Jan 11, 2011, 9:52 AM EST
There’s an interesting — but troubling — musing in Buster Olney’s latest column. First Olney notes that Frank McCourt is in dire financial straits — no surprise — but then speculates about one possible outcome:
It’s been awhile since Bud Selig formed the committee to study the Oakland ownership situation, with no resolution in sight for his longtime friend and former fraternity buddy Lew Wolff, the Athletics current owner. What Wolff and the Athletics want is a ballpark in San Jose, and Selig might feel as though he can’t give that to him.
But if McCourt eventually has to sell the Dodgers, providing Wolff — who lives in L.A. — an opportunity to buy the Dodgers would be a heck of a compromise move for Selig, who is, above all else, a deal-maker. In a similar way, he ushered John Henry and Tom Werner — previously connected with the Marlins and Padres, respectively — into control of the Boston Red Sox.
And Wolff, of course, could bring along GM Billy Beane, who could leave the Athletics in the hands of the next owner and heir apparent David Forst.
It’s all speculation. But it all could make a lot of sense, depending on which way the dominos fall with the Dodgers.
And here we thought that Bud’s-committee-on-San Jose was designed to look out for the best interests of the Oakland Athletics, not merely the team’s billionaire real estate developing fraternity-brother-of-Bud Selig owner. Silly us.
I hope this is just Buster on a flight of fancy and not a trial balloon being floated by someone at MLB. Because if it’s the latter it’s clear evidence that baseball doesn’t give a diddly durn about Athletics fans. At all.
- Phillies GM told Ryan Howard they’d be better off “not with him but without him” 82
- Trea Turner’s agent is unhappy his client is in limbo after trade to Nationals 46
- Nexen Heroes accept Jung-Ho Kang posting fee from unidentified MLB team 31
- Giants acquire Casey McGehee from the Marlins 16
- The Padres have given their fans something to talk about. Which is badly needed in San Diego. 64
- Justin Upton traded to the Padres for three prospects 79
- Bud Selig will get a $6 million a year pension. Which is obscene. 144
- Jake Peavy agrees to a two-year, $24 million deal to stay with the San Francisco Giants 26
- The United States will seek to normalize relations with Cuba (144)
- Bud Selig will get a $6 million a year pension. Which is obscene. (144)
- Cubs, Red Sox, Dodgers, Padres, Rangers, and Astros interested in Phillies’ Cole Hamels (111)
- Rays, Padres, Nationals agree to 11-player trade (97)
- Chase Headley signs a four-year deal with the Yankees worth at least $52 million. (95)


text:
Uber makes no secret of its ambitions to replace human drivers ASAP, testing autonomous cars in a highly public manner. But for the moment, and even for the next decade, the ride-hailing company remains reliant on an army of contractors. That relationship has been tense: Consider, for one recent example, leaked video of an Uber driver giving a ride to company CEO Travis Kalanick and arguing with him over lowered fares and shifting demands. Kalanick, who told the driver to "take responsibility," later apologized for his "disrespectful" tone.
“We’ve underinvested in the driver experience," an Uber official said on a press call in March, "and relationships with many drivers are frayed. We are now re-examining everything we do in order to rebuild that love."
Rhetoric aside, a lengthy analysis from yesterday's New York Times describes a company "engaged in an extraordinary behind-the-scenes experiment in behavioral science to manipulate [drivers] in the service of its corporate growth." The gist of the report, which grew out of interviews with dozens of current and former Uber officials, drivers, and social scientists, is that Uber uses "psychological inducements and other techniques unearthed by social science to influence when, where and how long drivers work."
Employing, or not quite employing, independent contractors is a strategy industry insiders told the Times in 2015 could save companies as much as 25 percent in costs. It also provides drivers the flexibility to choose when and how to drive, choices Uber would like to influence or "gamify" in the recent tech parlance. "Employing hundreds of social scientists and data scientists," the Times reports, "Uber has experimented with video game techniques, graphics and noncash rewards of little value that can prod drivers into working longer and harder — and sometimes at hours and locations that are less lucrative for them."
One of the ways Uber might incentivize drivers is by taking advantage of the personal earning goals they share with the company. Another will be familiar to Netflix binge watchers: The autoplay feature.
To keep drivers on the road, the company has exploited some people’s tendency to set earnings goals — alerting them that they are ever so close to hitting a precious target when they try to log off. It has even concocted an algorithm similar to a Netflix feature that automatically loads the next program, which many experts believe encourages binge-watching. In Uber’s case, this means sending drivers their next fare opportunity before their current ride is even over.
In response, Uber spokesperson Michael Amodeo told the Times, “We show drivers areas of high demand or incentivize them to drive more... But any driver can stop work literally at the tap of a button — the decision whether or not to drive is 100 percent theirs.”
“The whole thing is like a video game,” says Eli Solomon, a veteran Uber and Lyft driver in the Chicago area, speaking the Times. Tellingly, in 2015, the company released a mobile game called Uber Drive to test peoples' city knowledge and recruit them to drive for Uber in real life.
As he tried to log off at 7:13 a.m. on New Year’s Day last year, Josh Streeter, then an Uber driver in the Tampa, Fla., area, received a message on the company’s driver app with the headline “Make it to $330.” The text then explained: “You’re $10 away from making $330 in net earnings. Are you sure you want to go offline?” Below were two prompts: “Go offline” and “Keep driving.” The latter was already highlighted.
Behavioral science has become "a voguish field" in the last decade according to a January New Yorker article about its possible public sector applications. President Barack Obama put legal scholars like Cass Sunstein and cognitive scientists like Maya Shankar to work at the blandly named Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, where they took tools like automatic enrollment and reminder prompts to "nudge" citizens toward behavior considered to be for the social good.
But, for the most part, behavioral science has been a boon for the private sector, not the public one. Looking to the future, the Times analysis imagines a workforce employed by digital platforms such as Uber wherein "using big data and algorithms to manage workers will not simply be a niche phenomenon" as it is now. Lyft and Postmates already rely on similar approaches. "[As] so-called platform-mediated work like driving for Uber increasingly becomes the way people make a living, the company’s example illustrates that pulling psychological levers may eventually become the reigning approach to managing the American worker." That is, until the levers pull themselves.

domain: news


text:
As Wang is freed, Chinese journalist Shi Tao still held
August 31, 2012 12:42 PM ET
Chinese dissident Wang Xiaoning was released today after serving a 10-year prison term on charges of "incitement to subvert state power," a case built in good part on client information supplied by Yahoo. Wang had used his Yahoo email...
Read More ›


text:
The persistent overcast of our Midwestern autumn sky is nothing short of an adversary. Its stunning monochrome of colorless oppression aims to maim the ability to ascend above an intermediate outlook. Optimism becomes elusive and joy seems just as ethereal. It’s days on end this time of year and the overcast is stubbornly unyielding as if it has waged a personal vendetta upon the soul, the inner being which craves for that glorious candescence during daylight hours. It is only below and within that transient yet nurturing light that a body can thrive and flourish, and be with sound mind and intentions. An opaque and sunless sky is really no sky at all when one regards it like a canopy of restriction. In my wayward mind I imagine this to be akin to a forsaken locale under a dome. Which is to mean that I am effectively an insect trapped in a jar from which I will not be liberated.
Listened: Carcass, Wu Tang Clan, Ani Difranco, Foo Fighters, Modest Mouse
Comments are closed.

domain: literature


text:
Lectures on Stratification of Complex Analytic Sets
by M.-H. Schwartz
Publisher: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research 1966
Number of pages: 67
Contents: Preliminaries; Some theorems on stratification; Whitney's Theorems (Tangent Cones, Wings, The singular set Sa); Whitney Stratifications and pseudofibre bundles (Pseudo fibre spaces, Obstructions in pseudo-fibrations, etc.).
Download or read it online for free here:
by B. Ya. Levin - American Mathematical Society
This monograph aims to expose the main facts of the theory of entire functions and to give their applications in real and functional analysis. The general theory starts with the fundamental results on the growth of entire functions of finite order.
by Anders Thorup - Kobenhavns Universitet
In mathematics, the notion of factor of automorphy arises for a group acting on a complex-analytic manifold. From the contents: Moebius transformations; Discrete subgroups; Modular groups; Automorphic forms; Poincare Series and Eisenstein Series.
by Andrew Russell Forsyth - Cambridge University Press
The present treatise is an attempt to give a consecutive account of what may fairly be deemed the principal branches of the whole subject. The book may assist mathematicians, by lessening the labour of acquiring a proper knowledge of the subject.
by S. Axler, J. McCarthy, D. Sarason - Cambridge University Press
This volume consists of expository articles on holomorphic spaces. Topics covered are Hardy spaces, Bergman spaces, Dirichlet spaces, Hankel and Toeplitz operators, and a sampling of the role these objects play in modern analysis.

domain: library


Originally published in 2013 when Obama bombed Syria, this discussion is every bit as relevant now that Trump has done it, too. Bottom line: the problem is not with the man in office; the problem lies in the Constitution which actually allows this. On this, even the more freedom-loving founders were agreed. *** As I […]
I saw a popular megachurch pastor once post on “10 things I would do if I were president.” A few of his ideas were good. Some were not. Some were contradictory (like cutting taxes and declaring indefinite wars at the same time). It got me to thinking: if a real advocate of liberty ever did […]
The best way to destroy the public’s memory of an important event is to make it into an American national holiday. This brings me to the Fourth of July. There are no Fourth of July parades on TV, or anywhere else, as far as I know. I cannot remember any in my youth.
You may not know that many Christians in India face persecution, but it is quite a problem—and growing. A recent report from International Christian Concern—a worldwide persecution watch group—notes a recent rise in Hindu nationalism producing extremism and a spike in persecution. But a Resolution working its way through Congress seeks to reverse this trend. […]
What was once outspoken opposition (to increased spending) led by the tea party core in the House seems to have cooled to a lukewarm loyal opposition. A few are opposing the latest $1.1 Trillion omnibus spending bill, but we are not hearing too much strident expression of principle anymore. Where did they go? Republicans in […]


text:
Developer: Special K Software
Specifications: Version 4.9 improves logic and display.
Limitation: 14-day trial
Operation system: Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7
License: Free to try
Rating: 4.3 / Views: 438Download Free download bridge card game for windows 8.1
Bridge Bandit- play & learn bridge on mobile devices
It is played by four players in two competing partnerships, with
More on this story. Bridge card game 'should be exempt from VAT'.

domain: entertainment


text:
It would be a 29th official Scudetto for Antonio Conte's side and a 31st in total, with their 2004-05 and 2005-06 successes having been revoked by the footballing authorities as part of the Calciopoli punishments in 2006.
|8/1||Juventus are 8/1 with bet365 to beat Palermo 3-0
"We now have the opportunity to celebrate the Scudetto with our fans at home," said Marchisio, "Although we will be up against a Palermo side fighting for survival."
The in-form Sicilians have dragged themselves out of the bottom three on goal difference in recent weeks and president Maurizio Zamparini wants his men to focus on their own objectives.
"We are desperate for the win and we'll be going to Turin to win," the chief told Radio Kiss Kiss. "We need the points and we have to try cause an upset.
"We will not go there hoping to spoil Juventus' party, but with the intentions of having our own party."
Should Juve lose today, they could still be crowned as champions later in the day. Napoli host Inter needing to win to keep alive their hopes of overhauling the Turin side's huge 11-point advantage.
Even if they clinch the title today, Juve will have to wait until their final home fixture against Cagliari next Saturday (May 11) before being presented with the Scudetto trophy, but celebrations are likely to be seen on the streets of Turin throughout Sunday evening if the champions can clinch the point they need for a second successive title.


text:
Following an abnormally cold winter and cool, dry spring, Nick thought his timothy crop was suffering from winter kill. Large, random areas within the field were exhibiting plant necrosis as well as poor and unusual growth and vigour.
Nick — who farms about 6,000 acres of mixed cereals, pulses, oilseeds, alfalfa and timothy near Picture Butte, Alta. — called me at the end of May last year to ask if I could have a look at the field.
When I arrived, Nick explained the symptoms started appearing around mid-May. The environmental conditions could have caused winter kill, but I thought we should also rule out a nutrient imbalance as well as disease.
After scouting the field in question, we also checked neighbouring timothy fields for winter kill symptoms. These fields were not showing any symptoms, so it was unlikely winter kill was the issue. The large, random patches of affected plants were only occurring in that one field.
A nutrient imbalance was also ruled out as Nick’s fertility plan was sound, and a tissue analysis and soil tests revealed all nutrients were present at normal levels.
This field had been a top-yielder of timothy in previous years. I thought the probability of a disease or infection causing the injury was low for a few reasons — for the past five years, there were no diseases present in the field that timothy hosts, there were no symptoms of root disease and no lesions on the leaf blades, and environmental conditions weren’t conducive for disease development.
While I was digging up some plants in order to examine their root structures, I discovered the cause of the necrosis and poor growth. Nick’s crop had a large pest outbreak!
Crop Advisor’s Solution: Glassy cutworm diminishes timothy yields
Within the soil’s top two inches, I found a heavy glassy cutworm infestation. These pests were causing the plants’ symptoms. Glassy cutworm larvae are shiny and greenish-white to grey in colour, with a reddish-brown head. Mature larvae are about 35 to 40 mm (1.5 inches) in length. Glassy cutworms feed on or near the crowns of grass plants.
After this discovery, Nick applied an insecticide for cutworm control on the timothy field. The glassy cutworm population was greatly reduced, but not before large areas of the field were deemed non-productive. Thus, the field’s stand and yield were greatly diminished.
When insecticide is required, as it was in Nick’s field, choose a residual rather than a contact-only product. Use higher water volumes (20 gallons per acre) to ensure best coverage and penetration into the crown of the plant. Also, apply the insecticide prior to a rain event, if possible, for greater efficacy — the moisture will carry the insecticide into the plant’s crown and the soil’s upper level where the cutworms are present.
To minimize cutworm populations, begin scouting for the pest in the fall until freeze-up and early spring in newly-broken sod as well as established grass fields, such as tall and creeping red fescues, bluegrass, timothy and brome. In the fall, also remove grassy weeds from the field, especially on newly broken sod.
Continuous field scouting is essential for the establishment of a healthy and vigorous crop stand. Early detection and monitoring of pest populations, such as glassy cutworms, by frequent and thorough scouting will also minimize the risk of outbreaks.
Corey Pearse works for Richardson Pioneer Ltd. in Nobleford, Alta.

domain: agronomy


The Intertek Group having its Corporate Headquarters in London, England, is an international leader in the field of testing, inspection, certification of products and commodities, and quality systems.
It is made up of many wholly owned specialist companies situated around the world, and it is an organization committed to support and add value for its
customers (Home page ref. www.intertek.com
The origins of Intertek go back 123 years to the year 1885, and it has evolved from the combined growth of 15 innovative companies.
The Industrial Services Division ( www.intertek.com/industrial )
which itself evolved from the combining of a number of independent companies having expertise in industrial inspection and testing (both electrical and mechanical), is now in its 59th year of operation.
Currently, Intertek has an extensive network of over 21,000 employees, working in
398 laboratories and 629 offices that span 110 countries located around the world.
We are independent of any industrial firms and have a rigorous compliance
program to ensure that all our employees operate professionally and ethically.
Due to continued growth in all countries of the world, we are actively looking to expand our base of freelance (contract) & full time personnel.
Applications are therefore being sought for the following categories of personnel:
- Freelance Vendor Inspectors.
- Pipemill Inspectors.
- QA Engineers.
- QA Project Coordinators.
- Lead Auditors (QMS & EMS).
- Electrical Inspectors
- AWS Certified Welding Inspectors or Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (for immediate work assignment in Japan commencing
end May 2008).
We specifically need the above type of personnel
(except for the AWS CWI) in the following countries:
Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Albania and Poland.
and other FSU countries.
(Electrical Inspectors, and Mechanical Inspectors in the extreme north of
Serbia and Montenegro
The successful candidate(s) will have experience in the following disciplines:
- Mechanical (rotating machinery, e.g. compressors, turbines, pumps, etc.).
- Mechanical (static equipment, e.g. pressure vessels, reactors, heat exchangers, fittings, etc.).
- Mechanical (others, e.g. valves, wellheads, etc.).
- Pipe mill.
- Electrical (e.g. generators, motors, switchgear, motor control centers, control panels, etc.).
- Instrumentation (e.g. DCIS systems, transducers, relays, etc.).
- Communication systems (e.g. SDH Multiplexers, etc.).
All candidates should be at least Technical High School graduates with appropriate vocational training, and/or hold a Technical Diploma/Degree or equivalent from a recognized institution.
They shall also have at least five (5) years relevant Industry experience, be fully computer literate, have a good command of the English Language (both written and verbal, and comprehension), and be in sound health.
please complete the attached Inspector Qualification Form and send it to us
together with your resume (CV) and copies of all technical
education/qualifications by email to the following address:
Please complete the Inspector Qualification Form:
here to download and SAVE the form to your computer Inspector
Complete the form
send it to us together with your resume (CV) and copies of all technical education/qualifications by email to the following address:
Building (2nd Floor), 2-31-1, Eitai, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0034, Japan
to Job Vacancies


text:
Library details: Curry Public Library is a Consortium.
This library is affiliated with Curry Public Library (view map) . The collection of the library contains 105,212 volumes. The library circulates 72,607 items per year.
(Use this link to refer back to this listing.)
Administration: The director of the library is Jeremy Skinner .
|Product Name||Year Contracted|
|Current Automation System||Koha -- ByWater Solutions*||2016|
|Previous Automation System||Library.Solution||2006|
|(* This system was recently acquired and may not yet be installed)|
|The library participates in the shared automation system provided by the COASTLINE Coos County Library Network|
|This library is responsible for the procurement of the library automation system.|
Record History: This listing was created on Nov 17, 2009 and was last modified on Dec 8, 2016.
Updates: Corrections or Updates? Registered members of Library Technology Guides can submit updates to library listings in libraries.org. Registration is free and easy. Already registered? login. Or, you can report corrections just by sending a message to Marshall Breeding.


Joseph Taylor was an English folk singer from Lincolnshire.
The Australian pianist, composer and folk song collector Percy Grainger considered Taylor to be the finest folk singer that he had the opportunity to record.
They first met in 1905 when Taylor took part in a music festival at the small market town of Brigg in North Lincolnshire. A folk singing category was included in program for the first time and a prize awarded for the best unpublished old Lincolnshire folk or plough song. Joseph won first prize with his rendition of ‘Creeping Jane’, which he learnt at the age of eleven from and old woman in Binbrook.
Grainger continued to visit Brigg to collect more folk songs and set several of them to his own arrangements for solo voices, choirs and bands. In 1906 he brought a phonograph to the music festival to capture the nuances of the Lincolnshire folk singers in every detail, and thereby became a pioneer in recording folk singers in England.
Through pioneering recordings and later compilations such as the 1972 album ‘Unto Brigg Fair’, Joseph Taylor and other traditional Lincolnshire singers inspired a whole new generation of folk-revival performers. Martin Carthy recorded various versions of ‘Creeping Jane’, ‘The White Hare’, and other songs.
Percy Grainger noted or recorded 28 songs from Joseph Taylor between 1905 and 1908, and although many of the field recordings were damaged somewhat by the mere fact of repeated playing, the 1908 recordings made for the Gramophone Company represent a treasure trove of authentic recorded folksong.
Joseph Taylor was in his 70s when he recorded for Grainger and his rendition of Brigg fair, which Grainger had set to music, was further adapted for orchestra by the composer Delius. At its first London performance in 1908 at London’s Queen’s Hall, Joseph Taylor was an invited guest and the story goes that he stood up proudly to sing along with “his” tune as soon as the orchestra played the first strain.
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The ‘Go Compose a Minute’ collection was composed and created by children in primary schools across Tower Hamlets in order to explore…
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The BRIT Kids ‘Friends and Feelings’ collection was created and composed by 20 talented young people aged 10-17 from the BRIT Kids…
Discover a treasure trove of music education resources created by the experts at Minute of Listening.


text:
Cute idea for the guest bedroom. 10 Guest Room Essentials and Tips Treat your house guests like they are royalty. Take a cue from the little things that matter most when you are traveling.
Real Life Colorful Bedrooms from Better Homes and Gardens.Whether you want a bright, cheery bedroom or a simple, calm escape, these real-life bedrooms have it all. Get color inspiration from these spaces for your own perfect retreat.
Love the nightstand decor. Guest Bedroom Pictures From HGTV Smart Home 2015
I am obsessed with this whimsical eclectic little girls room! Sweet, bright, and not at all predictable! home decor and interior decorating ideas.
Gallery Wall around a TV: Tips & Tricks - DIY Playbook Master Bedroom gallery wall

domain: artistic


AN IMAGE of how the guided busway will look when it is up and running has been released.
Transport for Greater Manchester has released an artist’s impression of how Sale Lane in Tyldesley – one of seven pairs of new stops - will look when the 4.5 mile guided busway between Leigh and Ellenbrook is completed.
All new stops for the £68 million busway will be fully accessible, with shelters, CCTV, real time electronic information displays and cycle parking, according to TfGM.
Clr Andrew Fender, chair of the TfGM committee, said: “Construction work is well underway on the guided busway – the flagship scheme of a much wider bus priority package – so it’s fantastic that we can begin to show people how it will look.
“Other UK busway systems have rightly set the bar high in terms of quality of service and in keeping with this we want to provide passengers with a high quality, reliable and frequent bus service with state-of-the-art stops.”
Consturction on the busway began last year and is due to be completed in 2015.
Peter Boulton, TfGM’s head of programme management services, said: “One of the key benefits of the bus priority package is that we are introducing infrastructure so that buses can get across Manchester city centre more reliably.
“Currently, some bus passengers have to change buses in the city centre to get to their final destination, with a walk inbetween. This scheme will help to remove that inconvenience. For those services that already cross the city the improvements will help in making journeys more reliable.”
For more information on the bus priority project – which aims to improve 25 miles of Greater Manchester’s bus network, visit tfgm.com/buspriority.
What do you think about how the guided busway will look? Email firstname.lastname@example.org and tell us your thoughts on the scheme.


text:
Observers at the time reported that it was stifling hot, not unusual for Philadelphia in July.
The windows of the fine Pennsylvania State House on Chestnut Street were obscured by heavy curtains. The environment inside must have been nearly unbearable when 56 men representing 13 English colonies gathered to debate, discuss and ultimately place their signatures on a document that could have just as easily been their death warrants.
Instead, the document we know as the Declaration of Independence, approved on this day in 1776, has been regarded in history as important as the Magna Carta and conferred national paternity on those signers.
While much of the document simply assailed George III of England for mistreating and usurping the rights of his subjects in the American colonies, it makes some opening statements borrowed from an English philosopher that have been the keystone of this nation for more than 200 years.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..."
Thomas Jefferson was not given to verbosity. He offered the Second Continental Congress 55 words that eloquently summed up the goal of the meeting and would subsequently be the philosophical foundation of our Constitution.
Today, we join together, Republicans and Democrats, Greens and Teas, conservatives and liberals and more ethnicities than you can count, to celebrate what makes all of us Americans.
In Warren, like many places around this land, we will do it with parades, picnics and pyrotechnics. The celebration that took place on that miserably hot day so many years ago in Philadelphia was not nearly so exuberant, signaled by the peeling of a bell hung over the building that would forever be known as Independence Hall, the bell simply as "Liberty."
It is important for us, while we celebrate, to remember why we celebrate.

domain: history


text:
Why do you love to write?
I love talking! I can always find something to talk about with anyone I feel like talking to! What's this got anything to do with the answer? Well, as I've just said, I love talking! So, that's why I love to make short stories long ;) But, I do try to keep my mouth shut most of the times though, as I understand Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alai hi wassalam) once said silence is better. :) Straight to the answer now then, I love writing as it helps me understand my view as well as others (through comments). Other than that, I'd normally read other sources as well before I start writing my own piece - increasing my knowledge, wouldn't you agree? If I were to list my reasons, it would be a LOOOOONNGG list. So, I hope two reasons would do good. ^^
How old are you?
As young as a child, as old as an adult. ^^
Why have you put the penguin and polar bear picture for FAQ?
Well, I got 1001 reasons for it:
1. It's CUTE! >.<
2. Look at the quote - it's clever, innit?!
3. It's CUTE! >.<
For the rest of 998 reasons, please repeat the first two reasons 499 times :)
Note again: This was made up entirely by me to fill my boredom. So, now that I've ran out of ideas, I think I'll say bye. Thank you, bye... ^^


text:
Home Depot Bathroom Wall Cabinets
Home Depot Bathroom Wall Cabinets
Home Depot Bathroom Wall Cabinets is free HD wallpaper. This wallpaper was upload at April 10, 2019 upload by Jennifer R in Wall Decor Ideas.
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so I marked wherever i used to be going toput my middle piece confirm everythingwas straight I did my hot glue and thencentered it in situ and this is thefinal result this appearance therefore good in mybedroom I recorded this at night so youmay not see the full effect and for thecenter one I additional some of thatrhinestone ribbon i am undecided if I'mgonna get laid on all of them so I did iton one simply to examine and this can be the otherone bail let American state understand what you guys thinkwhich one is healthier and this is it youguys I hope you guys enjoyed the videofor these um lotus tea lights they arealso out there on Amazon i can linkthem below i believe you guys such a lot forwatching and i will sit down with you in mynext video god bless and bye byeyou
thisis however i'm composition the rear of theframes I wished the center to have extrasupport also be bound to use e6000 orstronger glue if you're going to use themethod i'm exploitation here therefore I simply glued everything together thenI flipped it around and added a layer ofthe dollar Tree fix all this glue has alot of fumes so check that you've got partin a well-ventilated area next Iarranged my mirrors take away the foampieces in order that you've got better surfacecontact for adhesion once I organized everything and created surethat it had been straight I started addingthe glue I supplementary a layer of the fix-alladhesive so a layer of hot gluejust for the quick-set and i repeated this method for all fivemerits once all the mirrors were pasted down Itry to put one thing significant in order that theywould set and that i don't know what I wasthinking with these candles I thedumbest idea I simply did not need to goupstairs and get books
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domain: hobby


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Finding the right breed for the dog is probably the most important choice you’ll produce as a potential dog operator, while the breed establishes nearly from personality to health care. In this informative article, we’ll have a look at a few of the different characteristics related to particular breeds of pets, as well as what you are able to do to make sure the dog you choose is the right choice for you personally and your living situation.
The most effective breeds of pets for your home and household rely on that structure. When you yourself have a sizable backyard, as an example, you can easily help a dog that needs more physical exercise and outdoor time. When you have small kids, you might want to try a collie or shepherd, as they are once good with young ones, or a Labrador, which are extremely lively and good-natured. Some factors to bear in mind are your family position, your number of outside place (this could even contain regional parks), and the amount of costly or irreplaceable things at home (a terrier is less inclined to ruin that vase your mother offered you than, state, a Rottweiler).
Keeping in mind the different breeds of dogs you’re contemplating is very important whenever you visit a pound or pet shop. When you’ve chosen some characteristics you want from the dog , you will look for those features in sometimes different breeds or particular dogs, and knowing the nature of confirmed breed enables you to know if the dog is behaving strangely. Recall, you are able to never judge a dog by the way it acts in the kennel, as some dogs might be stressed, ill, or simply depressed.
When you are looking for an ideal family pet, you’re probably thinking about finding a dog and wanting to detect which breed may be the best. It’s essential when you have kids, small children particularly, to take into account which breeds of dog are identified if you are aggressive. You may be thinking you already know oahu is the Pit Bull, Doberman, and Chow that you intend to remain apparent of. You might think an inferior dog will be safer and less likely to nip and bite at your children or visiting friends.
Unfortuitously, your thinking might not be quite on the mark. The utmost effective three many hostile dog breeds are in fact – you guessed it – small kinds! Needless to say, you need to understand that practically any breed of dog can be qualified never to mouthful if they’re taught early, constantly and well. You will see, however, these breeds which can be more persistent and immune to your training, so steering away from these breeds may be a good idea if you don’t have a lot of more time to teach small Fido never to bite people.
While they often enjoy a good reputation as animals, Dachshunds, better known, perhaps, as wiener dogs, may be very harsh monsters creating them the number one what do grasshoppers eat you will find. It’s correct that the Dachshund, when aggressive, won’t go the sort of injury a larger, say Pit Bull or Doberman might whenever they become aggressive, but it is also true that they can be hostile more regularly and more easily. When you have babies or toddlers, it could be most readily useful to stay away for finding a Dachshund as a dog for this reason.
The 2nd most intense dog , feel it or perhaps not, may be the small Chihuahua. Thought of more as an accent than a dog , this breed can be very harsh, taking, nipping and biting visitors, household and also different dogs. However they come in a truly lovely deal and are among the littlest pets on the planet, don’t let them trick you – they’re beasts. You should consider that really cautiously before making your choice to bring one home as the family pet. It may possibly not be the best thing to do to create a Chihuahua home to children, preschoolers, and smaller kids.
Third on the list of most intense dog breed is, surprisingly, the Jack Russell Terrier. The seemingly special small dog (like the main one in Frazier’s Sitcom called Eddie) can in fact be an amazing animal, buying, searching, fighting, and the like. This really is still another breed you ought to probably avoid for those who have toddlers, youngsters, or young children.
Deciding on the best dog is important, but what is similarly crucial is preparing your property for different breeds of dog you might find. As an example, understanding how large a dog is or how easily they are able to climb onto things like countertops and get into things like garbage beers is a significant part to getting your home ready for a dog. Cover important or delicate things out of achieve, and put things you do want them to chew, like toys and rules, on to the floor or into an quickly dog-accessible bucket. This will hold them from destroying points you don’t need damaged, and could keep them active with what exactly they’re likely to, enabling you to stop you and your dog happy.

domain: pet


text:
voir la définition de Wikipedia
Theatrical release poster
|Directed by||John Cameron Mitchell|
|Produced by||John Cameron Mitchell|
|Written by||John Cameron Mitchell|
|Music by||Yo La Tengo|
|Cinematography||Frank G. DeMarco|
|Editing by||Brian A. Kates|
|Running time||101 minutes |
Shortbus is a 2006 American comedy-drama film written and directed by John Cameron Mitchell. The plot revolves around a sexually diverse ensemble of colorful characters trying desperately to connect in New York City. The characters converge in a weekly Brooklyn artistic/sexual salon loosely inspired by various underground NYC gatherings that took place in the early 2000s. According to Mitchell, the film attempts to "employ sex in new cinematic ways", and it includes a variety of explicit scenes containing non-simulated sexual intercourse with visible penetration and male ejaculation.
Set in contemporary New York City, Shortbus revolves around Sofia Lin (Sook-Yin Lee), who is married to the handsome but dimwitted Rob (Raphael Barker). She works as a couples counselor/sex therapist although she has never achieved an orgasm. She comes into contact with a couple: former child star Jamie (PJ DeBoy) and former prostitute James (Paul Dawson), the film's other protagonist. At the outset, James suggests to his boyfriend that they open up their relationship to sex with others. During their first consultation, Sofia snaps, slaps Jamie, and apologetically reveals her "pre-orgasmic" status. The couple suggests she attend a weekly social/artistic/sexual salon in Brooklyn called "Shortbus," which is hosted by drag performance artist Justin Bond (playing vself). Sofia slowly opens up to new experiences; this includes a friendship with a dominatrix who goes by the name Severin played by Lindsay Beamish. (Severin was the name of the masochist protagonist of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's Venus in Furs.) Sofia's inability to achieve orgasm begins to cause conflict with Rob, who in turn begins attending Shortbus with Sofia.
James and Jamie meet a young ex-model and aspiring singer named Ceth (pronounced "Seth," and portrayed by Jay Brannan) and the three begin a sexual relationship. Meanwhile, James and Jamie's life is being closely watched by their across-the-street stalker neighbor, Caleb (Peter Stickles). Caleb fears the inclusion of Ceth in James and Jamie's relationship might break them up and thus destroy his ability to live vicariously through them, so he attends Shortbus, where he confronts Ceth. Sofia begins to go daily to a spa with a sensory deprivation tank to meet with Severin, and the two begin to have intense conversations. Severin begins to help Sofia loosen up sexually; Sofia helps Severin achieve a deeper human connection than she had experienced before. One evening at Shortbus, Severin discusses with Sofia the idea of giving up sex work to pursue her dream of being an artist. The two then have an unplanned sexual experience, and once again Sofia is left unsatisfied. Throughout the film, James is seen making a film about himself and his relationship. It turns out to be a suicide note. He attempts to take his own life and is rescued by Caleb, who calls for help, but is too embarrassed to wait with James for the help to arrive. He writes his phone number and email address on James' face while he is unconscious. When James wakes in the hospital, he calls Caleb. James goes to Caleb's home to be consoled, but does not contact Jamie or Ceth, neither of whom can understand why he wouldn't call them or come home.
There follows an interlocking trio of scenes showing connections between the characters' emotional problems and their sexual lives.
The film ends with a song by Justin Bond at Shortbus during the blackout. Sofia arrives and finds Rob with Severin and after acknowledging him sits down by herself. James and Jamie also arrive followed by Ceth and Caleb. Justin's song starts on a wistful note, but as it progresses it becomes more energetic and positive thanks to the arrival of the Hungry March Band. This is mirrored in the actions and emotions of the actors. Jamie and James make out on the floor, and Ceth and Caleb start to hit it off. Rob seems to find a friend, and Severin progresses from nervous anxiety to happy elation upon the arrival of the band. Sofia engages in a threesome with a couple she has seen several times before and who appear to meet her prerequisite of "just beginning to experiment sexually" (Nick and Leah, played by Jan Hilmer and Shanti Carson), and finally achieves an orgasm, and the blackout affecting New York ends, as does the film.
The audition website elicited half a million hits and 500 audition tape submissions. 40 people were called in for improv auditions and nine actors were cast, all before there was any story in mind. The film's characters and story were created collaboratively over 2.5 years through improvisation workshops with the cast. Mitchell wrote the screenplay from the raw material generated by the workshops and rehearsals.
Much of the sex in the film is unsimulated. Mitchell says:
In the old days, when you couldn't show sex on film, directors like Hitchcock had metaphors for sex (trains going into tunnels, etc). When you can show more realistic sex, the sex itself can be a metaphor for other parts of the character's lives. The way people express themselves sexually can tell you a lot about who they are. Some people ask me, 'Couldn't you have told the same story without the explicitness?'. They don't ask whether I could've done Hedwig without the songs. Why not be allowed to use every paint in the paintbox?
As indicated in the DVD special features, Lee and Shanti Carson each suggested they be filmed having real orgasms rather than fake them, specifically for the final scene involving Lee and the orgy sequence involving Carson. Mitchell also participated in the latter scene, performing oral sex on a woman for the first time "as a gesture of solidarity".
The characters all converge on a weekly underground gathering or salon called Shortbus, inspired by the short yellow school buses for "challenged" students. The Shortbus salon was loosely based on a series of New York social/artistic/sexual gatherings. One was the monthly "Shortbus Sweaty Teenage Dance Party" organized by Mitchell (2002) as "DJ Dear Tic", his Radical Faerie nickname (Mitchell was influenced by annual Radical Faerie counter-cultural gatherings in Tennessee and New Orleans). Others influences include the Lusty Loft Parties that took place at a Brooklyn art collective called DUMBA (where the film's salon was actually shot), and the weekly CineSalon film gathering, both of which were organized, in part, by Stephen Kent Jusick who plays Creamy in the film. The still-running underground Rubulad party was also an inspiration.
The character of Tobias — the elderly man who claims to be an ex-Mayor of New York City — played by Alan Mandell, alludes to Mayor Ed Koch, who has long been the subject of rumors about his sexual orientation.
Several members of the cast previously worked with Mitchell in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, including:
There is a plot device involving a vibrating egg with the brand name, In the Realm of the Senses. This is a wink to the explicit 1976 Nagisa Oshima film of the same name in which a man urges his lover to insert a hard-boiled egg in her vagina and "lay it".
Justin Bond's line: "As my dear, departed friend Lotus Weinstock used to say, 'I used to want to change the world. Now I just want to leave the room with a little dignity'" refers to a stand-up line from real-life comedian Lotus Weinstock, a Los Angeles-based performer who was Lenny Bruce's last girlfriend. Mitchell was friendly with Weinstock and her daughter, singer-songwriter Lili Haydn, before Weinstock died in 1997.
The film playing in the first Shortbus salon scene is, in effect, an elaborate "erotic" joke. It's entitled "Saverio" and was directed by Mitchell as a tribute to a 70's-era short film called "Calma". The score song is "Kids" by John LaMonica which appears on the film soundtrack. (Link to full version of "Saverio": )
The film was released in North America on October 13, 2006, distributed by THINKFilm, after premiering in May at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival, and it played in over 25 countries, winning multiple awards at the Athens, Zurich, and Gijon film festivals. Howard Gertler and Tim Perell received an Independent Spirit Award as Producers of the Year.
Shortbus received mixed to positive reviews, currently holding a 66% "fresh' rating on Rotten Tomatoes; the consensus states: "The sex may be explicit, but Mitchell integrates it into the characters' lives and serves the whole story up with a generous dose of sweetness and wit." On Metacritic, which uses an average of critics' reviews, the film has 64/100, indicating "generally favorable reviews".
Some have branded the film "pornographic". In response, Mitchell says that the dictionary defines porn as "material created and viewed for the primary purpose of sexual arousal," and argues that the sex in Shortbus is often purposefully "de-eroticized" to "remove the cloud of arousal to reveal emotions and ideas that might have been obscured by it".
|“||Sex, like music, is a universal language. We want to use it to introduce character, evoke emotion, propel the plot.||”|
Sook-Yin Lee was nearly fired by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, for which she hosts a radio program, Definitely Not the Opera, because of her participation in several unsimulated sex scenes in the film. Ultimately, she retained her job as the CBC relented in the face of support for Lee from the public, as well as from celebrities such as Francis Ford Coppola, Michael Stipe, Moby, Julianne Moore and Yoko Ono.
The Korea Media Rating Board banned the film from public screenings in South Korea in 2007 for its sex scenes and gay content, although it still screened at film festivals not subject to the Board's authority. Sponge ENT, the film's South Korean distributor, filed suit and in 2009, the Supreme Court of South Korea ordered the ban lifted, declaring the national film censorship law unconstitional for its ambiguity.
The film was released to DVD in North America on March 13, 2007. The DVD features a comprehensive documentary, "Gifted and Challenged: the Making of Shortbus" (Director/producer M. Sean Kaminsky), the vérité-style "How to Shoot Sex: A Docu-Primer", deleted scenes (including a dropped subplot about a character who is the Bush twins' personal assistant), as well as a filmmaker/cast audio commentary.
The soundtrack was released on Conor Oberst's record label, Team Love. Mitchell directed the music video for Bright Eyes' "First Day of My Life" (which featured Shortbus cast members Bitch, Daniela Sea, and Ray Rivas). The soundtrack was released in Europe on V2 with the Anita O'Day song replaced by "What Matters To Me" by Tiebreaker (John LaMonica).
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Ex-‘Dance Moms’ cast members support prosecution against Abby Lee Miller
Two former cast members of the Lifetime reality TV show “Dance Moms” attended a sentencing hearing Monday in Abby Lee Miller’s bankruptcy fraud case, but they said they weren’t there to support the show’s former star.
“I’m here supporting the government,” Christi Lukasiak told the Trib at U.S. District Court, Downtown. “Because I’m a tax-paying citizen in Pittsburgh.”
Original cast members Lukasiak and her daughter, Chloe, along with Kelly Hyland and her daughters, Brooke and Paige, quit the show in 2014 after conflicts with Miller.
Hyland attended part of the hearing with Lukasiak. The proceedings will stretch into a second day.
Miller, 51, formerly of Penn Hills, pleaded guilty in June to hiding about $775,000 in income from a bankruptcy judge in 2010. The reality star faces 24 to 30 months in prison, but she is hoping for probation.
Defense attorneys spent Monday trying to whittle down the $775,000 in income that federal prosecutors want to hold Miller responsible for hiding, which could, in turn, reduce the severity of the sentence.
In one attempt to reduce the amount Miller could be penalized for hiding, defense attorneys said Collins Avenue Productions was not paying Miller properly for the show in 2012. They said at one point she was owed $175,000.
In response, federal prosecutors presented an email Miller wrote to her accountant and attorney in September 2012 that stated she was almost out of bankruptcy and she had been requesting the checks be held.
Defense attorneys said some of the “Dance Moms” merchandise had been given away for free, rather than sold for a profit.
Judge Joy Flowers Conti has said she will most likely sentence Miller to probation instead of jail time because no creditors lost money, but prosecutors are trying to show that “economic harm” was done.
Sentencing is expected to take place Tuesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Theresa Clift is a Tribune-Review staff writer.


text:
ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Sec. Nutritional Epidemiology
Volume 7 - 2020 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2020.00047
Consumption of Vitamin K and Vitamin A Are Associated With Reduced Risk of Developing Emphysema: NHANES 2007–2016
- 1Department of Epidemiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
- 2Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
- 3Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) comprising of emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common chronic respiratory diseases that impart a huge economic and clinical burden. Factors other than smoking and air pollutants can cause inflammation and emphysematous changes in the lung airspaces or alveoli have been understudied. Using a cross-sectional study design, we assessed the association of dark green vegetables, vitamin K and Vitamin A with emphysema status among adults at U.S. These nutrients have a role in lung biology. A complete case NHANES data (n = 17,681) was used. After adjusting for modifiable and non-modifiable confounders, consumption of recommended amounts of vitamin K was associated with 39% decrease in odds (Odds Ratio: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.40–0.92, P-val: 0.02) of emphysema. Similarly consumption of recommended amounts vitamin A dose was associated with 33% decrease in odds (Odds Ratio: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.44–1.00, P-val: 0.05) of emphysema. Vitamin K shows an inverse association suggesting that it may be important in slowing the emphysematous process. Vitamin A is important in maintaining the anti-inflammatory process. Together vitamin K and vitamin A are important in the lung health.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are the most common chronic respiratory diseases that imparts a huge economic and clinical burden in the health sectors (1, 2). In the US, COPD costs $30 billion in direct health care expenditures and $20 billion in indirect expenditure (1). COPD is the first leading cause of disability and 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S (3, 4). COPD comprises of two heterogeneous subtypes: emphysema and chronic bronchitis (5). Emphysema is associated with structural changes, including abnormal and permanent enlargement or damage of the airspaces distal to the terminal bronchioles, while chronic bronchitis results from inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes (6). Reported risk factors associated with the emphysematous changes such as gender, tobacco smoke, obesity, and exposure to air pollutants (7, 8) do not completely explain development of emphysema.
Even though smoking is a key risk factor for the development and progression of the COPD, many patients with this obstructive lung function are never-smokers. Along these lines, recent studies have shown that lack or excess of specific nutrition may also play a role in developing lung diseases. Some of these studies provide evidence that vegetable intake may have potential benefits in the biology of the lung diseases (9–26). However, data is still limited with regards to specific constituents or micronutrients in vegetables that are either risk factors for or have beneficial roles on the development of the COPD phenotypes and more specifically emphysema. Trace elements have also been linked to harmful effects on lung function (27). For example cadmium in tobacco smoke may contribute to the development of pulmonary emphysema. However, there is poor understanding of the mechanisms behind the pathogenic role of cadmium in lung diseases.
Studies have shown that inflammation plays a role in the exacerbation of COPD (28), and chronic inflammation can cause damage to the lung airways and tissues (29), resulting to irreversible emphysematous changes in the lung alveoli (30, 31). Reports have shown that micronutrients such as vitamins E and C play a role in strengthening the immune system (32, 33). A meta-analysis has shown that high vitamin C intake levels have a significant protective effect against lung diseases e.g., lung cancer (34, 35). Although vegetables have been shown to have beneficial nutrients that can aid healthy lung structure (34, 36, 37), more research is warranted to link specific nutrients in the greens that can help protect the alveoli from developing emphysematous lung injuries. Since vitamin K is mostly obtained from dark green vegetable, it is highly likely that it may have an impact on the biology of lung airway or alveoli structure (38, 39). Low intake of vitamin A also from dark green vegetables has been associated with COPD in different populations (40–42) and a few studies have shown the potential role of vitamin A in maintaining the integrity of the lung epithelium, non-emphysematous state and exerts anti-inflammatory effects (43, 44). Therefore, we hypothesize that dark green vegetables including vitamin K and vitamin A consumptions may be associated with emphysema.
Thus, the objective of this study is to (separately) examine the association between dark green vegetables, and risk of emphysema; and the association between both vitamins K and A with the risk of developing emphysema.
Study Design and Population
A cross-sectional design was used in this study. Data was acquired from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which is a program designed to assess the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the United States (45). Data for the current analysis are from the 2007–2016 survey cycles. The sample for the survey was selected to represent the U.S. population of all ages which included adults aged ≥20 in U.S who completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire collected information on demographics (gender, age, race, education, household income, and marital status), behavioral factors (smoking status and heavy drinking), BMI, medical conditions, and 24 h food recall. About 12,000 persons every 2-year cycle were asked to participate, and the average response rate was 87.5% (45). Of the 12,000 NHANES respondents, subsamples were randomly selected to participate in a variety of survey components (e.g., dietary survey, laboratory examination) according to the NHANES protocol. From 2007 to 2012, one-half of the total respondents were sampled to complete the survey components of interest in our study; from 2013 to 2016, one-third of total respondents were sampled.
Emphysema was assessed based on self-reported Yes/No response to the questions: Has a doctor or other health professional ever told you that you have emphysema?
Dark-Green Vegetables and Vitamins
A 24-h dietary/food recall was used to collect dietary intake data. Food intake categories are defined by food code following the USDA Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (46). Based on previously reported links between vitamin K, vitamin A as well as dark green vegetable on lung health makes them suitable exposures for assessing development of emphysema. Dark-green vegetable is one of eight subtypes of vegetable as shown in Table 1. The estimated weight of the dark-green vegetable intake (in grams) was obtained from the 24 h dietary recall. Dark green vegetables is the main source of vitamin K and vitamin A can also be found in the dark green vegetables. Dichotomous (45) measures of vitamins and dark-green vegetable intake, were obtained by categorizing the dietary intake of vitamins into Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) were not consumed (No) and RDAs were consumed (Yes) and “weight of the dark-green vegetables intake” into 0 gram (Intake: No) and >0 gm (Intake: Yes). RDAs for vitamins were stratified by age, gender, pregnancy, and lactation according to National Institutes of Health's website (https://ods.od.nih.gov).
Age, gender, race/ethnicity, BMI, education level, marital status, smoking status, alcohol (heavy drinking status) intake, cadmium exposure, energy intake, and physical activity were identified as potential confounders.
The demographic data (age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status) was collected by employing a questionnaire. Age was reported in years. Gender was reported as either “Male” or “Female.” Race was grouped into five categories: Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black, Mexican American, other Hispanic, and other races.
Body Mass Index (kg/m2) was calculated based on height and weight. Education was grouped into 4 categories: less than high school, high school graduate/GED or equivalent, some college or AA degree, and college graduate or above. Marital Status was grouped into two categories: single (widowed/divorced/separated/never married) and married (married or living with partner). Smoking status consisted of four categories: non-smoker, former smoker, someday smoker, and every day smoker, based on two questions “Did you smoke at least 100 cigarettes in life? (SMQ020)” and “Do you now smoke cigarettes? (SMQ040).” Non-smokers were defined as individuals who smoked less 100 cigarettes in life; Former-Smokers were those who smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their life and did not smoke currently; Someday smokers were adults who had smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime, who smoked now, but did not smoke every day; Every day smokers were adults who had smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime, and who now smoked every day. Heavy drinking was defined as “Yes” response to “Ever have 5 or more drinks every day?” for both male and female from 2007 to 2010 and to “Ever have 4/5 or more drinks every day?” for female and male separately from 2011 to 2016. The number of heavy drinking day and Average number alcoholic drinks/day in the past 12 months were calculated by questionnaire to provide detailed information on alcohol use behavior. Cadmium exposure (μg/L) was obtained from analyzing blood samples. Energy intake (kilocalorie) was defined as total energy of foods consumed in the 24-h dietary recall.
After excluding participants with missing observations there were 17681 observations (2007–2008: 4,628, 2009–2010: 4,780, 2011–2012: 4,014, 2013–2014: 2,186, and 2015–2016: 2,077) based on NHANES data.
Descriptive measures were calculated and reported as mean (standard error) for continuous variables, and as frequency (or percentage), weighted frequency for categorical variables and lung emphysema status. Bivariate association between categorical variables were assessed using Rao-Scott's modified Chi-square test. Continuous variables were compared using linear regression adjusted by interview weights. The association between vitamins and odds of emphysema were estimated separately using logistic regression. To account for the sampling design, the models were adjusted for the sampling weight, sampling cluster, and sampling strata. Multivariate modeling was done by regressing response (emphysema) on vitamins intake, dark green vegetable together with non-modifiable confounders—age, gender, ethnicity; and modifiable confounders—BMI, education level, marital status, smoking status, alcohol (heavy drinking status) intake, cadmium exposure, and total energy intake. Ninety-five percentage confidence interval was reported together with the odds ratio estimates. The analysis was done in SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute).
Table 2 summarizes the characteristics of the study population. The complete case analysis involved 17,681 respondents. There were 396 (1.82%) participants with self-reported emphysema.
Overall, 32.06% participants recommended vitamin k consumption; 26.78% participants recommended vitamin A consumption; 12.49 % of respondents reported dark green vegetable consumption. The recommended vitamin K consumption; recommended vitamin A consumption; and dark green vegetable consumption among those with self-reported emphysema was 18.79, 7.19, and 7.19%, respectively.
Overall, 48.43% were females; Non-Hispanic Whites (69.38%), and Non-Hispanic Blacks (10.55%) were two most commonly reported race/ethnicity categories; 63.09% were married or living with partner; some college or advanced associate equivalent (32.10%) and college degree or above (30.39%) and were two most commonly reported education level; 14.47% were heavy drinkers; 55.21% never smoked, and 25.22% were former smokers (two most frequent smoking status). The mean age, BMI, blood cadmium level, and total energy intake were 47.40 years, 29.08 (Kg/m2), 0.47 (μg/L), and 2,161.82 (kilocalorie), respectively.
Among those with self-reported emphysema, 58.11% were females; Non-Hispanic Whites (84.98%), and Non-Hispanic Blacks (5.52%) were two most commonly reported race/ethnicity categories; 53.22% were married or living with partner; some college or advanced associate equivalent (26.11%) and college degree or above (13.62%) were two most commonly reported education level; 35.77% were heavy drinkers; 50.06% were former smokers, and 37.86% were everyday smokers (two most frequent smoking status). The mean age, BMI, blood cadmium level, and total energy intake were 47.12 years, 29.07 (Kg/m2), 0.46 (μg/L), and 2,164.89 (kilocalorie), respectively.
Among those with self-reported emphysema, 58.11% were females; Non-Hispanic Whites (84.98%), and Non-Hispanic Blacks (5.52%) were two most commonly reported race/ethnicity categories; 53.22% were married or living with partner; less than high school (34.19%), high school or GED equivalent (26.08%), and some college or AA equivalent (26.11%) were three most commonly reported education level; 35.77% were heavy drinkers; 50.06% were former smokers and 41.09% were never smokers (two most frequent smoking status). The mean age, BMI, and blood cadmium level was 62.41 years, 29.72 (Kg/m2), and 0.95 (μg/L), respectively.
Relationship Among Dark-green Vegetables Intake, Vitamins, and Emphysema
The summary of findings examining the association between dark-green vegetables intake, vitamins, and risk of emphysema are summarized in Tables 3, 4. After adjusting for modifiable and non-modifiable confounders, consumption of recommended vitamin K was associated with 39% decrease in odds (Odds Ratio: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.40–0.92, P-val: 0.02) of emphysema compared to those who consumed less than the recommended vitamin K dose. The association between consumption of recommended vitamin k and emphysema changed marginally when consumption of dark green vegetable was incorporated in the model (Odds Ratio: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.44–0.87, P-val: 0.01). Dark-green vegetable consumption by itself, after adjusting for modifiable and non-modifiable confounders, was associated with 30% decrease in odds of emphysema, the findings did not attain statistical significance (Odds Ratio: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.32–1.52, P-val: 0.36).
Vitamin A was another vitamin strongly associated with dark-green vegetables. After adjusting for the effect of modifiable as well as non-modifiable confounders consumption of recommended vitamin A was associated with 33% decrease in odds (Odds Ratio: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.44–1.00, P-val: 0.05) of emphysema compared to those who consumed less than recommended vitamin A dose. The estimates were similar when consumption of dark green vegetable was incorporated in the previous model (Odds Ratio: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.47–1.00, P-val: 0.05).
While we observed an inverse association between vegetables intake and lung disease as previously reported, for the first time we show an inverse association between vitamin K intake and vitamin A intake with emphysema. A cross-sectional study design was used to assess the association of vitamin K, dark green vegetables and Vitamin A with reported emphysema status derived from NHANES. After adjusting for relevant confounders, consumption of recommended amounts of vitamin K was associated with reduced risk of developing emphysema. Similarly consumption of recommended amounts of vitamin A was associated with reduced risk of developing emphysema.
A previous study has shown that reduced vitamin K status in COPD patients was associated with high mortality rates (39). The study also showed that elastin degradation is accelerated in chronic COPD and is partially regulated by Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), via a vitamin K-dependent pathway. Therefore, vitamin K has a potential role in COPD pathogenesis. Interestingly, we were able to show that consumption of recommended amounts of vitamin K is inversely associated with emphysema status. Therefore, vitamin K may impart a protective role by reducing or slowing down the emphysematous damage.
Specific vitamins and certain trace elements like iron, zinc, copper and selenium work in synergy to support the protective activities of the immune cells. Depleted amounts of these micronutrients can impact antibody production and affect the inflammation process or lung health (32). Along these lines analysis of the NHANES data showed an inverse association between vitamin A and emphysema. Therefore, supplementation with appropriate amounts of vitamin A can exhibit an anti-inflammatory related responses important to support regulated lung airway function (47, 48).
A population-based prospective cohort of Swedish men showed that high consumption of fruits and vegetables was inversely associated with reduced COPD incidence in both current and ex-smokers but not in never-smokers (16). Interestingly, women from the same population-based prospective cohort who consumed fruits and vegetables long-term showed that fruits but not vegetables was inversely associated with COPD incidence independent of the smoking status. It was clear from our analysis of the NHANES dataset that vitamin K as well as vitamin A likely from the dark green vegetables were inversely association with emphysema.
The strengths of our study are relatively large sample size, high generalizability, and comprehensive questionnaire data. However, there are several limitations. The most important one is that 24-h dietary recall potentially results in misclassification of exposure because 24-h dietary recall may be unrepresentative to the long-term dietary behaviors. However, the analysis suggested this misclassification is non-differential. Of all emphysema patients, 75.40% reported the 24-h diet is similar to usual, 7.60% consumed food more than usual, and 16.99% consumed less than usual. The distribution of comparing 24-h diet to “usual” among controls was similar as emphysema cases. Among controls, 76.41% reported the 24-h diet is similar to “usual,” 7.55% more than “usual,” and 16.06% less than “usual.” Thus, this non-differential misclassification due to 24-h dietary recall could bias the result toward the null. The outcome was defined as Yes response to “Has a doctor or other health professional ever told you that you have emphysema?” Although under-diagnosis of emphysema could happen, to some degree respondents either with or without emphysema are unlikely to misreport their history of diagnosis. Thus, the misclassification of outcome is likely non-differential which biases the result toward the null. The association between dark-green vegetable intake and emphysema would be stronger if the above misclassification of exposure and outcome did not occur.
It is important to mention that with regards to monitoring lung function, there is no gold standard for measuring symptoms related to proper lung function, since none of the available methods is optimal in all regards (49). Some of the tests used in questionnaires hardly reflect the heterogeneity, variability, and severity of COPD or its phenotypes e.g., emphysema, as well as the numerous confounding factors contributing to the clinical presentation of the disease. This can lead to misclassification of outcome (49). Generally, COPD which encompasses chronic bronchitis and emphysema is commonly underdiagnosed. Along these lines, a previous study using NHANES dataset showed that 5.2% of US adults aged 40–79 reported being diagnosed with COPD during 2007–2012 (50). This study determined that multiple factors are associated with self-reported COPD diagnosis where the number of reported respiratory symptoms, probably non-related to COPD, had the strongest association. But after controlling for other factors, having mild lung obstruction was not associated with being diagnosed with COPD. Further, the overall COPD prevalence among US adults aged 40–79 years varied between 10.2 and 20.9% based on whether pre- or post-bronchodilator values were used and which diagnostic criterion was applied (51). The overall prevalence decreased by approximately 33% when airflow limitation was based on post-bronchodilator as compared to pre-bronchodilator spirometry, regardless of which diagnostic criterion was used (51).
A recent study showed that among those with spirometry-defined obstruction, 72.0% (SE, 1.9) in NHANES 2007–2012 were undiagnosed (52). Further, using multivariate models, undiagnosed obstructive disease was consistently associated in both surveys (NHANES 2007–2012 and NHANES III) with self-reported good/excellent health status, lower comorbidity burden, higher lung function, and being of racial/ethnic minority. On the other hand there was no association between undiagnosed disease or healthier profile and education level in either survey NHANES 2007–2012 or NHANES III (OR = 0.94, 95% = 0.61–1.44, where “high school and beyond” was compared to “below high school”) (52). Although educational level of self-reporting diagnosed emphysema patients were different from control group, we suggest that the bias due to under diagnosis is non-differential, weakening the association between dark-green vegetable intake and emphysema.
Also, information bias is likely because of retrospective data collection and the intrinsic limitations of the 24-h dietary/food recall that the participants were subjected to. Potentially, participants may over-report their intake of fruits and vegetables, hence a recall bias (53). Unfortunately, data is not available to assess whether differential misclassification of dark green vegetable intake occurred due to misreporting and to determine the direction and magnitude of misclassification bias.
Although we controlled for well-documented risk factors namely age, gender, and race, BMI, education level, marital status, smoking status, alcohol intake, and blood cadmium level; residual confounding may still persist in this study. Food except for vegetables and fruits may contain unknown biologically active compounds, which may be correlated with vegetables and fruits but were not controlled for in the study. In addition, there is usually a complicated relationship between foods and food subtypes that may potentially modify the direction of association with lung diseases. Important to note that the inferences stayed same after including physical activity in the model.
In conclusion, the results suggest that consumption of dark green vegetable and recommended amounts of micronutrient such as vitamin K and vitamin A can help slow or halt the emphysematous process. Clearly, dietary or protective interventions with specific micronutrients early in life may promote a healthy lung and also curb emphysematous injury. More prospective cohorts and well-designed clinical trials are needed to promote the transition of individualized nutrient interventions into health policy. A replication using an expanded sample size followed by functional analysis would be beneficial.
Data Availability Statement
All authors listed have made a substantial, direct and intellectual contribution to the work, and approved it for publication.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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Keywords: COPD, emphysema, lung disease, green vegetable, NHANES data
Citation: Shen T, Bimali M, Faramawi M and Orloff MS (2020) Consumption of Vitamin K and Vitamin A Are Associated With Reduced Risk of Developing Emphysema: NHANES 2007–2016. Front. Nutr. 7:47. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2020.00047
Received: 18 December 2019; Accepted: 25 March 2020;
Published: 21 April 2020.
Edited by:Francesco Sofi, University of Florence, Italy
Reviewed by:José María Huerta, Carlos III Health Institute, Spain
Giuditta Pagliai, University of Florence, Italy
Copyright © 2020 Shen, Bimali, Faramawi and Orloff. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Mohammed S. Orloff, firstname.lastname@example.org
†These authors have contributed equally to this work
‡These authors share first authorship

domain: medical


text:
Five moments from the first week worth watching again on video (for as long as the Youtube powers will let us). You’ll notice that a few are about jury decisions, which I talked about in my post yesterday.
Stage 1: no, not that crash
OK, we’ve all been talking about the crash with 8km to go that took Contador down (It’s actually right at the start of this clip. But to me the more significant one happens at exactly 8mins of this video.
There is a crash with 2km to go, there are many favorites in it but in the end they are all given the same time as the group they crashed out of. The 3km rule you say? That rule explicitly does not apply to uphill finishes, and stage 1 was exactly that since there was a point for the polka dot jersey at the top. While it’s true that the climb hadn’t started yet when the crash occurred, there’s nothing about that in the rules and hence not relevant. [turns out I was wrong about this, see the correction here]
Stage 3: Thor rounds the final corner
David Millar (@millarmind) tweeted about this: “Thor-inspiring = Blind corner at 600m to go. We’re at limit on inside, Thor barrels round outside and takes over.”
Stage 3: Thor and Cav dance
Much ado about nothing, but 10 points in the green jersey competition gone thanks to the intermediate sprint that saw Thor and Cav getting disqualified for questionable reasons.
- Thor “deviates” from his line? The road bends to the left and EVERY rider in the video deviates from his line. Thor moves over about half as much as the two riders in front of him, so they should have been doubly DQ’d? It’s true that the two in front of him don’t have another rider next to them while Thor has Cav there, but I do not believe that makes any difference for the “keep your line” rule.
- Cav’s “headbutt”. You may know that I have little patience for headbutts and thought Renshaw’s DQ was justified last year. But this is a lean, not a headbutt. If Cav leans with his shoulder (as he is supposed to do), he leans into air. To lean against Thor’s shoulder (as he clearly had to do to stay upright and out of the barriers), he can only use his head. Next time he’ll have to wear some ginormous shoulder pads.
Stage 4: Feillu drafting off the car
Everybody knows that when a rider comes back through the caravan, he hops from car to car to catch a draft. But having your own team car drop back to pull you all the way back, while you’re giving the driver hand signals to dial in the exact speed, that takes it to another level.
Stage 5: Motorbike takes bicycle with him
What is there to say, just watch the various crashes of that stage here.
Bonus: Cavendish interview before stage 4
I already wrote about it, but it’s much funnier when you see his expression (plus my transcript was not very good as I did it from memory hours later and missed half the words to begin with due to my bad internet connection.
What’s been your most remarkable moment in the Tour so far? Let me know in the comments or via twitter @gerardvroomen.

domain: sports


Dhadak actress Janhvi Kapoor shared her pictures looking breathtakingly beautiful in a powdery green lehenga with tons of emerald jewellery also designed by the famous Bollywood designer.
Janhvi Kapoor looks amazing in her bridal walk that has been conceptualised by Lubna Adams.
She captioned her picture as, “Can you hear the शहनाई playing or is it just me.”So happy I got to be a part of @manishmalhotra05 ‘s exquisite new collection.
 @fdciofficial. Janhvi was last seen in her first digital release, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl.
Check out the Janhvi Kapoor’s bridal photos below.


QuickTime VR Output Settings
QuickTime VR is a legacy format and is no longer supported by Apple (or modern browsers). To play back QTVR panoramas on modern computers, you will need to install QuickTime 7 Pro.
However, you can import
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If you want the panorama to automatically rotate, select Auto Rotation to enable the feature.
Pan Speed – Pan speed refers to how fast the panorama will rotate from left to right (positive number) or right to left (negative number) (degrees per frame).
Delay – The time it takes for the panorama to begin to rotate again (in seconds) after it has been manually moved by the user.
Create a customizable HTML template. Information on the code used to create the HTML template can be found here.
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HTML file – Select this option to enable and access the HTML template parameters.
Template – Choose a template and then click the Edit Template button to open the template settings. Only the normal and fullscreen templates are available for QuickTime VR output.
Motion Quality – Motion quality refers to the quality of the movie during movement. Its setting is always a trade-off between image quality and motion speed. The lower the quality the larger the possibility of visible aliasing but faster movement. There are six steps of quality with the lowest quality setting being, Min , while the highest quality setting is Lossless:
Static Quality – The quality of the movie when it is not in motion.
Protection – Select to disable the ability of the user to save the movie to disk.
Quality – The overall quality of the image as defined in JPEG images. 90% is the default value, lowering the value below 90 will decrease the quality of the outputted image.
Cube Face Size – The size of a cube face, measured in pixels (height x width). Pano2VR will calculate the best output cube face size based on the original image and the window size. However, you can always change this value to what you like.
Tile Quality – Here you can set the image quality of the individual cube faces plus the preview image. For example, the zenith and nadir images could be lowered further if their information is not critical.
Sub Tiles – Sub Tiles allow you to choose the amount of tiles for each cube face. These determine how the image is downloaded. A setting of 1, the default, means that the cube face will download all at once and not progressively. A setting of 3, however, will allow for a progressive download of the cube faces and perhaps allowing for a faster download.
Download Order – Choose what cube faces will be downloaded first and therefore first visible.
- Default View
The Download/Preview parameters lets you choose the type of image that is seen when the movie is downloading.
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- None: No change
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Quality – The quality of the preview image as defined in JPEG images. 25 is the default value.
File – This is the output file path. You change it’s location and name of the file by clicking the folder icon to the right. The default is to output the file in the same folder as the original image.