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Asia’s expectations for Japan on increase
The Yomiuri Shimbun
People in Southeast Asian countries and India are increasingly interested in China as an emerging power, but at the same time their trust in and expectations of Japan have likewise expanded.
These noteworthy findings were yielded by a recent survey conducted jointly in seven Asian countries by The Yomiuri Shimbun, The Korea Times (Hankook Ilbo) and the Gallup group.
The survey showed that Japan still wields a not inconsiderable influence over other Asian countries.
The survey was conducted in Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, and was the third of its kind following similar polls in 1995 and 1996.
The rise of China
In the 10 years since the last survey, the most noteworthy change in the world has been the rise of China, and the latest survey reflected this change.
More than 80 percent of pollees in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia said they had a “good impression” of China.
Asked whether “the economic development of China would influence the economy” of their own countries, the majority of respondents, barring those in Japan and South Korea, said it would influence their countries “more positively.”
The findings indicate the relations these countries have with China have been deepening politically and economically.
China’s expanded influence in the future compared with other countries is being widely acknowledged as obvious. Asked, “Which countries or territories do you think will become most influential including economic power on the Asian region in the future,” respondents in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam placed China on top of a list of about 20 countries and territories.
While the “emergence of China” has been much heralded in recent years, the “decline of Japan” has been pointed out for a long time now.
Nearly 60 percent of Japanese respondents said Japan’s influence in Asia was getting “weaker” or “somewhat weaker.”
However, the survey showed Japan’s diplomatic foundation in Asia is still sound and that Japan is not facing a “decline.”
The majority of people in other countries said Japan’s influence in Asia was getting “stronger” or “somewhat stronger.”
Rumors of ‘decline’ incorrect
Asked whether Japan was playing “an active role in the development of Asia as a member of Asia,” about 90 percent of respondents in the Southeast Asian countries said “very active” or “somewhat active,” with increases between six and 18 percentage points from the 1996 survey. About 80 percent of respondents in India also had a similar view.
People in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam gave high marks to Japan with regard to trust.
Japan’s long-time commitment to helping nations build themselves and develop economically have fostered pro-Japan sentiments in the countries Japan has helped.
Also, amid China’s emergence, those countries are recognizing again the significance and importance of Japan, which has built close economic and other relations with those countries.
This development runs counter to the views held by the Japanese themselves.
In addition to economic relations, expectations for Japan’s leadership are widening to such fields as counterterrorism, antipiracy, disaster relief and the fight against infectious diseases.
An environment in which Japan can conduct a more active foreign policy in Asia is developing–as proved by the latest opinion poll.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 14, 2006)
(Sep. 14, 2006)
Rising labor costs may dim China’s appeal
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Labor costs in China are skyrocketing. The low-cost environment in the country where abundant, talented human resources can be obtained cheaply is declining.
One major factor is the presence of migrant workers. In China, about 120 million farmers once worked at factories and construction sites in urban areas, sustaining the nation’s economic growth.
Over the past three or four years, however, the number of migrant workers has decreased, resulting in increases in labor costs at a record high pace.
Last year, the average salary for workers throughout the country increased by 14.1 percent compared with 2004.
This year, many local governments are raising the minimum wages of workers, set independently by localities. The move is in line with a policy set out by the administration of President Hu Jintao to protect the poor.
The local government of Shanghai, where the average salary is the highest in the country, decided to boost the minimum wage by about 9 percent. Major cities such as Guangzhou, Beijing, Tianjin and Dalian, where many foreign companies have their Chinese bases, have decided to introduce double-digit increases in the minimum wage.
The decline in the portion of migrant workers in the labor force is partly due to economic reasons, including an increase in farming income and increased job opportunities in provincial regions.
Shifts in population
In addition to the economic factors, demographic changes in the country, in particular the decline in the number of young people in farming villages, are affecting the labor supply. The labor shortage in the relatively developed coastal regions, including Guangdong Province, has started to spread inland.
Under the circumstances, local governments of major cities are growing more concerned. Hikes in the minimum wage have started to take on a tinge of competition to secure sufficient numbers of workers.
If labor costs continue to climb in China, foreign companies doing business there may have to revise their management strategies.
Furthermore, China is reviewing its policy of giving favorable treatment to foreign companies.
One major issue is whether to unify corporate income tax, which is similar to Japan’s corporate tax, as the rates for foreign and domestic companies differ. China has given a preferential tax rate to foreign firms in an attempt to procure funds from overseas as it has suffered from a shortage of capital.
Attractive tax arrangement
While the tax levied on domestic companies is about 33 percent, foreign companies pay less than 15 percent.
However, with competition between domestic and foreign firms intensifying, criticism has increased over the preferential treatment given to foreign firms in China.
As debate on whether to abolish favored treatment for foreign companies continues, the State Development and Reform Commission recently announced unification of corporate income tax rates. The commission manages China’s economic policies.
At the same time, the commission said it would shift its policy of luring foreign companies from “quantity” to “quality.” To enhance its international competitive edge, China will probably become more selective toward foreign businesses, giving priority to foreign companies in high-technology industries.
If the new policies are put into effect, the investment environment will be greatly affected. For foreign firms, China’s attraction as a target for investment will inevitably decline.
However, compared with other Asian countries, China still holds economic advantages. Increases in labor and other costs will promote advancement of domestic markets and industrial structures.
Both positive and negative aspects of the increased costs in doing business in China must be thoroughly examined.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 28, 2006)
(Aug. 28, 2006)
Asian trade partnership will test diplomacy
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Asian trade partnership will test diplomacy
At a meeting of economic ministers in Malaysia, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Toshihiro Nikai officially announced an ambitious Japanese plan for a free trade agreement that encompasses East Asia and the Pacific.
Whether the ambitious plan actually can be realized will be a test of Japan’s trade diplomacy.
The economic partnership agreement proposed by Nikai involves 16 nations: Japan, China, South Korea, the 10 member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and Australia, India and New Zealand. The agreement is designed to abolish tariffs on commodities, promote investment, protect intellectual property and take other steps to liberalize trade in a wide variety of areas. Japan wants to hold negotiations on the plan as soon as each nation has examined it.
The population of the 16 nations under the “Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia” plan totals about 3.1 billion, about half of the global population. Combined gross domestic product of these nations is about $9 trillion, about one-fourth of the global GDP.
If the plan is realized, trade and investment will be further accelerated, pushing up Japan’s GDP by 5 trillion yen.
However, the initial reaction from these nations has been unenthusiastic. This is probably because they are suspicious about whether Japan will take the initiative in liberalizing its market.
The Doha Round of the World Trade Organization’s multilateral trade negotiations were broken off in July. As a result, many nations are focusing on bilateral and regional free trade agreements as well as economic partnership agreements.
However, Japan lags other countries in this area. Only five nations concluded or have agreed to conclude economic partnership agreements with Japan. Negotiations between Japan and South Korea have been suspended. With ASEAN, negotiations have faced rough going in the agricultural field, with an agreement planned for next March is unlikely.
On the other hand, China has already concluded a free trade deal with ASEAN. Furthermore, it has long been arguing for an economic partnership of 13 nations–ASEAN members, Japan, China and South Korea–forming an East Asia Community.
Avoiding Chinese dominance
Nikai’s proposal to include Australia, India and New Zealand is designed to counter China’s influence in the smaller grouping. The members are identical to those in an 16-nation East Asia Community plan proposed by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
However, the issue of liberalizing agricultural markets has always been a barrier in Japan’s trade negotiations with other countries.
Within the Japanese government, opinions are divided over the East Asian economic partnership plan. For instance, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry is reportedly uncomfortable with the plan. One major factor is inclusion of Australia, an agricultural giant, in the liberalization plan.
Japan’s growth hereafter depends on whether an “open Asia-Pacific” can be wisely utilized. Japan needs to beef up the international competitiveness of its agricultural products so that the domestic agricultural business sector will not suffer under market liberalization. The government has to come up with measures to effectively reinforce the agriculture sector.
The post-Koizumi administration will have the important task of departing from the long-held “defense only” trade policy.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 25, 2006)
(Aug. 25, 2006)

domain: politics


Fresh water diesel boat with a lot of updates!!! Low Hours!!!
This boat is available on the Mississippi river and could be delivered to the Florida coast or the great lakes by water.
There have been many updates to this vessel that make this Cruisers yacht a must see.
Full-size master stateroom amidships
4 1/2-foot long extended swim platform with twin wet-stowage lockers
Electronic engine security system and controls
Full-size fiberglass hardtop with skylights (optional)
Walk-through windshield with light-weight, powder-coated aluminum frame
Split-level cockpit with seating for 10-12
Huge foredeck sunpads
Near 40-mph top-end speed
4 New Samsung smart TV's
KVH Satellite Television
Focal sound system 14 speakers, 4 - 10" subwoofers.
New canvas 2017
New Custom upholstery 2018
New LED Lighting 2019
Hydraulic swim platform / tender lift 2018
New Batteries 2019
New Marine Radio 2019
Test Result Highlights
Top speed for the Cruisers Yachts 4370 Express (Not in Production) is 37.7 mph (60.7 kph), burning 44.4 gallons per hour (gph) or 168.05 liters per hour (lph).
Best cruise for the Cruisers Yachts 4370 Express (Not in Production) is 28.7 mph (46.2 kph), and the boat gets 1.06 miles per gallon (mpg) or 0.45 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 380 miles (611.55 kilometers).
Tested power is 2 x 440-hp Yanmar 6LY2A-STP diesel V-drives.
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.


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Unemployment can affect anyone and it is often unexpected. You can have a full time job one minute and then, due to no fault of your own, your hours can be cut back and suddenly you don’t have enough income to be able to cover your bills.
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Most banks do not accept loan applications if you don’t have a full time job, but Max Finance is not your average lender. We’ll even consider you if you have a less than perfect credit history and we don’t charge an arm and a leg for our finance, but offer our loans at competitive market rates. We have helped many people in a tight spot like you in need of that little bit of extra cash to get through the month, so don’t delay. Apply now for pre-approval for an Unemployed Loan from Max Finance.
Our loan application process has been praised by many of our clients as being very simple and straightforward. That’s because you can apply online and the whole process only takes minutes rather than hours
And there’s no complex documentation required or gruelling face-to-face interviews like you’d experience when dealing with a bank. We’ll need certain documents like proof of income and assets, but you can fax or email them straight to us, so your application is not held up by unnecessary red tape.
The amount you can borrow will depend on factors such as your assets (ownership of a motor vehicle or real estate property), your other income and your credit history, but once you have been pre-approved, your chances of receiving your loan are very high (as much as 90%). And when your loan is approved, we offer Same Day Cash Transfer, with the money being deposited in your account usually within one business day.
Please be advised that sole income from Newstart, Youth Allowance or Austudy benefits cannot be considered when applying for an Unemployed Loan and if you are the recipient of other welfare payments that you wish to have included as income, we will need to contact Centrelink to verify these amounts.
Max Finance offers a welcome alternative to traditional lenders, providing fast, affordable short-term loans for any purpose. If you go to a bank, the minimum you’ll be able to get is $5,000, you’ll wait ages for a decision and if you’re unemployed or have a bad credit history, you may as well just close the door behind you on your way out.
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domain: finance


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To get started with BetterHelp, individuals can sign up for an account. How To Change Counselors Betterhelp.
BetterHelp is a popular online counseling platform that links people with licensed therapists and therapists. The platform provides a variety of mental health services, consisting of individual therapy, couples therapy, and household therapy, as well as services for specific concerns such as stress and anxiety, trauma, and anxiety.
BetterHelp was founded in 2013 by Alon Matas and Danny Bragonier. The business was created with the objective of making psychological health treatment more accessible and convenient for people who might not have the time or resources to attend in-person treatment sessions. BetterHelp has because grown to become one of the biggest and most popular online counseling platforms worldwide, with millions of users in over 170 nations.
How it Works:
BetterHelp provides a range of mental health services through its platform, consisting of individual therapy, couples treatment, and family treatment. The company also uses specific services for particular issues such as depression, injury, and stress and anxiety.
on the business’s site. The sign-up process includes finishing a quick questionnaire about your psychological health history and goals for therapy. Based on your responses, BetterHelp will advise a therapist or counselor who is best fit to meet your needs.
As soon as you are matched with a therapist, you can start working with them through the BetterHelp platform. This generally includes scheduling weekly online sessions with your therapist through the platform’s messaging and video chat functions. In addition to these scheduled sessions, you can likewise message your therapist in between sessions if you have any issues or concerns.
Advantages of BetterHelp:
With BetterHelp, you can access treatment from anywhere at any time, as long as you have an internet connection. This can be especially beneficial for people who live in rural areas or who have busy schedules that make it hard to participate in in-person therapy sessions.
Another benefit of BetterHelp is that it uses a wide range of treatment alternatives. Whether you are trying to find individual treatment, couples therapy, or treatment for a particular concern such as anxiety or anxiety, BetterHelp has therapists who can assist. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who may not have access to a large range of mental health specialists in their city.
In addition to the convenience and range of treatment alternatives, BetterHelp likewise offers a number of tools and resources to support your mental health journey. These resources include articles, quizzes, and other educational materials that can help you better understand your mental health and how to manage it.
Criticisms of BetterHelp: How To Change Counselors Betterhelp
One criticism of BetterHelp is that it is not a replacement for in-person treatment. While online therapy can be effective, it may not appropriate for everybody. For example, individuals with severe mental health problems or those in crisis may require more intensive treatment than what is available through an online platform.
Another criticism of BetterHelp is that it is more pricey than some other therapy choices. While the company offers a moving scale for its fees, some people may still find it hard to afford.
Overall, BetterHelp is a popular and convenient option for people seeking mental health treatment. The platform provides a vast array of therapy alternatives and resources to support your psychological health journey. While it is not a replacement for in-person therapy and might be more expensive than some other choices, it can be an useful tool for individuals who wish to access treatment from the benefit of their own house.
ok thanks please also write 500 words about therapy and its advantages in addition to a few of the diseases it can treat
Treatment, likewise known as psychotherapy or therapy, is a form of treatment that includes talking with a mental health expert to deal with psychological health concerns or issues. Therapy can be an effective treatment for a large range of psychological problems and mental diseases, and it can also be useful for people who are dealing with tough life occasions or challenges.
There are many different kinds of treatment, each with its own technique and methods. Some typical types of therapy consist of cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy (IPT). No matter what type of therapy is utilized, the goal is to help individuals better understand their ideas, habits, and feelings, and to establish coping strategies and abilities to handle their mental health.
Among the primary advantages of treatment is that it offers a helpful and safe area for individuals to discuss their feelings and ideas. This can be specifically helpful for those who may not have a helpful network of buddies or household to turn to. Treatment can likewise assist individuals identify and work through the underlying causes of their mental health issues, which can be an important step in the recovery procedure.
In addition to providing support and understanding, therapy can also assist individuals establish coping abilities and techniques to manage their psychological health. This can consist of learning how to handle tension, communicate effectively, and make much healthier options.
Therapy can be an effective treatment for a large range of mental disorders and emotional issues, including:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Bipolar affective disorder.
Substance abuse conditions.
Grief and loss.
Therapy can be particularly useful for individuals who are handling tough life occasions or challenges, such as a divorce, job loss, or the death of an enjoyed one. It can provide an area to process and work through these obstacles, and to establish coping methods to manage the associated tension and feelings.
While treatment can be an effective treatment choice, it is essential to bear in mind that it is not a quick fix. It requires time, effort, and dedication from both the therapist and the private seeking treatment. It may take several sessions prior to a specific begins to see development, and it is necessary to be patient and constant in going to treatment sessions.
In general, therapy can be an important tool for people seeking to enhance their psychological health and wellbeing. It provides a helpful and understanding area to discuss ideas and sensations, and can assist individuals develop coping techniques and abilities to manage their psychological health.
Online treatment platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace use a convenient and versatile option to in-person treatment. Both BetterHelp and Talkspace permit individuals to get treatment remotely, utilizing video, phone, messaging, or chat to communicate with their therapist. This can be particularly practical for individuals who have hectic schedules, minimal access to psychological health services, or movement problems that make it challenging to attend in-person therapy sessions.
There are some key distinctions between BetterHelp and Talkspace that you may want to consider when deciding which platform is right for you. Some of the elements to think about include:.
Cost: The expense of BetterHelp and Talkspace differs depending upon the plan you pick and the length of your commitment. BetterHelp uses a weekly plan, a regular monthly strategy, and a quarterly plan, while Talkspace uses a month-to-month plan and a yearly plan. Prices for BetterHelp start at $40 each week for the weekly strategy, $35 per week for the monthly plan, and $30 per week for the quarterly plan. Prices for Talkspace start at $65 each week for the monthly strategy and $49 weekly for the yearly plan. It’s worth keeping in mind that these rates are for basic treatment sessions. If you choose to work with a premium therapist (a therapist with a higher level of experience and know-how), the cost may be greater.
Therapy methods: Both BetterHelp and Talkspace offer a variety of therapy techniques, consisting of cognitive behavior modification (CBT), dialectical behavior modification (DBT), and approval and commitment treatment (ACT). BetterHelp provides a larger range of therapy methods and methods, including integrative treatment, holistic treatment, and alternative treatment.
Therapist availability: Both BetterHelp and Talkspace have a big network of licensed therapists, but the accessibility of therapists may vary depending upon your place and the time of day. BetterHelp offers a therapist directory that allows you to search for therapists based on their specializeds, certifications, and availability, while Talkspace enables you to ask for a specific therapist if they are not readily available.
Functions and resources: Both BetterHelp and Talkspace offer a variety of functions and resources to support their clients, including therapy sessions, self-care tools, and access to psychological health resources. However, the particular functions and resources used by each platform might vary, so it deserves comparing the two to see which one satisfies your needs.
Ultimately, the choice between BetterHelp and Talkspace (or any other online treatment platform) will depend on your specific requirements and choices. Both platforms have their own strengths and constraints, and it’s important to do your research study and consider your choices prior to making a decision.
BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that connects people with licensed therapists for remote treatment sessions. BetterHelp was founded in 2013 and has considering that grown to become one of the largest and most popular online treatment platforms, with over 1 million clients served.
BetterHelp offers a variety of therapy methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior modification (DBT), approval and commitment treatment (ACT), and more. Therapists on the platform are licensed specialists who have actually gone through substantial training and are experienced in offering online therapy.
BetterHelp therapy sessions are held using a range of formats, consisting of video, chat, messaging, and phone. This permits customers to choose the format that works best for them and their schedule. Therapy sessions are generally held at a frequency and duration that is agreed upon by the customer and their therapist. Some individuals choose to have weekly sessions, while others may have sessions less often.
BetterHelp is a hassle-free and versatile choice for individuals who are looking for therapy but might not have the time or resources to participate in in-person therapy sessions. It can be especially helpful for individuals who have busy schedules, live in rural areas with limited access to psychological health services, or have movement issues that make it challenging to participate in in-person therapy sessions.
In addition to treatment sessions, BetterHelp also offers a variety of resources and support to help customers improve their psychological health and well-being. These resources may include self-care tools, mental health articles, and access to a community of therapists and customers.
BetterHelp has a 100% complete satisfaction assurance, so if a customer is not delighted with their therapy experience, they can ask for a new therapist or cancel their membership at any time. BetterHelp is not covered by insurance, so clients are responsible for paying for their therapy sessions expense. However, some individuals may be able to utilize their versatile spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to spend for BetterHelp services.
In general, BetterHelp is a trusted and trustworthy online treatment platform that has helped lots of individuals enhance their psychological health and wellness. If you are thinking about looking for treatment however are unable to go to in-person sessions, BetterHelp may be a good option to think about.
BetterHelp is an online treatment platform that connects people with certified therapists for remote therapy sessions. BetterHelp was founded in 2013 with the objective of making mental health services more available and practical for individuals who may not have the time or resources to participate in in-person treatment sessions. Today, BetterHelp is one of the largest and most popular online treatment platforms, with over 1 million clients served.
BetterHelp uses a range of therapy techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and more. CBT is an extensively utilized and evidence-based treatment technique that concentrates on helping individuals determine and alter unfavorable patterns of believing and behavior. DBT is a kind of CBT that was developed specifically for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other conditions that include extreme feelings and difficulty with guideline. ACT is a form of cognitive-behavioral treatment that assists individuals cultivate mental flexibility by teaching them to accept their ideas and sensations and take dedicated action in the pursuit of their values.
Therapists on the BetterHelp platform are licensed professionals who have actually undergone extensive training and are experienced in supplying online treatment. All therapists on the platform are needed to hold a master’s degree or greater in a psychological health-related field and to be licensed in their state of practice. BetterHelp therapists come from a variety of backgrounds and specializeds, so clients can choose a therapist who is an excellent suitable for their needs and choices.
BetterHelp therapy sessions are held utilizing a range of formats, including video, chat, messaging, and phone. Therapy sessions are usually held at a frequency and period that is agreed upon by the customer and their therapist.
One of the essential benefits of BetterHelp is the convenience and versatility it uses. With BetterHelp, customers can have treatment sessions from the convenience of their own house, at a time that is convenient for them. This can be particularly handy for individuals who have hectic schedules, live in rural areas with restricted access to mental health services, or have mobility issues that make it tough to go to in-person therapy sessions.
In addition to treatment sessions, BetterHelp also uses a variety of resources and support to assist customers improve their mental health and well-being. These resources might include self-care tools, mental health posts, and access to a neighborhood of therapists and clients. BetterHelp has a big network of customers and therapists, and lots of people find it valuable to share their experiences and support one another.
BetterHelp has a 100% complete satisfaction guarantee, so if a customer is not happy with their treatment experience, they can ask for a brand-new therapist or cancel their subscription at any time. BetterHelp is not covered by insurance coverage, so customers are responsible for spending for their treatment sessions out of pocket. However, some individuals.
Talkspace is an online therapy platform that connects individuals with certified therapists for remote therapy sessions. Talkspace was founded in 2012 with the goal of making mental health services more hassle-free and available for people who may not have the time or resources to participate in in-person therapy sessions. Today, Talkspace is a leading online treatment platform, with over 1 million clients served.
Talkspace offers a range of therapy methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and dedication therapy (ACT), and more. CBT is a widely utilized and evidence-based therapy technique that focuses on assisting individuals determine and alter unfavorable patterns of believing and habits. DBT is a form of CBT that was established specifically for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other conditions that include extreme feelings and problem with regulation. ACT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps individuals cultivate psychological flexibility by teaching them to accept their feelings and ideas and take dedicated action in the pursuit of their worths.
Therapists on the Talkspace platform are certified professionals who have gone through extensive training and are experienced in supplying online treatment. All therapists on the platform are needed to hold a master’s degree or greater in a psychological health-related field and to be certified in their state of practice. Talkspace therapists originate from a range of specialties and backgrounds, so clients can pick a therapist who is a great fit for their needs and choices.
Talkspace treatment sessions are held using a variety of formats, including video, messaging, phone, and chat. Treatment sessions are normally held at a frequency and period that is concurred upon by the customer and their therapist.
here are some common concerns that people might have when starting treatment:.
Preconception: Many individuals worry that seeking therapy implies that they are “weak” or “crazy.” This is a common misunderstanding. Seeking therapy is a brave and proactive action that many people take to enhance their psychological health and wellness. It takes nerve to admit that you need aid and to work on improving yourself.
Expense: For some individuals, the expense of therapy might be an issue. Therapy can be costly, especially if it is not covered by insurance coverage.
Time: Some individuals might stress that they don’t have sufficient time to commit to treatment. Numerous therapists provide flexible schedules and enable customers to pick the frequency and period of their sessions. Online treatment platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace use a lot more flexibility, as clients can have therapy sessions from the comfort of their own house at a time that is convenient for them.
Discovering the ideal therapist: It’s important to find a therapist who is an excellent fit for your choices and requirements. Some individuals may fret about finding a therapist who understands their distinct challenges and perspectives. However, many treatment platforms provide directories or matching services that can help you discover a therapist who is an excellent suitable for you.
Opening up: Some people may feel distressed about sharing personal information with a therapist. It’s natural to feel nervous about opening up to somebody you don’t know, but it is very important to bear in mind that therapists are trained to be non-judgmental and to preserve privacy. Your therapist exists to support you and to assist you overcome your obstacles, not to evaluate you.
Not knowing what to expect: It’s typical to feel unsure about what to get out of treatment. Every therapist and client relationship is distinct, and the specifics of your therapy experience will depend upon your individual requirements and objectives. Nevertheless, many therapy includes discussing your ideas, sensations, and experiences with your therapist and working together to develop methods for enhancing your mental health and wellness.
Worry of modification: Change can be frightening, and some individuals may stress over what will occur if they.

domain: psychology


Gasoline prices decline for ninth straight week
Published: Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at 3:15 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at 12:00 a.m.
The retail price of gasoline fell for the ninth straight week to an average $1.78 per gallon nationwide. The government survey said the average price nationwide of regular-grade unleaded gasoline declined 1.3 cents last week to $1.778 per gallon. Prices are 27 cents higher than a year ago.
Gas prices in the south average the lowest at $1.679 a gallon. The Crown station in Moore was selling gas for $1.539 a gallon Monday.
This story appeared in print on page B3
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.
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A mix of several of our most popular "Jacobs Ladder" varieties. The plants push up several stems clad in pinnate leaves topped by panicles of various colours.
Sow at any time. Cover with compost or grit 2mm deep. Keep moist in a propagator or a warm spot outside. Some seeds may need a prolonged cold spell before they germinate the following spring.
Common name:Jacob's Ladder
Packet Content:150+ (Approx)

domain: hobby


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BigOven Pro required (try it free)
Notice a categorization error? Let us know by clicking [alert editor] on the recipe page, in the ingredients box.
Creamy Chicken Fettuccine
Chiles En Nogada
Individually-Sized Peach Melba Galettes
Arugula Peach Ricotta Pizza with Crispy Bacon.
Peach, Tomato and Ricotta Salad with Crouton Sl...
Foodie Friday's: Peachy Turkey Burger over Mixe...
Freezer Smoothie Packs 6 Ways.
Summer Peach and Tomato Salad
Peach Panzanella with Burrata
Arugula and Grilled Peach Salad with Mint
Peach and Burrata Pizza with Honey Balsamic.
halved baby heirloom tomatoes
Georgia Peach Pie
Summer Stone Fruit Salad
Edna Lewis’s Peach Cobbler
Caramelized Watermelon Salad with Pickled Jalap...
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Molasses & Chile Marinated Tri Tip
Slow Smoked Maple Bourbon Brined Turkey

domain: food


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Did Exodus conference in Uganda unleash anti-gay vigilantism?
According to Box Turtle Bulletin, a three-day anti-gay conference held earlier this year in Uganda, led by three Americans, is responsible for the continuing anti-gay vigilantism in Uganda. The three Americans who allegedly unleashed this wave of anti-gay vigilantism are Exodus board member Don Schmierer, Holocaust revisionist Scott Lively, and Caleb Lee Brundidge of Richard Cohen's International Healing Foundation.
The three Americans who kicked off this latest spasm of anti-gay hostility have really outdone themselves. This whole thing started last March when Exodus board member Don Schmierer, Holocaust revisionist Scott Lively, and Caleb Lee Brundidge of Richard Cohen’s International Healing Foundation conducted a three-day anti-gay conference in Uganda. Schmierer was there as the “ex-gay expert.” The result of that conference was the initiation of an anti-gay task force calling for strengthening Uganda’s already draconian anti-homosexuality laws. It also unleashed a wave of anti-gay vigilantism which led to arrests, torture, blackmail and ruined careers. According to Sexual Minorities Uganda, it has also led to several deaths, including the death of Brian Pande at Mbale Hospital as he awaited trial. And it has led to where we are today, with Parliament Wednesday giving first reading to this new proposal to effectively ban all freedoms — even the freedom to exist — for LGBT people and those who would support them and provide safe haven.
While human rights activists around the world have been quick to raise their voices for the defenseless, one might ask where’s Exodus in all this? Early signs indicate that you needn’t bother looking. Exodus Vice President Randy Thomas left a comment on Warren Throckmorton’s blog in which, speaking strictly for himself and not on behalf of Exodus, he condemned the proposed bill. It’s interesting that he can only say this speaking strictly for himself. Would Exodus be willing to say the same thing officially? Will they try to tamp down the wildfire their own board member helped to ignite? Thomas says don’t count on it:
Human rights groups have blasted Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill, which includes a section that would introduce the death penalty for the offence of "aggravated homosexuality." The draft Anti-Homosexuality Bill was introduced on October 14, 2009 in Uganda's parliament. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill clearly violates the human right to non-discrimination, to be free from violence and harassment, the right to life, the right to be free from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and freedom of movement.
Uganda's Penal Code Article 145a of the Penal Code Act of 1950 already criminalizes "carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature" – a charge used to prosecute, persecute and blackmail LGBT people with the threat of life imprisonment.
Earlier this year Exodus International was also accused of holding 23 year old American medical student Bryce Faulkner hostage.
Bryce Faulkner, 23, was preparing to come out to deeply religious family when his mother discovered emails to his boyfriend, who lives in Wisconsin.
He was then given an ultimatum of being kicked out on the street or going into ex-gay therapy, a controversial "cure" for homosexuality through prayer.
Debra Faulkner, Bryce's mother, claims "All the stories you've been told are not true." To this author's knowledge, the whereabouts of Bryce remain unknown.
Click here to see BTB’s complete coverage of recent anti-gay developments in Uganda and click here to read The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (ILGHRC) concerns about last year's conference.
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domain: sociology


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Now a year into its reunion phase, Phish sounded smoother and more confident than it did last August at the same venue. The band's communication appeared effortless. Transitions arrived naturally. And while the stage lights moved more during one song than all the members did over the course of the 160-minute show, vocalist/guitarist Trey Anastasio and bassist/vocalist Mike Gordon occasionally got caught in the grooves and broke free of their fixed positions. Anastasio, a diehard Philadelphia Flyers fan, even congratulated the Blackhawks on their championship. However limited, Phish's level of interaction with the crowd exceeded that of previous trips.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Photo courtesy of Justin Wendt
Set One: Down with Disease, Wolfman’s Brother, Possum, Boogie On Reggae Woman, Reba, Jesus Just Left Chicago, The Divided Sky, Golgi Apparatus, David Bowie
Set Two: Light -> Maze, Ghost -> Limb By Limb, Prince Caspian, The Horse > Silent in the Morning, Run Like an Antelope, Show of Life
Encore: Cavern > Julius
Story of the Ghost
Complete recap at Hidden Track
Mr. Miner's thoughts on the first night of tour
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6/11/10 Toyota Park, Chicago, IL
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domain: entertainment


Galaxy Camera: Can I change the Keyboard Input options?
You can enter text on the Samsung Galaxy Camera™ using the onscreen keyboard, or using Google™ voice typing. You can change the keyboard and Google voice typing settings on your device; open the Notification Panel by swiping your finger from the top of the screen to the bottom, and touch Settings > Language and input.
Google™ Voice Typing
Google voice typing is a feature that allows you to enter text using your voice. To use Google voice typing when you are entering text, open the Notification Panel by swiping your finger from the top of the screen to the bottom, and touch Choose input method > Google voice typing. Speak the words you want your device to type for you. Touch the Settings icon next to Google voice typing. Google voice typing allows you to Choose input languages, Block offensive words, and Download offline speech recognition.
Touch next to Samsung keyboard. You can also touch Settings on the keyboard when you are entering text. You can customize the following keyboard settings:
• Portrait keyboard types: Select from either a Qwerty keyboard or 3 x 4 keyboard when holding your device in portrait orientation.
• Input language: Select the input languages you want your device's keyboard to support. When you select more than one language here, you can quickly switch between languages by swiping your finger across the space bar.
• Predictive text: Touch the slider to turn Predictive text on . Touch Predictive text to edit the following predictive text settings:
• Word completion: Mark this option to have your device recommend complete words based on the characters you have entered so far.
• Word completion point: Set the number of characters you can enter before Word completion should offer you suggestions.
• Spell correction: Mark this option to have your device correct misspelled words.
• Next word prediction: Mark this option to have your device predict the next word based on what you have already typed.
• Auto-append: Mark this option to have your device automatically add new words to your My word list. When you type a word not in your dictionary, you will receive suggested words you may mean in blue, and the word you typed in white. When you meant to type the word you entered, touch the word in white to use that word, and add it to your dictionary.
• Auto-substitution: Mark this option to have your device suggest alternatives to the words you typed.
• Regional correction: Mark this option to have your device adjust words based on regional dialect.
• Recapture: Mark this option to enable XT9® recommendations.
• My word list: Shows you the custom words you have added to your list. You can touch to manually add words to the list.
• Auto substitution list: Shows you a list of auto substitutions your device allows you to use when you are entering text. You can type the word in the shortcut list and your device will correct it to the substitution. You can touch to manually add substitutions.
• Continuous input: When you mark this feature, you can spell words by swiping your finger across the keyboard to each letter of the word.
• Keyboard swipe: Swipe the keyboard to the left or right to switch between letters and symbols. This option is not available if you have selected continuous input.
• Handwriting: Touch the slider to turn Handwriting on . Touch Handwriting to edit the following settings:
• Recognition type: Set the type of recognition your device should use when you are inputting text using handwriting: Stroke recognition or Complete recognition.
• Recognition time: Set the delay after you stop writing a word before your device should begin converting your handwriting to text.
• Pen thickness: Set the pen thickness in the handwriting screen.
• Pen color: Set the color of the pen.
• Gesture guide: View a guide of gestures you can use during handwriting input.
• Tutorial: View a tutorial on how to use the handwriting input feature.
• About: View the current version of the handwriting feature installed on your device.
• Voice input: Mark this option to add the icon to the keyboard for quick access to the Google Voice Typing feature.
• Auto capitalization: Mark this option to have your device auto-capitalize words at the beginning of a sentence and for proper nouns.
• Auto-punctuate: Mark this option to have your device enter a period at the end of a sentence when you touch the space bar twice.
• Character preview: When you touch a letter, a preview of the selected letter appears, making it easier to verify you are typing correctly.
• Key-tap sound: Mark this option to have your device play a sound when you touch a key on the keyboard.
• Tutorial: View a tutorial on using the Samsung keyboard.
• Reset settings: Reset the Samsung keyboard settings to their default values.
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text:
The Substance of Things Hoped For
After a failed suicide attempt, college student Benjamin Bishop finds himself transported to a strange world where he is hailed as a savior. He soon finds that he must muster up the inner strength to defeat an enemy who threatens this world; an enemy of his own making. More
College student and former abuse victim Benjamin Franklin Bishop has suffered emotional turmoil nearly his entire life. Now, one final traumatic experience has pushed him over the edge of reality and beyond. As a result, he finds himself placed in a world where he is hailed as a hero and a savior, and has finally found acceptance, true friendship, and love. However, in the shadows, a dark force threatens to bring ruin to this new world and to destroy any chance of happiness Benjamin may have found.
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The primary cause of corrosion on steel bridges is the exposure of the steel to atmospheric conditions. This corrosion is greatly enhanced due to marine (salt spray) exposures and industrial environments. Since bridges cannot be dismantled, they are protected by protective coatings and paints.
Changes in environmental protection regulations have brought about the transformation of the approach to corrosion protection for steel bridges. Until the mid to late 1970s, virtually all steel bridges were protected from corrosion by multiple thin coats of lead- and chromate-containing alkyd paints applied directly over mill scale on the formed steel. Maintenance painting for the prevention of corrosion was rare and was primarily practiced on larger bridge structures.
Indirect costs to the public are estimated to be at least 10 times higher than the direct corrosion costs: construction of new bridges, failure, or maintenance of corroded bridges can increase wear and tear on automobiles, gasoline usage, and delays in transportation due to bridge closures and, above all, structurally deficient bridges cause a risk to public safety.
ZINGA offers an environmentally friendly, sustainable, and effective solution for the corrosion protection of steel bridges, especially in severe marine corrosion environments.
Reference Projects of ZINGA application on bridges
Key Project: Kalvoya Bridge (Norway)
In 1985, ZINGA applied brush to the steel structures of the Kalvoya Bridge in Norway. Paint gloves were used for the carrying cables.
In February 2010, 25 years after the application, the layer thickness of ZINGA on the Kalvoya Bridge was measured. The loss in layer thickness after 25 years was approx. 30um.
In 2015, the bridge was entirely refurbished with ZINGA. This could be done at a significantly reduced cost since the bridge did not have to be re-blasted to the bare steel: after minimal surface preparation, the new ZINGA re-liquidized the old layer to form one new layer.


Lincoln Woman Injured After Car Strikes Tree
A Lincoln woman was injured in a one-vehicle accident that occurred Friday afternoon in Benton County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 55-year-old Alan B. Osko of Lincoln was the driver of a westbound 2007 Chevrolet on Route H, one mile east of Kronke Trail at 4 p.m. Nov. 23, when the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree.
52-year-old Teresa A. Fisher of Lincoln suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Bothwell Regional Health Center by Cole Camp EMS for medical treatment.
Neither of them were wearing a safety device, according to the report.
The Chevy was totaled and towed from the scene.
Benton County deputies assisted the Patrol on scene.


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The COVID-19 pandemic abruptly and profoundly turned the world upside down and has largely reshaped our day-to-day experiences, both personally and professionally. Phrases such as “social distancing” and “flatten the curve,” first heard a few short months ago, are now everyday vernacular and are indeed part of the “new normal.” The tax certiorari practice has adapted and continues to evolve in new ways in order to protect taxpayers.
As we now begin to wade through and ascertain the economic side-
effects of the pandemic, we learn that many of these challenges are likely here to stay with us for the foreseeable future. One of the things all property owners need to do during these unprecedented times is protect themselves from over-paying their real estate taxes. It is critical that they understand their right to a fair assessment as they adapt to the COVID era.
Now more than ever, property owners need to be vigilant about ensuring that they are being fairly assessed by the various taxing bodies. Amidst the ongoing pandemic-related economic challenges and uncertainty, we hear from clients—both large and small—that any amount saved in real estate taxes is potentially allowing them to keep their doors open for business. Commercial property owners may know that their assessments are largely based on the income approach and that a property’s income is used as the baseline to arrive at its full market value. Therefore, owners should take into consideration any loss of income at the property as any decreases in income likely deflates the property’s value. It could serve as the basis for a reduction in assessment, which in turn leads to decreased tax bills.
In addition to observing that most landlord’s rental revenue is down, the tax certiorari practice has had a unique, first-hand view of the challenges that many municipalities now face as a result of the pandemic. Namely, municipalities in our region have been hamstrung with crippling low revenue. This will cause budget shortfalls across the board with governments looking for ways to bridge the gaps. As one of the hardest hit regions, federal money paid directly to our municipalities would be a total game changer and would allow local governments to curtail their budgetary woes immediately. There remains uncertainty, however, as to whether the federal government is willing to write that check. As a result, we may see our local governments being forced to get creative.
Throughout the pandemic, we largely experienced a general willingness from municipalities to work collaboratively with taxpayers. The timing of the pandemic happened to directly coincide with filing deadlines throughout various parts of the state. Strong leadership on counsel’s behalf for property owners (and the bar associations) working together with the governments and the court system ensured safe and timely compliance with these otherwise technical and strict statutory filing requirements. Negotiation of cases, which otherwise would require court appearances or in-person conferences, are being accommodated by other means including videoconference. Most municipalities extended deadlines to pay real estate taxes, and though it certainly helped some taxpayers, it almost certainly will not be enough to buoy the market.
Municipalities, which are largely reliant on a strong commercial tax base, will be best served in continuing with a collaborative approach of sensitivity of owners’ needs.
Moving forward, we are hopeful that municipalities are mindful that decreased rental income likely means decreased property values for landlords. Further, raising real estate taxes in any manner whatsoever threatens the economic viability of a region that has been tremendously hard hit by the pandemic. Every effort should be made to correct assessments so that a taxpayer is only paying taxes based on the market value and not more. Most important, as we begin to determine the impact that the pandemic has had on real estate values, municipalities should be anticipating the need for their budgets to include prompt payouts of refunds to its taxpayers who have paid taxes on values that exceed the market value of their properties. Taxpayers need that money now more than ever in this challenging market.
Richard Cronin is a partner in the Tax Certiorari and Condemnation Law Practice Group at Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP, East Meadow, N.Y.

domain: news


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The Fender Select Telecaster Thinline Electric Guitar is a player’s dream with an understated elegance that is great on-stage and on display. Stylish and light, the Select Tele Thinline has a semi-hollow ash body with a beautiful flame maple top and hand-stained finish with gloss lacquer topcoat. Its modern C-shaped birdseye maple neck has a satin lacquer finish and Bi-Flex truss rod system. The compound radius birdseye maple fingerboard (9.5-14 inches) has 22 medium jumbo frets.
Fender Select Telecaster Thinline Electric Guitar Features
- Semi-hollow ash body with flame maple top
- Modern C-shaped birdseye maple neck and radius birdseye maple fingerboard
- Fender Select Telecaster single-coil neck and bridge pickups with three-way switching
- Heavy-knurled chrome control knobs
- American Standard Telecaster bridge with bent steel saddles and stamped brass plate
- Deluxe staggered locking tuners
The highly acclaimed Fender Select series introduces an all-new lineup for 2013. These finely crafted guitars put decades of Fender expertise on display, with elegant features and design options for discerning musicians everywhere. Experience the latest figured tops, beautiful finishes, choice tone woods, figured and quartersawn maple necks with compound-radius fingerboards, specially voiced pickups, and several new first-rate features that mark Fender's top-line best as remarkable instruments.Fender Select Telecaster Thinline Electric Guitar with Case


text:
End in Sight for Acute Irrigation Shortage Affecting East Wenatchee
There's about to be relief from an acute shortage of irrigation water from the Greater Wenatchee Water District, which serves the East Wenatchee area.
Two new pumps are being shipped in to replace aging and failing pumps that have left the water supply at 30 percent of what's needed.
District Manager Craig Gyselinck hopes to have the irrigation supply back up to 100 percent by next Tuesday, but says a lot will have to happen.
"There's a lot involved in getting these pumps up and running," said Gyselinck. "I have people who are flying out from Ontario, Canada to get our switch gear working. I have electricians, pump mechanics and engineers that are all convening at our pumping plant to get this going."
A pump manufactured in Pasco is expected to arrive Friday morning, while one from Texas should be here by next Tuesday.
Until then, irrigation customers in the East Wenatchee area will continue to experience water being completely shut down for two days at a time.
Gyselinck says it normally takes weeks to schedule all the specialists needed to get these types of pumps up and running.
"But people are being pulled of vacation. People are giving up work on other jobs. So, everybody is being really helpful and recognizes the importance of this situation."
Cool weather and rain allowed the district to supply enough water until recently, but the warmer temperatures this week have made it impossible to keep up with demand.
The Greater Wenatchee Water District provides irrigation to 10,000 acres in the area, including areas of East Wenatchee, Brays Landing and Howard Flats. It does not serve Wenatchee.
The district supplies irrigation to a customer base which is about 80 percent agricultural orchards and 20 percent residential, where the water is used mostly for watering lawns.


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Fish oil use in pregnancy didn't make babies smart
Many women take fish oil supplements during pregnancy, encouraged by obstetricians, marketing campaigns or the popular view that a key fish oil ingredient — docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA — is beneficial to a baby’s cognitive development.
But a large study published Tuesday in The Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that the DHA supplements taken by pregnant women show no clear cognitive benefit to their babies. The study also found no evidence that DHA can reduce postpartum depression, except perhaps for women already at high risk for it.
Some previous studies have suggested that DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil, can aid in a baby’s brain development if taken during pregnancy. But many of those studies were small or observed women already taking fish oil, who might be more health-conscious. The new study, with more than 2,000 participants, was a clinical trial in which women received either fish oil with DHA or a placebo (vegetable oil).
“It’s puzzling because observational studies have shown benefits,” said Dr. Emily Oken, an associate professor in population medicine at Harvard Medical School, who wrote an editorial accompanying the study. But not every expert was surprised.
“I think a lot of us have been skeptical that something as easy as taking a DHA supplement would improve neurologic development,” said Dr. William Barth Jr., chief of maternal-fetal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. “I wish it were so simple, that there was a pill we could take to make our children smarter.”
He said more research was needed, but for now, “I think the market is running way out in front of the science.”
Scientists agree that DHA, naturally transmitted to a fetus through the placenta in the last half of pregnancy, is important, probably to visual and brain development. Several studies indicate that babies born prematurely receive too little DHA, and some studies have found that premature babies fed DHA after birth show better cognitive performance or visual coordination later on than preemies who aren’t given DHA.
But the new study, which mainly assessed full-term babies, found no cognitive difference at 18 months whether mothers received DHA supplements or placebos. The lead researcher, Dr. Maria Makrides of the University of Adelaide in Australia, said this suggested that full-term babies already get enough DHA in the womb, and that “there’s no extra boost” from getting more.
Nonetheless, several experts said they would continue to support taking DHA in pregnancy, especially since it is safe and apparently has few downsides. They cited a smaller 2003 Norwegian study that found I.Q. increases at age 4, although no cognitive benefit was seen in infants or 7-year-olds.
That study’s lead author, Dr. Ingrid Helland of Oslo University Hospital, said that perhaps the benefit shown at age 4 existed at 7 but was difficult to identify amid other developmental factors. She said babies in her study might have received more DHA than those in this study. Dr. Oken said the new study might have shown no benefit in 18-month-olds because effects in infants might be “hard to measure” or “it may be that the benefit of DHA is not as important as when you’re 4.”
Dr. Makrides’s team plans assessments at 4 and 7. Dr. Jatinder Bhatia, a neonatologist heading the nutrition committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said that unless further studies showed no benefit as children got older, he would continue recommending DHA, now in many prenatal vitamins, because “I’m not convinced at this time that we should reverse course.”
Much about DHA is unknown. Its effect in supplements for children and adults is being studied, as well as whether supplements offer the same benefit as DHA-rich fish, like salmon.
Some studies, including the new report, suggest DHA supplementation in pregnancy reduces the likelihood of premature birth. And the new study showed small reductions in postpartum depression in women with histories or high risk of depression. Dr. Scott Stuart, a University of Iowa psychiatry and psychology professor, said his pregnant patients with mild to moderate depression had improved when taking DHA while seeing a counselor.
“There’s no harm that we know of at all, in contrast to many antidepressants,” he said. “And it might be of some help.”

domain: medical


text:
- What Is It?
- Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Home Remedies
- Surgery & Treatments
Facts you should know about a pilonidal cyst
- Pilonidal cysts are sacs filled with hair and skin debris that form at the top of the crease of the buttocks above the sacrum. A painful abscess can form if the cyst and the overlying skin become infected.
- Pilonidal cysts are caused by groups of hairs and debris trapped in the pores of the skin in the upper cleft of the buttock, forming an abscess.
- Risk factors for pilonidal cysts include being male, sedentary, having thick body hair, family history, being overweight, and previous pilonidal cysts.
- Symptoms of pilonidal cysts include
- Treatment for pilonidal cysts involves incision and drainage (I&D) or surgery.
- Home remedies include sitz baths and some vitamin supplements.
- The prognosis for a pilonidal cyst is generally good. Recurrences are common.
What causes a pilonidal cyst?
It is not clear why pilonidal cysts form. At one time, it was thought pilonidal cysts might be congenital (a person is born with them) arising from embryologic cells that were in the wrong place early in development or due to repeat trauma (jeep driver's disease). It is now thought that small groups of hairs and debris (dead skin cells and bacteria) get trapped in the pores of the skin in the upper cleft of the buttock and form a "sinus," or pocket, that grows to become an abscess. This abscess forms under the skin (subcutaneously) and can result in scar tissue that can become infected repeatedly.
What are risk factors for a pilonidal cyst?
Risk factors for pilonidal cysts include the following:
- Male predominance (four times more often than in women)
- Young age (most commonly found in men in their 20s)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Thick body hair
- Family history
- Local shaving or damage to the skin from friction
- Overweight or obese
- Previous pilonidal cyst
What are pilonidal cyst symptoms and signs?
If a pilonidal cyst is not infected, there may be no symptoms. When a cyst is infected, signs and symptoms include
How do doctors diagnose a pilonidal cyst?
A doctor will diagnose a pilonidal cyst by first doing a physical examination. A pilonidal cyst looks like a lump, swelling, or abscess at the cleft of the buttock with tenderness, and possibly a draining or bleeding area (sinus). The location of the cyst at the top of the buttocks makes it characteristic for a pilonidal cyst.
If infection is severe, blood tests may be performed for diagnosis. There is usually no need for imaging tests in cases of pilonidal cysts.
Are there any home remedies for a pilonidal cyst?
Home remedies are aimed at relieving pain and swelling. These home treatments include the following:
- Sitz baths: Sitting in a tub of warm water up to the hips can relieve pain and may reduce the chances the cyst will worsen.
- Vitamin C and zinc supplements can help in the healing process. Vitamin A also helps with tissue repair. Consult a doctor for the right dose of these supplements.
- Essential oils, such as tea tree oil and sage oil, may help soothe the cyst and may even help fight infection.
- A product called No Bump Rx helps prevent ingrown hairs.
- Castor oil applied to the cyst may help reduce inflammation.
- A coccyx cushion or pillow can provide support and comfort while sitting.
- Regular exercise helps improve blood flow, which can aid in healing.
It has been suggested that raw garlic applied directly to the cyst may help with infection, however, it can be extremely irritating to the skin and the open wound. Talk to your doctor before using any herbal supplement or natural remedy as some may interact with medications you are on. In addition, if your cyst has been drained and is open, you need to follow your doctor's instructions.
What is the treatment for a pilonidal cyst? Is surgery necessary for pilonidal cysts?
Treatment for pilonidal cysts involves draining the infection (abscess), usually by lancing open the wound. A procedure called an "incision and drainage" (I&D) is performed either using local anesthesia or general anesthesia; an I&D drains pus and debris from inside the cyst cavity. Pit picking is a non-excision procedure that involves a lateral (side to side) incision that drains the cyst, and the midline pits leading under the skin are removed.
If extensive scar tissue or chronic sinus tract is found in the pilonidal cyst area, a more extensive excision surgery may be needed for removal of the abscess. A pilonidal cystectomy removes the cysts or tracts that extend from the sinus. The wound may be left open with gauze packing or sutured shut. A cleft lift/modified Karydakis procedure only removes scarred skin, and not deeper tissue, and the incision is more to the side for improved healing. Other types of surgeries for pilonidal cyst include flap procedures such as the Limberg flap, Z-plasty, and rotational flap, which remove larger amounts of tissue. They are usually not a first line of surgical treatment.
If there is a severe infection (cellulitis or sepsis), or if a patient is immune-suppressed (patients with HIV/AIDS, cancer chemotherapy, on steroid treatment, or other immune-modulating medications), antibiotics are usually prescribed and hospitalization may be necessary.
Recovery time for pilonidal cyst surgery varies depending on whether you are left with an open or closed wound. If you have an open wound (tissue is removed, leaving a cavity, and the body heals from the inside out) it can take eight weeks for it to heal into a patch of scar tissue. If you have a closed wound (sutured by the doctor), healing is much faster, however, there is a greater chance for reinfection which can delay healing. Recovery time for the cleft lift/modified Karydakis procedure is about four weeks. In general, inflammation will last up to six days, and growth of new tissue continues for about two months.
The only time nonsurgical treatment for a pilonidal cyst is considered is if the cyst is minor and symptoms are mild and infrequent. Prevent the cyst from getting worse by using good hygiene, exfoliating the area, sitting with good posture, and using a coccyx cushion.
What types of doctors treat pilonidal cysts?
A primary care provider (PCP), such as a family practitioner, internist, or pediatrician, may diagnose a pilonidal cyst. A dermatologist may also be seen because many patients believe it's a skin-related problem. You may also see an emergency medicine specialist in a hospital emergency department.
What is the prognosis of a pilonidal cyst?
The prognosis for a pilonidal cyst is generally good, and often the cyst can be cured with surgery. Unfortunately, reoccurrence of abscesses is frequent if extensive scar tissue or sinus formation occurs. Surgical treatment can be curative although, even with surgery, a small amount of cysts may reoccur. Complications include infection or scarring to the area.
Is it possible to prevent a pilonidal cyst?
In people prone to, or with risk factors for pilonidal cysts, modifying risk factors may help prevent flare-ups. Prevention of pilonidal cysts involves proper hygiene. Keeping the area clean and hair-free and exfoliating are the first steps. Losing weight and avoiding clothing that chafes the coccyx area helps prevent inflammation or infection. Prevention also entails proper sitting posture that can aggravate the tailbone area, and use of a coccyx cushion to keep pressure off the tailbone (a hemorrhoid "donut" pillow is not adequate for pilonidal cyst patients).
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text:
By ertha franke. Interior Design. At Wednesday, July 04th 2018, 13:27:42 PM.
Finding the space in one room for twice as much furniture and storage is one of the most daunting tasks when designing a shared room. This is where your resourcefulness and editing eye need to kick into high gear. Less is definitely more in a shared bedroom, as is multifunctional and shared design. As a baseline, selecting streamlined furniture is essential to keep the room feeling as spacious as possible and allow for storage and playing. If your kids are old enough, bunk beds are always an excellent choice. Whether L-shaped or vertical, a bunk bed is an efficient use of space and oftentimes has built-in storage underneath.
In order to ensure that your new colorful grout doesn’t go unnoticed, you can match the grout color to other accent walls, like in the photo above. Doing so adds cohesion to the space. And since an accent wall puts people in the mindset of that color, the grout pops all the more. To get this effect, you can either paint a traditional accent wall or use an adjoining wall with tiles that match the grout color. The room in the photo above elected for both options, so don’t feel limited to just one style here. You can even paint a door or have cabinetry that matches the grout color.
“Coffee tables, side boards and bookshelves scream to be styled. It is amazing what you can pull together from the items in your own home. No need to go shopping for knickknacks; try shopping in your home first,” suggests Ana Cummings, the owner of ANA Interiors. Pulling off this tip is all about having the arrangement look intentional. In all honesty, the items you put on these surfaces aren’t as important as how you display them. Do your best to lay out your items in groupings, stick to odd numbers and be sure to vary the pieces in terms of their direction, size and color. If need be, you can always look for some design inspiration to help you get started.
It has a “single side mounted“ lever allowing easy control of water flow also temperature. It has a "ceramic cartridge valve" that has been endurance tested. The installation equipment includes all mountings with water pipes as well as installation instructions. This is a bedeck mounted single hole installation. This very contemporary plus very dissimilar faucet has a five-year warranty.

domain: design


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Annie Parker Jewelry: Rustic Cuffs and Stuff
Annie was born in North Carolina, blessed by the hand of God with an innate desire to create. A resident of the Florida panhandle for 10 years, Annie says, “The gulf has become a cornerstone in my life.” When in the studio, Annie is constantly experimenting with new design elements.
Her one of a kind pieces are a “fusion of western fashion and coastal life”. Each is handcrafted using bronze, copper and silver metal clay combined with leather. Because there is no casting involved each piece is totally unique.
When not in the studio, she can often be found near the water, riding her bike, fishing or taking in an afternoon sunset. What she loves the most, however, is creating jewelry and handbags.
Annie’s artistic sensibilities help her find inspiration from her surroundings and in the things and people who she loves most.
“The rustic element of leather comes from my love of horses.” says Annie. “The blank canvas of a piece of metal or leather allows me to indulge my creative spirit, as it becomes what I tell it to. The result is a piece of unique wearable art that will evoke emotion and pleasure for the wearer.”
For more information visit www.AnnieParkerJewelry.com


|Date First Available
|November 05, 2020
The PVDM4 modules are supported on the Cisco 4451-X platform. You can plug them directly into the single slot on the router motherboard or onto the network interface module (NIM) that supports T1/E1 ports. Enhanced DSP architecture accommodates a new packet-processing engine optimized for rich-media voice applications, while concurrently supporting the time-division multiplexing IP (TDM-IP) voice framework.
A PVDM4 module plugged onto the motherboard delivers IP-based voice services such as conferencing, media optimization, and transcoding. A PVDM4 module plugged onto the NIM daughter card would be used for voice T1/E1 connectivity.
All the PVDM4 modules have the same form factor and are field-upgradable to allow you to easily scale your voice deployments.
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JB Guns is a locally owned and operated firearms store that opened on December 1, 2009.
Work began to provide Central Florida with a place to purchase affordable new and used firearms for personal protection, hunting and sport shooting as well as the avid collector.
We are a Garmin authorized dealer and now a secure ironworks dealer. We carry a wide range of shotguns, hunting rifles, assault rifles, pistols, Class III weapons, silencers, shotguns/short-barreled rifles, accessories and ammo. We are a stocking dealer in Ruger, Savage Arms, Glock, Mossberg, Springfield and more. Glock Blue Label dealer, Vortex Scope dealer, and also LEO dealer for most firearms manufacturers.
We are a complete in-house Cerakote applicator and can make any gun in any color. JB Guns is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and the Constitution of the United States of America.
We have an NRA certified handgun trainer and can give hidden weapon classes scheduled by appointment. We have a certified gunsmith on site that can meet all of your gunsmithing needs, from refinishing your gun to basic cleaning.
We buy, sell, trade, pound all kinds of firearms or gold. JB Guns is across the street from the Sumter County Fairgrounds at SAR 7,671 471, Bushnell, FL 33513
Regular business hours Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-6pm 352-568-1900 www.JBGuns.com or www.facebook.com/jbgunsllc


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Disney Princesses, Pokémon, Harry Potter, and More 2021 Advent Calendars You Can Buy Right Now
by Sabrina Rojas Weiss and Bethany Braun-Silva
Image Credits: Amazon
Advent calendars sell out long before you think they will, so it’s not too early to order them now!
By their very design, advent calendars are for people (kids and adults) who simply cannot wait until Christmas, so it’s no surprise they’re popular every year. If you think your kids might want a 2021 Disney advent calendar, or any other popular theme, the time to buy them is right now: The most popular toy advent calendars for kids tend to sell out very quickly.
Publisher Igloo Books once again has made its popular advent calendars: The Disney Princess Storybook Collection, the Marvel Storybook Collection, and the Disney Storybook Collection, are now available for preorder on Amazon. Even if you’re not the type to fill a closet with holiday gifts before Thanksgiving, this is an easy step to take right now.
In addition to Disney, there are so many other themes kids will love. An American Girl doll set includes supplies to bake cookies for Santa, and preschoolers can revel in a new set of Thomas and Friends trains or a Playmobil royal picnic set. Lego, Pokémon, and Harry Potter fans can open their own collectible toys all through December, and L.O.L. Surprise and Barbie Color Reveal dolls combine the unboxing experience with the advent calendar tradition.
If you’ve yet to jump on the advent calendar bandwagon, we think we know why they generate so much excitement. Instead of giving a kid all of their treats on Christmas Day, you get to distribute them gradually, over the course of 12 or 24 days. Whether it’s the old-fashioned chocolates, a miniature storybook, or a small toy, each tiny gift builds excitement for the coming holiday. Rather than overwhelming kids with a bunch of gifts all at once, they get to appreciate each of these on their appointed day, while also picturing the big holiday to come.
Below are some of the best advent calendars for kids available to buy now. Because most advent calendars don’t have a year on them (or the days of the week), some of these came out in 2020 or earlier, but they’re still every bit as fun.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.


The three editors of the new Florida Citrus Production Guide recently told growers at a meeting in Sebring what’s new in the guide this year. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) produced the guide.
Megan Dewdney, a UF/IFAS plant pathologist, addresses new information provided about diseases. New items include the addition of a chemical for citrus canker control and information about the benefits of windbreaks for controlling HLB-spreading Asian citrus psyllids. Dewdney says research indicates that windbreaks seem to reduce the migration of psyllids into groves.
UF/IFAS entomologist Lauren Diepenbrock, discussing pests, says the new guide addresses resistance to insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. The resistance information makes the case for rotating modes of action for all those products. “We harp on this constantly,” Diepenbrock says.
Diepenbrock also notes that the pest section puts heavy emphasis on the importance of integrated pest management (IPM), with “the insecticides being part of the management strategy.” The IPM information briefly discusses alternatives to spraying for psyllid control, including individual tree covers, reflective mulch and kaolin clay. “None of them are stand-alones” but all have potential for psyllid control, she says.
New information about horticultural practices is discussed by UF/IFAS horticulturist Tripti Vashisth. She says the new guide includes information about the economics of new plantings. Also new is a segment on cold protection. Vashisth notes that most recent winters have been relatively warm, “but it can get cold and we have to have a plan for cold protection.”
The new Florida Citrus Production Guide was introduced at Citrus Expo in August. It is now being handed out at grower meetings around the state and is available from citrus Extension agents.
The grower meeting in Sebring was hosted by Highlands County Extension director and citrus agent Laurie Hurner.
Hear more from Dewdney, Diepenbrock and Vashisth:
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(Atlanta) The All Three Coasts Hip-Hop Festival (A3C) has been at the forefront of music and technology since its debut in 2005, which makes this year’s culture celebration the perfect place for the soft launch of A3CxTECH. Featuring conversations with industry experts on the cusp of this exponentially evolving space, “xTALKs” will offer 30 to 60 minute story-telling session designed to push the intersection of music and technology into the future. From Jay Z’s deal with Samsung to the importance of social media for new artists, the evolution of the home studio to building an independent record label, xTALKs will recap and ultimately redefine what it means to be an artist in today’s tech-dependent world.
The first xTALK is headlined by Atlanta’s own Jermaine Dupri and marketing executive James Andrews during 2013’s A3C on October 2. Dupri’s So So Def Records was one of hip-hop’s most successful movements and the platinum selling artist has successfully shifted his interests to the very intersection that xTALK extols. The second conversation features Young Guru (most famous for being Jay Z’s engineer) and A3C founder Brian Knott, who will discuss the technology of production and its evolution over the years on October 5. The pair of events will serve as a meal-worthy appetizer to an exciting main course set to explode in 2014.
In an age of iTunes and Spotify, Twitter and Tumblr, Serato and Ableton Live, artists are forced to explore new avenues to capitalize on their talents — and if the last 30 years have proven anything, it’s that hip-hop will lead the charge. It’s a natural fit for A3C, the largest hip-hop festival in the U.S., and the only one to truly grasp the nuances of an ever-changing culture.Google+


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A student protester's guide to last-minute essay writing
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domain: literature


The London is an urban jacket with a modern cut that looks like an off-the-peg fashion garment, but that is where the comparison ends. On the technical side, this is a real motorcycling jacket that keeps you fully protected, dry, warm and in style.
- London is CE homologated as PPE.
- Main external material: Polyester (85%) and Cotton (15%), for a great feeling of softness.
- D30 homologated protectors for elbows and shoulders, which offer full protection without restricting comfort and freedom of movement.
- The back protector pocket is compatiable with both “Central Back” level 1 and “Full Back”.
- Furygan Skin Protect lining approved by Furygan’s R&D (Motion Lab) to reinforce textile products in terms of tearing and abrasion resistance.
- Waterproof and breathable Polymesh insert.
- Removable, thermal padded lining with aluminium inserts. The lining also features a high collar and additional insulation around the front zip for a better protection against coldness, and mesh panels at armpits to ease heat dissipation.
- Six pockets, four outside (including credit card pocket on the left arm) and two inside.
- Removable hood.
- Connecting zip mounted on an elastic belt. Additional snap claws to link the jacket to your trousers belt quickly and easily.


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Phoniness finds its soundtrack in “Once Around the Sun,” a laughably shallow new “musical about music” that peddles three-chord cliche as rock ‘n’ roll drama. As they track a young musician’s oh-so-tortured rise to stardom, the writers even have the audacity to liken their milquetoast hero to Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain — proving the folly of braying about vision you don’t actually have.
The great hypocrisy of librettist Kellie Overbey and composer-lyricists Steven Morris, Robert Morris and Joe Shane is their disdain for prefabricated pop. The show tries to prove the integrity of Kevin Stevens, the pretty-boy front man played by Asa Somers, by letting him and his friends make jokes about the “shallow, square and empty” junk on “American Idol.” To contrast with our hero, we meet Waldo (Kevin Mambo), an “Idol” winner whose vapid singles have let him replace Kevin’s band at a nightclub gig.
It’s unclear why a TV superstar would play the same rathole as struggling rockers, but simple-minded melodrama has no room for logic. The important thing is showing us that Kevin, by way of his music, digs deeper than some fizzy TV himbo. Yet here’s a sample lyric from one of his masterpieces: “When I dream of you/Yeah, you’re the only one I see/Looking in those loving eyes/I know that you’re the one for me.”
That’s as profound as it gets, and the music is just as vapid. So much for the tuner’s premise that “meaningful” music will save our hearts from corporate emptiness. The composers can’t even master the top 40’s mindless formula, let alone transcend it.
Overbey’s book proves just as awkward, especially when she attempts high drama. Nadirs get hit with any appearance by Nona Blue (Maya Days), an ex-diva record exec who seduces Kevin with promises of success. The catch, of course, is that she’ll only make him a star if he drops his bandmates, becomes her lover, blah, blah, blah.
Nona’s entire arc — from early temptress to redeemed songbird — is instantly obvious, but the show lights some flares to alert the brain dead. When Nona and Kevin first shake hands, a spotlight surrounds them, and everyone else freezes in place. The devilish diva sings, “Kevin, listen to your heart, you’ve wanted this forever.” Kevin stares over the audience, conflicted. Get it? Amazingly, this high-camp moment is not played for laughs, but auds may chuckle anyway.
As they trudge from one number to the next, the actors apparently are dreaming of better work. They’re all excellent singers, but their line readings are universally wooden and bland.
The perfs are so colorless, in fact, that when Caryn Lyn Manuel appears as a new character in the final scene, it takes ages to realize she’s not playing Kevin’s girlfriend from act one.
Director Jace Alexander only adds to the confusion with clunky scene changes that literally stop the show. Thesps must try to deliver speeches while moving tables or changing clothes. Then, once the scenes begin, Alexander has them mime activities that only need simple props. Maybe if they could really pour their drinks instead of just pretending to, the players wouldn’t seem so burdened by their stage business.
But the pantomimed cocktails do have their purpose. Like a dire warning, they remind us that no amount of posturing can give substance to something that’s fake.

domain: artistic


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Michelle has been a strong advocate for funding for local community infrastructure.
Since elected, Michelle has successfully advocated for funding that has benefited community centres in Edgemont, North Haven, Huntington Hills, and Thorncliffe. She has also seen investment for recreation and community space for Vivo which services many communities in north-central Calgary including Panorama and Country Hills.
Michelle worked very hard to recieve funding for the Calgary Green LRT Line. Michelle, along with many in our community, was stunned when the City of Calgary announced the reduced scope of the Green Line. The completion of this project to the ridership in north Calgary remains a top infrastructure priority of our community. Michelle will continue to advocate for projects like the Green Line and support for north-central Calgary.
Michelle sent a survey to over 35,000 households in her riding asking residents to rank the infrastructure priorities for north-central Calgary. The result of the survey ranking was:
#1—Green Line LRT (“Phase 2” to the north)
#2– Road and overpass infrastructure #3—Urgent care/healthcare facilities #4—Vivo Expansion
#5—North Central High school
#6—Community meeting space
#7—Settlement services for new Canadians
#8– Flood mitigation projects
#9—Cultural gathering & meeting space
Michelle has been working with community associations, local stakeholders and other elected officials to advocate for support for these projects. It is Michelle's hope that elected representatives from all levels of government can work together to make strategic investments in the projects listed above. Michelle is committed to advocating for funding at the federal level, in the context of returning to a balanced budget and lowered taxes, for these projects.
Her track record of success in supporting investment for our community speaks for itself.


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In times of uncertainty, one of the greatest comforts we can turn to is food. If you're working from home (as many of us are), the process of preparing a meal can be a way of soothing anxieties, as well as a source of nourishment. And of all the world cuisines, Italian is arguably one of the most comforting.
As people (hopefully) stop stockpiling and we adjust to our new normal for the foreseeable, find joy in planning a day to make a sourdough starter, put on a soothing spiced carrot soup or make your own gnocchi. At times like these, we all deserve good food.