NASHVILLE – Department of Finance and Administration Commissioner Butch Eley announced recently that Tennessee tax revenues exceeded budgeted estimates in March. Overall March revenues totaled $1.2 billion, which is $71.3 million more than the state received in March of 2019 and $62.1 million more than the budgeted estimate for the month.
“Tennessee tax revenues exceeded estimates for the month of March, which will likely surprise some, given the current economy,” Eley said. “This monthly report clearly illustrates the inherent lag between reported tax receipts and that of actual economic activity, or lack thereof, which many Tennesseans are facing today. For instance, sales tax collections for the month of March represent February consumer activity.
“The eventual impacts of COVID-19 on tax revenues are unavoidable and will begin to appear in the coming months. We will closely monitor our tax receipts during this time and remain committed to balancing the state’s budget in a responsible manner during this extraordinary national economic downturn.”
On an accrual basis, March is the eighth month in the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
General fund revenues were $56.5 million more than the budgeted estimate while the four other funds that share in state tax revenues were $5.6 million more than the estimates.
Sales tax revenues were $5.9 million more than the estimate for March and were 2.28% more than March 2019. For eight months revenues are $243.6 million more than estimated. The year-to-date growth rate for eight months was 6.25%.
Franchise and excise tax revenues combined were $35.4 million more than the budgeted estimate in March and the growth rate was 15.76%. For eight months, revenues are $237.4 million more than the estimate and the year-to-date growth rate is 17.06%.
Gasoline and motor fuel revenues for March increased by 13.48% compared to March 2019 and were $5 million more than the budgeted estimate of $84.1 million. For eight months, revenues have exceeded estimates by $39 million.
Motor vehicle registration revenues were $1.3 million less than the March estimate, and on a year-to-date basis they are $9.3 million more than estimates.
Tobacco tax revenues were $5.4 million more than the March budgeted estimate of $19.4 million. For eight months, revenues are $4.5 million more than the year-to-date budgeted estimate.
Privilege tax revenues were $7.1 million more than the March estimate. On a year-to-date basis, August through March, revenues are $41.6 million more than the estimate.
Business tax revenues were $1.5 million more than the March estimate. For eight months, revenues are $9.4 million more than the budgeted estimate.
Hall income tax revenues for the month were $1.9 million more than the budgeted estimate. For eight months, revenues are $6.5 million more than the budgeted estimate.
All other taxes were less than budgeted estimates by a net of $1.2 million.
Year-to-date revenues, August through March, are $605.7 million more than the budgeted estimate. The growth rate for eight months is 8.03%. General fund revenues are $486.7 million more than the budgeted estimate and the four other funds are $119 million more than estimated.
The budgeted revenue estimates for 2019-2020 are based on the State Funding Board’s consensus recommendation of Nov. 26, 2018 and adopted by the second session of the 111th General Assembly in April 2019. Also incorporated in the estimates are any changes in revenue enacted during the 2019 session of the General Assembly. These estimates are available on the state’s website at https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/finance/fa/fa-budget-information/fa-budget-rev.html.
On Nov. 19, 2019, the State Funding Board met to hear updated revenue projections from various state economists. Following this meeting, on Nov. 26, 2019, the board decided to adopt revised revenue growth ranges for the current fiscal year. The recurring growth ranges adopted include a low of 3.10% to a high of 3.60% for total taxes and a recurring range low of 3.20% to a high of 3.75% for general fund taxes.
On March 19, 2020 in the second session of the 111th General Assembly, the Legislature passed the 2019-2020 budget, which included the Funding Board’s current year revised ranges and also the administration’s amendment to the proposed budget. The administration’s amendment, in an effort to recognize the economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, included a reduction of $153.8 million of previously projected revenue to acknowledge potential shortfalls. The Governor signed the budget bill on April 2, 2020.
With the passage of the appropriations act, Public Chapter 651, the General Assembly recognized in the current fiscal year an additional $396.1 million in total revenue and a corresponding increase in general fund revenue in the amount of $345.9 million.


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domain: news


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Fiber Arts Festival begins today at Powerhouse in Oxford
Published 10:27 am Thursday, January 26, 2017
Mississippi’s largest and oldest fiber arts festival is coming back in 2017 for its seventh year, but without the leadership of its new coordinator, Andi Bedsworth, it might not have come to fruition.
Originally conceived as an event between Lynn Wells and Patsy Engelhard of the Knit1 Oxford shop and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, in April 2016, Bedsworth was handed the reins after Knit1 wanted to have a smaller (but still supportive) role in the event.
“This will be my fourth year and I didn’t want to see the festival end,” Bedsworth said. “So Wayne Andrews (the director of YAC) and I talked extensively and they hired me on to manage the festival. I had not run it, so I needed to learn from Knit1 about the structure and how the classes worked. So, I had a big learning curve throughout the process.”
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Over the course of three days, beginning today until Saturday, the Fiber Arts Festival will boast 17 vendors from nine states and offer 28 classes, among many events at the Powerhouse.
Bedsworth, a fiber artist and costume designer herself, says that the vendors who do participate often ask to return.
“We’re lucky that a lot of vendors who come every year really love this festival and were willing to come back,” she said. “I was seeking some to fill in some of the holes as some of our vendors had moved.”
Her search took her to multiple fiber fests throughout other states in search of artists.
“Fiber art is traditional and contemporary,” Bedsworth added. “I think a lot of people don’t realize that there are still people out there who actually take wool from the sheep, spin it and make shawls and such. People still spin and weave. But people also don’t realize that fiber art can be modern.”
Classes will be taught by Knit1 Oxford with others throughout the three day period, the schedule of which can be found on the festival’s website at oxfordarts.com/fiberfest-schedule (along with the rest of the proceedings for the festival).
The market opens today at 3 p.m. and will run until 8 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, the market will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Festival admission is $2 per day or $5 for a three day pass. Children ages 18 and under are free.

domain: artistic


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Tom Eltang: Smooth Bent Dublin Tobacco Pipe
Product Number: 002-299-0996
The use of plateaued rims has been a staple of Danish pipe making for nearly as long as Danish pipe makers have been making Danish pipes. And it's been used throughout the world as well. Tracy Mincer was taking advantage of the natural texture, for example, in the 1940s. Most often the plateau covers the entire rim, but for this Dublin, Tom Eltang has used a bit more restraint, and used it to excellent effect.
Tom has here used an inflated, dome-like rim, but incorporated the plateau of the briar in doing so, and has finished that rim smooth along it exterior and interior rings, leaving the plateau as an asymmetrical center ring. It's an element that incorporates a wonderful use of asymmetry in juxtaposition to the lines of the stummel.
That stummel is swathed in contrast-stained, vertical grain along its flowing lines. The heel is lifting, giving the bowl an almost Acorn-like disposition, and the under-curve of the heel and lower shank provides a gentle arc that further elevates the bowl, while the minimal downturn of the stem contributes to that impression. It's a composition to be admired, as is the skill of Tom Eltang, who continues to surprise us with his unique vision.-Chuck Stanion
Measurements & Other Details
- Length: 5.28 in./134.11 mm.
- Weight: 1.30 oz./36.85 g.
- Bowl Height: 1.75 in./44.45 mm.
- Chamber Depth: 1.33 in./33.78 mm.
- Chamber Diameter: 0.75 in./19.05 mm.
- Outside Diameter: 1.66 in./42.16 mm.
- Stem Material: Vulcanite
- Filter: None
- Shape: Bent Dublin
- Finish: Smooth
- Material: Briar
- Country: Denmark


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OROVILLE — Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said Wednesday the voter rejection of Proposition 19, which would have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, was a good decision on the part of the electorate.
“We are grateful the voters saw through this particular con,” Ramsey said. “The voters were bright enough to really look at the proposition for what it really stood for.”
With the defeat of the proposition, “We continue on as we have, trying to enforce the law,” he said.
In February the Board of Supervisors told Ramsey, County Counsel Bruce Alpert and other Butte County staff to work on an ordinance to establish rules and regulations pertaining to medical marijuana dispensaries.
Under an urgency ordinance approved unanimously by the supervisors, all medical marijuana dispensaries are currently outlawed within the county’s jurisdiction. The ordinance gave the county until early 2012 to have the ordinance in place.
Ramsey said the working group is trying to craft an ordinance that will assure “those who truly need the marijuana” as a medicine will have access to it.
He said the goal is also to constrain “unlimited growth of the medicine.”

domain: sociology


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I read a heap of anthologies last year, and while I typically enjoy short stories, going through a whole collection might at times prove to be an exhausting and challenging affair. One demanding quick mindset alternations and, in effect, causing frequent mood swings. Being of a naturally lazy disposition, I secretly vowed to steer clear from anthologies temporarily and indulge in more homogeneous reads.
Ironically, one of the first books I was offered to review in 2016 turned out to be Follow Me into Darkness, a queer anthology containing five tales of carnival romance and oscillating around a common theme of a mask. The resistance was futile, the main convincing factor being the authors, participating in this collaboration. It’s been the second time for this very crew to come together in order to work on a project. The previous fruit of their labour, Lead Me into Darkness, was a successful Halloween inspired collection, which I had the pleasure to review last October.
Let the masquerade begin!
Hurricane by Santino Hassell
“Thank you for trusting me.”
“Thank you for seeing me. Usually nobody does.”
Amongst Mardi Gras festivities and joyous crowds of New Orleans, two diametrically opposed personalities collide and unexpectedly connect.
Zavier, a socially awkward reserved introvert, who usually hides beneath his hoodie in attempt to remain invisible and inessential – is an observer rather than a participant of life. His fear of being excluded and abandoned cripples him. Yet, paradoxically, he longs to be noticed. Keegan, on the other hand, is a vagabond and a force of nature. His personality is vibrant, mischievous and flirtatious. He is the eponymous hurricane – the only person who makes an effort to really see Zay and force him to come out of his shell.
Short and sweet, this New Adult piece is surprisingly romantic and chaste, compared with Hassell’s other prose. I enjoyed its lyrical and sanguine qualities. The author’s ability to sketch a compelling character within a few rough lines shines through.
Hurricane wasn’t designed as an elaborate story. It’s more of a quick whirl, an adventure, presented visually in the form of a wide panoramic snapshot in time. Big content in a little canvas.
If We Be Friends by J. C. Lillis
“You dwell on the ends so much, “ he says, “that sometimes you miss the beginnings.”
A Shakespearean soliloquy–off challenge, thrown by one member of a teen Hamlet TV cast to another during a Mardi Gras party, turns into a revelation and results in a valuable lesson in growing up and moving on.
This is a full-blown story that feels complete and features a thrill of the first love, the hurt of the first disappointment, and shows the value of friendship. I admired how it skilfully weaves in and out of Shakespeare’s works. At a symbolic level, the jester’s mask presented to the winner of the contest can be seen as a bittersweet allegory of life itself- party comical, party tragic.
It appears a short form suits this particular author very well indeed. The concept is imaginative, the story telling engaging, the humour witty and the dialogue sparkling. Unanticipatedly, as I’m not a fan of Young Adult fiction, this endearing and innocent coming of age story, heavily infused with emotion, made a big impression on me.
Masked by J.R. Gray
“It’s been fifteen years, and everything has changed, but nothing has changed.”
In the heat of Brazil, fate intervenes offering a second chance at love for Javier and Heath, years after they parted. Masks are off when the men meet again – wiser, more experienced and courageous enough to reveal who they really are to each other. Against the odds, they seize another opportunity, refusing to settle for a lifetime riddled with regrets.
I enjoyed this fast-paced story featuring more mature characters, carrying an emotional baggage from the past. There is a little blood, a lot of tension, resentment and anger, some hot sex and a hopeful finale – all wrapped nicely in the lovers reunited theme, for which I am a sucker for.
The Queen’s Reflection by Kris Ripper
“Sometimes the stories told by us skin restrict us inhumanely.”
Well written and original, this touching story about a trans character set in a fantasy world, focuses on being excluded and not belonging.
The Queen’s special ability to disappear leads to an annual tradition of her slipping out the palace. Under the cover of darkness and disguised as a boy, Isah escapes the place, which traps them in a stifling role and an ill-fitting gender.
The brief encounter with two strangers becomes more than a casual physical union, it serves as a spiritual connection that embraces and celebrates Isah true nature. Their lovers’ ability to really see them, gives them the courage to strive and mould the Queen to be a little bit more like themselves.
This story portrays living in the constraints of biology, seasoned with the fear of rejection. It is about feeling lonely and inadequate, while craving companionship and acceptance – from oneself as much as from others.
Touched by Roan Parrish
“Joy can be plucked from the mouth of despair.”
When a jazz club owner, possessing a gift of sight, falls for a young black trumpet player, possessing the gift of music, in the era of Prohibition in New Orleans, magic happens and the hope of love obliterates the fear of death.
This poignant, sensual and heady paranormal historical takes place in the space of one night. I completely loved this atmospheric and beautifully written story. The scene setting is well executed, the connection between the characters is tangible and potent and the whole piece is saturated with intense emotion. The ending, evoking a keen sense of sadness, left me with goosebumps and tugged at my heartstrings.
This story is, undoubtedly, the cherry on the cake of the whole collection for me. As usually, Parrish seduced me with her pretty words, turning the reading experience into a sensory ride, stimulating my olfactory and taste receptors. The language is just how I like it – stylish and effortlessly tantalising.
Follow Me into Darkness is an enjoyable compilation and one I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend for a leisurely February read.
I find the topic of masks – worn to hide, to entertain, to disguise, to scare or to protect, utterly fascinating. It seems, donning a mask at some point in our lives is a part of our existence and social convention. It allows us to repress emotions, camouflage real intentions, tendencies and thoughts, as well as assume new identities. It enables us to conceal our insecurities, fears and resentment. It numbs the pain and fools others, as much as ourselves. Putting on a brave face for the world while hurting is one of the greatest defence mechanisms known to man.
Reading this anthology made me think of a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar, which I am leaving you with. Enjoy the carnival and let the masquerade continue.
We Wear the Mask
We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,—
This debt we pay to human guile;
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtleties.
Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.
We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries
To thee from tortured souls arise.
We sing, but oh the clay is vile
Beneath our feet, and long the mile;
But let the world dream otherwise,
We wear the mask!
A bilingual Londoner, Kasia Bacon is a literary/medical translator and a proofreader. An avid reader, reviewer and book blogger, she’s currently working on her debut M/M fantasy novel, filled with the shenanigans of assassins and sexy elves. She has a mild coffee and lemon tart addiction, coupled with a slight obsession of all things paranormal. She is a lover of MMA, nature and the great outdoors. She can be found on her website, Twitter, or on Goodreads.

domain: library


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Huntington, WV: Goodwill Industries of KYOWVA and the Southwestern Community Action Center are working together to help low income families pay their heating bills this winter. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEP) is designed to help those who cannot afford their energy bills.
The Southwestern Community Action Center will be accepting applications from Tuesday, January 22nd through Friday, February 1st from 8:30am-4pm. Tables will be set up at the Virginia Avenue Goodwill as well at the JW Scott Community Center in Huntington, WV. This will be the only time this year that applications will be accepted. Be sure and stop by!
For more information please contact the Southwestern Community Action Center at (304)525-5151

domain: economics


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Antiepileptic Drug Use in Pregnancy Likely Not Associated with Spontaneous Abortion — Physician’s First Watch
Antiepileptic Drug Use in Pregnancy Likely Not Associated with Spontaneous Abortion
By Amy Orciari Herman
Use of antiepileptic drugs in pregnancy does not appear to increase the risk for spontaneous abortion, according to an observational study in The BMJ.
Using Danish registries, researchers examined over 980,000 pregnancies from 1997 through 2008; 11% resulted in spontaneous abortion and 0.3% in stillbirth. Overall, 0.5% of pregnancies were exposed to antiepileptic drugs.
After multivariable adjustment, antiepileptic exposure was associated with a 13% increased risk for spontaneous abortion relative to nonexposure; however, the increased risk was significant only among women without epilepsy. In addition, when consecutive pregnancies discordant for antiepileptic use within the same woman were examined, antiepileptics were not associated with spontaneous abortion. The researchers conclude, therefore, that residual confounding may explain the increased risk observed in the main analysis.
Antiepileptics were not significantly associated with risk for stillbirth, although the researchers call the finding "imprecise."
Eleanor Bimla Schwarz of NEJM Journal Watch Women's Health commented, "This study highlights that the risks associated with untreated maternal disease in pregnancy are generally worse than those associated with maternal use of medication, especially for women with epilepsy."

domain: literature


Author pages are created from data sourced from our academic publisher partnerships and public sources.
Detailed balance limit for the series constrained two terminal tandem solar cell
Abstract Tandem stacks of solar cells have clearly shown their ability to increase the efficiency of solar energy conversion. This paper investigates the limiting efficiency of unconstrained and the… Expand
Particle conservation in the hot‐carrier solar cell
In conventional p–n junction solar cells, carrier multiplication by impact ionisation, is negligible, owing to the low temperature of the electron–hole pairs. This leads to particle conservation… Expand
Correlations in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in UK ambient air and implications for source apportionment.
The extent of correlation in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration data obtained by the UK PAH Monitoring and Analysis Air Quality Network from March 2008 to November 2010 has been… Expand
Impurity photovoltaic effect: Fundamental energy conversion efficiency limits
In the past, minimal improvements have been predicted for efficiency enhancement of solar cells using the impurity photovoltaic (IPV) effect, where optical excitation through midgap defect levels… Expand
Comparison of methods for the measurement of hydrocarbon dew point of natural gas.
Measurement of the hydrocarbon dew point of natural gas is crucial when determining whether gas can be transported safely through national and international pipeline networks. This report summarises… Expand
Limiting efficiency for current‐constrained two‐terminal tandem cell stacks
Tandem stacks of solar cells have clearly shown their ability to increase the efficiency of solar energy conversion. In the past, the challenge in making these devices often has been in the materials… Expand
Intermediate band solar cell with many bands: Ideal performance
When the intermediate band solar cell (IBSC) absorbs sunlight, electrons are excited not only between the valence and conduction bands of the semiconductor material constituting the cell, but also… Expand
Limiting efficiency for a multi-band solar cell containing three and four bands
Abstract Multi-band solar cells provide a possible approach to obtain photovoltaic efficiencies that are greater than that of a single junction solar cell. In the three-band case, an intermediate… Expand
Gravimetric methods for the preparation of standard gas mixtures
The most widely used method for the preparation of primary standard gas mixtures involves weighing the individual components into a cylinder. We present a new mathematical description of the method… Expand
Studies of the effect of humidity and other factors on some different filter materials used for gravimetric measurements of ambient particulate matter
Abstract The results from studies of the effects of several factors on the accurate measurement of particulate matter (PM) mass collected on ambient air monitoring filters are described. The main… Expand


text:
Osprey Publishing is delighted to announce the September 2019 launch of Under Fire, a new graphic novel series which tells the stories of history’s most dramatic battles and campaigns through the eyes of the men who were there. Authentic historical detail combines with vivid illustration and expert storytelling to capture the heroism and despair, loss and comradeship of bold offensives and doomed assaults against the odds. Covering conflicts on land, at sea, and in the air, the series will explore combat history from ancient battlefields to modern trenches.
‘Osprey is the world’s leading illustrated military history publisher, and we are thrilled to be working with Adam Fortier of Portmanteaux Press to bring history to life in this engaging visual format,’ said Managing Director Richard Sullivan.
Adam has worked in the graphic novel industry for nearly 20 years, and has brought his expertise to bear on projects for clients from Disney to Warhammer. For Under Fire, he has drawn together a team of talented illustrators led by Esteve Polls, the artistic force behind the El Zorro and The Lone Ranger graphic novels, who will bring these incredible stories vividly to life.
‘There are jobs and then there are passion projects, and each of the artists involved have turned these books into their passions. I can’t express how pleased and proud I am of how these books have turned out, and am so excited to pass these along to the readers for their enjoyment,’ Adam commented.
Under Fire will launch on 19 September 2019 with the publication of D-Day: Storming Fortress Europe. Written by Jack Chambers and Erik Hendrix, this vibrant title encapsulates the whole of that longest day, evoking the experience of both the Allied and German troops. This will be followed by The Battle of Britain by Dale Carothers on 31 October and The Battle for Guadalcanal by Georgia Ball on 28 November.
Editor Laura Callaghan commented that ‘the stories we’ve chosen to tell in our first Under Fire graphic novels are of some of the biggest, most critical campaigns of World War II. It’s been fantastic seeing how the graphic novel format can really bring those stories alive as we get to follow the different characters through their experience of battle.’
6 June, 1944: a vast armada approaches the coast of Normandy under cover of darkness. In the pre-dawn light, the beaches are quiet, but on board the ships the tension is palpable. Hours earlier, hundreds of airborne troops were dropped on targets inland and now naval gunfire begins to rain down on the fortified shore. Taken by surprise, the German defenders on the beaches race to man their positions. The first glimmers of dawn reveal thousands of ships packed tightly with tanks and men. The long-expected Allied invasion is here. The liberation of Europe is about to begin.
The D-Day landings are brought to life in this electric graphic novel which blends a historically authentic narrative with masterful illustration to tell the story of that Longest Day through the eyes of the men who were there.
About The Battle of Britain
In the summer of 1940, the bombs began to fall over Britain. Seeking to pave the way for a full-scale invasion, Luftwaffe bombers flew over the Channel, dropping their deadly payload on key targets across the south of England. Scrambling to meet them were the pilots of the Royal Air Force. Men from Britain, the British Empire and Commonwealth, and even volunteers from occupied and neutral territories took to the skies against the might of the German forces. The Battle of Britain had begun.
Delving into the battle through the eyes of the pilots who lived through it, as well as of the men and women in support roles on the ground and experiencing the battle as civilians, this vibrant graphic novel combines expert knowledge and master storytelling to bring the campaign to life, from the epic dogfights along the coast to the terror of the London Blitz.
About The Battle for Guadalcanal
A New World power facing off against an ancient empire. A desperate struggle to control a Pacific archipelago. A high-stakes campaign that would tip the balance in a fiercely contested theatre of war.
On 7 August, 1942, US forces invaded Japanese-held Guadalcanal, signalling the beginning of a campaign which would last over six months. The American troops who stormed the Solomon Islands forced the Imperial Japanese Navy to abandon Guadalcanal in a victory which marked the first step towards Japan’s eventual defeat. This colourful graphic novel follows the stories of the troops on the ground, bringing the campaign vividly to life through the eyes of the soldiers, sailors, and pilots who fought on both sides. Combining an authentic historical story with striking visuals and expert storytelling, Guadalcanal reveals a campaign that changed the course of the War in the Pacific.


Do you need a quick and efficient method for the setup, configuration, and management of the storage controllers in your servers/proliant-servers.hits-12.html">HPE ProLiant server?
HPE Smart Storage Administrator (HPE SSA) offers a single interface that quickly sets up, configures and manages the servers/smart-array-controllers-and-smart-host-bus-adapters.hits-12.html">HPE Smart Arrays controllers and the HPE SAS Host Bus Adapters (HBA). With HPE SSA, you can also configure the cryptographic features of HPE Secure Encryption, enable HPE SSD Smart Path and create different optimization and priorities associated with the drives and controllers.
It replaces the HPE Array Configuration Utility (ACU), and has an updated design for servers/proliant-servers.hits-12.html">HPE ProLiant servers that enhances the storage experience. It will expose new features and functionalities for various Smart Storage initiatives as they become available.
Do you need to find a solution for lowering the cost of your scalable storage?
SUSE Enterprise Storage powered by Ceph is an intelligent software-defined storage management solution that enables organizations to deliver highly scalable, resilient and cost-efficient storage. This storage can seamlessly adapt to changing business and data demands. You can transform your enterprise storage infrastructure to reduce storage costs while providing almost unlimited scalability.
Designed for reliability with a self healing architecture, high availability (HA) means nodes can fail without losing data. You can also start small and grow to exabyte scalability (1 Million TB).
FlashSoft® software from SanDisk enables solid-state storage in the server (NVMe, PCIe, SAS or SATA) to enhance storage performance with full compatibility with currently deployed SAN storage systems. The software automatically places applications’ most frequently accessed data on the flash device in the server and keeps the data fully synchronized with the underlying storage. This cost-effective, high-performance flash solution improves application performance, virtualization capability, and storage efficiency without requiring any changes to existing applications or data center processes.
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Eye Related Allergens in New Jersey This Spring
Spring in New Jersey might be the most beautiful time in the Garden State, especially in northern counties such as Morris and Essex County. The sun starts to shine, the trees and flowers bloom, and everyone is ready to enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, spring also brings some of the most severe allergies in New Jersey that affect the eyes and other parts of the body.
Understanding Eye Allergies in New Jersey
Allergy symptoms for the eyes are also known as allergic conjunctivitis. Like all physical symptoms, for allergies in New Jersey and elsewhere, the eyes experience a misfiring of the immune system. The body is overreacting to what should otherwise be benign substance.
When your eyes experience an allergic reaction, the blood vessels in your eyes swell, causing redness, tearing, and itching. Other symptoms can include swollen eyelids, burning sensations, and sensitivity to light.
The verdant beauty of seasonal trees and flowers comes with a sacrifice – a heavy dose of pollen in the air. The bad news is it’s getting worse. Springfield, NJ Allergist Dr. Leonard Bielory told nj.com that pollen levels are increasing as annual temperatures and CO2 levels rise. This means more plants have time to grow and disperse their pollen. So, what plants are going to be making allergy sufferers the most miserable in Morris County and Essex County this year?
Oak (Multiple Varieties)
Ash (Multiple Varieties)
Willow (Multiple Varieties)
Hickory (Multiple Varieties)
Eastern Red – Cedar
Weeds and Grasses
Large Sweet Vernal Grass
Your favorite dog or cat goes through spring changes as well! After spending the fall season building up their winter coats to stay warm, the signs of the warmer months will start to tell your pet’s biology to start shedding that excess fur.
Pet dander technically derives itself from the dead skin cells they shed, just like humans. But allergens in dander also attach themselves on pet hair, as well as saliva during grooming. Because of the added hair that’s being shed, allergens are spreading at a greater rate in the spring season than during colder months.
Unfortunately, for those that are allergic to dust mites, there is no true break from the bane of these critters. Humans are actually not allergic to the bugs themselves; it is their fecal matter that contains an enzyme which triggers allergy symptoms in certain individuals.
These microscopic nuisances are a year-round frustration, but don’t be surprised if your allergies become worse during the spring. Dust mites prefer high humidity paired with temperatures between 68 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that the high rain months for cities such as Newark, NJ – March through July – are going to be a breeding ground for dust mites and their waste.
Molds live everywhere. Unlike plants or animals, they reproduce and grow through their spores travelling through the air. When people that are allergic to these different fungi inhale the spores into their sinuses or lungs, a variety of unpleasant symptoms can be experienced.
While mold spores are most prevalent during July through the fall in New Jersey, spring does bring an increase of molds that thrive on humidity or live amongst newly sprouting plants.
What Should You Do?
Minimizing the eye symptoms of allergies is consistent with other allergy symptoms. Keep your home clean and free of clutter. Take allergy medicine – often nasal allergy medication will have a positive effect on the eyes as well. If necessary, Marano Eye Care can provide a personal treatment plan to provide relief from your symptoms.
Want more advice? Check out our previous article on spring allergy solutions.
Individual Eye Treatment in NJ You Deserve
Marano Eye Care treats each patient on a personal basis. No person is exactly the same, so no treatment plan should be either! If you’re having seasonal eye allergies in New Jersey or need to come in for a complete eye exam, contact us today and call us at 973-322-0100.

domain: medical


Clare Birkett, MSc Environment, Politics and Development
Last Friday, SOAS students joined around 200 people in central London at a protest against rocketing energy prices and their devastating effects on students, pensioners and other vulnerable groups.
The protest was timed to coincide with the release of a government report which estimated that there were 18,200 excess winter deaths in the UK in 2013-2014. The news comes soon after a recent survey which found that 78% of surveyed students felt uncomfortably cold at home over the winter.
Protesters marched to Energy UK on Regent Street, the lobbying body for the big six UK energy companies, where they staged a ‘die-in’, lying down in the middle of the road to represent the thousands that die every year from the cold.
“Thousands die from fuel poverty while the big six energy companies make billions in profits,” said Eva Jasiewic from Fuel Poverty Action.
Profits made by the big six energy companies have leapt from £8 per customer in 2009 to an estimated £102 this year, while energy prices have increased a massive 30% in the last four years. At the same time, living costs including rent have increased dramatically, while wages have stagnated.
68% of the UK public want energy companies to be nationalised, according to a recent YouGov survey. But protesters on Friday asked for a step further – an energy system under the control of people and communities, not private companies or the state. “Cheap and clean energy is only possible if we put control back into public hands,” said Eva Jasiewic, to the backdrop of chants of “Public energy now!”
While the majority of excess winter deaths occur in the over 75s age group, fuel poverty is an issue that seriously affects students.
“We’re supposed to accept that living in a cold home is just part of the university experience,” said Sam Tippet, a SOAS masters student studying Global Energy and Climate Policy, who participated in the die-in. “But heating should not be a luxury. Clean and accessible energy is fundamental to our basic survival. We must claim democratic control of it.”
A recent survey by Friends of the Earth and the NUS found that 67% of surveyed students have worn outdoor hats, gloves and scarves in their own home to keep warm. As well as the health implications, people living in cold homes are shown to be 5 times more likely to suffer from depression.
Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, says, “When it comes to affordable energy the country is at crisis point. Consumers are being forced to turn down and switch off in an attempt to shield themselves from the impact of higher fuel bills. This winter we will be seeing even more going without adequate heating for fear of racking up a bill they cannot afford – this is the grim reality for many households in Britain today.”
In light of these statistics, SOAS Students’ Union voted last month to support Fuel Poverty Action’s Energy Bill of Rights, which sets out what people’s energy rights should be. The vote means that the union is now responsible for supporting students struggling to pay their energy bills, and suffering from cold housing.
A representative from the All African Women’s Group present at the protest explained how migrants are another vulnerable group that are disproportionately affected by fuel poverty: “We fled multinationals’ proxy wars to freeze from their greed in the UK,” she said.
Experts are expecting the coming winter to be the coldest on record, in contrast to last year’s very mild winter. With rising energy prices, bills are likely to hit students’ pockets hard if energy companies don’t temper their prices and if the government doesn’t adequately support those at risk of fuel poverty.


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HOW TO REMOVE FIBERGLASS FROM SKIN?
Fiberglass is a durable and lightweight material that has found its way into many household items such as windows, doors, furniture, etc.
Fiberglass has been around for more than 50 years and can be found in most homes and offices. This durable material is made from poly resin, which gives it strength without being too heavy or brittle like metal building materials such as steel frames. It is also resistant to corrosion and doesn’t need special maintenance procedures.
Fiberglass is a common synthetic (artificial) material containing fragile glass fibers that can penetrate the skin. These tiny pieces of fibers can penetrate the skin, leading to pain and even an allergic reaction in some people!
When you break down this synthetic polymer with your hands or tools like saws- these dust particles could irritate both eyes and airways for weeks after exposure.
Therefore, knowing the techniques to remove fiberglass from the skin is necessary. Readout our complete article, as this will help you get rid of these fragile synthetic fibers when getting intact with the skin.
Risks Of Working With Fiberglass:
Fiberglass exposure can lead to one of the following symptoms:
- Skin allergy
- Eye infections
- Sore nose
- Sore throat
- Redness of eyes
- Body ache
- Stomach discomfort
What Happens When The Skin Comes In Contact With Fiberglass Exposure?
Fiberglass exposure to the skin can lead to severe dermatitis or skin rashes. It usually occurs due to fiberglass penetration on the outer layer of the skin.
The painful and itchy rash may look like small blisters on your skin. The inflammation will be red if you have a pale complexion, and if the fibers got stuck on your skin surface, then glass fibers will be visible protruding from the skin surface too!
This contact can cause severe pain and discomfort and lead to infections like fiberglass dermatitis.
The effects and consequences of the protrusion also depend upon the following factors:
- Depth of fiberglass penetration
- Period of exposure to fiberglass penetration
- Thickness of fragile fibers
- Length of the fibers
- Environmental factors, such as heat, temperature, humidity, moisture, etc.
It is surprisingly impressive that when short fibers are protruded, they cause an infection of greater severity and a higher degree than the infection caused by the longer ones. In a nutshell, short and thick fiberglass fibers are more likely to cause harsher and more stubborn rashes or infections.
Skin Symptoms of Fiberglass:
Fiberglass exposure doesn’t lead to permanent symptoms on the skin, but still, it could cause severe complications such as:
- Skin allergy
- Skin rashes
Will Fiberglass Come Out On Its Own?
Yes, fiberglass can come out on its own, but sometimes it might lead to severe complications and doesn’t come out of the skin. Therefore, it will need necessary assistance and methods to be removed from the skin.
How To Remove Fiberglass Safely From The Skin?
A person may be able to remove fiberglass from the skin by any one of the following methods:
- Wash the exposed area with cold running water and gently pat the affected area with a dry, warm towel.
- Use baby powder on the exposed area of your body as it will help reduce agitation and prevent inflammation.
- Folding the duct tape gently on its own back and patting the affected area pull out the fiberglass with each pat.
- Baby oil covers the skin with a protective coating while working with fiberglass and prevents it from getting in.
- Epson salt hot bath could be a great way to let the fiberglass fall out of the skin.
- Use tweezers to remove fiberglass from your skin. A flashlight will help you to do so.
- Prevention is the last and the best way to stay protected from fiberglass exposure.
How To Work With Fiberglass Safely?
Following protective measures are necessary to work safely with fiberglass:
- Use rubber gloves
- Wear loose clothes
- Wear face protectives
- Use eyeglasses
- Wear side shields with goggles
- Nitrile rubber gloves are best recommended
- Wash the clothing after each work shift
- Use a wet cloth to clean fiberglass from surfaces
Following above mentioned preventive measures will help reduce the risks of fiberglass exposure.
When To Seek Help in Fiberglass Exposure?
You should immediately seek medical attention when the symptoms still appear after removing fiberglass from the skin. Besides, you should also consult a doctor when there is trouble removing fiberglass from the skin. If fiberglass exposure is deep, it may also require antibiotics and other medical aids. kyle baugher
Fiberglass is a synthetic poly-resin officially used in building ships, boats, automobiles, pipes, insulation, and other proper industrial-based equipment. These can quickly get into anyone’s skin. Therefore, one must know the correct details of these artificial fibers, leading to several serious complications.
People Also Ask For:
What happens if fiberglass stays in your skin?
If fiberglass stays in your skin for a long time, it could lead to severe skin rashes and dermatitis. Fiberglass dermatitis occurs when these tiny irritating fibers get embedded in the outermost layer of the skin, leading to severe complications and troubles.
How to get rid of fiberglass itch?
To get rid of fiberglass itch, wash the exposed area with running water, then pat the area with a warm towel. This will help to get comfort from fiberglass inflammation.

domain: health


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A classic harness shape with a modern hardware heavy twist.
Fully adjustable style, accented with straps adorned with our signature rose gold hardware.
Decorative straps make this the perfect layering piece, stunning under mesh tops or over body con dresses.
Pair with our Vexed garter belt for a fresh take on the harness trend.
Handmade to order, please allow up to seven days for dispatch.
Cold hand wash with care.

domain: design


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Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote Gift from the Sea, published in 1955, well before Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex which firmly set the woman’s movement in motion. The first time I tried to read Gift from the Sea, I was ten years old. I thought the book was about seashells, but after reading a page or two, I understood it was not, but I was also not too sure what it was about. The book was my mother’s, and when I asked her to explain the book to me, she said something along the lines about me being too young. I have since learned from one of my older sisters that Gift from the Sea was one of my mother’s favorite books, alongside Gone with the Wind and The Valley of Decision.
Actually, the book IS about seashells: five seashells, to be precise. The whelk with its message of simplicity is essential for the women in the fifties experiencing what Lindbergh calls “the circus performed by women every day” in caring for a house, a husband, and children. The next shell Lindbergh presents to the reader is the Moon Shell with its centered mysterious single eye, resembling an island, that speaks to Lindbergh needing to relearn being alone. Every person, she explains, but most especially women, need time alone, and unless we keep this time to attend to our core, we will have little to give to our children, husband, loved ones.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh then presents to the reader the double sunrise shell as a symbol of two people listening to each other, meeting each other, and making one world between them. She notes how quickly this sublime relationship changes, “encumbered by its contact with the world”. Lindbergh goes on to talk about how so many couples feel a failure in their marriage if this original quality is lost. She cautions that we cannot hold any relationship, be it with a husband, child, sibling, or parent, to a single form. Relationships change. The sunrise shell reminds us to enjoy those fleeting things “actual for one time and only one place.”
The fourth shell in her series is the oyster shell, which she understands to represent a woman in the middle years of her marriage. “It is untidy, spread out in all directions, heavily encrusted with accumulations, and in its living state, firmly embedded on rock.” Lindbergh suggests it looks like the house of a big family, pushing out one addition after another, to hold its teeming life. She warns that if a couple does not maintain its “alone time”, the couple risks being left “high and dry in an outmoded (oyster) shell, a fortress that has outlived its function.”
Lindbergh ends her observations with the argonauta. This “paper nautilus” is not a shell at all, but a cradle where the mother argonaut’s eggs are hatched, and then the young swim away, followed by the mother also leaving the shell to start another life. Lindbergh draws a connection between this image and marriage in later years.. “Both partners are lost in a common sea of the universal which absorbs and yet frees, which separates and yet unites.” She goes onto explain that in a good marriage, partners do not need to hold on tightly to each other because they move with confidence in the same pattern. “There is no place for the possessive clutch.”
Gift from the Sea, through the symbols of five sea shells, asks the 2020 American woman, just as it did the 1955 American woman, to start at the center of things. In this way, our first discovery is of something worth extending out in each step to the very periphery of our lives.
Both my mother and Anne Morrow Lindbergh were women of faith, women raising large families, women with successful husbands who spent the better part of each day in a man’s world. Both Lindbergh and my mother were women who knew there was so much more to be dredged from our feminine souls than the exterior trappings of life that so many succumbed to in the birth of the suburbs in the 1950’s. In the sixty years since the publication of Gift from the Sea, so much of this situation has changed for women, yet the dynamics of relationships remain hauntingly the same.
If my mother were here now, I would not need to ask her to explain Lindbergh’s book about shells to me. I would only need to embrace my mother, in thanksgiving for all she did explain to me not by words as much as by her actions.Follow Us


Have you ever stood by your recycling bin, egg carton in hand, wondering if it belongs there? Here’s a fact: Egg cartons come in different materials, some more recyclable than others.
This blog will guide you through which egg cartons can hit the recycle bin and which should take a different route. Stick around to make your recycling efforts count!
Egg cartons are made of various materials, including paper, plastic, and polystyrene/Styrofoam. Each type has recycling properties that need to be considered. Understanding what egg cartons are made of will help you make informed decisions about their disposal or recycling.
Paper egg cartons are widely known for being environmentally friendly because they can be recycled. Made chiefly from cardboard, a renewable resource, is a great option for eco-friendly packaging solutions. These containers break down much more quickly than their plastic or Styrofoam counterparts.
You can place them straight into your recycling bin, but ensure they’re clean and free from any leftover egg residue to avoid contamination in the recycling process.
Many people also give paper egg cartons a second life by reusing them for various crafts or as seed starters in gardening projects. This dual potential for recycling and reuse makes paper egg cartons a preferred choice for reducing waste.
Remember to check with your local recycling guidelines, as rules can vary depending on where you live.
Moving from paper, let’s delve into plastic egg cartons and their recyclability. Most plastic egg cartons in stores are made of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) or other recyclable plastics.
If they are clean and dry, you can often recycle them with your regular recycling collection. Look at the bottom for a recycling symbol with a number inside; this tells you the type of plastic.
Removing any stickers or labels on the cartons before tossing them into the bin is important.
Recycling facilities process these containers differently from paper ones. They shred, wash, and melt them down to form new products. However, not all areas accept this plastic for recycling due to differing local regulations and facility capabilities.
Always check with your local services to ensure that you can recycle plastic egg cartons in your community. This step helps reduce waste and effectively supports recycling efforts.
Shifting focus from plastic, we encounter another common type of egg packaging: polystyrene or Styrofoam egg cartons. Unlike their paper and plastic counterparts, these foam containers pose a significant challenge in recycling efforts.
Many local recycling programs do not accept them because recycling Styrofoam is complex and costly. This makes it hard for individuals wanting to ensure their egg cartons are correctly recycled.
Styrofoam’s non-biodegradable nature means it can sit in landfills for centuries without breaking down. This fact underscores the importance of seeking alternative disposal methods or opting for egg cartons made of more recyclable materials.
If you’re keen on reducing your environmental footprint, switching from using Styrofoam egg cartons to those that can be easily recycled or composted might be a step in the right direction.
Egg cartons made from paper can be recycled; ensure they are clean. Plastic egg cartons can be recycled in some areas, but check with your local recycling facility first.
Styrofoam egg cartons cannot be recycled due to their composition and should be disposed of in the regular trash.
Paper egg cartons are indeed recyclable. To recycle them, place them in your paper recycling bin and other paper products. Ensure the egg cartons are clean and free from any leftover food or residue.
Removing plastic lids or inserts before recycling the paper egg cartons is essential, as these can contaminate the recycling process.
Recycling paper egg cartons helps conserve natural resources and reduce waste in landfills. Participating in the recycling process contributes to a more sustainable environment and helps support the production of new paper products.
Plastic egg cartons are indeed recyclable. Once you have used all the eggs, rinse any remaining residue and allow it to dry. After that, toss the plastic egg carton into your recycling bin.
The local recycling facility will process it along with other plastics for reuse. By doing so, you contribute to reducing environmental waste and promoting sustainability.
When disposing of plastic egg cartons, always remember to check with your local recycling center about specific guidelines they may have in place for recycling plastics. Additionally, suppose your area does not accept plastic egg cartons for curbside recycling pickup. In that case, alternative drop-off locations or specialized programs might take them off your hands at no cost.
Styrofoam egg cartons are not recyclable because the polystyrene material does not biodegrade quickly and can contaminate recycling streams. When mixed with other recyclables, they can reduce the quality of recycled products.
By integrating into paper fibers during the recycling process, Styrofoam can cause issues in the machinery. Proper disposal of polystyrene egg cartons involves placing them in regular trash or finding specialized facilities that handle this type of waste.
It’s important to know that despite their non-recyclability, there are sustainable alternatives to Styrofoam egg cartons, such as paper or plastic ones, which can be recycled or reused, promoting an eco-friendlier approach.
Repurpose egg cartons by adding them to your compost or using them for home projects. Find creative ways to give these cartons a second life and discover more insightful facts about recycling practices.
Tear them into small pieces to compost egg cartons and add them to your compost pile. The paper-based cartons will break down over time, providing valuable carbon to your compost.
In addition, the cardboard material in the egg cartons can help aerate the soil as it decomposes.
Furthermore, the compost from egg cartons and other organic matter can enrich garden soil or potted plants with essential nutrients. This process not only reduces waste but also contributes to sustainable gardening practices.
You can creatively repurpose egg cartons for various home projects. They make excellent seed starters for your garden or balcony, providing a cost-effective way to begin your gardening journey.
You can also use them as paint palettes for art projects or as organizers for small items like screws, nails, and beads in your workshop or craft room. Additionally, you can cut up the egg cartons and use them as protective packaging material when mailing fragile items.
By incorporating egg cartons into your DIY home projects, you reduce waste and find practical and sustainable uses for these seemingly disposable items.
To properly recycle egg cartons, remove any leftover eggshells and rinse them before placing them in the recycling bin. Read more about handling your egg cartons effectively to help reduce waste.
Check with your local recycling facility or waste management company to properly recycle egg cartons. When you’re ready to dispose of them, separate any plastic or metal parts from the paper carton before recycling.
To avoid contamination, rinse off any leftover food residue and allow the cartons to dry completely before placing them in the recycling bin. If your area does not accept egg cartons for curbside recycling, consider dropping them off at a nearby recycling center that can process paper products.
If your local facility doesn’t accept egg cartons for recycling, consider finding creative ways to repurpose them around your home instead. Doing so can reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable environment while finding new uses for these versatile containers.
Consider donating your clean egg cartons to local farms, where they can be reused for packaging and transporting eggs. You can also check with community gardens or schools that use them in gardening projects. Plenty of creative ways exist to give your egg cartons a second life before disposing of them.
Consider hiring a local recycling services provider to ensure your egg cartons are correctly recycled. Search online for nearby recycling companies that accept paper, plastic, or other materials for recycling.
Contact them to inquire about their specific requirements for accepting egg cartons and any collection schedules they may have. Hiring a local service provider can help you streamline recycling and ensure your egg cartons are disposed of responsibly.
If you are still looking for a suitable local recycling service provider, consider contacting municipal waste management departments or community recycling centers for guidance on proper disposal methods for egg cartons.
Some cities offer curbside pickup programs designed explicitly for recyclable materials, including egg cartons. Be proactive in finding sustainable solutions for disposing of these items and contributing to environmental conservation efforts within your community.


Security, access and control for the enterprise. One console to manage the security and encryption of all devices regardless of platform.
Increased server data security and ease of management for administrators that need to secure back-end systems.
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Enforces transparent file encryption on cloud folders through policy, to ensure data is protected.
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SecureDoc is a comprehensive disk encryption product that secures data at rest (DAR). It has two main components: the client software used to encrypt and decrypt data and the server software used to configure, deploy and manage laptop encryption, desktop encryption and server encryption and external devices encryption for an entire organization.
The SecureDoc client software uses a FIPS 140-2 level 1 and level 2 certified AES 256-bit cryptographic engine to encrypt data. WinMagic recommends that all drives be protected with full-disk encryption (FDE), container, and volume encryption can be used to supplement FDE on shared laptops, desktops and servers to add another layer of defence for classified data, and to encrypt data on external storage devices such as USB keys, CD/DVDs, and SD cards. The SecureDoc client software provides encryption capabilities on multiple operating systems (Windows, Mac, and Linux via SecureDoc OSA).


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Taking some time to relax with each other, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart were spotted out on a date in Los Angeles last night (July 6).
The “Remember Me” stud and the “Adventureland” babe attended a Sam Bradley concert at the Hotel Café, trying their best not to be photographed together as they made their exit.
Robert has been working steadily on his new project “Water for Elephants” with his beautiful co-star Reese Witherspoon.
Meanwhile, Rob and Kristen’s new film “Eclipse” has been knocking it out of the park with box office sales, and doesn’t seem to be slowing down.Enjoy the pictures of
source : http://celebrity-gossip.net


Beltuna Alex III, three voice LMM 2.5 row 12 bass in cherry with swing tuned Artigiana tipo a mano reeds. There are four push button couplers on the bass end to control thirds and low bass. On the treble side there are three switches behind the keyboard which allow the voicing to be changed during play. This is a lovely instrument with a rich full tone and full rounded and well balanced basses. Includes a top quality hard case and straps.


Kenney & Heilprin: Week 1 Reaction, Week 2 Preview With Former Wisconsin OL Bill Nagy
September 9, 2022
|By Zach Heilprin
Ben and Zach are live from Monk’s Bar and Grill in Sun Praire with former Wisconsin OL Bill Nagy. They give more reaction to Wisconsin’s 38-0 win over Illinois State, talk Graham Mertz and the offense, discuss Bob Bostad’s offensive line and look forward to what they need to see from the Badgers this Saturday. Plus Locks Of The Week.


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Matthew Wilkening is the Editor in Chief of UltimateClassicRock.com and Diffuser.fm. He is determined to raise his children in a world without competitive singing television shows.
Dave Grohl Joins Guns N’ Roses for ‘Paradise City’ in Tulsa
Watch Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters join Guns N' Roses for "Paradise City" in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Foo Fighters Release Brand New Song ‘Soldier’
Hot on the heels of last month's 'Concrete and Gold' album, Foo Fighters have unveiled another brand new song, entitled "Soldier."
Vince Neil ‘Terminated’ From ‘Celebrity Apprentice’
A week after winning over $750,000 for charity on 'Celebrity Apprentice,' Vince Neil fell on his own sword and was "terminated" on the first of tonight's two challenges.
Guns N’ Roses Songs Cleverly Reimagined for Bud Light Super Bowl and ‘Resident Evil’ Comme…
Two of the most famous songs from Guns N' Roses' 1987 debut 'Appetite for Destruction' have been given a fresh coat of paint for a pair of new commercials.
Ted Nugent Wants the Secret Service to Investigate Madonna
Ted Nugent hopes Madonna's 'blowing up the White House' comments receive the same scrutiny as his 2012 comments about President Obama.
Iron Maiden Announce 2017 North American Tour
Iron Maiden have announced a new, 25-date North American leg of their ongoing 'Book of Souls' tour.
Metallica Confirmed for ‘Very Special and Unique’ 2017 Grammy Performance
Metallica will perform at the Grammys for the fourth time in their career, and they're promising something 'very special and unique.'
Def Leppard, Poison and Tesla Announce 2017 Tour
Def Leppard, Poison and Tesla will team up for a nearly three-month long tour this spring. This marks the first tour to feature all four original Poison members in over five years.
Lou Gramm Now Confirms He Will Join Foreigner’s Tour ‘For a Song or Two’
After some "crossed wires and miscommunications," Lou Gramm says he will rejoin his former group Foreigner on tour this summer.
David Bowie’s Last Known Songs Released as ‘No Plan’ EP
The final three songs known to be recorded by David Bowie have been released as an EP entitled 'No Plan.'


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New River State Park
North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, 2015
GPS Coordinates: 36.46768,-81.34035
Size: 2,878 acres
The northwestern corner of North Carolina the north and south forks of the New River flow north from headwaters in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Winding more than 100 miles through forested mountains and pastoral valleys, the forks join just a few miles south of the North Carolina-Virginia line. The New River continues its unusual northward flow through southwestern Virginia and West Virginia into the Kanawha and Ohio rivers, its waters eventually reaching the Gulf of Mexico by way of the Mississippi River.
The New River is believed to be one of the oldest rivers in North America. It existed before the mountains through which it now passes and, for millions of years, its waters have followed essentially the same course. Many stretches of the river flow through remote countryside not easily accessible by road or trail. The designated scenic segment of the river, 26.5 miles in length, includes 22 miles of the South Fork downstream to its confluence with the North Fork and 4.5 miles of the main stem of the river north to the Virginia line.
Archaeological investigations in the New River valley suggest the presence of humans in the region for at least 10,000 years. Artifacts such as arrowheads, pottery shards and stone axes indicate that the Canawhay Indian tribe occupied the valley during the pre-colonial period. The valley also was a hunting ground for bands of Creek, Shawnee and Cherokee Indians. Their hunting trails led north along the New River to the Ohio River. Rock shelters near the confluence of the river's forks were used by hunters who camped in the bottomlands. The river was a major route of travel for transient hunters, but there were no known permanent settlements in the area, perhaps due to more aggressive northern tribes nearby.
The earliest Europeans to enter the area encountered a land of wild beauty with dense forests, open meadows and an abundance of wildlife including bison, elk, black bear and beaver. The first European to see the river was probably Colonel Abraham Wood, who sought trade with the Native Americans in 1654. Hence, the river became known as Wood's River.
Other non-indigenous visitors to the region before the 1770s were hunters and trappers, men such as Daniel Boone who settled along the Yadkin River near present-day Wilkesboro. The New River was given its current name by Peter Jefferson, the father of Thomas Jefferson, who visited the area in 1749 when he surveyed the North Carolina-Virginia boundary through New River country.
Efforts to preserve the scenic qualities of the New River and to keep it free from human alteration began in 1965 when the Appalachian Power Company applied for a license to dam the river and build reservoirs for water storage. Over time, opposition to the proposal arose from citizen groups, and state and federal agencies. Hearings, litigation and legislative action followed.
In order to protect this historic river and the scenic area surrounding it, the North Carolina General Assembly, on May 26, 1975, declared the 26.5-mile stretch of the river from its confluence with Dog Creek to the Virginia state line a State Scenic River. In April, 1976, the Secretary of the Interior designated the same portion of the river as a part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. This action was reaffirmed by an act of Congress, and construction of the dam and reservoirs was prohibited.
Dense forests once blanketed the land in the New River valley, but most of the virgin forest was cut or cleared and the woodlands now consist of second- or third-growth trees. Nevertheless, an abundance of forest cover grows primarily on ridges and on the steep slopes of the valley wall.
The soil is fertile and much of it is moist, supporting many species of hardwoods, pines, shrubs and wildflowers. More than half of the forest cover is an oak/hickory hardwood community. Oaks, hickories, maples and pines grow where the soil is relatively shallow and dry. The moist soil along the river's tributary streams supports a more diverse flora including American beech, black gum, yellow poplar, black locust and yellow birch. Hemlocks and pines grow at higher elevations. The understory includes dogwood, sourwood, sassafras, huckleberries, alders and hydrangeas. Mountain laurel and rhododendron grow on north-facing slopes and add color to the woodlands in winter and beautiful flowers in the spring.
At least 14 species of rare, threatened or endangered plants grow in the valley. They include rattlesnake root, Carolina saxifrage, Carey's saxifrage, spreading avens and purple sedge. Please help preserve our diverse natural heritage by leaving these valuable species in their natural habitats for all to enjoy.
Diverse animal species make their homes in the New River Valley. White-tailed deer are common and black bears are seen occasionally. Mink, muskrat, river otter and raccoon may be encountered along the river. Beaver have been reintroduced to the area.
Bird life is abundant and varied, and the valley is home to several nesting birds uncommon in other parts of the state. A population of wild turkeys is present in lowland forests and ruffed grouse may be seen at higher elevations. Sightings of ospreys along the river have increased in recent years. Red-tailed hawks nest on cliffs above the river. Scarlet tanagers, American goldfinches and indigo buntings provide brilliant flashes of color, and serious bird watchers look for uncommon species including black-billed cuckoo, willow and least flycatchers, warbling vireo, golden-winged warbler, and northern oriole. Spotted sandpipers, belted kingfishers and wood ducks are also encountered along the waterways.
Wet summer evenings bring choruses of frogs, common in the wetlands adjacent to the river and its streams. Salamanders thrive in shallow, rocky tributaries while nonvenomous water snakes can be seen along the river's edge. A variety of lizards and turtles occupy the region.
North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation. New River State Park. https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/new-river-state-park (accessed October 25, 2023).
Resources on the New River and State Park, North Carolina Digital Collections, https://digital.ncdcr.gov/documents?adv_all=%22new%20river%22|AND&searchtypes=Full%20text|Metadata&applyState=true (accessed December 12, 2015).
Resources on the New River, Internet Archive, https://archive.org/search.php?query=new%20river%20state%20park%20north%... (accessed December 12, 2015).
Adams, Noah. 2001. Far Appalachia: following the New River north. New York: Delacorte Press.
Cooper, Leland R., and Mary Lee Cooper. 2001. The people of the New River: oral histories from the Ashe, Alleghany, and Watauga counties of North Carolina. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co.
[Camping at New River State Park campground, Hwy 221]. Photograph. ca. 1987. Collection of North Carolina State Parks.
[New River overlook]. Photograph. ca. 1960. North Carolina State Parks Collection, N.C. Digital Collections. https://digital.ncdcr.gov/Documents/Detail/view-of-the-new-river-circa-1... (accessed January 4, 2016).
20 November 2015

domain: geography


Zoukei-Mura Super Wing Series 1/32 DOUGLAS A-1J Skyraider U.S.AIR FORCE (Includes U.S. Aircraft Weapons 2)
Includes SWS07-M01 D30US Aircraft Weapons Set. For more details please visit: https://www.zoukeimura.co.jp/en/products/sws07_A1Jskyraider.html
1. USAF specific antennas.
2. Taxiing lights under the wing tips.
3. Open or closed engine bay.
4. Accurately reproduced bubble canopy
5. Main wings can be folded.


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The global mean temperature in September 2023 was 0.93° C warmer than the 1991–2020 average, breaking the previous record set in 2020 by a margin of 0.5° C. This was the largest margin by which the previous monthly record has been broken in any calendar month.
The unprecedented jump in average temperatures has puzzled scientists. Some scientists have argued that the half-degree margin between September 2020 and 2023 can be explained by ongoing climate change and natural climate variability, such as the change of a three-year La Niña into an El Niño.
Others have suggested that the Hunga-Tonga volcanic eruption in January 2021 or the reduction in sulfur emissions from shipping in 2020 may have contributed to the record temperatures of recent months.
A study published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science has compared climate model-simulated record margins with observations.
It found that the observed record margin of 0.5° C is a very rare event in model simulations spanning from 1970 to 2050. Similar records occur in only about once in a hundred simulations.
The study estimated that the contribution of volcanic eruptions and reductions in sulfur emissions to the record margin could be around 0.1° C, which would significantly increase the likelihood of the September record.


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The Inaugural Volume: 2020
Media Studies | University of British Columbia, BC
As an open access journal, Beacon: Journal of Media Studies will apply:
- Creative Commons Attribution License CC – BY – NC – ND 4.0 to all creative works published on our site.
- Creative Commons Attribution License CC – BY – NC 4.0 to all academic essay works published on our site.
Our journal is passionate about being a platform to showcase the works of undergraduate students in the field of media studies to a greater audience. We believe in the ideas and wonders of students, and support their journey to achieving their biggest aspirations. As such, creators are free to publish their work on other platforms, even when it has been published on our site.


Performance of photovoltaic supplied systems with NiCd battery storage
For small-scale photovoltaic supplied devices, NiCd rechargable batteries are commonly used for storage. The charging efficiency is a function of the state of charge, the charging current and the temperature of the battery cell. In particular, the charging efficiency becomes zero, if the charging current falls below a certain value depending on the state of charage. For a detailed analysis of these relationships a computer model of a photovoltaic system incorporating a NiCd-battery has been developed. This model has been verified with a simple experimental device. The paper gives a survey of the studies and presents first results.


Yahoo! Maps has added indoor venue mapping, raising its challenge to Google Maps by including internal navigation for more than 75,000 buildings worldwide. The new feature, provided by Nokia’s HERE platform, takes mapping indoors in places like shopping centers, even across multiple levels.
It’s not just a simple floor plan, either, with HERE providing details of store locations, restaurants, and cafes. There are peripheral services, too, like ATMs and restrooms.
Internal maps have been available on Google Maps for some time now, offering the same floor-level details as Yahoo! Maps now gets. Nokia’s own HERE Maps has also had the feature since 2012, and in fact called out Google last year on the quality of its data.
With its phone business headed off to Microsoft, the HERE division is left as one of the key strands of Nokia’s business moving forward. Last year, we hitched a ride on one of the 68-megapixel camera cars that the HERE team is using to challenge Google Street View, factoring in things like optical character recognition on street signs and notices to clean up its mapping data.
In fact, Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer supposedly wanted to buy both Nokia’s phone business and the HERE division too. However, after a shouting match with the Microsoft board, he apparently scaled down his ambitions to just cellphones and smartphones.


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Calcium buildups in pipes can be difficult to deal with. These are calcium carbonate deposits often formed when hard water is heated. Fortunately, both temporary and permanent solutions exist to this issue!
If you choose the temporary calcium buildup removal solution, you’ll be left with clean pipes for only a few weeks or months. Sooner or later, you’ll find yourself repeating this daunting process.
On the other hand, the permanent solution might be costly in the beginning but definitely worth it in the long run. Let’s discuss all the options in this post such that you can make an informed decision!
What causes Calcium Buildup in Pipes?
Hard water has a high amount of dissolved minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. Calcium carbonate deposits can form scales in your water heaters and pipes when heated.
These solid deposits are called limescale or calcium buildups and play a role in reducing the efficiency of your plumbing system or, if not attended for a long time, clog it.
While a few options exist that dissolve the scale, the only long-term solution is to soften the water or replace your plumbing pipes with a material that doesn’t permit the attachment of these calcium carbonate deposits.
What Does Calcium Buildup In Pipes Look Like?
One of the major telltale signs of hard water is needing more cleaning products, be it during a shower or laundry. Your clean dishes right out of dishwater also might bear some annoying white spots.
Besides these, the evidence that confirms hard water running through your plumbing system is white scaly deposits on the inside of your pipes. Your faucets and showerheads will also show bear a thin layer of white deposit.
What Breaks Down Calcium Deposits?
While years of limescale buildups might require a professional intervention, mild to moderate calcium deposits in pipes can be taken care of on your own. Below are a few options that break down calcium deposits.
Vinegar is a diluted acetic acid. Acid, when combined with the base, neutralizes into salt and water. Here, limestone or calcium carbonate is the base. When these two react, you can expect a neutralization reaction to occur, which ends up dissolving the solid deposits.
The reaction produces water and carbon dioxide gas, thus the fizzing action. As vinegar is simply a mild acid, this method might take relatively longer.
Many also suggest using baking soda alongside the vinegar, claiming the fizzing action helps dissolve the scale better. Do give it a try, and let us know how it worked for you!
2. Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice also contains mild citric acid. And, as per the neutralization reaction, it can be a pretty effective natural limescale dissolvent.
However, in all honesty, pouring freshly squeezed lemon juice down the drain to unclog the pipe is simply not practical. What you can do is use the lemon juice spray to clean the faucets, shower head, or any deposits on the sink area instead.
The mechanism of citric acid is similar to acetic acid. The acid combines with carbonates to release water and carbon dioxide.
3. Chemical Cleaners:
Many chemical limescale descalers are available commercially. These cleaners are typically acid-based. Calcium, Lime, and Rust remover (CLR) is one such product that many vouch in favor of.
Unfortunately, many commercial limescale descalers aren’t eco-friendly. However, there are a few environment-friendly options available in case you want to minimize your carbon footprint.
While some DIY blogs suggest you invest in a strong acid such as Hydrochloric acid (HCL) and DIY prepare a limescale dissolvent, we’re absolutely against the idea.
These acids are intensely corrosive, and even their fumes can result in damaged nose tissues. While handling these chemicals, you cannot afford to make one minor accident. So our advice, steer clear of such hazardous attempts.
Another potent descaler, muriatic acid, a diluted version of hydrochloric acid, is used to dissolve limescale from bigger surface areas such as in a pool.
You’ll probably not be using muriatic acid to remove calcium buildup in pipes. If you do, wear protective clothing and equipment and be extra careful during the handling.
How To Clean Calcium Buildup In Water Pipes?
1. Fill a few buckets of water to flush the pipes later on:
Once you start the calcium buildup removal process, you’ll be turning off the water to your house. Therefore, start by filling a few buckets of water to later flush the pipes. A proper approximation is a large pot of water for every sink, toilet, or shower drain that requires treatment.
Also, you’ll not be able to turn on the taps for a few hours, especially if using the vinegar-baking soda descaling method. So, make sure you set aside more water buckets for your household purpose.
2. Turn off the water supply:
The next important step is to shut off the water supplies to your house. Also, turn off all the taps. You don’t want every taps and hose to flood once you turn back the water.
Moreover, it is imperative you turn off the circuit breaker to your water heater. Remember to always do this step before actually shutting off water to your house. Else, the heater will burn up and become damaged.
3. Drain remaining water:
Once the water is turned off, open the taps to drain the remaining water. Flush the toilets and drain the water heater. Finally, you’re ready to use commercial or natural limescale descalers on your next step.
4. Pour the calcium buildup dissolvent:
Now it’s time to bring your choice of limescale descaler into action. Pour the dissolvent down the drain.
If you’re using a vinegar-baking soda combo, add a cup of baking soda first, followed by vinegar. You’ll notice fizzing action going on. Feel free to use the vinegar depending upon the intensity of buildup.
When using synthetic commercial cleaners, always wear protective clothing and gloves for your safety. An easier method of pouring these liquids is using a funnel.
While the commercial cleaners do their job in about 15 to 30 mins, the vinegar cleaner must be left in the pipe for a few hours for an ideal result.
5. Clean other bathroom and shower essentials:
While you’re waiting for the calcium carbonate descaler to do its job, you can soak showerheads, faucets, and other bathroom and kitchen equipment that need to be treated. While calcium carbonate deposit might not be harmful or problematic in these items, it sure is unsightly.
6. Pour boiling water and flush the pipes:
Finally, it’s time to boil the water you set aside in the beginning. Hot water removes greasy debris as well as the descaler. Pour hot water into the sinks and finally flush the pipes with clean water to remove all the buildup and debris.
7. Repeat every few months to prevent a clog:
Make sure to descale your plumbing system, water heaters, coffee makers, or anywhere that might come in touch with hot hard water every few months.
In the case of drinking water tanks, pipes, and heaters, don’t use commercial cleaners as these might be toxic to human health. Use natural or mechanical cleaners or a cleaner that guarantees human health safety in these cases.
How To Prevent Calcium Buildup In Pipes?
1. Invest in a hard water softening system:
A hard water softening system is often a whole-house filtration system in which hard water is converted into soft water by a process called ion exchange.
The detailed components and mechanism of a hard water softening system is another whole post. In short, negatively charged resin beads attract and trap the positively charged mineral deposits in the water, thus letting the softened water flow to the next chamber.
The water softening system is quite efficient and commercially and residentially used worldwide. It will partially or fully remove the hardness depending upon how hard the water is. According to HomeGuide, expect to pay around $800 to $2,500 for a softener and its installation in 2022.
2. Replace your pipes with PEX:
Another solution can be to replace your metal pipes with PEX. Plastic pipes such as PVC and PEX are more resistant to calcium buildups. So, if the buildup problem is annoying you too much, you might as well replace the plumbing pipes with PEX.
When To Call on a Plumbing Professional?
In case of heavy calcium buildup clogs that don’t seem to dissolve with any natural or synthetic cleaners, you might want to seek professional help.
The plumbing professional will probably use an electro-mechanical cleaning machine to clear the clog. After that, you can definitely reclean the pipe with limescale descaler to remove the remaining buildups.
We hope this comprehensive guide on removing calcium buildup in pipes was helpful. As you can see, there are quite a few ways to get rid of the buildups. The temporary solutions can be exhausting to repeat if the buildups frequently clog your drain.
On the other hand, a filtration system can be expensive initially but will protect you against the harshness of hard water.
In our opinion, if the hardness of the water running through your home is high, a softening system is due sooner or later. But if the hardness is not too much of an issue, you can absolutely get away with the temporary softening solutions.

domain: chemistry


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Greetings, New Mexico craft beer lovers. Stoutmeister here with The Week Ahead in Beer. This column covers all the breweries in Bernalillo and Sandoval counties, with Santa Fe’s six breweries, one in Los Alamos, and one in Moriarty also joining the party.
Stoutmeister puts on his serious face to handle The Week Ahead in Beer.
This weekend may feature an overload on the big events front. First up, Marble Heights is celebrating its first anniversary on Friday starting at 5 p.m. Gobble This will provide the finger foods, while The Fabulous Martini Tones provide the tunes from 7-10. There will also be two archived beers tapped in La Blanche and Cereza Cerveza. Then on Saturday, Boese Brothers kicks things off with its second anniversary party starting at 1 p.m. DJ Dave 12 will spin from 1-2 p.m., followed by Tijerina Band from 4-6, The Devil’s Threesome from 7-9, and DJ Leftovers from 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. There will be a Wall Hooky Tournament from 3-5 p.m., plus the Grapefruit Pale Ale wil
Source: NM Dark Side Brew Crew
Read the full article here.