Rising critically acclaimed pop star Elle Winter has released the official remix for her hit single “Yeah, No.” by Swedish DJ and EDM producer Andrelli (Lady Gaga’s remix for “Million Reasons”). “Yeah, No” is the title track off Winter’s recently released debut EP, which Elle co-wrote entirely and has received high praise from leading industry outlets. You can watch the official video for “Yeah, No.” directed by Bobby Hanaford (Greyson Chance, Vic Mensa, Marc E Bassy) below:
Boasting over 200K monthly listeners on Spotify alone, Winter’s breakout single “Yeah, No” has clocked 3 million streams and has become a streaming hit worldwide where it’s trended on Indonesia and Malaysia’s Viral Top 50 charts on Spotify and is currently featured on Apple Music’s A-List Pop, Breaking Pop, and Heartbreak Pop playlists as well as on Spotfiy’s massive Teen Party playlist.
“Yeah, No.” continues Elle’s critically acclaimed collaboration with the renowned production duo The Orphanage – who have penned and produced massive hits for the likes of Lizzo, Demi Lovato, Alessia Cara, and The Chainsmokers – and follows previously released EP singles “Sick of You,” “Do You,” “Cave In,” and “Thought of Me,” which have led outlets like Billboard, Nylon, and MTV to rave about the rising star’s vocal and songwriting prowess solidifying her as an important artist-to-watch.


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The last shots from this roll in August take me back to sunny days and Bar-B-Qs, or ODE’s as they’re known here ~ Outdoor Eating Experiences :). Our friends Paul and Lorraine who live over in South Shields and have a lovely big garden, had friends and family over one Saturday afternoon, and I took a few frames.
It was nice to be socialising oudoors and seeing family we hadn’t seen in ages.
Phi and I had a few ODE’s ourselves on sunny evenings after work
finally, I love it when the evening sun lightens the corner of the living rooom window, and if you look carefully in the shady bottom right hand corner, you can espy Lord Vincent on the back of his favourite chair.
That’ll be it on Film Friday for a while, I’ve got 2 rolls of film on the go and no-where near finished, but, I’ll be back!
Stay tooned! 📷 🎞 😊

domain: hobby


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Merrie's New Children's Book, Lucy the Lake Dog - Available Now
June 29, 2021
If you want to make someone's day, we've got you covered! I'm going to let you in on Kansas City's best kept secret, a company called Locally Gifted KC. After seeing a similar idea in California, owner Megan Pence decided to combine blooms with her favorite locally sourced items, combining them into beautifully presented customized gift boxes. Her creations are one-of-a-kind and perfect for personal gifting as well as corporate gifting.
This gift is a Moscow Mule cocktail box, 4th of July themed, with all the fixings - just add vodka! She has included ginger beer, limes, a live mint plant, copper mugs, and even sugared ginger as a garnish.
My favorite part of the box? The embroidered fireworks cocktail napkins and patriotic stir sticks, all from an up and coming local business, Mere Fille Designs. French for mother-daughter, this talented team takes personalization to a new level with embroidery, monogramming and custom design. They specialize in celebratory moments, which is right up my alley.
It all combines into a beautiful gift any hostess would love!
The fun part is unpacking it, and actually using all the gift items to entertain your guests.
After a challenging year for our country, there is nothing more patriotic than supporting our local businesses, and with these two it's a win-win for all! If you can think of it, they can do it. I hope you get to make someone's day soon.
Lynne Elder, Ashley Elder
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November 22, 2020
June 08, 2020
May 03, 2020
Hi! I'm Merrie. I'm a lover of lake life and all the styles to go with it. Enjoy shopping through my store and being lakeside with me!

domain: artistic


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We are waiting for you in the beautiful setting of Acetaia Casa Tirelli to create your personalized Christmas pillow.
It will also be an opportunity to get to know each other in person and spend a winter afternoon in company while waiting for Christmas.
Where: Acetaia Casa Tirelli - Via Mazzarana, 98 – Novi di Modena -
When: Sunday 11 December
What time: from 3.30pm to 5.30pm
What is included: all the materials for creating the cushion (both cover and cushion) and a well-deserved snack with tea and cake
What should I bring: desire to create and be in company
Places available: 10
Cost of the afternoon: €50.00
In collaboration with Stefania Messori Design
For info and registration: firstname.lastname@example.org
Ilaria and Stefania


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Below is a list of the top and leading Sushi in Sacramento. To help you find the best Sushi located near you in Sacramento, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Sacramento’s Best Sushi:
The top rated Sushi in Sacramento, CA are:
- Mikuni | Midtown Sacramento – is about the general experience
- Jensai Sushi – gives the greatest Japanese cuisine, sushi
- Ju Hachi Japanese Cuisine – gives classes of Japanese cuisine
- Azukar Sushi – shows together with the appreciation of an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet
- Oshima Sushi Sports Bar – gives buyers a unique dining experience
Mikuni | Midtown Sacramento
Mikuni | Midtown Sacramento, more than just a remarkable meal, is about the general experience. From the moment you walk in the door until the moment you push back from the table or sushi bar—satisfied beyond evaluation—you are caught up in a good atmosphere that is as unique as it is exciting.
From the décor to the drinks, from the appealing ambiance to the mind-boggling menu choice, they pay flawless attention to every piece of information to assure that you feel comfortable. Welcomed. Gratified. Whether it is your first visit to Mikuni or one of many, they invite you to come in and savor all the gratifications they have to provide.
Menus, Koki Club, Events, Banquets & Catering, Online Store
“Mikuni is a fantastic sushi restaurant in a fun, trendy location. The atmosphere is open and airy, our server was polite and attentive. We ordered the Freaky Brussel Sprouts and Flamin Shrooms for appetizers, then the Miso Ramen, Sea Steak, and Spicy Tuna Roll. It was all excellent and they offer the Sea Steak with red or white tuna, or mixed, which is really cool! All around a great dining experience!” – Kelley T
Jensai Sushi gives the greatest Japanese cuisine, sushi with an enormous extent of Chinese and Japanese choices. If you love to eat Asian food and enjoy researching food, culture, and culinary traditions of Japanese food, Chinese food, Jensai Sushi would be at the top of your plan list. Their chefs use top-quality ingredients and do as little to the meal as feasible to bring out the color and flavor. They welcome you to appreciate the best Chinese, Japanese food, and Sushi in Sacramento.
Menu, Order Online, Catering
“The service was quick and very friendly, sushi was great too. Very good spot for moderately priced food.” – Jeron L.
Ju Hachi Japanese Cuisine
Ju Hachi Japanese Cuisine gives classes of Japanese cuisine, even for very picky buyers. Their Chefs use simple condiments and ingredients often add to develop the flavors. Light dipping salsa, citrus, miso, wasabi, pickles, and soy sauce contained and included with the course.
Whether it is a choice of super fresh sushi or sashimi assisted at the counter or a bouquet of dishes attached with elegant sake and wine, you will find their restaurant a haven of traditional style with a modern ambiance.
Menu, Order Online, Offers, Catering
“Our food was amazing and drinks were great. The employees were very nice and polite and coming to check to make sure we didn’t need anything. Definitely would return again to enjoy some food.” – Robert S.
Azukar Sushi shows together with the appreciation of an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet with features that can only be accomplished in made-to-order surroundings. For one price, diners can select any number of over 40 various freshly made menu items. From the traditional California Roll to one of their own original sushi conceptions (Sacramento Roll), you can eventually enjoy as much freshly made sushi as you would like without questioning what the final bill will be.
Menu, Online Order, Pick-Up
“Awesome place with delicious all-you-can-eat sushi and appetizers made to order. Nice ambiance and friendly service.” – Deborah B.
Oshima Sushi Sports Bar
Oshima Sushi Sports Bar gives buyers a unique dining experience from genuine and fresh Japanese cuisine to an upscale environment that makes anybody feel welcome. Conveniently situated off two of Sacramento’s largest freeways and tucked in a quiet society, Oshima gives buyers one of a kind menu of personalized sushi and specialty sauces arranged by skilled chefs right in front of you.
You cannot miss the full bar, encompassed by plasma screens and a wide choice of specialty cocktails, this is truly one of the greatest and finest bars Northern California has to give.
Menu, Fugu Lounge, Specials
“This place is great. Best sushi I’ve had in a long time. The service was great too. I highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area.” – Dustin J.

domain: food


One of the best things about ChatGPT is the huge library of third-party plugins that can make the AI chatbot do far more than OpenAI originally designed it for. From plugins that make running computations easier to those that allow you to pull information from your outside accounts, a cybersecurity firm has issued a stark warning about trusting plugins, as well as the security flaws that could give bad actors access to your other accounts.
The new research, which was headed by Salt Labs, warns that security flaws found directly within ChatGPT, as well as within the AI’s ecosystem, could give attackers the opportunity to install malicious plugins without your consent. This would effectively allow the bad actors to hijack your account and gain access to third-party websites like Github.
The good news here, of course, is that OpenAI is already winding down the use of ChatGPT plugins, writing in a post that will be ending the installation of new plugins on March 19, 2024. Any currently in-use plugins will no longer be available after April 9, 2024. While it might seem counterintuitive given how useful plugins can be, OpenAI has used the information gleaned from plugins to create GPTs, which let you custom-tailor the AI to specific use cases.
In this photo illustration, the ChatGPT (OpenAI) logo is displayed on a smartphone screen. Image source: Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
It’s a good thing, too, because Salt Labs says that one of the biggest flaws it discovered was an exploit that allowed bad actors to exploit the OAuth workflow and trick users into installing an arbitrary plugin. All of this was accomplishable because ChatGPT doesn’t validate that the user has started the plugin installation. It’s a terrific chance for bad actors to swoop in and intercept any data shared by the victim.
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Beyond that exploit, though, Salt Labs also unearthed issues with PluginLab, stating that bad actors could weaponize those issues to create zero-click account takeover attacks utilizing ChatGPT plugins as a launching point. This would allow those threat actors to gain access to connected third-party websites, like GitHub.
AI language models like those powering ChatGPT can be exceptionally helpful if you use them correctly. However, the exploits found in ChatGPT’s plugin options showcase just how important it remains to stay vigilant about your online protection and to always be aware of what you are installing when you’re working with these systems.


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Your favorite Sesame Street characters aren't just playing on Sesame Street. They're hiding in the Sesame Street Find It Junior game. In this game, players try to find 20 objects that are hidden among thousands of small plastic pellets in a transparent tube. Only in this junior version of the game, the objects to find are larger and there are two of each item to make it a little bit easier for younger players.
You'll find the list of objects on the top of the Find It tube or listed in the instruction booklet. Can you find Abby Cadabby, a ball, Big Bird, a bird, a car, a cookie, Cookie Monster, a dog, Elmo, Ernie, a fish, a horn, the letter A, the letter B, the letter C, the number 1, the number 2, the number 3, a penny, and Rosita? Spin, twist, shake or tap the tube to find the hidden items.
The instruction booklet also includes additional activities that parents can incorporate for more ways to play and to promote parent-child interaction.
Sesame Street fans are going to have a lot of fun searching for their favorite characters as they play this game. They can play it at home, in the car, in the doctor's office waiting room, or wherever. It's a great way to keep kids occupied, while also promoting focus and concentration. And we even think the sound that the pellets make inside the tube as you turn and spin the tube around could offer some nice auditory stimulation for preschoolers.
Sesame Street Find It Junior is for ages 3 to 5. The game is easy to learn how to play but suitably challenging in its quest to get kids using their visual skills. Sesame Street fans will enjoy playing this game on their own or with a teammate.
Other new Find It games include Where's Waldo? Find It. It is sold separately.
UNO 2019 Edition
Jersey Shore Family Vacation The Game
from Stratus Games
from Educational Insights
from Blue Orange Games
Pac-Man Connect & Play

domain: entertainment


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This Idyllic Australian Spot Has Been Named One of the World's Best Beaches
Four Australian beaches have made FlightNetwork list of the top 50 best beaches in the world.
December 02, 2017
Among all of the dream jobs that everyone wishes they had, picking the globe's top stretches of sun, surf and sand sits up there with taste-testing new gins and trying out every bar and eatery in Tokyo. That particularly proves true whenever a new list of the world's best beaches is revealed — although, Australians can always pretend by heading to one of the high-ranking spots on our own shores.
In FlightNetwork's just-announced lineup of the planet's best beaches, which ranks 50 idyllic locations, four Aussie spots made the cut. And, in news that will come as no surprise to anyone, the Whitsundays' Whitehaven Beach came in at number two. It's the latest accolade for the picturesque Queensland favourite, after it was named TripAdvisor's best Aussie beach earlier this year.
Hyams Beach in New South Wales' Jervis Bay also made the top ten, placing eighth, while Western Australia was responsible for the country's other two top spots — with Lucky Bay at 18th and Turquoise Bay at 29th. If you're wondering which coastal oasis beat them all to first place, that'd be Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos. A British Overseas Territory situated around 1,000 kilometres from Miami in the North Atlantic Ocean, it boasts warm Atlantic waters, its own barrier reef and sunny weather approximately 319 days of the year.
The picks were made by more than 600 travel journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies, aka folks who work in the travel and beach trade, and therefore know their stuff. Among their other selections, Anse Lazio in Seychelles, Pink Sands Beach in the Bahamas, Navagio Beach in Greece, Baia Dos Porcos in Brazil, Playa Paraiso and Hidden Beach in Mexico, and Trunk Bay in the United States Virgin Islands all rounded out the top ten.
Thinking about taking your own trip to Whitehaven Beach? Check out our Outside Guide to the Whitsundays.

domain: geography


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Read Chapter 357 – 359 of the novel Spoiled by the President staring Gideon Leith free online.
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She said, having begun to lose her voice.
“I’m sorry Grandpa, I really didn’t expect it to end up like this, it’s all my fault for embarrassing you and offending the entire Lu family, I’m sorry.”
Clara apologized repeatedly, though tonight, those three words had been said so many times that she was on the verge of throwing up.
But she knew that in front of Master Kwan, she had to lower her stance and put on a show.
At the very least, she couldn’t let Master Kwan be completely disappointed in her and give her up.
Sure enough, Master Guan looked at her and said in a cold voice, “Do you know what your biggest mistake is tonight?”
Clara was stunned.
Looking at him blankly, he shook his head.
“Your biggest mistake was that you didn’t kill the other guy with a single blow now that you’ve done it all, thus leaving them breathing room and a chance to turn around and deal with you again.”
He sighed and said in a deep voice: “Today is fine, just a child, and the whole incident has nothing to do with family interests, but if in the future, whenever you want to deal with a person, you must remember, to fight a snake to fight seven inches, either not to do it, when you do, must be deadly, can never give the enemy room to maneuver, otherwise, you are not only easy to give up, but also very likely to even get the original good!Even the situation can’t be grasped, and it sets you on fire, understand?”
Clara was startled.
She couldn’t believe it, as if she couldn’t believe that these words would come out of Master Guan’s mouth.
Master Kwan smiled coolly.
“There’s no need to be surprised, since you’ve entered our Guan family and become a member of the Guan family, you’ll understand these truths sooner or later.
Since time immemorial, no one in a high position has ever had completely clean hands and always needed some means to strengthen his family and position.
Don’t look at the Lu family as if they are acting high and mighty on the surface, as if they have no quarrel with the world, but in reality, that pair of grandparents have done no less evil than your grandfather.
And all these years, if it wasn’t for the fact that Biden Lu has been expanding his territory and encroaching on the power of several families outside the order, how would we have thought of using marriage as a way to stay safe?
Everything is forced, I’m old, which day in the future closed eyes, the family will have to rely on your two uncles to run, but they are wise and more than enough, but not at all in the outside, will only consistently consume itself in the internal struggle.
That’s why I called you here and gave you shares, so that you can play a binder role in the middle, I know you can do it, you’re smart, not even worse than your two uncles, as long as your heart is in the Guan family and you’re dedicated to it, the rest, Grandpa won’t even bother with you, understand?”
Clara’s heart vibrated and nodded.
“I understand, Grandpa.”
Kwan closed his eyes tiredly and waved his hand at her.
“Well, I’m tired, so get out and let the nurses in.”
Only then did Clara respectfully answered yes and turned around and walked out.
On the other hand, Ann came home with Jenny, took a shower, and lay down on the bed so that Jenny could tell her a story.
Because the little one was in shock today, Jenny didn’t trust her to sleep alone and planned to stay with her for the night.
As soon as she finished telling a story, the little gnome suddenly asked, “Mommy, did that Auntie Maya push Ani into the water today because Ani shouldn’t have overheard her talking to Grandpa Kwan?”
Jenny was stunned.
She said softly, “Didn’t you say that she and your Grandpa Kwan didn’t talk about anything?”
The gnome frowned.
“It’s nothing that was said, but I always thought that the two of them had a strange, somewhat bad look about them.”
Jenny was slightly startled.
A child’s intuition is the most accurate.
Even though she might not understand those meanings in the other’s language, she could feel right from the expression and the atmosphere, the good and evil of the other.
She just didn’t understand something, Clara was clearly Guan Ji Ming who had found her.
By all rights, she should have been on the same side as Guan Ji Ming in the Guan family’s camp.
And why would he be talking to Guan JiLi on the side?
She pondered for a moment and softly reassured, “Maybe, but that’s okay, we didn’t mean for Ann to eavesdrop, right?”
Ani nodded heavily.
“So whatever the reason, she shouldn’t have done this to you, it’s her fault, we don’t have to think about it too much Ann.”
Ann gave an oddly understanding “Oh”.
Soon, the child was tired, so Jenny didn’t continue to tell her stories, and only after lulling her to sleep did this turn off the lights and rest herself.
At this point, off the family.
As Clara was about to return to her room, she saw a faint dusting of white on the door handle of her room.
She gave a slight pause and looked around to make sure no one was around before heading to the other end of the hallway.
“Uncle, you wanted to see me?”
In the darkened room, Clara looked at the man standing in front of her and asked in a warm voice.
Guan Jili’s face was incomparably ugly.
“How many times have I told you not to mess with the Luke’s, and then you go and do something to that kid right after I’m done with you on the front foot, are you really tired of living?”
Faced with Guan JiLi’s anger, Clara shrank slightly, clearly afraid.
But she had the audacity to explain, “I didn’t mean to kill her, just because, she saw us talking together and I was worried about what she heard…”
“What did you say?”
Guan Jili was stunned.
Clara pursed her lips, “It was just now, when you asked me to meet you in the back garden, she secretly heard everything we said.”
Guan JiLi instantly changed his face.
He was silent for a moment, his eyes becoming birds of prey.
“Are you sure she heard it all?”
Clara also gently knitted her brows.
“I guess so, I didn’t find out about her until after you left, but she was running too fast to catch her, so I just used the butterfly toy to draw her out afterwards to silence her, I didn’t think it would end up like that.”
Guan Jili stopped talking for a moment.
He was trying to remember what he had said to King Maya tonight.
After going over the memories, it was a small relief to make sure there wasn’t any particularly obvious evidence.
“Just, she’s a child, she can’t suspect anything, even if she told Biden Lu and the others, it’s just suspicion at most, we are already nephews, it’s normal to stand together and talk for a while, but you, don’t be so shocked, the slightest stirring of the wind and then kill someone, do you still think this is a small place like Visterdem?If something happens, our entire Guan family will be buried with you, do you understand?”
Clara slightly bowed her head and softly said, “I understand.”
Guan Jili looked at her again, his gaze slightly revealing a hint of disgust, and said in a deep voice, “Do you know that just because of today’s matter, the Gu family has already gone back on their word, and the marriage that was originally nailed down has just fizzled out.”
Clara shuddered fiercely.
Unbelievably, he looked up at the other man, his face changing slightly, “Why?”
Guan JiLi sneered.
“Hmmm, why else would it be?They don’t want to marry a trouble back, and with the way you acted tonight, who in the entire upper class circle of Kyoto wants to marry you?”
She bit her lip, an unspeakable sense of humiliation rising from her heart and making her clench her fists.
Guan JiLi sighed.
“Alright, let’s talk about the marriage later, it’s getting late, go back and remember to be careful, don’t make them suspicious.”
Clara nodded her head, before turning around and walking out.
Unexpectedly, before they reached the door, they were called by Guan Jili again.
“Wait a minute.”
She froze and turned over to see Guan Jili frowning and handing over a brown paper bag.
“She gave it to you, keep it to yourself.”
Clara was startled, her face swishing pale, and it took several seconds before she reached for it with trembling fingertips.
Seeing only a few well-made pastries in the paper bag, her eyes quickly reddened, and she looked up at Guan Jili and asked in a trembling voice, “How is she?”
Guan Ji Li looked cold, “Very well.”
After a pause, he looked at her again, a pale beige blue glow in his eyes, “As long as you stay out of trouble and behave yourself, she’ll always be this good, so you know what you have to do, right?”
Clara nodded incessantly.
That’s when Guan Jili waved his hand, “Get out.”
Meanwhile, in the other room.
After taking a shower, she lay down on the bed and tossed and turned, but it was hard to fall asleep.
As soon as I closed my eyes, my mind was filled with the image of the night in the room, the one where I saw Jenny change his clothes.
The red butterfly birthmark on that back was so lifelike that it looked like it had come to life.
She drew open a drawer on the nightstand and took a book out of it.
It was a famous book in English, with a somewhat yellowed photograph tucked into the middle page of the famous book.
Guan Shepherd took the picture out and looked at it carefully by the light.
Only the photo was a little old, a little cracked around the edges, and the picture was of a baby, a few months old, sitting with its back to the ground, holding a floral bead in its hand, playing and smiling happily back as it played.
The baby also had a red butterfly birthmark on its back.
Guan Xuefei reached out and gently stroked the butterfly, remembering what her foster mother had said to her long ago.
“Fifi, this is your sister, she was unlucky in life, she was abducted by a trafficker when she was a few months old, that’s why we adopted you.But don’t worry, you’re all mama’s good daughters, and whether you’re blood related or not, mama loves you all the same, so if you’re lucky enough to find your sister in the future, make sure you and her take care of each other and help each other out, okay?”
Those words have been a long time coming.
So long ago that, as if from another country, even the sound became indistinct.
But Michelle Kwan still remembers.
I remember the look of regret in my mother’s eyes as she left, the gentle smile she had when she looked at herself.
Michelle Kwan was undoubtedly lucky.
You can be an orphan.
Out of so many children in the hospital, she was chosen by Guan Jiwan to be her child.
All these years, Guan Jiwan had, as she said, treated her as if she were already out.
Even though she was several years old when she was adopted and had the most basic memory and thinking skills of a normal child.
But she was still unashamedly kind to her, telling her all the truth and never shying away from their adoptive relationship.
She’s the one who showed her that blood doesn’t mean everything in this world.
Even people who are not related to each other in any way by blood can be the closest family members.
Guan Xuefei closed her eyes, remembering the death of her adoptive mother, only to feel a dull ache in her heart.
When I closed my eyes again, my whole body had become awake again.
She looked at the photo and whispered, “Don’t worry, Mom.If it really is her, then I’ll admit it, and I’ll do what you’ve told me to do, so she won’t be out in the open forever.”
She looked down, burying the photo in her chest, and it took her a long moment to put it down.
Put the photos back away, turn off the lights, and go to sleep.
The next day.
Clara suddenly received an invitation from Guan Xuefei, saying that a new hot spring resort had recently been built in Kyoto and asked her to go to the hot spring with him.
Although Clara was surprised, but one, there was nothing wrong, and two, after last night’s storm, the people of the Guan family more or less, all had some opinions about her.
This was the time when she needed to bring in others, so since Guan Xuefei had thrown out invitations of her own accord, it was impossible for her to refuse.
So that afternoon, after lunch, they drove to Hot Springs Mountain Resort together.
The hot springs cottage is built on the outskirts of the city and has a nice setting with several types of medicinal pools, just right for this season’s soak.
After they got changed, they went down to the hot tub together.
To be honest, because of their awkward identities, Clara and Guan Xuefei, didn’t really know each other well.
After all, one is the adopted daughter and the other is the adopted “real granddaughter”, directly or indirectly, there is some competition.
Therefore, even if they usually met, they would only say hello and would not even say more than a few words to each other.
Today, suddenly out of the hot spring together, at this time two people sitting in the pool, actually a little wordless, do not know what to talk about.
But Clara was a good guesser, she knew that Guan Xuefei usually didn’t pay much attention to herself, and today she suddenly asked her out to the hot springs, there must be something going on.
So, I found a random topic to talk to her about, and tried to use the opportunity to get a conversation going.
However, Clara was smart, so how could Xuefei Guan be stupid?
Leaving aside the fact that she hadn’t asked her out today for anything in particular, she just wanted to prove something, so she wasn’t afraid of being set up.
Even if Clara wanted to trap, she couldn’t be trapped out, based on her level of thoughtfulness.
So, the two of you came and went, and the hot spring went down for a long time without saying a word of truth.
Perhaps both of them were gradually finding this boring, and Clara looked at the time and suggested that they first go ashore to rest and have something to eat.
Michelle Kwan agreed.
Because they all came out in a towel and couldn’t see their bodies, when they went ashore, Seki Sufi purposely took a slow step.
I saw that Clara was walking down the steps to the shore, her s*xy bikini outlining her symmetrical and slender body, while the snowy white back was empty of anything.
She was startled and frowned.
“Maya, I heard earlier that you have a birthmark on your back, right?Why didn’t you just see that?”
Clara was stunned and turned back.
Guan Xuefei even laughed to hide her deliberateness.
Clara raised her eyebrows, and a flash of realization flashed under her eyes before she explained, “Did you say that butterfly birthmark on the back of your back?It was there when I was a kid, and then for some reason it slowly went away when I grew up.”
She answered with a carefree attitude, with no sense of nervousness or guilty conscience, as if she were talking about something perfectly normal.
Guan Xuefei pursed her lips.
“So, the birthmark can disappear, so amazing?”
Clara smiled, “No, but it’s not unheard of, after all, it’s all just a piece of pigment in the body, which is common in medicine.”
Only then did Guan Xuefei nodded.
“So that’s it.”
They talked, ate, didn’t soak up any more food, and casually sat for a while before hitting the road.
Kwan frowned when he heard that the two of them had gone out together this afternoon, thinking nothing good.
He’s a man, but he knows basically everything about how these girls feel.
Ever since Clara had returned, Guan Xuefei had been very cold to her.
After making such a scandalous scene last night, it was reasonable to say that Guan Xuefei should even more likely ignore her today and even mock her a bit.
But not only did she not, she asked someone out as soon as she was done with lunch?
Master Guan smelled that something was wrong, so he quietly called Guan Xuefei over as soon as she and Clara returned home.
“Grandpa, you wanted to see me?”
Guan Xuefei walked into the room and asked respectfully.
At that moment, Master Guan was sitting in a rocking chair, eyes slightly closed.
Hearing the sound, he opened his eyes and motioned for her to close the door.
Only then did Michelle Kwan return and close the door, then head over to him.
“Grandpa, is there something you want?”
Master Guan gazed at her and said in a deep voice, “Where did you take Clara to just now?”
Guan Xuefei was startled and pursed her lips.
She bowed her head slightly and whispered, “Didn’t go anywhere, just went to that new hot spring mountain resort to soak in the hot spring for a while.”
Master Guan looked at her suspiciously, “Really?”
Guan Xuefei laughed to herself.
“Grandpa, if you don’t believe me, just ask Maya to come in and ask, or are you still worried that I’m going to bully her or something?”
Kwan quirked an eyebrow.
It took a moment before she said, “You don’t have to provoke me with such words, she’s back now, but you two hold the same weight in my heart, and I’ve raised you since you were a child, and I’ve never treated you like an adopted granddaughter.”
Guan Xuefei stood there in silence, not speaking.
Master Guan paused for a few seconds and suddenly asked, “Did you know that the Gu family rejected Clara’s marriage to their family last night?”
Michelle Kwan nodded, “Yes.”
“What do you think about this matter?”
Guan Xuefei was stunned.
She looked at the old man, a little confused.
“I…I don’t have any ideas.”
What could she think about Clara and Gu’s youngest child, a person who couldn’t see eye to eye with eight sticks?
But the old man listened to her answer, clearly not too pleased.
He frowned and gave her a look that hinted at some anger.
“Then in your opinion, what do you think of Gu Yixuan as a person?”
Guan Xue Fei was startled and dazed for a few seconds, suddenly understanding something, her eyes flashing with incredulity.
“Grandpa, what do you mean you’re asking me that?”
Master Guan snorted, “What else could it mean?Clara that girl is incapable of keeping such a good man, there is always someone in our Guan family who can.
Xue Fei, you are carefully cultivated and watched by me since you were young, you are different from her, you are a true lady’s daughter, if you were the one to marry over, the Gu family would not have an opinion, you can also help the Guan family in the future, what do you think?”
Guan Xuefei shook fiercely.
Why didn’t I expect that the old man would make such a request with her.
Her face quickly sank, and she looked incredulously at Master Guan and said in a deep voice, “Grandfather, are you seeing that Clara can’t marry into the Gu family, so you’re hitting on me?The man she didn’t want and forced it on me?”
The old man’s sword brows sank and he said angrily, “Nonsense!What do you mean she doesn’t want the man?Although Gu Yixuan is only the youngest son of the Gu family, he has always been a good person, and his abilities are worthy of recognition, but most importantly, his parents are talented.
Besides, the family was only interested in trying to set them up before and not really being together, so how did it become the man she didn’t want?”
Without even thinking about it, Guan Xue Fei just snapped back in anger, “I don’t agree!”
Master Guan’s face didn’t look too good.
“Grandfather, I’m your granddaughter, not a tool you use as an exchange of benefits, and I know that you’ve always wanted to marry the Gu family in order to preserve the eternal wealth and glory of the Guan family.
But I think these should be traded on our own merits, not on the marriages of our children and grandchildren!If we don’t have that ability, even if we take the trouble to climb into the Gu family, in the future we’ll just be whispering and looking at other people’s faces to eat, so what’s the difference between that and begging?”
Master Guan’s face instantly sank and he said in an angry voice, “What are you talking nonsense?What about our Guan family is not as good as their Gu family, what begging?How do you think you got your current brocade?Do you think that those things of power and profit can really be obtained by personal power alone?
Kyoto is a deep-water pond, and the network of relationships and interests in it is not as complicated as you can imagine, we are married to the Gu family, this is called strong teamwork, plan ahead, otherwise, in the future, I close my eyes, with your two uncles, what can do?You think you’ll still be the Guan family’s high and mighty daughter by then?”
Michelle Kwan shook her head.
“It’s better to marry someone you don’t like, even if you’re not a thousand-year-old girl.”
“Nonsense!You’re young now, think what love is, freedom trumps everything, when you’re old you’ll know those are nothing, only people who have nothing will believe this, true freedom is something you need to stand at the top of your rights to get, do you understand?”
Guan Sheffield felt ridiculous.
She had always known that her grandfather was an extremely passionate man about power.
It wasn’t as if he hadn’t beaten himself up before, trying to work his way out of her marriage.
But then it was all given up, she thought, and he would never mention it again.
I didn’t expect that today he would actually propose that she marry Gu Yixuan!
Guan Xuefei laughed to herself.
“I don’t understand what Grandpa said, and I don’t care for those rights at the top. As for the glory of the family, Grandfather, you can do whatever you want me to do, but please don’t use my marriage to accomplish for you the glory that belongs to you, I can’t do it, and I can’t promise it!”
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domain: literature


text:
October is Vegetarian Awareness Month, and when I mention this to my omnivore friends, they smile and say, ``That's nice, dear.'' Then they go eat a burger.
So it made a welcome change to share a meatless meal with Shane Close, former burger-loving surfer dude, now documentary filmmaker of Meatless: The Movie.
Prior to Meatless, Close would grill steaks or burgers three days a week. ``We'd have meat every day, sometimes several times a day.''
He went meatless on July 12, and began documenting a 90-day vegetarian experiment that ended Oct. 9, blogging about it at www.meatlessthemovie.com . We crossed paths on Day 78.


text:
Tell No One Audio Cassette – Abridged, Audiobook
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David Beck has rebuilt his life since his wife's murder eight years ago, finishing medical school and establishing himself as a pediatrician, but he's never forgotten the woman he fell in love with in second grade. And when a mysterious e-mail arrives on the anniversary of their first kiss, with a message and an image that leads him to wonder whether Elizabeth might still be alive, Beck will stop at nothing to find the truth that's eluded him for so many years. A powerful billionaire is equally determined to make sure his role in her disappearance never comes to light, even if it means destroying an innocent man.
In David Beck, Harlan Coben, the author of the popular series starring sports agent Myron Bolitar (Darkest Fear et al.) has created a protagonist who shares many of Bolitar's best qualities--he's a decent, generous, gentle guy whose loyalty to those he loves is unquestionable. So when he discovers that people he was close to may be responsible not only for Elizabeth's murder but also the "accidental" death of his father, Beck's sense of betrayal is as understandable to the reader as his uncharacteristically violent reaction. Coben is a skillful storyteller with a gift for creating likable characters caught up in circumstances that illuminate their complex emotional lives and deep humanity. This should be the thriller that breaks this talented writer out of the mystery genre and earns him the recognition he deserves. --Jane Adams --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Publishers Weekly
Every writer likes to stretch his legs, and here Coben, author of seven acclaimed Myron Bolitar mysteries (Darkest Fear, etc.), stretches his. He doesn't quite kick his reputation aside in the process. This thriller, Coben's first non-Bolitar novel, is a breezy enough read, but it's not up to snuff. It's got a nifty setup, though. David Beck and Elizabeth Parker, just-married childhood sweethearts, are vacationing at the Beck family retreat when Beck is knocked unconscious and Elizabeth is kidnapped. Cut to eight years later: Beck is a young physician working with ghetto kids in Manhattan, and Elizabeth, we learn, is dead, victim of a serial killer known as KillRoy. Or is she? For immediately after two bodies eight years old are uncovered on the Beck land, Beck receives a series of e-mails apparently from Elizabeth. His frantic search to find out if she lives dovetails with the equally frenzied efforts of cops to pin Elizabeth's murder on Beck, as well as the antic moves of a mysterious billionaire an old friend of the Beck family and his two hired thugs to frame Beck for that murder. Beck finds himself a man on the run from the cops his only ally a black drug dealer whose child he's treating for hemophilia caught in an overcomplicated tangle of lies and vengeance. Coben knows how to move pages, and he generates considerable suspense, but there's little new here. The narrative style is cloned from James Patterson, alternating first-person with third. The villains, particularly the billionaire and a Chinese martial artist, are as old as mid-Elmore Leonard or even Chandler. The black drug dealer isn't a character, he's a plot device, and the climax packs the emotional wallop of a strong episode of The Rockford Files. (June 19)Forecast: Heavy-hitting blurbs from Jeffery Deaver and Phillip Margolin, among others, indicate more about the solidarity of the mystery community than about this book's excellence, but should attract browsers. The publisher will pitch this as a summer beach read, and it's not a bad one. In fact, it may outsell Coben's mysteries, despite its flaws.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. See all Product Description
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Top Customer Reviews
Coben was able to get me to care about the characters. Not just the main characters but almost all of them. I appreciate it when an author cares enough to give the people in his novel some back story so I can see them as more than caricatures. The best part is that you don't realize he's doing it. There is never a lull in the action while he develops the backstory. Everything flows remarkably well.
The most compelling aspect of this story is it's unpredictability. I always thought I knew where the story was going and I was always wrong. I love that in a novel and Tell No One does it wonderfully. It's packed with action, suspense, a great love story and a healthy dose of mystery.
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone. It's the perfect lazy weekend novel because you won't want to stop reading once you start.
Time moves on, though David remains single and never properly gets over Elizabeth's death. Eight years later, he's working as a paediatrician, with the majority of his patients on Medicaid. Unfortunately, events are about to bring what happened at Lake Charmaine back to the surface. The first thing provides possibly the biggest shock of them all - an email from Elizabeth, containing phrases only she should've known. The same afternoon, David is contacted by the local Sheriff about two bodies that have just been found near the lake. A baseball bat buried with them has blood traces on it that matches David's blood group - B positive. However, while it's not entirely clear what part - if any - these men played in the attack on David and Elizabeth, things aren't about to get any better.
Obviously, David finds this all very unsettling.Read more ›
All that said and done, Coben is a thoroughly enjoyable read.
His plots, as stretched as they become, have a glow of craftsmanship to them. They definitely do propel you through the story. The characters, flat as they often are, still have enough heft to keep your interest.
In short, Coben and in this case "Tell No One" are just plain fun reads. They will keep your interest. I intend to pursue all of Coben's novels, not only because they are fun reading, but because this writer has a future and could indeed turn out to be one of the best suspense novelists of all time. It's kind of fun to watch his growth.
One of the things that I enjoyed so much about the Myron books was the witty dialogue and likeable characters (like Win and Esperanza). In this book, Coben tried to be too serious so the dialogue was very sappy and unoriginal (the same goes for the characters). The readers are also treated to the main character's constant running social commentary on the lower class and how some criminals are just misunderstood. "Don't judge a book by its cover" stuff.
Another problem that made me uninterested in all the characters was the fact that the good guys are ridiculously good (the main character, his wife, and his sister ALL work for the poor), the bad guys are ridiculously evil (the evil billionaire and his unbelieveably sadistic hitman), and, in classic Harlan Coben style, the cops investigating are all dumb, bull-headed creeps who, if they were any worse, would be wearing swastikas on their arms. Oh yeah, and I forgot the "look at me, I'm so politically correct" lesbian couple, the typical boisterous defense attorney, and the drug dealer with the heart of gold.
If you're a Harlan Coben fan, stick to his Myron Bolitar novels. This is like a Myron book without any witty dialogue, likeable characters, or interesting plot developments. Coben's best work is clearly behind him unless he resurrects Myron, I don't think it's going to get better.
Most recent customer reviews
I love listening to audio books.. and this one did not disappoint .. Harlen Coben is one of my new favorites to listen toPublished 9 months ago by C. Langill
Loved the spin from the get go. Harlan coben is my new fave author. Please keep the coming for all us fansPublished 20 months ago by Linda
Story flows very easily - you can't put it down at the end.
Also the story doesn't let you go the first day after you finished reading.
I like this author and I've come to expect entertaining thrillers from him. And, this novel did not disappoint! Read morePublished on Nov. 7 2013 by Pat the cat
Coben wrote this before 9/11. Some of the prose is very thin - descriptions of action are flat. Lee Child, for instance, writes amazing action sequences (the hard-boiled and... Read morePublished on Oct. 5 2012 by R. Widdowson
Excellent - very good, lots of twists and turns. I have read most of Harlan Coben's books and can't say I have read one I didn't like.Published on Sept. 1 2010 by CH
I had heard a lot about this book and ordered it online. Once I received it I couldn't put it down.
The author gets you right from the first page. Read more


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CT Scans in Treating Patients With Stage I Testicular Cancer After Undergoing Orchiectomy
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.|
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00003420|
Recruitment Status : Completed
First Posted : January 27, 2003
Last Update Posted : December 4, 2013
RATIONALE: Imaging procedures such as CT scans help the doctor in detecting cancer or the recurrence of cancer. Increasing the number of times a CT scan is given may improve the ability to detect stage I testicular cancer.
PURPOSE: Randomized clinical trial to determine if there is a different result from two different schedules of CT scans in treating patients with stage I testicular cancer after undergoing orchiectomy.
|Condition or disease||Intervention/treatment||Phase|
|Testicular Germ Cell Tumor||Procedure: computed tomography||Not Applicable|
- Determine whether there is a difference between two schedules of CT scan surveillance in respect to stage of disease at relapse, survival, the investigation determining relapse, and incidence of second malignancies in patients with stage I testicular teratoma after orchidectomy.
OUTLINE: This is a randomized, multicenter study. Patients are stratified by center and presence of vascular invasion.
After orchidectomy, patients are randomized into two schedules (arms I and II) of CT scan follow up.
- Arm I: Patients repeat chest and abdominal CT scans no later than 3 months after orchidectomy and again at 12 months to confirm that the patient is clear of disease.
- Arm II: Patients repeat chest and abdominal CT scans at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months after orchidectomy.
Patients are followed monthly for the first year after orchidectomy, then every 2 months for the second year, then every 3 months for the third year, and then every 4-6 months thereafter.
PROJECTED ACCRUAL: There will be 400-900 patients accrued into this study over 3-6 years.
|Study Type :||Interventional (Clinical Trial)|
|Estimated Enrollment :||900 participants|
|Official Title:||A Study of CT Scan Frequency in Patients With Stage I Testicular Teratoma|
|Study Start Date :||July 1997|
|Actual Study Completion Date :||April 2010|
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT00003420
|Mount Vernon Hospital|
|Northwood, England, United Kingdom, HA6 2RN|
|Study Chair:||Gordon J.S. Rustin, MD||Mount Vernon Cancer Centre at Mount Vernon Hospital|

domain: medical


text:
If you’re a fan of plants, you’ve probably heard of the ZZ plant, which is renowned for its lovely glossy leaves and ease of care. Expanding your collection or introducing acquaintances to the beauty of ZZ plants can both be made possible by ZZ plant propagation. We’ll delve into the realm of ZZ plant propagation in this thorough tutorial, covering everything from the fundamentals to cutting-edge methods.
Table of Contents
- Understanding ZZ Plants
- Why Propagate ZZ Plants?
- Preparing for Propagation
- Methods of ZZ Plant Propagation
- Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Caring for Newly Propagated Plants
- Common Issues and Troubleshooting
- ZZ Plant Varieties
- ZZ Plant Care Tips
- Debunking Myths: ZZ Plant Toxicity
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Zamioculcas zamiifolia, also referred to as the ZZ plant, is a plant that has grown in popularity as an indoor plant since it can survive neglect and low light levels. One exciting aspect of ZZ plant ownership is propagation, which opens up a world of possibilities for plant enthusiasts.
2. Understanding ZZ Plants
Native to Eastern Africa, ZZ plants have thick, succulent-like stems that store water, making them drought-tolerant and resilient. Their lustrous, deep-green leaves are made up of many leaflets, giving them the appearance of exquisite feathers. ZZ plants are favored by indoor gardeners because of their reputation for air purification.
3. Why Propagate ZZ Plants?
Propagating ZZ plants serves various purposes. It allows you to create new plants for your collection, refresh the soil of mature plants, and share the joy of ZZ plants with others. Additionally, if you have a mature ZZ plant that has grown too large, propagating it can help manage its size.
4. Preparing for Propagation
Before you embark on the propagation journey, gather the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a healthy ZZ plant, a clean and sharp knife or shears, suitable pots with drainage holes, well-draining potting mix, and rooting hormone (optional but beneficial).
5. Methods of ZZ Plant Propagation
5.1. Water Propagation
Water propagation involves placing leaf cuttings in water until they develop roots. This method is simple and visually appealing as you can observe root growth.
5.2. Soil Propagation
Soil propagation requires planting leaf cuttings directly into the soil. This method mimics the plant’s natural growth process and often results in quicker root development.
5.3. Leaflet Cuttings
Leaflet cuttings, each consisting of a few individual leaflets, have the potential to develop into new plants. This method allows you to propagate multiple plants from a single leaf.
Division involves separating a mature ZZ plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and stems. This technique works well with larger plants with several stems.
6. Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Choose a healthy ZZ plant for propagation.
- Select a suitable propagation method based on your preferences and resources.
- Prepare the chosen cuttings, ensuring they have at least one leaflet and a portion of stem.
- Allow the cuttings to callous for a day or two before planting.
- Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil or place them in water if using the water propagation method.
- Place the cuttings in a bright, indirect light location.
- Water the cuttings sparingly and avoid overwatering.
- Monitor the cuttings for root and shoot development.
- Once roots and shoots are well-established, transplant the new plants into separate pots.
7. Caring for Newly Propagated Plants
Newly propagated ZZ plants require specific care to ensure their successful growth. Provide them with bright, indirect light, and water them moderately. Avoid over-fertilizing, as ZZ plants prefer nutrient-dilute environments.
8. Common Issues and Troubleshooting
ZZ plant propagation is generally straightforward, but issues like rot and slow growth can occur. These are often due to overwatering or using unsterilized tools. Adjust your care routine accordingly to prevent and address these problems.
9. ZZ Plant Varieties
9.1. Raven ZZ Plant
Known for its striking blackish-purple foliage, the Raven ZZ plant adds a touch of drama to any space. Its care requirements are similar to those of the traditional green ZZ plant.
9.2. Chameleon ZZ Plant
The Chameleon ZZ plant displays new leaves that unfurl in vibrant shades of yellow and green, gradually darkening as they mature. This variety adds a unique aesthetic to your collection.
9.3. Black ZZ Plant
Often confused with the Raven ZZ, the Black ZZ plant features deep green leaves with a waxy finish, giving them a dark appearance. It’s a captivating variant that intrigues plant enthusiasts.
10. ZZ Plant Care Tips
- Place ZZ plants in bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
- Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions to prevent root rot.
- Use well-draining soil to avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Avoid excessive fertilization, as ZZ plants are light feeders.
- Regularly clean the leaves to keep them free from dust.
11. Debunking Myths: ZZ Plant Toxicity
Contrary to some misconceptions, ZZ plants are indeed toxic, especially if ingested. Keep them out of children’s and pets.
Propagating ZZ plants is a fascinating and rewarding endeavor for plant lovers. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced gardener, the methods discussed in this guide offer you the chance to create new plants, explore different varieties, and care for your green companions. By following these steps and tips, you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by flourishing ZZ plants, each with its unique charm and beauty.
- Are ZZ plants suitable for low light conditions?
Yes, ZZ plants thrive in low light conditions, making them perfect for indoor spaces with minimal sunlight.
- Can I propagate a ZZ plant in water indefinitely?
While water propagation can encourage initial root growth, it’s recommended to transfer the rooted cutting into soil for better long-term growth.
- How often should I water newly propagated ZZ plants?
Water newly propagated ZZ plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Do ZZ plants produce flowers?
Yes, ZZ plants can produce small, cone-like flowers, although this is a rare occurrence indoors.
- What should I do if my ZZ plant’s leaves turn yellow?
Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering or underwatering. Adjust your watering routine and ensure proper drainage to address this issue.

domain: agronomy


The traditional San Fermin procession of July 7th in Iruñea-Pamplona took place under great tension as most watchers were actually protesting against the Neofascist regime that has ruined Navarre by means of Capitalist corruption (scandalous sell-off of public banks and other services).
The main cry heard was UPN kanpora!, which translates as UPN out! Unión del Pueblo Navarro (UPN) is the regional branch of the Neofascist People's Party in power in Madrid, which has ruled Navarre with the help of other unionists (PSN-PSOE) for decades now, succumbing to the maelstrom of UE-led corruption that has seen the public assets liquidated to the only benefit of private
investors predators and their political cronies. The people of Navarre is clearly tired of such abuses and demands elections now.


Deck Lid Handle Base Ornament# 1347795 – Plymouth – 1950-52 – NOS
Fits 1950-52 Plymouth P19, P20, P21, P22 Deluxe, Special Deluxe, Concord Deluxe, Cambridge Deluxe, Cranbrook Special Deluxe models. This is the deck lid handle base ornament. It has casting# 1347795. Chrome pot metal piece with center hole for the handle latch rod, and 2 threaded mounting holes on the backside. Very good condition, the chrome is clean and shiny, there are a few very minor extra small pits. The handle is not included, this is the chrome base only. 23-14-1.


Which must be why supermodels as well as mere mortals such as myself, share the so-called problem
In her latest interview for US magazine Allure, Cindy Crawford admits to having thigh dimples (despite what the airbrushed photos of her suggest): 'So if Star magazine or whatever wants to print a picture of me on the beach from the back, at the worst possible angle, and say that I have cellulite, I'm like, guess what? I do, and I never said I didn't. I've had two kids, and I'm 43, so leave me alone, she said.
Meanwhile mega home-shopping channel QVC has been fined to the tune of $7.5million by the US trading standards body for, shall we say, slightly exaggerating the effects of a certain cellulite cream. Apparently the claims that Lipofactor Cellulite Target Lotion reduced the pesky orange peel affect were wait for it unsubstantiated.
All of which confirms my long-held suspicion: the best cure for cellulite is to simply embrace it. Its a lot cheaper and less of a bore than any other solution out there and it actually works.


text:
Indian Deities and Ritual Objects
Metal is a precious commodity that is often melted down and re-used in new castings and its economic value is significant in its prevalent use in ritual and votive objects.
The objects on display here are all used in worship of one form or another, be it Hindu, Buddhist or Jain. Some objects, such as the votive shrines or deity figures, are the focal point for worship itself. Other objects, such as the oil lamps and holy water pots, are aids to worship. All of the metal pieces on display have significance and meaning beyond the skill of the craftsperson who made them.


text:
Choi WJ, et al. (1994) Chitin synthase 3 from yeast has zymogenic properties that depend on both the CAL1 and the CAL3 genes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 91(11):4727-30
Abstract: In previous studies, chitin synthase 3 (Chs3), the enzyme responsible for synthesis of most of the chitin present in the yeast cell, was found to be inactivated by incubation with trypsin, in contrast to other yeast chitin synthases (Chs1 and Chs2), which are stimulated by this treatment (chitin synthase; UDP-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine:chitin 4-beta-N-acetylglucosaminyl-transferase, EC 22.214.171.124). It has now been found that the substrate UDPGlcNAc protects Chs3 against proteolytic inactivation. Treatment of Chs3-containing membranes with detergents drastically reduced the enzymatic activity. Activity could, however, be restored by subsequent incubation with trypsin or other proteases in the presence of UDPGlcNAc. Under such conditions, protease treatment stimulated activity as much as 10-fold. A change in divalent cation specificity after trypsin treatment suggests that the protease directly affects the enzyme molecule. Experiments with mutants in the three genes involved in Chs3 activity--CAL1, CAL2, and CAL3--showed that only CAL1 and CAL3 are required for the protease-elicited (zymogenic) activity. It is concluded that Chs3 is a zymogen and that the CAL2 product functions as its activator. The differences and possible similarities between Chs3 and the other chitin synthases are discussed.
|Status: Published||Type: Journal Article||PubMed ID: 8197125|
Topics addressed in this paper
Number of different genes curated to this paper: 5
- To go to the Locus page for a gene, click on the gene name.

domain: chemistry


NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2016 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan. The Stonewall Inn is an unassuming little bar in Manhattan’s West Village that gays frequented. The building has been granted designated landmark status in New York City. Police routinely raided the place, but on June 27, 1969, the regulars of The Stonewall Inn had had enough.
Four hundred customers watched police arrest the bartender, the doorman, and several others. The crowd grew to two thousand and fought the police, yelling “Gay Power!” The following night an even larger crowd returned until the police sent a riot-control squad to disperse the throng.
Now, June includes celebrations such as parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts that attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. These efforts note the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. The Law Library of Congress has guides to commemorative observations, including a comprehensive inventory of the Public Laws, Presidential Proclamations and congressional resolutions related to Pride Month.
President Barack Obama issued a federal proclamation from 2011 to 2016. On June 3, President Trump recognized Pride month. Trump has been called the most anti-LGBT president in history. According to gay journalist Michelangelo Signorile, “President Trump’s Anti-LGBT Agenda Is Louder Than His Pride Message…. On Friday, President Trump tweeted a message in support of Pride month, which was breathtakingly disingenuous given his administration’s systematic assault on LGBT rights. Trump’s celebration of Pride is as fraudulent and calculated as his claim to be fighting to decriminalize homosexuality. This is in fact an attempt to portray himself as supportive of LGBTQ people as he gears up for the 2020 re-election campaign.”
On May 14, Tim Fitzsimons (NBC News) reported, “President Donald Trump opposes the passage of the Equality Act, a proposed bill that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to federal civil rights law to prevent discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people.”
Last June, Sarah Kate Ellis, the president and CEO of the national LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD, said that, “Trump’s opposition to the Equality Act ‘further cements his administration’s legacy of being the most anti-LGBTQ government in recent memory.’ LGBTQ Americans will not forget the President’s politically craven flip-flop on this fair and just legislation.”
Let’s hope that Governor Gretchen Whitmer will succeed in passing laws protecting this important group. It is crucial.
* During his recent trip to England, DonnyT insulted his hosts and embarrassed the American people. In a tv interview, he insulted Meghan, Duchess of Sussex Markle by calling her “nasty.” He interfered with British politics by lauding Boris Johnson to replace Terresa May as Prime Minister. He insulted the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Labor Leader Jeremy Corbyn and Bette Midler(!).
The State Dinner with Queen Elizabeth was the apex of his stay. In white tie and tails, he looked like Jabba the Hutt. At Normandy, Mr. Bone-spurs disgraced the valiant of D-Day.
Only 21 percent of Brits have a positive opinion of Trump. Thousands turned out in protest. He talked of them as “supporters”! Add this to his 10,000+ other lies.
Ed Fisher writes a weekly column for the Morning Sun.


text:
Candidates detail proposals that will affect retirement plans across nation
Although much of the midterm election attention is focused on control of Congress, there are key statewide races across the country that will influence state pension systems.
Retirement issues aren't a key factor in every one of the 36 gubernatorial elections on Nov. 6, but winners in a select number of states will collectively make decisions that will affect retirement for millions of Americans. Several gubernatorial candidates are advocating a switch to defined contribution plans. And in other elections, voters will weigh in on a candidate's plan to tax the large endowments of private non-profit colleges and universities, as well as state treasurer races that could shape the future of state pension investments.
Here's a look at gubernatorial races to watch:
In Oregon, the $75.5 billion Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund is a frequent topic of discussion for incumbent Democratic Gov. Kate Brown and her challenger, Republican state Rep. Knute Buehler.
In March, the Oregon Legislature passed a bill championed by Ms. Brown aimed at reducing the system's unfunded liability, which was $22.3 billion as of Dec. 31. The bill set up two new funds, a side account for school districts to be invested alongside pension assets to reduce school district pension contributions, and an incentive fund to match certain lump-sum employer contributions to the pension plan.
The bill also directed the state treasurer to study the feasibility of borrowing money from the Oregon Short Term Fund, a $15.7 billion short-term cash investment pool in which a number of local governments and state agencies participate, to be redeployed into investments. The state treasurer is to report the results of the study to the Legislative Assembly no later than Sept. 30, 2019.
Ms. Brown set up a task force in 2017 to bring down PERS' unfunded actuarial liability and has said she will work with the group to continue that mission, if elected. In November 2017, the task force put out a report recommending a number of measures, including harvesting some of the state's timberland, selling state-owned real estate and privatizing state universities, which could bring in $4.2 billion to $6.4 billion to reduce the system's unfunded actuarial liability.
Mr. Buehler would like to take PERS in a different direction. While protecting pension benefits that have already been earned, he wants to enroll new employees and move current employees to a 401(k)-type plan with an unspecified "reasonable match," cap the salary amount used to calculate benefits at $100,000 a year, and require all state and local government employees to contribute toward their own retirement benefits.
Public employees in Oregon already are required to contribute 6% of their salary into the state's individual account program, a supplemental defined contribution plan that belongs to the employee. Mr. Buehler wants all or at least of portion of that 6% contribution to be redirected to PERS.
In Colorado, Republican Treasurer Walker Stapleton is running against Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Polis. Mr. Stapleton is proposing big changes to the $49 billion Colorado Public Employee Retirement Association, Denver, including allowing all employees to choose a 401(k)-style plan instead of the current plan, raising the retirement age and reducing the fund's assumed rate of return to 5% to 5.5% from 7.25%, which he said is more realistic.
In June, Gov. John W. Hickenlooper signed a pension reform measure that will increase the contribution rate for most PERA participants by an additional 2% of pay phased in beginning July 1, 2019, totaling 10% for most participants by July 1, 2021; require a three-year delay before receiving a cost-of-living adjustment; and set the COLA cap at 1.5% (the current annual COLA for participants who started receiving benefits prior to Jan. 1, 2007, is 2%), among other measures.
The law will also direct the state to allocate $225 million each year to the pension fund to reduce the unfunded liability (PERA was 61.3% funded as of Dec. 31, 2017, according to the most recent information on the pension fund's website); and establish an automatic adjustment provision designed to fully fund PERA in 30 years.
On his campaign website, Mr. Polis said the law placed too much burden on retirees and that he would "reject efforts to reform PERA on the backs of our teaching professionals and state or local employees in the future."
U.S. Reps. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, and Steve Pearce, a Republican, are running for governor of New Mexico. The state has two major pension funds — the $15.4 billion Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico and the $13 billion New Mexico Educational Retirement Board. Mr. Pearce said in a statement to Pensions & Investments that "government pensions have stayed generous and lagged many changes. At a minimum, new employees coming into the government workforce are going to have a very different system. Employees many years away from retirement are going to have to see significant changes."
Mr. Pearce also wants the $24.3 billion New Mexico State Investment Council to invest more in the state but has not offered specific figures. The SIC oversees the New Mexico Private Equity Investment Program, which was created in 1993 and is legally authorized to invest up to 9% of the state's Severance Tax Permanent Fund in New Mexico companies. As of April 2017, the program had a target asset allocation of 5% of permanent fund assets, or $235 million, for private equity investments in the state.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Gonzalez, who is running against popular incumbent Republican Gov. Charles D. Baker, has a plan to tax endowments if elected. His plan calls for a 1.6% tax on the endowments of private, non-profit colleges and universities with endowment assets exceeding $1 billion. The state has nine colleges and universities that fit the description, including Harvard University's $39.2 billion endowment and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's $16.4 billion endowment.
Mr. Gonzalez said his plan allows for a new investment of $1 billion per year toward education and transportation priorities.
In Rhode Island, public pension reforms proposed in 2011 by Gov. Gina Raimondo when she served as general treasurer and passed into law have become a campaign issue for her challenger.
Joseph Trillo, a former Republican state legislator now running as an independent, voted for those reforms, which included ending cost-of-living increases, raising the retirement age and reducing benefits for future retirees. Now he is campaigning on the promise of giving back part of the 3% COLA cut to retirees, and threatening to appoint a special counsel to investigate what he calls "high-risk" alternative investments made by the pension fund during Ms. Raimondo's tenure as treasurer.
In Illinois, incumbent Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner is running against Democrat J.B. Pritzker, a businessman. The state's five pension funds faced $137 billion in combined unfunded liabilities as of June 30, 2016. Illinois' pension funding ratio was 35.6% in 2016, the third lowest in the U.S.
In June, Mr. Rauner signed a budget into law that allows current public workers to exchange their 3% compounded COLA for a lump-sum payment of 70% of the value and a 1.5% COLA that is not compounded.
Also under the bill, vested former workers can opt to receive a lump-sum payment amounting to 60% of the value of their pension balance. In both cases, the lump-sum payments must be transferred to tax-qualified retirement plans or accounts.
Mr. Pritzker, who has not released a detailed plan to tackle the state's pension issue, is leading Mr. Rauner in the polls.
In other races and ballot measures to watch:
Democrat Shawn Wooden and Republican Thad Gray are vying to be the next treasurer and the principal fiduciary of the $34.2 billion Connecticut Retirement Plans & Trust Fund, Hartford. Denise L. Nappier, state treasurer for the past two decades, announced earlier this year that she would not seek re-election.
Mr. Wooden is a partner at the law firm of Day Pitney LLP, where he currently leads the firm's public pension plan investment practice.
Mr. Gray retired as chief investment officer of private equity manager Abbott Capital Management to seek the treasurer post. Last year, state House Republican Leader Themis Klarides appointed Mr. Gray to serve on the Connecticut Retirement Security Authority, a task force that supervises the implementation of a state-sponsored retirement savings program for private-sector employees.
Arizona voters will decide on Proposition 125, which would allow the state Legislature to make adjustments to the Arizona Corrections Officer Retirement Plan and the Arizona Elected Officials' Retirement Plan. If approved, cost-of-living adjustments would be capped at 2% for CORP participants and employees hired on or after July 1, 2018, would be required to enroll in a DC plan. EORP participants would also see COLA capped at 2%, down from the current 4% cap, if the measure is approved.
This proposition comes after voters approved a similar measure in 2016 that replaced the permanent benefit increase for the $9.8 billion Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System with a cost-of-living adjustment. The proposition allowed employees hired on or after July 1, 2017, to have a defined contribution retirement plan or a defined benefit hybrid plan, while increases in the COLA were capped at 2%.
In California, Democrat Fiona Ma is running against Republican Greg Conlon for state treasurer. Mr. Conlon has called for new employees of CalPERS and CalSTRS to be enrolled in a defined contribution plan instead of a defined benefit plan. The treasurer serves on both of the state pension plan boards — the $351 billion California Public Employees' Retirement System, Sacramento, and the $229.2 billion California State Teachers' Retirement System, West Sacramento. The candidates are running to replace John Chiang, who sought the Democratic nomination for governor but was defeated in the primary.
Mr. Chiang has been vocal as treasurer about CalPERS and CalSTRS strengthening policies on diversity, governance and divestment, and was instrumental in setting up the state's retirement program for private-sector employees without access to a plan.
Incumbent Thomas P. DiNapoli is running for re-election in a crowded field for New York state comptroller against challengers Jonathan Trichter, Mark Dunlea and Cruger Gallaudet. Mr. DiNapoli, who is widely expected to win, is the sole trustee of the $209.1 billion New York State Common Retirement Fund, Albany.
Mr. DiNapoli is a proponent of publicly traded companies disclosing environmental, social and governance information. He was one of several institutional investors who petitioned the Securities and Exchange Commission to order a uniform approach to how companies disclose and manage potential risks.
In the race for Colorado treasurer, Republican Brian Watson is in favor or raising the retirement age to at least to 67 — to match Social Security — as well as reducing or freezing cost-of-living adjustments and dropping Colorado PERA's assumed rate of return from 7.25% to something more "realistic," according to his campaign website.
The pension reform law the Colorado General Assembly passed in spring includes automatic adjustment provisions to ensure that PERA remains on the path to full funding in 30 years.
The current annual COLA for participants that started receiving benefits prior to Jan. 1, 2007, is 2%. For 2018 and 2019, the pension reform reduces the COLA to zero. For each year thereafter, the COLA is 1.5%. The legislation also raises the retirement age to 64 for new employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2020.
On his campaign website, Mr. Watson said the law doesn't go far enough.
Democratic candidate Dave Young voted against the bill earlier this year as a state legislator and is against raising the retirement age and cutting COLA increases.
The Colorado treasurer has a seat on the PERA board.

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Hello bowling fans! This is Jim Ephlin, at the Rushville Bowl, where all the action is.
The 2013-14 high school bowling season has finished conference play. Both teams finished in the upper half of the standings in Mid Indiana Conference. The girls team finished fourth with a 5-4 record while the boys finished up third with a record of 10-3.
On the boys side, Patrick Duffy had high game of 289 which was third best in the state and J.T. Ephlin had a 530 series which was sixth best in the state. J.T. made the all-conference team with a 201.5 average for 26 games in five different centers. Both teams now start their journey into the state tournament.
The sectional is to be held at Plaza Lanes in Connersville today and Saturday. Today, all our bowlers will be in singles competition bowling three games trying to qualify for the regional. Girls will have to finish in the top 11 to make the regional while the top 15 boys scores will qualify. Saturday, both teams will head back to Connersville for the team portion of the sectional. Teams will bowl two traditional games and then five Baker games to get their final score. The top three girls teams and top four boys teams will advance to regional competition in Richmond the following weekend.
Boys team coached by Robert Jacobs includes Dylan Beard, Mitchell Wagoner, Patrick Duffy, Dylan Kennedy, Nick Hutchinson, Michael Dodge and J.T. Ephlin. The girls are coached by Jay Fields and Greg Gilbert assisted by Lisa Rains. Haylee Rains, Brandi Graham, Lexie Jones, Kiersten Fowler, Megyn Kirchoff and Morgan Hatten make up the girls squad.
The Rushville USBC BA is currently planning its annual championships. Entry blanks are available at the center and there is a Feb. 1 deadline for entry at regular price. Bowlers who are late can still enter until Saturday, Feb. 8, but will be charged a $3 per person per event late fee. There will be two new exciting side pots this year with the introduction of 30 clean and 3 - 6 - 9. In the 30 clean pot, a bowler would have to have no open frames in a three game event to claim his share of the pot. In 3 - 6 - 9, bowlers would be required to record a strike in the third, sixth and ninth frames in all three games of the event.
Last call for any youth bowlers to join our 8 for 8 program that bowl on Sundays at 2 p.m. It is self descriptive as it is eight weeks of bowling for only $8 per week and upon completion the kids get a brand new bowling ball. You can call the center, sign up at www.RushvilleBowl.com or just show up on Sunday.
See you soon!

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Patricia from The Wood Spa shares how she updates a standard wooden dresser into this stunning blue masterpiece using nail head trim. Full DIY tutorial here More
[Dresser-Before-After%255B5%255D.png] I was thinking of doing something similar to my old dresser
Old dresser makeover with gray paint, dark walnut stain and new hardware! | sypsie.com
This old dresser was given a new life with milk paint. See my beginner tips for painting with milk paint | createandbabble.com
Old furniture redo. Want to try for a TV stand in family room.
Cómoda en dos colores:gris y blanco
Mueble baño -Antes y despues - diseño de interiores
Awesome Dresser redo with homemade chalk paint and glaze.
BARELY GRAY DRESSER TUTORIAL :: Mixed 2 parts Old White to 1 part Paris Gray (she noticed it has a hint of blue especially after it's waxed). Lightly distressed w/ a sanding wedge followed up w/ a clear paste wax (she used Johnson's). She used Rub 'n Buff in Stone Gold to freshen up the vintage hardware and give it that "Antique Gold" glow. Only took a couple hours and she did it indoors on a tarp since there's little to no order w/ the ASCP! | #cestationalgirl


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SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT (publ. 04/10/08)
An article about California Assembly Bill 1855 incorrectly described it as having been amended with language that would exempt police officer salaries from public disclosure. That language is currently in a proposed amendment.
An amendment to a bill Monday seeks to push police salary and other basic information about officers back out of public view.
The bill comes on the heels of two state Supreme Court rulings last year finding that salaries and other basic information about police officers are indeed public records.
AB 1855, authored by Assemblyman Anthony J. Portantino, D-La Canada Flintridge, would declare that the salaries of police officers as well as their badge numbers and individual identities are private and cannot be publicly disclosed. The bill’s sponsor is the Peace Officers Research Association of California, a group that lobbies for officers.
The State Supreme Court last year ruled in favor of the Contra Costa Times that the salaries of police officers, as well as all other government employees, are a public record. The court also ruled in favor of the Los Angeles Times that the names and basic employment information such as an officer’s name are public record.
Portantino’s bill, which originally dealt with police interrogation tactics, was amended Monday to ban public disclosure of the information addressed in the court decisions. The bill would also ban the mass release of salary data “including posting or publishing on the Internet.”
Portantino did not return a message left with his spokesman Monday. The research association’s president, Don Cottingham, also didn’t return a phone call.
Contra Costa Times Executive Editor Kevin Keane said lawmakers should let the Supreme Court ruling on salaries stand.
“No legislative end-around is going to change the fact that the citizens of the state of California have a right to information found to be within the public domain,” Keane said. “In the case of police officers’ salaries, the court couldn’t have been clearer.”
The employment files of police officers are banned from public disclosure – unlike records of other government workers in California. Lawyers representing the Oakland Police Officers Association argued before the court last year that salary information should be part of that ban.
But in a sweeping decision, the court ruled that the salaries were public record and can be disclosed on demand, along with those of all other government workers.
“Openness in government is essential to the functioning of a democracy,” Chief Justice Ronald George wrote in a 30-page opinion, upholding a pair of lower court decisions. George wrote that “the strong public interest in knowing how the government spends its money” trumped arguments against disclosure.
The California Newspaper Publisher’s Association began a lobbying effort against Portantino’s bill Monday.
“Portantino’s bill would stop the public from monitoring excessive pay, overtime abuse, nepotism, gender and race discrimination, and the migration of potentially abusive peace officers from one agency to the next,” said Tom Newton the associations’ general counsel said in a statement.
“The bill would make public safety employees wholly unaccountable to the public they serve,” he said.


Return of the Mac: How Apple Silicon will herald a new era at WWDC 2021
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The stage is set for the next year to be the most impressive in the history of Apple's storied line of Macintosh computers, all starting with a grand virtual celebration of the future of the Mac at the company's annual Worldwide Developers Conference.
In hindsight, WWDC 2020's bombshell announcement that Apple is migrating the Mac away from Intel processors to its own custom silicon was really just a teaser to whet the appetite of developers and consumers alike. In the fall, Apple launched a trio of M1-based Macs, all sporting legacy designs in what was a clear effort to communicate: "Just you wait."
We've waited, and now WWDC 2021 is official, to be held June 7 through June 11. While there are rumors of an Apple special event before then, in April, it's likely that the company will showcase new iPads, AirPods, and perhaps its rumored "AirTags." There's even an outside chance of a new Apple TV, but new Mac hardware — and accompanying software enhancements — are a more logical fit for WWDC.
Not only will we likely get new Macs at WWDC, but there's also a good chance that Apple will begin to flex its chipmaking muscles with higher-end models intended for true "pro" users — particularly developers, who are keen to get their coding fingers on the next generations of macOS, iOS and iPadOS.
If the power-sipping, benchmark-setting M1 was a shot across the bow of Intel, AMD and the legacy PC industry, what comes next could be a full frontal assault: a lineup of products ranging from your desktop to your wrist, all on a shared architecture that will make it easier than ever for developers to create applications, and harder than ever for consumers to ignore the Mac as a viable alternative to the vast but creaky PC landscape.
It's a platform play. Just as the iPod was a Trojan horse to get customers interested in the Mac ecosystem, the iPhone has taken it to the next level. Now, with all of your apps and data synced across devices large and small, thanks to the same beating heart at the center of all of its devices, Apple will be in a position to truly own the user experience to a degree that no technology company has ever been able to achieve.
Hardware? Software? Both
Apple has always been known for world-class design married with world-class hardware. But there was a catch: Apple's design prowess was limited by its hardware partners.
There are some suppliers that Apple will continue to rely on for various parts, like memory and wireless connectivity, but over the years the company has taken more control over the components in its devices, in places where CEO Tim Cook and his team feel like Apple can do it better in-house.
The switch to Apple Silicon is the biggest game-changer yet for the Mac. By swapping out the brains of its computers, Apple must no longer design based on the limitations of Intel's legacy x86 architecture.
The problems with Intel's chips were numerous, including heat dissipation and power consumption. Those considerations all affect design, leading to bigger and bulkier machines that require larger batteries and the ability to run at safe operating temperatures.
Of course, by designing its own chips, Apple has not magically defied the laws of physics. But by producing its own low-power, high-performance processors, the company now has greater flexibility to push the design of the Mac in new ways, in new form factors, with all-new looks, without sacrificing any of the horsepower.
WWDC has historically been a software-focused show, and that will likely be no different this year, with the next generation of macOS — expected to be known as macOS 12 — officially unveiled.
But Apple Silicon and the new design possibilities it presents for the Mac mean that Apple will be able to push both its hardware and software in new directions, in tandem, in ways that were not previously possible. More than ever before, WWDC 2021 will reveal the Mac and the Apple ecosystem as a true union of both hardware and software.
The GPU X-factor
It's expected that Apple's high-end machines will sport new Apple Silicon models beefier than the M1 chip that debuted last year in the MacBook Air, Mac mini and MacBook Pro. Whether called an "M1X," "M2" or something else, these processors will need to enable greater capabilities for developers and other professional-grade users, including expanded external monitor support, more port connectivity, and faster processing capabilities.
While faster chips are an inevitability, and we already have a hint of what Apple is truly capable of with the M1, there is still a glaring hole in the Apple Silicon strategy: graphics.
Currently, Apple relies on AMD for discrete graphics processing on its most powerful machines, including the iMac, Mac Pro, and 15-inch MacBook Pro. There is nothing preventing Apple from continuing to use AMD graphics technology for these machines in tandem with Apple Silicon. But will Apple want to continue to rely on an external partner for its GPUs?
With the M1 chip, we have seen a glimpse of Apple's System-on-a-Chip capabilities with onboard graphics. We still don't know how (or if) the company plans to deal with discrete graphics, however.
We may not get an answer on discrete graphics at WWDC 2021, or even in 2021 at all. But at the very least we will likely get a look at what is capable on a more powerful SoC GPU, whether it's the "M1X" or "M2."
Don't forget about iPhone and iPad, too
Apple's products complement each other not only from a user experience perspective, but also from a research and development perspective. Time and time again, we've seen advancements in some platforms and devices come to other products in the Apple lineup.
Touch ID was pioneered on the iPhone before expanding to the iPad and Mac. Apple Watch Force Touch (RIP) paved the way for 3D Touch on the iPhone (RIP) and Apple's Mac trackpad (still alive!). And Apple's custom silicon, dating back to the A4 processor on the first-generation iPad, was part of a long-term strategy to migrate the Mac to its ARM CPUs.
While we almost certainly won't get new iPhone hardware at WWDC 2021, we will get our first glimpse at iOS 15, as well as iPadOS 15. And with the iPhone, iPad, and Mac all running the same chip architecture, the lines between their respective software platforms will be further blurred.
Apple has said repeatedly it has no intention of converging these platforms, so don't expect one OS to rule them all. But it's likely that there will be increased feature parity across the Mac, iPhone and iPad with this year's software updates.
Just the beginning
New designs. New form factors. New capabilities. New colors. It's all on the table for the Mac, which is why this year's WWDC is already full of so much excitement and potential.
Last year's M1 Macs were something of a stopgap, buying Apple more time before it could really showcase the next generation of Mac hardware. And that hardware will be much, much more than just the Apple Silicon powering it.
Apple won't reveal all of its cards at WWDC 2021. The Mac transition to Apple Silicon is a two-year process, and we're only one year into it.
But it's fair to say that WWDC 2021 should give us a clearer view of how Apple envisions the future of the Mac platform. Our first glimpse at the next generation of personal computing kicks off on June 7.


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Photo: Defenseman Zach Trotman was recently recalled to the NHL from the Providence Bruins. Trotman was seventh round pick from the 2010 NHL Draft. (courtesy of Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)
The Boston Bruins strength at the NHL level has always been down the middle and that is no different in their prospect system. The Bruins helped filled out some issues on the wing during the 2014 NHL Draft this past summer with first round pick David Pastrnak, but still remain thin along the boards.
Photo: Winnipeg Jets rookie forward Adam Lowry notched 33 points (17G, 16A) in 64 games for the AHL’s St. John’s IceCaps in 2013-14 (courtesy of Terrence Lee/Icon Sportswire)
Two NHL rookies netted their first career goals on Tuesday night, while another newcomer scored one on the weekend that had been previously overlooked. The Boston Bruins’ Seth Griffith and the Winnipeg Jets’ Adam Lowry each registered their first NHL goal on Tuesday while the St. Louis Blues‘ Jori Lehtera netted his in a Saturday win. Read more»
Photo: Worcester Sharks defenseman and San Jose Sharks prospect Dylan DeMelo led the AHL Sharks in offense in 2013-14 with 24 points in 68 games in his rookie pro season (courtesy of Fred Kfoury/Icon Sportswire)
The Manchester Monarchs were the best team in the AHL‘s Eastern Conference during the 2013-14 regular season, but it was the St. John’s IceCaps who represented the conference in the Calder Cup finals last spring. Read more»
Photo: Goaltender Malcolm Subban is expected to take on full-time starting duties for the Providence Bruins this season. Subban was selected by the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft. (courtesy of Claus Andersen/NHLPA via Getty Images)
The Fall edition of the Hockey’s Future ranking of the Top 50 NHL prospects begins with the prospects ranked 41 thru 50. This group features several prospects on the verge of cracking an NHL roster on a full-time basis, including several picks from the 2014 NHL Draft who have impressed early on.
Photo: Boston Bruins goaltending prospect Malcolm Subban appeared in 33 regular season games for the Providence Bruins in 2013-14, then played in six AHL playoff games for that club (courtesy of Minas Panagiotakis/Icon Sportswire)
Boston Bruins‘ goaltending prospects Malcolm Subban and Zane McIntyre both impressed last season, and big things could be on the horizon for the two netminders. Read more»


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10th November 2012 was our special day. When Ken and I visited Boracay, Philippines in 2011, he told me that he wanted to get married in that beautiful island. After he proposed in December 2011 and told our families of our engagement, the first thing we did was to contact resorts in Boracay.
We kept the wedding simple and the details were all about us. From the Cayman Island coins we used in the ceremony, to the Cayman Island rum cake that we gave to guests, to the table names which were Cayman Island places significant to us, to the passport invite, up to the colour motif which was purple, our favourite colour. We also gave Filipino wines to overseas guests and put Irish and Filipino sweets, and of course Irish tea bags, in our loot bags.
The ceremony was held in a Catholic church in the island and the reception followed on the beach.
We were very much overwhelmed by all the people who flew from different places to attend our wedding. It was a small wedding yet complete. We also got free fireworks that night (courtesy I think of another wedding in Boracay) which made the night more magical!


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Oni Press, the multiple Eisner and Harvey award-winning publisher of comic books and graphic novels, recently announced Let Me Out, the debut queer horror graphic novel from Emmett Nahil (Leatherwood) and British illustrator George Williams (Croc and Roll) - and we've got an exclusive sneak peek of it for you today!
Described as "a tribute to queer cinema and vintage revenge-exploitation films", Let Me Out is set in the suburbs of New Jersey in 1979 and deals with the early onset of "satanic panic" as religious fervor and conservatism sweeps their community and the nation. Scary enough, right? That's not all:
When a corpse is discovered in the woods, a group of queer and trans misfits are falsely accused by the local police of devil worship and murder. With few options and no one to turn to, they decide that the best way to get revenge might just be to embrace the devil after all.
Describing himself as a "literary jack of all trades", Nahil finds his interest and inspiration in intersectional analysis, diverse representation for other queer Middle Easterners, and bringing more nuanced work to genre fiction. In a statement, the Massachusetts-based writer spoke about how Let Me Out is a love letter to horror's queer community:
“Let Me Out turns classic horror tropes on their head, while showcasing how marginalized people are sacrificed on the altars of power [...] This is a story about what happens when a group of queer and trans friends are given the supernatural means to fight back. It is also about found family and the joy one finds in one’s friends, even amidst seemingly inescapable darkness.”
Let Me Out will be available in paperback, at both digital and physical retailers everywhere on October 3, and you can pre-order the graphic novel here. Now, here's your exclusive sneak peek of the (frankly, GORGEOUS looking) Let Me Out!: