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Pistacia chinensis Methanolic Extract Attenuated MAPK and Akt Phosphorylations in ADP Stimulated Rat Platelets In Vitro
Pistacia chinensis (Chinese pistache) is a widely grown plant in southern China where the galls extract is a common practice in folk medicine. However, extracts from this plant have never been attempted for their cardiovascular protective effects in experimental setting. Here therefore we aimed to investigate the antiplatelet activity of Pistacia chinensis methanolic extract (PCME) in ADP stimulated rat platelets in vitro. PCME (2.5–20 g/mL) inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation. While PCME diminished [Ca2+]i, ATP, and TXA2 release in ADP-activated platelets, it enhanced cAMP production in resting platelets. Likewise, PCME inhibited fibrinogen binding to αIIbβ3 and downregulated JNK, ERK, and Akt phosphorylations. Thus, PCME contains potential antiplatelet compounds that could be deployed for their therapeutic values in cardiovascular pathology.
Platelets adhere and mitigate bleeding during vascular injury through plug formation ; nevertheless, their dysfunctions gear toward thrombus development and subsequent cardiovascular pathology . At the injured vascular site, the exposed subendothelial collagen and von Willebrand factor (vWF) initiate platelet activation marked by the secretion of prothrombotic factors like ADP, thrombin, serotonin, and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) . Platelet activation is also further amplified by dense granule secretions (ADP and ATP) and α-granule adhesive molecules like fibrinogen and P-selectin .
ADP activates G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling mediated by two metabotropic purinergic receptors in platelets, Gq-coupled P2Y1 receptor activates phospholipase C whereas Gi-coupled P2Y12 receptor inhibits adenylyl cyclase and activates PI-3K/Akt and ERK . Adenylyl cyclase enhances cyclic adenosine monophosphoate (cAMP) which activates protein kinase (PKA) that inhibits platelet shape change, granule secretion, calcium mobilization, and aggregation . However, ADP-induced adenylyl cyclase attenuation vanishes cAMP production which culminate in platelet activation. Likewise, ADP-stimulated Gi-coupled P2Y12 receptor that activates mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) (ERK, JNK, and p38) and PI-3k/Akt signaling to arrive at similar scenario of platelet activation and aggregation .
Pistacia chinensis (chinese pistache) is a drought resistance deciduous indigenous tree in southern China. The tree is marked by its finely divided dark green foliage with an attractive orange bark which has been used frequently for grafting the commercial Pistacia vera  that showed antiatherosclerosis , anti-inflammatory , and antioxidant effects . Nevertheless, the antiplatelet activity of Pistacia chinensis was unattempted yet. We therefore reported that Pistacia chinensis methanolic extract (PCME) inhibited ADP stimulated rat platelet granule secretions and aggregation in vitro. Furthermore, PCME attenuated ERK, JNK, and Akt phosphorylations in ADP-stimulated platelets, while it enhanced cAMP production.
2. Materials and Methods
Fura-2/AM was obtained from Sigma (St. Louis, MO, USA). ADP was procured from Chrono-log (Havertown, PA, USA). Antibodies against phospho-p44/42, p44/42, phospho-p38, p38, phospho-SAPK/JNK, and -actin were bought from Cell Signaling (Beverly, MA, USA). ATP assay kits were purchased from Biomedical Research Service Center (Buffalo, NY, USA). TXB2 EIA was purchased from Enzo Life Sciences (Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA). cAMP enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits were from Cayman Chemical (MI, USA). Fibrinogen Alexa Fluor 488 conjugate was obtained from Invitrogen molecular probes (Eugene, OR, USA). All other chemicals were of reagent grade.
2.2. Sample Preparation and GC Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Dr. Zhengliu Zhang identified Pistacia chinensis trunk bark collected from Sichuan, China and the voucher specimen (PLSA1301) was deposited at the Unigen Inc., till the extraction date. Trunk bark of Pistacia chinensis was dried and pulverized into powder, of which 159 g with 50% methanol/dichloromethane (MeOH/DCM) extraction yielded 11 g for silica gel fractionation to get 590 mg of subfraction. 300 mg of 500 mg was again further purified by preparative HPLC (Luna C18, 30 × 250 mm) to obtain 30 mg of fraction. PCME of the final fraction (2.5 mg) was employed in GC mass analysis indicating its polyphenolic nature replete with resorcinol (18.9%) and pyridine (2.8%) compounds with common structural moieties (Table 1 and Figure 1) except solvents like methane, DMSO, and dichloroethylene. GC mass spectrometry was performed using Agilent Technology 7890A-Gas Chromatograph system (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA), coupled to XLMSD-5975C equipment operating in electrospray ionisation (EI) mode.
2.3. Platelet Preparation and Aggregation Assay
Platelets preparations from rats were described previously . Briefly, 8 weeks old male Sprague Dawely rats (240–250 g weight) were obtained from Orient Co. (Seoul, Korea) and maintained in a standard laboratory facility with ad libitum feed and water. Whole blood was collected using a 23G needle from abdominal aorta and then transferred into 15 mL test tube containing 1 mL of the anticoagulant acid/citrate/dextrose (ACD, 85 mM trisodium citrate, 83 mM dextrose, and 21 mM citric acid). Blood was centrifuged at 170 ×g for 7 min to obtain platelet-rich plasma which was further centrifuged at 120 ×g for 7 min to remove residual erythrocytes. This platelet-rich plasma was centrifuged twice at 350 ×g with a washing buffer for 10 min to remove the ACD solution, and then platelet precipitates were adjusted to (3 × 108/mL) for aggregation assay in Tyrode buffer (137 mM of NaCl, 12 mM of NaHCO3, 5.5 mM of glucose, 2 mM of KCl, 1 mM of MgCl2, 0.3 mM of NaHPO4, and pH 7.4). All platelet preparations were conducted at room temperature, and all experimental procedures and protocols used in this investigation were reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University.
Platelet aggregation was conducted as mentioned before. Briefly, aggregation was monitored by measuring light transmission in an aggregometer (Chronolog, Havertown, PA, USA). The washed platelets were preincubated at 37°C for 2 min with either PCME or vehicle (<0.1%), and then stimulated with agonists. The reaction mixture was further incubated for 5 min, stirring at 170 ×g.
2.4. Determining [Ca2+]i
The [Ca2+]i was determined with Fura-2/AM as described previously . Briefly, platelets were incubated with 5 M of Fura-2/AM for 30 min at 37°C and washed. The Fura-2-loaded platelets (3 × 108/ml) were then pre-incubated with PCME for 3 min at 37°C in the presence of 1 mM CaCl2, then stimulated with ADP for 5 min. Fluorescence signals were recorded using a Hitachi F-2500 fluorescence spectrofluorometer (F-2500, Hitachi, Japan). Fluorescence emission was determined at 510 nm, with simultaneous excitation at 340 and 380 nm, changing every 0.5 s. Fura-2 fluorescence was measured in a spectrofluorometer by the method of Schaeffer: [Ca2+]i in cytosol = 224 nM × ()/(), where 224 nM is the dissociation constant of the Fura-2-Ca2+ complex, and and represent the fluorescence intensity levels at very low and very high Ca2+ concentrations, respectively. In our experiment, is the fluorescence intensity of the Fura-2-Ca2+ complex at 510 nm after the platelet suspension containing 1 mM of CaCl2 had been solubilized by Triton X-100 (0.1%). is the fluorescence intensity of the Fura-2-Ca2+ complex at 510 nm, after the platelet suspension containing 20 mM Tris/3 mM of EGTA had been solubilized by Triton X-100 (0.1%). represents the fluorescence intensity of the Fura-2-complex at 510 nm after the platelet suspension was stimulated by ADP, with and without PCME, in the presence of 1 mM CaCl2.
2.5. ATP Release Assay
Washed platelets were pre-incubated for 2 min at 37°C with various concentrations of PCME and then platelets were stimulated with ADP for 5 min. After the reaction was terminated, samples were centrifuged and supernatants were used for ATP assay in a luminometer (GloMax 20/20, Promega, Madison, USA) using an ATP assay kit (Biomedical Research Service Center, Buffalo, USA).
2.6. Determination of Thromboxane A2 Generation
Washed platelets (3 × 108/ml) were pre-incubated with or without PCME for 2 min in the presence of 1 mM CaCl2, and then the platelets were stimulated with ADP. Reactions were terminated after 5 min by adding ice-cold 2.5 mM EDTA and 100 M indomethacin. After centrifugation at 14,000 rpm for 3 min at 4°C, the amount of TXB2 (supernatant) was determined using TXB2 EIA kit according to the manufacturer’s protocol (Enzo Life Sciences, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA).
2.7. Measurements of cAMP
Washed platelets were pre-incubated for 2 min at 37°C with various concentrations of PCME or vehicle in the presence of 1 mM CaCl2, and then stimulated with ADP for 5 min in a platelet aggregometer. The reaction was terminated by the addition of equal volumes of 80% ice-cold ethanol. Samples were then centrifuged at 2,000 ×g for 10 min at 4°C and the supernatant cAMP level was determined with a cyclic AMP (Ann Arbor, MI, USA).
Proteins were prepared as previously described . Briefly, platelet suspensions (3 × 108/mL) were pre-incubated with PCME or vehicle. Platelet activation was induced by ADP and the reaction was allowed to proceed for 5 min. After termination of the reaction, lysates were prepared by solubilizing and centrifuging platelets in sample buffer (0.125 M Tris-HCl at pH 6.8, 2% SDS, 2% -mercaptoethanol, 20% glycerol, and 0.02% bromophenol blue) in the presence of protease inhibitors (g/ml: 1 phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride (PMSF), 2 aprotinin, 1 leupeptin, and 1 pepstatin A). Protein concentration was determined using BCA Assay (PRO-MEASURE, iNtRON Biotechnology, Korea). 30 g of protein was separated in 10% SDS-PAGE and transferred to nitrocellulose membrane in transfer buffer (25 mM Tris (pH 8.5), 0.2 M glycine, and 20% methanol). Immunoblots were blocked with TBS-T containing 5% non-fat dry milk, washed, and incubated with primary antibody diluted in a blocking solution. The immunoblots were again probed with horseradish peroxidase secondary antibody, and membranes were visualized using enhanced chemiluminescence, ECL (iNtRON Biotechnology, Korea).
2.9. Fibrinogen-Binding Assay
Alexa Fluor 488-fibrinogen binding to the washed platelets was quantified by flow cytometry. Briefly, the washed platelets were pre-incubated with PCME at room temperature in the presence of 0.1 mM CaCl2. The platelets were then stimulated by ADP for 5 min, and immediately incubated with Alexa Fluor 488-human fibrinogen (20 g/mL) for 5 min and fixed with 0.5% paraformaldehyde at 4°C for 30 min. Platelets were pelleted by centrifugation at 2000 ×g at 4°C and resuspended in 500 L PBS. Binding of fibrinogen to integrin was measured in the presence of calcium chelator EGTA 1 mM. Fluorescent intensities were determined using FACS Calibur cytometer (BD Biosciences, San Jose, UAS), and data were analyzed using CellQuest software (Becton Dickinson Immunocytometry Systems, San Jose, CA).
2.10. Statistical Analysis
One-way analysis of variance was used for data analysis followed by a post hoc Dunnett’s test for statistical significance. All data were means ± S.E.M. values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
3.1. PCME Inhibited ADP-Induced Platelet Aggregation
ADP is a well-known soluble agonist for platelet aggregation and thrombus formation . Previously, we showed that ADP at 10 M induced complete platelet aggregation and, therefore, this concentration was used to induce platelet aggregation in this study. PCME (5–20 g/mL) showed a dose dependent inhibition of ADP (10 M) induced platelet aggregation in rat platelets with a potent effect observed at the highest dosage (20 g/mL) used (Figure 2).
3.2. PCME Attenuated ADP-Induced [Ca2+]i Elevation and ATP Release
Platelet activation is marked by the release of platelet granular contents. Therefore, we determined whether PCME used at various concentrations attenuated the release of [Ca2+]i and ATP from dense granules in platelets stimulated with ADP. PCME (5–20 g/mL) strongly diminished [Ca2+]i mobilization (Figure 3(a)), and the same inhibitory effect on ATP release was observed at a lesser degree (Figure 3(b)).
3.3. The Effect of PCME on TXA2 and cAMP Generation in ADP-Activated Platelets
While thromboxane A2 (TXA2) is an important mediator in the amplification of platelet activation, cAMP plays an imperative role in antiplatelet activity. Therefore, we measured the intracellular level of ADP-induced TXA2 generation and the level of cAMP in unstimulated platelets pretreated with PCME in vitro. PCME (5–20 g/mL) markedly inhibited the stable form of TXA2 (i.e., TXB2) in ADP-stimulated platelets (Figure 4(a)) whereas the level of cAMP was profoundly upregulated and its level at the highest concentration of PCME (20 g/mL) was comparable with that of forskolin used at 1 M (Figure 4(b)).
3.4. PCME Attenuated JNK, ERK, and Akt Phosphorylations in ADP-Induced Platelets
Phosphorylations of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) (ERK, p38, and JNK) and Akt in platelets are closely associated with platelet activation and aggregation. Hence, we determined if PCME inhibited MAPK and Akt phosphorylations in ADP stimulated platelets. Whereas p38 phosphorylation was unaffected by PCME (5–20 g/mL), ERK and JNK phosphorylations were dose-dependently suppressed in ADP-activated platelets (Figure 5(a)). Moreover, PCME totally demolished phosphorylation of Akt beyond 5 g/ml of concentration (Figure 5(b)).
3.5. PCME Inhibited Fibrinogen Binding to Integrin in ADP-Activated Platelets
Integrin activation and the subsequent fibrinogen binding to are crucial events in platelet aggregation. Thus, we determined whether fibrinogen binding to integrin was inhibited in platelets pretreated with PCME and stimulated by ADP. Our finding revealed that PCME at 10 and 20 g/mL inhibited fibrinogen binding to activated integrin in ADP-stimulated rat platelets (Figures 6(a) and 6(b)).
In this study, we reported that Pistacia chinensis methanolic extract (PCME) displayed broad inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation, calcium mobilization, ATP release, TXA2 formation, and fibrinogen binding to in ADP-activated platelets. Moreover, PCME enhanced cAMP production in unstimulated platelets whereas it downregulated ADP-stimulated ERK, JNK, and Akt phosphorylations.
ADP activates two G-protein-coupled purinoceptors, P2Y12 and P2Y1, to transduce its intracellular signaling . P2Y1 receptor is linked to Gq to activate PLC with consequent formation of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and Ca2+ release in one side and 1,2-diacylglycerol required for protein kinase C (PKC) activation on the other. P2Y12 receptor is linked to the adenylate cyclase inhibiting Gi-protein . Here, therefore, we explored that PCME inhibited the rise of [Ca2+]i in ADP stimulated platelets (Figure 3(a)) while it upregulated the level of cAMP in resting platelets (Figure 4(b)), suggesting that ADP receptors could be among the potential targets of PCME via upregulation of cAMP which has been reviewed as inhibitor of G-protein-coupled receptors , albeit this needs further insightful verification. Likewise, previous reports indicated that resorcinol showed antiplatelet activity  mediated through COX-1 inhibition , implicating that the diminished release of TXA2 (Figure 4(a)) at this moment might be originated from a similar effect of resorcinol available in PCME.
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt play platelet activation via sequential activation of PI-3K/Akt, nitric-oxide synthase 3, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), and cGMP-dependent protein kinase . Thus, PCME-mediated inhibition of Akt (Figure 5(b)) may unravel the potential anti-platelet activity of this extract that could be mediated through modulation of PI-3K/Akt/cGMP signaling path-way despite that cGMP has also been reported to inhibit platelet activation . Moreover, a recent report indicated that PI-3Kβ plays an important role in ADP-induced ERK activation and TXA2 generation , implying that PCME-mediated inhibition of ERK phosphorylation and TXA2 release might indicate its potential target at P2Y12 /PI-3K/Akt signaling. Likewise, Adam et al. reported that JNK1−/− platelets showed impaired platelet secretion that brought altered integrin activation and reduced platelet aggregation via a mechanism involving PKC . Therefore, we speculated that the reduced fibrinogen binding to (Figures 6(a) and 6(b)) could be partly attributed to JNK1 inactivation (Figure 5(a)) that might be linked to impaired P2Y12-dependent PKC function in PCME pretreated platelets.
We conclude that PCME inhibited ADP-stimulated rat platelet aggregation, JNK, ERK, and Akt phosphorylations. While PCME downregulated TXA2 release and fibrinogen binding to in activated platelets, it showed enhanced cAMP production at the resting state. Thus, PCME could be considered as a potential antiplatelet agent targeting ADP amplified second wave of platelet secretion and aggregation.
|PCME:||Pistacia chinensis methanolic extract|
|MAPK:||Mitogen-activated protein kinase|
|PKA:||Protein kinase A|
|ERK:||Extracelluar signal-regulated kinase|
|JNK:||c-jun N-terminal kinase.|
This research was supported by a Grant from Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (110109-03-2-HD110), Republic of Korea.
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domain: literature


text:
A personal letter from Steve Martin. It's a personalized form letter he sent to fans who had written him.
IKEA uses 1% of the world’s wood every year. But their efforts at sustainability seems sincere.
Hump day musical interlude: I’m pretty sure this is the last song Warren Zevon recorded. It’s from his great posthumously-released album “The Wind”. It can't be embedded, but you can watch it at the link.
Why baby jaguars hate facebook.

domain: entertainment


text:
Ed Buck, a previous Democrat benefactor and supporter of Hillary Clinton, was condemned to 30 years in government jail Thursday after two youthful individuals of color were tracked down dead in his West Hollywood condo.
Between 2017 and 2019, the two men, Gemmel Moore and Timothy Dean, strangely kicked the bucket in Ed Buck’s loft. Afterward, it was found that the Democrat benefactor focused on attracting youthful people of color, a considerable lot of whom were impoverished, to his home. He would infuse them with methamphetamine and medicate them with narcotics once without their consent.
After pondering for four hours, a jury viewed Buck as blameworthy last year. It convicted him on two appropriation counts of controlled substances bringing about death. ABC News noted:
Likewise, he was viewed as genuine fault for tempting Moore and one more man to go to Los Angeles to participate in prostitution, purposely and purposefully appropriating methamphetamine, and involving his West Hollywood loft to circulate opiates like methamphetamine, the tranquilizers gamma-hydroxybutyric corrosive (GHB) and clonazepam.
In the condemning reminder, government investigators complimented lifelong incarceration for the 67-year-old, contending that his “unquenchable craving for infusing individuals turned deadly two times.”
“Buck requested his casualties in different ways, including utilizing web-based entertainment stages, dating and escort sites, or using references from earlier casualties, including people he employed to accomplish other work for him, offering a locater’s expense for references. The proof showed,” the report added.
Buck gave more than $500,000 to Democrat Party causes and, surprisingly, went about as one of California’s Electoral College individuals during the 2016 political decision. He likewise gave cash to California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and Reps. Adam Schiff and Ted Lieu (D-CA).
During the preliminary, Buck’s attorneys guaranteed that the casualties were drug addicts and were not killed by the meth Buck had provided.

domain: news


I was asked to play with these guys again in November.
A super fun event for the Donvale Probus Club 15th birthday celebrations, and later that week at the Manningham Centre – Cassia House.
We received some of the nicest feedback….
From ALL of our Probus members who attended our 15th Birthday on the 15th November, sincere thanks for a wonderful celebration. This Spit Roast Dinner is becoming a regular night out for our Club each year. And your Band gave us the best night we have had yet.
If I were to list the highlights of the evening, the Band would lead with a host of compliments. What a wonderful sound you achieve! It’s not only the professionalism of your musicians. It’s the energy, the relaxed fun, your fantastic timing and cohesion, and the joy you give out to everyone present. It seemed that we all “lost” a few solemn decades and really let our hair down.
After two brave souls led us on to the dance floor, the dancing took off and everyone had a BALL! Once again, it was the Band’s exuberance which led to so many dancers dropping their (careful, now!) inhibitions and jazzing with the best of them. Each player was totally absorbed in the music, sustaining a terrific beat. And the flute ‘solo’ was an unexpected and amazing performance. Next
time I want to SEE the drummer, as well as hear his rhythm. And as for the curious ORANGE trombone, I have to ask: HOW? WHY?
We hope that your musicians and their partners enjoyed the dinner as much as we did. The caterers are very well organised, and there was plenty of good food to sustain our energies. I’m confident our members will want a repeat performance, and we can improve at least two things: more room for the players to perform, and the Band’s lady guests being seated with Club members while the Band is playing.
On behalf of the Committee and Members of the Probus Club of Donvale-Tunstall, please accept our grateful thanks for your wonderful playing, friendliness and good humour. You did us proud!Yours sincerely, Margery Joan, Secretary
Wasn’t much more to say – it was fantastic….
I’ll get the chance to play with the Bluetone Jazz Band again in 2015 at Halls Gap. That will be a great weekend – hope to see you there.
Our last Soiree Musique for 2014 was Friday 28th November.
It’s been a really enjoyable year, sharing music, organizing these events with Kevin. I was surprised that I could actually help run something like this – thanks Kevin for encouraging me!
It’s also been so wonderful knowing that we are giving people a chance to perform, become confident in their own performance ability or just seeing everyone have a really great time.
I’ve met some great musicians and made loads of new friends.
The nights are really long, but usually the next morning my feet have recovered and I start to look forward to the next one.
We have a break in December but come back ready to have a whole lot more fun on 23rd January @ Francescas – Northcote.
For all the event details – check the Facebook Page (Melbourne Music Performers – Meetup), or better still – sign up to the group:-
A really lovely night.ï¿½ Excellent audience.ï¿½ Thank you to all our loyal supporters.
It was a special night, two bands:-
Both bands were fantastic – thanks to Roger for inviting us and also for him and Rory for joining Jazz Notes as we backed Sevil Sabah in ï¿½Autumn Leavesï¿½.
We hope to do it again in 2015 – In fact it’ll probably be round the end of February, so keep an eye on the “what’s on page”
Thanks Marion for the photos!
One of my former students is a member of the BEA Cantare Choir. Over the last 4 years I have been invited to perform as part of their concert, sometimes accompanying the choir, other times as a solo artist with the wonderful Kate Denmead on piano, accompanying me. It’s a chance for me to prepare some beautiful classical pieces.
This year Ashely and Kevin joined me. I had been asked to fill two spots so, firstly I played a selection of tunes with Kevin, mainly modern and jazz, then later, a lovely Handel Flute Sonata (accompanied by Kate) and then a interesting version of Take Five with Ashley and Kate . It was a lovely afternoon, great music. The Knox Community Arts Centre is a great performance venue.
It was a pleasure to be invited to perform.
It had been a while since we’d played at The Vesbar and I was very exited when Bev contacted me and asked if we could play on Friday 21st November.
So it was a quick trip down Eastlink on a beautiful,warm Friday evening, lovely friendly atmosphere – we had a great time. Good music too!
Thanks to Bev for inviting us to play, hope to be back again soon.
Thanks to Marion for talking such great photos. Lots more on Jazz Notes website.
Buddy asked Kevin and I if we would like to join him and a few others for an evening at the Famous Blue Raincoat Cafe – The answer was YES!
It was a great chance to play with Buddy again as I had recently worked on a song or two on Buddy’s most recent recording project.
It was our first time at The Famous Blue Raincoat, a really nice venue where we were well looked after by James, Vanessa and Holly.
Unfortunately, the venue is changing hands and live music might not be in the future plans.
Buddy Love (vocals)
Ann Craig (flute)
Kevin Blazé (guitar)
Jess Wood (bass)
Spike Kiernan (drums)
Tuesday October 28th.
Another fun spot at Dizzy’s with Standing Tall – A perfect opportunity to present our program for the Wangaratta Jazz Festival.
It was a great night of music – thanks to everyone who came to listen and enjoy.
Sunday 2nd November @ Wangaratta Jazz Festival
Standing Tall played on the Reid Street Stage – the audience was huge. It was good to see some familiar faces and friends from the Jazz Jam come to hear us. The session was recorded Live – and from all accounts, the recording is pretty good. Apparently there will be a CD made from this recording and we’ll be offering it to everyone at our Open Studio gig in December.


text:
so when you ask
"is something wrong?"
well you're damn right there is
"'"but we can't talk about it now"'"
this is the second in a series of wallpapers im submiting.
if there are any changes you would like me to make to any of the WPs, please let me know, and i would be more than happy to change it.
also, if you have any ideas for wallpapers (i am mostly looking into making music/bands WPs) i'd be glad to make them. just give me a band name, and i should be able to come up with something decent.
please let me know if you are using one of my wallpapers, it boosts my self confidence

domain: artistic


Eliminate costly PCB insertion rework by using the Manix Multipoint assembly system. Simply insert the component into the circuit board, depress the foot pedal, and the component will be either cut or cut and bent for good mechanical retention. Stop part fallout during PCB transport or costly post solder rework due to component lifting during wave soldering.
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text:
Well first off I would like to say thank you to who ever reads my blog or even shows any interest in it. It is truly humbling and an honor to have any one looking at my work or even my blog; Thank you so much.A work of my poetry from time to time. Was known as "The Bear, The Devil and THE Invisible Sun" and also"The Schematics of a Balloon"
Elijah (Elijah's Comet) By John McKinley Pride Jr
Elijah (Elijah's Comet)I named this painting after my son because it reminded me of him so full of life and color. My wife thought it looked like a comet which even gives more of a reason to remind me of my son because every thing he does is so up in the air and every thing must be done fast. So I hope you love this painting just as much as I love it.

domain: hobby


Maria mentioned an article by DR Steven Kapp, developmental psychologist with expertise in autism and neurodiversity at Portsmouth University.
Hannah has delivered psycho-educational workshops focused on neurodivergence with offenders across UK prisons since 2012. She spent two years working alongside St. Giles Trust to specifically improve service provision for women with mental health and complex support needs within the UK Criminal Justice System. As part of this funding, Hannah delivered specialist training around autism and ADHD to both staff and offenders across seven prisons nationwide, with a view to rolling out this first-of-its-kind training across other systems in the criminal justice system. SEE HANNAHHEYWOOD.CO.UK
Contact Maria by email: firstname.lastname@example.org


And all addictions lead to degradation.
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How abortion will affect the presidential primaries.
Plus, more on George Santos and the last word (we hope) on gas stoves.
On the moral power of leadership, for good and ill.
I won’t vote for her. Will I?
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is stepping down.
Democracy doesn’t work at scale unless you add a competitive element.
It may be up to voters in 2024 to mete out punishment to the New York Republican: A Dispatch Explainer.
Curious George and the limits of populist grift.
Lawmakers gear up for yet another fight over raising the debt limit.
These new deficit hawks aren’t opposed to racking up debt, they just want to be the ones doing it.
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Pulling Ron DeSantis back down into the bucket.
Donald Trump is still the only announced candidate for 2024.
Former prosecutor Robert Hur will head the investigation into Biden’s classified documents case.


text:
Eating five times a day can help weight loss
A new study has suggested that eating five times a day can help keep your weight down, as scientists reject the idea that three daily meals is the key to staying healthy.
The researchers say that a daily routine of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus two further snacks can help shed pounds.
But breaking the routine can lead to weight gain. The study, published in the International Journal of Obesity, shows that skipping breakfast is connected with putting on weight.
4,000 children were studied right through from birth to age 16 by health experts from East Finland University. They kept records of weight and lifestyle habits; from what kind of food and drink they ate to how often, as well as genetic factors such as the weight of the parents.
As found in previous studies, they confirmed that having obese parents increases the risk of obesity in children. This risk rises if the mother is obese before pregnancy, rather than if she put weight on during pregnancy.
Those who kept to a regular eating pattern of five meals a day – the three main ones with two snacks in between – grew up with a lower body mass index (BMI). This was even true of the children who had obese parents. However, irregular eating patterns, such as skipping breakfast, led to a higher BMI.
Researchers believe eating patterns are an important “early life risk factor associated with obesity” and a daily eating routine can offset other factors, even genetic ones.
Lead researcher Anne Jaaskelainen said: “It is important to be aware that the effects of predisposing genetic factors can be modified by lifestyle habits such as regular meal frequency.”

domain: food


text:
Helianthus giganteus L.
Determiner: Melchert, T. E. (1959-01-01)
Melchert, Thomas E. s.n.
United States, Wisconsin, Ashland, Jct. of the Bad River and Hwy 77 [NW of Morse]
46.23487521 -90.66599212 +-1138m. 166506
T43N R02W sec06
Latitude/Longitude was derived from the Township, Range, Section location. This causes an imprecision.
RR between river and forest.
Record Id: 19f2b062-dd7c-49e0-bd86-de859d3a2559
Occurrence ID (GUID):

domain: biology


text:
Real fitness. Real gaming. Zero compromise.
Quell is the first game to offer you a high-intensity, full-body, resistance-based combat workout at home. Travel through an exciting fantasy world fighting enemies with your bare hands and get fit at the same time.
Lose yourself in the thrill of the fight with high-accuracy, ultrafast motion tracking. No headset or cameras.
Feel every punch like it’s real with powerful, 25G haptics in the chest and hands
Run, jump, punch, duck and dodge taking on tough challenges to earn exciting rewards.
Tailored to you
Each fight guides you through an effective workout tailored to your fitness goals.
The Quell system
The Quell system is a next-generation wearable console. We’ve designed it from the ground up to deliver an incredible fitness gaming experience.
Get straight to the action. The Quell system has been designed for lightning-fast set-up as well as easy adjustment, charging and machine washing. And it works with any PC.
Gym-quality exercise with real resistance
Burn more calories than a spin class or gym session with real resistance and live biometrics. Every challenge is a full-body workout designed just for you.
The future of fitness gaming
After each fight, you’ll be able to see how you’re improving through clear metrics like calories burned, punch speed, strength and accuracy. Quell will also analyse your form, teaching you the foundations of good boxing technique as you play.
Furthermore, the workouts you do elsewhere aren’t wasted — Quell rewards you for your efforts in your favourite fitness apps with character progression and unique items.
Quell is a real game.
Not a boxing simulator.
The first game for the Quell system, codenamed ‘Guardian’, has you fighting your way through a brand new fantasy world. Lose yourself in an amazing story, exhilarating combat and endless exploration. The fate of the world rests on your shoulders.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re aiming to launch batch one in Q4 of this year. After that, we’ll be releasing a new batch every quarter. There’s still some space left in batch one, so order now to guarantee you get it first!
All you need is a Windows PC or laptop, and a TV if you want to play on a larger screen. Everything else comes in the box! We’ve designed Quell to run smoothly even on low-end machines.
No knowledge or experience necessary. Quell builds a session tailored to your fitness level and goals every time you play, so you can focus on the immersive gameplay. No planning, no reading, no stress.
Our user testers burned more calories playing Quell than running, cycling or going to the gym. Quell also gives you a full-body workout, including shoulders, arms, chest, core, back, and legs. You can adjust the resistance bands to focus more on building strength or endurance. Whatever your fitness goals, Quell will give you an incredible, immersive workout.
Quell’s difficulty is fully customised to you, whether you’re a fitness fanatic or just getting started on your journey. We use your biometrics to set gameplay challenges and recommend the perfect resistance. As you get stronger, the game gets harder, keeping the level just right for you.
We’ve designed Quell to accommodate a wide range of shapes and sizes, with carefully considered adjustment points to get you the perfect fit.
Quell+ is our optional premium subscription, which will help us deliver amazing updates including new enemies, worlds, workouts, exercise analysis, and game modes. As a thanks for being a pre-order customer, you’ll get at least three months completely free. If it’s not for you, you can cancel at any time and still play the full game. We’ll be releasing more details on Quell+ soon.
The wearable is made with 100% machine washable, hygienic fabrics. Just throw it in the wash between sessions and come back to a fresh kit.
We consulted physiotherapists and boxers to build safety into every aspect of the design. For example, the resistance bands are anchored below the wrist to avoid common boxing injuries.
As with any vigorous physical activity, we recommend contacting your healthcare provider to discuss any medical issues.
”Quell is the perfect way to videogame away my aversion to exercise.Kevin LinTwitch Co-founder
Start your adventure today
Our launch batch is selling out fast, with more than 80% of pre-order slots reserved.


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Are the stones crying out???
As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5
Well, to be quite frank, unless some day someone finds the directions and reason behind this formation no one really knows; it is a mystery.
Recently I have begun to think on the idea of stones or rocks as a monument in scripture.
I think of Exodus 24, where Moses was commanded by God to set up 12 stone pillars representing the 12 tribes of Israel.
I think of Joshua 4; where the stones were taken from the middle of the Jordan and stacked on the other side as a reminder...a place to tell of the rescue of the Israelites by God, a memorial forever to remind them.
I think of the shepherd boy David, anointed to be a king who chose five smooth stones to stand against a giant.
The rebuke of John the Baptizer against the Pharisees and Sadducee's comes to mind; "...out of these stones God can raise up children foe Abraham."
Jesus said that even if those who shouted Hosanna at his entrance into Jerusalem were quiet that the stones would cry out (Luke 19:40)
The idea that I am slowly getting to is this. If Stonehenge were all that important of a "monument" then there would be someone to tell the story. As it is, those who brought it to be have long since vanished and there seems to be none who can recall the true reason for its being there.
I hope that this never happens to our churches. I pray that we can be people who always hold to the reason that we are here, the reason we gather together with the name of Christ over our doors, that we are stones being raised up top be priests, with words written not on tablets of stone, but instead the tablets of human hearts.
Let us be the stones that are raised up to cry out, let us be the ones to point out the stone set in Zion and the reason for His presence.
Let us point people to Jesus and tell the story of the crossing over from sin and death to everlasting healing and life.
Let us follow the urging of Peter in 1 Peter 2:1-3;
"Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."
Give me Jesus!


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In the previous post I’ve written about new features in Neo4j. One of the new game changing functions were stored procedures. But, as I experienced, getting them to run on a Windows / .NET environment wasn’t that easy, and I was seeing “There is no procedure with the name …” more often then I wished for. So here is a short how to. Hope to save you some googling.Continue reading...
And as with previous major release (it introduced Cypher) there are many bug fixes, tweaks, speed improvements, but here are my personal favorites:Continue reading...
The last time I described the hardware cookit is running on. Commonly referred as crap.
Now it’s time for some info what exactly is running on this fine pieace of hardware.
So, what is responsible for what?
- The website - besides the obvious of serving the cookit.pl, it also hosts the admin panel and Hangfire dashboard. This part is almost read-only. Even the admin panel - all it does is schedule a Hangfire job and that’s it.
That idea stuck with me since reading a blog post about how reddit is architectured. And by the way it is a must read blog for anyone interested in how the big guys design their systems.
As a pet project, I’m running cookit.pl - a search engine for recipes, ingredients and food in general.
I will be writing some more about the software side and all the problems I’ve encountered, but because StackExchange published it’s hardware setup I also felt in need to share what is my hardware.
Let’s start with…Continue reading...


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- Secure & data privacy compliant collaboration between primary and specialist care providers
- Full patient pathway managed by the platform and configurable to local needs and protocols
- Dedicated remote reporting application with tasking management, inter-specialist collaboration, structured reporting and documentation
- Simple, easy to use workflows and image capture for primary care providers
- Performance statistics configurable to local requirements to track trends and value delivered to the network
- Integrations to 3rd party patient record and image archive systems
Watch a short video about Dermicus teledermatology platform.


text:
Showing Collections: 21 - 30 of 38
Collection — Box: 4
Scope and Contents This collection is composed of the papers of Jill Beck, President of Lawrence University from 2004 to 2013. The collection primarily documents Beck's presidency from her selection through her departure. Materials are in both paper and digital format and include articles and biographical information, documentation of Beck's installation, correspondence, and speeches and writings.
Collection — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents The collection contains records documenting the 1964 consolidation of Milwaukee-Downer College with Lawrence College to form Lawrence University. Official and legal documents, correspondence between the two institutions regarding the logistics of transferring people and materials, financial records, and publications describing the consolidation, including newspaper articles, are included. The bulk of the records date from 1963 to 1965, but materials discussing the future of Milwaukee-Downer...
Collection — Box: 1
Scope and Contents This collection contains materials documenting Lewis M. Alexander's service on the Lawrence University Board of Trustees, 1894 to 1931. The bulk of the collection contains correspondence with President Wriston regarding the building of the Alexander Gymnasium. Other materials document the building of Peabody Hall (the Conservatory of Music) and the Schneller-Whiting Gate. The collection also includes newspaper clippings regarding Alexander's death and the October 1934 issue of ...
Scope and Contents This collection includes the correspondence of Lucia R. Briggs, the second President of Milwaukee-Downer College, along with articles written about and by her. It also contains photographs documenting Briggs’s 30 year tenure at Milwaukee-Downer College.
Scope and Contents The collection includes materials documenting the tenure of Merton M. Sealts as an English professor at Lawrence University, 1948 to 1965. Contents include correspondence, newspaper clippings, faculty meeting minutes, photographs, as well as articles written by Sealts.
Scope and Contents This collection contains the administrative, financial, and historical records of Milwaukee-Downer College, primarily dating from 1895 to 1964. Records of its predecessor institutions, Downer College and Milwaukee College, dating back to 1848 are also included, as well as records documenting the activities of Milwaukee-Downer alumnae since the consolidation with Lawrence College in 1964. Materials include correspondence, financial records, and subject files of the Board of Trustees, Office of...
Abstract This collection is composed of the papers that document the presidency of Nathan Pusey, president of Lawrence University from 1944-1953. Materials include both incoming and outgoing correspondence of Pusey, speeches he gave while at Lawrence University, and photographs of Pusey while he was at Lawrence and when he visited Lawrence after leaving as president. The inauguration of Pusey is documented through programs, photographs, and correspondence. Articles, correspondence, and photographs of...
Scope and Contents This series of bound volumes contains records of the Office of the President dating from 1954 to 1978, during the tenures of Presidents Knight, Tarr, and Smith. Records include papers, minutes, and reports from various administrators, committees, and the Board of Trustees. Correspondence and minutes from the Associated Colleges of the Midwest and the Wisconsin Foundation of Independent Colleges are also included.
Collection — Multiple Containers
Scope and Contents This collection contains records of the Office of the Provost and Dean of the Faculty, and functionally related records pre-dating the creation of this office, from 1891 to the present. Previous titles of the Provost and Dean of the Faculty include the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Academic Dean. Records include files of the dean, annual reports submitted by faculty, records of grants made to faculty, and files documenting other subjects related to faculty and the academic program...
Collection — Box: 1
Scope and Contents The collection contains materials documenting the search for a president from 1969 to 2004, during which time Presidents Thomas Smith, Richard Warch, and Jill Beck were appointed. Materials include correspondence between the search committee and nominated candidates for the position, as well as letters from colleges across the country providing suggestions for the new president. Interview schedules and resumes of candidates are also included.
- Subject: Education, Higher -- Administration X
- Lawrence University 16
- Office of the President 13
- Smith, Thomas Stevenson 4
- Tarr, Curtis W. 4
- Wriston, Henry M. (Henry Merritt) 4
- Knight, Douglas M. 3
- Milwaukee-Downer College 3
- Pusey, Nathan M. (Nathan Marsh) 3
- Tarr, Curtis W., 1924- 3
- Barrows, Thomas N. 2
- Knight, Douglas M., 1921-2005 2
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (U.S.) 2
- Plantz, Samuel 2
- Warch, Richard 2
- Wriston, Henry M. (Henry Merritt), 1889-1978 2
- Alexander, Lewis M. 1
- Associated Colleges of the Midwest 1
- Association of American Colleges 1
- Beck, Jill 1
- Briggs, Lucia 1
- Burrows, David 1
- Butterfield, Victor 1
- Conservatory of Music 1
- Cooke, Edward 1
- Crane, Theodore Rawson, 1929- 1
- Dean of Students 1
- Duke University 1
- Gallagher, Charles Wesley 1
- Harvard University 1
- Huntley, Elias DeWitt 1
- Mason, Russell Zelotes 1
- Methodist Church (U.S.). Board of Education 1
- Naylor, Wilson S. (Wilson Samuel) 1
- Plantz, Samuel, 1859-1924 1
- Raney, William Francis 1
- Raymond, Bradford Paul 1
- Remley, Arthur P. 1
- Sabin, Ellen C. 1
- Sampson, William Harkness 1
- Sealts, Merton M. 1
- Steele, G. M. (George McKendree) 1
- Student Army Training Corps (S.A.T.C.) 1
- Watts, Ralph J. 1
- Wesleyan University (Middletown, Conn.) 1
- White, Alice Nash 1
- White, Kirby Bowen 1
- Wisconsin Foundation of Independent Colleges 1 ∧ less

domain: library


text:
Unleash the power of letting go (Surrender to the flow of Life)
Surrendering and letting go into alignment is the key to your freedom.
I can’t tell you how powerful this is, and right now, what is happening in the world, and in our individual lives — A HUGE shift is taking place, and from this moment on, alignment is what will be the way forward.
Those who try to hold on to control will struggle and suffer, but if you yield to the organic and natural unfolding of your life you’re able to stay calm and confident despite the turmoil that is going on around in the world and in your personal life.
The old ways are dying and falling away and the control is out of our hands.
All we can do is to let it happen, and by doing that we welcome in the new that is currently being born.
What this means for you personally I don’t know, but it can be about people falling away from your life, marriages falling apart, people losing their jobs, income sources drying out, and so on.
Whatever it is that is trying to leave your life — Let it.
Let it leave, because something better and more aligned is trying to come into your life but it can’t come before you let the old go.
In this process of letting the old die and fall away there might be a lot of tears — Cry them out.
Don’t distract yourself with ‘doing’, but instead sit with yourself and whatever it is that you’re feeling. (Or get help to release the old)
Be with the pain, but in a compassionate, self-loving way.
Let the feelings be seen and felt so that they can be released.
There’s a lot of uncertainty at the moment, and the small self’s reaction to the unknown is always to grasp for control, but right now — no matter how much you try to control things, you won’t be able to.
Release yourself from the burden of trying to figure things out.
Surrender to the flow of Life, and let the higher and deeper aspect of yourself be in charge and direct your ways.
– Can you feel the relief in that?
There’s a lot of egoic patterns that are being released at the moment, so much surrendering going on, and purging of the old.
Let yourself be lead and remain quiet until a new direction is shown.
You don’t have to search for the next step, it will be shown when you let go of the need to know the next step.
I know, it can be really difficult! Taking steps and ‘doing’ is easy; it’s the standing still that is hard.
We’re so conditioned to live with pressure and stress and always forcing our way forwards, but the only way forward now is by letting go of the steering wheel.
Something greater than our small ego’s is in charge, and the calling for all of us, both globally and individually, is to give our lives over to That.
In this process you might go through a chemicalization process, which can be very painful and emotionally intense.
If you are in some kind of cleansing and purging process, then be committed to Truth like you’ve never been before – You have to!
You can’t let the old life drag you back (or down!).
Do not let the old thought-patterns get hold of you, because if you do, they will again come to own you.
You have to not let yourself be caught up in the feelings and beliefs of the conditioned self, but instead keep affirming the Truth of your life and who you really are.
Actively and consciously refrain from reacting to your thoughts and instead yield to Truth. Over and over again if you have to.
Here’s an old post that came to mind that will help you stay on course: “Truth Mantra”.
Life from now on will be about connection, about LOVE, Truth, alignment, and everything that is not resonating with this new vibration will fall away whether we like it or not.
It doesn’t have to be ‘bad’ things, it can also be about things/people/places that are just not aligning with you anymore.
It might be something in your life that has come to a natural end, a completion of a cycle if you will, or something you might be hoping will get better while deep down you know it never will.
It can be that it’s just not serving you anymore or that you have organically outgrown away from it but are still trying to keep it alive for some reason and it’s just not good for you anymore.
Questions that you can ask yourself:
- “What is trying to leave, or die, in my life, or in me?”
- “What is trying to come into my life?”
- “What wants to happen, awaken, or be born, in me, and in my life?”
If we tune within, the answers will come.
Even if it’s just an incling, a small inner ‘knowing’, then begin there.
Have the courage to follow That.
There’s a quiet knowing within you that is pointing the way to the new and you can ask this simple question to tune into the Truth within you:
“What is my ‘quiet knowing’?”, and then something will come to your awareness.
Here’s a link to other articles with questions you can ask yourself that will be helpful to you:
When we stop trying to figure things out and instead take some time to pray/communicate, be still, and listen to silence, answers will come.
Solutions will come, but for as long as you desperately seek and search for them them, the new awareness and insights you need only gets blocked.
If worry or anxiety comes up, stay with yourself, and surrender even more deeply into your true nature.
It’s really important that you don’t shun away from the transformational process right now, even if it’s incredibly intense.
I promise you that once you’re out on the other side of it, you will be in a much better place — a much higher place within yourself, and that’s the place from which your new life will begin to expand and unfold.
This is when magic starts to happen;
Beautiful synchronicity, new people coming into your life that you feel a connection with, and events unfolding that leaves you in complete awe and wonder.
Seemingly impossible situations and circumstances get miraculously resolved and you know it’s by the hands of something that is way greater than your small self.
Call it God, higher self, the Universe, divine, whatever you want, but you know it’s there – Or Here, right now.
It’s always with you, but we block its involvement in our life when we think and believe that life is all up to us, that we alone have to figure everything out, and that life challenges are all on our shoulders.
When we live with this belief – and forget who we are – and lose our connection – Life becomes full of anxiety, stress and tension.
But we are meant to experience life in a lighthearted way – And we can live from a place of connection, confidence in our Self, and being anchored in Truth, even in the midst of life’s challenges.
So hold on to nothing from the past — let whatever wants to leave, leave.
Breathe through the changes, feel the pain, cry the tears, let the changes that needs to and wants to happen, happen.
Here’s a link to some articles that can be helpful to you:
Allowing yourself to feel, and to release, and to surrender, – creates space for magic to happen.
Let LOVE be in charge.
When you let go into the energy of love, your whole being relaxes, and you can breathe again, or life can again breathe through you.
Be fully present with whatever is happening, and with yourself, but don’t let anything throw you off course – You can have turmoil in your life, while at the same time be anchored in peace.
And when pangs of fear or anxiety comes up (as they will for a while), sit with yourself through it.
Let your self-compassion grow, and never lose sight if who you deep down know yourself to be, no matter what the small self is screaming at you in your head.
You’re gonna be alright, everything will be okay. Just stay connected and aligned and all will be well with you.
And as life unfolds before you, pay attention to the messages of the events of the day, to meetings that has a feeling of destiny to them, and other signs and communication from the universe that lets you know that there is a guiding principle in your life that is always available to you if you let it be involved in your life.
Dare to follow your soul, your curiosity, and stay open – resist nothing.
Stay aware, and follow your inner guidance, that’s the only ’step’ to follow; Your Heart as it is leading you into a new world that is awaiting you.
It will have a sense of obviousness to it, you will just ‘know’ that it’s for you in some way or form.
Like breadcrumbs that are laid out before you specifically for you to follow.
Our natural state of mind is calmness, but the calmness gets disturbed when we believe our thoughts and the stories in our heads.
We simply just forget who we are — and that’s when the suffering begins.
Here’s a few articles that can be helpful to you:
Trust that the next steps, whatever it is that you need next, will present themself as you let go and surrender your ego, your will, and your willfulness.
Surrender the need to know what to do next.
Simply respond to the Truth as it communicates to you in the moment — and stay in the flow.
Live from Here and Now.
Be receptive. Open. Allowing.
And then WAIT.
Wait for the magic.
Something will happen. (And it’s none of your doing!)
And when it does, when something is presented to you; you will know it’s in alignment with your highest destiny because it will on a very fundamental level feel both right, good, and true – even if the details around it are still unclear.
Dare to trust and go with it – follow the flow of it, and see what Life brings you next.
Until then, live in the uncertainty, even if it’s really uncomfortable.
Remain in the unknown until that ‘something’ opens up, and then when the way is shown, or opens up for you — then boldly walk into the new.
Stay aligned, connected and in the energy of LOVE – Don’t hold anything back – and allow the birthing of the new that wants to happen in you, and in your life, happen.
If you’re in Costa del Sol in Spain or Gibraltar area be sure to pick up the July 2020 edition of Society Marbella Magazine.
My latest article in it is about aligning yourself back into the flow of Life.


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Pictory Productions boasts creating “Wedding Films For Fun People“.
[row][column size=”1/2″]Well, theBREWROOM wanted to make sure that the website design and development experience for Pictory was fun for them as well. After all, if they want their clients to have, shouldn’t they have fun as well? We think so.
— Megan Bowers (@pictoryvideo) March 12, 2015
Megan, of Pictory Productions was heavily involved with the project, and took it upon herself to jump right in and work on the content and visuals for her new website. We love this. We love (clients) people who want to be really involved with their project, and have a real passion for the learning how to do things themselves. We love to work with these kinds of people. Megan was serious about how she wanted her site to look, and that passion for the project comes through in the end result. We hope that she is as happy as we are with the outcome.
- Built on WordPress
- Hosting by theBREWROOM
- Video integration


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Today I was finally travelling South again. however, that’s where the hot wind was coming from too, making life doubly difficult for me 🙁 Also I met the worst stupidity of the Thai road system. When joining the main 35 road (akin to the M6, M1) there is no flyover to get you onto the other side. They expect you to cross the three lanes of the ‘wrong’ carriageway and make a U turn in the designated place! OK if you are a car but on a push bike the very definition of hell as when you have finally got to the meridian you are of cause in the ‘fast’ lane of the other carriageway!, now I know why so many folks travel the ‘wrong way” on their mopeds etc. I guess there really is a steel & cement shortage here.
I made numerous stops for smoothies, water & nourishment but also to escape into an AC room to cool off 🙂 I managed to get the guys at the Tesco car cleaning place to pump up my tyres up and oil the chain & pedals, although why this country hasn’t heard of small oil cans etc is a mystery to me, they used a 1 litre bottle & splashed it in the general direction of the said items 🙁 But it worked the pedals no longer creak & moan with the chain much smoother too.
I finally gave up after 77.5 miles for the inappropriately named White Sand Hotel, but a good location all the same, albeit very expensive at £42 🙁
Here is the Strava:
Todays pics are here

domain: geography


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The Definitive Approach for Marijuana Clinic mmjdoctoronline.com/
Marijuana Clinic at a Glance
I’ve gotten two authorizations from here and I feel this is the very best and most inexpensive clinic. No, provided that the legal guardian signs a waiver for the minor, someone who’s under 18 may continue to be eligible to be a patient. He must be a resident of Louisiana.
In the event the doctor decides that you’re not a great candidate, there’s no charge. Many doctors aren’t informed on the huge quantity of research available for Medical Marijuana Treatments.
Type of Marijuana Clinic
Despite promising outcome, immunotherapy has a dark side which is frequently overlooked. THC is the cannabinoid that’s famous for being psychoactive.
Headaches can frequently be a symptom of different issues inside your entire body, such as inflammation or fever. Tension-type headaches are known as stress headaches.
Marijuana Clinic Ideas
Scientific research has indicated that medical marijuana may be good for many medical problems. Alcohol was re-legalized in the usa since 1933, so scientists have been in a position to study the short and long-term effects of alcohol physically. Once your approved you can discover a list of medical marijuana dispensaries in your region.
The usage of marijuana in america is growing at a quick rate. If the usa focuses on arresting consumers for possessing marijuana they are not going to have the resources to halt the growers from getting smuggling it in the nation. It’s vital that you understand the particular laws in the local location.
A Startling Fact about Marijuana Clinic Uncovered
Now she’s bed-ridden and unable to function. HavingI reported that though, it isn’t sufficient to sway me. Read more about the way to get involved.
The verification website can be found on the world wide web. You can finish your health care evaluation from anywhere, just so long as you’ve got an online connection and a device with a camera, like your mobile phone or laptop. Your card does not arrive with the evaluation.
You walk into a health office and visit with a physician.
Besides the stunting of the hemp business, marijuana ought to be de-scheduled so research-backed industry standards can be put into place. Furthermore, many doctors now provide ID cards that may be verified. The ideal place to consume the item is in private residences.
You may now legally buy medicines once you already have the card. When there are a small number of online medical marijuana medical care services that permit you to find a cannabis how to get a medical cannabis card card without leaving your house, not all are created equal.
The Marijuana Clinic Trap
Request a FREE screening to find out when you are entitled. Free parking and same-day appointments result in speedy support.
At that time smoking pot wasn’t looked upon as it’s now. Hot water appears to relieve a few of the symptoms, but no one is exactly certain why. Specifically, when you first begin using cannabis or whenever you change the kind of medicine you’re using.
The Start of Marijuana Clinic
Death by cow is much more common than death from cannabis. There’s that phrase which goes something like behind every joke there’s a reality. Men and women take drugs for assignable explanations.
The Cannabis plant provides a lot of distinct cannabinoids, all which have been discovered to have unique medicinal properties. Marijuana is a characteristic substance and has been shown to be beneficial for many native patients. Medicinal cannabis is created from the cannabis sativa plant.
You probably won’t become high by breathing in somebody else’s marijuana smoke. Terpenes are the compounds that offer cannabis plants their distinctive smell. Medical marijuana was demonstrated to help little-known health effects of health marijuana the evidence is apparent that most of people addicted.
The Ugly Side of Marijuana Clinic
If you are really courting, make one particular point of conversation your wellness and wellness. Delaying care can be damaging. Consider that you’re growing with someone, in hopes of committing to marriage and perhaps even raising children later on.
The Marijuana Clinic Trap
Okif you are now living in California and need a MMJ Card then keep on reading below as the approach is a bit less difficult for you. Who would like to pay an extra $15-20 for something similar, once you can merely renew your health care recommendation for $35 a year!!

domain: medical


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A Bargaining Chip
The much touted ‘Mehngai March’ by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) in March 2022 is less likely to see the light of day, let alone any desired end state.
Maulana Fazlur Rahman, the president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, purposefully designated as a leader of an unnatural coalition of divergent political parties named “Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)”, reiterated on 4th January 2022, that the PDM’s ‘Mehngai March’ on Islamabad will take place as scheduled on March 23 and will not be postponed due to the second phase of the local bodies polls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The word “Mehngai” or “inflation” was inserted in place of ‘long’ after desperate search for a saleable cause to make the so-called ‘Long March’ more appealing to the masses. The PDM has gone through many amateurish ‘on’ and ‘off’ phases due to inherent conflicting political aspirations, objectives, schemes and desired end state, especially between the PML (N) and the PPP, with the JUI(F) roped in as a crowd puller.
Historically, in 1934 the Communists suffered huge losses from the Nationalists in the Chinese Civil War. Faced with the prospect of annihilation the leaders of the Communist army chose to start what is now called the Long March. In the famous and successful Long March, Mao Zedong, the leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and his 100,000 followers fled to Guomindang and they trekked 6,000 miles while they faced daily attacks. Out of the 100,000 followers only 20,000 survived.
The Long March was a symbol of Communist heroism and the march attracted many more followers to Mao. In Pakistan, the long marches and sit-ins by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (currently in government) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek during August 2014 were not unprecedented. Islamabad had seen a number of political movements over the past six decades. The most famous marches were spearheaded by the late Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif when both were in the Opposition.
The first major demonstration in the capital took place on July 4 and 5, 1980, when the Shia community marched on the capital to protest the enforcement of the Zakat and Ushr Ordinance by former president Gen. Ziaul Haq. It was then that the government gave in to the protesters’ demands and declared them exempt from paying Zakat to the state. Then, on August 17, 1989, during Benazir Bhutto’s first term as prime minister, opposition parties led by Nawaz Sharif surged towards the capital to observe the first death anniversary of Ziaul Haq at the Faisal Mosque. A few years later, on November 16, 1992, Ms. Bhutto, then leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, announced a long march after declaring that the 1990 general elections were rigged. This movement forced the late Ghulam Ishaq Khan, who was president at the time, to dissolve the first Nawaz Sharif government, though it was reinstated on Supreme Court orders on May 26, 1993.


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A few Saturdays ago, on March 2, 2013, Doug Gann and I traveled up to the Casa Malpais Archaeological Park and Museum in Springerville, Arizona, for a regional Archaeology Road Show. Supported by the Arizona Humanities Council, this event represented our take on the popular PBS program Antiques Roadshow. We invited area residents to bring in archaeological objects so that we could tell them more about their collections, including when those items might have been made, who may have created them, and where they originally may have been produced. We differed from the Antiques Roadshow model, however, in that our evaluations spoke to the histories, meanings, and archaeological values of the objects, rather than their monetary value.
A number of local residents from Springerville and areas throughout eastern Arizona attended and brought some incredible objects. Among the many items that came across the table were:
- ceramic cooking and storage pots from eastern Arizona
- a number of interesting dart and arrow points and other stone tools spanning much of the precontact period in the Southwest
- a unique bone pendant from the Springerville area that depicted a bighorn sheep in relief (bighorn sheep are now rare in the area)
- several ceramic vessels that may have originated in Mexico
- an agave knife used to process and cut agave leaves
- two unusually shaped chipped stone objects that archaeologists sometimes call “eccentrics”
Two site stewards from the area also brought in field photographs of an interesting fragment of a probable effigy vessel. We were certainly pleased to see that photograph and even happier that the object remained in its original context. One of the most exciting objects brought in was a beautiful Clovis point, made between about 11,500-11,000 B.C., and found on the ground surface in eastern Arizona.
This event really was a win-win for professional archaeologists and local community members alike. In many cases, we could tell people a lot more about their objects than they already knew, and we learned where objects had been found, adding to the archaeological knowledge base for the area. With the owners’ permission, Doug photographed many objects with a special setup that will enable him to create 3D models, which, in turn, will be available for further study. Moreover, we’re currently working with several participants to record the locations where certain objects were found and preparing to make that information available to researchers. Based on people’s reactions and feedback, they loved learning about their collections, and we hope that, as we intended, the event enriched their interest in archaeology.
I was struck by attendees’ deeply felt connections to the archaeology and history of the area. Many of the items we evaluated were originally collected by parents or grandparents, illustrating residents’ long-term interest in regional archaeology. Local community members across the Southwest often have substantive knowledge to share, and I always learn from these interactions. With this event, we have set the stage for such fruitful interactions between the interested public and archaeologists at similar gatherings in the future.

domain: history


The first day of the Mountain West Track and Field Championships proved to be a record breaking one for the University of New Mexico distance medley relay teams.
The men’s DMR , led by the NCAA defending mile champion Josh Kerr, finished in first with a time of 9 minutes, 33.41 seconds. Per NCAA protocol, the time was converted for altitude, coming in
at 9:24.73. This time would be good for the NCAA record, which currently stands at 9:25.97 and was set by Texas in 2008. However, altitude conversions don’t count towards official records, so the record will stand as unofficial.
“Every person on that start line and every person on our team did exactly what they were supposed to do,” Kerr said in a release. “That definitely made my position easier to really anchor us well.”
It breaks the UNM record of 9:30.07, which the Lobos set at last year’s Mountain West Championships. For the men, the win marks back-to-back DMR titles, becoming the first team to do so since Colorado State won three in a row from 2013-2015.
The women’s DMR team set a new UNM record en route to a second place finish in the event. Led by Ednah Kurgat, the team finished in 11:07.88 (10:57.78 converted), setting a new school record. The time was also faster than the previous Mountain West record, but first place Boise State was just a little bit faster, finishing in 11:05.39 (10:55.32 converted).
The relay begins with a 1200-meter leg, followed by an 400-meter leg, an 800-meter leg and then finally a 1600-meter leg. Kerr and Kurgat anchored their teams running the final and longest leg. Both teams seem likely to qualify for the NCAA Championships.
Cameron Goeldner is a sports beat reporter and photographer for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers men’s soccer and softball but also contributes content for baseball, basketball, football and track and field. He can be contacted at firstname.lastname@example.org or on Twitter @goeldfinger.


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Bruce Anderson is the chairman of polling firm Abacus Data, a regular member of CBC The National's "At Issue" panel and a founding partner of i2 Ideas and Issues Advertising.
There was more good news about the Canadian economy last week. GDP expanded at a 3.1 per cent rate. Exports are up. The stock market hit an all-time high. Revenues to Ottawa grew, and the federal government posted a healthy surplus.
Meanwhile, in other news, polling data shows the federal Conservatives are struggling to hold 30 per cent support.
It's long been argued that when people think the country's going in the right direction, incumbents feel the voters' love. But it may be time to question that thesis, or at least qualify it a lot more.
Over the last few years, we've seen several incumbent provincial governments re-elected in spite of uneasiness about current economic conditions. Many "mood" indicators foretold an NDP government in B.C., a Wildrose government in Alberta, a Tory government in Ontario, and longer spell of dismissal for the Liberals in Quebec. None of this panned out.
And now, in Ottawa, there's further evidence that this connection is breaking down, in a different way.
Consider these numbers from our latest Abacus poll:
- More people (43 per cent) say the country is heading in the right direction than say it is off on the wrong track (25 per cent). But the Conservatives are having trouble getting credit for what’s going right. As of now, 33 per cent approve of the job the Conservatives are doing, meaning at least 10 per cent of the electorate feels things are going well, regardless of, not because of, the Conservatives.
- Even more striking, while 33 per cent “approve” of the government’s performance, only 19 per cent are convinced the Conservatives “have governed well enough to deserve re-election.” Put differently, 14 per cent of voters give the government a passing grade, but a barely passing grade.
Of the voters who think that Canada is heading in the right direction, 59 per cent are not planning on voting Conservative. As of now, 32 per cent would vote Liberal, 18 per cent for the NDP. While this could change, today the Tories are converting just 41 per cent of those who are happy with the way things are going.
There are several reasons why this is happening.
For years, Canadians have watched how interconnected our economy has become with that of the rest of the world. This government, possibly more than any before it, has been at pains to stress this fact. On the positive side for the incumbents, it means that when things go badly in the rest of the world, Canadians aren't so quick to blame Ottawa. But it also means that as things recover in Europe and the U.S., Canadians can decide to credit good times here, with better times elsewhere.
Canadians have also come to believe that governments can't wave a policy wand and make a sick economy well. Again, Conservatives more than any other party, preach that markets, not governments, are chiefly responsible for solving economic problems, providing economic momentum, creating jobs. It's tricky to demand too much credit, when your overall economic philosophy is more hands off than interventionist.
A third factor is that Canadians care plenty about the economy, especially when times are bad, but when times improve, interest in other priorities is kindled. Some want more emphasis on the environment, others on health care, or pensions, or poverty. For many, tax cuts, a stronger military, and getting tough(er) on crime simply doesn't excite them, the way it does the Conservative base.
Finally, a good number of centrist voters have felt themselves pushed away or excluded by the partisan and divisive language the government sometimes uses to advance its agenda. These are people who voted Conservative in the last two or three elections even though they do not consider themselves to be "right wing," and distrust ideology generally. If the wolf no longer is at the door, and seeing leaders they like across the aisle, some of these voters are more tempted by, and perceive less economic risk, in the idea of a change.
Our latest polling numbers suggest a path to a fourth victory is possible for the Conservatives, but it would require rejuvenation – at the very least a change in tone and style. Between the 19 per cent who say "governed well enough" to deserve a fourth term and the 43 per cent who say the country's going in the right direction, there are a lot of votes up for grabs.
A handful of ministers look like they are trying to change things up, but the central playbook seems to be more of what produced today's gap between better economic times, and weaker government support. And a government which has spent hundreds of millions of dollars advertising its economic credentials, seems to be finding itself, well, talking to itself.


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History of violence, a movie review 12000 / 1776 todd mccarthy apart from some effective detail work with classical american cinema archetypes that makes parts of it play like a modern-day western, a history of violence is a surprisingly conventional film from the normally more adventurously mind-bending david cronenberg. The revolutionary war, the most important war in american history is on film, george washington, benjamin franklin, john adams, thomas jefferson movies and dvds. You'll be seeing stars and stripes as the most fascinating leaders in american history come to life in 1776, a musical about the birth of a nation with the boston harbor still stained from over-taxed british tea, a revolution is brewing in the colonies and now england has thousands of troops headed for america's shores to squelch her. Here's my review of peter h hunt's 1776, starring william daniels, howard da silva, donald madden, john cullum, ken howard, and blythe danner happy 4th o.
In his review of the original 1969 production, clive barnes of the new york times wrote, on the face of it, few historical incidents seem more unlikely to spawn a broadway musical than that solemn moment in the history of mankind, the signing of the declaration of independence yet 1776 most handsomely demonstrated that people. America: 1763-1776 quiz that tests what you know perfect prep for america: 1763-1776 quizzes and tests you might have in school. 1776 movie review summary actors: william daniels, howard da silva detailed plot synopsis reviews of 1776 the second continental congress meets in philadelphia there, the struggle of getting a new country started is harder than anyone imagined they must reconcile different views and situations, and learn to come together as one, if. Examview testbanks with 57 questions to help you teach the american revolution and declaration of independence using the fabulous movie musical, 1776 divided into logical movie sections for an easy 3-day lesson plan the movie 1776 is great for.
The musical 1776, now playing in livermore, tunefully reminds us that politicians have been fighting since the birth of the united states. Listen to michael and his team rate and review new movies each week.
The #1 movie review, analysis, question and answer site 1776 (1972) synopsis: the film version of the broadway musical comedy of the same name in the days leading up to july 4, 1776, continental congressmen john adams and benjamin franklin coerce thomas jefferson into writing the declaration of independence as a delaying tactic as. 1776 plot summary, character breakdowns, context and analysis, and performance video clips. Watch 1776 movie trailer and get the latest cast info, photos, movie review and more on tvguidecom.
The burning question: is 1776 historically accurate this has to be the most often asked q uestion about this movie except for maybe, “where can i buy a copy” hahaha, i’m kidding anyway, this page will attempt to answer the proposed question.
Reviewed by harris j andrews by david mccullough simon and schuster, 2005 david mccullough’s 1776 is one of those well-crafted popular histories that is certain to feature prominently on every history buff’s reading list this summer the pulitzer prize–winning biographer brings all of his formidable writing skills into play, recounting the. Perhaps the most interesting of all of the points made by david mccullough in his book 1776 has to do with the overall level of morale that existed in the conti.
1776 by david mccullough is a historical book written about the year 1776 during the american revolutionthe book focuses on the military aspects of the revolution during that year, the battles at dorchester heights, long island, and trenton, as well as the military chain of command for both the continental and british army. Movie reviews for 1776 mrqe metric: see what the critics had to say and watch the trailer. Read age-appropriate movie reviews for kids and parents written by our experts. I hope some who read this review and see 1776 will take the time and trouble to see just what happened with the rest of these people and if the film stirs your curiosity about how america was founded, than 1776 will be well worth watching 12 out of 12 found this helpful was this review helpful yes no | report this 9 /10 an imaginative and.


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He was one of the greats! Cartoon legend and Bugs Bunny animator Chuck Jones has passed away.
Rest In Peace, Sir, and thank you so much for everything!
He was one of the greats! Rest in peace, sir, and thank you so much!
Braveheart babe Sophie Marceau was reportedly robbed by thieves who made off with her car on Friday. The French actress is four months pregnant.
BACK ON THE BIG SCREEN
In his first film in eight years, Macaulay Culkin will star in “Party Monster”, a dark comedy following the true story of a 1990′s party promoter convicted of murder. The indie project, which also stars Seth Green, starts shooting in April.
Coens, Bill Murray team on twisted ‘Santa’
An off-beat comic dream team — The Coen Brothers, Bill Murray, and “Ghost World” director Tery Zwigoff — is joining forces for the seasonal comedy “Bad Santa,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The Coens will produce the project, with Zwigoff directing and Murray starring as a con man who poses as Santa to rob shopping malls over Christmas, complete with an elf sidekick.
Their grifting ways are challenged, though, when they meet an eight-year-old who reminds them what Christmas is all about, The Hollywood Reporter said.
The project was written by John Requa and Glenn Ficarra (“Cats & Dogs”). When Working Title films put the film into turnaround, Dimension Pictures snatched it up, got the Coens to do a rewrite, and signed on Zwigoff, the report said.
‘SNL’ compiling Belushi anniversary special
The 20th anniversary of the passing of comedian John Belushi won’t pass unnoticed by his fellow comedians.
Fox News reports the anniversary, which is on March 5, will be noted with a “Saturday Night Live” special, pulling together memorable bits from throughout Belushi’s career, plus tributes from friends and castmates.
The special will be hosted by current “Weekend Update” anchors Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey. Fox News said the special probably would not air until March 16.
Belushi died of a heroin/cocaine overdose in 1982 at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont.


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Buccaneers trade troubled WR Mike Williams to Bills
TAMPA, Fla. — Mike Williams is on his way to the Buffalo Bills.
Tampa Bay traded the four-year wide receiver to the Bills for a sixth-round pick, the team announced Friday.
”We thank Mike for his contributions to the Buccaneers over the last four seasons. At this time, we felt this was best for both sides and we wish Mike well going forward,” Bucs general manager Jason Licht said in a statement.
According to FOX Sports NFL Insider Mike Garafolo, the Bills are taking on Williams’ current contract. Williams is due $1.8 million this year.
Williams, a 26-year-old Buffalo native, will be led by his former coach at Syracuse, Doug Marrone. Williams, a former fourth-round pick, signed a six-year, $40.25 million contract last July, but little went right from there. He played in just six games last season and had 22 catches for 216 yards with two touchdowns before be was placed on injured reserve with a torn right hamstring.
This offseason, Williams confronted a number of off-the-field issues. He faced misdemeanor charges of trespassing and criminal mischief stemming from a December event in which he allegedly did about $200 worth of damage to a front door. On March 23, his brother, Eric Baylor, allegedly stabbed him in the left thigh and was booked on a felony charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Shortly after the alleged stabbing incident, Bucs coach Lovie Smith said Williams was a victim in the encounter. But by then, the team’s patience with the 6-foot-2, 212-pound receiver had grown thin. Bucs general manager Jason Licht said repeatedly that he wanted Williams to stay out of the headlines.
Williams’ absence means the Bucs will likely target an elite wide receiver prospect with their seventh pick in next month’s draft, perhaps Clemson’s Sammy Watkins.
Williams finishes his Bucs career with 215 catches for 2,947 yards as the team’s No. 2 wide receiver behind Vincent Jackson. His best season came in 2012, when he had 63 catches for 996 yards and nine touchdowns.


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This is the first in a series of articles about doing business in China. While my formal job is as a management professor at a business school in China, my educational background and experience has been in political science, the US Air Force, and individual, group and organizational psychology as a Leadership Professor at a European management institute for 25 years.
I’ve been working in China for only a year-and-a-half, but I’ve generally been unimpressed with academic articles and cases on business in China. They’re generally focused on cheerleading celebrity CEOs and very large business deals — for example, Jack MA and the impending Alibaba IPO. But I’ve been even less impressed by the typical American commentary that criticizes China and Chinese leadership while demonstrating a remarkably obvious ignorance, paranoia, and hypocrisy. An example is the July 10 commentary of Fox News’ Bob Beckel: ‘Chinese are the single biggest threat to the national security of the US. Do you know what we just did? As usual, we bring them over here and teach a bunch of Chinamen, uh, Chinese people, how to do computers, and then they go back to China and hack us.’ Ignorance and hypocrisy are not a great way to report events — nor are they a great way to lead a corporation or a country. Reporting uninformed opinion as fact is irresponsible and misleading. And there’s a lot of irresponsible and misleading reporting on China happening lately.
The business school where I work, CEIBS, has campuses in Shanghai and Beijing, and smaller operations in Shenzhen (nestled close to Hong Kong). It’s a couple hours flight between the three cities. In the past two weeks I’ve taught at all three locations — a CEO program, two EMBA programs, and an MBA program. Do you know what I noticed travelling back and forth from Shanghai to Beijing and Shenzhen?
The drivers picked me up in a General Motors Buick van, in a Buick sedan, and in an Audi A6. I flew on Air China and Shenzhen airlines in Boeing 737s. In fact, I’ve flown only Boeing and Airbus aircraft on Chinese airlines in the year-and-a-half I’ve worked here. The Chinese airports are the most modern and efficient that I’ve been in. They make other airports like JFK and LA look like airports from developing countries. At the airports, I saw Chinese teenagers and businessmen and women on their iPhones and Samsung mobiles. On my flight to Shenzhen, the guy sitting next to me was taking pictures out the window of the Boeing 737 with his Apple iPad. He couldn’t speak much English and I couldn’t speak much Mandarin but we managed to get some good cloud shots at sunset.
The highways from the airports make the British and American highway system look antiquated. It takes the Chinese months, not years, to build a state-of-the-art highway with well-designed and well-constructed overpass systems. The Chinese bullet trains make AMTRAK and the British rail system look like a 19th century holdover. The cars I saw on the superhighways were all American, European, South Korean, or Japanese. The Shangri La hotel in Shenzhen has Colgate toothpaste — and so does Air China in their in-flight kits. And Bob Beckel and those who share his views claim China is a threat to US national security? You’ve got to be kidding. The Chinese have been keeping the US afloat while the American taxpayers have been funding wars and the accumulated debt from personal, corporate, financial mismanagement and government political gridlock.
When I was a kid, one of the comic strips that ran in the Boston Sunday Globe newspaper was ‘Terry and the Pirates’. It was an American action-adventure set in China, read by 31 million newspaper subscribers between 1934 and 1946, and continued into the 80s. The story line involves various shady Western and Chinese characters operating in China before, during, and after World War II. The plot finds the two American protagonists, Terry and Pat, matching wits with various pirates and other villains. They befriend "Connie" Confucius, a local Chinese interpreter and guide, and their first encounter would be with the formidable Dragon Lady — who began as their adversary and later, during WWII, became their ally and guerrilla fighter against the Japanese invaders. But even the two American heroes, Terry and Pat, were not above reproach — they were seeking a lost gold mine — and it was obviously not their lost gold mine that they were seeking. And that pretty much captures how much of the West has looked at China. But China is not just a place to make money or a market. It’s a country with its own history and deep traditions and pride. And some Westerners in general, and maybe some Americans in particular, don’t understand how they’re perceived here. In the coming months we’ll find out and tell you.
In this series of articles we’ll be exploring what’s going on here in China not from people who’ve never lived here, but from the perspective of people working here — both foreigners and Chinese businessmen and women. We’ll be hearing from real people — those who work for various Western and Chinese companies. We won’t be wasting time pontificating and we won’t be wasting time making unsubstantiated ‘blue sky’ assertions about how great or how bad things are. We’ll be reporting what those who live here in China experience day to day — the good news and the bad news. And we’ll also keep our eyes peeled for Terry and the Pirates.


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Open Ocean Capital Oy
We invest in software companies started by entrepreneurs with the ambition and skills to build global winners. We are hands-on investors and work with our portfolio companies in the most important issues; be it The companies we fall in love with often have large user bases, disrupt existing markets, and/or handle large amounts of data. Mobile, SaaS, Crowdsourcing, Open Source, and Two-sided networks are examples of software business models with the potential for becoming rapidly scalable businesses. To seek funding from Open Ocean, your initial software product should be market tested, but revenue generation can still be early. Investments range from 500k€ - 3M€ when we first invest. We often syndicate with other investors. We can either lead or follow.
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domain: economics