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TD Ameritrade Investor Movement Index IMX Continued to Rise in August
The Investor Movement Index (IMXSM) increased to 4.93 in August, up 6.48 percent from its July score of 4.63. The IMX is TD Ameritrade’s proprietary, behavior-based index, aggregating Main Street investor positions and activity to measure what investors actually were doing and how they were positioned in the markets.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200908005077/en/
TD Ameritrade August 2020 Investor Movement Index (Graphic: TD Ameritrade)
The reading for the four-week period ending August 28, 2020, ranks “Moderate Low” compared to historic averages.
“In August, the market had an incredible run as the technology stocks led the way,” said JJ Kinahan, chief market strategist at TD Ameritrade. “TD Ameritrade clients used this opportunity to increase their exposure to the market for the sixth month in a row, and in many cases were buyers of these market-leading technology stocks.”
Equity markets continued their upward trend during the August period, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both ending the period at record highs and crossing historic marks. Technology stocks led the charge as the Nasdaq Composite increased by 8.84 percent. The move higher was bolstered by hopes that a COVID-19 vaccine is on the horizon, given multiple announcements from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and others. The Federal Reserve announced it will adopt flexible average inflation targeting into its monetary policy framework, which will allow inflation to rise “moderately” above its two percent target while keeping its benchmark interest rate near zero. Also making headlines during the period were Apple Inc. (AAPL) and Tesla Inc. (TSLA), with Apple announcing its fifth stock split and Tesla announcing its first.
TD Ameritrade clients were net buyers of equities, and net buyers overall. Buying was the heaviest among Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary, and Health Care sectors, with additional buying in Fixed Income. Some of the popular names that clients bought during the period included:
- Tesla, Inc. (TSLA)
- Apple Inc. (AAPL)
- Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)
- Teledoc Health Inc. (TDOC)
- Moderna Inc. (MRNA)
Some of the names that they net sold during the period included:
- The Walt Disney Company (DIS)
- MGM Resorts International (MGM)
- Twitter (TWTR)
- Ford Motor Co. (F)
- Halliburton Co. (HAL)
About the IMX


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Why not get in touch…
If you would like to talk to us, please contact one of our National Account Managers:
John Cotton: 07471 994475
Steve Heighton: 07500 957193
Paul Betts: 07493 868512
Head Office & Bakery: 01858 461199
Market Town Food Co is a Bramble Foods Group company.
Click here to visit the Bramble Foods website.

domain: food


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In this guest blog, writer Alice Olivia Scarlett speaks about their experiences of coming out as ace, and a lack of ace acceptance within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Content warning: emotional and sexual abuse
Sometimes I think the queerest thing is to be asexual in Western society. Capitalism’s biggest tool is the promise of bumping uglies with your chosen other, so it’s a lonely and alienating experience when you realise how little appeal that holds for you. I spent my teenage years wondering what illness I had or what trauma I’d repressed for me to feel so uninterested in the thing that everyone around me insisted I should be.
When I first came across the word asexual (in the author’s note of a Joker/Scarecrow slash fic) and I googled it, I had one of those moments I think many queer people can relate to, that instant flashing epiphany where you read a definition and think – that’s it, that’s me, there’s a name for this, I’m not alone.
Every coming out involved elaborate explanation.
Trying to explain this to friends and family was a different matter entirely. It’s not as simple as, ‘Mum, Dad, I’m gay’. Every coming out involved elaborate explanation – that yes, this was a real thing and not something made up from the internet, and no I wouldn’t change my mind later on, and yes I was very happy like this, and no this doesn’t mean I hate romance, and oh my God no this is not the same as celibacy.
I imagine this conversation for aro people takes some painful, dehumanising twists as well. It was exhausting, and every time I felt the drip-drip of other people’s doubt wearing away at my new understanding of myself. But I’d expected this reaction from my religious, rigidly heteronormative family. The real kick in the teeth happened when I went online and discovered the aggressive ace-phobia coming from the one place I was sure I’d find understanding and acceptance.
Aces are queer. So why do so many people within the LGBTQIA+ community insist we’re not?
Part of it, I think, comes from the aforementioned fact that we are a society obsessed with sex. For individuals who have had to fight for their right to have sex with the people they want to, the idea of not wanting to use that privilege might seem ridiculous, dismissive even. But far more sinister is the argument that ace people face no discrimination for their identity and have so much straight-passing privilege that they have no right to force their way into a community designed as a safe space for those who genuinely need it.
If you spend any time in any ace community, you’ll discover stories of abuse. Manipulation, emotional blackmail, outright assault, often at the hands of spouses, partners, and friends who refuse to understand that lack of sexual desire is real and not something to be ‘fixed’. My first relationship was with an older man who constantly used sex as a weapon against me and refused to believe that asexuality could be real. ‘Sex is natural, sex is normal, you’re too young and too inexperienced to know that you don’t want sex, why are you so frigid, our relationship would be so much stronger if you weren’t such a prude’. It went on and on, building and building until the gaslighting and emotional abuse turned into sexual abuse.
When did trauma become the mark of queerness?
That relationship was the most harrowing event of my life, and I constantly find I have to trot it out and use it as justification for my queer existence. But when did trauma become the mark of queerness? There are more stories about queer characters struggling with their identity than there are stories about queer characters happily living their lives, whose queerness is such an undisputed part of themselves that it leaves them free to experience other stories that aren’t centred around their struggles with identity. The happy queer is almost a mythological creature.
None of this is to say we shouldn’t acknowledge queer pain. Many queer people have been through hell in their fight for acceptance, and I would never try to dismiss that. But if the basis for belonging in queer spaces is measuring your trauma against a non-existent benchmark, where is this going to end?
Love without sex is a difficult concept for society to grasp. ‘Just friends’ still holds a sting, ‘friend zoned’ is the punch line of far too many jokes, and there are still people who believe that sex is a biological need of the same importance as food and water. Watch a movie, and sex is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, the hero’s reward at the end of the quest. You don’t have to have specific trauma to feel that special asexual exhaustion that comes from everything around you shouting that your existence as a human is lacking in the most fundamental of ways. So let us enjoy the label queer. We earn it every day.
If you have or are currently experiencing abuse of any kind, please reach out to those who can help:
- Rape Crisis England & Wales (provides support for women and girls affected by rape, sexual abuse or any form of sexual violence), 0808 802 9999, Live Chat Helpline
- Mankind (Provides one-to-one counselling, therapeutic groups and couple counselling to men (age 18+) who have experienced sexual abuse at any time in their lives)

domain: literature


1781 Latham Rd
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Best Auto Repair, West Palm Beach
Stopping by P & J's Automotive, located in West Palm Beach, FL, 33409, is like visiting old friends. Our staff appreciates the Mini brand because they know the background.
Mini is a lifestyle brand from the German automaker BMW, and wraps funky interior styling with iconic exterior design language. The brand is upscale, fun to drive and has been an automotive icon for the last 50 years. Driving a Mini vehicle is more than driving a car, it's a way of life with four wheels.
The Mini brand does have the engineering prowess of BMW behind it, but there will come a time when your Mini vehicle, old or new, will need to have maintenance or repairs completed. Aside from general maintenance such as oil changes, you could see problems with the transmission, engine or electronics, depending on the model and year of the vehicle.
Mini Luxury Vehicles Fixed At Affordable Prices
Visiting P & J's Automotive, you'll notice our staff is ready and waiting to fix your Mini Cooper and get you and your car back on the road as quickly as possible. P & J's Automotive prides itself on offering affordable and efficient repairs at a high-end quality. We are waiting to service all your Mini needs so give us a call at 561-686-8488. You can also stop by our service center where our friendly staff is waiting to help you.
Discover More About Mini Cooper At P & J's Automotive in West Palm Beach
Offering Porsche car repair and maintenance services near you.
Offering dependable Volkswagen repair services near you.
Offering dependable Isuzu repair services near you


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Payroll services for small businesses
The big step of employing your first person is a huge one for any business owner. We can help by guiding you through the entire process. From registering with HMRC to complying with the Real Time Information (RTI) regime.
You tell us the rate of pay and the hours worked and we will do the rest using our own Cloud based payroll solution.
Payroll with the right software can be operated by you, but what happens when you need to pay Sick Pay, Maternity Pay, Paternity pay? We have the expertise and service to help you get through these payroll pains so that you can concentrate on what you know best.
You can also use Xero or Sage payroll and keep everything together in one place, the choice is yours.
Talk to us for a quotation on a payroll solution that works for you.
Xero Payroll is HMRC recognised, RTI ready and complies with all payroll legislation.
Compliance sorted – no fines here!
Xero Payroll is online payroll software.
Updates and upgrades are not required.
Everything, including changes to legislation such as the minimum wage and the £3,000 National Insurance Employment Allowance, is kept up to date automatically – in the ‘cloud’.
Forget the boxes of ‘special stationery’. Produce and email your own payslips quickly and easily with Xero Payroll which includes a secure employee payroll portal.
Payments and deductions are calculated automatically. Employee information and details such as staff sickness, maternity and paternity leave is accessible at the touch of a button.
Making a mistake, underpayment/overpayment, on your payroll is not an issue with Xero Payroll. Simply make the corrections and the payroll software automatically updates your payroll information.
If you are already using payroll software but want to switch to Xero Payroll you can do so at any time of the year. The Xero support team is available to ensure a smooth transition to our payroll software.
Naturally Xero Payroll integrates with Xero, removing the need for manual input of payroll details into your accounts software.
Sharing payroll information with your accountant is simple, safe and secure.
Operating Directors Payroll for RTI
One Off Costs
£ 25 +VAT each
Register For PAYE (£75+VAT)
*Our payroll service is only available to 1 Accounts clients.

domain: finance


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What’s Hidden Inside Orange and Carrot Juice
Oranges and Carrots are the gifts winter brings for us. Freshly squeezed orange juice mixed with fresh carrot juice makes a healthy and refreshing addition to our breakfast table. The nutrients in the juice give an instant energy boost to our immune system.
As we all know oranges are full of vitamin C, and citrus and carrots are rich sources of Vitamin A. Both of them combined will give a power pack of zesty flavor and nutrients. Minerals and vitamins found in carrots and oranges are potassium, antioxidants, vitamins A, B, E and K, Beta-Carotene and Fiber.
The sweet and tangy mixture of fruits and vegetables offers plenty of health advantages.
1. Lowers the Risk of Cancer
Yes, you read it right, this delightful glass of juice if added regularly to your diet can help reduce the risk of cancer. Carotenoids in carrots protect your body from several types of cancers like the colon and prostate.
Moreover, vitamin C which is a water-soluble antioxidant present in oranges prevents cell damage.
2. Improves Eye Sight
We are advised to drink carrot juice to improve our eyesight. The vitamin A quotient in carrots is crucially important for eye health.
3. Heart Health
Potassium present in the orange regulates the heartbeat and supports muscle function, and antioxidants in carrots prevent cell damage.
4. Prevents Kidney Stones
A sour compound in citrus fruits alters pH levels in the urine and prevents the formation of calcium oxalate stones or kidney stones.
5. Weight Loss and Low Calories
Due to the high fiber present in oranges and the natural sugar in the carrot, this combo is ideal for weight loss. For those who are looking for healthy ways to shed some extra pounds, try this healthy juice.
Fibers can help control blood sugar levels and cholesterol and decreases inflammation.
What Is Not Healthy About This Combo ?
Every healthy option in life can have some side effects and reactions if not taken in moderation. This combination also has some demerits. Consuming too many oranges along with Beta-blockers might lead to kidney damage and if you have a condition called hemochromatosis it might lead to tissue damage. Beta blockers are medicines prescribed by doctors to control heart rate. Despite giving multiple health benefits, the combination of orange and carrot juice may not be easily digested by some and acid reflux can also occur.
To sum it up, orange & carrot juice has all the vitamins and minerals we need to take in daily. Its immune-boosting nutrients give a refreshing kick to our system.
So, start your day with freshly squeezed orange-carrot juice and enjoy its benefits. Tell us your suggestions in the comments!
Disclaimer: The content in this article is meant for purely informational purposes. Please consult your medical health professional before embarking on any dietary changes.


The affirmation of values of the national culture that make up the native-place dance, music, language and modes of expression along with traditional craftsmanship, skills and cultural values of countries around the world will be shown in the program of the 52nd International Folklore Festival. The main theme – Heritage and Migrations – is in accordance with the proclamation of 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage, making the Festival part of this program by the Ministry of Culture.Performances will be held by folklore groups and individuals representing the diversity of Croatian ethnographic heritage, representatives of national minorities, Croats from neighboring countries and the diaspora…
18 - 22 July, 2017
51ST INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN ZAGREB
51st International Folklore Festival features performances, workshops, concerts, exhibitions and meetings with performers. Folklore groups perform in a themed program featuring the ethnographic heritage of Banovina and the Una River region, characteristic singingand dancing, presentations of customs and crafts, which are all very diverse and rich, but previously underpresented in Croatia. The themed program will be presented in Gradec during an evening performance of groups from Banovina and the Una River region, and it will be broadcast live by the Croatian Television…
20 - 24 July, 2016
50TH INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN ZAGREB
The 50th International Folklore Festival is held in Zagreb from July 20 to July 24, 2016. The anniversary event will consist of staged shows, workshops, meetings with performers, concerts and an exhibition. The participants include folklore groups and individuals representing the diversity of Croatian ethnographic heritage: three cultural zones and numerous smaller areas with characteristic dance and music folklore, traditional costumes and customs. Other participants include representatives of ethnic minorities in Croatia, as well as ethnic Croatians from neighboring countries and from old Croatian emigrant communities…
15 - 19 July, 2015
49TH INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN ZAGREB
49th International Folklore Festival is dedicated to the Dubrovnik-Neretva County encompassing southern Dalmatian islands, the Pelješac peninsula, the city of Dubrovnik and its wider area (Dubrovnik coastal region, Župa dubrovačka, Konavle), and the area along the Neretva river towards the border with Herzegovina. The cultural heritage of the county has largely been influenced by centuries-long relationships with the wider Mediterranean and European cultural circles and the history of the Republic of Dubrovnik…
16 - 20 July, 2014
48TH INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN ZAGREB
48th International Folklore Festival will be dedicated to the folklore and other traditions of the Međimurje region. This small area encompasses many forms of traditional culture, especially folk music and dance heritage. In addition to performances of many Međimurje folklore groups that promote artistic expression of their region, selected ensembles from other Croatian regions, as well as those from distant foreign countries will be performing at next year’s festival. Distinctive traditions of Međimurje folk church singing and contemporary works in the field of world music will also be presented….
16 - 21 July, 2013
47TH INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN ZAGREB
Dedicated to the Croatian accession to the European Union, the 47th International Folklore Festival draws attention to the Croatian and European dance and musical heritage shared by many European nations and cultures. These historical and social dances originated from various parts of Europe and later spread across the continent and beyond. Part of that heritage is linked to the former high class and eventually extended to the lower classes, to the population of cities and villages. In different milieus, these dances and their accompanying music…
18 - 22 July, 2012
46TH INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN ZAGREB
The 46th International Folklore Festival is dedicated to children, that is, to the folklore heritage learned and presented by children: through games, dances, songs, and customs. The festival will include performances of children’s carnival groups, children’s processions related to old rituals / Križarice procession of cross keepers from Slavonia, Ivančice Midsummer procession of girls from Moslavina, and Preperuše rain-calling ritual from the Island of Murter /. There will also be groups to perform a children’s version of Robinjice from the Island of Pag, children’s version of the Alka from Vučkovići/Sinj and children’s version of Tovareća mužika (Donkey Music) from Dugi otok….
20 - 24 July, 2011
45TH INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN ZAGREB
The Festival’s central program will feature folklore groups of emigrant Croats from other continents and Croats from European countries presenting the various ways in which they safeguard and present music and dance heritage. Special focus will be put on the contacts between different peoples and cultures, their mutual influences and specific forms resulting from the new environment, the interaction between the immigrant and native cultures as well as the cultures of other immigrant groups. The Festival will also include folklore groups both from Croatia and from other countries. Side events (i.e. exhibitions, music and dance workshops, folk church music and world music…
21 - 25 July, 2010
44TH INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN ZAGREB
44th International Folklore Festival is dedicated to worldwide activities in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage conducted in all member states of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). All Festival participants are representatives of intangible cultural heritage enlisted in national inventories, and some also in the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Croatia’s national inventory currently holds 77 cultural assets, seven of which have been included on UNESCO’s Representative List. This makes Croatia the top country in Europe, and one of the leading countries worldwide in terms of enlistments (surpassed only by China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea)….
15 - 19 July, 2009
43RD INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN ZAGREB
Like before, the festival features select folklore ensembles and informal folklore groups from Croatia, representing all Croatian regions or, rather, the diversity of their folklore forms. The Festival also hosts groups from other European countries and from other continents. The program includes two shows dedicated to specific themes: Istrian folklore and the circle dance as the universal dance form connecting local and international participants. The Istrian theme is complemented by side events: folk church singing and ethno-music concerts. The 43rd International Folklore Festival is accompanied by…
16 - 20 July, 2008
42ND INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN ZAGREB
42nd International Folklore Festival gathered selected folklore groups from 22 places in Croatia as well as foreign folklore ensembles from Columbia, France, Greece, India, Lithuania, Malawi, Mexico, Morocco, Russia, Slovenia, Sweden and USA. Two of the festival’s programmes had special themes: one was dedicated to the verbal forms of folklore, and the other to folklore of Gorski Kotar region. In the first one, named «We Speak and Sing Croatian», the emphasis was put on the Croatian language and its dialects; the richness and diversity of local vernaculars was presented through toasts and other wedding speeches, ….
18 - 22 July, 2007
41ST INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN ZAGREB
This year’s 41st International Folklore Festival is being held in Zagreb from the 18th to the 22nd July 2007. Two of its events are dedicated to Croatians from Bosnia and Herzegovina: the exhibition at the Ethnographic Museum in Zagreb displaying the art of casting of traditional jewelry and everyday utensils, and the final performance of this year’s Festival at which are participating Croatians who are living in their country as well as those now living in Croatia. Also at the Festival are performing selected folklore groups from Croatia and attractive dance and music ensembles from Austria, Ghana, Greece, Georgia, India, Italy, Cameroon, Malawi, Norway, Slovakia, and Spain…
19 - 23 July, 2006
40TH INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN ZAGREB
40th International Folklore Festival will take place in Zagreb from 19 to 23 July 2006. We will mark this anniversary by a specially conceived festival programme, as well as by a series of accompanying events. The programme will sum up the past festivals: the choice of participants and programme will show the festival’s basic concept and its metamorphoses throughout forty years, putting special emphasis on the participants, as well as localities and contents which marked the 1st International Folklore Festival. All participants, both Croatian and foreign will display several shared topics in order to point to cultural similarities and differences…
20 - 24 July, 2005
39TH INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN ZAGREB
39th International Folklore Festival in Zagreb is dedicated to the folklore of northeastern Croatia – Slavonia, Srijem and Baranja, particularly to customs of springtime processions among which, as something distinctive for the region, stand out processions of kraljice (queens). As we find the same or related customs in the neighbouring regions outside of Croatian borders, especially among Croats in Vojvodina, Hungary and northern Bosnia (region of Posavina, along Sava river), corresponding examples, that is, performers from those regions are included in the festival’s programme…
21 - 25 July, 2004
38TH INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN ZAGREB
This Festival is dedicated to the 300th birthday anniversary of friar Andrija Kačić Miošić, the author of the most often read book among the Croats, Razgovor ugodni naroda slovinskoga (Pleasant Conversations of the Slavic People). Poems from the book have been passed on through generations by word of mouth, and some of them have become a part of the living oral heritage…..
16 - 20 July, 2003
37TH INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN ZAGREB
This year’s festival is dedicated to the heritage of minority communities in Croatia. Albanians, Austrians, Bosniacs, Czechs, Germans, Hungarians, Italians, Jews, Macedonians, Montenegrins, Roma, Rusyns, Serbs, Slovaks, Slovenes and Ukrainians – all of them enrich the cultural and ethnic mosaic of Croatia. Many of them nurture and perform selected forms of dances, music and traditional costumes which are recognized as a specific cultural value of the country they originate from. Some minorities, over their centuries-old presence in Croatia, have developed and adopted the musical and dance repertoire belonging…
17 - 21 July, 2002
36TH INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN ZAGREB
The International Folklore Festival has been taking place in Zagreb annually since 1966, continuing the tradition of rural culture festivals started back in the 1930s. The Festival aims to present and promote traditional cultural heritage of its participants and to encourage international and inter-ethnical communication within Europe and among continents.


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Sounds like a control issue by female lawmakers to me! And Seriously? Morning breath Is left off the list?
As reported in the Modesto Bee today: In Modesto, Ca. price changes waited for Friday, bumping up 3 cents a gallon on average to $2.49, according to the website http://www.modestogasprices.com. Even so, the average remained a penny below a week ago, when most motorists last filled up their tanks. A month
l”I Want You to Want Me” is a song by American rock band Cheap Trick. The song was first played in 1975 and first appeared on their second album In Color in 1977 and was the first single released from that album, but it did not chart in the US.

domain: news


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Pattaya senior citizens began 2013 with merit-making as the city’s Elderly Club invited monks to offer blessings for the New Year.
Club President Pranee Maneesarn welcomed Pattaya deputy mayors Verawat Khakhay and Wattana Chantanawaranon to the Jan. 4 celebration at city hall, along with city council members and bureaucrats.
Nine monks from Wat Nong-oo blessed members and attendees, who presented food to the monks along with flowers. The priests then poured water on the hands of the elderly.
Club members also put on a “dance to invite the lords” and donated 23,330 baht to the club’s welfare fund. City officials added 6,000 baht of their own.
Mrs. Pranee Maneesarn (center), president of the Pattaya Elderly Club, with club committee members pray and receive blessings from monks during their New Year celebrations.


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What I learned from 3 Dogs in 3 Days details my three-day dog sitting adventure over a long holiday weekend. To my surprise, in the midst of caring for three dogs while cooking and cleaning, an unexpected voice began speaking in my right ear.
What did the voice say?
He masterfully pointed out simple yet profound insights, explaining how one’s perspective can shape their reality and overall happiness. If that wasn’t strange enough, even more befuddling was witnessing the dogs simultaneously interact with one another, demonstrating the described scenarios in perfect unison along with the nameless, wise voice. Somehow, listening to his words while observing their actions allowed me to comprehend deep-seated truths that had previously escaped my conscious understanding.
Hard to believe?
It was for me too. If I hadn’t been overwhelmed with cooking, dog sitting, and dictating this mystery man’s wise counsel, I may have brushed him off as a temporary delusion. Gratefully, I didn’t because now you have an entertaining story to read and if you allow it, possibly some nuggets of wisdom to help you live a happier life.
What happens when we die? Regardless of your belief system, receiving "proof" that the spirit lives on can be a life-altering experience. They're NOT Gone provides detailed accounts of 13 People who, through Psychic Medium Ricky Wood, reconnected with a loved one they lost. With names, phrases, mannerisms, an much more, Ricky delivers irrefutable evidence that our spirits are still very much alive after our physical death.
They're NOT Gone presents in a Chicken Soup for the Soul Format with a John Edward's One Last Time theme. Following each story, get to know Ricky Wood in a question & answer section where he addresses common questions such as--Is there a heaven & hell? Is there a difference where you go when you die naturally versus suicide? Do you 'see' things differently after dying? And much more! Through humor and down-to-earth nature, get to know what Ricky believes based on his years of experience as a Psychic Medium.
Simply through the enlightening answers I received to my questions during meditation about why i was in so much pain.
In spite of eating right, exercising, and utilizing supplements, reading self-help & spiritual books and so much more--I still wasn't happy. There was something that was deeper that was wrong, that I needed, that I craved. I looked everywhere and to everyone for help, but I didn't find it until I looked within myself.
What I learned from the answers I received is that everything, from relationship issues to health problems and everything in between, stems from a lack of self-love. If we come from a place of love in everything we do--from how we treat ourselves to how we react to others-- anything that we consider a "problem" no longer exists. It simply vanishes with our misconceptions and judgements. I heard this statement whispered to me one day during meditation and it seemed to sum everything up for me...
"Know thyself, for then you will have touched the face of God." -A.P. Morris


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Ever since I heard about the new Chalky Spray paint That Krylon put out I have been so curious. I am a closet spray painter--it is just so easy to spray paint things compared to painting with a brush. When I saw that our local Fred Meyer's was carrying it I just had to try it.
I found this hard plastic candelabra at Goodwill. I knew it would look better painted white.
I used the chalky spray paint on it and I actually liked it! It is a little thinner than their regular spray paints but I thought for a project like this it would be fast and easy--and it was! I also used the Matte sealer--I thought it was not as matte as I would like it to be. I like things to be really flat. I don't like a shine to anything. That's just me--I think it makes it look older that way.
This now becomes a beautiful decoration for Janae's wedding. She now tells me she just wants me to find 12 more. :)
I found this set for $5 on our local classifieds....
Very weathered and chippy--but sturdy-- I love it. Thing is as much as I love chippy this is too chippy so I am going to paint it and let the chipping begin again. :) Wouldn't it look adorable with a ruffled umbrella? I am always creating more projects for myself! Still can't believe I got it for $5!
I decided to try the chalky spray paint on one of the chairs...
It looks fine--but I thought it was a bit thin. I like the chalky paint paint for little projects but not so much for larger things.
Of course my true paint love, Annie Sloan chalk paint remains my true love. I have decided to do some small projects to sell and I am glad I did...they flew out the door :) Painted them in Annie Sloan Original White.
I need to find more clocks and mirrors--because they seem to be a customer favorite :)
Jaxon's Grandparents are on vacation and so I have my favorite little guy here for the next two weeks. I am sure we will have so much fun! It will be fun to have a 3 year old here 24/7 for the next couple weeks. Love that kid.
I am wondering how much painting I will be able to get done...especially because Jaxon always wants to help!
Thanks for visiting!

domain: hobby


text: The Circleville Herald is a multimedia news organization with a daily community newspaper with a circulation of 6,600 publishing five days per week (Tues-Sat) serving Pickaway County Ohio and the surrounding region. The Circleville Herald also produces this website, www.circlevilletoday.com. The Circleville Herald is consistently recognized each year by the Ohio Associated Press Society garnering accolades for photography, breaking news, sports coverage and page design. Established in 1817 as The Olive Branch, the Circleville Herald began publishing under its current name in 1832 as a weekly publication. Daily publishing began in 1894 and has not stopped since. Ownership has changed over the years, and currently the Herald is owned by American Consolidated Media (ACM) of Dallas, Texas. The paper and related products are part of ACM-Ohio, which is a regional group of newspapers including the Athens Messenger, Jackson County Times-Journal, News Watchman (Waverly/Pike County), Perry County Tribune, Vinton County Courier and Logan Daily News. Our news coverage encompasses the entire region and all communities within Pickaway County including the school districts of Circleville, Logan Elm, Teays Valley, Westfall and Amanda Clearcreek.??The Circleville Herald and its employees are involved in numerous community events and organizations including Pumpkin Show, Third Thursdays, Pickaway County Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, United Way, Pickaway County Fair, Tecumseh!, Roundtown Players and other civic and private organizations.


Title: A Comprehensive Guide to Lawn Mower Batteries: 12V or 6V?
Introduction: Lawn mowers are essential tools for maintaining a beautiful lawn. To keep them running smoothly, it’s crucial to have a reliable battery. One common question that often arises is whether lawn mower batteries are 12V or 6V. In this article, we will explore this topic in detail, providing valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
H2: Understanding Voltage in Lawn Mower Batteries Voltage is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a battery for your lawn mower. Higher voltage batteries generally offer more power and endurance. In most cases, modern lawn mowers use 12V batteries, as they can provide sufficient energy to tackle various grass-cutting tasks effectively. However, it is essential to check your specific lawn mower’s manual or consult the manufacturer to ensure compatibility.
H3: Benefits of 12V Lawn Mower Batteries 1. Enhanced Performance: 12V batteries offer higher power output, allowing your lawn mower to handle tougher terrains and longer mowing sessions with ease. 2. Longer Battery Life: With a higher voltage, 12V batteries can typically maintain a consistent level of power for an extended duration, reducing the need for frequent recharging. 3. Versatility: Many lawn mowers and garden equipment operate on a 12V system, making it easier to find compatible batteries and accessories.
H3: Special Cases: 6V Batteries 1. Older Models: Some older lawn mowers may have a 6V battery system. In such cases, it is recommended to replace the battery with the same voltage as the original one to ensure proper compatibility and performance. 2. Smaller Lawn Mowers: Certain smaller and less powerful lawn mower models may still use 6V batteries. These models are typically designed for smaller residential lawns, where the additional power provided by a 12V battery may not be necessary.
H2: Choosing the Right Battery for Your Lawn Mower Selecting the appropriate battery for your lawn mower involves several considerations, such as the mower’s power requirements and usage frequency. In most cases, opting for a 12V battery is the safer choice, as it caters to the demands of modern lawn mowers. Remember to consider factors like reserve capacity and cold cranking amps as well to ensure optimal performance.
H3: Maintenance Tips for Lawn Mower Batteries 1. Regular Inspection: Check the battery for any signs of damage, corrosion, or leaks. Clean the battery terminals and connections periodically. 2. Recharging: When not in use, keep the battery charged to prevent deterioration. It is recommended to recharge it fully before the start of the mowing season. 3. Storage: During the off-season, store the battery in a cool and dry place. Disconnect the battery cables to prevent any accidental drainage.
Conclusion: In summary, most lawn mowers today utilize a 12V battery system due to their benefits in terms of performance, endurance, and compatibility. However, some older or smaller models may still operate with 6V batteries. Choosing the right battery that suits your lawn mower’s requirements is crucial for efficient and hassle-free lawn maintenance. Regular battery maintenance practices ensure a longer lifespan and optimum performance. Remember to consult your lawn mower’s manual or contact the manufacturer for specific battery recommendations.


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Magic Tricks for Kids Online
Who's up for a little hocus pocus? The Amazing Ms. Stacy is here to show you some tricks she has up her sleeve. First she'll show you a magic trick then she'll teach you how to do it yourself! Just in time to impress and delight your friends and family over the holidays.
- Saturday, December 19, 2020
- 2:00pm - 2:15pm
- Time Zone:
- Central Time - US & Canada (change)
- This is an online event. Event URL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr1FaVTv7muXr9R4mIPVWWQ

domain: entertainment


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theguardian.com | 14 November 2021|
On trial for saving lives: the young refugee activist facing a Greek court
Seán Binder belongs to the band of committed humanitarians who rushed to Greece at the height of the refugee crisis. In other countries, and at other times, his idealism might have been celebrated.
But the 27-year-old law student, who has spent the past two years in London, is a man living in fear. Though forced to abandon volunteering, the German-born Irishman and his Syrian friend, Sarah Mardini, are perhaps the most famous aid workers in Greece, for all the wrong reasons: a criminal investigation has hung over their heads for the past three years.
“There’s nothing criminal, or heroic, about helping people in distress at sea,” he tells the Observer. “Legally and morally, it is the right thing to do.”
The activists have been accused of human trafficking, money laundering, fraud and espionage – the last charge based on allegations that, while on Lesbos, the Aegean island at the centre of refugee flows, they monitored coastguard radio channels and vessels to gain advance notification of the location of smugglers’ boats.


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Jeff Gordon believes the new style of racing in tandems at restrictor plate tracks is set to remain, amid views that it made for a dull race at times last Sunday at Talladega.
The four-time Cup series champion was one of six drivers who crossed the finish line last Sunday within a tenth of a second of race winner, Hendrick Motorsports team-mate Jimmie Johnson.
The race saw a record-tying 88 lead changes among 26 drivers, Johnson beating Richard Childress Racing's Clint Bowyer by two thousandths of a second, the closest margin of victory for a Cup race since 2003.
Despite the amazing stats coming out of the 188-lap event, the field got spread out at times, specially following green-flag pitstops which drivers completed in pairings in order to maintain their tandem formation when they rejoined the track. Also, many chose to remain at the back of the field in order to avoid trouble before moving to the front in the deciding stages.
The new style of racing in two car-drafts at Daytona and Talladega was developed during the season-opener, thanks to the new smoother surface of the 2.5-mile venue which allowed drivers to push each other for a whole lap. Despite restrictions imposed by NASCAR in the car's cooling, drivers found a way around it and were able to push for many consecutive laps.
Gordon, NASCAR's winningest active driver at restrictor plate tracks, believes the racing hasn't really changed as much at it is perceived, while he expects the new style of racing to stay unless NASCAR calls for a drastic change in the current Cup car.
"Let's be honest: In my opinion, Talladega has always been about a 15 to 25-lap race, and the rest is just trying to get to the end, and that's basically what we have now." said Gordon.
"If you want to survive and you want to make it to the finish, you know, you have to either choose to try to push to stay up front, or ride in the back. But being in the middle, to me, is not worth it.
"...This two-car draft is here to stay. Unless they drastically change the cars, something is going to take that. The restrictor plate is not going to change that. It would take a whole new revamping of the car to change that. But you know, I kind of laugh at that because that's kind of what was designed, you know, with this car, was to create that.
"And not necessarily two car draft, but you know, to be able to get to the bumper and not spin one another out; have a car that's much boxier to blow a bigger hole in the air. You know, that's what we have to deal with now and that's what's created the kind of racing that we have.
"I personally don't have a problem with it actually. I think. I thought that was pretty fun there at the end, whether I was pushing or being pushed. Those last ten, 15 laps are fun from a driver standpoint."
Sunday's winner Johnson is supportive of the new tandem racing, and believes it is still evolving as drivers and teams continue to discover its nuances. He underlines there's a technique required to make it work properly and believes that drivers are more in control than when racing in big packs in the past.
"From my perspective, we were complaining with the old package and riding side by side and not enough passes for the lead, and there was always the big wreck," said Johnson. "Now we have a ton of passes for the lead and statistically you look at the race and it looks pretty awesome.
"From a driver standpoint, we have a lot more control now with what we can do. Yes, it is still plate racing, but race. You can make stuff happen and there is a technique required to stay together and to work traffic together and to communicate and it puts it back in the driver's hands a lot more than the old combination of racing.
"So I think it's entertaining. And again, I don't remember people excited about the way it was before. So I think we're evolving as teams and drivers, and continuing to put on a better show, and from where I was all day long, I thought there was a lot of racing that took place. I thought it was a great race."
Matt Kenseth, who was involved in an incident when Kyle Busch crashed into him after getting turned around by Joe Gibbs Racing team-mate Joey Logano, is not a big fan of the new style which he considers particularly challenging for the drivers.
Contrary to Johnson's view, he feels the driver was more in control of his destiny in the past as they didn't need a partner to be able to remain in contention throughout the race.
"This two-car thing is really hard as a driver," said Kenseth. "If you're the tail car, you can't see anything. All you can see is the spoiler in front of you and going that fast and not being able to see is not the most comforting feeling... It's a difficult environment to race in to say the least.
"Ever since I've been coming to Talladega or watching Talladega, every time you interview somebody that has crashed they're like, 'Oh, this racing is terrible. Somebody is going to get hurt.' I mean, it's been the same thing, but it's different.
"Before, at least you can kind of control your own destiny and you can draft a little bit. Here, if you don't have a car locked on you and shoving you, or vice versa, you're going to get lapped in 15-20 laps and it's really hard."
Besides the two-car draft prevailing since the season opener in the Sprint Cup series, the style has also become the norm in the Nationwide Series at both Daytona and Talladega.


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Some day, the four longtime-graffity-artists Daim, Daddy Cool, Tasek and Stohead founded the “Getting Up” -collective. Apart from spraying onto canvases they also organise exhibitions, plan wall-paintings and design websites there. Urban Discipline is the name of thier annual graffity-art exhibition which took place for the third time this year. It was located in the building of the “Astra”-brewery in St. Pauli, Hamburgs amusement district near the harbour.
34 artists from all over the world took part and presented a wide range of graffity art from sprayed canvases over wall paintings to installations and sculptures, from written words over futuristic sceneries to characters and abstract stuff.
Above you see the graphics of Toast. The shapes of his futuristic three-dimensional objects are based on letters. Give it a try, you will find the letters of his name in the objects!
These painting were done by Daim. They were sprayed onto canvas, what makes the 3d-letters look very soft. He has a very harmonic sense for the use of color and the color splashes on top of the painting add dynamic motion to the painting. He also does photos of details of his paintings. They offer a different view on aspects like the structure of the paintings ground.
Here you see a different style of sprayed letters. The left picture is called “Cool In The Mirror”. Daddy Cool told me, that it was a mirrored version of the word “cool” and the green object on the lower right side is a mirrored “c”.
He likes to paint typography because he regards it as the essence of graffiti. “It can say everything for the ones that can read it and at the same time nothing for outsiders.” He hates to explain and spell the writing to people because he doesn’t like a superficial approach to the work. He’s mostly interested in the color-composition, the innovation, the inspirations, the uniqueness of the artists personal style and the technique. With his own style, he want’s to go as far as possible to explore his own world. “At the moment I like to tell about myself. On one hand I am calm and contemplative, on the other hand I am determined and straight-lined. This is what my paintings show.”
“To develop an original style with a strong recognizability is the aim of most of the graffiti artists” Daddy Cool says. “Sprayers are often bothered with one word: the pseudonym. By and by the artists try to perfectionise it, add elements, leave elements out. For some of them a writing is perfect when she/he is the only one that can read it.”
Daddy Cool is one of the originators of the Urban Discipline exhibition and he is very interested in doing exhibitions around the world. Please contact him if you are involved in exhibitions somehow!
Read more ...

domain: artistic


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When Breath Becomes Air
by Paul Kalanithi
"Our patients' lives and identities may be in our hands, yet death always wins. Even if you are perfect, the world isn't. The secret is to know that the deck is stacked, that you will lose, that your hands or judgment will slip, and yet struggle to win for your patients. You can't ever reach perfection, but you can believe in an asymptote toward which you are ceaselessly striving." (p 115)
I cannot remember reading a more courageous book. The author, a neurosurgeon who was both a reader and a writer, was able to face being diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer and write about his experience of being treated. More than that he writes about a demonstration of transformation through his own example; first from a young student of literature into a Neurosurgeon/ Neuroscientist; and second, from an intelligent thriving man into a seriously ill man facing the imminent nature of his own mortality. How he was able to face both that battle and his own limitations that resulted from the battle comprise this inspirational story.
The demands placed upon a medical student are tremendous. They are described in detail with a beautiful prose style that blends reality with metaphor in a seamless way. These demands are nothing compared to the demands that Paul placed on himself as he traversed the difficult course toward his twin goals of neurosurgeon and neuroscientist. His residency is described as a breathless experience, yet one that allowed him eventually to breathe a little as he observes, "By this point in my residency, I was more experienced. I could finally breathe a little, no longer trying to hold on for my own dear life." (p 88)
He describes the tension when operating on the brain or near the spinal cord; where minuscule movements can make the difference between life and death or, even worse, life without some necessary brain function. The suspense of these moments is palpable for the reader.
After being diagnosed with lung cancer and beginning to undergo treatment that, perhaps, might extend his life enough to provide at least the possibility or part of the life he had originally planned, he underwent periods of pain that made his life incredibly difficult. One thing from his earlier life became a life-saver, however temporary, for him. It is a moment when he shares, "Lost in a featureless wasteland of my own mortality, and finding no traction in the reams of scientific studies, intracellular molecular pathways, and endless curves of survival statistics, I began reading literature again: Solzhenitsyn's Cancer Ward, B. S. Johnson's The Unfortunates, Tolstoy's Ivan Ilyich, Nagel's Mind and Cosmos, Woolf, Kafka, Montaigne, Frost, Greville, memoirs of cancer patients--anything by anyone who had ever written about mortality." (p 148) He was trying to make sense of death and find a way to begin to define himself with a vocabulary that was meaningful and helpful. It was a vocabulary that would help him understand his own experiences. It was a process that worked as he concluded, "And so it was literature that brought me back to life during this time. . . I got out of bed and took a step forward, repeating the phrase over and over: 'I can't go on. I'll go on.' [Beckett]" (p 149)
He was able to return to work for a period of time. Not at the level he had been at when first diagnosed, but at a level that allowed him to contribute and attempt to be the surgeon he once was. But the joy was gone, and eventually the cancer returned. Paul writes eloquently of the final days with his wife and new-born baby. Yet his life did not have the longevity that his words would. His life, his breath, allowed him to share a story of fortitude and courage, becoming an inspiration for his family, friends, and all who have the honor to read his memorable memoir.
View all my reviews

domain: library


Shop for Socks from Hayneedle.com! With a soft, tufted fold over cuff, the Grabber Outdoors Womens Heat Holders Thermal Wellington Heat Socks add an element of style to Wellingtons - or any long boot! The warmly insulated knee high length monopolizes on the extreme warmth that only Heat Holders can provide. With an extra-long, intensively brushed pile for heat retention and softness, these thick Heat Holders are called the ultimate thermal sock'. Heat Holders are the only thermal socks proven to keep you warm, with a 2.34 tog rating. By holding more warm air close to the skin than conventional socks, Heat Holders keep legs warmer for longer. Washing instructions: Machine wash, permanent press on the warm setting using a mild detergent. Hang dry or lay flat; do not bleach; do not dry clean; do not tumble dry, do not iron. Remove any tags with scissors, do not rip. About GrabberAs a world-class distributor, Grabber prides itself on consummate customer service and robust channel support. Our goal is to create mutually beneficial and profitable relationships with our customers, vendors, and other business partners. Grabber represents more than just outstanding products; our people care about customers, provide excellent service, and believe in the products we deliver.


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Maybe it’s my inner five year old coming out, but I am seriously obsessed with the teepee trend lately (my Aunt did make one for me when I was about 5, so it could be nostalgia - clearly she was quite the trendsetter).
While I don’t think I can squeeze a teepee into my house – even if I could, I doubt my roommates would go for it – I couldn't help but research some “adult” teepees. If you have a boho vibe going on, these would fit right in and would be a place to escape to with a good book or glass of wine. Side note – I am quite the book nerd, so there is nothing better to me than a quiet, cozy space to have a glass of wine, listen to classical music and read a book (I know…it’s weird).
Through my online perusing, some of my favorite teepees I came across are below:
This would totally work in the middle of a family room, right???? (Well it would be better in a basement or back room but wouldn't you want to show it off to all of your guests?)
I mean if I had a dog or a cat I would totally get a little teepee house for them…I die.
While this is definitely not realistic, (and probably wouldn't be very warm…I mean, there’s snow on the ground) can you get any more romantic???
A teepee... in a nook…in a library - heaven!


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SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich.– Gena Inc. is recalling all of its cheese products due to a labeling mishap.
Oro Cheese, produced by the Michigan based company in Shelby Township, is recalling the cheese products because the products do not follow labeling requirements for raw milk cheese, as outlined in Michigan’s Manufacturing Milk Law.
The label issue has caused the company to recall its Bulgarian Feta Style, French Feta Style and Greek Feta Style cheeses.
No illnesses have been reported, according to a news release from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The dairy products recalled are packaged in the following plastic containers:
6-ounce small, clear tub
1.2-pound medium container
1.8-pound large container
15-pound medium pail
30-pound large pail
Gena Inc. is notifying its distributors to arrange for return/pick-up of all recalled products. Customers with recalled products are being advised to toss the products out or return them to the store.
Questions about the recall can be directed to Gena Inc. at (586) 251-2928 or by email at email@example.com.


Thanks to the guys of Hong Faux for sharing their demo!
Hong Faux is a new Stoner Rock band from Sweden with members of Dexter Jones Circus Orchestra and High Chao. Their Demo Uno contains three great Stoner Rock songs. It sounds very promising. This is all the information I've got. Tell me what you think by leaving a comment! Enjoy!
Hong Faux - Demo Uno (2010)


Anyway, I found a really good piece on the whole issue over at PJM.
As I understand the opposition to the recent Arizona law, it boils down to something like the following: the federal government’s past decision not to enforce its own law should always trump the state’s right to honor it. That raises interesting questions: Does the state contravene federal authority by exercising it? If the federal government does not protect the borders of a state, does the state have a right to do it itself?
Read the whole thing. This isn't about race.
ETA: What a headline: Illegal immigrants plan to leave over Ariz. law
Of course, not so great news for those of us in neighboring states.


Now it's time to write a rhythm track using the custom rhythm-SFX patch you made in the preceding section. Since our NN-19 patch has drum and sound effects, we'll be creating two Sequencer tracks (one for each type of sound) and using them both simultaneously to play one NN-19!
To set up two Sequencer tracks for one device
Load the rhythm-SFX NN-19 patch you made in the last exercise.
In the Sequencer, switch to Edit mode and turn off the Key lane view by clicking the Show Key Lane button once (Figure 6.45).
Figure 6.45. You can hide the Key lane when it's open by clicking Show Key Lane.
Turn on the Drum lane view by clicking on the Show Drum Lane button (Figure 6.46). This will be your drum track.
Figure 6.46. Use the Show Drum Lane button to see your track in drum view.
Double-click the track name in the Sequencer device list, and rename it Drum track to avoid confusion.
Next we'll set up the sound effects track.
Right-click the Sequencer window's device list and select Create Sequencer Track (Figure 6.47).
Figure 6.47. Create a new Sequencer track for your ambient sounds, so you can keep them grouped and mute or solo them separately.
This creates a new track, labeled New Track 1, with an empty device window (Figure 6.48).
Figure 6.48. The new Sequencer track will not yet be assigned to a device.
Click the arrow in the Out column of the device list to pop up a menu of Rack devices, and assign the new track to your NN-19 (Figure 6.49).
Figure 6.49. Assign a device using the pull-down menu.
Double-click the name New Track 1 and rename it to SFX Track, but leave the track in default Key lane mode.
Save your patch and your song so that you can come back to them later.
For your drum parts, go to your NN-19 front panel and move the Velocity Amp knob to the right. This will make strong attacks play louder (Figure 6.50).
Figure 6.50. Increasing the Velocity Amp knob makes harder attacks play louder.
To alter the velocity of individual notes, right-click the note and select Change Events > Velocity Scale > Apply (Figure 6.51). The Change Events menu also handles quantizing, transposition, tempo scaling, and note randomization for groups of notes.
Figure 6.51. You can select and edit multiple notes with the Change Events menu. Here, velocity scaling is being used to lower some note velocities.
Scroll your drum track vertically so that the kick and snare drum sit just below the measure ruler, to help you keep track of where the beats and half-beats lie.
To write a sound effects track
Arrange the windows so you can see both your NN-19 sfx track and the NN-19's front panel (Figure 6.52).
Figure 6.52. Scroll the Rack so your NN-19 sits directly above the Sequencer.
On the NN-19, click Select Keyzone Via MIDI to enable it (Figure 6.53).
Figure 6.53. Select Keyzone Via MIDI tells the NN-19 to display samples as they play.
Now the NN-19 sample field will show you samples being triggered by the Sequencer in real time. This can help you learn the samples in your new patch while auditioning them in your track.
Using the keyboard ruler, audition some samples. As a sample plays, its name is displayed in the sample field on the NN-19 front panel (Figure 6.54).
Figure 6.54. As a sample is auditioned in the Sequencer, it's shown in the NN-19 display.
To adjust the relative volume of samples, select the sample on the keyboard ruler and then adjust the Level knob on the NN-19 front panel (Figure 6.55).
Figure 6.55. Adjust a sample's playback volume using the Level knob.


This thesis describes a new technique that improves specificity, selectivity and sensitivity in coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. CARS microscopy is a nonlinear optical technique that utilizes specific bonds of molecules, sometimes referred to as the `fingerprint' of a molecule, to obtain chemically specific imaging of a sample. A single `unique' vibrational resonance within a molecule can be addressed and the appearance of this resonance within a sample can be imaged. This nonlinear vibrational microscopy technique provides a noninvasive method to identify structures of a specific chemical composition. CARS features high collection efficiency and absence of interference from one-photon autofluorescence. However, CARS suffers from a frequency-independent background signal, the `non-resonant background'. In mixtures, the resonant CARS signal of less abundant constituents may be overwhelmed by the non-resonant background, preventing detection of the resonant molecules. A cascaded phase preserving chain is used for heterodyne detection and yields amplitude and phase. The vibrational phase of the oscillators in the focal volume can be obtained by the subtraction of the local excitation phase from the heterodyne phase. We call this technique ``Vibrational Phase Contrast CARS'' and can be regarded as a vibrational extension of the linear (refractive index) phase contrast microscopy introduced by Zernike in 1933. The phase detection allows for rejection of the non-resonant background signal, without reduction of the resonant signal. CARS microscopy is applied to biology, pharmacology and food, where chemical selectivity and label-free detection are essential. Other nonlinear signals, generated simultaneously, can be used to obtain more information from the sample; CARS, second harmonic generation microscopy and spontaneous Raman spectroscopy are used side-by-side. Two in-depth studies are presented on the dissolution behavior of a drug and on early bone growth in cells.
|Qualification||Doctor of Philosophy|
|Award date||2 Jul 2010|
|Place of Publication||Enschede|
|Publication status||Published - 2 Jul 2010|


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AUSTIN, Texas––Registration for STAARwrite’s online, digital, STAAR tutorial courses is now open. These student courses address the essay portions of the 7th Grade, Writing I, Writing II, and Writing III STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) tests. The digital classes, which are offered statewide, provide students with the information necessary to achieve success on these exams. Parents may register for the courses online.
Charles Sadnick, president of STAARwrite, stated, “School districts, who are scrambling to raise their STAAR test scores, have found that the reading and writing exams to be the most difficult portions for students.” The Texas Education Agency (TEA) reported that only 55% of students passed the Writing I exam this past spring, while only 34% would have passed had the agency not employed phase-in standards. The next series of STAAR writing assessments begins on December 3.
To help students achieve higher scores on the writing exams, STAARwrite offers a series of digital courses, one for each STAAR test. Students access the courses entirely online. Taking place over two nights and lasting a total of four hours, the intense classes are focused wholly on teaching students the skills they need to succeed on the STAAR writing assessments. Sadnick will emphasize the structure of the tests and examine TEA material and the students’ own work through an interactive digital platform, which allows students to take these classes from the comfort of home.
Charles Sadnick, a writer, government agency coordinator, and former high school and middle school teacher, instructs all courses. For more information about the STAARwrite tutorial courses, visit the company website, www.staarwrite.com. Staff can also be reached via Twitter at @staarwrite.


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We’re in the midst of one of the most active Atlantic hurricane seasons ever recorded. By the season’s climatological peak on September 10, we had already seen more named storms in the Atlantic than a typical year would record in an entire season. We’re heading into the final two months of this hyperactive hurricane season and there are still plenty of opportunities for additional storms to develop before winter settles in.
Today, the National Hurricane Center has an area of interest in the Caribbean pegged for a medium (60 percent) chance of developing into a tropical cyclone by this weekend. It’s far too early to say what, if any, impacts this system would have on the United States if it develops, but it’s a stark reminder that this raucous hurricane season isn’t over yet.
Regardless of its potential development, the disturbance in the Caribbean is exactly where you’d expect to see a storm develop this time of year.
The heart of hurricane activity shifts around in the Atlantic Ocean as the season progresses. The beginning of the season starts in June and July with storms that form closer to the United States and Caribbean.
Tropical development is likely farther out in the eastern Atlantic in August and September as favorable conditions—low wind shear and warm waters—coincide with intense thunderstorm complexes moving off the western African coast, which seed the development of classic long-track storms.
Tropical activity in the Atlantic shifts back toward the Caribbean Sea in October and November as the eastern Atlantic becomes hostile to tropical cyclone development and thunderstorms stop moving off of Africa.
The most common seeds for tropical development in the last two months of hurricane season are thunderstorm complexes that develop over Central America and the decaying remnants of cold fronts. Cold fronts sweeping across the United States often lose steam and stall out once they reach the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and western Atlantic. These decaying fronts can serve as the focal point for robust thunderstorms to develop, which can trigger the development of a tropical cyclone.
It’s wise to pay attention to any storms that form over the next couple of weeks even though we’re past the peak of the season. There’s still plenty of warm water present and atmospheric conditions, while increasingly hostile, encounter enough lulls to support intensifying storms.
October has a long history of strong hurricanes threatening the United States. Hurricane Michael made landfall on the Florida Panhandle in October 2018, becoming the first category five to make landfall in the United States since Andrew in 1992. Hurricane Wilma, which was of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic basin, struck southern Florida as a major hurricane a week before Halloween in 2005.
It’s hard to believe that there’s still so much hurricane season left to get through. This has been the second most active Atlantic hurricane season on record. This year is second only to 2005 in terms of hurricane activity, when we saw 27 named storms.
We’ve seen a whopping 23 named storms so far this year, exhausting the official list of 21 names and requiring the use of Greek letters to name the season’s remaining storms. We’ve run through the Greek letters Alpha and Beta so far, so Gamma, Delta, and Epsilon are the next three names that’ll be used for storms in the Atlantic.
Four of the nine storms to hit the United States this year made landfall as hurricanes. The storms that made landfall include Hurricane Laura, which devastated southwestern Louisiana as a powerful category four storm, and Hurricane Isaias, which knocked out power to millions of people along the East Coast from Florida to Maine.


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In last week’s post, Statistics Part One, I discussed why statistics can be very helpful to the pet Guardian. And while stats are an important part on oncology, my years in practice highlight their limitations. So before we dive into some common statistical terms (in my next blog), I think it is important to remember that stats can be useful to give you reasonable expectations … but they will never predict every individual or outcome.
For example, I tell pet Guardians that about 5% percent of chemotherapy patients get hospitalized due to its side effects. But I will also remind them, that if your dog gets admitted, that 5% chance is less important to you, because your pet is now 100% sick and needs hospitalization for supportive care.
Similarly, I sometimes get frustrated with statistics, because there are no guarantees that your dog will live up to the statistics. I think many pet Guardians and even my colleagues get too caught up in the numbers. They get a biopsy report, and ask me: How long will the dog live? It’s just not that predictable, even with the more common cancers.
For example, canine lymphoma is relatively common, well-studied and well-reported. Without treatment, statistics tell us the “average” dog lives 1 month, but with a multi-agent chemotherapy protocol, the median survival times are 13 to 14 months. Statistical analyses provide prognostic factors, like phenotype (B vs T cell), substage (sick at diagnosis), stage (how advanced), and prior use of prednisone.
For a recent patient, Stella, I was happy to report that she had had many positive predictors: the cancer was in her B-cells (which has a better prognosis than when it is in the T-cells), she was asymptomatic at diagnosis, and was in stage III. Her remission rates should have been 90-95% with a survival of over a year. But Stella never went in remission, even though I tried multiple protocols and drugs, and she only lived about 4 months.
But then there was Guinness. He was very sick, with advanced stage V GI T-cell lymphoma. He lived over 18 months with chemotherapy. He outlived the B-cell dog. The statistics did not predict these two dogs well. This does not mean the statistics are wrong – it means they do not predict every response or every survival time.
On the other hand, I often deal with uncommon cancers, ones you don’t find in the Dog Cancer Survival Guide. The statistics and clinical studies on less common tumors are often lacking. There may be one, two, or sometimes three published papers on that tumor type. In many papers, the dogs were not all treated the same – different chemotherapy protocols, different surgeries, and different radiation protocols. In these tumors, good stats are scarce, and drawing conclusions may be difficult. If your pet was diagnosed with one of these, I strongly encourage you to seek out the help of an oncologist. Check out www.acvim.org to find an oncologist in your area, or ask your family vet for a referral.
I am happy when I am “wrong” and your dog is outliving the statistics. Stats can be helpful if you understand the limitations, and remember there are no guarantees. So look for information from stats, and remain cautiously optimistic.
In my next blog, we will look at some of the terms relating to stats and dog cancer. For more information on lymphoma and statistics, check out the Dog Cancer Survival Guide.
Sue Ettinger, DVM. Dip. ACVIM (Oncology). Dr. Sue is a boarded veterinary medical cancer specialist. As a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology), she is one of approximately 400 board-certified veterinary specialists in medical oncology in North America. She is a book author, radio co-host, and an advocate of early cancer detection and raising cancer awareness. Along with Dr. Demian Dressler, Dr. Sue is the co-author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity.

domain: medical


text:
Residents and activists against the Taoyuan Aerotropolis (桃園航空城) project clashed with the police outside the headquarters of the Construction and Planning Agency (CPA) in Taipei yesterday as they were refused admittance to a meeting that was to decide whether their land would be seized by the government.
Holding banners protesting against the Taoyuan Aerotropolis project while chanting slogans asking for the Urban Planning Review Committee to allow them to attend the meeting, local residents who are affected by the project and rights activists supporting them demonstrated outside the agency, as police officers formed a line to block them from entering the complex.
“This projectwill have a huge impact on our lives and properties. Why can’t we attend the meeting?” a resident asked police officers, but received no response.
After a brief standoff, some demonstrators decided to climb over the wall of the complex, but their attempt failed when police officers held on to their feet, preventing them from moving.
A few minutes later, the committee finally allowed representatives of the protesters to attend the meeting, but they were only given a few minutes to talk and were then told to leave, triggering another wave of protests.
“Thousands of hectares of private land is to be seized to build a third runway for Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, but we really doubt the necessity of it with the declining numbers of passengers and flights using the airport,” Chan Hsien-chang (詹憲章), spokesman for the Taoyuan Aerotropolis Self-Help Association, told the meeting.
“Even if it’s absolutely necessary, do we really need to pick an option that would affect the largest number of residents?” Chan asked.
Chan went on to allege that the entire project is to benefit big corporations with connections in the government, as the second phase of the project involves the construction of commercial and industrial centers, while some local politicians are also proposing building a casino resort.
“The details of the project are yet to be drawn up and it is not due to start for another 20 years, so why the hurry to take our land?” Chan asked.
Deputy Minister of the Interior Hsiao Chia-chi (蕭家淇), who presided over the meeting, did not offer a response.
Soon after Chan and the other representatives had spoken, they were asked to leave.
Another protester, Pan Chung-cheng (潘忠政), refused to leave the building and was forcibly removed by police officers.
The committee approved the project at about noon, but the residents only learned about it hours later when they were asked to comment by reporters.
They vowed to continue their resistance to the project.
LIABILITIES MULLED: New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi said Taipei would find out if the firm was legally registered, the guide was licensed and the weather was assessed The assets of Tian Da Local Nature Co are to be frozen after at least four people died after falling into the Beishi River (北勢溪) on an outing the company had organized on Saturday, the Taipei City Government said yesterday. Six people — two adults and four children — were washed away by a flash flood on the river in New Taipei City’s Hubaotan (虎豹潭) area. They were participating in a Nature Joy Camp outdoor activity with a group of 16 adults and 15 children led by a guide surnamed Su (蘇). As of 4:30pm yesterday, four of the missing had been
Taiwanese worked more hours than people in all but three other countries in the world last year, Ministry of Labor data showed. Singapore placed first in average hours worked among the 40 economies surveyed, with an average of 2,288 hours per worker last year, the data showed. The city-state was followed by Colombia with 2,172 hours — based on 2019 data — and Mexico with 2,124 hours, it showed. Taiwan came in fourth, with 2,021 hours, it showed. South Korean workers clocked the third-most hours in Asia, with 1,908 hours, followed by Japan with 1,598 hours, it showed. However, compared with 2019, the survey found
The US 7th Fleet yesterday confirmed that a US Navy ship transited the Taiwan Strait on Thursday and Friday. “The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Dewey [DDG 105] conducted a Taiwan Strait transit in cooperation with Royal Canadian Navy [RCN] Halifax-class frigate, HMCS Winnipeg, October 14-15, 2021,” the US 7th Fleet said in a statement. “Dewey’s and Winnipeg’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the commitment of the United States and our allies and partners to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Cooperation like this represents the centerpiece of our approach to a secure and prosperous region,” it added. The transit marked the
‘COUNTERPRODUCTIVE’: The German, French and Singaporean missions said that Taiwan’s COVID-19 restrictions are hindering local projects and business operations Several foreign missions in Taiwan have urged the government to ease its strict COVID-19 border controls, which they say are hurting in-person exchanges and business operations. The missions made the appeal in response to media inquiries on how the border controls have affected their respective countries’ exchanges with Taiwan, amid growing concerns voiced privately by Taiwan-based foreign offices and businesses regarding the restrictions. Taiwan has maintained strict entry requirements since March last year, generally prohibiting most arrivals except for citizens and foreign residents, while it has required those who enter the country to undergo a stringent 14-day quarantine. Although the rules have been

domain: sociology


Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2017, Pages: 78-86
Received: Mar. 10, 2017;
Accepted: Mar. 21, 2017;
Published: Apr. 14, 2017
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Ahmed Abobakr Elashiry, Faculty of Engineering, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
Abdel Hameid M. Abdel Hameid, Faculty of Engineering, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
This research tends to raise the accuracy of absolute point positioning by simulating the differential positioning mode. This process was done by observing the unknown point using one unit GPS receiver after observing the fixed point with the same receiver and estimate the Doppler value; where it equals to the expected change at carrier phase measurement from two adjacent epochs, to determine the phase value in the following epoch and generate new observation file for the known point has phase observation at the same period of observing the unknown point. The generated data at the known point will be solved with the observed phase data at the unknown point for four satellites at least using triple difference technique to vanish the ambiguity value and all affecting errors on observations. Finally the least square technique will be applying on the resulted equations from the previous process. This method had been enhanced to improve the positioning accuracy from ten meters to 30 cm as a maximum error in 3D coordinates. In condition that there is one fixed point at least in the observation area, and the interval period between observing the fixed and unknown point is less than 15 min.
Ahmed Abobakr Elashiry,
Abdel Hameid M. Abdel Hameid,
Simulating the Differential Positioning Mode Using One GPS Receiver, Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering.
Vol. 2, No. 2,
2017, pp. 78-86.
EL-Rabbany, A., "Introduction to GPS (The Global Positioning System)", Artech House, 2002.
Petrovskyy, V., et. al., "Precise GPS Position and Attitude", GPS Technology Projects, Aalborg University, 2007.
El-Rabbany," Precise GPS Point Positioning: the Future Alternative to Differential GPS Surveying", Ryerson University, 2002.
Sunehra, D., "Estimation of Prominent Global Positioning System Measurement Errors for GAGAN Applications", European Scientific Journal, Vol. 9, pp 68-81, 2003.
Akim, E. L.,"GPS Errors Statistical Analysis For Ground Receiver Measurements", Keldysh, Inst. Apl. Mathem., Russia Academy of Sciences, 2003.
Alkan, R. M., et. al., "GPS Standard Positioning Service Performance After Selective Availability Turned Off", International Symposium In GIS, the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), 2002.
Chen, H. W., et al., “A New Coarse-Time GPS Positioning Algorithm Using Combined Doppler and Code-Phase Measurements”, GPS Solution, Vol. 8, DOI 10.1007/s10291-013-0350-8, 2013.
Chen, K., "Real-Time Precise Point Positioning Using Single Frequency Data" Proceedings of the Institute Of Navigation ION GNSS, 2005.
CHANG, X. W. et. al., “An Algorithm for Combined Code and Carrier Phase Based GPS Positioning”, BIT Numerical Mathematics Vol. 43, pp 915 - 927, 2003
Zeng, F., et. al., ”Single-Point Positioning with the Pseudorange of Single-frequency GPS Considering the Stochastic Model”, Pacific Science Review, Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 274-278, 2008.
Elashiry, A. A., et. al., “Adjusting of Absolute Point Positioning Accuracy”, 7th International Conference On Emerging Technologies in Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environmental Engineering for Global Sustainability, New Delhi, Indian, Journal of Basic and Applied Engineering Research, Volume 2, Number 8; April-June, 2015.
Elashiry, A. A., et. al., ”Enhancement Of The Single Point Positioning Accuracy (Using The Observations Of IGS Service)”, International Journal of Civil, Structural, Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering Research and Development journal, Vol. 5, Issue 3, Jun 2015.
Silva, P., "Cycle Slip Detection and Correction for Precise Point Positioning", Proceedings of the Institute Of Navigation ION GNSS, 2013.
Elashiry, A. A., et. al., “Modification Of Phase-Phase And Phase-Code Methods For Precise Detection And Prediction Of GPS Cycle Slip Error”, International Journal of Unmanned Systems Engineering (IJUSEng), http://dx.doi.org/10.14323/ijuseng.2015.16, Vol. 3, Issue 4, 2015
Guochang X., "GPS Theory Algorithms and Applications". (2nd ed.). Springer-Verlag. Berlin. Heidelberg, 2007.
Grewal, M. S., "Global Positioning System, Inertial Navigation, and Integration", 2nd Edition, A John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2007.
ICD, "Navstar GPS Space Segment/ Navigation User Interfaces", Arinc Research Corporation, ICD-GPS-200C, 1993.
Gustavsson, P., "Development of a Matlab Based GPS Constellation Simulation for Navigation Algorithm Developments", Master's Thesis, Space Science Department, Lulea University of Technology, 2005.
Ren, Z., et. al., "Instantaneous Cycle-Slip Detection and Repair of GPS Data Based on Doppler Measurement", International Journal of Information and Electronics Engineering, Vol. 2, No. 2, 2012.
Blewitt, G., “Basics of the GPS Technique: Observation Equations”, Swedish Land Survey, 1997.


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About the study
This surname project collects all references to the surname Swinfield and variants. Pedigrees have been compiled linking the majority together into approximately 10 large family groups.
Swinfield, Swingfield, Swynfield, Swinfeld, Swinfield-Wells
There is a placename Swingfield in Kent. However, there is no evidence that the surname originated in that locality. People with the name Swinfield live(d) principally in Leicestershire and Warwickshire.
History of the name
Richard de Swinfield, Bishop of Hereford from 1283 until his death in 1317.
About 900 births 1837-2009, 550 marriages and 520 deaths.
Distribution of the name
In England, the vast majority of those called Swinfield still live in the city of Leicester. A few migrants have settled in other parts of the country but their ancestors lived in Leicestershire and Warwickshire in the 19th century. One branch of the family emigrated to New South Wales in the early 19th century and remains there today.
A full list of Swinfield entries has been compiled from: Civil registration indexes for England and Wales (1837-2009) Censuses (1841-1911) National probate indexes (1858-2009) Electoral register indexes (recent years) Parish registers (IGI, BVRI, LMA through Ancestry and searches in selected parish registers in Leicestershire and Warwickshire) Probate indexes for relevant counties TNA catalogue (military service records, divorce, criminal registers, wills) Equity Court indexes at TNA New South Wales BMD indexes A large collection of copies of BMD certificates, censuses, parish register entries, wills, service records, chancery and equity court documents has been compiled.
Several male Swinfields have provided DNA samples for testing. The results of these tests and what they tell us about the various branches of the Swinfield family can be viewed at http://www.familytreedna.com/public/Swinfield and http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=info&gid=321619050985

domain: geography


Don Chargin: “I still love boxing” – Part Two
By Joseph Herron: An age old axiom in boxing states that “as the heavyweight division goes, so goes the sport of boxing.”
Article posted on 25.04.2011
It’s hard to argue with that logic when 4 out of the top 5 live gates in Nevada Boxing history are Heavyweight Main Events:
1) Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr., May 5, 2007 $19.0 million
2) Lennox Lewis vs. Evander Holyfield II, Nov. 13, 1999 $16.8 million
3) Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson II, June 28, 1997 $14.2 million
4) Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson I, Nov. 9, 1996 $14.1 million
5) Mike Tyson vs. Peter McNeeley, Aug. 19, 1995 $13.9 million
According to Don “War a Week” Chargin, it’s no coincidence that boxing enjoyed record proceeds and regular popularity among sports fans in America when an American Heavyweight ruled the boxing universe.
Chargin truly believes that the “Sweet Science” would be on the forefront of American sports if an exciting American heavyweight became the lineal Heavyweight Champion of the World.
“I’m always looking for boxing to make a big comeback,” admits the 83 year old boxing icon. “I’m praying that we’ll see another exciting and dominant American heavyweight in my lifetime that can carry the sport.”
There are quite a few boxing scribes who would debate with Don, stating that the current promotional feud between Top Rank and Golden Boy is what is really crippling the sport of boxing by keeping the best matches from being made.
Don simply chuckles.
“That has always gone on,” states Chargin. “There are a few good fights that we would see as a result and it would ultimately be better for the sport if they did have more of an amicable relationship, but this kind of thing has gone on since the beginning of time in boxing.”
“Eventually the opposing promoters will get together for maybe one or two great fights, but then they’ll quarrel again, calling each other names in the process for another year or so…then they’ll repeat the entire cycle over and over,” laughs the Hall of Fame matchmaker. “It has always been this way.”
“Even when they were making fights between Pacquiao/De La Hoya, Mosley/Margarito, and Pacquiao/Hatton…things really weren’t that good between Top Rank and Golden Boy,” explains Chargin.
“Things haven’t been right between Oscar and Bob since De La Hoya decided to leave Top Rank,” expounds Don. “But, things really got bad when Manny Pacquiao signed with both promotional parties, Top Rank and Golden Boy, simultaneously.”
“What’s ironic is that Golden Boy gets paid whenever Pacquiao fights because of the mutually agreed settlement, just like Top Rank gets paid whenever Victor Ortiz fights,” clarifies the boxing legend. “It will always be a pretty rough relationship between De La Hoya and Arum, but we’ll eventually see the fights that the public demands.”
Don claims that throughout boxing’s rich history, the big fights, regardless of how elusive they may have seemed, were always made.
“The top matches would always get made,” states Chargin. “It might take some doing and it might take longer than anticipated, but eventually the fights would be made.
“For years Heavyweight Champion Floyd Patterson avoided Sonny Liston until he absolutely couldn’t avoid him any longer,” recalls the legendary matchmaker. “He finally fought him…not once but twice.”
Some have labeled Don “War a Week” Chargin as the most prolific matchmaker in the history of boxing. The “Don” of boxing earned his legendary nickname for putting on a classic battle at the famed Olympic Auditorium at least four times per month. Chargin explains why it was so much easier back then.
“Matchmaking for Aileen Eaton made my job easy,” explains Chargin. “Aileen was way ahead of her time and was a pioneer of sorts. She didn’t believe in “easy” fights or promotional contracts.”
When Don would worry about possibly losing a “free agent” after all of his work developing a certain fighter, Aileen would confidently tell him: “Look Don…if they don’t want us, we don’t want them.”
“During my twenty years at the Olympic Auditorium, we signed one fighter to a promotional contract,” claims “War a Week” Chargin. “It was much easier back then because you could concentrate on making a great match-up rather than fulfilling a contractual obligation.”
“Now matchmaking is much more difficult because promoters sign too many fighters,” states Chargin. “When a promoter signs a fighter to a lucrative deal, a matchmaker has to keep these, what I like to call, “bonus babies” winning.”
“Consequently, this factor greatly affects how a matchmaker does his job,” stresses the boxing legend. “Golden Boy has two very good matchmakers in Eric Gomez and Robert Diaz, who are sometimes sharply and wrongfully criticized for making a fight simply to keep a contractually obligated fighter in his winning ways.”
The “Don” of boxing also notices a trend which greatly affects the future and health of the sport.
“Too often, fight scribes, promoters, and fans alike place way too much emphasis on a fighter’s win-loss record or a specific performance,” declares Chargin. “Sugar Ray Robinson is considered by most to be the greatest fighter in the history of the sport and he retired with almost 20 losses.”
“Look at Victor Ortiz,” states Chargin. “He was basically left for dead by his harshest critics after one failed showing, and Victor was still capable of giving the world an inspired performance in his championship win over Berto.”
“Look at how good Sergio Martinez became after his loss to Paul Williams,” explains Chargin. “He’s now one of the best fighters in the world.”
Despite being involved with boxing for almost 6 decades, Don Chargin is still a big fan of the “Sweet Science”. He loves to talk shop and has analyzed the upcoming Sugar Shane Mosely/Manny Pacquiao bout on May 7th.
“I think Sugar Shane is a professional and is one of the most proud fighters I know,” proclaims the legendary matchmaker. “He is not showing up just to lose and will never get embarrassed in the ring.”
“Although Shane is a future Hall of Famer and always makes a good showing for himself on the big stage, I just don’t think he has enough at this point in his career to defeat a fighter like Pacquiao,” admits Chargin. “But, when Pacquiao gets hit by a Sugar Shane right hand, the Pac-Man is going to feel it and will definitely know that he is in one heck of a fight.”
If a man is defined by his actions and measured by how he treats those around him, Don Chargin will continually be known as “the most successful man in boxing."
previous article: Schaefer Says Floyd Mayweather-Victor Ortiz Could Happen
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Petrochemical industry leaders and financial investors need to update their strategic agendas and focus on recovery scenarios, regionalized supply chains, and capital productivity. That is, if they want to minimize the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the industry, according to McKinsey & Company.
In a recent analysis, the global consulting firm wrote that slowing demand growth, growing surplus, and a shrinking value pool had posed a challenge to the sector even before the outbreak.
In addition to these pronounced effects, the industry is facing structural disruption from the transition to renewable energy resources and a regenerative, or circular, economy, it noted.
McKinsey says the sector saw prolonged, considerable growth from 2010 to 2018 after the financial crisis of 2008. During the mentioned period, the value pool grew by 8 percent per annum.
“High utilization levels and favorable feedstock dynamics eventually led to a so-called supercycle (a time when petrochemical margins are higher than usual) from 2016 to 2018.”
According to McKinsey analysts, significant capacity additions and slowing demand growth caused a decline in the industry value pool last year.
“This decline was further accelerated in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of the coronavirus on petrochemical demand was irregular across value chains, with automotive and construction applications seeing particularly steep declines, and packaging demand (especially in food, sanitary products, and medical applications) remaining robust,” the report reads.
The firm cites stockpiling, a surge in delivery services, and increased healthcare-focused activity—all in response to the unfolding health emergency—as some of the reasons for the latter.
Although a few plants have shut down in select geographies, in McKinsey’s view, industry actors have coped well with the short-term impact and are now making plans for the medium term.
The analysis suggests that petrochemical demand recovery will vary by value chain and geography and depend on macro-economic and epidemiological impacts.
“The decline in oil prices has flattened cost curves, particularly in methanol and ethylene, eroding value pools, especially for players with access to advantageous feedstocks,” McKinsey wrote, adding that several industry forecasts see a “low for longer” scenario despite considerable uncertainty regarding oil prices.
The consulting company believes that industry executives have only a few options to address utilization, which includes delaying capacity additions and restructuring current capacity.
“Heading into the crisis, ethylene utilization was expected to be about 85 percent between 2020 and 2025 (versus 89 percent in 2019). Several recent scenarios, however, suggest that utilization levels will likely remain below 85 percent, even with large reductions in capacity.”
A scenario of muted recovery is indicative of an average industry utilization of around 81 percent until 2025, it said, while highlighting that the resulting impact on the value pool shows a decline of about 16 percent and will not go back to 2019 levels until 2023.
“In the longer term, ethylene utilization rates may improve in the second half of this decade, though the extent will depend on overall industry conduct. In the event of limited investments, utilization may rebound to 2017–18 levels by 2030, or it could remain below 2019 levels if significant capacity is added,” the research says.
McKinsey recommends that industry leaders and investors change their perspectives and management agendas and embrace the following shifts:
Use scenarios to manage the recovery. Companies are advised to build scenario-based market outlooks, which are “tailored to specific value chains and geographic footprints”.
Prepare for increasingly regionalized supply chains. According to a recent McKinsey Global Institute report, up to 35 percent of the chemical industry’s annual EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) could be at risk because of supply-chain disruptions.
Raise capital productivity. Companies need to revisit their capital-investment pipelines in light of overcapacity and lower operational cash flows looming until 2025. It is suggested that they concentrate on improving productivity for well-advanced and under-construction projects, for instance, by adjusting project completion times or re-negotiating prices.
Scale digital and analytics in commercial and operations. Profit margins can be improved with the help of end-to-end digital transformations. Advanced analytics should be taken advantage of to reduce procurement costs, improve yields and throughput, lower energy consumption, and optimize product pricing.
Continue the transition to a circular economy. Low oil prices, lower overall demand, and higher consumer concerns of health and safety amid the coronavirus pandemic may slow the pace of transition to a circular economy.
But a recent McKinsey survey found that 87 percent of recyclers expect consumers to continue opting for sustainable or recycled products, regardless of the crisis or an economic downturn.
The road to recovery for the petrochemical sector is riddled with a diverse set of challenges but companies can emerge from the crisis stronger than before if they learn from the past few months and make several management shifts based on informed and realistic outlooks, McKinsey says.

domain: economics