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3M Earplugs Lawsuits – What You Need to Know
Several Army veterans have filed lawsuits against 3M, the company that provided earplugs to the military for more than a decade. The veterans, who suffer from hearing disabilities, believe that the company knowingly sold defective safety equipment to the Army. Now they’re demanding compensation for the pain, suffering, and injuries they’re forced to deal with for the rest of their lives.
Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq Affected
The defective 3M earplugs were reportedly provided to the military between 2003 and 2015. Servicemembers of all branches of the military who served abroad and domestically may have received the standard issue safety devices. Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan likely used the 3M earplugs at some point during their tour of duty.
Unfortunately, many veterans who have struggled with hearing problems after their years of military service may not realize that 3M earplugs may be to blame.
Whistleblower First Revealed Dangers of 3M Earplugs
A whistleblower stepped forward and filed a lawsuit on behalf of the United States government, accusing 3M of providing defective earplugs to the military. One of 3M’s competitors, Moldex-Metric, assisted with the lawsuit. During litigation, it was revealed that 3M failed to disclose research showing that its earplugs did not block out dangerous levels of noise. The company ultimately admitted that it had falsified results and lied to the government in order to fulfill its contract.
In 2018, the company agreed to pay $9.1 million to settle the whistleblower lawsuit. However, none of this money will go to injured veterans.
3M Lawsuits Consolidated Into Multidistrict Litigation
Hundreds of military veterans have taken matters into their own hands and filed personal injury lawsuits against 3M. Many of these cases have been consolidated into what is known as multidistrict litigation (MDLs).
Rather than having hundreds or thousands of similar cases tried separately in various courts across the country, the cases are consolidated before a single federal judge. This process helps to expedite litigation and prevent opposing rulings. MDLs also help to encourage settlements, which can cut down on court costs and help victims get the money they need and deserve.
Injuries Associated With Defective 3M Earplugs
Members of the military are provided with earplugs because they are often exposed to unsafe levels of noise. The 3M earplugs provided between 2003 and 2015 were dual-sided. One side allowed servicemembers to block out all of the sounds around them. The other side allowed the servicemembers to block out dangerous noise while allowing other critical sounds to get through. Ideally, members of the military would be able to block out sounds of explosions while still being able to hear commands issued by their officers. However, 3M earplugs were not effective in blocking out dangerous levels of noise. As a result, veterans who served during this time or an increased risk of suffering from serious hearing-related injuries. This is troubling, since members of the military are already susceptible to these types of injuries.
Injuries related to defective 3M earplugs include:
- Permanent hearing loss
- Auditory processing disorder, and
- Temporary hearing loss.
Any member of the military who used 3M earplugs and struggles with these injuries should not hesitate to contact an experienced attorney. You may have the right to hold 3M accountable for your injuries. An attorney can help you get the money you deserve.


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Sandy, Oregon, US
|Usual Difficulty||II (for normal flows)|
|Avg. Gradient||33 fpm|
|SANDY RIVER BLW BULL RUN RIVER, NR BULL RUN, OR|
|usgs-14142500||1200 - 3000 cfs||II||00h40m||3640 cfs (too high)|
Full description in Soggy Sneakers.
Revenue Bridge, River Mile 23.9: From Highway 26 in Sandy turn north onto Ten Eyck Rd. Follow this road 1.9 miles down into the Sandy gorge and the Revenue Bridge. This bridge is the put-in where a trail leads down to the river on the downstream river left side. Parking is extremely limited and local landowners have complained about the congestion--plan to meet and consolidate vehicles at the take-out or somewhere in the town of Sandy and be quick and efficient with your load and unload. Don't block driveways or tear up the shoulder. A few parking spots are available by heading back up the hill a few hundred yards to the intersection of Ten Eyck Road with Kubitz Road.
Dodge Park, River Mile 18.7:This public park is an intermediate access point at the confluence of the Bull Run with the Sandy River.
Oxbow Park, River Mile 11.0: This is a standard take-out for the run although flatwater paddlers can continue on downstream.
Lewis and Clark State Park, River Mile 2.7: This access is just upstream of the Interstate 84 bridges on river left.
|Mile||Rapid Name||Class||Features (Legend)|
Intermediate Access Point

domain: travel


Portland, Oregon native and well-known writer and blogger Scott Hanselman spoke at SATURN 2014 this year ("JaveScript, the Cloud, and the New Virtual Machine") and, while there, he interviewed Len Bass for The Hanselminutes Podcast: Fresh Air for Developers. Len is a senior principal researcher at NICTA in Australia. During his long and distinguished career at the SEI, Len was co-author many seminal publications in the field of software architecture including Software Architecture in Practice. In the podcast, Stories of Computer Science Past and Present with Len Bass, Len shares stories from his 40+ year career in software.
Sixth International Workshop on Managing Technical Debt Co-located with 30th International Conference on Software Maintenance and Evolution (ICSME 2014) Victoria, British Columbia, Canada September 30, 2014 http://www.sei.cmu.edu/community/td2014/ Technical debt is a metaphor that software developers and managers increasingly use to communicate key tradeoffs related to release and quality issues. The Managing Technical Debt workshop series has, since 2010, brought together practitioners and researchers to discuss and define issues related to technical debt and how they can be studied. Workshop participants reiterate the usefulness of the metaphor each year, share emerging practices used in software development organizations, and emphasize the need for more research and better means for sharing emerging practices and results.
Notes by Ziyad Alsaeed, edited by Tamara Marshall-Keim Transparency: An Architecture Principle for Socio-Technical Ecosystems Felix Bachmann and Linda Northrop, Software Engineering Institute Felix and Linda shared their experience as a team in the XSEDE project. They presented compelling evidence of the need to have transparent architecture and architectural practices in socio-technical ecosystems like XSEDE. XSEDE is a virtual, high-performance computer system that allows interactivity for scientists (e.g., biologists, mechanical engineers, environmentalists) all over the world to run their experiments. Experiments are usually of the types that need super-powerful computing capabilities. The system is distributed over a wide distance, and engineers or developers have different global and local priorities. Due to the size of the project and the high complexity, architectural guidance was necessary to ensure the success of the project. Felix’s and Linda’s team responsibilities are to help the team make the right architectural decisions, coach the team on how to incorporate architectural practices, and research missions.
Notes by Ziyad Alsaeed, edited by Tamara Marshall-Keim Can You Hear Me Now? The Art of Applying Communication Protocols When Architecting Real-Time Control Systems Todd Farley, BAE Systems, Inc. BAE Systems deals with architecting real-time control systems. These systems are usually complicated and distributed. Also, the lifetimes of projects are usually very long. So BAE must always answer this question: Which process should they adapt? The problems they face tend to fall into three categories:
Notes by Ziyad Alsaeed, edited by Tamara Marshall-Keim BI/Big Data Reference Architectures and Case Studies Serhiy Haziyev and Olha Hrytsay, SoftServe, Inc. Serhiy and Olha shared their experience with the tradeoff between modern and traditional (non-relational and relational) reference architectures. They looked into the challenges associated with each approach and gave tips from real-life case studies on how to deal with big data reference architecture. As a reminder, they visited some of the known big data challenges:
Notes by Ziyad Alsaeed, edited by Tamara Marshall-Keim Under N: Acceptance to Delivery in N Hours Umashankar Velusamy, Verizon Communications, Inc. Umashankar started the presentation with a simple question: Are all deliveries the same? Humans take about 9 months to “deliver” babies. Cats and dogs take about 2 months to do so. So not all deliveries are the same. In the software industry, the same thing applies—different deliveries take different amounts of time. However, we tend to apply a one-size-fits-all solution to everything. Umashankar asked another question: Does it make since to wait 2 weeks or even 2 months for something to deliver, when it takes only 12 hours to deliver? It’s definitely doesn’t make sense, Umashankar answers.
Notes by Scott Shipp, edited by Tamara Marshall-Keim CORBA to Web Services Migration Using Model-Driven Approaches and Offshoring Georg Huettenegger, Credit Suisse Huettenegger discussed challenges and lessons learned from migrating one of the world's largest and most successful CORBA SOAs to a web services SOA. Credit Suisse is an integrated global bank. It delivers all the possible services that a bank could offer. Credit Suisse employs more than 45,000 people from 160 nations. The current Credit Suisse SOA is "nice, yet limited." Where it is headed is not good. It has over 2,500 CORBA service operations, there are 20–30 Mill CORBA calls per day, and there are about 400 consuming applications. With such a large scale and with such widely distributed employees, maybe Agile is not the way to go.


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At the beginning of July, we unveiled a Piece Unique called ‘Tom & T-Rex’: our donation to the famous biennial ‘Only Watch’ auction. As explained at the time, it was the first example of a new series of clocks called ‘T-Rex’, which launches today!
T-Rex is the eleventh co-creation with our trusted partners and expert clockmakers L’Epée 1839, who master the engineering and peerless manufacturing. To create the piece, our own creative director Max Büsser worked with another Max, namely designer Maximilian Maertens – who modelled the clock’s legs from actual Tyrannosaurus Rex bones! Standing about 30cm tall, this unconventional machine is crafted from more than 200 finely finished components of palladium-plated brass and bronze, stainless steel… and glass! But not just any glass: hand-blown artisanal glass from the island of Murano, near Venice. The deep blue, red or green material graces the dial, which displays the time thanks to two slim arched hands.
Behind the dial and suspended in an open sphere between the dinosaur’s two legs, L’Epée’s in-house eight-day power reserve movement forms the pulsating heart of this new mechanical creature.
T-Rex comes in three limited editions of 100 pieces each in deep blue, green or red.
Retail price is CHF 22’500 + VAT.

domain: design


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METROPOLITAN POLICE OFFICERS FEEL LIKE THEY “ARE DROWNING UNDER AN AVALANCHE” DUE TO STAFF SHORTAGE, INCREASED WORKLOADS AND POLICE “REFORMS”
Front line Officers working within the Metropolitan Police Service feel like they are drowning with the immense pressure they facing on a daily basis due to “Police Reforms”.
Constables working in Neighbourhood Policing or “SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS” as it used to be called once worked in teams of 6 covering a reasonably sized electoral ward or area.
The six person team would be made up of 1 Police Sergeant, 2 Police Constables and 3 Police Community Support Officers.
Now they have moved to a new system rebranded “LOCAL POLICING TEAMS” which now comprises 1 PC and 1 PCSO dedicated to the ward. Each pair then has as backup a team of 4 Police Constables and 1 Police Sergeant who [are supposed to] police a cluster of EIGHT wards.
From that little back up team however, one will be responsible for what they call “appointments car” whose role it is to attend those calls from the public which are not deemed as urgent and so they are allotted a time when a Police Officer will attend and speak to them regarding whatever it is they felt the need to call the Police about. This may or may not lead to recording crimes but never the less can be a time consuming roll for one Officer.
Another from the group will be responsible for investigating all Crime Reports handed to them at the start of the shift. Making contact with the victim as per the “Victims Code” which requires a Police Officer to make contact on a regular basis agreed to by the victim. Arranging a visit to the victim and/witness to obtain statements, gathering information and evidence perhaps missed out in the intitial report. Again, a very time consuming yet important role.
So that leaves just 2 PCs and a Sgt to patrol the 8 wards, conduct arrest enquiries and any other tasking the Senior Management requires. So in effect the work of the Neighbourhood Police Officer which used to be completed by 2 PCs and 4 PCSO which still caused the public to complain of a low Police presence, has now been chopped down to 1 PC and 1 PCSO!
My source within one such Policing team said
“Combined with the no recruitment for a number of years and the Local Policing team system we’ve just changed to, we feel like we’re drowning under an avalanche!”
External Police recruitment within the Metropolitan Police has been frozen for some time now for both PCs and PCSOs. There is a shortage of PCSOs on many teams due to them becoming PCs and the force not recruiting others to replace them.
Due to the increase in the responsibilities of a PCSO it often means the streets are left un-patrolled. PCSOs walking to calls and enquiries under pressure to get there and complete certain tasks is now the Met’s idea of patrolling.
The Police Community Support Officers are sent to “re-visit” burglary victims and conduct house to house enquiries along the street which itself can take several hours at times. They will also be deployed to make contact with “vulnerable victims” and spend time reassuring them. They have ward and council meetings to attend. Crime prevention leaflets to deliver. Targeted patrols of shopping centres to deter shop lifters and purse dippers. They deal with long term neighbour disputes acting as mediators and go betweens as well as referring people to external partner agencies…. All of this is expected on a daily basis and it does not take a genius to see that there is far too much work for the numbers deployed.
Another source has told me
I’m a dedicated ward PCSO. My work load just gets larger each day. I have to do an analyst’s job with figures for my Inspector as well as dealing with the normal PCSO duties of visiting burglary victims and neighbours and vulnerable victims etc. I stayed nearly two hours late last night doing figures and updating our website… Saying that I often stay an hour or two longer to try and keep up. But it’s never ending!
So where does it end? This isn’t an isolated case. This problem is reflected in almost every single force around the country yet the public are expected to swallow the lies that frontline policing is not being effected by the Governments excessive cuts.
The Police Service of England & Wales is on the verge of collapse. Morale is at the lowest it has EVER been. Numbers are at a 12year low. Crime stats (when reported correctly) are increasing. The public are NOT receiving the same high level of service they once were and still deserve.
Where this ends and what it will take to open the eyes of those in charge, nobody knows.

domain: sociology


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New NLEX lanes eyed to support government’s infrastructure projects
Date Posted : March 08, 2017
The new NLEX projects of the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC), which include 64 new lane-kilometers in Bulacan and Pampanga, are envisioned to support the government’s big-ticket infrastructure projects that include building of roads, bridges, railways and the improvement of airports to spur development and ease traffic congestion in the country.
The mantra of the administration’s planned infrastructure program is “build, build, build” – with the government eyeing to spend P8 trillion for infrastructure projects in the next five years to move the country forward and improve the lives of the Filipino people by generating investments, creating jobs and lowering prices of commodities.
This particular battle cry of the government is something that MNTC, concessionaire of the NLEX, strongly believes in as it recently announced that the P2.6-billion new expressway lanes project will help improve travel convenience and promote growth of local businesses in the Central Luzon region.
When finished, expressway road capacity of the stretch from Sta. Rita in Bulacan to San Fernando in Pampanga will be expanded from the existing 2x2 lanes to 3x3 lanes in each direction giving motorists a faster, more seamless travel.
The new projects also include the construction of new expressway lanes on both sides of the 5-km long Candaba Viaduct. When completed, the road capacity of the Candaba Viaduct will be expanded for the first time since it was constructed in the ‘70s.
MNTC also built a new 2x2, 4-kilometer expressway in the Mabalacat City portion of the NLEX including two new bridges. This new project, which was completed in October last year, will henceforth segregate northbound and southbound motorists along separate carriageways and promote road safety.
MNTC is awaiting government approvals, through the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), before the new expressway lanes are opened to the motoring public.
“The new expressway projects support the government’s mission to boost socio-economic growth with infrastructures that facilitate more efficient and faster transport of good and services within Central Luzon, MNTC President and CEO Rodrigo E. Franco said, adding that, “once inaugurated, the new expressway lanes will not only provide faster, safer and more convenient travel to motorists, but will also decongest traffic in the urban areas.”
MNTC had also installed 800 expressway-standard LED road lighting between the Balagtas section all the way to San Fernando City. It will also light up an additional 33 kilometers along the NLEX to improve safety of motorists.
The tollways firm cited that the opening of the new expressway lanes will provide motorists with easier access to the Clark International Airport and the Clark Green City, the 9,450-hectare development project located within the Clark Special Economic Zone in Tarlac.

domain: news


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In the Netherlands, approximately 2 million people live with various forms of rheumatic conditions such as inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis, muscular rheumatism, ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, as well as rare forms like lupus, scleroderma, or Sjögren's syndrome. While there is a significant amount of research conducted on pharmacological treatments for individuals with rheumatic conditions, less is known about the self-management strategies they employ to cope with their symptoms. To shed light on this understudied aspect, three researchers have initiated a scientific study called "REIS" (Reuma En Ik: Self Management), which translates to "Journey" or "Trip": Rheumatism and Me: Self-Management. More information is on the Dutch website.
Tuesday 6 June 2023

domain: biology


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AC Milan are fighting for the Scudetto for the first time in ten years and off the pitch, owners Elliott Management are negotiating with Investcorp over a sale. Talks that could close soon, with many things in the pipeline.
The potential takeover of Investcorp would not only guarantee a substantial amount of investments, both on and off the pitch, but also unlock two transfers. Since a few weeks back, in fact, Milan have had agreements with Sven Botmnan and Divock Origi.
As reported by today’s edition of Corriere Dello Sport (via MilanNews), a conclusion to the talks between Elliott and Investcorp will also unlock the signing of the duo. Both have been agreed, as stated, but are currently on stand-by for obvious reasons.
In addition to signings, Investcorp will also focus a lot on the infrastructure that the club has. A modern one would also increase the value of the club, such as building the new stadium and making the training ground bigger.

domain: economics


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Following an invitation of the U.S. government, Heinz Kip – my grandfather – made a round trip through the U.S.A. in 1957. The journey was part of the american exchange program, which enabled foreign leader personnel, such as politicians, lawyers or journalists, to visit the United States and to learn more about the people, the society or the economy.
Heinz Kip started in New York City and travelled by bus, train or plane in 45 days to the west coast and back to NYC. He stopped for several days in Washington, D. C., Knoxville, New Orleans, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Holland, Michigan. In Holland he met some emigrants from his own homeland, the Grafschaft Bentheim in Germany. The Holland Evening Sentinal reported about his visit.
Exact 60 years later I will follow the tracks of my grandfather. From April 3, 2017 until June 19, 2017 my family and I will travel with an RV from New York City via Washington and New Orleans to Los Angeles. Along the route 1 we will continue to San Francisco, Chicago and Holland. Look at the following map for the planned route:
I’m looking for contacts!
Our trip won’t be vacation only. In particular, I want to get into touch with regional newspapers. I would like to know to what extent their business model has changed by the changing use of media. Also I want to meet emigrants from the Grafschaft Bentheim and exchange views with them about the US and Germany.
Can you help me? I’m looking forward to receiving contact information. Please send me an e-mail to email@example.com. Thank you in advance!
Reading the whole web site in English
Please use the following Link ro read all contents in English language, provided by Google translate:


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This summer, Care for our Common Home focuses on the ecumenical Season of Creation and its 2019 theme of protecting God’s web of life. The Season of Creation runs from September 1st to October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, and invites Christians around the world to pray and care for creation. Resources are suggested to help with planning a Season of Creation event. They can be adapted for other times as well.
The web of life needs our protection more than ever
We are part of a wonderfully complex and interdependent web of life. Our well-being depends on healthy biodiversity and ecosystems and the life giving services they provide for us such as clean water, food, oxygen and climate regulation. From a Christian perspective, every species and being in this web of life are precious because God created them and all reflect something of God. In Laudato Si’ Pope Francis reminds us that we are part of a “universal family” which we are called to cherish with love and respect. Imagine how life would flourish if we did!
Instead, we have not sufficiently cared for the web of life which sustains us and it is declining as never before in human history. Accelerating climate change is one of the main reasons. The record breaking heat in June and maybe July as well as unprecedented fires raging in the Arctic are just two of the latest signs.
Around 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction according to the summary of the first ever United Nations Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services released last May.
As report co-chair, Prof. Settele, explains, “Ecosystems, species, wild populations, local varieties and breeds of domesticated plants and animals are shrinking, deteriorating or vanishing. The essential, interconnected web of life on Earth is getting smaller and increasingly frayed. This loss is a direct result of human activity and constitutes a direct threat to human well-being in all regions of the world.”
All are not equally affected however-- Indigenous Peoples and many of the world’s poorest that depend more on nature are projected to be harder hit. The report outlines that climate change is already negatively impacting nature with more expected.
It is not too late to change course. To restore and protect nature, the report emphasizes that transformative system-wide change is needed starting now and at all levels from local to global. Decreasing consumption and waste is one of the key changes needed. This echoes the “rapid and far-reaching” transitions needed to significantly reduce the risks of climate change outlined in the UN Global Warming of 1.5°C Report.
A climate emergency call to action
At a June 14th Vatican meeting with CEOs and investors of oil and gas companies, Pope Francis declared “Today’s ecological crisis, especially climate change, threatens the very future of the human family... Faced with a climate emergency, we must take action accordingly”. He called for “a radical energy transition”. Pope Francis emphasized that future generations should not pay “the price of our irresponsibility” and that “young people are calling for change”.
Global climate strike on May 24th in Toronto
What began last year with a young Swedish girl named Greta Thunberg striking alone from school every Friday for action on climate change, grew to well over a million participants from 131 countries at the global climate strike on May 24th. Over 100 climate strikes took place in Canada. Young people are leading these climate strikes demanding urgent action on climate change. Older generations are joining them in solidarity. On April 16th Greta met Pope Francis.
This year Catholics began joining the movement with over 100 Catholic climate strikes around the world on May 24th, the four-year anniversary of Laudato Si’. The next global climate strike will take place on September 20th during the Season of Creation, and before world leaders gather for the UN Climate Action Summit. Laudato Si’ Generation, the youth branch of the Global Catholic Climate Movement, is leading Catholic participation in the climate strikes and is providing resources and event registration.
Upcoming Dates and Events
Saturday Sept. 1st World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
Tuesday Sept. 10th Catholic fossil fuel divestment announcement
Friday Sept. 20th Global Climate Strike
Young people and supporters strike for action on climate change. Catholic participation coordinated by Laudato Si’ Generation.
Saturday Sept. 21st Sacred Ecology Festival
10:00am to 9:00pm
Jubilee United Church, 40 Underhill Drive, Toronto
Monday Sept. 23rd United Nations Climate Action Summit, NYC
Friday Oct. 4th St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day
October 6-27 Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region


Andi Dorfman on What Would Have Made Her Pick Chris Soules
Anyone watching "Men Tell All" Monday night could tell that Chris Soules is a catch. And just in case the strapping, handsome, well-dressed Midwesterner didn't seem like enough of a catch, a "random" admirer sealed the message (thanks, ABC!). But no matter how dreamy the land baron farmer millionaire may be, he never had a chance with Bachelorette Andi Dorfman.
The 27-year-old dismissed Chris before he could wake up next to her in a Fantasy Suite, and we've oft wondered how much of her choice had to do with his zip code. After the farmer took her home to Iowa to meet his family, she seemed half stoked on his enormous... tractor, and half confused about where the nearest leather shorts boutique was. In short, it didn't seem plausible that she'd move there. In her post-MTA blog, Andi admits that it was definitely a factor — though not the only one.
"I wanted Chris to know that the reason I sent him home was not only because I didn't see myself in Iowa," Andi writes, "but also because I didn't see a foundation with us." Uh, need we list his foundation-making attributes again?
Basically quoting Chris's sweet mom, Andi continued, "I believe that if you have the love, you can live anywhere, and I have no doubt Chris will find a love to bring back to Iowa." Paging 25 girls...
What do you think of Andi's reasons for not choosing Chris? Did you love Chris on MTA or are you fearing he will get the Bachelor gig?


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Former Ionia Idol Caitlin Cusack to perform tonight at Ionia Free Fair
By Karen Bota
July 15, 2022
After releasing her first single on May 13 — her 30th birthday — Caitlin Cusack is excited to be coming home to entertain at the Ionia Free Fair tonight.
The 2010 Ionia High School grad will perform “I’ll Be Okay” and other original music, as well as some of her favorite cover songs, at the Antique Village in the Floral Building from 7 to 9 p.m....
Ionia native Caitlin Cusack releases debut single 'I'll Be Okay'
By Evan Sasiela
June 11, 2022
IONIA — After losing both of her parents and as she continues recovering from her brain injury, Caitlin Cusack knows she will be okay.
Those life-changing events and a trip to the doctor’s office inspired Cusack to write her debut single.
Cusack released “I’ll Be Okay” on May 13. The Ionia native’s debut single is available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer and YouTube Music....
The Daily News and Ionia Sentinel-Standard articles were released both digitally and in print.
PODCAST - Mitten Backstage
Dutcher Snedeker had me on his Mitten Backstage Podcast the day after I performed my first concert of original music open to the public at Sound Check in Lowell, MI, on February 24, 2022. We’re old pals from our undergrad days at GVSU, and it has truly been a pleasure to watch him grow as a serious musician after graduation!
In this episode, you can hear us chat about:
-a reflection of the concert and how excited I am to have come this far
- how music helped me through my brain injury journey and the loss of my parents
- general musings about our classical training and the music industry today
- dreams I have about where to go from here

domain: entertainment


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Deep fried treasure bags filled with carrot, peas, corn, water chestnut and prawn. Served with plum sauce and crushed peanut.
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Call Iyara Thai Restaurant on 07 5527 5511 to make your next reservation Dismiss

domain: food


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If you need a wetsuit for the upcoming season and want to save some money then you need to check out this PRE-SEASON sale from Xterra Wetsuits on their full line of Vector Pro X2 wetsuits.
Their PRE-SEASON sale is for 50% OFF their full line of Vector Pro X2 wetsuits, Vector Pro X2 fullsuit (MSRP: $595) and Vector Pro X2 sleeveless (MSRP: $375).
The Xterra Vector Pro X2 utilizes its unique Anatomical Arm Design utilizing Yamamoto #39 rubber. It's perfect for both training and racing, or for those athletes who race every weekend. The entire front panel and hips are 5mm (from neck to ankles). With its super-low drag coefficient of 0.026 and fleX-Span Inner 6006 Liner for better buoyancy and flexibility, the Vector Pro X2 is the perfect package deal of flexibility and speed, making this one of the best suits on the planet, five years running.
The low-profile collar is designed for comfort with each breadth. And, the entire front panel is 5 mm neoprene, the maximum legal limit for triathlon swimming.
The Vector Pro X2 was the choice of the fastest swimmer at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in 2007 and 2008, breaking the course record each year.
This offer is only available when ordered online at: xterrawetsuits.com
Offer expires March 10, 2009
Here is your chance to get a deal on a wetsuit for your upcoming season...

domain: sports


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Solidified cremains set into this 14K White Gold 20mm circular necklace featuring a compass-style motif and 8mm Compass-Shaped Setting. Let this piece be a reminder that your loved one walks alongside you on all of life's adventures. It comes with a Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver Chain that is adjustable between 16" and 18", but if you are interested in a matching 14K Gold Chain, please reach out for further information.
The back of this piece can accommodate a rather long engraving for an additional fee, please reach out with any questions about this. While other versions of this pendant in 14K Gold can accommodate a brushed finish, the 14K White Gold version must come with a shiny finish. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions about this.
This piece has a matching ring design that you can view at the following listing:
Each piece is set by me in my office, located in Southern California. Within three days of your order, you will receive an order confirmation with specific instructions for the best way to get the ashes to me. If you have any other questions or concerns, please visit my FAQs page by following the link below, or email me at email@example.com


Weekly Round Up – 25/06/2019
Now that the Uber Elevate Summit and Paris Air Show have come to a close, eVTOLs have been a hot topic in and outside of the aviation market.
Here we have two new VTOL concepts from Pipistrel and NFT and XTI announcing that it has hit 80 new VTOL preorders.
From the Uber Summit, Foster and Partners was revealed as the designer for the first Uber Skyport and Safran unveiled its new Uber air taxi mockup.
Check below for links to full stories.
Foster and Partners reveal Uber Skyport for Santa Clara
Safran unveils Uber air taxi cabin mockup
Civil drone production expected to triple over the next decade
XTI hits 80 VTOL pre-orders
NFT reveals new VTOL concept
Pipistrel Vertical Solutions unveils its first VTOL design


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Located 1 mile from the Central City Convention Center, this hotel features an indoor heated pool and free Wi-Fi access. The Duncan Cultural Center Museum is 8 miles away.
A flat-screen cable TV and refrigerator are included in each guest room at the Best Western Central City. A coffee machine and en suite bathroom are also available.
Guests can visit the fitness centre and business centre at the Central City Best Western. A continental breakfast is served every morning in the lobby.
The Tennessee Valley Authority is 15 minutes’ drive from the hotel. Lake Malone State Park is 20 miles away.
You must show a valid photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all special requests cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check-in. Additional charges may apply. Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.


Linkin Park smashes onto the Australian albums chart in the number one position this week with their new LP ‘A Thousand Suns’. While over on the singles chart, Taio Cruz has widened the gap between him and Katy Perry, though both slip in sales numbers. And that’s where we pick up with this week’s auspOp Chart Watch.
SINGLES : Yes, British R&B star Taio Cruz is still selling above the 20,000 unit mark, though this week only by 434 copies. Katy Perry meantime, has to once again settle for the bridesmaids position, 3034 copies behind.
Usher consolidates his chart position with a two place move up to No.3 with ‘DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love’ and Bruno Mars makes his move into the top five at No.5 with ‘Just The Way You Are’ (11864 sales).
Nelly’s new single ‘Just A Dream’ is the big mover here though – in just its second week on the chart, the single moves up another 15 places to No.9 with 9299 sales.
Aussie outfit Little Red scores their first ever top 20 with ‘Rock It’, which heads into the No.19 position, while another Aussie – Zoe Badwi – also moves up with her new single ‘Freefallin’. It’s up 12 spots to No.24 (3563 sales).
Linkin Park’s ‘The Catalyst’ soars higher – up to No.33, while Jay Z and Alicia Keys’ 2009 single ‘Empire State Of Mind’ is back in the top 40 with a 15 place gain on last week’s spot.
The week’s highest new entry comes courtesy of Scarlett Belle, who debut at No.40 with their new single ‘Freak Tonight’ (2256 sales), while the Potbelleez are finally in the top 50 action with their latest single ‘Hello’ (No.42 with 2157 sales).
Jay Sean and Paramore also pop their heads back into the pointy end of the 100.
Outside the top 50, Brian McFadden and Delta Goodrem are gaining ground and looking like having a top 50 berth next week – if their current trajectory is anything to go by. Their single ‘Mistakes’ moves up 21 places to No.54 this week with another 1748 copies down.
Kylie’s new single ‘Get Outta My Way’ is in at No.69 (don’t go there) with 1199 sales and Justice Crew’s single ‘And Then We Dance’ suffers a worrying second week drop – down to No.71.
Sean Kingston debuts in the No.73 position with ‘Letting Go (Dutty Love)’ (1136 sales), Ou Est Le Swimming Pool is in at No.79 with new tune ‘Jackson’s Last Stand’ (1042 sales), Sparkadia are in the debuting mood at No.82 with ‘Talking Like I’m Falling Down Stairs’ (1030 sales) and Plain White T’s pop in at No.85 with ‘Rhythm Of Love’ (982 copies).
ALBUMS : It’s all odd in the top ten this week, with all the odd numbered chart places from one to ten being occupied by new releases. No.1 is Linkin Park, who sold 16,619 copies of ‘A Thousand Suns’ (more than 10,000 copies ahead of Katy Perry in No.2).
No.3 is The Script’s new album ‘Science & Faith’ which bagged 6060 first week sales.
No.5 belongs to Little Red and their new LP ‘Midnight Remember’ (4643 sales).
No.7 is in the hands of Interpol whose new self-titled album sold 2858 copies.
And debuting at No.9 was Grinderman with ‘Grinderman 2’ (2738 sales).
Outside the top ten and Robert Plant debuts in the No.18 position with ‘Band Of Joy’ (1839 sales), Lady Antebellum’s album ‘Need You Now’ drops 18 places to No.30 and the Dixie Chicks ‘Essential’ collection is down 17 spots.
Tim McGraw’s ‘Southern Voice’ is back in the top 50 – and in heading back in, it reaches its highest place thus far – No.37.
Anberlin’s album ‘Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place’ pops in at No.41 (849 copies) and Underworld goes ‘Barking’ at No.46 (791 first week sales).
Outside the top 50, Armin Van Buuren’s album ‘Mirage’ is in at No.53 (707 sales), Sia’s ‘We Are Born’ surges 15 spots to No.54, Weezer’s new LP ‘Hurley’ featuring Hurley from TV show ‘Lost’ on the cover is in at No.55 (688 sales), the Jersey Boys soundtrack is back in at No.62 and so too is Bullet For My Valentine – at No.66.
Julia Stone debuts at No.73 with ‘The Memory Machine’ (543 copies), Manchester duo Hurts are in at No.77 despite very little local promotion (528 sales) and Royskopp’s very dark ‘Senior’ hobbles into No.80 (517 copies).


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Effect of soil tillage, crop rotation and nitrogen application rates on soil mineral-N levels in the Swartland wheat producing area of South Africa
Studies on nitrogen (N) levels in soil were conducted from 1997 to 2000 in a long-term tillage and crop rotation trial, which started in 1976. Three tillage methods namely conventional tillage (CT), tine tillage (TT), and no-tillage (NT) were compared. Crop rotation systems used were continuous wheat (WW) and wheat/lupin/wheat/canola (WLWC). Three rates of N-fertilisers (60, 100 and 140 kg N ha-1) were applied. All treatments received 60 kg N ha-1 at planting, while the 100 and 140 kg N ha-1 treatments received additional top-dressings of 40 kg N ha-1 at tillering and stem elongation stages respectively. Soil samplings were done at 14-day intervals, starting immediately before planting and continued till harvesting each year. Samplings at planting were done before N-fertiliser was applied and therefore regarded as pre-planting (Pp). The effect of tillage methods on mineral-N was variable and inconsistent among the soil samplings and years. During the four-year-period of this study, higher values of total mineral-N were found with conventional tillage at the pre-planting (Pp) samplings. Crop rotation did not significantly influence total mineral-N, which may be explained by the cultivation of a legume crop (lupins) once every four years only. In general the application of N-fertiliser resulted as expected in an initial increase in the mineral-N content of the soil. However, this was soon followed by a rapid decline as crops start to utilise the added nitrogen, resulting in values of less than 10 mg kg-1 soil during the grain filling stages with application rates of 60 and 100 kg N ha-1. These values may be regarded as deficient for grain yields of 4000 to 5000 kg ha-1.

domain: agronomy


text:
Kenyan elections are normally characterized by tribalism, high temperatures and at times wrangles and violence as top political leaders face off.
But Raila has promised that things will be different in 2022, saying that the presidential race will be free and fair, which will rule out claims of foul play.
But the analyst says that there is no guarantee that calm will prevail, foreseeing one side rejecting defeat; the camp led by Deputy President William Ruto.
He says that this is because judging by the latest happenings, it is clear that Raila will be sworn as next President even if Ruto performs better.
"Question is, should Raila and Ruto go head on in the 2022 elections and put the country in what is likely to be another bare-knuckle contest in which the ODM leader is more likely to be sworn as the next president, regardless of how Ruto performs?" he wonders in an article in The Star.
He is among top political observers who have been of the idea that the deep state determines who takes over in Kenya, however weak they are.
Omwenga, who has rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest political figures in Kenya, says that for now, Raila is the favourite of the rich and powerful cabal and will be sworn in no matter why happens.
He opines that it is finally payback time for the veteran politician after being rigged out at least twice by the very same cabal in favour of other aspirants.
He says that as a result, it is almost guaranteed that Ruto will refuse to accept the results as he believes that he will win and the best thing he can do for the sake of the country is to step down for Raila.
"Even assuming no violence following the elections, it will remain the case Ruto supporters will not accept a Raila victory, which means we will continue to have a very divided country, a situation we are trying to put behind," he further writes.
Raila is already seen as basking in the love of the Mt Kenya Foundation, which is the force behind former President Mwai Kibaki and President Uhuru Kenyatta's 2007, 2013 and 2017 wins.
Ruto had admitted that the deep state indeed dislikes him and might try to rig him out but has remained confidence of a win, saying that he has God and the people on his side.
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domain: politics


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SALT LAKE CITY (News4Utah)- Members of the Utah House of Representatives gave a “fresh” twist to the Schoolhouse Rock days with their latest video.
The video, set to the theme song from the 90’s favorite “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, is called “Fresh Prints of Bills Here”.
Speaker Greg Hughes, Rep. Michael Kennedy, Rep. Francis Gibson, Rep. Kim Coleman, Rep. Mike Winder, Rep. Christine Watkins, Rep. Norman Thurston, Rep. Travis Seegmiller, Rep. Michael Noel, Rep. Mike McKell, Rep. James Dunnigan, Rep. John Westwood, Rep. Tim Quinn, Rep. Jefferson Moss, Rep. Marc Roberts, Rep. Brad Wilson, Rep. Susan Duckworth, Chief of Staff Greg Hartley, Rep. Val Peterson, and Rep. John Knotwell all have speaking parts in the video.
Now this is a story all about how our bills get flipped into a law. I’d like to take a minute, just sit right there, I’ll tell you how a bill becomes a law in this, our Chamber.
In a legislator’s mind an idea is raised. In the lawbook is where they spend most of their days.
Draftin’ out, maxin’ out, hardly relaxin’ all cool, and all introducing bills inside of House Chambers.
When more than a couple of guys start reviewing the bill. Started makin’ changes in committee on the Hill.
They may get in one little fight but it’s just cuz they care.
They say we’re movin’ this bill back to the floor and we’ll argue it there.
Speaker Hughes whistles for a vote and the answer is clear and the bill passes and goes over to the Senate to hear.
If it passes the Senate then the bill was probably fair.
You thought it was law, but it’s just not quite there. It goes up to the Governor to determine its fate.
If it’s good Herbert might even be signing it later.
Look at that bill. It’s finally there.
Sittin’ as law ready to be declared.


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Greater Dental Health is a Johns Creek Favorite
From general cleanings and exams to advanced procedures and treatments, we’ve got you covered.
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Hear from our patients in Peachtree Corners, Johns Creek, and beyond
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Have insurance, but still want to be a part of the club? We’d love to have you! Join at a discounted rate and get access to our seasonal gift box and more.
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Our beautiful Peachtree Corners dentist office is conveniently located in the Peachtree Corners Town Center. Plenty of free parking is available on the top level of the parking deck.
Tuesday-Friday: 9AM - 5PM

domain: medical


1. Use of Symbolic Execution Methods
While executions held by ISIS are common, their use of specific types of execution have caused the global stage to take another at the methods utilized by the Islamic State. Public executions, while used as a form to instill fear into the local populace, have become venues to send even broader messages to world as per their true intentions.
For Christians, ISIS has warned that they must either pay protection money to local Islamic State officials, convert to Islam, or flee. For Christians who refuse, they are crucified publicly.
In order to spread the word of their inhumanity, ISIS began posting the photos of their crucifixions online and via Twitter for the world to see. Apart from just Christians, ISIS showed the extent of their evil when they set a Jordanian pilot on fire last February, in order to show the Muslim world that if you are not with them, you are against them.


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Unisex Tank Top
Poe vs. Lovecraftby The Cracked Dispensary
American Apparel Tank Tops are made with 100% fine jersey cotton combed for softness and comfort. (Athletic Grey and Athletic Blue contain 50% polyester / 25% cotton / 25% rayon)
ABOUT THE ART
Nightmares aren’t just scary. They’re also fierce competitors. If you’re having that [insert your recurring fear here] dream again, it had to beat out every other terrifying thought in the world to win your brainspace. That’s why this design is a Super Bowl of horror, catching Poe and Lovecraft mid-Monday Night Football helmet-collision.
Design by Jeffro Kilpatrick


text:
23 August 2008
In Britain (and many other democracies) Members of Parliament often have "Outside Interests" and draw extra income from paid directorships, consulting gigs, or journalistic work. There has been plenty of controversy about MPs having such outside interests ranging from possible ethical issues to concerns over possible impact on MPs' legislative behavior. One concern is that MPs may be less effective as a representative if they "moonlight" from their Westminster jobs.
In a recent paper about the financial returns to serving in the House of Commons, Andy Eggers and I consider the relationship between outside interests and MPs' vote attendance (the percent of eligible votes personally attended or told) for the 2005-2007 period. We find that for both the Conservative and the Labour party, MPs with at least one (self-)reported outside interest (directorships, consultancies, and work in journalism) attended fewer votes compared to MPs with no outside interests; attendance rates are around 4-6 percentage points lower and the differences are all significant at conventional levels. The results are summarized in the jittergrams below (we excluded MPs that hold office as minister, speaker, whips, and chairman of standing committees who are not allowed to vote).
The exception are directorships for Labour MPs where we cannot reject the null
of no difference. We also find no such difference for MPs when comparing those with and
without regular employment (such as work as a barrister, medical doctor, etc.).
There are obviously several other factors that may contribute to low attendance rates such as absence on constituency business, illness, paternity/maternity leaves, etc., but overall the results do suggest that outside interests distract MPs from their legislative work. This finding is also consistent with earlier work by Muller (1977), who found that sponsored Labour MPs were more active than other MPs on issues close to the interests of their sponsors (e.g. mining or railway issues), but that on the whole they were less active members of Parliament, participating in question time, standing committees, and debates far less than non-sponsored members.
If this whetted your curiosity you can analyze the voting data for yourself at publicwhip.


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Fines Appeal Form
We encourage you to first discuss your situation with staff at the owning library where the overdue or billed item originates before submitting this form.
Your appeal must be submitted within 60 days of the assessment of the fine.
The following situations will NOT be considered for appeal:
- Unfamiliar with borrowing policies
- Failure to keep track of due dates
- Failure to renew by the due date
- Non-receipt of library notices, either electronically or by mail
- Inability to renew online
- Not returning recalled materials because you were out of town/country
- Failure to report a change in your email or mailing address to Western Libraries
- Appeals against the principle of fining or the rate of fines

domain: library


text:
Thursday, March 2, 2017
– Justin Townes Earle signed to New West Records and will return with "Kids In The Street" on May 26.
The 12-song set was produced by Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes, First Aid Kit) at his ARC Studios, and is the first time in his career that Earle has worked with an outside producer. Kids In The Street marks a decade into Earle's recording career and follows "Single Mothers (2014) and "Absent Fathers" (2015).
"Life has changed a lot for me in the last few years," said Earle, 35. "I got married and am getting ready to become a father, and this is the first record that I've written since I've been married. There's definitely an uplifting aspect to this record in a lot of ways, because I'm feeling pretty positive."
"When I wrote songs in the past, I was looking in on what I was feeling, but this record's more about looking outward on what's happening, and writing about subjects like gentrification and inner city strife. This record also has more of a soul influence to it, and it's got a deeper connection to the blues than anything I've done before."
The album is now available for pre-order via PledgeMusic including a limited edition colored vinyl version of the LP, special 7" single including "May be A Moment" as well as Earle's reading of Paul Simon's "Graceland," and cassette.
Several of the songs on Kids On The Street reference the lower-middle-class Nashville neighborhoods of Earle's youth. Earle was the son of Steve Earle. The album is the first of Earle's not recorded in Nashville. "It's the first time that I've worked outside of my usual umbrella of people to make a record," Earle said, adding "In Nashville, if you have the right connections, it'll spoil the shit out of you because you've got access to the best musicians in the world and the best studios in the world. If you had told me when I started making records, that I wasn't gonna make every record in Nashville, I would have told you you were crazy. And if you'd told me that I'd end up making a record in Omaha, I'd tell you you were out of your freaking mind."
New West Records President John Allen stated about Earle's signing to the label, "When I first met a young Justin Townes Earle, it was evident then he was intent on following his own artistic path. As his publisher, I saw his songwriting evolve to a literary depth and swagger that maintained that unique vision. New West is very proud to release Justin's next album of his best work yet."
The track listing is:
1. Champagne Corolla
2. May be A Moment
3. What's She Crying For
5. Kids In The Street
6. Faded Valentine
7. What's Goin' Wrong
8. Short Hair Woman
9. Same Old Stagolee
10. If I Was The Devil
11. Trouble Is
12. There Go A Fool
Earle will tour this spring with his longtime guitarist Paul Niehaus alongside The Sadies as his backing band (they will also support each show). The full band tour will kick off with Earle's appearance at this year's Stagecoach Festival in Indio, Cal. on April 28. Prior to the full band performances, Earle will perform a solo March residency at the Doug Fir Lounge located in his new home of Portland, Ore. as well as two solo, acoustic shows in Georgia.
Tour dates are:
March 14, 25, 29 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge (Solo)
April 6 - Atlanta, GA - City Winery (Solo)
April 7 - Savannah, GA - Savannah Music Festival (Solo)
April 28 - Indio, CA - Stagecoach Festival
April 29 - Phoenix, AZ - The Crescent Ballroom
May 3 - Dallas, TX - Granada Theater
May 4 - Austin, TX - ACL Live at the Moody Theater
May 5 - Houston, TX - The Heights Theater
May 6 - Lafayette, LA - Arcadiana Center for the Arts
May 8 - Franklin, TN - Franklin Theatre
May 9 - Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle
May 11 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
May 12 - Fall River, MA - Narrows Center for the Arts
May 13 - Cambridge, MA - The Sinclair
May 15 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage
May 16 - Kent, OH - The Kent Stage
May 17 - Ann Arbor, MI - The Ark
May 18 - Bloomington, IL - The Castle Theatre
May 19 - Louisville, KY - Headliners
May 20 - Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall
May 22 - Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall
May 23 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
May 24 - Iowa City, IA - The Englert Theatre
May 26 - Denver, CO - The Bluebird Theater
May 28 - Salt Lake City, UT - The State Room
May 30 - Seattle, WA - Neptune Theatre
June 2 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's

domain: artistic


text:
Global policy narratives on drylands & pastoralism
The global narratives that dominate agricultural policy are built on crisis scenarios around meeting projected food demand, now complicated by global climate change and food price spikes. The role given to drylands and pastoralism in these narratives shows little consistency, except for characterising them as lacking in some way, e.g. as unproductive, resource scarce, fragile, marginal, remote, using resources not of interest for other uses.
This 4-page briefing paper “Global public policy narratives on the drylands and pastoralism” from the Ford Foundation-funded IIED project “New perspectives on climate resilient drylands development” takes a closer look at pastoralism’s many positives. The author Saverio Krätli argues that the drylands and pastoralism are wrongly perceived as being isolated from crop farming and that the perceived food crisis needs to be framed in terms of governance, not in terms of supply and of low productivity from developing countries. It shows that pastoralist systems work with environmental variability rather than against it, and could be key to finding new methods of global food production. Increasing recognition of this opens up an alternative storyline for global food security under climate change.
For more info, see http://www.iied.org/misconceptions-drylands-pastoralism

domain: geography


text:
Jim Shore – Heartwood Creek Easter – Pint Sized Easter Stack
Jim Shore’s pint-sized stacked Easter friends are a charming touch of Springtime fun.
- ‘Pint Sized Easter Stack’ 6.4″ Figurine, from the Jim Shore Heartwood Creek collection.
- Captures an Easter Stack, accurately hand-painted and crafted in high-quality stone resin.
- Material: Stone Resin
- Dimensions: 6.4″ H x 2″ W x 2″ L
*** Check out our other Easter items available ***

domain: hobby


text:
'Avengers' cast arrives at the premiere of Marvel Studios' 'The Avengers' at the El Capitan Theatre on April 11,
Your favorite Hollywood hunks and athletes are shedding their shirts and heating things up.
Not only does Eva Longoria have a killer bod, but she wants to be exactly like George Clooney. …
She’s ready for the summer!


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These are Pressure Washers with Water Tanks manufactured with top of the line reliable parts. Honda-branded engines keep on pumping for years & years. Easy to roll across to places where mains water supplies aren’t available.
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text:
Hit enter to seach.
By Privitar - January 15, 2015
See this article originally published in International Data Privacy Law. View here.
Building the complete privacy toolbox
Bridging the gap - ensuring visibility across the data ...
Three privacy fails we can learn from

domain: law


text:
The Benefits of Playing Poker
Poker is a card game with many rules and strategies. It is played between two or more players and can be played in a variety of environments, including casinos, homes and online. It can be an addictive and challenging game, but is also very fun. It has been known to improve a player’s mental health and has even been linked to a number of physical benefits.
Teaches decision-making under uncertainty
A good poker player is able to make decisions when they don’t have all the information. This is a skill that can be applied to other areas of life, such as investing or business. It is a crucial part of the game to be able to estimate probabilities and risks and then decide how much to risk or bet on.
Teaches emotional stability in changing situations
Poker can be a stressful game, and the best players are able to remain calm and collected. It is important to understand that poker is not a fast game, but there are still times when emotions can boil over, especially if you lose money. Learning how to control your emotions in these situations is an important lesson that can be applied to all aspects of life.
Learn how to read other players and their body language to see how they are feeling. If they seem tense or angry, it is likely that they are not having as much success as they would like to be. On the other hand, if they are always raising and calling, then they probably have a good hand.


GOP presidential hopeful Donald Trump distinguished himself from the rest of the Republican field on Tuesday when he defended Planned Parenthood’s reproductive health services, saying that “they do good things” and abortion is “actually a fairly small part of what they do.” His statements stand in sharp contrast to the current political atmosphere as other Republican candidates have taken strong stances against the group.
The way Trump articulates his position on the national women’s health organization plays into a very old narrative that many of Planned Parenthood’s supporters have recently adopted: Downplaying the group’s role as an abortion provider to make the case that it’s worthy of support.
Pivoting to Planned Parenthood’s essential family planning services seems like a welcome shift, particularly amid ongoing controversy over whether the organization is profiting from fetal tissue donations. But this framework comes with some issues of its own.
At the heart of Trump’s statement is the assumption that it’s possible to separate abortion services from the rest of women’s reproductive health care. This conservative approach to abortion, which sets the standard for current U.S. policy in the field of reproductive health, has been harming patients for decades.
U.S. lawmakers have worked to keep abortion segregated from the rest of the health care industry for years. Under the decades-old Hyde Amendment, taxpayer funding isn’t allowed to be allocated toward abortion services, which presents an inherent divide. On top of that, the political nature of the issue has dissuaded many public hospitals from performing abortions, so the procedure has been relegated to stand-alone clinics that are left more vulnerable to anti-abortion harassment. More recently, political fights over the Affordable Care Act have given abortion opponents an opportunity to restrict insurance coverage for the procedure even further, continuing to prevent abortion from being streamlined into the rest of medical care.
As a result, getting an abortion in the United States can be a confusing and complicated process. Pregnant patients are often surprised to learn that their regular OB-GYN — the doctor whom they’ve grown comfortable with — can’t perform the procedure for them. It can be hard to find the closest stand-alone clinic. And then their insurance provider may not cover the cost.
It’s an inefficient system that doesn’t reflect the true nature of reproductive services. In reality, when it comes to women’s health care, abortion doesn’t stand alone.
The need for abortion services doesn’t exist in a vacuum. If a woman is facing an unwanted pregnancy, that obviously means she’s sexually active. She may need to be tested or treated for a sexually transmitted infection. She could be due for her regular gynecological exam. She might need to be screened for signs of intimate partner violence or domestic abuse. She’s probably interested in the birth control options available to help her prevent future pregnancies. Plus, since the majority of U.S. patients who have abortions are already parenting at least one child, she may also be thinking about health services related to her children — maybe she needs help breastfeeding, or maybe she has questions about her child’s recommended vaccinations.
And that doesn’t even take into account the blurry line between the health services related to miscarriage and abortion. No matter how a pregnancy loss is officially defined, women typically need the same type of medical care. But if they’re in a hospital that doesn’t perform abortions, they may not get that care — and their health could seriously suffer as a result.
Aside from the practical and logistical questions about the delivery of health care, proponents of abortion rights say there’s another problem with separating out abortion care: It reinforces the stigma against abortion. Ultimately, in a society that already treats abortion as something that’s shameful and immoral, it communicates to the estimated one in three U.S. women who will have an abortion in their lifetimes that this procedure is not routine.
“There are a million ways in which our laws create institutional stigma and tell women that they’re doing the wrong thing,” Louise Melling, the deputy legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union and an expert who often speaks on abortion stigma, explained in a previous interview with ThinkProgress.
Downplaying Planned Parenthood’s abortion services in favor of highlighting the “good” things that the organization does reinforces this separation and this stigma. It creates an implicit hierarchy for the types of services that “good” patients visit their local Planned Parenthood clinic to receive. Nonetheless, this is a framework that the pro-choice community itself sometimes falls into. Planned Parenthood officials often assure the public that abortion represents just 3 percent of the organization’s overall health services. The message comes across as: Don’t worry, you can trust us, we’re mainly focused on the right things.
From a political perspective, Planned Parenthood’s supporters may assume it’s simply easier to defend the organization without wading into contentious abortion politics. For instance, when President Obama became the first sitting president to address the national organization during an appearance at its 2013 annual conference, he didn’t use the word “abortion” once in his speech to a room full of women’s health proponents.
But, as a strategy to combat the current controversy swirling around Planned Parenthood — which has come under attack from anti-abortion activists who have a long history of working to discredit the organization’s work — the defense is a bit mismatched.
After all, Planned Parenthood isn’t being attacked by abortion opponents because it offers STD tests and Pap smears. It’s been a longstanding target since Roe v. Wade specifically because it provides abortions. A more logical response to that, though it’s one that Donald Trump certainly isn’t likely to make, would be a defense of abortion itself as an essential health service for millions of women who say it was the right choice for them.


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text: Michael Conrad is a film and television actor best known for his roles in "The Longest Yard" and "Hill Street Blues." Conrad made his television debut in 1955 on the long-running theater series "The Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse," and soon landed steady work on such series as "Brenner" and "The Defenders." After landing recurring roles on such hit shows as "Gunsmoke" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show," in 1969 Conrad appeared as a dance marathon contestant in the award-winning film "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?." He worked steadily through the early '70s on such shows as "Love, American Style" and "All in the Family," and in 1974 he gave a memorable performance as a retired NFL player and prison football coach in "The Longest Yard." From 1976 to 1977 he appeared as Lt. Macavan on the police drama "Delvecchio," and cemented his reputation as a sought-after character actor with roles on "The Waltons" and "Barney Miller." In 1981 he was cast as Sgt. Phil Esterhaus in the Steven Bochco inner city police drama "Hill Street Blues," and won Emmy awards in 1981 and 1982 for his portrayal of the veteran cop.


text: Lexi DiBenedetto thinks living in Los Angeles is a big adventure in itself! She learned how to drive in LA and confesses she’s painted her nails in the car! She loves working on the set of “Knight Squad” her and her cast-mates are always laughing while on set. She thinks the show touches on real life situations that are relatable to the show. Lexi breaks down her character’s style and her personal style! She also reveals her favorite storyline in the show, Ciara and Prudence! We play ‘This Or That – Squad Edition’ where Lexi tells us what she does with her friends during the week!

domain: celebrity


§ 94. Mr. Lane
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the growth of long-distance traffic on trunk roads in East Anglia during the 1970's.
§ Mr. Graham Page
It is expected to grow on average by about 4 per cent. a year.


Q: Why Civil Drilling(CD)? Aren’t conventional trenchless utility rigs sufficient?
A1: Conventional slant rigs and horizontal rigs in civil construction are too small for many of the projects requiring CD directional drilling.
A2: CD rigs are focused on deep and relatively small-bore laterals, but drilling very quickly, cheaply and accurately.
A3: The plan is to use the desperate need overseas for rapid utility installations in Raqqa, Mosul and elsewhere to return these cities to full function. Basically, we’re doing the USACE (US Army Corps of Engineers) work. Just better, and much, much faster.
Q: There are plenty of rigs out there now that drill large bore laterals. Why CD?
A2: Those laterals cost from $700-$1,100/foot, minimum
A3: The methods noted above take more time and are far more difficult to stage than CD.
A4: CD Laterals start at $100/foot and the price goes down from there.
Q: What is the maximum lateral for a CD rig?
A: About three miles now, about 6 miles with modifications.
Q: How much time does it take to drill a three mile lateral?
A1: 3 to 6 days.
A2: This looks slow, 1.5 to 3 days may be typical as rig development progresses
Q: How much does it cost to drill a three mile lateral?
A2: About $100/foot, or less.
A3: This seems to be getting cheaper with the single pass, but the pipe will remain in the hole, so that cost needs to be considered.
Q: What is the maximum bore and distance of CD?
A1: Maximum bore and distance are anticipated to match the largest land rigs in the oil sector.
A2: 8” to 12” is the design OD for most purposes.
A3: For now, 9 5/8” is the Basis of Design.
A4: Increasing bore/diameter beyond range 3 pipe is in process
Q: How does CD make drilling cheap enough to be efficient?
A: Drilling with Casing (DwC), which makes single pass drilling efficient (See Single Use Drill Bits below)
A2: CDX Daylights all passes, which means that Reamer Runs (and additional pipe diameters and more cost/time) are possible.
A3: Reamer runs need to be revisited. From a marketing standpoint, being able to pull a larger diameter pipe is a plus.
Q: How exactly does a CD rig maintain weight on bit (WOB)?
A: Enormous hydraulic jacks.
Q: What utilities are planned for CD?
A1: First utility uses will be water and sewer line installations in remote and unserved/underserved areas.
A2: A second utilization has been identified but not yet developed in electrical utility transmission. Think hurricanes, floods, and storms. Shallow trenchless has proved to be vulnerable to flooding, and we all know what happens to electrical systems in hurricanes. DEEP trenchless (CD) is immune to those interferences with service.
Q: Can CD drill for other utilities?
A: Yes, in general, CD works for any type of utility installation including power, and fiber optic cable.
Q: Could CD be used to install pipelines for fuel, crude oil, or gas?
A: Yes; further, CD was originally conceived of to build secure fuel lines in hostile environments like Afghanistan. DMM
Q: Why don’t you use a Coal Bed Methane (CBM) rig?
A1: In actual practice, CBM rigs are small-bore and distance rigs without sufficient horsepower for extended reach horizontals to the extent needed by CD. Torque and drag build up and expansive BHA tools get lost, resulting in expensive fishing efforts. Everyone gets upset, and the bills on extended reach CBM drilling are extraordinary. DMM
A2: CD rigs and processes are designed to scale up in size and distance; every advance in lateral bore size and lateral reach is a step toward the next scale up in the CD model, until all of the current limits of technology are reached, and the torch is passed to an adjacent team in materials or applications development. (“Moore’s Law goes underground”)
A3: It is important not to over-promise here, there are some very important upper limits in lateral diameter, often related to the differing conditions that CDX rigs drill through. When we reach the upper limit, we need a new tech break-through.
Q: Are you really able to drill to daylight?
A2: Yes, BUT NOT DESIREABLE, due to lost circulation. Once fluid no longer circulates, drilling has effectively ended.
A2: Bottom Hole Assemblies (BHA) recovered at the termination with a drop well, and ‘Single Use’ BHAs may change that process.
A3: Reamer runs may play an important role in whole city utility development.
Q: In these proposed drilling areas, what information is available from borings, seismic 3D, etc.?
A: Generally, almost none. On occasion, some, but exploratory is often expensive and dangerous.
Q: Then man-made or natural obstacles can clearly cause problems for CD.
A2: But, look at Big Bertha in Seattle. If CD had been used to pin-cushion the TBM trajectory, the interference would have been found with ordinary downhole instruments.
A3: The focus going forward is to both detect obstacles, and to steer around them in real-time.
Q: If you have no information about existing and expected conditions, how do you plan to build laterals in the unknown conditions?
A: The CD strategy is to use a generalized model from all available data to understand expected conditions, then plan a drilling strategy, then execute a completion strategy based on the worst possible expected conditions.
Q: That would never work in the oil industry.
A: We are not in the oil business.
Q: Where is the water table in CD models?
A2: Rule Number 1: Expect water.
A2: Rule Number 2: If there is no water – inject water.
A3: Air/water drilling fluid models may be the most desirable.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Questions
Q: What is the design operating pressure on a CD water supply line?
A1: 1,500 psi
A2: Overcomes some, not all, of the small pipe bore issues.
Q: How is that possible – most water supply mains work at 200 – 300 psi as the absolute max?
A1: Deep bury.
A2: Surrounding earth support.
A3: Cement squeeze jobs that secure lines beyond their usual operating pressure.
Q: What about the risk of seismic events breaking brittle, fully-fixed pipes in place?
A1: At least two solutions are available.
A2: Fully fixed lines can be re-drilled, because once the CD rig is in place, it never leaves. Re-entry.
A3: Lines are left in loose and consolidating material at depth that allows for flex in the final pipe.
Q: The rig stays in place forever? Why?
A1: Workovers. Re-enter any lateral for any reason, when necessary, at full power.
A2: If new lines are needed, the CD rig is in place. Plan – spud-drill-complete.
Q: How does a sewer system deal with gravity if the line changes direction?
A: CD doesn’t use gravity. Gravity is an uncertain and difficult tool in developing effective supply and collection systems.
Q: Not using gravity is unusual and disruptive in water and sewer construction, isn’t it?
A: Force mains collect to local pump stations via gravity lines, then pump wastewater under pressure with macerating pumps.
Q: CD relies on Pump Stations and Force Mains to collect wastewater, correct?
A2: CD at first uses central plant suction pumping to collect wastewater, not distributed lift stations. If you have seen headers on a well-point dewatering system, you understand how CD works with central vacuum collection management.
A3: RD brought up the problems with suction pumping for wastewater management, but we cannot address this, in CDI we build good lateral pipes quickly.
Q: Without macerating pumps at the collection points, won’t small-bore debris clog the collection laterals?
A2: Successive trash racks in drop wells will be installed to limit trash size, and effectively filter wet waste. And yes, the trash racks will need to be cleared periodically. Keep in mind, however, that trash size is limited by the diameter of the lines to the drop wells.


text:
Listen: Tunga Bilo Dwayne Haskins, Lynn Jenkins And York Stock Exchange discussed on Mark Levin
"Might say in response to someone who over uses the word Joe Paul was a week. With your word of the weakness. Hank weinbloom, Fox News. Hey, an SS news. Now, I'm Dan O'neil ahead of Saturday's Heisman Trophy ceremony. The finalists addressed the media in New York today. While the stocks didn't exactly sore Friday. The new York Stock Exchange was opposed by three gentlemen ringing, the closing bell this year's Heisman Trophy finalist. It's an all quarterback class this year with Alabama's to a Tunga Bilo Dwayne Haskins. An Oklahoma's Tyler Murray up for the fourth edition of the Heisman talking about low is currently battling an ankle injury questionable for the college football playoff semi-final later this month against Murray in the Sooners in what many believe will be swansong in football. As he heads to major league baseball member of the Oakland Athletics organization Haskins awaits the Rose Bowl on New Year's day and his final game with head coach urban Meyer who is retiring after that one is been winner will be announced on Saturday from the new York Stock Exchange. Matt Napolitano, Fox News Representative Lynn Jenkins of Kansas is watching a new lobbying firm, even before her term in the US house, officially ends Jenkins chose not to seek reelection this year, and her term will end the first week of January Jenkins office said in a statement that she consulted with the house ethics committee before forming the business Jenkins, but not her firm will not be allowed to lobby at the. Federal level for a year after her."


text:
Sir Elton John is to team up with chart-topping star Plan B at this year's Electric Proms.
The music veteran will also perform with hotly tipped singer Rumer, as well as old pal Leon Russell, at the show at London's Roundhouse on October 28.
The annual series of concerts is renowned for its innovative collaborations. Sir Elton's appearance is the first name to be unveiled on this year's bill.
This year the concerts are to be broadcast live only on Radio 2. In previous years they have featured on Radio 1 and 6 Music.
Sir Elton and Russell - a legendary session musician who has played with acts such as Frank Sinatra and The Rolling Stones - first performed together 40 years ago. They recently revived their musical partnership to record a new album, The Union, which is yet to be released.
Plan B has had a hugely successful year, reinventing himself from rap act to soul star with number one album The Defamation Of Strickland Banks .
Sir Elton said: "The performance will feature some very special guests and memorable moments."
The show will air on TV two days after the live performance, for BBC2's A Night In With Sir Elton John, which also features a documentary about his life.
Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan said: "Radio 2 is proud to be the new home of the Electric Proms and with Elton John launching this year's festival, I know it will be an exceptional event.
Tickets go on sale later this month.


With New York becoming the latest place to ban large gatherings (of more than 500, in the state’s case) and Live Nation and AEG — the two biggest live entertainment companies — pausing its international and domestic arena tours through at least March, concerts are looking to become significantly rarer in the coming days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In markets without hard-and-fast gathering caps, bookers and bands are faced with a tough decision: Cancel or play on? (“So many bands rely on these gigs — and festivals are the biggest paydays,” promoter Patrick Garcia noted to Stereogum.)
So if you have a ticket to an upcoming concert (or any other performance) in a city without a gathering ban, the choice of whether to still go could fall on you. Vulture reached out to Dr. Robert Murphy, an infectious diseases researcher and the executive director of Northwestern University’s Institute for Global Health, for some advice and best practices on making that call.
What does “social distancing” mean for concerts?
If you’ve read anything about preventing the spread of coronavirus, you’ve likely come across the vague term “social distancing.” In short, Murphy says, social distancing is “Spending more time alone [and] not going to social events where there’s a lot of people, particularly the more crowded events.” However, he notes that there’s no hard-and-fast rule on what that looks like, citing that gathering bans range from over 1,000 people (like in Paris) to over 100 (like what Ohio just announced).
On a more practical level, social distancing is about spatial awareness. “You don’t have to be isolated in a glass bubble or anything, but staying away from crowds, staying a couple feet from other people, not shaking hands,” Murphy says. “And certainly, if anybody is coughing, stay way the hell away from them.”
What if it’s a small show?
First, define “small.” In the education world (which has widely canceled classes and conferences), Murphy said he’s seen attempts to cap classroom gatherings of 25 people. But, in the end, he says, experts “don’t really know” what a safe number of people for a gathering would be. Although, Murphy himself enjoys seeing small theater at 50-seat venues in Chicago, which he thinks “would actually be pretty safe” compared to a concert.
Can I go to the balcony or the back of the venue? What if it’s seated?
Avoiding the crowd at a show is better (current recommendations say to keep a 6-foot distance), Murphy says — with a caveat. “We use a term in infectious diseases called ‘risk reduction.’ You can never get down to zero,” he explains. “It’s impossible to avoid this completely.”
Similarly, you could be better off at a seated show; it’s the crowded shows in closer quarters that are likely the worst. “If it’s really crowded and everyone’s jumping around dancing and sweating and everything, it’s probably risky,” Murphy says. “If you’re sitting in a theater, and people aren’t on top of you and there’s nobody coughing, and you just kind of keep to yourself and your friends, I think that’s probably a very low risk.”
What else can I do to reduce my risk at a show?
If you haven’t heard it enough by now: Wash. Your. Hands. Coronavirus spreads from “viral droplets” transferred through something like a cough, which can then travel from an infected person’s hands to another surface — and the best way to stop that path is washing your hands. Murphy (who remembers washing his hands “20 times a day with bleach” while researching Ebola in Mali and will take none of your dry-hand complaints) says “the first thing you should do is wash your hands” when you leave a crowd. Consider this especially upon getting to the venue if you took public transit. “You don’t get infected from this thing by inhaling air in a room that somebody with the disease had just been in,” he notes. “It’s really spread by infected droplets from coughing. That’s very different and it’s an important distinction to make.”
Murphy also admits it’s “extremely difficult” not to touch your face, but says “try really hard not to” until you can wash your hands.
But venue bathrooms suck!
Hand sanitizer can work too, Murphy says, so long as it’s at least 60 percent alcohol — and you can get some. “Just use the hand sanitizer frequently,” he advises.
Should I be worried about physical tickets and programs?
In light of a recent case of a Broadway usher testing positive for coronavirus, Murphy says venues should also try to minimize contact between staff and attendees. “Why don’t they just put all the Playbills on a table and say ‘take it’? People have to start being a little smart about this,” he recommends. “Don’t hand me your ticket, just tell me your seat, I’ll tell you where to go.”
Can I buy a drink? What about merch?
Murphy says he’d be worried about getting a drink at a venue bar right now. Imagine a friend leaves in the middle of the set and offers to get you a drink. “The bartender’s touched the drink, your friend touched the drink, then you’ve touched the drink,” he explains. “This is how it spreads around.”
Merch, meanwhile, should be better off, “as long as the seller is not slobbering all over it.”
What if I’m in a city with few to no confirmed cases?
Murphy says “the chances are so low” of contracting coronavirus at a concert if you’re in a city with no confirmed cases. That said, he did stress that the disease has been able to spread, citing new cases two counties away from Chicago and Cook County. “I mean, it’s just incredible where it’s popping up,” Murphy says. “It’s a funny disease that doesn’t know any borders.
I want to buy a ticket for a show in the summer. When will this go away?
As you can likely guess by now, there’s no easy answer to that. “All I can say is that this is going to pass. All these epidemics go away,” Murphy says. “As the population gets immunity, they tend to burn out. So, that will happen — the question is when, and is it going to go away in the summer?”
How coronavirus will fare during the warmer months is a guessing game right now. “We don’t know about this one,” Murphy admits. “It doesn’t like the heat so much, there seems to be a lot more infections in temperate climates. Maybe it’ll go away in the summer, maybe not.”
Many current gathering bans and cancellations only look toward the next 30 days, which means summer shows, including festivals like Bonnaroo and Governors Ball, are still on as of press time. Coachella may have been postponed till November, but artists are still announcing major tours, most recently Wilco and Sleater-Kinney on Tuesday. Buy at your own risk.
So, should I go?
The day I talked to Murphy, I had a ticket to see a sold-out Best Coast show at a 1,300-capacity venue in Chicago. I ask point-blank: If he were in my place, would he go?
“I wouldn’t. Too many people too close together,” he tells me. Part of it for him, he adds, would be his age. “You have to put the formula together and how much it really means to you. Can you live without going to this concert?” I tell him I think so. “Yeah, you can,” he adds. “Unless it’s Patti Smith or something. But you have to make your own decision.”