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Background Health professionals are challenged by a growing number of young long-term cancer survivors with their specific needs with regard to family planning. This study aimed at assessing decisional conflict (DC) in young female cancer patients regarding fertility preservation, identifying demographic, fertility and fertility preservation related factors, which may affect DC, and assessing the helpfulness of various decision-supports.
Methods A retrospective, cross-sectional, web-based survey via an online questionnaire available in three languages with specific items concerning cancer, fertility, fertility preservation and the validated Decisional Conflict Scale targeted at current or former female cancer patients aged 18–45 years, with cancer types or treatment potentially affecting reproductive function.
Results The 155 participating women showed considerable DC, especially with regard to missing information and support. DC was significantly lower in patients when the risk of infertility was discussed with a health professional, when they had undergone any procedure to preserve fertility, and when they had a university education. A longer time interval since cancer diagnosis was associated with higher DC. The most helpful decision-support tools were specialised websites and leaflets.
Conclusions Young female cancer patients’ DC with regard to fertility preservation is very high. Information and support seem to be deficient. More information through standardised information tools might be an effective strategy to lower their DC at the time when treatment decisions need to be taken, and to improve their reproductive health after they have overcome cancer in the future.
- fertility preservation
- decisional conflict
- cancer survivor
- reproductive health
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Decisional conflict (DC) in young female cancer patients on whether or not to undergo any fertility preservation procedures is high.
Lower DC was associated with having discussed the risk of infertility with health professionals, with having undergone a fertility preservation procedure and with having attended university.
In addition to discussion with partners and physicians, leaflets and specific websites were considered as helpful sources of support for decision-making.
Advances in cancer detection and treatment have led to a significant increase in survival of young cancer patients so that maintaining a high quality of life after successful therapy is of great importance.1 Fertility and the ability to give birth are important factors determining good quality of life of young female cancer survivors.2 3 However, cancer treatment often compromises fertility and debars cancer survivors from childbearing. In order to meet these individuals' needs and rights with regard to planning for a family, women of reproductive age facing gonadotoxic treatment require comprehensive care that takes their future fertility into consideration. Currently available methods to preserve fertility before gonadotoxic therapy are essentially based on suppression of ovarian function, cryopreservation of gametes or ovarian tissue, and fertility-sparing surgery.4 In particular, cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos are well-established methods. For both options, ovarian stimulation is required which may lead to a delay in cancer treatment. For those who require urgent initiation of cancer therapy, ovarian tissue cryopreservation is increasingly being offered as an alternative or in addition.5 6
The choice of the best method to preserve fertility and the estimation of risk and benefit is a complex process and confronts young female cancer patients with additional decisions that have to be made.1 7 Furthermore, these decisions have to be made in the short time period after cancer diagnosis and before the start of therapy. As a consequence, decisional conflict (DC) may occur.
DC is a state of uncertainty about an action.8 Uncertainty is more common in decisions which involve risks, unclear outcomes, significant potential benefit or damage.8 Decisions about whether or not to undergo a fertility preservation procedure before cancer treatment are very complex, and in order to reduce DC for future patients, more information is required. The objectives of the present study were therefore (1) to assess DC regarding fertility preservation in young female cancer patients, (2) to identify demographic, cancer, fertility and fertility preservation related factors affecting DC and (3) to weigh the relative helpfulness of various options for support in decision-making.
We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional, web-based survey investigating issues around fertility and fertility preservation. The present data were collected as part of a larger research project about fertility issues in cancer patients based at a Swiss and a British study centre.7 9 10
The target group were current or former female cancer patients meeting the following inclusion criteria: 18 years or older at the time of the study participation, experience of a cancer diagnosis in their fertile lifespan (under the age of 45 years) and a cancer treatment having the potential to affect reproductive function.
Participants were recruited online via several cancer and fertility websites. In a first phase conducted by the British study centre, the survey was published on 12 English language websites. In a second phase, a German and French version of the survey was developed at the Swiss study centre and published on a total of six websites. All participants signed an electronic informed consent before starting the questionnaire and before submitting the answers. All personal identifiers were removed or disguised so that the persons described were not identifiable and were not to be identified through the details of their story.
The Cancer and Fertility Survey (CFS) is a questionnaire that was developed specifically for this project and is described in detail elsewhere.9 To guarantee congruence of the questions in all languages, the English version was translated and retranslated into German and French according to standardised criteria. The web survey was produced using the online tools ’SurveyTracker'11 in the UK and '2ask'12 in Switzerland, respectively.
Cancer, fertility and fertility preservation related data
Participants stated their expectation of their chances of being cured of their cancer on a 10-point Likert scale that had been developed especially for this survey and that ranged from 1 (not at all hopeful) to 10 (extremely hopeful). The need for parenthood was assessed using the three-item need for parenthood scale,13 of which the items were rated on a five-point response scale ranging from 1 (strongly agree) to 5 (strongly disagree).
Decisional Conflict Scale
DC about fertility preservation was measured with the validated Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS).14 Four items concerning ‘effective decision’ of the original 16-item scale were excluded because not all participants had yet made a decision about fertility preservation. The modified version of the DCS thus consisted of the four subscales ‘uncertainty’, ‘informed’, ‘value clarity’ and ‘support’. Higher scores indicated a higher DC with a range from 0 (no DC) to 100 (extremely high DC). A score >37.5 indicates high DC, while scores between 25 and 37.5 indicate moderate DC and scores <25 low DC.14
Participants were asked to indicate from a list of decision-supports which type they used and with which persons they discussed their decision. On a five-point response scale from 1 (not at all helpful) to 5 (extremely helpful), participants indicated how helpful the support of a distinct tool or person was.
Data analysis and statistics
Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS, version 22.0.0. Armonk, New York, USA: IBM Corp.) was used for all analyses. Associations between DC scores and demographics, cancer and fertility factors, as well as fertility preservation characteristics, were calculated. The items concerning decision-support were weighted by calculating a weighted helpfulness index (percent used x helpfulness rating). The two subsamples (British and Swiss) did not differ significantly with regard to demographic and medical variables (data not shown). Therefore, data were merged for statistical analysis. Missing data from unanswered questions of individual participants (8.26%) was not replaced. For the purpose of analyses, the direction of the need for parenthood scale was reversed in order to range from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Descriptive statistics were calculated as frequency and percentage for categorical data, means and SD for continuous data. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to check normal distribution of the interval scaled data of the DCS. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation were used for calculation of differences or associations between DC scores and variables listed in table 1. For analysis of differences between DC scores and DC subscales or between decision supports ANOVA was used. Multiple linear regressions were conducted. A value of P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Demographic, cancer, fertility and fertility preservation related data
A total of 155 women took part in the online survey. The mean age at diagnosis was 31.27 (SD 6.94) years and 73.6% (89) of the participants were younger than 35 years. Education was high, with a university degree in 53.0% (79) of the participants. The majority of the participants (78.2%, 115) were living in a relationship and 69.5% (105) had not given birth yet. On average, women answered the questionnaire 4.47 (SD 4.69) years after diagnosis. With 44.0% (66) of all participants, breast cancer was the most frequent cancer diagnosis. Participants rated their hopefulness to be cured with 7.33 (SD 2.09) points on the 10-point scale. The need for parenthood was strong, with a mean of 4.30 (SD 0.89) points on the five-point scale. In total, 74.7% (109) of the participants indicated that a health professional had spoken to them about how cancer or its treatment would affect their fertility and 29.9% (44) had undergone a fertility preservation procedure.
Mean DC was 50.13 (SD 30.73) out of 100 possible points. In total, 62.7% (89) of the participants showed a high DC by definition. DC subscale scores are shown in figure 1. In within-subject ANOVA, the between DC subscales were not significant.
Associations with decisional conflict
Associations between DC and demographic, cancer, fertility and fertility preservation characteristics are shown in table 1. In the final linear regression model, the significant associations in the initial analysis remained significant (fertility preservation undergone (P<0.001), health professional informed about cancer or treatment affecting fertility (P<0.004), university education (P<0.020), years since diagnosis (P<0.024)).
Participants most frequently approached their physicians (n=85, 53.8%) or partners (n=79, 50.0%) for support during the decision-making process. From the given choice of supportive media, specialised websites were indicated most often (n=47, 29.7%). A detailed list of all decision-supports is presented in table 2. Discussion with partner showed the highest weighted helpfulness index, but according to statistical analysis (ANOVA) there was no difference compared with discussion with family or physician and there was no significant difference between weighted helpfulness of leaflets and websites either.
In this study we investigated DC in young female cancer patients concerning whether or not to opt for fertility preservation before cancer treatment. We could demonstrate that women in our sample had significantly high DC regarding their decision. Higher DC was associated with more years of survivorship, while lower DC was seen in women who had been informed about the possibility to preserve fertility by a health professional and who had undergone such a procedure. Furthermore, it was shown that online material and leaflets were the most frequently used decision-support tools.
Decisional conflict concerning fertility preservation
With an average DC of 50.13 (SD 30.73) and a majority of women showing characteristics of a high DC (62.7%), our findings are consistent with previously published results. Peate et al examined a decision-aid in breast cancer patients and showed an average DC of 48.3 with 63.1% of participants having a high DC.15 Mersereau et al determined a DC of 41.1, and 55.3% of their sample of female cancer survivors had a high DC.16
Examination of DC subscale scores indicates that patients have a strong feeling of being uninformed (subscale score of 55.4) and not being supported (subscale score of 49.5) at the time of decision-making. In contrast, the sample examined by Peate et al showed high uncertainty and lack of value clarity.15 However, in their study the feeling of being supported was stronger with a subscale score of 35.9. That participants felt better informed and supported might be due to the fact that Peate et al were evaluating a decision-aid in this study.15
Associations with decisional conflict
Our retrospectively evaluated data showed a higher DC at time of diagnosis in women with longer duration of survivorship. Considering the recent advances in various methods to preserve fertility we might assume that patients with a longer interval since cancer diagnosis had fewer options and there was less focus on this issue in the context of cancer therapy. Over time, priorities may shift from treating the cancer to fertility and the ability to give birth. This would be in line with a study that suggests that after some years there is a stronger consideration of late effects of the treatment and priorities shift from cancer treatment to quality of life in a long-term survivorship.16
Additionally, we found significantly lower DC in patients who had had a discussion about risk of infertility with a health professional, supporting research that showed that referral to a specialist in reproductive medicine is associated with a significantly lower DC.16 In general, specific information provision and thus an increase in knowledge suggest reduction of DC.15 17 Young female cancer patients in particular would like to have as much information as possible15 and many of them actively ask for information.18 Thus, irrespective of the individual situation and circumstances, healthcare professionals should not refrain from informing all patients about the negative consequences of cancer treatment on fertility and the possibilities to mitigate those consequences.
Moreover, participants who underwent a procedure to preserve fertility had a significantly lower DC compared with those who did not. This is consistent with recent studies with a similar focus.16 19 It is likely that women who had had such interventions will have had specialist consultations beforehand, which would have enabled them to make a more satisfying choice.
Even if it is repeatedly highlighted that being informed is crucial for decisional satisfaction, 25.3% of our sample had not discussed the risk of infertility with any health professional. Another study showed that more than half of the referrals to a fertility specialist were actively requested by patients and not suggested by oncologists.19 These data suggest that women still do not receive appropriate support around future fertility.
Helpful strategies to lower decisional conflict
Regarding helpful media for decision-support, the participants preferred specialised websites (29.7%) and leaflets (24.7%). These were considered to be moderately to very helpful. In the study of Kim et al, cancer patients rated hand-outs as very much or somewhat helpful and the internet was the most frequently used resource before fertility preservation consultation.19 Furthermore, a study showed that participants had improved knowledge after having used specialised websites.17 A Cochrane review showed high-quality evidence that support-tools, namely decision-aids, improve patients’ involvement and realistic perception of outcomes.20 Since many studies were able to show a decrease in DC with the use of decision-aids,15 20 an effort towards improved information provision through appropriate decision-support tools seems to be indicated. The results of the pilot phase of a German decision-aid currently under evaluation are promising.21
Some limitations need to be taken into account. We asked women retrospectively about their experience concerning decision-making, but these were recollections of the cancer experience because not all women were in the midst of making that decision. In our study, the time period in question — directly after diagnosis — was about 4 years back for most of participants. This might introduce a recall bias. Due to the fact that the online recruitment was based on self-registration by interested participants, selection bias might not be negligible. The level of uncertainty about decision might be higher in women searching for information online. Moreover, online acquisition typically appeals to a better-educated population.9 22 23 The accuracy of medical data could not be checked as it was uniquely based on information provided by the participants. However, despite these biases our results were similar to those of other studies.
In summary, fertility is important for young cancer survivors and has a long-term impact on their quality of life. Years after cancer diagnosis, DC concerning fertility preservation was high and might even be higher than directly after diagnosis when cancer treatment is the pressing concern. Health professionals can lower DC of female patients with adequate information about options to preserve fertility. Appropriate information to all women diagnosed with cancer in their fertile lifespan regardless of age, partnership status or parity is warranted so that every cancer patient is able to make an informed decision. In addition, informative and helpful decision-support tools are needed. The identified factors modifying DC should be taken into account when developing decision-aids for young female cancer patients.
Funding This study is financially supported by the Swiss Cancer League (KFS 3584-02-2015) and by the Swiss Bridge Foundation (Swiss Bridge Award 2013).
Competing interests None declared.
Ethics approval The ethical committee of the School of Psychology Cardiff gave approval for the first part of the survey and the ethical committee of Northwest and Central Switzerland (EKNZ) for the second part.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.


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Microsoft has scoffed at suggestions its software contains back doors for use by United States intelligence services as the Australian government signed on for access to the source code behind Windows.
Creating back doors for the CIA would be a "stupid decision" as the feature would certainly be discovered, says Microsoft's chief security strategist Scott Charney.
"Let assume we put a back door in, do you think it wouldn't be discovered? Look how many people are probing and testing our products," Charney told a security round table at Microsoft's premier technical conference, TechEd 2003, in Brisbane this week.
"If it was discovered, what do you think our long-term business survivability would be? I think it would be zero."
Charney announced Australia's participation in its Government Security Program (GSP) at a company-sponsored defence symposium in Canberra yesterday.
The program is part of the "shared source" initiative after several governments refused to use Microsoft software due to security concerns. Australia is the 12th nation to join the GSP, which was launched in January.
Australia's participation will be managed through the Defence Signals Directorate and give officials access to the source code for various operating systems - including the ability to test and verify the code - along with Microsoft security documentation and access to Microsoft developers.
Formerly of the US Department of Justice, Charney was US chief federal prosecutor for cybercrimes before starting as Microsoft's chief security strategist in 2002. He is now also chief Trustworthy Computing strategist.
"I think the way to build up trust in that area is to show the code and let them see what's in there," he says.
While in Australia this week, he met business and government groups including the Attorney General's department and the Australian Federal Police High Tech Crime Centre.

domain: politics


One size doesn’t fit all.
How we adapted Design sprints to make them work for us
Probably there are not too many Designers who haven’t at least heard about Design Sprints. Let me walk you through the concept quickly if you are new to it. Google developed the Design Sprint methodology to build the design culture within the company. Today, it has evolved into a methodology many teams and companies use to tackle complex problems. Its main advantage lies in the speed with which various ideas are discussed, prototyped, and tested before wasting time and resources to build them.


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Bollywood, streaming giants on edge as Amazon gets flak for injuring religions in India : International de
Controversy in India over Amazon’s political drama “Tandav” has actually put Bollywood and worldwide video streaming giants on edge, triggering a better examination of scripts for possible offense to spiritual beliefs in an essential development market.
Companies like Amazon’s Prime Video and Netflix are examining prepared programs and scripts, with some even erasing scenes that might be questionable, 5 Bollywood directors and manufacturers, and 2 market sources stated.
This comes as Amazon Prime Video has actually ended up being involved in legal cases and cops problems declaring “Tandav” portrays Hindu gods and goddesses in a negative way and upsets religions. “Tandav”, a Hindi word significance fury, stars leading Bollywood stars.
Public protest over profanity and spiritual representations prevail in culturally delicate India, however the “Tandav” concern grew out of control as cops questioned Amazon India’s head of initial material for Prime Video for hours following main problems.
Fearing arrest, Aparna Purohit put in an anticipatory bail plea, which was decreased by a state court however the Supreme Court on Friday offered her defense from arrest.
“Scripts are being read and re-read now,” stated a manufacturer from Bollywood, India’s Hindi movie market. “Streaming platforms are vetting content for anything that they see as a red flag,” the manufacturer included, decreasing to be called.
Amazon has actually chosen to postpone streaming a brand-new season of a popular Hindi spy thriller, “The Family Man”, which was to launch last month, 4 of the sources informed Reuters.
The program, Amazon states, has to do with an Indian intelligence officer’s efforts in his “high-pressure, and low paying job”.
While Amazon decreased to comment, among the sources stated the hold-up was “a ripple effect of what happened with Tandav”.
Amazon just recently provided a public apology “to anyone who felt hurt” by “Tandav”, stating some objectionable scenes had actually been gotten rid of.
India, the world’s second-most populated country with 1.3 billion individuals, is an important market for Amazon and its competitors Netflix and Walt Disney Co’s Disney+ Hotstar.
Amazon creator Jeff Bezos stated at an occasion in 2015 that Prime Video was succeeding worldwide “but nowhere it’s doing better than India”.
Netflix has actually revealed 41 brand-new programs and movies for 2021 in India, versus around 30 brand-new titles launched in 2020.
‘TOO MUCH RISK’, ARREST WORRIES
Unlike movies, material on video streaming platforms presently deal with no censorship in India.
But some legislators and advocates of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist celebration state particular programs on Amazon and Netflix promote profanity or hurt religions.
A member of the ruling celebration’s youth wing has actually made a cops grievance versus Netflix, challenging scenes in the series “A Suitable Boy” revealing a Hindu woman kissing a Muslim young boy versus the background of a Hindu temple.
Netflix is carefully tracking Amazon’s “Tandav” cases, one show business source stated.
Netflix decreased to comment.
One scene from “Tandav” gotten rid of by Amazon after release was around a phase play where an individual serving as the Hindu god Shiva looks for tips on how to increase his social networks following after somebody states Lord Ram was ending up being incredibly popular online.
Revered characters of faith have “been lampooned and portrayed in a very cheap” method, the state court judge observed while decreasing Purohit’s anticipatory bail plea.
The Supreme Court, nevertheless, offered her defense from arrest topic to her co-operation in the event.
Her legal representative stated Amazon wanted to cut more scenes from “Tandav” if preferred.
Among the most significant fallout of the debate is the increasing worry of arrests. Some manufacturers are requesting provisions in their agreements with streaming services to secure them from claims.
“It’s just too much of a risk and not worth the headache, especially if you are being threatened with jail,” a manufacturer stated.

domain: news


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Do all torties have attitudes? Because little miss Cloe does. Last night Tavia was trying to lay down and Cloe decided to attack her tail well when Tavia bopped her for it Cloe bopped her back and they lay on the bed swatting at each other until they finally nailed my b/f and he made them get off the bed. And then she came back and decided to attack his feet. But I figured out why he has been teasing her with his feet. He's as bad as them its like having a third child. He was sitting with Cloe and petting her and he told her daddy was going to have to get her another sissy. And then he told her that she was making him go soft.
post #1 of 30
12/18/07 at 10:20am

domain: pet


Allen: report is here
industry standards with levels
Level 3 the norm for most school facilities
suggests that we need 144 custodians working 8 hours just on cleaning
we have 138 assigned; senior custodians don't spend all their time doing cleaning (so lose half time), other custodians do likewise; added back overtime for when students aren't in building
short the equivalent of 22.3 positions
"many of the schools look very good, despite this gap"
"work that was done this summer was exceptional to get things ready for school"
"we can make this analysis for any area of our budget"
Novick: part of larger question of what an underfunded budget looks like
collecing a sheaf of reports to share with delegation, foundation budget commission
Allen: numbers available for school plant and maintenance as well
(request for report)
Foley: version of student/teacher ratio
"we may be doing well but we aren't prospering"
Ramirez: difference of new buildings?
Martin: new equipment in new schools
ride-around, rather than to have custodians mopping floors
Foley: foresee legislative breakfast


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Gwen Owen was lucky enough to take part in a series of Spilling The Ink workshops run by fellow Angles member Melissa Fu. They were a timely inspiration, encouraging her to start taking her writing seriously. She has now got various smaller pieces under way, and has begun two novels, one being a collaboration with her wonderful husband.
On the wisdom front she counts motherhood, dog ownership, and the violin. She has over the years collected a weird variety of brownie points, but she no longer tries to explain the world in a systematic way. She remains interested, though, in that place where the theoretical intersects with lives as actually lived.
Gwen Owen is fantastically grateful to have joined Angles, and will finish something soon, she promises.
Andrew likes to write and will write anything that seems like a good idea at the time, whether that happens to be non-fiction, poetry, short fiction, or a full-length novel. A lot of his work has been published, but as he much prefers writing to submitting, even more of it hasn’t.
He has two collections of poetry: Broken Bottles (Envoi Poets Publications, 1989) and The Opposite Page (Seal Books, 1992). Poems have also been published by Envoi, Proof (Lincolnshire & Humberside Arts), New Prospects Poetry, The Sandburg-Livesay Award Anthology and The Hippocrates Prize Anthology.
Andrew’s short fiction has appeared in: All Write! (An Post – Republic of Ireland), A Cache of Flashes (Worcestershire Literary Festival) and Visual Verse.
Angelica Lai grew up on Guam and has since lived in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and now Cambridge. She often writes about home, family, and food in both fiction and nonfiction short stories. Her works have appeared in the book collection ‘Six Words Fresh Off the Boat,’ the Columbia Journal, Paper Darts, Literature for Life, and Firewords Magazine. Angelica is also a digital writer and editor who has a soft spot for food puns.
Jan Hurst was born and grew up in Hackney and educated in London and Sussex. Jan worked for over fifteen years in consumer journalism, on broadsheets and magazines and co-authored numerous healthcare books, had short stories published and started a family. After moving from London to Cambridge Jan became freelance features editor on an early education magazine for Times Supplements and more recently has written and edited everything from a consumer help website to an educational guide to cemeteries, to fund an MA in Creative Writing and buy more time to write fiction. Love Child, a thriller about surrogacy, based (loosely) on her experiences as features editor on a parenting magazine, was shortlisted for the Myriad Editions First Drafts competition.
Melissa grew up in the mountains of Northern New Mexico and moved to Cambridge in 2006. Her professional backgrounds are in physics, English education, and teaching. Writing is she brings together her myriad strands of thought and experience.
Themes that fascinate her include home, belonging, landscape, and the evolution of relationships. She is currently working on a collection of memoir-style pieces based on growing up in the Rocky Mountains. She has another set of pieces in the works called ‘non-parabolic trajectory’ which trace her zig-zag paths from A to B. She also has a blog where she writes weekly about whatever is in front of her when she sits down.
Because it’s so easy to lose sight of the forest for the trees, Melissa decided to make her blog a forest of one tree: one tree bohemia (onetreebohemia.wordpress.com) In addition to her own writing, she has a passion for leading writing workshops, and is especially interested in finding ways for writers to claim and hone their voices. Her years of teaching experience have convinced her that everyone has valuable perspectives to offer. Given time, space, and loving attention, these insights can emerge and be polished into gems for friends, family and not-yet-discovered kindred spirits. For more information about Melissa’s workshops in Cambridgeshire and online, please visit her website.
Leigh trained as a journalist and worked freelance for several years before moving into communications and PR in the voluntary sector. In 2010 she completed an MA in Creative Writing at Anglia Ruskin University. It was while studying at ARU that she began writing her novel, Scapa Flow, set in the Orkney Islands during World War 2. The story is told from four points of view: an 11-year-old Orkney boy, an Italian Prisoner of War, a teenage Orkney girl and a German U-boat Commander, Gunther Prien (based on his real life story).
Anthea is a copywriter by trade with a passion for reading and writing short fiction. Her stories are published online at the Nottingham Review, the Londonist, Reflex Fiction and Visual Verse, and in print at Open Pen Magazine. Her story ‘You Have What You Want’ was selected as a winning entry in the annual Words and Women prose competition in 2015 and appears in the print anthology ‘Words and Women: Two,’ published by Unthank Books. She was the winner of the Greenacres/ Finchley Literary Festival Short Story Competition in 2015. Anthea graduated from the Royal Holloway Creative Writing MA with a Distinction in 2016, where she was awarded the MA’s Margaret Hewson Memorial Prize.

domain: literature


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Join Date: Feb 2007
Nominated 16 Times in 67 Posts
TOTW/F/M Award(s): 28
Thanked 5,199 Times in 4,711 Posts
Hi Bobajobuk - go for the complete wisbones if you can afford it - it will a big difference to the steering etc., - remember you'll need to have the tracking checked afterwards or you'll end up scrrubbing the front tyres off - £70 a pair is a fairly good price for the wishbones and the price for the rear shockers isn't too bad either.
Currently in madnoel10's garage:
Honda Civic 1.4l

domain: hobby


Volvos. What’s the first thing you think of? Some might think of the ‘80s and early ‘90s models that kind of resembled a fridge on its side – whilst they might not have been the prettiest, there was widespread acknowledgement about their safety and durability… the kind of car your uncle Colin would tell you would go on forever. But now, and for many of us, because of the evolution of the Volvo designs across the varying models, thoughts of horizontal fridges have been cooled once and for all.
I’ve been lucky enough to work with Volvo before, once in Spain test driving the (then) new V60 model, and last Christmas when I once again drove the V60 highlighting its space and family friendly dimensions and features. I’ve always thought highly of Volvo (I actually drive an 8yo XC90 myself), but after those two experiences, my fondness for their cars went up a gear or two.
So, when the opportunity came to drive a ’19 reg XC90 over the Easter period, I obviously hopped at the chance.
As I said, my partiality to a Volvo was pretty zealous, but upon being delivered our electric blue XC90 and examining its multiple features and huge size, my liking was quickly racing off the scale.
This was no fridge. This wasn’t even a walk-in freezer unit. This was like the ice planet Krypton; cool, edgy and packed full of power.
Its design and bodywork barely resembled my own XC90 and now takes on a look that sits stylishly next to its 4x4 competitors. Packed full of safety features, once on the road, I felt secure and importantly as a father of two, I was reassured knowing the kids were about as safe as they could be in a car. The features keeping us protected included cameras at pretty much all angles highlighting any possible collisions, lane guidance should I ever drift, speed limit settings and the best of all, the cruise control blew my mind. Obviously cruise control is featured on many cars, and it might be incredibly similar to Volvo’s technology, but driving over 1000 miles taking in trips to the Kent coast and then to North Wales, the auto-braking and chevron control meant I didn’t once feel any danger of a collision.
Inside, the impressive features continue. Nearly everything is controlled from the main control screen, so protruding buttons and knobs are kept to a minimum ensuring a slick interior. The sound system by Bowers & Wilkins is amazing; perfect for blasting out all the hits from LEGO Movie 2. ALL. THE. WAY. TO. WALES 🙉. As per my piece on the V60, the reflective display on the windscreen that sits just above the steering wheel is a piece of genius. Without needing to look down, you can see your speed, be notified of warnings and also see basic map directions. On the subject of directions, the Apple CarPlay ensures your favourite sat nav can be used on the main media display (I’ve never really been a fan of the inbuilt sat navs – Waze always seems to be quicker and more intelligent).
The boot is quite simply humongous. As an XC90 owner (albeit a lot older than this model), I’m already aware of its scale, but the new model seems to be even bigger. Our two large dogs (a boxer and a lurcher) were more than comfortable in there with their beds plus all of our luggage. There’s also the option to fold up two extra seats in the boot (and still have a little boot) if travelling as a party of 7.
At around £68,000, the new XC90 obviously isn’t going to be for everyone (that said, 7 people DM’d me to ask me for more details), but if you are ever thinking about a new family car, whether it’s this one or perhaps an older model, I don’t actually think you can get much better than an Volvo XC90. And with Volvo moving to stop production of petrol and diesel cars and move towards hybrid and fully-electric cars, things will only get better. It’s quite simply, in my opinion, the ultimate family car.


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Laird Superfood Hydrate Coconut Water with Aquamin Laird Hydrate is the all-natural, delicious, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to sugar-laden sports drinks. It is a great source of calcium and iron, low in calories, and doesn't...
Laird Superfood Hydrate Coconut Water + Aquamin Pineapple Mango Laird Superfood Pineapple Mango Hydrate Coconut Water 227g is delicious way to boost your hyderation. Pineapple Mango has an approachable taste that the whole family will enjoy. All-natural...

domain: food


text:
Global Potential becomes YES Akademia
In 2016, Global Potential changed its name to YES Akademia. YES Akademia provides high-potential urban and rural youth from low-income communities with the leadership and social entrepreneurial skills and perspectives that enables them to affect positive change in their lives, communities, and global community. YES Akademia France trains around 500 youth between the ages of 15 and 30 each year, not just from Paris’ “banlieues” but also from other neighborhoods in Paris and the rural zones of Haïti, Senegal, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and India.
Global Potential (GP) empowers youth across borders to turn challenges into opportunities, inspire action and build change. Their mission is to engage youth and communities around the world to energize each other through education, international service learning, social entrepreneurship and cultural exchange.
In partnership with over 20 high schools and youth empowerment organizations, Global Potential (GP) has worked with more than 3000 youth, aged 15 to 30 years old in disadvantaged areas of Paris, New York and Boston, with the safe space, personal mentoring, and hands-on skills they need to tap into their talents, improve their life trajectories, and drive positive change in their communities. An additional 600 youth participate annually in GP’s conferences and youth workshops.
Using a leadership curriculum developed in collaboration with Teachers College-Columbia University, GP supports the personal development and educational success of high-potential youth. The data demonstrates GPs success: 100% of GP alumni graduate from high school and 85% attend college–a significant increase compared to their peers.
2015 Global Potential Youth Empowerment Conference in Haiti:
Global Potential youth leader, 18 year old Louise Huang tells the story of working with youth to build a library in Nianiar, Senegal.

domain: geography


Want to Write Stories about
The Poor Little Rich Kids of Mar-a-Lago?
EMRE Publishing, LLC will be creating a new anthology of stories about an “Our Gang-type” group of kids who get into trouble and learn lots of lessons in the spaciously luxurious confines of the Mar-a-Lago Country Club in Palm Beach, Florida.
Authors will receive the professional rate of 6 cents per word, and stories will be published in both print and digital formats. If you’re interested, please see details here.


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The relationship between Hollywood and comic book culture is lambasted in this mockumentary as a beloved heroic character is rung through the studio system.
About El Rey
El Rey Network is an English-language entertainment brand founded by maverick filmmaker Robert Rodriguez (From Dusk Till Dawn, Sin City, Spy Kids, Machete). Curated by Rodriguez and his artistic collective, the Latino-infused network revels in the courage, capacity, and creativity of ordinary people on extraordinary journeys through its unique original programming. In addition, El Rey Network showcases a wide range of iconic feature films and TV series including genre, cult classics, action, and horror/sci-fi.
El Rey Nation!
Our Discussion Boards are a great place to share your ideas with the El Rey Network and the El Rey fan community!Join

domain: artistic


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Sometimes we need to build a dike
to hold in check
the pounding sea
We need a bulwark, strong and firm,
to stem the flood
of endless claims
upon our time.
Then, with that solid sheltering,
the soul might find
its ease and speak
and maybe sing.
Let me know when the dike is completed and then I’ll open my eyes.


Per MCPD: “Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division continue to investigate a commercial armed robbery that occurred on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at the Shalla Ethiopian Restaurant in the 8000 block of Sligo Avenue. Detectives have released video of the suspects and their vehicle and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying them.
Detectives reviewed the surveillance camera of a nearby business and obtained video of the suspects leaving the scene in a red/maroon four door sedan.
Anyone with information regarding these suspects or this vehicle is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org (http://www.crimesolversmcmd.org/) and click on the “www.p3tips.com (http://www.p3tips.com/)” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. A reward of up to $10,000 is offered for information leading to the suspects’ arrest. Tips may remain anonymous.”
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), widespread 45-55 mph winds were observed between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, with localized higher gusts of 65-70 mph across the higher ridges…
The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) has secured a competitive Federal grant of $499,993 to tackle challenges related to the opioid epidemic and firearm issues crimes.
MoCo High School Sports Scores for Feb 28, 2024 (powered by www.MoCoAI.com):
With the tax deadline for most Americans fast approaching and low and middle-income families expected to pay higher effective tax rates than the wealthy, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released…
AC Milan Academy is hosting a soccer camp at Maryland Soccerplex from March 1st through March 3rd for girls and boys aged 5 to 16 from any club who want to develop their soccer skills and learn the unique methodology of AC Milan directly from AC Milan coaches.
March 1st (Friday) 6pm-7:30pm
March 2nd (Saturday) 6pm-7:30pm
March 3rd (Sunday) 10:30am -12pm and 3:30pm-5pm
Location:18031 Central Park Cir, Boyds, MD 20841
Price: $349 + AC Milan Junior Camp Kit


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As a trader, your income relies on strategic thinking, focus, and problem-solving skills.
But with that can come high levels of stress.
If you’re struggling to stay focused and keep your stress levels at bay while trading, gamifying your trading might be the solution.
In this article, we’ll go over what gamification of trading is and five ways you can use it to make your trading career feel like your favorite hobby.
What Is Gamification of Trading?
Despite all the advice on mobile trading out there, gamification is one of the most underrated tricks to keeping traders focused and preventing burnout.
“Gamification” means turning a tedious task into something fun by applying the same elements video games use to make people want to keep playing.
Point systems, leaderboards, progress bars, badges, awards, and streaks are just a few examples of elements you can use to gamify anything.
5 Ways to Gamify Trading
There are several ways you can apply gamification to trading. We’ll explore five of them now.
1. Set Goals and Daily Objectives with Points
Start by setting three sets of goals: long-term, short-term, and daily goals.
Your long-term goals are more career-focused and where you see your future with trading. For example, maybe trading is your side hustle right now, but your long-term goal is to make it your full-time job.
Short-term goals might be to sell a stock at a specific ROI, invest a certain amount of money in the market, or meet a monthly income goal.
Finally, daily goals are the small tasks you do every day to get you to your short-term (and eventually long-term) goals. Like logging onto your computer when the market opens, spending X amount of hours trading, etc.
To gamify the goal-setting process, assign each daily objective and short-term goal a point value. You receive these points once you check off the goal or task. Once you’ve achieved a certain amount of points, you can “cash them in” for a reward.
2. Reward Yourself for Maintaining a Trading Streak
Keep track of the days you achieve all of your daily goals and try to maintain the longest streak possible.
Once you’ve hit certain milestones in your streak, reward yourself.
For example, once you’ve maintained a seven-day streak, treat yourself to dinner. After you reach a fourteen-day streak, give yourself a three-day weekend by taking a day off.
3. Track Your Progress with a Trading Journal
Take yourself shopping and buy a nice, well-designed journal that you dedicate solely to trading.
Write down your long-term, short-term, and daily goals in this journal first. Then, use each page as a log for the daily goals you reach each day you trade.
You should also use one of the first pages of your journal as an index for your point system, rewards to unlock, and any other award-type metric you want to use to keep you motivated.
Take your time setting up your journal. You’ll be opening it daily and it’s supposed to keep you inspired. So get creative with designing your pages and use unique trackers, like progress bars you can color in every day.
If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, Google “bullet journal page ideas” or “trading journal ideas” and go to the images tab to find hundreds of examples for inspiration.
4. Join a Trading Group to Compete with Partners
If you’re competitive, joining a trading group can be the solution to beating burnout and keeping you focused.
Trading groups give you companionship with like-minded people who have the same hobby, side hustle, or career—whatever trading is to you.
And with that companionship comes a healthy sense of competition and accountability to your goals.
5. Post Your Trading Achievements on Social Media
Consider starting a social media account just for your trading career.
Post your achievements, follow other traders, keep your followers up-to-date with your trades, and document your progress.
Not only is this an excellent source of accountability, but it’s also an easy way to make new friends.
Feeling at ease and focused is essential to your career as a trader, and your income depends on it.
Use these five tips to gamify your trading, and watch yourself fall back in love with this unique and profitable way to work for yourself.

domain: finance


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By Steven Castle, GreenTech Advocates
Security, home control and energy management service company Vivint believes that offering affordable solar panel systems—as in no money down—could pave the way to sell more energy management in homes.
Vivint is offering solar electric systems—with no upfront fees—in New York, New Jersey, Utah and Hawaii. The company hopes to offer the service nationwide soon.
Vivint is offering the solar photovoltaic (PV) electric systems under Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), which are structured similar to leases. Vivint’s solar customers need to pay no money down for the systems, but pay Vivint a monthly fee based on how much power the solar panels produce.
Vivint says it will size the system to produce about 80 percent of a home’s electricity, then sell their customers the electricity the solar panels produce at a 20 percent discount, so users with a typical electric bill of about $100 would pay Vivint about $60 a month ($80 discounted) and their regular electric utility about $20, resulting in a 20 percent savings.
The PPAs have 20-year terms, and customers can purchase the system after that. Customers can also buy the solar panels if they move, or transfer the PPA agreement to the home’s new owners. The agreements are subject to rate increases, but Tanguy Serra, president of Vivint Solar, says the company will cap increases at 3.9 percent.
The 235-watt solar panels are from Canadian Solar, and each panel is wired to a separate Enphase microinverter for better efficiencies. Vivint says its smallest systems would be about 10 panels producing 2 kilowatts (kw).
Vivint Solar began marketing its consumer solution in New Jersey in the summer of 2011. The expansion into other states is made possible by a commitment of renewable energy tax equity from a subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp, which will support the financing of $75 million in residential solar energy systems in the United States. The fund will finance a projected pipeline of 2,400 residential solar installations in New Jersey, Utah, Hawaii and New York.
Sun-Powered Energy Management?
Vivint looks to leverage its solar sales into selling more of its energy management and home control solutions, and sees solar electricity as one part of a home’s energy efficiency system. It will also look to tie in housewide energy monitoring capabilities next year with partner company Tendril. The energy monitoring portion with Tendril will go into beta in spring and be ready for consumers in summer of 2012, Serra says, and include CT (current transformer) clamps on the electrical mains at the service panel.
Empirical evidence suggests that solar does sell energy management package, Serra says.
Serra envisions that the solar panels will communicate with Vivint’s Go!Control for home automation to provide more intelligent usage of energy in a home. For example, the Go!Control could precool a home when the solar system is producing a lot of electricity during the day, and electric rates from the utility are set to increase at night (via Time of Use pricing). The Go!Controls are also equipped to show different colors on their touchscreens, like red, when energy use in a home exceeds certain limits.
Vivint is also partnering with Constellation Energy to offer consumers in some states discounted electricity rates.
It will interesting to see whether other service providers, such as ADT, Comcast and Verizon follow with solar offerings or more energy management — and whether Vivint has success selling energy management products through its solar offering.


Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Nevada - last in the nation for LiDAR coverage
LiDAR or laser altimetry is a valuable technology used for mapping all sorts of things ranging from building heights to flood zones to timber volumes. I've used LiDAR a lot in my own work, and I believe that it is moving beyond a new cool tool to a critical piece of data infrastructure. In fact, a lot of remote sensing products rely strongly on LiDAR. As a state we need to be thinking about investing in LiDAR data if we want to solve the 21st century problems that all of the other states are solving.


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The Duke Funding Alert newsletter, published every Monday, provides information on all new and updated grants and fellowships added to the database during the prior week. This listserv is restricted to members of the Duke community.
2022 Part the Cloud Translational (PTC) Research for Alzheimer’s Disease Program
The Alzheimer's Association is pleased to announce the Part the Cloud Translational Research Funding initiative to increase the research efforts in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials directed towards Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias internationally.
There is no greater healthcare need than slowing or preventing Alzheimer’s disease. The vast increase in understanding of the neurobiology of AD in recent decades, from genetic factors to amyloid accumulation, tangle formation, cellular dysfunction and synaptic failure, has led to the identification of highly promising targets for new therapies. The process of developing candidate therapies is long and complex leading to the failure of many drug development programs. The steps from target identification to the clinic includes high-throughput screening, lead optimization, establishing target engagement in vitro and in vivo, assuring central nervous system penetration, animal toxicology and finally the three phases of human testing. The full process takes many years and substantial resources, and typically involves different groups of investigators at different stages.
While many academic investigators and companies have successfully discovered candidate therapeutics, and have succeeded in the preclinical stages of development, moving into human testing can be a major stumbling block. Most government and non- government grant mechanisms support preclinical development or mid to latter clinical trials testing drug efficacy in humans, but there are few mechanisms for supporting the critical earlier human phase studies. At present, the National Institute on Aging supports AD drug development research, including basic research on target identification, animal model testing of candidate therapeutics, toxicology and proof-of-concept studies in humans. These latter human studies must be preceded by smaller, early phase studies but there are few appropriate funding mechanisms to fund the next step, Phase I trials in humans.
Deadline: March 23, 2022
Applications will be accepted from academic investigators and small companies with lead candidate therapeutic agents that require early stage testing (Phase 1 or Phase 2) prior to the larger Phase 2b or 3 efficacy studies, or with lead therapeutic agents that have already established human safety data and require a small-scale pilot Proof of Mechanism (POM) study in humans to begin proving the scientific concept in humans. This award will support Phase 1 studies or pilot small- scale Phase 2a studies for novel or repurposed potential compounds in cognitively unimpaired, mild cognitive impairment or later stages of disease, including single and multiple dose studies to establish safety, brain penetration and/or target engagement and POM in preparation for larger proof of concept trials.
Both non-profit and small for-profit agencies are eligible. Open to International Applicants. Small for-profit agencies must submit documentation of net assets and annual earnings during the letter of intent process as a part of the review process. Not-for-profit organizations must submit documentation verifying status during the letter of intent process.
We anticipate funding up to six Part the Cloud Research Awards. Each grant is limited to $800,000 (direct and indirect costs) over two or three years. Indirect costs are capped at 10 percent (rent for laboratory/office space is expected to be covered by indirect costs paid to the institution). Please note: This is for Phase 1 and/or Phase 2 human studies and must be at least 90% of the budget for costs related to conducting the clinical trial. Related studies and preliminary study, while important, do not fall under this request for applications (RFA).

domain: biology


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Bitcoin (BTC) looked to hit its 18-month high through Nov. 21 as order book activity gave one analyst a sense of déjà vu.
Whale Games Talk About Bitcoin’s First Quarter 2023
Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed that BTC price momentum stood at $37,770 the previous day.
Now hovering around $37,400, Bitcoin remained in a range that had also characterized the second week of the month.
However, for hardware indicators of on-chain monitoring assets, the market was more akin to the first quarter of this year – the period that marked the beginning of Bitcoin’s recovery from post-FTX lows.
Specifically, bid liquidity had increased to $33,000 “7 times in the last 30 days,” according to said X Subscribers (formerly Twitter).
“I can’t confirm if this is the entity I named Notorious BID in the first quarter, but I can tell you we’ve seen this play out before.”
A snapshot of BTC/USDT liquidity also showed sellers lining up at $38,000 and immediately below.
Among whales, it was the largest order class – between $1 million and $10 million – that made up the only active cohort, with the others unanimously decreasing their exposure throughout the week.
Commenting on the situation, Keith Alan, co-founder of Material Indicators, argued that the entities behind the buy orders could be more organized than just high-volume speculators.
The offer wall at $33,000 disappeared AGAIN and the Brown MegaWhales bought resistance AGAIN at the local top.
If you think the MegaWhales have a timing problem, reread the thread I shared on @MI_Algos.
It is unknown how long they will continue this game. Of course, I have my theory about… pic.twitter.com/sEZuvSgWIs
– Keith Alan (@KAProductions) November 20, 2023
‘Quick Breakdown’ Could Follow $40,000 Payout
Meanwhile, anticipating what might come next, Michaël van de Poppe, founder and CEO of trading company Eight, refused to take $40,000 off the table.
Related: 70% of BTC dormant for a year – 5 things to know about Bitcoin this week
“Bitcoin continues to rise higher and higher. Making higher lows and attacking resistance for the fourth time,” he said. commented on nighttime events.
“I wouldn’t be surprised by a breakout to $40,000 and then a quick breakdown again. Keep buying the dips! »
Popular analyst Matthew Hyland has warned that the Relative Strength Index (RSI) could risk printing a bearish divergence with the price if the latter fails to surpass the current 18-month highs just below $38,000 .
At the time of writing, the bulls were still unable to generate the required momentum.
#Bitcoin everything always goes as planned
Price and RSI increase
Both will need to make higher highs to avoid any bearish divergence opportunities.
Will continue to update this situation: https://t.co/yNCi1fBuz2 pic.twitter.com/1XxPhiDd28
– Matthew Hyland (@MatthewHyland_) November 21, 2023
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research before making a decision.

domain: economics


|Price incl. VAT||£50.53|
|Price excl. VAT||£42.11|
Beurer pulse oximeter PO 40 for non-invasive measurements of hemoglobin oxygen saturation of arterial blood vessels, display 6 displays, display brightness control, graphical display of pulse, neck strap, belt pouch, 2 AAA
A pulse oximeter is used for non-invasive measurements of hemoglobin oxygen saturation of arterial blood vessels (SpO2), heart rate (PRBP) and pulse modulation index (PMI). Measure important parameters for assessing respiratory function. The pulse oximeter used to measure the two light rays of different wavelengths incident on the finger inserted into the device.
The oximeter is suitable for use both in the private environment (at home and on the road), as well as in health care facilities. It is necessary especially for high-risk patients with heart disease, asthma, but also for athletes and healthy people, which move at high altitude (mountain climbers, skiers and sports fliers).
Sudden decrease in oxygen saturation, with accompanying symptoms or without them, must be addressed immediately with a doctor, it may even be life-threatening. In humans with low value oxygen saturation of hemoglobin is increasingly appearing the following symptoms: shortness of breath, increased heart rate, decreased performance jitters or sudden sweating.
Identified decreased oxygen saturation requires monitoring using pulse oximeter and monitoring by a physician. The low value of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin refers mainly to diseases and respiratory diseases, asthma, cardiac insufficiency, etc.
2 x AAA / 1.5 V
1 x neck strap
1 x holster
Specifications can be changed without notice. Images are for illustrative purposes only. Retail Price (MSRP) means the manufacturer's/supplier's suggested retail price.
Link to Manufacturer's Website: Enter link to the external review


Peer to Peer
With the third year of growth, the nonprofit sector’s top peer-to-peer fundraising programs continued their rebound in 2023.
Issues like AI and changing donor ideas may be important, but don’t lose sight of the idea of community and shared responsibility.
Community is “actionable,” Katrina VanHuss, chair and founder of Turnkey, said. It gets people to do crazy things like VanHuss signing up for Jujitsu and Courtney Bugler, president and CEO of Zero Prostate Cancer, joining the ballroom dance community, the pair shared in the NonProfit POWER session, “Why the CEO Is the Only One Who Can Build Your Nonprofit Community.”
It’s more important than ever to have passionate people in your organization’s corner. Here are some ways Movember built its community.
If everyone is in your nonprofit’s community, you have a crowd with no shared idea. Here’s how to get the right people in your group.
On Nov. 2, five companies serving nonprofits will host a free virtual conference focusing on peer-to-peer fundraising.
Blackbaud is boosting its investment in peer-to-peer fundraising with the evolution of Good Move, its activity-tracking mobile app.
Our society is declining, along with its support of social good. Here are strategic steps for building a community to address this.


Innovations to investments – auto sector high on print
As per industry experts, over the last two years, media investments in the auto category have grown by 60-70 per cent y-o-y. What has prompted the auto sector to up its marketing budget for print media? exchange4media analyses...
The recent months have seen print media getting more attention from the automobile industry, not only in terms of higher investment but innovative approach as well. Volkswagen could be said to have started off the trend. Mahindra & Mahindra soon followed suit with a roadblock in The Times of India.
As per TAM AdEx data, in 2010, there was massive jump of 104 per cent in investment in print from the four-wheeler industry. Clearly, the auto industry not only invested in traditional ads, but a huge chunk of their budget was also spent in innovative cut-out exercises, roadblocks, 3D advertisements et al in the print medium.
A quick look at this trend reveals that in 2009, print advertising of the automobile sector increased by 7 per cent as compared to 2008. On the other hand, print ad volumes of the automobile sector had declined by 13 per cent during 2008 as compared to 2007.
According to industry experts, over the last two years, media investments by the auto category have been growing by 60-70 per cent year-on-year.
But, what has prompted the auto sector to increase its marketing budget for print media?
An ‘Auto’ Focus
With the entry of several international automobile brands in India, and growing purchasing power of the consumers, there is increase focus and close competition in this sector. Stress is on creating bigger and bigger buzz around the new launches using all media tools. Vivek Nayar, Senior VP, Mahindra & Mahindra, felt that because of so many new launches, the attention of automobile advertisers had shifted towards print.
Nayar further explained, “In TV ads, we have just a few seconds to show our product. This is not the case with print, where a consumer can spend as much time as he wants and advertisers can give as many details as they want. So, for new launches, print is helpful for us.”
Meanwhile, media experts also believe that print helps in triggering the buying momentum, and no advertiser wants to miss out on this. Anindya Ray, GM, Lodestar UM, the agency for auto giants Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors, remarked, “Cutthroat competition, an unprecedented sales slowdown in the last couple of months, as compared to the high of 2010, triggered by a combination of higher borrowing rate and burning fuel cost have made life very tough for the car companies. Hence, by using print, auto brands keep the momentum on.”
However, TV still remains the preferred medium for the automobile industry, even as the industry has changed its approach towards print and moved on from plain vanilla advertising to path-breaking innovations.
Almost a year back, MediaCom, along with The Times of India, had done an innovative advertisement for its client Volkswagen. Ashwini Kamat, GM, MediaCom, said, “The role of these innovations was to generate awareness for Volkswagen, and given the fact that Volkswagen has been voted as India’s 4th buzziest brand, we believe that we have got good returns on investment.”
However, Nayar of Mahindra & Mahindra is a little cautious with innovations in print media. He believed that in theoretically terms, innovations did give better ROIs. “But we need to be very cautious with innovations as these can become biggest irritants for readers/ consumers,” he cautioned.
For publishers, it seems to be a win-win situation. These innovative ads not only give them better revenues, but their publications also get greater attention. Jwalant Swaroop, COO, Lokmat Media Ltd, stated, “We are open to innovations, provided there is no any additional cost involved in it. We have been doing layout innovations and recently we have done a 3D ad of Honda City.”
Kamat of MediaCom pointed out, “In the first quarter of 2011, ad investments of auto sector in TV grew by 100 per cent and in print by 55 per cent, as opposed to TV growth of 70 per cent and print growth of 42 per cent in January-December 2010.”
However, which medium to be used for advertising is also defined by the advertisers’ objective. Mahindra’s Nayar divulged that they used print whenever there were new launches or special announcements that they wanted to make for their brands. At Mahindra & Mahindra, because of frequent launches of new products in the last 12 to 18 months, the percentage of marketing budget has gone up for the print medium.
As experts summarised it – for any brand, breakthrough innovation in connection with brand positioning was a must to create first impression. And to stand tall amongst the crowd in the long run, innovation is necessary, irrespective of the medium.
Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India)For more updates, be socially connected with us on
WhatsApp, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook & Youtube


Part of Ford India's three-model onslaught in the next 9 months.
A reader of Gaadi has snapped images of the 2015 Ford Figo hatchback, which is due to launch a "few months" after the Figo Aspire, which enters the market next month.
Both engine variants of the 2015 Ford Figo are seen in these pictures. The hatchback is expected to borrow the 1.2-liter Ti-VCT petrol and the 1.5-liter TDCi diesel from the Aspire, though it remains to be seen if the 1.5-liter petrol with the 6-speed Powershift DCT is also made available for the hatchback.
The Figo hatchback seen in images is the Titanium variant, and gets the same 14-inch alloy wheels as the Aspire. A rear spoiler and a washer/wiper are features exclusive to the hatch.
Inside, the Figo sports an all-black interior with silver inserts for the steering wheel and center console, whereas its compact sedan sibling gets a dual-tone black and beige interior with piano-black inserts. The unique color scheme aside, the design is identical to the Aspire, as are the features.
A multi-function steering wheel, Ford's SYNC multimedia system, automatic climate control, front and rear power windows, electrically-adjustable wing mirrors, dual-front airbags, and side and curtain airbags are seen on the Figo hatchback.
Also read: Ford EcoSport facelift for India to get more power
The Figo hatchback, like the Aspire, will be produced at the Sanand plant in Gujarat. Ford India will also export the hatchback from this plant, starting with South Africa.
2015 Ford Figo - Spyshot Gallery
2015 Ford Figo - Image Gallery
Ford Figo Aspire - Image Gallery (Related model)
[Source - Gaadi]


Cassowary may be one of the most unique and interesting birds found in Australia. These flightless big birds can be live in Queensland, and are on the verge of becoming endangered. If you find yourself in the rainforest and able to see one of these incredible birds, watch out. Adult Cassowaries can be measured up to 1.8 metres tall! The Southern Cassowary found in Australia is in the same bird family as the emu, ostrich, and the neighbouring Kiwi bird in New Zealand.
The Cassowary are considered the guardians of the rainforest, as they disperse certain seeds throughout the forest, keeping over 150 types of plants and trees alive! These amazing birds can live up to 30 and even 40 years old, living in solitude majority of their life. The only time they come together is during mating season.
You can find the Cassowary birds in the Daintree Rainforest in the far north tropical region of Queensland. These shy birds stay away from humans unless they feel threatened. Male Cassowaries can be quite aggressive towards outside visitors, especially when they are protecting their eggs. That’s right! The male bird takes care of the female’s eggs after she gives birth. They sit on the eggs for 50 days until they hatch. It is then the male’s responsibility to train the young chicks how to hunt and eat for themselves for about nine months. After nine months, the little guys are on their own.
The Daintree is a popular tourist and local destination, with hiking trails into the dense forest, and out to incredible coastal views. Many venture out to this rainforest in hopes to have a glimpse of a Cassowary. The most unique characteristic of these birds are their physical attributes. They may be big like an ostrich, but they are much more distinct looking. They have a black-haired round body with long legs, and a beautiful multicoloured neck made of deep blue, purple, and red. On top of their head is a big crest, used for digging and pushing through bush to find food. These birds feed on mainly fruit, but will eat earthworms and other living creatures on the ground.
With it’s vulnerability being close to the ocean, the rainforest is slowly becoming smaller and smaller. As the Cassowary is a very integral part to keeping many plants and fruits alive in the forest, it is imperative to keep the rainforest from dwindling. These incredible creatures are part of a unique ecosystem in Australia that may not be around much longer. It’s a great idea to visit this beautiful area of the country and see why others are working hard to keep these birds alive.
See this wonderful bird on one of our Daintree Rainforest Tours www.daintreerainforesttour.com.au


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When I get lazy with a bird or butterfly picture, I use the title “Perched” because it always works!
OK, that out of the way, this is one of the first photos I’ve taken with my new camera, the Nikon D5100. I did a little cropping and sharpening to really bring out the details on the butterfly.
So far, I am impressed with the Live View shooting mode, as it is much faster than the D3100 (what I had before). This isn’t necessarily WHY I upgraded my camera, but I was intrigued by the flip-out monitor… I like to take a lot of shots “looking up” and “from the bottom,” so I hope this feature works when I need it to! I look forward to seeing what I can do with this new camera!
I’m saying goodbye to my baby today… She has been with me around the world to ten countries, has shared with me in some amazing experiences, and has been there to record family moments, important and momentous occasions, as well as the passage of time. She has been right there over my shoulder and around my neck the last couple of years, but it’s comforting to know that she is headed to a friendly new owner who will now be able to capture her own family’s moments and experiences.
My new camera will arrive today as I retire this one. I will look fondly on my memories with this camera and look forward to sharing the journey with my new friend, too. And, in closing… I know this isn’t the best picture, but, then again, I didn’t take it with you. 🙂


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Oh hi! I must confess that my usual breakfasts don’t consist of pancakes or anything quite unique. Typically I’ll fry an egg or two, or appreciate an on the go protein shake.
FLASHBACK to my glittery college years: I recall sitting down using a bowl of oatmeal or even a peanut butter and strawberry jelly toasted English muffin and enjoying breakfast while reading in our college breakfast time nook. I’d soak in the tastes for an excellent 30 minutes because at that time in my existence, breakfast was a time I cherished.
For some reason I am craving those incredibly long breakfast mornings again; mostly I want to recommit to producing enjoyable, nutritious and creative morning meals – even when I’m the only one consuming it. I discover that after i take the time to prepare something, it in some way feels as pleasing and filling.
I wanted to begin with pancakes (needless to say). Whipping up a batter of fluffy, flavorful banana pancakes is usually something I’ve liked to do around the weekends. My head to pancake recipes are often these banana cottage parmesan cheese protein pancakes or greek yogurt pancakes because they provide great nutrition and protein without weighing you down just like a brick.
This time around I made a decision to switch up my pancake game with new flour I adore: Quinoa Flour! Quinoa flour can be gluten free of charge and pretty amazing to work with in recipes. If you haven’t however tried it, give it a try! It’s just a little for the spendy side with regards to gluten free of charge flours, but I discover that it’s worth the money. Also, then you can make my best gluten free of charge delicious chocolate chip cookies – they are a reader preferred for their chewy and gentle texture. No seriously, I’m speaking MELT IN YOUR MOUTH GOODNESS folks.
But today we’re talking about pancakes, thus let’s get to it…
I created these based off of my greek yogurt pancake recipe. The quinoa flour is certainly incredibly fluffy and provides such a good texture to the ultimate pancakes. They’re normally sweetened with banana and some honey, that your batter needs since sometimes quinoa flour can be within the bitter side if used by itself. The recipe also uses greek yogurt and an egg for a nice protein increase of 10g per portion!
Sadly I didn’t have chocolate chips or blueberries in the house to increase these pancakes, but I do recommend giving those a go for just a little extra flavor. You can even make use of vanilla greek yogurt instead of plain and skip the honey since the vanilla yogurt will likely have added sugars. Another smart way to best them has been a little peanut butter. Your decision!
P.S. I will also quickly mention that freezing these pancakes works well. It is possible to freeze or refrigerate and reheat them later; I usually part mine properly after that divide into plastic material baggies and freeze. Sometimes they just make for a straightforward weeknight dinner as well. No judgments here. I recommend offering these almond or peanut butter at the top and a deep-fried egg on the side to get a well-rounded breakfast of over 15 grams of proteins!
If you get this to or anything else from Ambitious Kitchen make sure to tag #ambitiouskitchen on Instagram therefore i can easily see your delicious masterpieces!
Gluten Free, Protein-Packed Quinoa Flour Banana Pancakes
1 huge ripe banana, mashed
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg, slightly beaten
Optional: blueberries or chocolate chips
In large dish whisk jointly quinoa flour, baking powder, and baking soda; reserve. In another medium bowl defeat banana, greek yogurt, eggs, honey, vanilla and almond draw out and almond dairy until smooth and well mixed. Add wet substances to flour mix and mix jointly. The batter will end up being very dense; consistency will change based on which yogurt you used. Note: If you discover that it’s WAY too thick (almost paste like), you can add in a tablespoon or two more milk until it is smooth, but still heavy.
Lightly coat a large nonstick skillet or griddle with butter or cooking spray and place over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 glass onto skillet. Add toppings of preference. You may want to work with a spoon to spread out the batter only a tiny bit, as pancake batter is going to be solid and you’ll desire these to cook thoroughly. It’s very important to cook until bubbles appear on top and the edges are well prepared; this is thick batter which means you want to ensure even cooking. Flip cakes and prepare until golden brown on underside, 2 moments. Wipe skillet clean and do it again with more melted butter or cooking food spray and staying batter. You may need to reduce heat to medium low. Makes 8 pancakes total. Acts: 4 people, 2 pancakes each.
Feel free to sub a flavored greek yogurt for the simple. You can you bake pigs feet even use whole excess fat or 2% yogurt.
This recipe is actually great with several tablespoons of almond or peanut butter stirred into the batter.
Go on and get adventurous and try throwing in several blueberries, chocolate chips as well as granola to get more flavor.


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The exchange of ideas is fundamental to academic scholarship. Institutions, such as universities, that aspire to progress scholarship must therefore avoid placing inappropriate constraints on the freedom to express and contest those ideas.
In New Zealand, as elsewhere, there has been, and continues to be, a renewed debate on freedom of speech as it relates to university campuses. We have witnessed it in full force recently in the debate about mātauranga Māori and science, which was sparked by views expressed by seven academics at the University of Auckland. This important debate is of course much broader and deeper than a discussion about the rights of academics to express their views. It is also about relationships, honouring Te Tiriti and asking fundamental questions about what kind of future we want for our nation. Perhaps why we have seen such an extraordinary outpouring of diverse comments and opinions in recent weeks – these are profoundly important national issues and they resonate globally.
For a university such as ours, however, questions about freedom of expression and academic freedom are inescapable, even (or perhaps especially) in complex debates. Our academics and students must be free to advance and challenge ideas, even controversial ones, without fear of being attacked or 'silenced'. Indeed, providing a safe forum for this to happen is one of the most important functions of a university.
Globally, we see and read about multiple campaigns, some very effective, aimed at preventing certain types of speech and certain speakers. The 'Chicago Statement', the University of Chicago's policy on free speech which has been co-signed and adopted by dozens of universities, vetoes any restriction on debate of ideas, even ideas considered "offensive, unwise, immoral or wrong-headed".
Compared with the vast majority of the world's workplaces, universities have extraordinary freedom of speech.
The University of Auckland has a steadfast commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding; understanding that is underpinned by an openness to considering ideas that challenge existing belief structures.
To this end, we create an environment that is conducive to the free expression of such ideas, and importantly, one that facilitates the critical evaluation of the same. Having noted this, it is also important to state that freedom of expression is not absolute. It is limited by legal restrictions that prohibit certain forms of expression – defamation being one example. In this vein, the dehumanisation or vilification of marginalised groups has no legitimate place in society or within our institution. Essentially, critiquing the ideas, not the person.
Herein lies a tension.
University leaders are tasked with responsibly discharging the core university mission and purpose – freedom of speech is one element of that purpose – whilst at times imposing practical limitations on opportunities for expression, for example by limiting access to venues.
Beyond these constraints, freedom of expression is unfettered within universities, which, like the University of Auckland, foster and critique a multitude of ideas.
The freedom to express ideas is constrained neither by their perceived capacity to elicit discomfort, nor by presuppositions concerning their veracity. However, it needs to be clarified that allowing the expression of an idea does not imply endorsement by the University. This has been our position in the debate about mātauranga Māori and science. Our seven academics were entirely free to express their views, however the University was also free to disagree with those views. That does not mean the University is censoring or trying to silence our academics, it is merely making clear that such views are not representative of the myriad of views within the institution; and that the University may at times disagree with the views expressed by its academics. That is healthy in a university.
The vigorous (even heated) exchange of conflicting opinions does not weaken the principles of freedom of expression, it strengthens them. Nor does the fact that diverse ideas can be expressed within the academy with equivalent freedom mean that these ideas all have equivalent merit, or are deserving of equal esteem.
As with many ideas aimed at advancing knowledge and understanding, some lead to the revelation of new truths, progressing knowledge in important ways that contribute to the betterment of society. Others may be ill-considered fallacies with no substantive basis in fact.
What is imperative here, is that assuring the freedom to express ideas allows our University to expose them to rigorous appraisal. The continuous disputation of ideas is to be expected and encouraged. The search for wisdom must be fearless. We must hold to account ideas that compromise reason, contradict knowledge and undermine truth, but we must also allow those ideas to be freely expressed, no matter how muddle-headed we think they are.
Affording scrutiny to freely expressed ideas, to distinguish those that have substance and value from those that do not, enables institutions like ours to deliver the benefits of our intellectual scholarship to the society we serve, by empowering rational and well-informed public discussion.
Universities also enjoy 'academic freedom', which is different from 'freedom of expression' and is also protected by statute in this country. It is defined as "the freedom of academic staff and students, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, to put forward new ideas and to state controversial or unpopular opinions".
Academic freedom is vital to the entire enterprise of universities: to the production, interrogation and dissemination of knowledge. Like all large and complex public sector institutions, universities also have to operate in shifting environments. Recent global trends have attempted to enshrine academic freedom in workplace agreements, in codes of conduct, and ethical guides. This has not been an easy task, and as you might anticipate, arguments presented with regard to written codes of any description are endless – particularly when scholars are concerned! So, what to do? What is the solution? Or rather, what is our best defence?
Appealing to common sense doesn't work, because sense and sensibilities also shift – sometimes very dramatically, at individual and collective levels. There is no easy answer; and that is why the debate is so important, and one that needs to be worked at, respectfully, and with integrity.
So, a call to action to institutions of higher learning. We are the exemplars. Our employees have freedoms that are not shared by employees of governments or most of private industry.
Our best defence is a cultural one. We should speak bravely and freely, but with respect, reflection, deliberation and intentionality. This is fundamental to universities; it is also a much broader issue for societies both in how we deal with freedom of expression and in how we rehabilitate an environment of respectful debate and dialogue.
- Professor Dawn Freshwater is Vice-Chancellor at the University of Auckland

domain: sociology


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Real Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed the team tactics for tonight and said that Real Madrid will travel to Barcelona “to attack”.
Pellegrini will lead Real Madid in his first El Clasico tonight at the Nou Camp and told reporters that the team is going to the Nou Camp to attack.
He then revealed that he intends to play with Madrid’s big guns, which are different from Barcelona but as good as theirs.
He added that Pep Guardiola’s team plays very good football and has great quality, but is definitely not superior to Real Madrid.
On Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability, Pellegrini said that the team have a definite time organised to play with Cristiano at the Nou Camp as the Portuguese player is irreplaceable.


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Goldgenie Outs A Carbon Fiber Backed IPhone 6By cheatmaster 01:52 Sun, 25 Jul 2021 Comments
Luxury customization specialist Goldgenie has expanded its portfolio of iPhone 6 mods and now offers a carbon fiber collection. In fact, the company has launched three separate ranges employing the high-strength material, with the more exclusive ones sporting Swarowski crystals as well.
All models are based on the 64GB version of the iPhone 6 and you can choose either a white or black face. Starting from there, you acquire a fine carbon-fiber pattern on the back covered either in 24K gold, platinum or a darker shade of the metal, aptly named black platinum.
The grecent model costs £2,637, while the platinum versions command a £100 premium. As befitting its luxury aspirations, the Goldgenie customized iPhone 6 comes in a cherry oak finished box.
Golgenie iPhone 6 carbon fiber models with Swarowski crystals • Cherry oak box
If the plain carbon fiber models are too low-key for you, you can always opt for the Carbon Fiber Swarowski Style Logo Collection. It adds a bit of flair with a crystal encrusted Apple badge on the back. That adds another £100 to the total price.
Alternatively, you can go all out and pick an iPhone 6 from the Carbon Fibre Swarovski Style Brilliance Collection, which adds even more stones on the back, as well as on the smartphone's edges. That brings the price up to £3,037.
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domain: design


Nvidia stock jumps on Intel takeover rumour
Wall Street eyes deal as AMD-ATI merger nears completion
If your arch-rival buys one of two highly competitive graphics chip companies, what else can you do but acquire the other GPU maker? That's exactly what it was yesterday claimed Intel would do: snap up Nvidia after AMD's move to acquire ATI.
The Wall Street rumour put $2.32 on Nvidia's share price and saw stock trades double in volume on average. That said, some analysts were anticipated an evening announcement of the deal, Reuters reports, but that doesn't appear to have happened. NVDA shares closed at $31.08.
Nvidia's market capitalisation is almost $11bn, making it a tough acquisition target that would cost Intel more than twice the $5.4bn AMD's paying for ATI. While AMD had no graphics technology when it announced the ATI acquistion plan in July this year, Intel does - indeed, it's already the world's biggest supplier of graphics chips.
Still, its latest effort the GMA X3000 has proved uninspiring, and the chip giant could well be looking elsewhere to revive its efforts - particularly given the growing demand for graphics chips in the mobile and consumer electronics markets, both places Intel wants to sell CPUs into. Then again, it recently renewed its alliance with UK-based graphics technology developer Imagination Technologies, pumping almost $10m into the company. ®


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LIVEBLOG: Serie A Saturday
Follow the seven Serie A afternoon games, including Inter v Parma, Palermo v Milan and Cagliari v Lazio on our liveblog!
Gasp: 'Genoa need more goals'
Gian Piero Gasperini told Genoa they need to be “more prolific” against Udinese to get results back on track.
Fiorentina join race for Perin?
Fiorentina may be the latest club after Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin, according to reports.
Borriello: 'Crashed against Roma wall'
Genoa striker Marco Borriello has lamented the lack of consideration at Roma, while targeting Euro 2016.
Mancini: ‘Top player in the summer’
Inter Coach Roberto Mancini assures fans that a ‘top player’ will arrive in the summer - ‘Piero Ausilio is working on it’.
‘El Shaarawy won’t go to Genoa’
Stephan El Shaarawy’s agent has ruled out the possibility of the Milan striker being loaned to Genoa.
Bertolacci out of Italy-England
Andrea Bertolacci will not feature for Italy against England, having been ruled out with an injury.
Kolarov: ‘I’d like to return to Italy’
Manchester City full-back Aleksandar Kolarov admits ‘I’d like to return to Italy’, with Inter among those interested.
Milan swap El Shaarawy-Niang?
There are reports that Milan could send Stephan El Shaarawy to Genoa in the hope of him rediscovering his form.
Buffon back in Italy training
Gigi Buffon, Alessandro Florenzi and Andrea Bertolacci shook off problems to train ahead of Italy-England.
Di Biagio could recall Verratti
Italy could recall starlets like Marco Verratti for the European Under-21 Championship, said Gigi Di Biagio.
Bertolacci had dislocated shoulder
Andrea Bertolacci revealed he played for 20 minutes with a dislocated shoulder in Italy’s 2-2 draw with Bulgaria.
Niang: 'I'd like Genoa stay'
Milan-owned striker M’Baye Niang confirms he’d “like another year at Genoa” after impressing on loan.
Lamanna on penalty record
Genoa goalkeeper Eugenio Lamanna revealed the secrets behind his incredible penalty-saving record.
Perin out for three weeks
Genoa and Italy goalkeeper Mattia Perin will be out for up to three weeks with a shoulder injury, his club have confirmed.
'Seven Italians in Europe, only if...'
UEFA's Gianni Infantino has explained the improbable circumstances that would allow a seventh-placed Italian team to reach Europe.
Tevez: 'I'd prefer Real or Barca'
Carlos Tevez insists Juventus would’ve preferred Real Madrid or Barcelona to Monaco in the Champions League.
Italy: Marchetti replaces Perin
Mattia Perin has pulled out of international duty, so Federico Marchetti is called against Bulgaria and England.
Gasp: 'Genoa troubled Juve'
Gian Piero Gasperini said Genoa put in “the performance we wanted” against Juventus, even if it ended in defeat.
Allegri: 'Juve haven't won yet'
Max Allegri warned Juventus “haven’t won anything yet” after beating Genoa to go 17 points clear of Roma.
View Genoa Website
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Seaweed bath and hotel accommodations in Torekov
Relax in a classic seaweed bath in one of our splendid tubs overlooking scenic Hallands Väderö. In collaboration with Torekov’s warm bath house (Warmbadhus), which for nearly 140 years has provided sumptuous seaweed baths to both villagers and tourists, we are proud to offer a unique and serene experience right by the sea.
Pack a good coat and comfortable shoes for a refreshing walk from the hotel to Torekov’s warm bath house — it’s a scenic stroll, just over 2 kilometers, taking you on a trail along the sea and right near the fantastic Malarna nature reserve. The warm bath house is even more soothing after the gorgeous walk. Take your time there, and once you’re done, you’ll be able to float right back to the hotel full of warmth and relaxation. On the way back consider a quick detour to see the amazing Dagshög or perhaps wander through the cobblestones alleys of Torekov before finally settling down in the Bistro for a classic gourmet dinner.
Seaweed or herbal baths at Torekov’s warm bath house
Slide into a tub full of freshly cooked seaweed taken directly from the sea below. Treat your body to a vigorous seaweed scrub to fully absorb the minerals in the water. A great way to promote a healthy circulation in the body and to stimulate cell growth. Now doesn’t that sound wonderful?
Select either a 30 minute seaweed or herbal bath from the following:
Seaweed bath with seaweed scrub
Relaxing and cathartic, a brilliant cleansing and scrubbing that is rich in iodine and various minerals. A spa therapist provides a comfortable and vigorous seaweed scrub on your arms and legs.
Once you arrive at our soothing warm bath house, you will be given a sample of various herb oils to smell. Select the aroma you would like in your bath and climb in to a relaxing tub. Gloves are provided so that you can self-exfoliate your body.
Herbal bath with seaweed
The perfect treatment for those who enjoy bathing in herbal oil but are curious about seaweed treatments. Use seaweed to scrub yourself and self-exfoliate your body for a powerful and intense cleansing experience.
Bathrobes and towels are available to borrow at the warm bath house.
Watch a short film about Torekov’s warm bath house
This package includes
- An optional seaweed or herbal bath treatment at our warm bath house
- Afternoon coffee, available Monday–Thursday
- Afternoon tea, available Friday–Saturday
- A three-course menu in the Bistro
- A wonderful night’s sleep in a double room
- Breakfast buffet in the Bistro
- Access to the spa including the sauna, hot tubs, and Japanese outdoor pools
- Access to both the indoor and outdoor gyms
- Yoga class* Saturday and Sunday at 8.30
*Class and schedule subject to change.
In the Bistro
- You can see the current menu here.
- Looking to create a particularly luxurious evening or want something delicious waiting in your room? Book in advance and we would be happy to arrange everything. Read more here.
January 4–June 9. 2019
Double room: 1,595 SEK/person/night
Double room: 1,795 SEK/person
Double room: 1,995 SEK/person
Upgrade to a suite for 300 SEK/person/night.
Single rooms are subject to an additional fee of 200 SEK/night.
This package cannot be booked online. Feel free to contact the booking by phone or e-mail via the buttons below.

domain: travel


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Voltz - gun turret tutorial - you., In this tutorial i teach you how to use the gun turret (and turret platform) to defend yourself from enemies! this tutorial shows the gun turret killing.Making golems in minecraft - instructables, Minecraft golems can help you attack and defend against enemies. there are two types: snow golems and iron golems.. Red's pack minecraft texture pack, The minecraft red's pack texture pack was contributed by deaddirtyred. red's pack is my personal artistic take on the minecraft universe, designed to be enjoyed no.
Voltz - technic platform, The official voltz modpack. last updated: 3 weeks ago; latest modpacks. working popularmmos s6 pack by modpackmaker2345.[32x] [1.6.4].ini~costruttori nuovo v2.5 minecraft, The minecraft.ini~costruttori nuovo v2.5 texture pack was contributed by bickerbad. note:the past owner of this resource pack (steelfeather) didn't have time to. Hero play - play online hero games, Free online hero games at heroplay.com. awesome batman games, spiderman games, superman games, avangers games and other hero games..
Nerf vulcan ac power mod - instructables.com, Intro: nerf vulcan ac power mod. the goal of this mod was to move away from a battery pack and make the nerf vulcan ebf-25 a stationaryault or defense weapon..

domain: entertainment


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google-site-verification: google8fa698f884017ca5.htmlSkip to main content
The Osterlin Library has just a few books with collections of written music. Browse the shelves from M1 to M5000 to see what's available.
The public library has a larger collection of popular music books. Visit Traverse Area District Library and browse the shelves in the 780 range to see what they have.
Public domain sheet music is widely available online. Check out the sites listed below to get started!
The International Music Score Library Project, or Petrucci Music Library, "is the largest collection of free and freely available recordings and scores on the Internet" (Choice Reviews). Start searching here.

domain: library


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Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is a program that helps eligible people find a permanent home and also get local mental health services but only if and when they need that help. PSH wants to boost people's power to choose their own living arrangements and get services that are flexible based upon the support they need at any given time.
The Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health is committed to, as a priority toward systems rebalancing, the development and expansion of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) for individuals who meet defined criteria of eligibility and who are diagnosed with a serious mental illness. The goal of this initiative is to promote and stabilize consumer Recovery with elective support services in one's leased or owned home that
You can view the full DMH Housing Policy in the list of documents below.
Illinois Department of Human ServicesJB Pritzker, Governor · Dulce Quintero, Secretary
IDHS Office Locator
IDHS Help Line
© 2023 Illinois Department of Human Services


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Black Bean Salsa RecipeIngredients:
1 (15 oz) can black beans,
1/2 an onion
1 jalapeno/serrano pepper
1/2 a lime
1/3 tsp cumin powder
Handful of fresh cilantro
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt to taste
- Drain and rinse a can of black beans.
- Add to it, the finely diced onion, bell pepper, jalapeno/serrano (de-seeded for less heat), tomatoes (de-seeded) and chopped cilantro.
- To season the mix, squeeze in the juice of half a lime, add some cumin and cayenne pepper powder (optional, only if you like it spicy), and salt.
- Toss everything together and taste for seasonings.
- Serve chilled.