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After sharing my first Reads on the Road recommendations earlier this year, I’m back with the another installment featuring inspiring and interesting travel-related books I’ve discovered in the last six months. And I’ve certainly put in plenty of research. One benefit of the long train and plane journeys I’ve done this spring and summer is having lots of time to read. Somehow I always feel I should be doing something ‘useful’ when I’m at home, but stick me in a seat for a six-hour journey and I’ll happily work my way through book after book. But which did I enjoy the most? This edition includes a mixture of fiction and non-fiction, with everything from memoirs to short stories, spanning the globe from the USA to South East Asia. And do please share some of your recent favourites too so I can add them to my reading list.
Read more: 30 wanderlust-inspiring books for travellers
I love Bill Bryson’s writing, and although he doesn’t do many travel books these days, his most recent one brings history and travel together. One Summer: America 1927 tells the story of the USA over a six-month period in 1927. You wouldn’t think much could happen in such a short amount of time, but this summer packed in some major moments in American history. Charles Lindbergh made the first flight across the Atlantic, The Jazz Singer became the first talking picture, television was invented and Babe Ruth hit a record-breaking 60 home runs. All set against a 1920s background of Prohibition and Al Capone. Bryson’s incredibly enthusiastic as always, mixing up facts and research with the personal details that bring the different stories to life – he even kept me interested during the baseball history section which is quite a feat!
Another non-fiction book that had me fascinated is On The Map by Simon Garfield. My geography student background and travel obsession mean I’m a bit of a map fanatic, so this was perfect for me. It tells the story of the world through its maps, all the way from early sketches by philosophers right up to Google Maps. Sound a bit too academic? Not at all – each map has a story to go with it. You have the mountains and islands that appeared on atlases for years after explorers who didn’t manage to find anything decided to make them up. Or Phyllis Pearsall, who created the London A to Z and catalogued the whole city on index cards, but missed Trafalgar Square out of the first draft because her box of T cards blew out of the window. The book’s tales of mythical beasts and other worlds even inspired my recent trip to the Mappa Mundi.
Back in the world of fiction, I’ve discovered some good books from publishers Summersdale, who have a great selection of travel stories (and I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover but theirs are gorgeous). First up was Fragrant Heart by Miranda Emmerson, described as ‘A Tale of Love, Life and Food in South-East Asia’. It follows Miranda and her partner as they travel across China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia, and weaves in recipes and details about the region’s food along with their travel stories – good and bad. It’s guaranteed to make you crave Asian food by the time you get to the end. It brought back great memories of my travels around that part of the world, but also looks at the pull between home and travel, and how to balance settling down when you have a need for adventure.
The Ribbons are for Fearlessness by Catrina Davies is another Summersdale title, dealing with a different kind of life-changing event – the loss of a friend. Catrina and her friend Andrew talked about travelling from Cornwall to Portugal via northern Norway in a yellow camper van. But when he’s killed, she deals with her grief by heading off alone, despite having no money and no plan. She survives by busking with her cello and with the help of the people she meets along the way. The book follows her journey, both the 15,000km travelled across Europe and her personal journey from rock bottom to new confidence. There’s a great quote that “fearlessness has got nothing to do with being unafraid. It’s about doing things anyway, getting on with it, living, whether you’re afraid or not” which applies to so many things in travel and in life.
My next recommendation is a bit of a departure from my usual reading style. Shy Feet is a collection of short stories inspired by travel, written by travel blogger Frances Thompson. I’ve never read many short stories – I read fast so tend to go for the thickest book I can find, so thought I would just devour them in minutes. But the stories kept me thinking about the characters long after finishing the last page. Inspired by her travels around the world, Frankie takes you from the Red Centre of Australia to Gatwick Airport, but the locations are really just the background as the heart of the stories is in the characters. Despite their length the 12 stories deal with big themes like love, death and motherhood. So consider me a short story convert – and luckily Frankie has just published a new series of stories inspired by London called London Eyes.
I have to admit buying my last book partly because of its name. With almost everyone I know having babies in the last few years, What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding would make a good subtitle for my blog. But in this case its a memoir by US sitcom writer Kristin Newman. While all her friends got married and had kids, she used the gaps between her job’s intense writing seasons to see the world – from Argentina to Israel – and in the spirit of “doing the thing you’re supposed to do in the place you’re supposed to do it” she dated a few sexy locals along the way. Probably not one for the prudish, I loved the how she described becoming ‘Kristin-Adjacent’ while she was travelling – that more chilled out (and in her case a bit sluttier) version of your normal home persona. It almost made me miss my crazy single girl travel days!
So those are my favourite recent travel reads, but what are yours?
This article contains affiliate links, where I get a small commission at no extra cost to you – thanks.


Mike leads the IT organization for Databricks where he strives to deliver innovative and scalable solutions to the internal business. Mike has 23 years experience in IT spanning infrastructure, systems, and scale.
May 26, 2021 11:30 AM PT
Data engineers and data leaders are the linchpin of every data-driven organization. Today's data engineers face a number of critical use cases: ensuring the organization has access to clean, reliable data, maintaining governance and security as the organization scales, and providing access to data teams for analysis. Join this session for live Q&A with our SMEs to learn how we at Databricks face these challenges head-on by leveraging the Databricks lakehouse platform.


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It seems like the British royals have really taken to opening up to the public.
Just a day after Prince Harry opened up about his struggles with mental health following the death of Princess Diana, his brother Prince William came forth and vowed that the next generation of royals will be open and honest about their emotions. “There may be a time and a place for the ‘stiff upper lip’ but not at the expense of your health,” Vogue quoted William as saying.
Prince Harry suffered 'total chaos' over Princess Diana's death
For this, the prince is making changes in his own home, with his children Prince George and Princess Charlotte. “Catherine and I are clear that we want them to be able to talk about their emotions and feelings,” he said. “Over the past year, we have visited a number of schools together where we have been amazed listening to children talk about some quite difficult subjects in a really clear and emotionally articulate way — something most adults struggle with.”
This philosophy is a sharp departure from the traditional British stoicism. “For too long there has been a taboo about talking about some important issues. If you were anxious, it’s because you were weak. If you couldn't cope with whatever life threw at you, it’s because you were failing,” William said. He, along with Kate and Prince Harry, is an ambassador for the British mental health charity Heads Together. “Successful, strong people don’t suffer like that, do they? But of course—we all do. It’s just that few of us speak about it.”
Britain's Prince William and wife Kate visit child bereavement charity
Recently, William discussed the importance of mental health awareness in a chat with singing superstar Lady Gaga as well. He reportedly reached out to her after she wrote an open letter about suffering from PTSD for being sexually assaulted at 19. “It’s time that everyone speaks up,” Prince William told her. Talk about leading by example!
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domain: sociology


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Dustin Paxton torture trial
Accused: Dustin Paxton
Charges: Unlawful confinement, sexual assault, aggravated assault
Verdict: Guilty of uttering threats, aggravated assault and sexual assault. Not guilty of unlawful confinement.
Sentence: Expected Feb. 17
Dustin Paxton was accused of confining and assaulting his roommate from December 2008 to April 2010 in Calgary and Regina. The alleged victim, who cannot be named because of a publication ban, said Paxton struck him with a steel-toed boot, whipped him with a dog leash and strangled him into unconsciousness. As the alleged victim described the beatings, Paxton shook his head, smiling and smirking.
The defence argued that the alleged victim could've left the situation many times, and attempted to discredit the his memory of events. The alleged victim testified that he didn't complain or try to run away because he didn't want to be seen as "a sissy."
The alleged victim was eventually dropped off in front of a Regina hospital, with parts of his lips and tongue cut off. He weighed only 87 pounds, down from his usual 200.
The court heard that the alleged victim's appearance was so shocking that it frightened customers of the moving company where he and Paxton worked.
On Feb. 6, a judge found Paxton guilty of aggravated assault and sexual assualt, but found him not guilty of unlawful confinement. His sentencing is expected for Feb. 17.
Technology that generates touchable 3D imagery is unveiled in Japan, with its developers saying users could pull and push objects that are not really t... More Technology that generates touchable 3D imagery is unveiled in Japan, with its developers saying users could pull and push objects that are not really there. Duration: 01:07
Date 1 hr ago, Duration 1:06, Views 21

domain: law


text: Endicott College’s current exhibit has large, colorful works of art including colloargraph, collages, geometric canvases, Calder inspired sculpture which bring the Walter J. Manninen Center for the Arts to life! The young artists are from Express Yourself, a program that celebrates cultural diversity and collaboration with isolated youth from 17 Department of Mental Health facilities. Express Yourself challenges myths surrounding young people with mental illness and at-risk youth, allowing them to explore art as a path toward a healthy sense of identity. Each year more than 300 young people collaborate and celebrate in a thriving multi-disciplinary art community. Since 1989, over 7,000 children have been teamed with artists such as Blue Man Group, STOMP, and Keith Lockhart. Together they create the set designs, visual art, and performance pieces for their grand celebration at the Wang Theatre. These sets are now on display at Endicott College for all to see in the Express Yourself: Move It! Exhibition.


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domain: finance


text:
ICONIQ Qore Bottle Food Container (15 + 16oz Containers)
$ 25.95 was $ 29.95
This variant is currently sold out
The Qore Food Container from ICONIQ is a brand new, all-in-one solution for enjoying your lunch on the go! Double-walled vacuum insulation keeps your food hot for up to 6 hours, cold for 12 hours, as well as provides a leak/sweat-proof container.
- 15oz Water Bottle
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Double-walled vacuum insulation keeps your food hot for up to 6 hours, cold for 12 hours. Made from 18/8 Stainless steel and the cap is 100% BPA Free Plastic. Leak/Sweat proof and backed with a Lifetime Warranty.

domain: food


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These are stories Report on Business followed this week.
Given the ups and downs of a brutally slow global recovery, you can never tell exactly what you're going to get.
But that icy winter appears to be giving way to a brighter spring.
We've been here before, of course, and we've seen these "green shoots" before. But economists are hopeful as indicators pick up in Canada and the United States, and the euro debt crisis fades into memory, though not for the unemployed.
"Green shoots (remember that relic from the financial crisis?) were all over the economic data this week," said senior economist Robert Kavcic of BMO Nesbitt Burns, referring to various indicators, including Canadian gross domestic product, U.S. manufacturing, and auto sales "just shy of the best level in seven years."
The week began with Statistics Canada reporting Monday that the economy rebounded in January, expanding by 0.5 per cent and undoing the losses of a wintry December.
Later in the week, the federal agency reported that Canada's trade balance rebounded in February to a $290-million surplus as a big jump in exports turned the trade picture around from January's $337-million deficit.
Friday's better-than-expected labour market report capped off the week, with a fresh measure showing unemployment dipping to 6.9 per cent in March amid job creation to the tune of almost 43,000.
At the same time, the U.S. economy scored a decent reading, though the jobless rate held firm.
The jobs picture in Canada isn't completely spring-like, though over the course of the year, employment is up by 190,000. The letdown came in the fact that part-time work represented the bulk of the gains, at some 30,000, though full-time positions did climb by almost 4,000.
At the same time, the public sector accounted for more than 39,000 new jobs, the private sector for 4,000.
All in all, good news, yes. But …
"While all of this positive economic data are reassuring, Canada's economy isn't firing on all cylinders just yet," said Toronto-Dominion Bank economist Leslie Preston.
- Barrie McKenna: Canada's economy bounces back, grows 0.5% in January
- Canada swings to trade surplus, exports hit pre-crisis high
- Tavia Grant: Public sector leads job creation
- Kevin Carmichael: March hires suggest cold winter a mere hiccup
- David Parkinson in ROB Insight (for subscribers): Inflation comes to Canada (and that's good)
The week's top news
- Boyd Erman and Greg Keenan: Proxy battle looms at auto parts maker Martinerea
- Rachelle Younglai: Osisko finds white knight in Yamana
- Rita Trichur: New chair, same boss at Telus
- Marina Strauss: HBC sees REIT on horizon, but outlook turns cloudy
- Rachelle Younglai: Thornton gets $9.5-million as Barrick revamps compensation methods
The week's must-reads
- Richard Blackwell: Tunnel vision: Most Canadian CEOs believe the economy must diversify
- Omar El Akkad: Strategy, spit conspire in BlackBerry's T-Mobile breakup
- Marina Strauss: Amazon raises the ante on Canadian offerings
- Tara Perkins: Holes in housing market data have economists worried
- Joanna Slater: High-frequency stock trading goes under the microscope
The week in Business Briefing
- Speculators scramble to cover bets against the Canadian dollar
- How the Canadian dollar's reserve status has surged
- BlackBerry 'fires' T-Mobile, U.S. carrier fires back
- Poor Alfred. He died 'interstate' and his banker's offering me millions
- Canadian dollar tops 91 cents as jobs report fuels optimism
The week in Streetwise (for subscribers)
- Kevin Carmichael: 'Too big to fail' alive and well in Canada: IMF
- Boyd Erman: One man's message: It's no time for banks to be complacent
- Tim Kiladze: BMO starts talking tough about technology
- Jacqueline Nelson: Banks benefit from oil resurgence
- Jeffrey Jones: Calgary banker who left Salman trying hand at investor relations
The week in ROB Insight (for subscribers)
- David Parkinson: Inflation comes to Canada (and that's good)
- Carl Mortished: Merkel's predecessors reject West's Ukraine strategy
- David Parkinson: Barrick pay practices need to better reflect performance
- Brian Milner: Stars are beginning to align for solar
- Brian Lee Crowley: Canadian health care: A failure of central planning, not funding

domain: news


Anyone remember the SciFi Pattern Generator plug-in for 3ds Max 2014? Meet AutoModeller Pro, Code-Artists’ latest foray into the concept they introduced with the SciFi Pattern Generator: texturing with geometry. Similar to displacement mapping, the way it works is that you can apply or paint a group of meshes as a texture onto your scene’s existing geometry; all you do is define your source geometry – be it simple bricks or a set of kitbashing components – and apply it onto your UV mapped target. You then use the UI and UV map to place and tweak the position of the applied mesh texture.
AutoModeller doesn’t make use of any of Max’s native modifiers – instead relying on its own, intuitive UI. It’s non-invasive workflow is feature-rich too; you can combine geometry textures onto your mesh, randomise and erase your paint, and update your source geometry on the fly – your target mesh will autoupdate as you go.
In addition, it’s also solved the obvious edge issue geometry painting could give you by providing automatic mesh border adjustment modes, which rely on your UV island’s edges to fit, deform or overlap when painting. Add to that, instance and proxy support and a hefty preview mode maintaining your workspeed, and, provided your hardware has the muscle for it, you can go to town in the size department.
However, it’s AutoModeller’s unbelievable speed and the paint- options which are the plug-in’s standout features. Similar in function to a clone tool, you can paint your selected geometry on pretty much anything – from spheres to cylinders to hard-edged models.
You can do so in various modes, from brush-or mouse-strokes to bucket fills and “Just the normals, please.” Paint in Stairs mode and your geometry- texture will generate stairs on slopes or curves. Paint in Random mode and it will randomise the geometry texture’s output – superhandy for both stone and greebles.
Select faces, and it will paint on your selected faces only. In addition, it’s set up so the geometry you’ve painted onto your base mesh will follow any deformation or modifiers you put onto it, without batting much of an eyelid; it’ll just need a few moments to auto update and adjust to the new shape – straight, bent or curved.
Versatile, easy to use and stable, Code-Artists have got a lot right with AutoModeller. The mesh export could’ve used an optimiser function in addition to Max’s native Optimise, and the incomplete documentation fits the current, annoying climate of “let’s ship, and worry about documentation later,” but that aside, it’s a good plug-in. Not only technically, but also conceptually: it’s one of those rare releases that invites you to just load, explore and get creative. Highly recommended.
This article was originally published in 3D World magazine issue 209. Buy it here.


Former MCH Centre destined for demolition
Published on 17 October 2017
The former Stawell maternal and child health centre will be demolished in the coming months as part of Northern Grampians Shire Council’s land and building rationalisation policy, with the site set to become a new open space in the heart of town.
The Wimmera Street building will be cleared and the site levelled under Council’s asset management program, making way for a planned open space and beautification project.
Following an assessment by Council’s Infrastructure department, the building has been assessed as structurally unsound and dangerous, with the issues further compacted by the presence of asbestos.
The demolition works will form part of Council’s asset management program, aimed at lessening the amount of buildings currently being maintained and lowering the associated costs.
Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Cr Tony Driscoll said the demolition of the Wimmera Street building would lessen the financial burden of maintaining a building which is not suitable for public use in its current condition.
“This Council is committed to saving our ratepayers money where possible, and by no longer paying the costs associated with maintaining this building, we will by delivering considerable savings to the Northern Grampians Shire community,” Cr Driscoll said.
“The addition of further parkland and open space will also provide a further boost the already outstanding aesthetic appeal of the Stawell town centre.”
A demolition permit has already been issued for the works, with Council now waiting on an asbestos report before works to clear the site begin. Plans for the area’s redevelopment will be released within the next month.
The former Maternal and Child Health Centre was last used as a base for the Grampians Central West Waste Management and Resource Recovery Group, prior to its relocation in 2014.


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6507 Silver Fork Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Every so often a unique property becomes available that is truly exceptional. The Silver Fork Ranch is one of those properties. Located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at an elevation of 6,400 ft., surrounded by National Forest. The ranch is reminiscent of a “Mini-Ponderosa,” with lush alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers throughout spring and summer. It includes old growth pine and cedar trees, and exquisite rock formations. A trout pond, seasonal creek and a year round spring...
- Financing OptionsConventional, Cash, Exchange, Owner Carry 1st
- Listing OfficeFar West R & C Sales/mgt. Co.
- Date ListedApril 27th, 2020
- UtilitiesCable, Propane, Septic, Telephone, Well-Private, Internet Available, Cellular Coverage Avail, Wind, Solar (Photovoltaic), Generator
- Water HeaterPropane, On Demand
- Other RoomsOffice/Den, Family Room, Yes, Loft
- Floor CoveringWood
- GaragesCarport, Detached, Parking Pad
- FoundationConcrete/Crawl Space
- WindowsDouble Pane, Vinyl Frame
- RoofMetal, Pitched
- ExteriorWood Siding
- TopographyCombo/Varies, Gentle, Level
The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the BROKER RECIPROCITY Program of the Northern Nevada Regional MLS. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than CalNeva Realty are marked with the BROKER RECIPROCITY logo or the BROKER RECIPROCITY thumbnail logo and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokerage.
The broker providing these data believes them to be correct, but advises interested parties to confirm them before relying on them in a purchase decision.
© 2020 of Northern Nevada Regional MLS. All rights reserved.
Listing information last updated on May 28th, 2020 at 7:56pm PDT.

domain: geography


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Traditional decor in the dining room is always in style.
A traditional dining room accented by a dramatic two-tier chandelier.
Add sparkle to the living room with crystal lighting.
White, black, and silver is a sleek color palette for a contemporary kitchen.
We love the cool and comfortable Modern Mix style.
Put a table lamp near a chandelier for a luxe dining room lighting idea.
Twin hanging pendant lights illuminate a bathroom vanity.
It's Hip to Be Square - large size square pendants light a dining room.
An eye-popping chandelier creates a living room focal point.
A dining room with a relaxed coastal feel.
Go big with large copper finish pendant lights over a wood top table.
The champagne glass on this pendant chandelier brightens a living room.
Circles and dots in transparent glass create a Contemporary Clarity design!
Classic, opulent glamour defines this Trad Glam living room decor.
An arts and crafts style island light brings warmth to a traditional kitchen.
Traditional kitchen pictures can be enhanced by gorgeous lighting.
This scroll chandelier in a rich terracotta bronze adds traditional elegance.
Mission style pendant lighting adds style to kitchen decor.
Crystal mini pendant lighting over a small dining room table.
Tangerine Dream - a living room design with eclectic style.
A living room with a warm and welcoming look.
Make a glittering crystal chandelier the centerpiece of any living room.
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An iron-look chandelier from the Franklin Iron Works lighting collection.
A fabulous dining room done in the Modern Mix style.
Pendant lighting accents a kitchen island and a row of barstools.
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Multiple sources of light are a welcoming idea for a traditional living room.
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Retro design inspirations create a stylish and comfortable living room.
Intriguing shapes and textures blend well in this Modern + Natural entryway.
Glass and gold finish elements create a luxe glitter living area.
Your mission style home begins and ends with color and light.
A downlight chandelier lights a round dining room table.
This transitional living room effortlessly mixes design styles and periods.
The classic American bungalow home reimagined for today's living.
Schonbek's New Orleans Collecton crystal mini pendant shines in a living room.
Mini chandlier style adds a welcoming shine to this living room.
Transitional dining room sets pair beautifully with candelabra chandeliers!
Modern Mission: for a twist on tradition, try Tiffany-style glass in new shapes.
Modern chandelier design from the Possini Euro Design collection.
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The Possini white cloud chandelier is the stand out element in the design.
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Art glass mini pendant lights add color to a kitchen.
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Browse the Jessica McClintock collection for elegant lighting ideas.
A festive room, dressed for the holidays, with mini pendant star power.
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Create a richly layered look in your living room with mix and match lighting.
Our popular Valmont Collection chandlier in a Zen dining room.
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The chrome and warm cream hues make up the contemporary living room.
Dramatic blue walls with a George Kovacs Bling Bling pendant chandelier.
The living room scene combines modern and mission styles.
A Kichler pendant chandelier in a living room.
Mix and match design styles for a Modern Mix living room.
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Golden reflections: a dining room with mirrored furniture and gold accents.
A velvet sofa with tufting is the luxurious centerpiece of this living room.
A crystal chandelier brings elegance to any living space!
Kitchen mini pendant lights offer bright illumination and uncluttered style.
The various hues of brown in the living room scene create a masculine design.
A classic Schonbek designed crystal chandelier brightens a dining room.
This graceful room features vintage-inspired furniture and lighting.
Spark conversation among your guests in this shining living room setting.
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This modern dining room shines with a dramatic cluster chandelier design.
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Art glass pendant lights add warmth to a kitchen island.
Use a pendant light to set the mood in a modern dining room.
A wine cabinet storage unit is a great idea for creating a conversation area.
A living room with wonderful home decor accents.
A stylish white living room with a Kathy Ireland chandelier.

domain: artistic


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Kings sponsors stay loyal — despite arena flap
NBA team’s owners irritated many by pulling out of deal, but value remains
As the Sacramento Kings prepare for a new season in a newly named arena, any frustration over the team owners seems to have been put aside by businesses recognizing that the franchise remains an effective marketing platform.
“Kings fans have really shown their loyalty to the team,” said Rick Heron, chief marketing and brand officer for Western Health Advantage, which renewed its Kings sponsorship for the coming season. That fan loyalty makes the Kings a “worthwhile advertising vehicle for Western Health Advantage.”
Businesses and fans haven’t forgotten or necessarily forgiven the Maloofs, who own the Kings, for walking away this past spring from a deal with the city of Sacramento for a new downtown arena. Instead, fans appear to be supporting Sacramento’s team and players in spite of the team ownership. Many businesses, in turn, want to be where the fans are.
“Everyone in Sacramento and the NBA would much rather have a strong and stable ownership for Sacramento,” Heron said. “Obviously there’s frustration with the Maloofs and how they’re handling the arena.”
But “Right now the Maloofs are the owners of the Kings, and that’s our team,” he said.
Companies know the benefits of doing business with the Kings, team spokesman Chris Clark said. “We’re still one of the most trafficked properties in the Sacramento region,” he said.
For the coming season, the tribe that owns Thunder Valley Casino Resort renewed its luxury arena suite, which it has held since 2003. But the United Auburn Indian Community tribe did not renew its corporate partnership with the Kings, tribe spokesman Doug Elmets said.
Kelly Johnson covers retail, insurance, marketing and media, manufacturing and distribution, sports business, nonprofits and education for the Sacramento Business Journal.
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- Coming next week: First steel work for downtown arena
National Accounts Project Specialist Simpson Strong-Tie | Stockton, CA
Business Development Officer Sacramento Credit Union | Sacramento, CA
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“a neat little flash app that permits you to select on a sliding scale up to four different features of a novel and then recommends a list of prospective reading to you. (Plain-text available here). (via sixdifferentways).” [MetaFilter]
Interesting application that would be even more interesting integrated into a library's online catalog. Here's more information about the project, which does indeed have librarians working in the background.
“Opening the Book and the Society of Chief Librarians have created a new company – Openlibraries Ltd – to develop whichbook.net, (previously known as Book Forager.)
Openlibraries has been awarded £350,000 from the New Opportunities Fund to expand whichbook.net over the next two years, by increasing the number of titles on the system and by creating links between whichbook.net and public library catalogues on the web. We are working in partnership with Applied Psychology Research, libraries, publishers, library systems suppliers, the Poetry Society and the National Library for the Blind to create a unique resource for readers….
The books in the database are all fiction and poetry in paperback written in or translated into English and published since 1995. Some library services are endeavouring to purchase all the titles in the whichbook.net database. To see a list of titles go to www.openlibraries.net.”
I know James and David will be interested in this one, too, right guys? Also, if you're looking for more sites to help you find good reads, see if your local library subscribes to NoveList, a commercial database for this kind of thing. You can find hundreds more links at Morton Grove PL's Webrary, including their homegrown MatchBook Service.
Addendum: I forgot to note that this is based on U.K. catalogs, although the “borrow” option that goes to a map and then a dropdown list of libraries is pretty slick in general. I'd love to see something like that implemented in the Virtual Illinois Catalog. [The Shifted Librarian]

domain: library


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Higher levels of mercury exposure in young adults can increase their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 65 per cent,later in life,a new study has warned.
The research,led by Indiana University School of Public Health- Bloomington epidemiologist Ka He,is the first to establish the link between mercury and diabetes in humans.
The main source of mercury in humans comes from the consumption of fish and shellfish,nearly all of which contain traces of mercury.
Fish and shellfish also contain lean protein and other nutrients,such as magnesium and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,that make them important to a healthy diet.
In the study,published in the journal Diabetes Care,the people with the highest levels of mercury also appeared to have healthier lifestyles – lower body mass indexes and
smaller waist circumferences,more exercise – than other study participants.
They also ate more fish,which is a possible marker of healthy diet or higher social economic status.
The study,which involved 3,875 men and women,established the link between mercury levels and type 2 diabetes risk after controlling for lifestyle and other dietary factors such as magnesium and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,which could counter the effects of the mercury.
These findings,He said,point to the importance of selecting fish known to have low levels of mercury,such as shrimp,salmon and catfish,and avoiding fish with higher levels,such as swordfish and shark.
“It is likely that the overall health impact of fish consumption may reflect the interactions of nutrients and contaminants in fish. Thus,studying any of these nutrients and contaminants such as mercury should consider confounding from other components in fish,” the authors wrote.
“In the current study,the association between mercury exposure and diabetes incidence was substantially strengthened after controlling for intake of LCn-3PUFAs (omega-3) and magnesium,” they said.

domain: medical


Launched, the all-new BMW M850i in SA as of earlier this week. We drove the new model at its national ride and drive event in the Western Cape.
Click here to read about the latest addition to the BMW Coupe family.
Three hundred and ninety kilowatts, seven hundred and fifty newton metres of torque and zero to one hundred km/h in just three point seven seconds… Were it not for the images accompanying this story, you’d probably guess that I was referring to a pukka sportscar. In many ways I am, though what you are looking at is essentially a grand tourer. Say hello to the BMW M850i xDrive.
The all-new 8 Series is the latest model to wear such a high number, the last car to do so went out of production over 20 years ago. BMW reserves this lofty digit for range-leading cars, and this is precisely what the new model is, the apex of the BMW family.
Purely from an aesthetic point of view, the M850i is already a winner. It has large, flat kidney grilles up front (seemingly a signature of new sporting models), a long bonnet in true GT-car fashion, a narrow glasshouse with steeply raked rear screen and a pert rear end with dramatic taillamps. At nearly five metres long and two metres wide the new 8 is no shrinking violet. Massive alloys add to its demeanour. Judging by the responses we received on the launch event, its appearance is arresting.
This is more than just a looker, though. Under that shaped skin lies a plethora of high-tech systems and hardware to make it more dynamically capable as well as more user-friendly and cosseting to its occupants.
…more than skin deep
Inside the cabin the 8 Series is extremely luxurious, soft hides adorn most surfaces and gloss black plastics are used for areas surrounding the infotainment screen and gear-lever. The soft feel of the leather is offset by high-tech systems found within cabin. A traditional instrument cluster has been replaced by a digital display. BMW’s latest infotainment interface is found centre-stage. It boasts touchscreen functionality as well as a rotary controller between the front seats.
Anything that moves is electrically controlled and, as befitting a range-topper, the 8 Series is fitted with just about every conceivable extra one could hope for, barring a sunroof. Thanks to a distinctive ‘double bubble’ design element on the hard top this model cannot be fitted with a sliding roof section. Incidentally, the roof panel on all SA-bound 8 Series models is carbon-fibre.
BMW plans to launch more 8 Series derivatives to bolster the line-up. Sunseekers will be happy to learn that an M850i Convertible version is on its way later this year, which will later be joined by a Gran Coupe and the eventual high-performance M8 derivatives in various guises.
BMW South Africa is offering just one version of the 8 Series locally: the M850i xDrive. There are other powertrains available abroad, including a diesel derivative, but we won’t be seeing those any time soon.
Under the bonnet of the M850i lies a twin-turbocharged 4,4-litre V8 that sends its power to the ground through all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. As mentioned it produces 390 kW along with 750 N.m.
To help reduce dreaded turbo lag and improve throttle response the pair of twin-scroll turbochargers are mounted within the “V” of the bent eight. The engine breathes through a set of tail pipes that features active flaps. The note produced is bassy and burbly at low engine speeds, like a proper sportscar. BMW spokespersons on the event promise us that all the sound is natural, ie none of it is piped through the speakers.
Hitting the road
On the local ride and drive event, we traversed some of the Cape’s most scenic and curvy roads. On the famous Clarence Drive, the M850i wafted along serenely as we followed photo-snapping tourists in slow-moving rental cars. When the chance arose, we mashed the throttle and unleashed all the horses. The M850i then changed in nature from a mild-mannered cruiser to full on sportscar. The rate off acceleration is pin-you-in-the-seat quick. Even though the power and torque curves mean you don’t have to rev it out, the V8 does seem to enjoy visiting 6 500 r/min.
BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system varies torque distribution between front and rear axles, which means there is no unnecessary interference from the traction control as a surfeit of power is directed to the road without any loss of grip under hard acceleration.
Wide breadth of talent
Of course, it’s pretty easy to go fast in a straight line but can it corner? Any fears we had that the M850i is a one-trick pony were allayed on the beautiful Franschhoek Pass. On the extremely tight, twisty and tricky mountain road the large Beemer really impressed.
On the tighter corners of the pass we could really feel the rear-biased power delivery and electronically controlled rear differential lock working in unison to make the car change direction with alertness belying its size. The M850i can really be hustled along at a serious pace.
BMW set out to create a sportscar with the 8, and I will happily admit that they have succeeded. With its sporting bent, the M850i seems to occupy a little niche all of its own. It’s not quite as hard-edged as a Porsche 911, but it is certainly more sporty and engaging than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that its natural rivals are more likely to be the Bentley Continental GT and Aston Martin DB11, though the BMW costs a fraction of the price of those rivals. Kudos BMW.
BMW M850i Coupe R1 872 900
BMW M850i Convertible R1 994 300


Knox County is expanding. The county has a population of over 61,000, and experts estimate that by 2050, another 17,000 people — roughly the population of Mount Vernon — will have settled into the region. This increase in population presents both challenges and opportunities for the county, and officials are already searching for ways to build up the area’s infrastructure and economy.
For the past year, the Knox County Foundation — in conjunction with the Knox County Area Development Foundation and MS Consultants — has discussed, brainstormed and gathered feedback from communities in Knox County, all in an effort to establish a vision of the region’s future. Their final product is a series of Strategic Plans: one tailored to each village in Knox County. On Monday, Jan. 13, they presented the Gambier Village Strategic Plan at a Village Council meeting. The Village Council must now decide whether to adopt the plan, and what to do with it going forward.
The plan is essentially a list of steps that the Village can take in order to grow its economy and strengthen its community. These steps include methods of improving the zoning code, attracting small businesses and promoting regional tourism.
At the center of the plan is an economic investment: If the Council ratifies the plan, the Village will be granted $40,000 in funding each year for the next four years. This money must be requested from the Knox County Foundation on a project-by-project basis, and can be spent on any endeavor outlined in the Strategic Plan. While the plan does not require the Village to undertake any of its projects, it will make these enterprises much easier to afford.
Mayor Leeman Kessler ’04 thinks that the plan is a great opportunity. Many of the things it describes would benefit the Village, but would be very difficult without outside help. One of the projects outlined in the plan would connect the Kokosing Gap Trail with downtown Gambier, using a trellis bridge for bikers and pedestrians that would cross Ohio State Route 229. This undertaking would likely increase regional tourism, but would be prohibitively expensive without the funding the plan provides. To even consider the project, the Council would first have to hire an engineer to give a structural assessment of the area.
“You can justify that a lot more if you can say, ‘We can get our engineering assessment to be paid for out of this grant money,’” Kessler said. “Even if [the project] doesn’t go anywhere, we have not risked our own money exploring it.”
Other strategies in the plan include hosting more recreational events, amplifying the Village’s online presence and potentially merging with the College Township, which governs the surrounding area. Kessler suspects that some of the more ambitious proposals will not be attempted in the near future. He describes it as a “wish list,” rather than a binding course of action.
“They had a lot of thoughts about, how could you repurpose the elementary school?” Kessler said. “Well, that presupposes either getting rid of the elementary school, or building a new elementary school. Which is not immediately on the horizon.”
The Village Council has yet to approve the plan, but Kessler expects that they will when they vote on it in March. Overall he sees plenty of benefits to the funding, and no real downsides.
“You have to have a very good reason to say no to $160,000,” Kessler said.


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Dabei entfällt die Hälfte aller Gewinne auf lediglich 5 der Starthand-Kombinationen, und mit insgesamt 14 der Starthände (% aller ausgeteilten Hole. Die höchste und stärkste. Im Kartenspiel Poker beschreibt der Begriff Hand die besten fünf Karten, die ein Spieler nutzen kann. Die Rangfolge der einzelnen Kartenkombinationen ist bei.
Die Top 10 Poker Starthände beim Texas Hold'emSicher musst du beim Pokern die Reihenfolge der Pokerhände erlernen. Flush, wirst du also aller Wahrscheinlichkeit nach die beste Hand am Tisch haben. Bis dahin machen Sie es sich leicht, damit Sie auf dem Flop immer die beste Hand halten. Die 15 besten Starthände: A-A; K-K; Q-Q; A-K (suited). Dabei entfällt die Hälfte aller Gewinne auf lediglich 5 der Starthand-Kombinationen, und mit insgesamt 14 der Starthände (% aller ausgeteilten Hole.
Poker Beste Hand Navigation menu VideoTOP 10 MOST AMAZING POKER HANDS EVER!
Deutschland, Poker Beste Hand sich die Unternehmen einstellen. - Was passiert bei einem Unentschieden?Ein Royal Flushwie z. Grundsätzlich ist es immer von Vorteil, mit anderen Spielern zu sprechen, aber manche Spieler sind bessere Informationsquellen als andere. Offizielle Reihenfolge der Poker-Hände. Ein Paar kann dreizehn Werte und zwei von vier Anthony Joshua Weight Farben haben. Calling is a weak play that leaves you vulnerable and allows people to enter the pot cheaply after you have Spielhalle Umsatz. For example, a pair of queens and a pair of fives would beat a pair of threes and a pair of fives. Sometimes, it is worth calling in position with this hand before the flop to keep the pot small and still get paid if you pair one of your two hole cards.
The highest card of the five determines the rank of the flush. Our example shows an Ace-high flush, which is the highest possible.
Straight 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 A A Any five consecutive cards of different suits. Aces can count as either a high or a low card.
Our example shows a five-high straight, which is the lowest possible straight. Our example shows three-of-a-kind Aces, with a King and a Queen as side cards - the best possible three of a kind.
Our example shows the best possible two-pair, Aces and Kings. The highest pair of the two determines the rank of the two-pair.
Our example shows the best possible one-pair hand. Our example shows the best possible high-card hand. Best Poker Sites for Beginners - Reviewed. A suited royal couple, king-queen, is next in the list of Texas Hold 'em poker's most powerful starting hands.
You could get a flush, but it won't be the nut flush unless the suited ace comes on the flop. Nicknamed "blackjack" for obvious reasons, and sometimes called "Ajax," the ace-jack combo rates eighth.
You have a chance for a nut flush, royal flush, straight, or high pair. It doesn't have as good of a chance for the flush combinations as a suited big slick.
This is the only starting hand in the top 10 without a face card or an ace: a pair of tens aka "dimes". If you have a weaker hand, it might be a good idea to act overconfident and cocky in an attempt to get the other players to fold.
If your hand is strong, you could act nervous in the hopes that the other players will bet more to increase your potential winnings. This kind of behavior is called bluffing and it's a fun part of poker games.
Related Topics. Card Games. Everyday Endeavors, LLC. Code Throwdown. Retrieved 13 July Card Games For Dummies. The Rules of Poker.
Lyle Stuart. Retrieved 5 August Small Stakes Hold 'em. CRC Press. Grundsätzlich sollten Sie diese Hand immer spielen und können auch kleine bis mittlere Raises vor dem Flop ohne zu zögern mitgehen.
Wenn Sie auf dem Flop weder ein Pair noch einen Draw treffen, sollten Sie bei einer Bet eines Kontrahenten aber nicht lange zögern und sich von diesem Blatt trennen.
Aufgrund der geringeren Aussichten auf einen Flush ist die Hand deutlich schwächer zu sehen als A-K Suited, allerdings handelt es sich immerhin um die acht-stärkste der Texas Hold'em Poker Starthände.
Trotzdem sollten Sie die Hand nicht unter allen Umständen spielen. With more players in you have better pot odds, and a better chance that someone will flop something they will put money in with against your set.
But if you're ever facing a 3-bet with a small pocket pair, you're usually going to be better off just folding. You should follow a lot of the same guidelines with mid pairs as you do with small pairs.
The goal a lot of the time will be to hit a set, and you usually won't be able to play a big pot post flop if you don't hit one, but mid pairs have a lot more flexibility.
Mid pairs inherently have a lot more strength than small pocket pairs, because they effectively gain another way that they win the pot at showdown: unimproved.
This alone means you can play mid pocket pairs from any position, and you'll want to be coming in for a raise with them if you're opening the pot.
In most cases these hands will play themselves before the flop. In most games you'll want to raise with these hands regardless of what the poker rankings are pre-flop, and be willing to put your stack all in before the flop if you're able to assuming big blind or smaller effective stacks.
There are tighter games, and especially online you won't always want to get all in with QQ pre-flop, and in many live games, people won't be 3betting very wide, so you won't necessarily want to keep re-raising it.
But most of the time, 4betting or 5betting all of these hands will be the best play. You can sometimes trap with AA pre-flop, by not 4betting when normally you would, but it's usually better not to do that with KK or worse.
Everyone knows that Aces are Bullets and Kings are Cowboys, but there are more hands with strange names than you might think! You can read more about hand nicknames and poker rankings in our guide.
Jacks play well pre-flop but if you get out-drawn on the flop they can be tricky. Play them strongly in LP, and - depending on your table - re-raise in EP too.
However, don't be afraid to let them go post flop against pressure with overcards on the board. In a full-ring game, A2 plays almost the same as something like A9.
If they are suited, even better, as they can provide semi-bluffing opportunities. Making a flush draw is usually enough to allow you to continue far into a pot - especially if you use your ace as a blocker - and making a flush often means a decent payoff.
So you'll want to see flops with this hand for relatively cheap. If you have something like AJs or ATs, these hands will often be dominated when facing 3bets, so without reads it will usually be best to fold them to a lot of aggression.
It's also important to keep in mind that when playing these hands after the flop, the top pair that you make will not usually be the best one pair hand possible, so occasionally you will have to be willing to give up your top pair good kicker.
A lot of people, meanwhile, overplay Ax offsuit. They are terrible hands unless you 3-bet bluff them pre-flop. Always pay attention to your table dynamic before doing this, though.
Often, Ax hands won't make strong ace pairs on the flop and you may well end up being outdrawn. Four of a kind. Full House. Three of a kind. Two Pair.
One Pair. High Card. Player A has. Player B has. Want to know what to do in every poker situation? Not sure how to strengthen your poker hand knowledge?
That's where our training tool comes in. Deal Reset. Remaining time: 03 : What is the best hand in poker? What beats what in poker? What beats a straight in poker?
What beats a full house in poker? What beats a flush in poker? What's the highest suit in poker?
There is no highest suit in poker.10 rows · The strongest starting hand in poker, pocket aces are a strong pre-flop favourite over any . A pair of aces, also known as "pocket rockets" (and sometimes "American Airlines") is the best starting hand for Texas Hold 'em. Be wary of how many other players enter the pot, as more players increase the likelihood of someone beating your aces. Poker Hand Rankings. How to Play Poker. General Rules. Hand Rankings. Tournaments. Today, reading-glasses-zone.com is the best poker information portal for free poker content.

domain: hobby


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EU's Tusk: Draghi told EU leaders biggest risks to outlook is trade and geopolitical tensions
European Council President Donald Tusk crossed the wires in the last minutes, via Reuters, explaining that European Central Bank President Mario Draghi told EU leaders that biggest risks to the economic outlook were trade and escalating geopolitical tensions.
Commenting on Brexit, "The united approach of the EU 27 on Brexit is that they looking forward to working with the next British Prime Minister," Tusk said and repeated, once again, that the Withdrawal Agreement is not open for renegotiation.
The EUR/GBP pair largely ignored those headlines and continues to trade near its daily highs around 0.8930.
This article is published only for general use basic informatory purposes and should not be considered or depended on as a financial or investment advice. Investors should make sure that they understand the risks and seek independent financial advice at all times. CFDS ARE COMPLEX INSTRUMENTS AND COME WITH A HIGH RISK OF LOSING MONEY RAPIDLY DUE TO LEVERAGE.

domain: economics


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Frank's Island Lighthouse
An interior cross-section drawing of the Frank's Island Lighthouse was made by New Orleans architect Samuel Wilson Jr. for the Historic American Buildings Survey in the 1930s.
|Courtesy of||Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division|
|Disclaimer||The Louisiana Endowment has included this work in KnowLA- The Online Encyclopedia of Louisiana History and Culture for the purposes of criticism, comment, teaching, scholarship, educational research, all other nonprofit educational usages under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act.|


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Shield your iPad Mini from daily damage with a customizable iPad Mini case. Made of lightweight hard shell plastic, this case clips onto the back of the iPad adding protection without the bulk. Made with a glossy finish, your designs, photos, and text will look great displayed on this one of a kind case.

Designed for Apple’s iPad Mini.
Hard shell plastic case with glossy finish.
Smart Cover compatible.
Access to all ports, controls & sensors.
Customize with photos, artwork and text.
Designer Tip: To ensure the highest quality print, please note this product’s customizable design area measures 5.85” x 8.45”. For best results please add 1/3” bleed.
This Victorian inspired design features stylized roses and vines arranged in a diagonal pattern. Each diamond shaped design is decorated with swirling lines and four roses. In between the diamonds there are diagonal swirling vines that connect to each other with a small circle. Rough textures and faded colours give the pattern the look of being old and weathered. This unique Victorian pattern had a sophisticated and stylish look.


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HAWAII ISLAND – Tropical Storm Olaf has formed in the Pacific Ocean, 1,485 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. The National Weather Service expects to see Olaf strengthen into a hurricane as it moves west into the Central Pacific.
Right now, Olaf’s maximum sustained winds have increased to near 40 mph. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, forecasters say, and Olaf could become a hurricane by Sunday.
Here is what the National Hurricane Center said at 5 p.m. HST:
“The cloud pattern of Tropical Depression Nineteen-E has continued to become better organized during the past several hours. There is now a persistent convective area near the center and ragged outer bands in the western semicircle. Satellite intensity estimates have increased to 45 kt from SAB and 35 kt from TAFB. In addition, Rapidscat data from the International Space Station showed an area of 30-35 kt winds just north of the central convection. Based on these data, the depression is upgraded to Tropical Storm Olaf with 35 kt winds.
The initial motion estimate is now 270/12. Olaf is currently being steered by a mid-level subtropical ridge. The dynamical models forecast the ridge to persist but weaken during the next 72-96 hours due to the influence of a strong deep-layer trough forecast to develop over the southwestern United States. This evolution should cause Olaf to continue westward with a decrease in forward speed during the first 36-48 hours, followed by a west-northwestward motion from 48-96 hours. After that time, the ridge is forecast to break to the east of the Hawaiian Islands, which should allow the storm to turn more northward. The track guidance is generally in good agreement with this scenario, with the ECMWF, GFS, and the various consensus models rather tightly clustered. The new forecast track is similar to the previous track through 72 hours, then is nudged slightly westward thereafter. The new track is close to the model consensus.
Olaf is expected to remain in an environment of good moisture, light shear, and warm sea surface temperatures for at least the next three days, so there is no obvious reason it should not strengthen. On one side of the guidance, the LGEM forecasts Olaf to become a major hurricane in 72 hours, and the Rapid Intensification Index of the SHIPS model shows a 30-35 percent chance of 30 kt of strengthening during the next 24 hours. On the other side, the GFDL and HWRF forecast a much slower rate of intensification. The new intensity forecast is nudged upward from the previous forecast based on current trends and is a compromise between the SHIPS model and the Florida State Superensemble. As stated in the previous advisory, given the very conducive large-scale environment, it would not be surprising to see more strengthening than is currently forecast.”National Weather Service at 2:37 p.m. HST


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- Bashar al-Masri, a Palestinian-American billionaire, is the developer behind Rawabi, the first planned city in the West Bank built by and for Palestinians. It's a $1.4 billion project.
- Masri has called Rawabi a "Marshall Plan to pick up" Palestine's economy, but has been criticized by Palestinian activists for working with Israeli companies and the government to build the city.
- Masri told Business Insider that he thinks activists have made a mistake by targeting all of Israel with boycotts and divestment actions. If activists focused on boycotting the 400,000 Jewish-Israelis living on settlements in the West Bank, he said, the international community would be far more supportive.
Palestinian-American billionaire developer Bashar al-Masri is the brains behind Rawabi, a $1.4 billion planned city of 40,000 in the West Bank, the territory home to 2.6 million Palestinians.
It's a project he has personally described as "a Marshall Plan to pick up" Palestine's economy. It's also a project that has received plenty of criticism from Palestinian activists who have said it "deepens Israel's grip on the West Bank" and its economy. Numerous Israeli companies were contracted in the construction of Rawabi and Masri, by necessity, worked closely with the Israeli government to get the city approved.
In a recent conversation with Business Insider, Masri said such activists miss the point: it's a reality that Israel and the Palestinian territories' economics are intertwined. As he put it, some 200,000 Palestinians already work in Israel and every freezer in the West Bank stocks Israeli ice cream.
Many pro-Palestinian activists see any cooperation with Israel as negative
Many pro-Palestinian activists believe that any cooperation with Israel is negative. The chief activist movement pressuring Israel — Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) — seeks to isolate Israel economically and politically for its treatment of Israel's Arab-Israeli citizens and its occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. A major issue is the settler movement in the West Bank, where more than 400,000 Jewish Israelis have established communities on lands within the Palestinian territories.
Started over a decade ago, the BDS movement has had its share of successes, pressuring companies like Israeli appliance manufacturer Sodastream, getting some pension and sovereign wealth funds to divest, and convincing the singer Lorde to cancel her concert in Israel. Experts have suggested the movement could cost Israel between $15 billion and $47 billion over the next decade.
But, as of yet, no major corporations have stopped doing business in the country and many Jews, American, Israeli, and otherwise, see the movement as "anti-Israel" and "anti-Semitic, arguing that it unfairly singles out Israel for human rights violations when other countries have worse records," according to Vox's Zeeshan Aleem.
Activists are focusing on Israel — they should focus on the settlements instead, according to Masri
Masri thinks activists have made a mistake by attacking Israel as a whole, rather than focusing on the settler movement in the West Bank. If activists focused boycotts on settler communities in the West Bank, rather than Israel as a whole, Masri said, there would be far more support from the US and Europe.
"They wrote Israel proper into the battle and no big company is going to sign on to that," said Masri.
By targeting boycotts and divestment actions against all of Israel, Masri went on, activists have made it easier to pass laws in the US that prevent boycotts against Israel. Numerous such state laws have passed in recent years; a similar such bill was introduced into Congress several months ago.
"It would have been a great tactic if you were boycotting the settlements, and most likely you could have won boycotting the settlements," Masri said. "You would have waved that flag to Israel, and said, 'Hey Israel, you can't continue your atrocities without any backlashes.' You would have been much stronger. Israel would have listened. It's maybe too late now."
He's not alone. Naomi Paiss, the former vice president of public affairs for the New Israel Fund, has written in the past that while boycotts are legitimate tactics, in the case of Israel, they are "counter-productive and inflammatory." The BDS movement, she wrote, has served as a bogeyman for Israel's right-wing to prove to the populace that the world is "anti-Israel." Boycotting goods and services from the settlements specifically was another matter, she wrote.
"We must engage, rather than disengage," wrote Paiss, in a call to support pro-democracy and anti-occupation groups and forces.


Grifters gotta grift with grifters...
Really, "you have to wonder" whether Trump knows what day it is, the House Speaker implied. She's right.
The House Speaker should NOT have to correct the POTUS on what day it is.
On Wednesday, Donald Trump blamed the stock market slide which began on Monday on Tuesday night's Democratic debate.
Who better to deal with a pandemic that could infect up to 70% of the American population than a reality TV show host who has told over 17,000 lies since taking office in 2017?
Who are you gonna believe when it comes to coronavirus risk? Larry Kudlow, or the CDC? Hmmm. Tough choice.
Fox hosts angry about how the dire consequences of the virus take the spotlight off of Fox News' lord and savior, Trump.
Because manufacturing numbers being released has NEVER affected the market before. /snark
Sen. Lindsey Graham (Trump-SC) is A-OK with markets diving and prices spiking in a China trade war. But behind the scenes, he helped companies in SC avoid the pain.
As the stock market plummeted more than 500 points, Fox News White House Correspondent Kevin Corke took his cues from Donald Trump’s Twitter feed and blamed Fed chairman Jay Powell.
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text: Star styles ran the gamut Tuesday, from “hot” to not-so-hot! Actress Asia Argento turned out the Riviera in a black and white Fendi frock in Cannes. Kim Kardashian showed off her super-hip YSL caged boots at STK’s anniversary party in Los Angeles. In Beverly Hills, Nicollette Sheridan took on Brigitte Nielsen‘s slicked back look and went tight in white. Iman, in New York, owned her supermodel looks and style at the Infinity Awards. Sexy and scary, these looks and many more hit our Style Radar.

domain: entertainment


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First Time in Heels
For many of the new queens, this week's exercise will be the very first time they've ever tried on and performed in heels.
ChannelOn NowUp Next
- Ch 282Ariana Grande: My WayFrom child actor to teen idol to pop diva, Ariana Grande reigns as one of the biggest superstars working in the music industry today. With multiple albums under her belt, she is on the path to becoming the reigning Queen of Pop. This is her story.Tupac Shakur: Before I WakeA look back on Tupac's final years through the eyes of Rap legends Eazy-E, Russell Simmons, and Tupac's personal bodyguard, Frank Alexander. Featuring never-before-seen footage.

domain: celebrity


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D.C. Public Schools Chancellor to Deliver Commencement Address
Antwan Wilson, Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, will deliver the commencement address at Nebraska Wesleyan University’s 128th commencement on Saturday, May 6.
His address will be shared with 489 undergraduate and graduate students who will receive degrees. Commencement begins at 1 p.m. on Taylor Commons, located on the university’s campus.
Wilson has devoted his life to improving educational opportunities, particularly for underserved children. He credits dedicated public school teachers with his own rise from a challenging childhood.
Wilson graduated in 1995 from Nebraska Wesleyan with a degree in history-social science education. Prior to joining D.C. Public Schools in the nation’s capital early this year, he was superintendent of the Oakland (California) Unified School District. During his tenure there, the district saw increased graduation rates, decreases in out-of-school discipline, a decade-high investment in teacher pay, and historic improvements in district operations.
From 2005 to 2014, he led in Denver Public Schools, including serving as assistant superintendent for post-secondary readiness. During his tenure, DPS experienced significant improvements in graduation rates, college enrollment rates, and Advance Placement course participation and performance.
Wilson has been honored with Nebraska Wesleyan’s Young Alumni Achievement Award, and at commencement, he will receive an Honorary Doctor of Pedagogy degree.
Honorary degrees will also be bestowed on James P. Abel, chairman and CEO of NEBCO, Inc., and Marilyn Moore, retired president of Bryan College of Health Sciences. Abel became NEBCO’s president in 1985 and served in the capacity until 2004. His contributions and leadership to innovative development projects have included Lincoln’s Fallbrook neighborhood, Quarry Oaks Golf Club, and Haymarket Park. He will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Moore assumed the role of president of Bryan College of Health Sciences in 2012, following a career in K-12 education as a teacher and administrator for more than 40 years. She was a middle school teacher and team leader, a human resources administrator, and for 25 years she served as the associate superintendent for instruction for Lincoln Public Schools. She will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
The university will also honor two retirees. Judy Muyskens will retire as provost, a position she has held for nine years. Her portfolio has encompassed all academic matters of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and University College, student life and athletics. Garry Duncan, senior professor of biology, is retiring after 38 years of teaching at NWU. He has served as chair of the Department of Biology, has chaired multiple university committees, and was twice honored with the Dr. Margaret J. Prouty Faculty Teaching Award.
Commencement Day begins with a baccalaureate service at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church.
See a complete Commencement Day schedule of events.


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Moscow has told Ukrainian teachers in occupied territories to sign a document within weeks certifying their willingness to switch to teaching the Russian school curriculum.
The move puts many of them in a difficult position. If they do not sign, they will lose their jobs and be at risk of retaliation from Russian forces. If they sign, there is the risk of charges from Ukrainian authorities, which view teaching the Russian curriculum as a form of collaboration with the enemy.
The Guardian spoke with teachers in Russian-occupied parts of south-east Ukraine whose identities, for safety reasons, cannot be revealed. They said that around mid-June newly appointed local authorities told them they had until 21 July either to sign a document certifying their readiness to follow the Russian school curriculum or resign, with many of them being threatened with eviction from their homes.
The Russian education minister, Sergey Kravtsov, announced in June that when the new school year began in September all schools in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine were to work according to Russian standards.
“We will do our best to open schools on 1 September so that they are as ready as possible to function according to Russian standards,” Kravtsov said. “Integration will take place. We are already taking some steps in this direction: teacher training and the supply of textbooks.”
One teacher living in a village in the occupied area of Kharkiv said: “At the moment, only history, geography, language and primary schoolteachers were asked to sign the document.”
“Math, physics, biology and chemistry curriculum in Russia don’t carry propaganda, so they are left alone, at least for now,” he added.
In the teaching of literature, works by most of the Ukrainian writers are likely to disappear while the Russian history curriculum has become more politicised in recent years, especially on the Russian narrative of the Soviet victory in the second world war, and without much space for critical thinking about repression during the Soviet period or Russia’s imperial past.
The teachers who do sign risk prosecution for abetting the enemy if the occupied territories come back under Ukrainian control.
The Ukrainian ministry of education and science (MES) views teaching according to Russian standards as a type of collaboration and the Ukraine criminal codewas amended recently with a paragraph establishing a punishment of up to three years in in jail for “propaganda in education institutions with the goal of assisting the Russian army”.
But many feel prosecutors should be lenient in some cases.
“We must make a very clear distinction whether the person was forced to work under pressure or even life threat, or did they voluntarily collaborate, or was it even their initiative to collaborate,” Sergii Gorbachov, the education ombudsman of Ukraine, told the Guardian.
“Because when a person’s life is under threat and they must keep working, we have to remember the priority and value of human’s life. For instance, if a person quits their job because their unwillingness to collaborate there shouldn’t be a record in their labour book.”
Teachers who refuse to sign may also become targets for Russian retaliation in addition to losing their jobs.
“We have a large amount of appeals from teachers in the occupied territories,” said Gorbachov. “They are threatened to be evicted from their homes, they are threatened with arrest and persecution. For instance, today I learned the Russians are collecting data on people whether they do or do not collaborate with the occupiers, if not they could lose their accommodation, and could be forced to leave.”
Cedos – an independent Ukrainian thinktank that has been monitoring education in the occupied territories based on personal contacts, official sources and social media – has said that “educators in the occupied territories are under significant pressure and threat due to their professional activities”. It cited the case of a school in the Zaporizhzhia region where the head of the education department agreed to collaborate with the occupiers and forced teachers to resume teaching according to the Russian curriculum.
“Some of the educators resigned to avoid working with the occupiers,” said the Cedos report. “But the head of the education department blackmails and threatens them, saying that if they do not agree on their own, they will be taken to the commandant’s office, which may threaten their lives.”
Authorities in Kyiv region said on Friday that schools will re-open for classes at the start of the school year on 1 September after teaching went online with the 24 February Russian invasion.
“The most important task for the new school year is the safety of students and teachers,” Olena Fidanyan, head of Kyiv’s education and science department, said in a statement, adding that territories adjacent to the schools will be checked for explosives and bomb shelters will be restocked with water, medicine and other necessities.


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If you’re like most people, you’ve probably heard all kinds of contradictory information and myths about Alzheimer’s and dementia. Everything from how your diet and dementia are related, to ways to prevent Alzheimer’s, to various dementia treatments.
So which ones are true, and which ones aren’t? Read on for all the information you need about some of the most commonly misunderstood facts about Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Myth 1: Diet soda causes dementia
There is a lot of chatter about whether there’s a tie between diet soda and dementia. Research conducted in 2017 found that participants who consumed at least one artificially-sweetened beverage a day (like diet soda), were 3x more likely to have dementia than those who drank less than one of these drinks per week.
These findings alone are not enough to establish causation, but do suggest that diet soda may not be as healthy as people think. So in short, while there does seem to be a connection between drinking diet soda and the development of dementia, there’s not conclusive evidence that proves diet soda causes dementia.
Myth 2: Only elderly people can get dementia
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are generally seen as diseases that develop late in life, typically for those in their 70’s or older. While it is true that age is the largest risk factor for these memory impairments, it is NOT true that only elderly people can be diagnosed with dementia.
Early-onset dementia can actually occur in individuals much younger, in their 30’s or 40’s. Dementia may be seen as an “old person’s disease”, but it is prevalent in people of all ages.
Myth 3: Dementia and Alzheimer’s are the same
This may be the most widely believed of all the myths on this list: That Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are the same thing. But they are not: Alzheimer’s is a specific type of dementia.
So when it comes to dementia vs. Alzheimer’s, what are the differences? Most importantly, dementia is a more general term. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and actually accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. While dementia can encompass people with mild, moderate, and severe memory impairments, Alzheimer’s cases tend to be more on the serious side.
Another major one of the dementia and Alzheimer’s differences is the area of the brain impacted. Dementia can come in many forms, while Alzheimer’s tends to impact the part of the brain that is in charge of learning first.
Myth 4: You can prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia
Many people wonder, “Can you prevent Alzheimer’s?” Unfortunately, there is currently no known way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. However, there are lifestyle changes you can implement at any stage of life to lower your risk of developing a memory impairment. Staying physically active, eating healthy, and providing your brain with enough cognitive stimulation can all protect against, although not prevent, Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Myth 5: You can cure Alzheimer’s and dementia
The final common question people ask about dementia is if there is a cure for Alzheimer’s. The answer: No, there is currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
While there is no known Alzheimer’s or dementia cure, there are a number of effective treatments available. There are pharmaceutical treatments that have been approved for various specific forms of dementia. Memory care homes can also provide treatments that help to ease dementia symptoms, through methods like CST (Cognitive stimulation therapy), pet therapy, the Music & Memories program, and more.
As cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia continue to rise, more and more information becomes available about these memory impairments. We hope this article has helped clear up some of the misinformation and common misconceptions about Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Do you have a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia? Dolan Memory Care Homes are experts in the field of person-first memory care. Our team cares deeply about each and every resident in our homes, and uses the latest dementia research to ensure everyone is receiving the best possible memory care. You can learn more about our homes and our approach to memory care at https://dolancare.com/care-approach/.

domain: health


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I'm not sure it's just like it but here's what we came up with.
And for my little man, you've been wondering what the bow tie was for right! He's Alfalfa! I used the bow tie I showed in the last post and one of his dress shirts. I made the suspenders using this tutorial. And his pants are a pair that he has grown too tall for so they are nice and short to show off those white socks! He will even have a fantastic spike in his hair. I've been growing his hair out for three months just for Halloween. Tomorrow he'll be getting a hair cut!


Spatial–temporal rainfall assessments are integral to climate/hydrological modeling, agricultural studies, and water resource planning and management. Herein, we evaluate spatial–temporal rainfall trends and patterns in Pakistan for 1961–2020 using nationwide data from 82 rainfall stations. To assess optimal spatial distribution and rainfall characterization, twenty-seven interpolation techniques from geo-statistical and deterministic categories were systematically compared, revealing that the empirical Bayesian kriging regression prediction (EBKRP) technique was best. Hence, EBKRP was used to produce and utilize the first normal annual rainfall map of Pakistan for evaluating spatial rainfall patterns. While the largest under-prediction was estimated for Hunza (− 51%), the highest and lowest rainfalls were estimated for Malam Jaba in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (~ 1700 mm), and Nok-kundi in Balochistan province (~ 50 mm), respectively. A gradual south-to-north increase in rainfall was spatially evident with an areal average of 455 mm, while long-term temporal rainfall evaluation showed a statistically significant (p = 0.05) downward trend for Sindh province. Additionally, downward inter-decadal regime shifts were detected for the Punjab and Sindh provinces (90% confidence). These results are expected to help inform environmental planning in Pakistan; moreover, the rainfall data produced using the optimal method has further implications in several aforementioned fields.
Scopus Subject Areas


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Dogs Over 1 Year Old
Spayed and Neutered Dogs
No Females in Heat
We really appreciate all that Michael did to make our two dogs feel comfortable and cared for while we were away. Receiving photos of them outside playing or inside relaxing made us smile each day. Michael was very flexible and followed all of our instructions for our two dogs. We felt they were in great hands and will call him the next time we need a dog sitter. ?
Thanks again. Dogs are always happy.
Michael was great!! He send daily pics of Ziggy and let him swim with other pups. Thank you for taking great care of him
24/7 Drool-Worthy Expert Care
Flexible drop off and pick up hours of 10am-11pm. I have over 30 years experience owning and working with all types of animals, especially dogs, including several years as the supervisor of an upscale pet spa. Large, fun, safely fenced yard for your pooch to enjoy! Flexible hours, travel, and capable of housing multiple dogs at once. As I work from home I will be able to provide round the clock care for your pet ...
What Michael would like to know about your dog
NO AGGRESSIVE DOGS or BREEDS (NO Pitbulls/Pit-Mixes, German Shepards, Dobermans, Rottwiellers, Chows, Jack Russell Terriers), dogs must be fully vaccinated, no dogs in heat, and all dogs must be free of contagious diseases and parasites. There will be no exceptions for the safety of other pets. Dropoff/Pickup hours are 10am-11pm

domain: pet


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Fixed Mounts for Multi-Axis Flexure Stages
Output from a Fiber Being Collimated by an Asphere Mounted in an HCS209 Fixed Mount
M12-Threaded Aspheric Lens Mount
GRIN Lens Mount
Click for Details
HCS013 Objective Mount and HFF001 Quick-Release Fiber Clamp Accessories Attached to the Top Plate Using Mounting Cleats for
Fiber Launch Applications
These Fixed Mounts are designed for use on our extensive line of multi-axis flexure stages. The central key-way that extends across the top mounting surface of the stage is designed to allow rapid reconfiguration of mounted optics and accessories while maintaining system alignment. For a complete overview of compatible stages, please see the Multi-Axis Stages tab.
Flexure stage mounts are shipped with two mounting cleats. Each cleat is designed with one edge milled flat, making it possible to insert or remove a flexure stage mount without removing the clamp. To do so, loosen the clamp screw and rotate the flat side of the cleat inward to release the flexure stage mount. The image to the right shows multiple flexure stage accessories, including the HCS013 RMS Objective Mount, available below, mounted onto a 3-axis flexure stage using multiple mounting cleats.
Multi-Axis Stage Selection Guide
Click to Enlarge
In the above application, a 3-Axis NanoMax flexure stage is aligned in front of a 6-axis stage at the proper 112.5 mm deck height using an AMA554 Height Adapter.
4- and 5-Axis Stages
A complete selection and comparison of our multi-axis stages is available below.
The compact HCS013 microscope objective mount features internal RMS threading (0.800"-36) and has an optical axis 12.5 mm above the flexure stage. The internal RMS threading allows microscope objectives, components, or accessories with external RMS threads, such as our IR viewing screen (VRC2RMS), to be attached to one of our multi-axis flexure stages. Thorlabs also offers a complete selection of microscope objectives that are well suited for fiber coupling applications.
The HCS020 mount integrates our extensive line of SM05-threaded (0.535"-40) components into our flexure stage systems. The optical axis of the SM05-threaded HCS020 mount is 0.49" (12.5 mm) above the flexure stage.
The HCS031 mount integrates our extensive line of SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) components into our flexure stage systems. Due to the diameter of the SM1 threading, the optical axis of the HCS031 mount is 18.0 mm above the flexure stage.
Due to the higher optical axis, a 5.5 mm Height Adjustment Shim (AMA093) will be required for all mounts with an optical axis of 12.5 mm when used in conjunction with the HCS031.
The HCS108, HCS109, and HCS112 mounts have M8 x 0.5, M9 x 0.5, or M12 x 0.5 internal threads, allowing our line of Molded Aspheric Lenses to be used with our flexure stage systems. The optical axis of the mount is 12.5 mm above the flexure stage, giving a 75 mm optical axis height when fitted. The mounts are supplied with two AMA010 mounting cleats, together with 6-32 and M3 cap screws. Additional AMA010 cleats are sold at the bottom of the page.
For applications where space is limited or when multiple lenses need to be stacked next to one another, see the range of thin-profile lens holders below.
Click to Enlarge
AMA110 mounting block shown with two HCS209 optic mounts in a close-coupled configuration.
The HCS208, HCS209, and HCS212 mounts are a series of extra slim mounts for lenses and optics. They have M8 x 0.5, M9 x 0.5, or M12 x 0.5 internal threads and allow our line of Molded Aspheric Lenses to be mounted back-to-back. The optical axis of the mount is 12.5 mm above the flexure stage, giving a 75 mm optical axis height when fitted.
The mounts are supplied with two AMA010 Mounting Cleats, together with two 6-32 (M3) cap screws. Additional AMA010 cleats are available below.
For ultra close mounting, we also offer the AMA110 mounting blocks. These mounting blocks feature a line of nylon-tipped setscrews to secure the optic holders. They allow easy repositioning and very close mounting of multiple HCS2xx Optic Mounts (see image right). The blocks, which must be ordered separately from the lens mounts, are secured via two holes and are supplied with either 6-32 or M3 cap screws. Our AMA111 narrow optic clamps offer an alternative solution where devices need to be mounted close together. Two clamps are included, and both 6-32 and M3 cap screws are supplied. The AMA110 and the AMA111 are sold below.
The HGI003 gradient-index lens holder easily secures gradient-index lenses, with diameters ranging from 1 to 3 mm, in a precision V-groove with a spring clamp. This mount fits into the locating keyway of our multi-axis flexure stages. The keyway allows the GRIN lens to be slid into coarse position before securing. Final positioning is accomplished using the precision control of the stage. Gradient-index lenses are used to collect and focus light from laser diodes into optical fibers, to collect and collimate light from laser diodes, or to focus collimated beams into fibers.
These collimation package mounts feature a 3 mm wide keyway in the base of the mount for compatibility with our line of multi-axis flexure stages. Our HCS004, HCS011, HCS012, and HCS015 Mounts are designed for Ø4 mm, Ø11 mm, Ø12 mm, and Ø15 mm collimation packages, respectively. Please see the table below for more details and for a list of compatible items.
Two setscrews with a 5/64" (2.0 mm) hex are used to press a collimator against the two lines of contact created by the double-bored mounting hole. Each mount is supplied with two AMA010 Mounting Cleats and two 6-32 and M3 cap screws for attachment to the multi-axis flexure stage. Additional AMA010 cleats are available below.
The HCS030 holds Ø1" (Ø25 mm) optics with the optical axis 12.5 mm above the flexure stage. A Delrin®* pin is used to secure, without marring, the optic.
Note: the HCS030 must be used with flexure stages that feature the "cross style" top plate [MMP1(/M)] to provide clearance for Ø1" optics. The flexure stage top plate is easily replaced and is standard on all stages and accessories shipped after February 2006.
*Delrin is a registered trademark of DuPont Polymers, Inc.
While we offer an extensive line of fiber launch and waveguide accessories, it is difficult to anticipate all of the possible requirements that may arise for customers. Hence, we have added these simple components, which ease the production of one-of-a-kind mounting accessories. As can be seen in the photograph to the left, the front surface of each blank is clearly marked with witness lines, which are centered on the 12.5 mm high optical axis of our multi-axis flexure systems.
To lock an accessory in place, rotate the AMA010 cleat so that the flat is facing the stage's groove. Place the accessory into the groove between the cleats, rotate the cleat so that the rounded edge covers the edge of the mount, and lock down the cap screw.
Click for Details
Accessories mounted in close proximity using the AMA110 Mounting Block.
Click to Enlarge
Close proximity mounting using the AMA010 Cleat and AMA111 Clamp.
The AMA010(/M) Cleats have a flat milled along one side. To lock an accessory along the center alignment groove, rotate the cleat so that the flat is facing the groove. Place the accessory into the groove between the cleats, rotate the cleat so that the rounded edge covers the edge of the mount, and lock down the 6-32 (M3) locking screw and washer. The cleats can be rotated without needing to remove the locking screws. See the animation to the right for details. The included screws are 5/16" (8 mm) long and are used with a 3/32" (2.5 mm) hex key.
For mounting multiple components in close proximity, we offer the AMA110 mounting blocks. These mounting blocks feature a line of nylon-tipped setscrews to secure components, and allow for easy repositioning and very close mounting. The blocks are secured via two holes and are supplied with either 6-32 or M3 cap screws.