a high level of neonatal care,” said BSA NICU and Women’s Services Director, Patty Mathies. “That’s why the need for specially trained personnel is important to ensure that our areas tiniest patients are transported safely to BSA.”
The service is also used to transport neonatal babies from BSA to Level IV neonatal hospitals in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma City, usually within a 300 to 400 mile range.
"We're looking at about a 30 minute flight time to get to a destination that normally would take three hours or more by ground," said Cristina Vasquez, BSA NICU nurse manager and flight nurse. "This is exciting. We're excited to help save baby's lives in the community and out in the region."
In addition to the crew -- a NICU physician or nurse practitioner, nurse, respiratory therapist and Apollo flight crew member -- Vasquez said the larger space allows for the accommodation of bringing a parent along for the ride.
She said, "The nice thing about flying on a fixed wing is that we are able to take a parent with us. Normally in an ambulance or helicopter, you're limited to space, you're only allowed to have your crew members in there. With us being on a plane, we're able to bring at least one of the parents with us so they can stay with their baby."


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2 Oct :The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, met a large number of people from a cross-section of society at Rashtrapati Bhavan today and exchanged greetings on the occasion of Idu’l Fitr. Those who visited Rashtrapati Bhavan on this occasion included children and senior citizens.
The President said, "this festival brings joy and happiness to all and especially to those who have observed fasting during the Holy month of Ramzan.
This year’s festival should inspire all of us to strengthen the principles of tolerance, friendship and mutual goodwill among our people and everyone should share their joy with the needy."


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Sway Calloway Palms Khloe Kardashian's Cheeks on Camera!
Khloe Kardashian visited Sway Calloway's Sway In The Morning show recently and spoke openly about her marriage to Lamar Odom and some controversy they faced regarding a clothing company Lamar runs.
However, things started off rather flirtatious and loose at the beginning of the interview. One of the first comments out of Sway's mouth was "Your buttocks look amazing." Things got even more turned up when Khloe rose to her feet to show off her newly toned body and Sway asked "Can I touch it," to which Khole obliged, as she did a slow 360 degree spin for the camera to show off her sexy curves in full.
Check out the rather interesting video above, as Sway Calloway Palms Khloe Kardashian's Cheeks on Camera!!

domain: celebrity


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Can I book a flight to Cuba?
Skyscanner will find all the sites that allow you to book flights to Cuba for you. This includes Cubana which means if it’s the cheapest flight you will have to book through their site anyway. Skyscanner makes the search a little easier and it’s a great place to start your Cuba flight search.
How much does a plane ticket to Cuba cost?
Cheap flights to CubaPopular inJulyHigh demand for flights, 12% potential price riseAverage price$376Average for round-trip flights in September 2020Round-trip from$242From Las Vegas to HavanaOne-way from$110One-way flight from Las Vegas to Havana
What is the cheapest month to fly to Cuba?
Can I still travel to Cuba 2020?
Yes! Travel to Cuba in 2020 is still possible for Americans who wish to travel independently. You just need to pay attention to the rules. Americans are allowed to travel to Cuba under 11 different travel categories of authorized travel that reflect the activities travelers will do while in Cuba.
Can you fly directly from US to Cuba?
Direct from the United States
You can fly from any city in the US to Cuba now. In most cases, such as from Pittsburgh to Havana, you’ll have a layover. But if you live in or near any of the cities listed below, you can travel nonstop to Havana and a handful of other cities in Cuba.
Can you legally travel to Cuba?
Yes, you can still legally travel to Cuba as a citizen of the United States. … First, citizens of the United States could freely travel to Cuba, then we could under certain conditions, now those restrictions have changed. If you’re a bit perplexed by the new Cuban travel sanctions, you’re not the only one.
Do you need a visa to go to Cuba?
Visitors to Cuba must obtain a visa before travel or a tourist card from one of the Cuban diplomatic missions, travel agencies or authorized airlines unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries. … Visitors from many countries are expected to hold a passport valid for at least two months from the arrival date.
What party is Cuba?
The Communist Party of Cuba is the ruling political party in the Republic of Cuba. The Cuban constitution ascribes the role of the party to be the “leading force of society and of the state”.
Is Cuba cheap or expensive?
Cuba is generally pretty affordable, especially compared to other Caribbean Islands, yet is more expensive than other parts of Latin America like Mexico or Central American nations. With a special 2nd currency just for tourists, you’ll be forced to pay tourist prices most of the time.
How many days do you need in Cuba?
Cuba has 15 provinces. To spend time in all, you would need a month. To adequately see all of Cuba you would need a lot more than that. I would say that 4 or 6 days is not enough to adequately see Havana.
Do I need any vaccinations for Cuba?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Cuba. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Cuba: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus. Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated.
Why can’t Americans go to Cuba?
The U.S. government has limited travel to Cuba since 1960—after Fidel Castro came to power—and to this day, travel for tourist activities remains controlled largely due to a fear of communism in Cuba.
Do I need an itinerary to go to Cuba?
All Americans who travel to Cuba need to have an itinerary that fits into their chosen category of travel. It’s not for you or for the Cuban government, it’s for US immigration. Have it handy when you go through immigration on the way back to the US even though officials ask for the itinerary less than 1% of the time.


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Decorate Your Own Coaster Set of 12
3 Yrs | Preschool
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6 Yrs | Gr 1
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8 Yrs | Gr 3
9 Yrs | Gr 4
10 Yrs | Gr 5
11 Yrs | Gr 6
12 Yrs+ | Gr 7+
Decorate Your Own Coaster Set of 12Make your coaster as colorful as you want with this Decorate Your Own Coaster Kits, Set of 12. Perfect for birthday parties or group activities! Each one unique and personal and ideal for holiday, Father's Day, Mother's Day and even Grandparent's Day.
CREATIVE EXPRESSION: Decorate your coaster however you want it whether using paint, stickers, pens, markers, or various other art mediums. Allow your creativity to run wild through creating pictures and writing words.
FUN AND EDUCATIONAL: Not only do decorating coasters provide fun and creativity, it also helps kids improve their fine motor function and hand-eye coordination.
GREAT GIFT: A perfect gift to give to someone. Each unique and personalized and ideal to use for birthday presents, holiday treats, Mother's/Father's Day gifts, and much more. Add some nice decor on any coffee table!
GREAT FOR YOUNG STUDENTS: Young children can delight in creating their first lasting masterpiece, no matter their level of ability!
NO MESS AND EASY: Coasters can be decorated with various art mediums which means parents don't have to worry about paint spilling over the carpet. Can be decorated just as easily with only stickers and markers.
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Colorations Dyo Metal Pails Set of 10398000
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It’s a girl for actor turned photographer Lance Gross and his model girlfriend Rebecca Jefferson. On Sunday, Oct. 5, the twosome hosted an adorable baby shower featuring a custom chalkboard to celebrate their baby girl on board and super cute party favors accessorized with a variety of petite pink bows.
Gross gushed about the occasion saying:
“Today was dope. Thank you to our incredible friends and family for throwing us such a beautiful baby shower.”
Turning up with smiles and beautiful faces at Lance and Bec Baby Shower are the Haqq sister! Malika and Khadijah
On July 16, the couple first announced that they were expecting when Gross shared a nude image of Jefferson flaunting her bare baby bump via Instagram. This will be the duo’s first child together. For more photos of Gross and Jefferson’s laid-back-luxe style shower, hit the flip below. – ruthie hawkins/@ruubabie


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This class serves as a perfect introduction to dance, movement and choreography for young children
Tag Archive for: dance class
A high-energy hip-hop dance class for ages 7-9.
A ballet class for mature adults with little or no past experience. Students will focus on alignment, balance, coordination, simple steps, and combinations with joy and vitality.
A bi-weekly class focusing on ballet technique for beginners.
A bi-weekly class focusing on ballet technique for any level of dancer.
NEW! This workshop is an intensive with a focus on the Russian barre and center.
This class will focus on the rhythm and coordination of jazz as well as the steps and sound of tap basics.
Join a class where everyone dances to their own beat, shakes it, and laughs while learning and building a routine each week!
NEW! Father and daughter (or mother and son) will enjoy time together as they learn the basics of classic ballroom dancing.
NEW! Dance Fitness is a unique class where students will explore a different part of their body each week (head, neck, shoulders, ribs, arms, hips, legs and feet) and learn the basic dance steps to improve health and well being.


Cloud Connected Data Collection
Logix on Cloud is the superpower that helps you get the most out of your connected Radar Speed Signs | Speed Radar Signs. Get all the intel on your streets right from any wifi connected device.
Data Collection Radar Speed Signs give you instant access to your connected devices from anywhere. Get real time data, customized alerts, and detailed reporting right from your desk. See stats, change settings, check batteries, and download data without ever travelling to any device locations. Logix on Cloud offers unlimited possibilities to help you maximize what your cloud connected radar sign devices can do.
Manage alerts, messages, and display settings all from one screen from your Radar Signs.
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Use data to generate detailed reports you can use to better improve safety on your roads.
Map unlimited connected device locations and create and apply parameters for each.
No software install, no hardware required, access a wealth of intelligent traffic data from anywhere, anytime.
Receive email notification from your Radar Speed Sign for alerts such as high or low speed or when batteries are low.
One click lets you schedule and program multiple connected devices simultaneously.
Access detailed traffic stats on driver speeds and volume by time of day and week.
Operate devices in stealth mode, compare driver behavior with and without the speed display.
Analyze traffic trends and assess when and where more enforcement is called for.
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How to clean your air ducts
Improve your indoor air quality and live a healthier life
Find Home Warranties, Service Plans near you
Household air pollution killed 3.2 million people in 2020, according to the World Health Organization. Pair this with the fact that the average American spends approximately 90% of their time indoors, and it’ll probably leave you wondering about the air quality in your own home.
Indoor air quality matters, and one of the biggest things you can do to improve yours is learn how to clean your air ducts.
- Poor indoor air quality increases the risk of bronchitis, asthma, emphysema and lung cancer, and dirty air ducts are one of the leading causes of poor indoor air quality.
- The job of cleaning your air ducts is something you can do yourself with the right equipment and approach.
- If you’re not confident about taking on air duct cleaning yourself, calling in a reputable company to handle it is your best bet.
How do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned?
Look for the following signs and symptoms of dirty air ducts:
Dust around vents
“Is there a layer of dust built up on the slats of your vent covers? If so, there’s a good chance your ducts have a layer of dust too,” said Walenty Bednarski, an indoor air quality specialist. “Another telltale sign is a puff of dust from the vents when the furnace kicks on.”
Visible mold growth
Mold and mildew can’t grow in clean air ducts. Remove a few of your vents and shine a flashlight inside. If you see anything growing either inside or around the vent covers, it’s definitely time for a duct cleaning.
“Notice a bad smell in your home, but can’t pinpoint the source? It could be dirt and debris in your ducts,” said Bednarski. “Go around smelling them carefully if you suspect this, or call in a professional to get to the bottom of things.”
Allergy or respiratory issues
I once entered the home of a friend and immediately started sneezing uncontrollably. Turns out his air ducts were full of mold and rodent nests. “If your breathing is being noticeably affected when you enter your home, chances are fairly good that dirty ducts are why,” Bednarski advised.
» LEARN: Best home warranties for HVAC
How to clean your air ducts
Cleaning your air ducts requires multiple tools. You may have some of them already, but others may require a trip to the hardware store. Things you'll need include:
- Shop vac with long hose attachment
- Powerful electric leaf blower
- Flexible extending duct cleaning brush
- Concrobium mold control spray
- Wide masking tape
- Wool insulation
Directions for cleaning your air ducts
To safely clean your air ducts, follow these steps.
Be sure to wear a respirator as you work so you don’t breathe in any dust and debris.
- Switch off your furnace or any other appliances designed to move air through your ductwork.
- Remove all heating vent covers and cold air return covers in your home, and then use your shop vac to vacuum away any dust and debris you find inside each vent as far in as your vacuum hose can reach.
- Cut one piece of cardboard for every heating and cold air return vent in your home, making the pieces slightly larger than the vent opening. Fasten each piece of cardboard down firmly over its opening with masking tape, except for the heating vent furthest from your furnace.
- Locate the access ports for cleaning in the bottom of your heating and cold air return ductwork. Remove the cover plate on the heating duct access port.
- Insert the end of your shop vac hose into the access port, then stuff wool insulation into the duct behind the hose to prevent dust and debris from moving past the vacuum and into your furnace.
- Go down to your basement and switch on the shop vac. Keep it running as you return to the furthest heat vent from the furnace.
- Slide your vent cleaning brush into the vent, then attach the non-bristle end to a drill. Run the drill at low speed to rotate the brush inside the duct as you extend it further. When you run out of brush length, detach the drill and thread on another length of brush handle. Reattach the drill and repeat the process until you’ve gone as far as the brush will allow. Remove the brush, detaching each segment as you do.
- Stick your leaf blower inside the furthest heat vent from your furnace, then seal the vent around the leaf blower using wool insulation. Switch on the leaf blower and run it for a couple minutes, giving it time to blow all the freshly loosened dust down the duct and into the running shop vac.
- Repeat the process for the rest of the heating vents in your home, making sure every vent not being cleaned is sealed with cardboard.
- Transfer your shop vac to the main cold air return duct, close the main heat duct, and then repeat all the same cleaning steps for each cold air return vent and duct in your home.
- Spray and wipe down any vent covers and ductwork that have mold or mildew with mold control spray.
How much does it cost to clean your air ducts?
If you hire a professional duct cleaning company, expect to pay anywhere from $450 to $1,000, depending on the size of your home. This cost range is a good ballpark but is subject to change depending on the accessibility and layout of your HVAC system and furnace. Exceptionally dirty, moldy or vermin-infested ducts will likely cost more than normal to clean, particularly if extra workers are needed.
» NEED HELP WITH VERMIN? Best pest control companies
Some home warranty plans cover the cost of cleaning your air ducts. Read your contract carefully or ask a company representative what's covered under your plan.
Cleaning your own air ducts will almost certainly be cheaper, provided you already have the required tools. If you own a good shop vac and leaf blower, the only cost besides your time and effort will be for some wool insulation, tape, an extending duct cleaning brush (about $40) and cardboard. You may even have these items lying around, in which case your only cost will be time, the brush and elbow grease.
Tips for maintaining clean air ducts
Once you’ve put in the time and effort to clean your air ducts or hired someone to do it, it’s only reasonable to want them to stay clean as long as possible. Here are some simple things you can do to keep dust at bay.
- Clean your air ducts every three to five years. Massive buildups of dust and debris are harder to clean, so cleaning a bit more often makes sense.
- Change your air filters regularly. All modern furnaces and heat pump systems come with replaceable air filters to prevent dust from getting into your ductwork in the first place. Swap out both filters every three months to ensure they’re doing their job.
- Keep your house clean, vacuuming often enough to keep dust off your floors and walls.
- Article sources
- ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
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SALT LAKE CITY — Following a nationwide search, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has appointed a veteran human services and nonprofit organization administrator as executive director of the Utah Department of Human Services.
Ann Silverberg Williamson, president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations in Baton Rouge, La., will succeed Palmer DePaulis, who is retiring. Williamson's nomination is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.
“Ann has a record as a visionary leader, an effective administrator, and most important, a compassionate and caring person,” Herbert said in a statement announcing his selection. “She is well-suited to lead our human services team as they provide much-needed services for our most vulnerable citizens.”
Williamson is expected to take her post in November.
As president of the Louisiana association, Williamson advocated for Louisana's nonprofit community, working to enhance the effectiveness of groups and improve outcomes for the people they serve. In 2012, she was recognized by the Nonprofit Times as a Top 50 Nonprofit Leader of Power and Influence.
Previously, Williamson was the cabinet secretary for Louisiana’s Department of Social Services from 2004 to 2008. Prior to that appointment, Williamson was business retention specialist at the Memphis Center City Commission and a policy analyst in the Louisiana's governor's office.
Williamson earned a master’s degree in social work from Louisiana State University in 1998, and received a bachelor degree in theology from Wofford College.
She and her husband Tyler Everitt Williamson and the parents of two daughters and a son.
“Nothing is closer to my heart than helping people find the opportunity and the tools to improve their lives,” Williamson said in a prepared statement.4 comments on this story
"I consider it an honor to answer the call in the realm of human services, in which I have spent my career, both in government and the private sector. I eagerly look forward to becoming a citizen of Utah and to working on a dynamic team dedicated to the common good."
The Utah Department of Human Services, which employs more than 4,000 people, provides direct and contracted services to the state's vulnerable children, families and adults.
DePaulis, who has worked in public service for 30 years, has led the department since 2010.


AC Power Supply Module: Ensuring Efficient and Reliable Electrical Power
Author： ZYG Power Module Time： 2024-1-1
In today’s modern world, electrical power is the lifeblood of our daily lives. It powers our homes, workplaces, and industries, enabling us to use various appliances and devices. However, to ensure the efficient and reliable delivery of electrical power, an AC power supply module plays a crucial role. This article will explore the importance of AC power supply modules and how they contribute to the efficiency and reliability of electrical power.
Efficiency of AC Power Supply Modules:
AC power supply modules are designed to convert alternating current (AC) into low-voltage direct current (DC) power, which is suitable for powering electronic devices. One of the key factors determining the efficiency of these modules is their power conversion efficiency. This refers to the ratio of the output power to the input power.
Efficient AC power supply modules minimize power losses during the conversion process. They achieve this by utilizing advanced power electronics technologies, such as switching mode power supplies (SMPS). SMPS employ high-frequency switching circuits to regulate the output voltage, resulting in reduced power losses compared to traditional linear power supplies.
Moreover, AC power supply modules with high efficiency not only save energy but also generate less heat. This reduces the need for additional cooling systems, making them more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Reliability of AC Power Supply Modules:
Reliability is a crucial aspect of any electrical power system. In the case of AC power supply modules, reliability refers to their ability to consistently deliver the required power without interruptions or failures. Several factors contribute to the reliability of these modules.
Firstly, AC power supply modules incorporate various protection mechanisms to safeguard against potential electrical faults. Overvoltage protection, overcurrent protection, and short-circuit protection are some common features found in reliable modules. These protection mechanisms ensure that excessive voltage or current does not damage the connected devices or the power supply itself.
Secondly, reliable AC power supply modules undergo rigorous testing and quality control procedures during their manufacturing process. These tests include temperature and humidity testing, vibration testing, and electrical performance testing. By subjecting the modules to these tests, manufacturers can identify any potential issues and rectify them before deployment.
Furthermore, redundancy is often incorporated into AC power supply modules to enhance reliability. Redundancy involves the duplication of critical components or subsystems, allowing for seamless switchovers in case of failure. This ensures uninterrupted power supply and minimizes downtime.
AC power supply modules are essential components that ensure the efficient and reliable delivery of electrical power. Their high efficiency reduces power losses and saves energy, making them environmentally friendly. Moreover, their reliability is crucial to avoid interruptions and failures in power supply, protecting the connected devices and systems. By incorporating advanced technologies and robust protection mechanisms, AC power supply modules continue to evolve, providing improved performance and contributing to our increasingly electrified world.
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Guest Post by David Vardy
province’s deteriorating fiscal position has been linked with Muskrat Falls but
yet it has received scant attention. Virtually absent from the Muskrat Falls
Inquiry (MFI), and from the PUB reference Inquiry into Rate Mitigation options,
is the fiscal impact of the project. It remains the elephant in the room, in
plain view but virtually ignored by both inquiries. Yet it is the major public policy issue
facing the province.
PUB reference Inquiry is focused on the means whereby revenues can be generated
to pay the increased revenue requirements to operate our electrical power
system, rather than on the fiscal impact. In its work the PUB has been directed
to examine measures to reduce the cost of providing electrical power as well as
to identify new sources of revenues. The
fiscal impact of the project remains outside of the scope of the PUB. All of
this suggests we must look to the MFI for an assessment of fiscal impact.
the terms of reference for the MFI include the fiscal impact? Section 5 (e) of
the terms of reference includes the following language, which I take as an
The commission of inquiry, in carrying out the terms of reference referred to
in section 4 shall consider: e) The need to balance the interests of ratepayers
and the interests of taxpayers in carrying out a large-scale publicly funded
underlining I have supplied below, in combination with section 5(e), suggests
that the Commissioner intended to include fiscal impact as well as the
“business case” for the project when he wrote his interpretation of the terms
Generally speaking, it is clear to me that the Order in Council, and
specifically section 4, is geared to focus the Commission’s work and mandate,
primarily at the least, on the business case put forward by Nalcor leading to
the official sanction of the Muskrat Falls Project by Government in December
2012 as well as the reasons why the costs of construction of the Project have
escalated from the initial estimates made. By business case, I mean
specifically the case advanced by Nalcor, and accepted by the Government, for
the need, financial viability, costs and benefits of the Muskrat Falls Project.
Really what is primarily being asked of the Commission is to explain what was
done by Nalcor and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to cause the
Muskrat Falls Project to be sanctioned, whether the analysis done by Nalcor and
the Government was reasonable considering best industry practice and why the
Project cost has escalated so significantly.
All of what I have stated above leads me to conclude that the Government’s
focus in drafting and approving the Terms of Reference found in the Order in
Council is very much based upon the Project’s viability, risks, costs and
benefits and the consideration of these by Nalcor and the Government at the
time of sanction and thereafter.
terms of the federal loan guarantee provide an understanding of the obligations
accepted by the Government of Canada and identify the commitments imposed on
the province. Much was made of the benefits of the loan guarantee, which
reduces our borrowing costs and improves the business case for the project. The
loan guarantee was intended to provide access to borrowed funds at the lowest
possible cost. The federal government guarantee de-risked the investment from
the lender’s standpoint, making it possible to raise $5 billion in debt at a
lower interest rate than would be available to the province or to Nalcor Energy
on its own. This was subsequently raised to $7.9 billion in March of 2017.
return, the province gave undertakings to the federal government, in the loan
guarantee agreements and in the power purchase agreement between NL Hydro and
the Muskrat Falls Corporation (MFC). The undertakings made by GNL can be
grouped into two categories. The first category includes those measures that
apply during the construction of the project, a period spanning the eight years
from sanction on December 17, 2012 to late 2020 when the project is scheduled
for completion. The second category deals with undertakings after the project
is completed and extending over the 50 year period from 2020 to 2070.
attention has been focused upon the 50 year operational undertakings. Most of
the discussion has centered instead on the eight year construction phase. The
obligations imposed upon the province during the operational phase are very
demanding, no less demanding than those during the construction phase.
the construction phase the project injected economic stimulus, albeit at a very
high cost for each short term job it created. After construction is finished
the project will attempt to recover these construction costs along with the
cost of operation and maintenance as well as extraordinary and emergency
repairs. The largest costs relate to interest on debt, repayment of principal,
dividends and repayment of equity investment, and depreciation. The total
revenue requirements in 2021 amount to $725.9 million, rising to $2.5 billion
province was required to provide a “completion guarantee”, which meant that
regardless of how high the costs went the province would provide equity financing
and guarantee that the project will be finished. The project cost at sanction
(December 17, 2012) was estimated at $7.4 billion, including $1.2 billion in
invested $500 million in the Labrador Island Link (LIL) and the federal government
guaranteed $5 billion, leaving $1.9 billion to be invested by the province. The
$1.9 billion from the province was to be the “base equity”. The latest
estimates from Nalcor Energy show that the province’s equity is now $3,739
million, almost double the $1.9 billion estimated in 2012, while Emera’s equity
is $865 million, up from $500 million in 2012 (see Table below, from Nalcor’s
response to my ATIPPA request). Federally guaranteed debt has increased from $5
billion to $7.9 billion. (Note that savings in financial costs appear from the
table below to have contributed to a
reduction in Nalcor’s estimated cost, reducing it below the official $12.7
billion estimate which has remained unchanged since 2017).
province’s undertaking is to keep its equity investment in place until earnings
allow equity to be returned to the shareholder. Essentially this means that the
“construction undertaking” remains in place for 58 years and not just for the
eight year construction period.
operational undertakings call for the province to ensure that NL Hydro receives
sufficient revenues to meet all of its obligations to MFC. This is all set out
in the loan guarantee agreement and in the power purchase agreement. Schedule A
of the loan guarantee agreement calls for GNL to
that, upon MF achieving in-service, the regulated rates for Newfoundland and
Labrador Hydro (”NLH”) will allow it to collect sufficient revenue in each
year to enable NLH to recover those amounts incurred for the purchase and
delivery of energy from MF, including those costs incurred by NLH pursuant to
any applicable power purchase agreement (“PPA”) between NLH and the
relevant Nalcor subsidiary or entity controlled by Nalcor that will provide for
a recovery of costs over the term of the PPA and relate to:
initial and sustaining capital costs and related financing costs (on both debt
and equity), including all debt service costs and a defined internal rate of
return on equity over the term of the PPA;
operating and maintenance costs, including those costs associated with
transmission service for delivery of MF power over the LTA.
language is found in the power purchase agreement, confirming that NL Hydro
must recover all costs, including those relating to debt and equity. This means
that the province is guaranteeing that the federal government will not be
required to meet its guarantee unless NL Hydro defaults. In practical terms the
default of NL Hydro would be tantamount to default by GNL. It also means that
the province is guaranteeing that Emera will receive its full 8.5% return on
latest Nalcor estimate of the 2021 revenue requirement for Muskrat Falls is
$725.9 million, as disclosed in Table 1 of the response to my ATIPPA request.
This includes $70 million as return on Emera’s equity in the LIL as disclosed
in Nalcor’s response to my ATIPPA request.
Muskrat Falls Concerned Citizens’ Coalition (MFCCC) has raised questions with
various witnesses at the Muskrat Falls Inquiry to get a better understanding of
the province’s financial exposure. In particular, questions were put to former
and present officials of the Department of Finance. We expected that government
officials would offer a clear analysis of the numerous legal agreements
underlying Muskrat Falls and the financial obligations to which the province is
exposed. The answers were not particularly edifying but they did suggest that
government’s understanding of its obligations is revealed in its rate
April 25, 2019, GNL issued a press release on rate mitigation,
which contains the following statement:
the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, was joined by
the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources, to release
“Protecting You from the Cost Impacts of Muskrat Falls.” It is designed to
protect residents from increases to electricity rates and taxes resulting from
the Muskrat Falls project that would affect the cost of living…
manage electricity rates, approximately $725.9 million is expected to be
Muskrat Falls costs in the first full year of electricity generation.
$725.9 million is Nalcor’s estimate of the revenue requirements for Muskrat
Falls in 2021. It is the very same number provided to me by Nalcor in response
to my ATIPPA request of July 3, 2019.
includes $70 million in dividends for Emera. This informs us that GNL believes
it has an obligation to ensure that Emera receives its assigned rate of return
linked with that allowed by the PUB to Newfoundland Power (NP). NP is not
“guaranteed” a rate of return. They are allowed to earn this ROE but it is not
guaranteed. However Emera appears to be “guaranteed” a rate of return. How else
can this be interpreted?
included in the 2021 revenue requirements of $725.9 million is a return on the
province’s equity investment in the LIL of $645 million, which amounts to $55
million. Not included in the 2021 revenue requirements is any allowance for the
$3.1 billion invested as equity by the province in generation assets and in the
transmission line between Muskrat Falls and Churchill Falls. Based on the 8.4%
“assigned IRR” in the power purchase agreement the dividends would be $260
million. If instead we use the province’s weighted cost of debt, estimated at
4.6%, the cost of borrowing this $3.1 billion would be $143 million.
reason no cost of capital is ascribed to the borrowed $3.1 billion is because
the province expects to receive future dividends and future return of equity
capital in the future. This deferral of dividends reflects the hybrid of “cost
of service” and “escalating supply prices” used in recovering costs through
does the province record these future dividends? Are they considered financial
assets in the accounts of the province? To answer this question we need an
assessment of the fiscal impact of Muskrat Falls over the full 58 year period.
be quite candid I have always viewed these “dividends” as highly speculative.
The escalation of project costs from $6.2 billion at Decision Gate 2 to $12.7
billion today renders the prospect of GNL receiving these dividends in the
future to be unlikely.
fiscal obligations of the province during the “operational” 50 year phase of
Muskrat Falls are staggering and remain to be assessed. Some of the obligations will be offset by
fuel savings and by export sales. Some will be offset through increased
electrification of the economy, such as the conversion from fossil fuels to electric
power use in transportation. Very little if any revenue will come from higher
rates simply because of demand elasticity and ratepayer resistance to higher
worst case scenario can be inferred from a report prepared for the PUB during its
inquiry into “cost of service” issues and released in response to a request for
information from Industrial Customers. It can be found in attachment 1 toIC-NLH-17 on the PUB webpage. It tells us that revenue requirements for which NL Hydro is
responsible under the power purchase agreement is $74.6 billion in nominal
Muskrat Falls Corporation (MFC) bills NL Hydro for revenue requirements which
exceed its ability to pay then does that place Hydro in a default situation?
Does this lead to the seizure of Hydro’s assets as was suggested during his
summation by Coalition Counsel Geoff Budden?
LeBlanc, in the following exchange with NP counsel Liam O’Brian on August 15,
2019, the final day for summations from the parties to the Inquiry, asked this
COMMISSIONER: – the Concerned Citizens Coalition raised an issue earlier this
week with regard to a situation that would arise if, for instance, Newfoundland
Hydro was, as a result of customers not taking the power, not – and reducing
their demand, a situation would arise where Newfoundland Power could not
actually obtain the funds necessary from the ratepayers to actually meet the
financial commitments under the financing
the question that was posed and with no answer – no certain answer – but one
that I think we talked about at the time – I talked about with Mr. Budden is
what then happens? Who has recourse against whom? Are, for instance,
Newfoundland Hydro’s assets in jeopardy? Is the government, ultimately, the
party who has to pay? Do you have any thoughts, or does Newfoundland Power have
any thoughts, on what would happen in that situation?
L. O’BRIEN: In the event, I guess, if the question is in the event that
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is not able to provide sufficient power to
Newfoundland – or sorry – Newfoundland Power is unable to collect sufficient
funds to pay for those – pay for that pay – I would assume – or pay for the
power – I would assume it’s the Power Agreements that would kick in and that
Hydro would be the one that’s – and taxpayers would be the ones that would be
holding the burden.
refers to a “death spiral”:
you’ve heard that consumer – you heard some evidence that consumer consumption
has been on a decline since 2015, and that’s without Muskrat Falls’ costs being
built into rates. And you’ve heard some evidence in terms of the dynamics of
pricing and price elasticity and that it’s hard to predict, but I think it’s
reasonable to assume that this decline would intensify in the face of doubling
rates. A sharp decline could even have the effect of increasing rates further.
And we heard some evidence concerning the utility death spiral, that sort of
thing – whether or not that’s a – will occur, that – there’s some evidence on
that. But the
THE COMMISSIONER: So, again, it’s sort of like a bit of a predicament.
L. O’BRIEN: It is sort of a predicament. When rates rise, consumption drops. As
consumption drops, in order to cover the cost of providing electricity, rates
has to – rates have to further rise. So it’s kind of a cyclical conundrum
Premier Tom Marshall told us that there was to be no recourse to the province
or to assets not pledged as security to the federal government. What happens if Hydro cannot meet its payment
obligations? Will Hydro’s assets be taken, despite the fact that they have not
been pledged as security to the federal government under the loan
guarantee? Or will the province step in
and meet the payment obligations, thereby inserting the taxpayer to assume the
obligations that had been imposed on the ratepayer?
Coalition did not get a clear answer to these questions from the Finance
officials who testified at the Inquiry. We are left to infer the answer from
government’s rate mitigation plan. The answer is that government believes it
must meet the financial obligations over 50 years, beginning with $725.9
million in 2021, and increasing to $2.5 billion in 1970, including dividends to
Emera. The worst case scenario is $74.6 billion in provincial exposure, from
2021 to 2070.
are left to ponder whether the federal government guaranteed Muskrat Falls or
did the province provide the ultimate guarantee? During the construction phase
the province was called upon for its completion guarantee, which raised our
equity exposure from the initial $1.9 billion to $3.8 billion. If the federal
government had baulked on the second loan guarantee the province’s exposure
would have been $2.9 billion higher, or $6.7 billion, more than the DG2 cost
estimate for a project the PUB could not endorse.
the 50 year operational phase the province will be in an impossible position.
The burden of rate mitigation will continue for 50 years and it will increase.
mitigation is an admission that the investment in the project will not be
cost-compensatory or self-supporting. At some point the province’s equity will
have to be written down and this will commensurately increase our net debt. At
this point our equity investment in generation and transmission assets is
estimated at $3,739 million. This investment is at extreme risk!
Emera’s dividends are indeed guaranteed by the province we have to question why
they were allowed such a high rate of return, given that they were de-risked by
suffered such egregious exposure during the construction phase what can we
expect during the 50 year operational phase? Will we be exposed to the worst
case scenario of $74.6 billion? Will the settlement of claims with Astaldi and
other contractors increase our exposure?
the federal government recognize that the conditions set forth in the loan
guarantee cannot be met without placing the province into bankruptcy?
are we being so generous to Emera? Why are we guaranteeing a return far in
excess of returns earned by other low risk investments such as Government of
the Muskrat Falls Inquiry report on the fiscal impact of Muskrat Falls? Why was
the fiscal impact on the province not more explicit in the terms of reference
of the Muskrat Falls Inquiry? Was the ambivalence deliberate? Ought the fiscal
impact to have been central and not peripheral?
How did a federal guarantee of bond interest and principal
repayment become a provincial government guarantee of all costs
over a 50 year period, including payment of Emera’s tax-free dividends?
are we ignoring the elephant in the room, in plain sight?

domain: law