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Kendrys Morales finally gets a contract but out of nowhere that contract came from the Minnesota Twins. Morales has been a subject of speculation through all of the off-season, spring training and the regular season. He turned down the qualifying offer from the Seattle Mariners at the end of last season in favor of free agency.
Free agency did not fare well for quite a few players this year. After rejecting their team’s qualifying offer, any team that signed the player would have to give up their highest draft pick to the player’s former team as compensation. It put a stigma over the heads of guys like Stephen Drew, Ubaldo Jimenez, Nelson Cruz and Ervin Santana to name a few. Morales fell into that group and is the last to have finally been signed. The Orioles gave up two draft picks for Jimenez and Cruz, the Atlanta Braves gave up one for Santana and the Stephen Drew decided to re-sign with the Boston Red Sox, so they did not have to give up their draft pick.
It was expected for many of these players to not be signed until after the draft, but team emergencies arose that were so severe that players like Jimenez and Santana were signed and their respective teams reluctantly gave up their draft picks.
Morales was one of the few players, if not the only, remaining without a job having been forced to wait to play until after the draft, when he would no longer be connected to a draft pick. He had, as recently as Friday, been linked to the Brewers, Yankees, Rangers and Mariners. Yet, the Twins appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, to pick up the first baseman. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported the signing just hours ago via Twitter,
Kendrys Morales reached agreement with the #Twins
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) June 7, 2014
Now that he has signed after the draft, Morales will be an unencumbered free agent at the end of the season having not played the entire year with the Twins. He should have a much easier time finding a team next season if he decides not to re-sign with Minnesota. The terms of the current agreement between the Twins and Morales have not yet been released.
With the A.L. Central pretty much up in the air at this point, the Twins are looking to up their run production, hoping that Morales can help them accomplish that and make a playoff run.
Last season with the Seattle Mariners Morales hit .277 with 23 home runs and 80 RBI.

domain: sports


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How many of you knew that was the name of the world Mirian lived in? Yeah, I didn’t make a big push to get that out. Nonetheless, here is another story from that world.
*EDIT* I’d like to find somewhere I can post this, for free, to raise exposure for my book. If anyone has any suggestions, leave them in the comments please!
I’ve noticed that my bit on Sarintha only got 3 views. You should go read it. It’s cool. Here’s another story:
Price reduced on autographed copies! $9.99 plus shipping! Grab a copy now!
Sadly, I’ve been away for a couple weeks, but I’m back now and ready to post another ten sentences. We last saw our priestess with a knife jammed through her hand, waiting to hear from her goddess.
This has been a while in the making, but I think it came out pretty good overall. This started as a “first sentence” writing prompt, and evolved into Sarintha’s history.
WARNING! There are spoilers here. Don’t read this if you haven’t read the book. It won’t ruin the entire book, but it will spoil one of the plot twists that I enjoyed writing. You’ve been warned, so continue at your own risk!
Another week, another 10 sentences. I’m really enjoying these postings, both sharing my story and seeing what others are posting. Really glad I stumbled across the Sci Fi & Fantasy Saturday blog. Remember, The Priestess, the Protector is available on Amazon or via the My Book link above!
Without further ado, here is the snippet for the week!

domain: literature


3D displays are getting a great deal of buzz but due to the premium price tag mass market adoption has yet to take place. Aside from the price, a major gripe regarding 3D displays is the fact that you need to wear 3D glasses in order to actually view the content. This wouldn’t be too big of a problem aside from the fact that just about every 3DTV manufacturer requires a different set of glasses.
Well, Sanwa has evidently listened to these gripes and have come forward to show off their universal 3D glasses. Priced at $100, these rechargeable 3D glasses will be able to recognize 3D content from virtually any television including those from Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic and Sharp. Unofrtunately, they are only available in Japan but as 3D displays get more popular here in the States they are sure to make the jump.


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The 48 mile-long (77 km) international waterway known as the Panama Canal allows ships to pass between the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean, saving about 8000 miles (12,875 km) from a journey around the southern tip of South America, Cape Horn.
Read: Do you know about these important Panama Canal Facts?
The describing of the Panama Canal goes back to the 16th century. After understanding the riches of Peru, Ecuador, and Asia, and evaluating the time it took the gold to reach the ports of Spain, it was suggested in 1524 to Charles V, that by cutting out a piece of land somewhere in Panama, the trips would be made shorter and the danger of taking the treasures through the cape would rationalize such an enterprise. A survey of the isthmus was ordered and subsequently, a working plan for a canal was drawn up in 1529. The wars in Europe and the thirsts for the control of kingdoms in the Mediterranean Sea put the project on permanent hold.
In 1534 a Spanish bureaucrat suggested a canal route close to that of the now present canal & shortly abandoned its interest in the canal.
Various surveys were made between 1850 and 1875 showed that only two routes were practical, the one across Panama and another across Nicaragua. In 1876 an international company was organized; two years later it obtained a concession from the Colombian government to dig a canal transversely the cape.
In 1899, the US Congress created an Isthmian Canal Commission to observe the potential of a Central American canal and to advise a route. The commission first decided on a route through Nicaragua, but later on, reversed its verdict. The Lesseps Company offered its assets to the United States at a price of $40 million. The United States and the new state of Panama signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla treaty, by which the United States guaranteed the liberty of Panama and secured a continuous lease on a 10-mile strip for the canal. Panama was to be compensated by an early payment of $10 million and an annuity of $250,000, beginning in 1913. This strip is now known as the Canal Zone.
Construction of Panama Canal
Construction of a lock canal was decided in 1906. The first three years were spent in the expansion of construction facilities, surveys, and disease control. The canal was opened in Aug. 15, 1914 and formal dedication took place on July 12, 1920. The whole cost was $336,650,000, and c.240 million cu yd of earth was vacated.
In 1939, treaty amendments increased Panama’s annuity to $434,000, provided for a transisthmian highway, and abrogated the US. guarantee of the impartiality and autonomy of Panama. Although in the same year Congress authorized construction of the third set of locks, then World War II intervened, and the plans were shelved. In 1955 the income was raised to $1,930,000, and the United States undertook to build a high-level bridge over the Pacific side of the canal. The Gaillard Cut was widened in 1969 to permit two-way traffic.
Very few human endeavours have ever conceded to change the face of the planet on which we live, as did the successful completion of the inter-oceanic Panama Canal in 1914 by the United States.
If you liked this article, you may also like to read A brief history of the Suez Canal.
You may also like to read – 4th Engineer’s First Journey Through The Panama Canal

domain: geography


SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) – A robust economic recovery and surging revenue propelled by voter-approved tax increases has sent California’s general fund spending to a record high, but Gov. Jerry Brown is pledging a somber approach to the windfall.
In introducing his budget proposal Thursday, the Democratic governor said beginning to pay down California’s massive “wall of debt” must be a priority.
“By no means are we out of the wilderness. We have serious issues before us in terms of long-term liabilities, debts and we must be very prudent in the way we spend public funds,” Brown said.Comments


text: Introduction. Soft tissue infections (STIs), which include infections of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and muscle, encompass a wide variety of heterogeneous pathologies. Treatment of STIs is based on surgical debridement of the affected area. One such treatment, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), has improved the management of STIs. Objective. The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and utility of NPWT in conjunction with dermatotraction in the early stage management of necrotizing STIs. Materials and Methods. The authors report a retrospective series of 3 cases in which NPWT and dermatotraction (NPWT-D) were used in an attempt to manage necrotizing STI. The NPWT-D device combination was employed to approximate the edges of the wounds. The NPWT device was changed every 2 or 3 days, and dermatotraction tension was adjusted concurrently. Results. The NPWT-D device changes ranged from 3 to 4 times for 2 of the 3 patients, as 1 patient passed away secondary to STIs and therefore did not receive complete treatment. The total treatment ranged from 8 to 10 days in the remaining 2 patients. In both cases, complete wound closure was achieved while avoiding skin grafts. After 5 days of therapy in the incomplete treatment case, the wound area was reduced by about half. Conclusions. Based on the experiences herein, NPWT-D may be a safe and useful alternative surgical treatment for the management of necrotizing STIs. In the present cases, NPWT-D improved and shortened the wound healing process, and it achieved a tertiary wound closure, thereby avoiding the need for skin grafts.

domain: health


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COLUMBIA, S.C. – USA Basketball selected all three South Carolina Gamecocks who participated in this weekend’s trials to teams for international competition this summer. Rising junior Alaina Coates and rising senior Tiffany Mitchell earned spots on the 2015 U.S. Pan American Team, and rising sophomore A’ja Wilson will play on the 2015 U.S. U19 World Championship Team. Both competitions take place in late July.
“I’m truly proud of Tiffany, Alaina and A’ja for putting themselves in a position to represent our country,” said South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley, who is also the head coach of the U19 World Championship Team. “Their USA Basketball experience this summer will only help our team in the upcoming season.”
Coates and Mitchell were selected from a pool of 51 athletes who took part in the three-day trials at the United States Olympic Training Center (USOTC) in Colorado Springs, Colo. The 12-player roster for the 2015 Pan Am Games features seven players who have won at least one gold medal with USA Basketball, including Mitchell, who earned hers in the 2015 FIBA 3×3 World Championships. Coates will make her USA Basketball team debut when the team competes in the Pan Am Games in Toronto, Canada. The team will return to Colorado on July 3 for the start of training camp with the Pan Am Games women’s basketball competition taking place July 16-20.
“In all honesty, I was mentally preparing myself to not have my name called, but then they called my name,” Coates said. “It was just a rush of relief, and I’m excited. I tried out for U16 team and didn’t make it, but now I’m able to make this team, and I’m excited. I feel like I had my moments [during trials] where I was up and down, but for the most part I did what they looked at me for.”
“It was a sigh of relief [to hear my name called],” Mitchell said. “My first two days [of trials] went pretty well, but I didn’t play as well my last day. I’m just glad they had the confidence in me to choose me. [Playing in the Pan Am Games] will be pretty cool. I know it will be really competitive, and we’re going to be one of the youngest teams there. But, I’m a real competitive person, so I’ll be up for the challenge.”
Wilson headlines the U19 roster, set for her second appearance in the FIBA U19 World Championships after helping the U.S. to gold at the event in 2013. She joins seven other gold medalists on the squad of 13 selected from 34 athletes age 19 and under at the three-day trials. Wilson was named the MVP of the 2014 FIBA Americas U18 Championships, which secured the Americans’ spot in this summer’s event. The U.S. team will regroup for training June 30-July 7 at the USTOC prior to traveling to Alicante, Spain, to compete in a round-robin tournament July 11-13 against U19 national teams from Australia, Canada and Spain ahead of its arrival in Russia for the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championships, which run July 18-26.
“It’s great to be out here with a great group of girls,” Wilson said. “I’m excited to see what this summer holds. My role will change tremendously. I was one of the youngest on the [U19 World Championship Team in 2013], and I want to take what I learned from the older girls then and transfer it over to this time so we can have another great gold medal season.”

domain: news


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We have recently started carrying CBD products, and we know you’ll have questions, so here’s a primer. CBD refers to cannabinoids, which are the natural phytochemical found in the cannabis plant. There are over 113 different cannabinoids (CBD and THC have been researched the most), and they interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) in a variety of ways. The ECS
“Trapezius muscle activity variation during computer work performed by individuals with and without neck-shoulder pain.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Research published on July 25, 2019 found that individuals with neck and shoulder pain exhibited longer uninterrupted periods of muscle activation compared to their non-symptomatic counterparts. This suggests that static posture and not poor posture may be the greater concern and contributor to pain. The research
A recent study published in JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association (July 29, 2019) reported that adjunctive acupuncture reduced angina frequency and pain intensity in those suffering from chronic stable angina (CSA). It was found to be more effective than antianginal therapy alone. Acupuncture treatment also resulted in better regulation of anxiety and depression within the treatment period. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀The
Is your current health status due to a genetic predisposition, your lifestyle choices and mindset or a combination of both? “A new study finds that if you tell people that they have a genetic predisposition to certain health characteristics, such as a low capacity for exercise or a tendency to overeat, their bodies start to respond accordingly. Even if their
The phrase “butterflies in my stomach” refers to a common experience – that fluttery feeling in the stomach before a stressful event, a big presentation, a first date and even moments before riding on a rollercoaster or boarding a plane. It is an idiomatic expression that means that a person is anxious or has a nervous feeling in their stomach.
Stress, Distress and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGID’s). The response to stress is an integrated and coordinated physiological process that can result in adaption or pathological maladaptation. Protective and damaging effects of stress mediators: central role of the brain The mind involves the whole body, and two-way communication between the brain and the cardiovascular, immune, and other systems via neural and

domain: medical


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aIs the underlying message black women shouldn’t have hair AT ALL?
Natural hairstyles are the only option that we as black women have as opposed to altering our hair completely by straightening or relaxing in order to be deemed acceptable by societies standards.
Whether you have dreads,an Afro, and now box braids the topic of hair on black women always seems to be an issue.
TFifteen-year-old twins, Deanna and Mya Cook were served multiple detentions and were threatened with suspension from Mystic Valley Regional Charter School because their hair violates school dress code.
It always seems to be the schools that are predominately white with dress codes that ‘surprisingly’ target black students.
While the school maintains that the box braid ban is to insure equality amongst all students, the policy against hair extensions disproportionately affects black students, who reportedly make up 17 percent of the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School’s student body’ according to the HuffingtonPost.
Unfortunately stories like this are not new to black girls, who chose to wear their fros, puffs or twists, but boys are too facing the same discrimination when it comes to their hair. They might as well just say they don’t want to see black people be great.
Sorry we forgot, what does hair have to do with a student’s education again?


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Join us for Pavithra’s menu as we transition into Fall.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Almond Milk Chocolate Pudding (homemade)
Of course, we have our standard items: Turkey Central Sandwich, cheese panini, and brownies, plus our tea, lemonade, lattes, matcha and hot chocolate. We look forward to serving you!

domain: food


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For over thirty years, Marc has been writing and performing raw, honest and thought-provoking comedy for print, stage, radio, online and television. On WTF with Marc Maron, Marc has interviewed iconic personalities like Conan O’Brien, Robin Williams, Keith Richards, Ben Stiller, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lorne Michaels and former US President Barack Obama. WTF averages 6 million downloads each month, with over 450 million lifetime downloads.
Maron is further well known for his award-nominated role of Sam Sylvia in Netflix’s GLOW, which recently wrapped filming its third season. He also just shot roles in the upcoming JOKER movie, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Robert De Niro, and WONDERLAND, with Mark Wahlberg. His last stand-up special Marc Maron: Too Real was released on Netflix in 2017 to much acclaim.

domain: celebrity


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The Ultimate Guide to Gaming
Tips For Making Your Pc Gaming Experience Real
The greater parts of the population playing PC recreations have something novel they adore about the diversions. Whether one is taking on RPG, racing, and platform, one will love one particular game.Although it is good to have something special to play, you may not enjoy every action of the game. One should understand that driving a normal auto cannot be compared with the gaming ones.However, you can still enjoy the experience of this gaming option. Here are some great tips for making the gaming experience real.
To start with is to recognize whether your PC has sufficient power.If you are using other kinds, you will be forced to upgrade to the PC. For the most experience, just make sure the PC RAM capacity is large with fine graphics cards. Without this, one cannot appreciate the full understanding of the gaming.If you are not sure on this, it is good to go online and look for the right websites that will scan the PC. This will give you direction on what to do with your PC capability. You also need to think more about the racing wheels. The type of wheels you have will determine your experience. Here, you should run for wheels with many highlights such as the PerfectSimracer. It will be right if you have paddles and buttons to go well with your wheels.
You should also think of great gearshifts and pedals. Here, it is astute to have one that will give the best in gaming experience. When it comes to buying these, make sure you invest heavily in the best kinds. You will also need to buy the right monitor size. Here, it is good to have one that is large with awesome resolution.To make things better here, you may choose to have 3 monitors.
Having office chair will not give you the same great experience as the gaming chairs. This seat is intended to present the solace and bolster you need while gaming. You may go for one with cup holders, charging ports and built-in speakers. In several cases, it is advisable to invest in a table as well for best outcome. Virtual reality is something else you will find great here.These are type of console and PC that will make your dream comes true. They are meant to give you the controlling knowledge a reality. It is up to you to ensure you get only the best in the world today.
These are a portion of things you should do to improve the situation your gaming knowledge.
Another Source: web link

domain: hobby


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Affinity 20ga. Compact Stock Assembly, Black Synthetic
Description: Affinity 20ga. Compact Stock Assembly, Black Synthetic. This compact stock is made from durable black polymer and is designed to fit Franchi 20 gauge Affinity shotguns. The stock features a built in sling swivel eyelet and includes a black rubber recoil pad as well as four polymer spacers and four sets of polished steel screws.
- Black Synthetic
- Recoil Pad
- 4 Spacers
- Affinity 20 Gauge
Note: It is recommended that all parts be installed by a qualified and trained gunsmith.
- Finish / Color: Black
- Gauge: 20 Gauge
- Models Fit: Affinity
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Guest post from adoptive mother Jane: In 1 Samuel 16:7 we learn “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” When our hearts soften to the idea of adoption, we realize that love is not based on biological connection, or attractiveness or skin color. God opens our eyes to a bigger world, where family is not who you are, but what you do! Love and relationship trumps all, when God is in the mix!
When I think about my husband and my close friends, it feels as if time has stood still. When I look at them, I see who they are inside and the wonderful times we have spent together. I don’t see the wrinkles and obvious signs of age, because I see their heart. I love them for who they are and not their outward appearance.
God sees each of us with ultimate clarity. He loves our spirit and our heart. Our exterior is a shell God looks past to our true essence. He connects with the part of us that will never die; the part that will join our Heavenly Father in His wonderful kingdom! God sees what we can be!
When your heart is open to God’s plan, anything is possible! He has a child picked out for your family. He can see beyond the superficial to the tender heart beneath. God wants to bring into your life a child that will complement the unique needs and characteristics of your family. Do you trust God enough to lay your family at His feet?
“Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.”
In Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus uses the parable of the talents to reveal His desire for us to use His gifts wisely. When we invest the gifts and actual talents God gives each of us wisely we build confidence and trust in His provisions, and repay His trust in our ability to tend His gifts with care.
Often this lesson is preached as a way to manage finances or material gain. But God’s provisions aren’t always material. He gives us each gifts, talents, and abilities which are unique and totally qualified for use right now, as well as in the future when He calls upon them.
Along a path to parenthood, God awards gifts such as a yearning to be a parent, a nurturing heart, and patience for children. But sometimes when hopeful parents endure hurdles or waiting as they attempt to build their family, those initial gifts and talents for parenting feel more like burdens. It’s easy to wonder why you’d be given talents or abilities, or the desire, if you couldn’t use them yet. Some will even fear their gift will never be used.
If you’re hoping to become a parent, or grow your family, reflect on the probability that God may have given you the desire and knack for parenthood because He’s preparing you for the child in your future. As you wait for your child, find ways to use your gifts for nurturing or care-giving to bless others. Invest your talents now in a way that will benefit your future as a parent.
Finally, consider the possibility that the calling to parenthood is a gift too. God will not invest such a gift if He doesn’t have plans to harvest it. Through prayer, discern how He may be leading you to use your passions, dreams, gifts and talents. He will reveal his immediate steps that will ultimately lead you to His plan for your future as a parent.
How will you respond when He asks you invested His gift?
If you feel called to build your family through adoption, take the steps necessary to explore and pursue this option.
Learn more or apply to adopt!
Even if you’ve hired the best adoption professional you can find, your home study is complete, you’ve painstakingly created a gorgeous profile, and your suitcase is packed and waiting at the door – you could STILL be overlooking this one powerful component for adoption success:
Show her that you care about her!
Here are six ways to extend yourself to a birthmother and show her that you truly appreciate her:
- Ask her how she is feeling today and if there’s anything you can do to help her feel more comfortable, whether physically, or emotionally. Show her that you are interested in her well being, and it’s not just “all about the baby.” Show her you see her as a unique person, not just the gateway to your soon-to-be child. Even if she doesn’t ask you to do anything for her, at least she knows you offered.
- Take her lead with the hospital plan. Does she want you in the delivery room? Does she seem to be more of a private person? Does she want to take photos together? How does she feel about seeing and holding the baby? Who does she want to hold the baby first? Honor her wishes. These are the final parenting decisions she is able to make. The next 18 years are up to you!
- Care about her and where she wants her life to go. Ask her about her goals and dreams, her interests. Instead of asking all the questions about the health of the baby (which you will likely learn through medical records, anyway). These are stories you can share with your child. Maybe your son or daughter shows an athletic gift – you will be able to say, “Your birthmother was a big soccer star at her high school!”
- Never judge her, and always accept her just as she is. Here is the woman who is going to hand you her baby, trusting you will love this child as your own. The past is the past and can’t be undone. If you really think about it, any one of us could be one event away from being in very similar circumstances.
- Be decisive and clear in your responses to her. Don’t leave her hanging in the balance for more than just a few hours at the most. If you need time to discuss things privately or pray over something, be honest, but don’t keep her waiting. She may start to question your commitment to her baby.
- Follow through with your commitments. It’s very likely that you are the most stable figures in her life at this time. She is going out on a limb to trust you. If you have promised something, follow through with it. This also extends to after the adoption. Be sure you send her the letters and photos you promised. Show her that she is a valued, important person in your life, and that she is not forgotten.
“Learning what to choose, and how to choose, may be the most important education you will ever receive.” –
Dr. Shad Helmstetter
Decisions, decisions, decisions. From the time we wake up to the time we go to bed, we are confronted with a whole range of choices. Every day decisions such as what outfit to wear to work or what to cook for dinner are a matter of routine and aren’t that difficult to make. But, there are certain major decisions in life that need careful prayer, thought, and agreement with spouse in order to give you peace and happiness.
A mature believer will seek God’s will and wisdom when faced with major decisions. Choosing to adopt is probably the biggest decision you will ever make as a couple. Therefore, you need to use not only your heart but also your head when making decisions on anything relating to the adoption process. Why is this important? Well, every decision you make as a couple regarding adoption may have serious and lasting consequences. That’s why, while you use your God-given abilities and knowledge, it is also important to prayerfully seek God’s perfect will for your future.
Adoption is heart-based and it involves all your emotions. But, it is not wise to make all the decisions in your adoption process based on your emotions. There are practical aspects to adoption, which have to be dealt with your head. Many couples rush headlong into adoption in their effort to bring home a baby as soon as possible and they end up being heartbroken because of some complication that could’ve been avoided had they used their head and their heart in decision-making. If you are one of them, it is not too late to make adoption work for you! Learn to forgive yourself and learn from your past mistakes. The next time you face a similar situation, you will know to weigh all the pros and cons before you make a decision.
As a Christian, invite God into the decision-making process. Seek his guidance and ask Him to show you how to make wise decisions that are in alignment with His will and His Word. Apart from praying, you must be committed to knowing His Word. Knowing God’s will at a time when you have to make a major decision will equip you with a biblically informed way of thinking and help you make the right choice. As Paul shows in an example in 1st Corinthians 6-10, before you make a decision you need to find out if your decisions will bring strength and encouragement to your life and ultimately glorify God.
At the end of the day, God honors every prayerful effort and intention. He knows you can’t ‘know-it-all’ before you decide. Only He can! So, trust in Him and prayerfully consider every decision before you move ahead.
Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family
– Kofi Annan
We’re familiar with the phrase ‘knowledge is power’. Truth be told, while we are familiar with this adage, we often forget to apply it in our everyday lives. This is especially true when it comes to reading and understanding important documents and contracts. We just run through the pages or give a cursory glance at the contents, before signing on the dotted line. Some don’t even do that!
The adoption process can be quite challenging and time-consuming. The prospective parents have only one thing on their mind – to bring their baby home. And that’s perfectly natural. Couples who have gone through unsuccessful assisted reproductive treatments like IUI, IVF, or ICSI suddenly have the hope of bringing home a baby of their own. They are excited and anxious at the same time and their emotions are understandable. But, the adoption process is pretty vigorous. It requires couples to spend time with the agency and the adoption professionals, as well as reading through the adoption contract to understand the terms of the adoption process.
If you have trouble paying attention to anything in print, you may have to take it up with your school! From grade school to college, many students just go through the motions of reading and writing, creating a veritable treasure trove of disinformation: a) In Guinessis, the first book of the Bible, Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. B) Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the ten commandments; he died before he ever reached Canada c) Socrates died from an overdose of wedlock d) History calls people Romans because they never stayed in one place for very long. e) The pyramids are a range of mountains between France and Spain. While it may be very funny to read, we can all learn something from this – we must spend time in preparation when we are faced with life-changing decisions and we surely need to pay attention to what we read!
If your adoption is not complete and you have not read your adoption contract yet, I strongly recommend picking it up right now and spending time reading it. Don’t try to read it in between work or when you are mentally occupied with other things. You have to be mentally present when you read the contract. Ensure that both you and your spouse understand the entire terms of the adoption contract. A poorly read contract may cause you a lot of confusion and frustration in your adoption journey. If you have any doubts or questions, get in touch with your adoption professional. It is always better to be safe than sorry!


If a VTech baby monitor is not connecting to Wi-Fi, there are a few things that can be done to fix the issue.
First, make sure that the baby monitor is within range of the Wi-Fi router. If it is too far away, it won’t be able to connect.
Second, try moving the parent or baby unit around to find a location with better reception.
Third, other electronic products and wireless products may cause interference with the baby monitor, so try installing it as far away from these devices as possible.
Let’s explain the solutions in more detail:
Reboot Your Router And The Baby Monitor
First of all, restart your router by unplugging it from the power outlet for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in again. This simple task can fix many connectivity issues as it resets the network configurations.
After that, reboot the baby monitor itself to make sure everything is updated correctly. The process here will depend on the model of monitor you have; check out its user manual or online support page for detailed instructions.
By taking these steps, you should be able to restore your connection without needing any further assistance.
Move The Baby Monitor Closer To Your Router
The first thing to try if your VTech baby monitor isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi is to move it closer to the router.
This can often be enough solve any connection issues you may be having, as sometimes the signal just needs to travel a bit further in order for it to establish a solid connection with the router. Make sure that there are no other objects blocking or interfering with the transmission of the signal – like walls, furniture, etc.
Bring the Baby Monitor closer to your router to see if it resolves the issue. Move it to the same room as the router. After setting up, return the monitor to its original position, and make sure it is in range.
Check Your Wi-Fi Band
Sometimes all it takes is checking your router’s settings and making some simple adjustments. To start, let’s take a look at the wi-fi band frequency of your router:
- Ensure that both your router and baby monitor are using the same wi-fi frequency (2.4GHz).
- If they don’t match, adjust the settings on either device so they align with each other.
- Also check if there are any interruptions from other nearby wireless networks by changing your routers channel number or network name (SSID).
- Lastly, make sure that the latest firmware updates have been applied to both devices for optimal performance.
If after double-checking these factors you still find yourself without an internet connection for your baby monitor, then consider resetting or replacing your router altogether as this could be causing interference issues.
Update The App
To update the VTech app, open your app store (Google Play or App Store depending on your device) and search for it. Tap on the app to open it and look for an update if available.
Tap the update button to download the latest version. Once updated, launch the app and resume the setup process.
|1||Update Router Firmware||Improved Security & Performance|
|2||Download Latest Baby Monitor App Version||Enhanced Features & Easier Setup Process|
|3||Connect Both Devices Together||Easy Streaming Anywhere In The House|
|4||Configure Settings on App||Streamlined Monitoring Experience|
Reset Your Vtech Baby Monitor
Resetting your VTech baby monitor can be a bit challenging. But don’t worry, with these few simple steps, you can connect it to Wi-Fi and get it running again in no time.
To reset the baby and parent units:
- Unplug both units from power.
- Remove the batteries from both units.
- Wait 15 seconds.
- Reinsert the batteries into both units.
- Plug both units back into power.
- Wait for them to come back up.
The reset is now complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Vtech Baby Monitor Work With All Routers?
No, VTech baby monitors are not compatible with all routers. You should check with the router manufacturer or VTech to make sure that your router is compatible with the baby monitor.
Can I Manually Adjust The Wi-Fi Signal Strength Of The Vtech Baby Monitor?
No, the VTech Baby Monitor does not have the capability to manually adjust the Wi-Fi signal strength. The Wi-Fi signal strength of the VTech Baby Monitor is designed to be as strong as possible and cannot be adjusted manually.
Is There A Way To Increase The Range Of The Baby Monitor?
Are you looking for a way to increase the range of your VTech Baby Monitor? If so, then we have some tips on how to extend and boost its range.
Here are a few ways that can help enhance the monitor’s range:
- Increase antenna power by replacing it with one that has higher gain.
- Swap out default antennas for ones designed for longer ranges.
- Use external wi-fi adapters or USB repeaters.
- Switch from 2.4GHz band to 5GHz if supported by router/adapter.
- Change wireless channel in router settings for less interference.
- Utilise WPA2 encryption as opposed to WEP.
Apart from making adjustments to hardware and software, there are other steps you can take too such as moving obstacles like walls, furniture, etc away from the monitor device which might be blocking the signal strength reception.
It is also important to check if your router supports both 802.11b/g/n standards and make sure they match in order for them to connect successfully and provide better coverage over larger spaces indoors or outdoors too.
Lastly, test different positions around the house until you find an optimal area where your baby monitor works best with minimal interruption due to outside elements such as strong winds or rainstorms which could affect its performance temporarily.
So there you have it. Troubleshooting your VTech baby monitor can be a bit of a tricky process, but with the right advice and some patience, you should be able to get it up and running again in no time.
We hope that these tips have helped you troubleshoot any connecting issues or problems with your device, so that when it comes to using the wifi connection, everything is working as expected.
Be sure to double check all settings before trying anything else; often times it’s something simple like an incorrect password or IP address that could cause the issue.
With just a few tweaks here and there, your VTech baby monitor will soon be back online. Thanks for reading and good luck getting everything connected.


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Sylvia cannot remember a time when she was not involved in some type of art creation. She experienced a unique early educational foundation at the Laboratory School on the University of North Texas Campus in Denton, Texas. Falling under the spell of creative opportunities offered her choices in the fine arts exploration. Of course, she did not at that time recognize the path that was set by these opportunities. But, by the fourth grade the fascinations with the media of art had taken their grip and her life goals were set. Creating is a lifelong learning for Sylvia. Continuing her formal art education through college degrees fulfilled her fourth grade declaration by becoming a teacher of industrial arts and art. Sylvia had parental encouragement as well as marital encouragement. Meeting in a school crafts class, her soon to be husband, Earl, became a life partnership of her creative world. The creative process had found a creative partner.
Sylvia’s interest in art seemed to favor the more tactile experiences and the media of clay fits this need. With a strong talent for drawing, the clay creations afforded a canvas for her drawings. Eventually Sylvia and Earl merged into a creative pair. Earl’s need for quick satisfaction and Sylvia’s detailed drawings merged into pieces that are truly unique partnership pieces of art…Pottery by Earl drawings by Sylvia on the same piece of clay.
Their adventures together have included a family , teaching careers, archeological trips to study various early ceramic designs, and attending many classes offered by many varied instructors. Eager to learn the various techniques, Sylvia and Earl get excited and cannot wait to explore each new idea. Encouraged by her parents, Sylvia and Earl, have offered much encouragement to their children and have tried to instill creative thinking in each . Caught up in their adventures, their children were along for the ride as the couple chased their studies. Sometimes as the children aged, they too became involved in the various activities of Sylvia and Earl. Each child is creative in their own unique way. Their children are the couples best partnership products.
Their clay objects, used as a carrier for the designs of Southwestern origin, fit the couples creative process. Earl usually produces the pottery and Sylvia paints her interpretation of the designs in simple color contrasts on the pottery. However, Sylvia and Earl each do their own clay work. Sylvia makes her own art pieces and Earl does paint some of his own designs. Over the years, the geometric designs on pottery has dominated Sylvia’s art. Other art work has included multi media with different techniques…always exploring. At the present time she is pursuing a self study of clay masks and new experiences in Raku methods of firing. But, tomorrow she may see a different method of working with clay or another media and be off on another adventure. Enjoy her creations.
Contact Syvia via email - click HERE >

domain: artistic


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Authorities in South America and Europe have dealt a blow to a trans-Atlantic drug trafficking network in an operation that has underlined Paraguay’s importance to the international cocaine trade.
Brazilian police forces arrested 15 people, seized 173 vehicles and a plane, and froze the bank accounts of 147 individuals and 66 companies on March 30, in the culmination of Operation Hinterland, a two-year-long investigation coordinated by Brazilian, Paraguayan, and European law enforcement agencies.
The operation targeted a drug trafficking network that allegedly shipped 17 tons of cocaine from Latin America to Europe. Paraguay’s National Anti-Drug Secretariat (Secretaría Nacional Antidrogas – SENAD) captured the network’s purported leader, Rodrigo Alvarenga Paredes, in Asunción, and said that arrests were also made in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
In a testament to the trafficking scheme’s vast size, Brazilian federal police noted that the total illicit transactions identified in the investigation could reach nearly $760 million. Europol, which supported the operation, described it as “a significant victory for the war on drugs,” adding that the dismantled group was “one of Brazil’s most active drug trafficking organizations.”
The investigation found that the network’s cocaine was sourced from Bolivia, where it was then trafficked into Paraguay. From Paraguay, it entered Brazil in trucks through Ponta Porã, a border town in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.
Once in Brazil, the cocaine was shipped by road to the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, where traffickers stored the product before concealing it in cargo containers and shipping it to Europe.
InSight Crime Analysis
Operation Hinterland, while certainly another blow for regional trafficking interests, is unlikely to fundamentally alter Paraguay’s position within the cocaine trade. Still, its magnitude confirms Paraguay’s transformation into a vital cocaine highway and the challenges facing law enforcement authorities in the country.
Paraguay’s position in South America’s cocaine trade has developed rapidly over the last few years. Cocaine produced in Bolivia and Peru frequently enters Paraguay by land and air. From there, it is flown or driven across the border into Brazil, where it reaches ports such as Santos in São Paulo and Paranaguá in Paraná for shipment across the Atlantic.
Recently, mega operations targeting Paraguay’s trafficking routes have become more common. They are frequently successful, yet the problem persists.
In early 2022, South American and European authorities conducted Operation Turf, which took aim at a criminal network involved in at least 8 tons of cocaine shipments reaching Europe after transiting through Paraguay.
Also in early 2022, A Ultranza Py, an operation conducted by Paraguayan authorities, targeted traffickers responsible for 16 tons of cocaine sent to Europe, including one of Europe’s largest-ever seizures — an 11-ton seizure in Antwerp in 2021.
A porous border between Brazil and Paraguay makes moving cocaine between the countries relatively straightforward. Historic cross-border contraband networks have smuggled everything from firearms to cigarettes to produce, and civilians rely heavily on the free movement of goods across the border, making crackdowns difficult.
Additionally, the First Capital Command (Primeiro Comando da Capital – PCC) is entrenched in Pedro Juan Caballero, the Paraguayan city adjacent to Ponta Porã. There, the Brazilian group controls the marijuana and cocaine trade, solidifying its influence with targeted assassinations.
Meanwhile, corruption at the highest levels of Paraguay’s government helps stymie law enforcement efforts against drug trafficking.
What are your thoughts?
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Former radio presenter and disc jockey (DJ), Dr. Cann who worked with Happy FM passed away a year ago on 25 March 2022.
On the first anniversary of his death, his wife, Dorcas, has expressed how much she and her children miss her husband
Dorcas Cann in an interview with Graphic Showbiz said that she believes there is no man who can replace her husband and wishes he was still alive.
The widow stated that she truly misses him and wishes he was alive for us to share that wonderful moment we had.
She added that today is exactly one year since he left her and the children and it is sad they are not seeing him again.
Dorcas said she misses Dr. Cann and so do the children and she would always love him even though she knows he is.
You were a good man and I am proud I married you and gave you four children, she concluded.
Dr. Cann worked as a radio presenter with Happy FM where he had been for over a decade and hosted Showbiz Xtra.


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Management of GHOne TV has pulled the plugs on boxer and entertainer cum TV host- Braimah Kamoko, aka Bukom Banku over excessive bleaching which goes against the station’s policy and bad for their brand.
In an official statement released on one of its official social media handles, the station said Bukom Banku’s Show will not return in 2021 because it has served its purpose and impacted lives. The statement reads;
“Bukom Banku and management of GHOne TV wish to express our sincerest gratitude to cherished viewers and sponsors of the Bukom Banku Live show and the general public. The show will not be returning to your screens this January having served the purpose for which it was created during the political campaign season.
In its short life span, the show built an ardent following and made a considerable impact in a number of slum communities. We are grateful for the show of love and support. Watch out for a blockbuster. Season’s greetings”.
However, key observers say the station used a clever means to get rid of him owing to his bleaching, photos of which have gone viral already.

domain: entertainment


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Bakuchiol: Natural Retinol alternative without the irritation. Improves skin elasticity & firmness and reduces pigmentation
Hyaluronic Acid: Helps skin hold moisture, improves elasticity, and aids skin recovery
Goji: Clinically-tested extract, rich in glycopeptides & amino acids, firms skin in the short & long term
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SKIN RECOVERY SERUM
HOW REGENERATIVE FARMING COULD LEAD TO BETTER BEAUTY PRODUCTS
"At this skin-care brand's lush farms in Costa Rica, regenerative practices are transforming degraded land into a verdant paradise of bees, birds, and plants. Farmers use crop rotation and ground cover to grow herbs such as Fridericia chica and Hamelia patens for Thrive’s Skin Recovery Serum. Cofounder Alex McIntosh says that these methods produce more potent extracts than a conventional approach. A 2022 study did find that regeneratively grown crops boast a higher nutrient density."
Leave It Better
With our powerful skin-restoring plants & the help of local farmers, we bring degraded Costa Rican farmland back to life, build resilient farm communities, and grow uniquely supercharged plant-powered products.
This relationship between products, you, and the planet is what makes Thrive what it is. And we have you to thank for it.

domain: agronomy


YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov will arrive in Yerevan on September 3 for a 10-hour visit. Ivanov is scheduled to hold meetings with Armenian President Robert Kocharian–Prime Minister Vazgen Sargssian and his Armenian counterpart Vardan Oskanian.
Spokesman of the Armenian Foreign Ministry Ara Papian reported that the Russian foreign minister will also hold similar meetings in the other Transcaucasian countries–but "our relations are much deeper and more versatile." He reminded the reporters that Russia is co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group and Armenia’s strategic partner.
On the same day–September 3–the new US representative to the OSCE Minsk Group–Kerry Kevinoun is also scheduled to arrive in Yerevan.
OSCE Chairman in Office–Norwegian Foreign Minister Knut Vollebaek is scheduled to visit Armenia on September 15-16. His visit scheduled for April 12 was canceled due to the crisis in the Balkans. Papian said that the visit will include discussions on regional security. An OSCE office is likely to open in Yerevan if economic and organizational issues are settled. A political decision on the opening of the OSCE office in Yerevan has already been made.
Papian also discussed Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian’s current visit to countries in East Asia. The minister will be leaving China for Japan–where Armenian businessmen will join the Armenian foreign ministry delegation. The Armenian foreign minister is scheduled to hold meetings with his Japanese counterpart Masahiko Komura–representatives of the largest Japanese banks and companies such as Exmimbank–and with government officials. During his official visit to Korea the Armenian foreign minister will meet with the president of the Samsung company and his Korean counterpart. Vardan Oskanian is scheduled to return to Yerevan on September 2.
On September 26 the Armenian foreign minister is scheduled to embark on his first visit to Canada. Papian announced that during the visit an intergovernmental agreement will be signed on the joint production of videosystems.
From September 29 to October 2 Vardan Oskanian will be visiting New York. He will participate in the session of the UN General Assembly. On September 29–the Armenian foreign minister will make a report on regional problems. The Armenian delegation will also participate in the discussions of the UN reforms.


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How to find the cheapest flight from Bakersfield (BFL) to Bangkok (BKK)
All the information you need to plan the best BFL to BKK flight in 2021: compare Bakersfield to Bangkok flight prices with the expected peak season, weather and rainfall in Bangkok.
When is the cheapest time to fly from Bakersfield to Bangkok (BFL - TH1)?
When flying from Bakersfield to Bangkok, the time of day you decide to fly out makes little to no difference towards the overall price you’ll pay on tickets.
Related info for your journey
Useful info, stats and facts about Bakersfield to Bangkok flights.
From Bakersfield to Bangkok
What airport do you fly from for flights from Bakersfield to Bangkok?
If you book a flight to Bangkok from Bakersfield, you will be flying from Meadows Field, which is the city’s only airport. Bakersfield Meadows Field (BFL) is located 4.7 mi from the center of Bakersfield. There are 0 flights from Meadows Field to Bangkok per day from 0 different airlines.


text:
Pins & Needles
Warning! Mature Content and Adult Language Ahead!
It's been a few weeks since the NY trip and things have quieted down in my life since that wild time.
Things were definitely different now though. We all got lucky during the trip. Jackie and Clyde had ended up hooking up the night I was with Charlie, which was no surprise to me, but Jackie was so quiet about it. Hannah had been doing some kinky shit with Adam, which I remember hearing through the walls of the suite.
And then, Sam had apparently run off and found herself some guy named Toby to rock her world that night, too. It was quite an evening, that's for sure. I'm just beyond grateful that I met Charlie. He and I clicked so well, it was hard to deny how he made me feel.
Afterwards, we had all made it back to West Virginia and spent a few more days together as just us girls. We even took Sam to have some real American barbecue, which she absolutely loved. Nights of staying up late, watching movies and swapping stories were such a joy. Although, when we said our farewells to Sam as she left to go back to London, we were all in tears at the airport.
Charlie and I have kept in contact since the day we met. Normally, one-night-stands don't end up this way, but Charlie is different. He was so much deeper of a person than that. Not only was he a wonderful father to his son, Henry, but he was a caring, doting and loving partner.
I wake up daily to a text from him saying "Good Morning, Beautiful!" and we FaceTime every night before bed. His smile makes me weak in the knees and his voice is such a comfort. I'm steadily falling for him. Hard.
"Have fun at your girls night tomorrow." Charlie says with a smile.
He's FaceTiming me from New York.
I chuckle, "Oh, I'm sure I will. Jackie will make sure I will." I say with certainty.
I clutch my chest, feeling the thud of my heart as I watch Charlie's image on the screen.
"I really miss you." I say sweetly, looking down, away from the screen.
"I miss you, too." He replies, his eyes looking gentle and disarming.
"The last girls night we had, I met you. I can't wait to see you again. I would love another night like the one we had there." I remark, biting my lip.
His expression changed to a look of pure lustful desire for a split second, subtly looking over his shoulder to see Henry, oblivious in the background playing with his toys.
He looked back at the camera with a smile and cleared his throat, "I'd, uh, I'd really like that too."
I snigger as I realize he's holding back.
"Well, I gotta get someone to bed. We've got a big day tomorrow too. Sweet dreams, Ruby." he says, waving to the camera.
He leans to the side as I see Henry waving to the camera, "Goodnight, Ruby!" he shouted.
I smile and feel my heart flutter.
"Sweet dreams, both of you. We'll talk again soon." I reply, waving back.
I kiss two fingers and place them on the camera lens and Charlie reciprocates, the screen then going blank.
As I close my computer screen, I look around my office, feeling lonely. I stand up to head to the kitchen and I feel the floor come out from under me. It was like the room went sideways all of the sudden.
I catch myself on the edge of my desk and take a deep breath, steadying myself.
That was weird...
I make it to the kitchen, grabbing some tortilla chips and queso dip, heading to my living room to get absorbed into some good TV before bed.
The next night, Hannah, Jackie and I went to Duck Tape. It'd been a while since our last girls' night, so we needed to get away and let loose. I sat at the bar for a bit, chatting with Clyde in between him serving patrons and watched Hannah and Jackie live it up on the dance floor.
Clyde was watching Jackie with an intensity. His heart was on his sleeve and I could tell that ever since the night he had slept with her, it wasn't the same. He was head over heels in love. He shook his head and wiped down the bar, looking to me as I watched them.
"Sure you just want a water? I'll make you a real mild margarita again, if you like." he asks.
I smile as I glance at him, shaking my head, "No, but thank you for the offer. I've had some weird headaches lately and I don't think alcohol will really help." I say, sipping my water.
Clyde nods in silent response, continuing to wipe the bar and glance to Jackie. She's very openly flirting with some guy who has wandered onto the dance floor.
The door to the bar opens and I see Clyde turn his head, his gaze suddenly locked. It's his big brother, Jimmy. I'd only seen him a few times, but I remember him always being a nice guy.
Clyde immediately grabbed a couple shot glasses and filled them. Jimmy took a seat near me, taking the shot glass Clyde poured, clinking it with his and downing it. They both gritted their teeth in a similar fashion.
"The usual...?" Clyde asks his brother.
Jimmy nods solemnly as he turns around. His gaze is on Jackie now too, which makes him hang his head and scoff.
"Aw, man. What's trouble doing now?" he asks with a roll of his eyes.
"Causing trouble, as always." I answer with a chuckle.
Jimmy looks at me with a curious smile, looking between myself and Jackie.
"Oh, you're - uh - you're Jackie's friend. Julie, right?" He says, gesturing at me.
"It's Ruby - but close! No worries though." I reply with a smile, pointing my glass at him.
He chuckles at that, taking a sip from the beer bottle Clyde had served him.
Suddenly, I felt my stomach drop. I felt that familiar tingling on the back of my neck and my hands were trembling. I set my glass on the counter pretty hard, which made Clyde and Jimmy both look over to me.
"Ruby, you alright there?" Clyde asked, his eyes soft with concern.
I feel like I can't breathe and I'm sweating. I try and shrug it off, acting like it's nothing.
"You sure you're OK? You're lookin' mighty pale..." Jimmy says, his eyes also looking concerned.
The brothers look to each other and nod, Jimmy helping me off the stool and leading me to the restroom.
I heaved and retched, everything coming up at once. I hate throwing up. It's not fun. I could never be bulimic to save my life. I spat the taste of the bile out of my mouth as much as I could, making my way to the sink. I splashed the water on my face and rinsed out my mouth. Everything about me felt like pins and needles, and I was shaking and my head was splitting. No driving for me.
I opened the door to the restroom to see Jimmy still standing there, waiting on me. I struggled to smile, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"Ooh girl, you look like you're not doing so hot. You alright? You need a ride home?" he asks politely.
"No, no. Thank you, I appreciate it. I just need to let Jackie and Hannah know what's up." I say, waving him off.
He gives me a look. That same damn look of concern I've seen on Clyde's face.
Damn that Logan charm...
"You're sweet to be concerned, but I'll be fine." I assure him.
Jimmy nods, heading back to his seat at the bar. Jackie noticed me out of the corner of her eye, nudging Hannah and pointing at me. They both make their way over to me.
"Hey, you OK?" Hannah asks.
I shake my head, "I don't know, I'm not feeling so great. Can we head out? I think I need to lay down." I reply, looking between them.
They look at each other for a moment, "Well, luckily I haven't had that much to drink yet, so I can drive if you don't feel up to it." Jackie says, giving me a caring smile.
I nod in silent response as Hannah puts at hand to my forehead, assessing my symptoms.
"You've got a cold sweat going on and you're all clammy. You poor thing," she says, cupping my cheek. "...let's get you home."
A few days later...
It's the weekend - FINALLY. I had been feeling crappy all week and it's just nice to finally have time to myself. I'd been making plans to maybe go visit Charlie again soon, and I was checking my calendar.
As I counted the days till I could maybe ask off from work again, I noticed something. A red circle I had marked to indicate when my period should start... two weeks ago.
I paused for a moment, looking at the date again, trying to think.
Then it hit me like a ton of bricks.
Oh, mother fucker...
I immediately searched frantically through my cabinets, seeing if I had a pregnancy test anywhere. No such luck.
I'd never even considered this being a possibility. My OBGYN had told me it was likely I couldn't have children due to some ovarian cysts, unpredictable periods and other problems I'd had over the years, which broke my heart, but I had come to accept after a while. I'd stopped taking birth control and hadn't had a scare in years. Until now.
After tearing apart all the cabinets in the house, I hadn't found a test and rushed out to the car to go purchase a couple at the local pharmacy. I grab a box with two tests and head back home as fast as I can.
I down 3 bottles of water on my way home; I have to put this to rest. I take the test and wait... fidgeting and pacing through my house, my mind racing. The last person I slept with was Charlie. But then, I'd also been with Clyde barely the night before that.
Oh dear God...
Neither one had used protection. But I mean, I hadn't ever been worried about the possibility of a pregnancy with all I had been told from my doctor.
It was time. I stepped over to my bathroom counter where the test laid face down. I took a deep breath and flipped it over.
Two pink lines.
I checked the box, double and triple checking.
Two pink lines = Pregnant.
I stared at myself in the mirror for a moment, having a slight existential crisis. I looked at the test again, then saw the second test still in the box.
"We're gonna make sure." I say to myself.
I take the other test not long after, pacing through my living room as I wait for the results.
Two pink lines. Again.
I rake my fingers through my hair, looking back at myself in the mirror.
This is real. This is happening. I'm going to be a mom.
I reach down to my abdomen, touching where my womb is. I feel a deep warmth and a sudden excitement brewing. My heart is pounding and I feel a smile start to brighten on my face.
"I'm really going to be a mom..." I say to myself.
I hold my belly, the excitement starting to set in and tears welling in my eyes.
My little miracle...
Now, I just have to figure out how to tell Charlie... and Clyde. And the girls.
Oh God. I won't know who the father is. Fuck.
This is gonna be awkward as hell.
Please check out @Jackieblu13, @Mamphy27 and @Ladywiththelamp2017's connected stories! All characters are based in one collaborative story on Wattpad!
Thank you! To be continued...


Bilja Canvas Bags and Tool Rolls are 100% Australian made... designed to withstand the most unforgiving conditions and treatment.
Australia’s toughest gear bags and tool rolls are perfect for 4WDing, boating, camping, farmers, mine workers, truck drivers, shift workers, dirt bike riders, rodeo and horse riders. In fact they are ideal for anyone that wants to carry all their gear in a rugged carry bag that won’t let them down.
Bilja Canvas Bags and Tool Rolls truly are tough. Made from 100% Australian 12oz canvas, heavy duty zipper and Australian made 2 inch tough webbing strap, they are designed with reinforcing in all the right places to make sure your gear is well protected.
With constant exposure to the extreme elements of the Australian climate, todays outdoor enthusiasts require equipment that won’t let them down. Bilja have developed a range that includes Gear Bags, Overnighter Bags, Accessories Bags, Twin Burner Bags, Tool Bags, Work Wallets, Tool Rolls and Utensil Rolls. Key features of Australian Made Canvas are UV resistant, water resistant, mildew resistant, tear resistant and shrinkage resistant. Bilja Canvas is 50% Polyester and 50% Cotton allowing it to ‘breath’ so that your belongings won’t ‘sweat’ inside the bag. We specialise in quality, lasting products that will make your next adventure an enjoyable one!
Click a product image to see enlarged.


MTV Dance Class Hen Party in Cheltenham
- Step out of your comfort zone with a choreographed MTV divas dance routine
- Warm up to limber your group
- Instruction from an experienced dance instructor
- Feel sassy as you learn the step & practice the moves
- At the end of the session perform a final routine to classics such as Don’t Cha, Umbrella, Wannabe and other MTV classics!
- Private room in a city centre venue
- Spectators are free of charge
- Have your own Hen House or Venue? No problem! We can bring the dance class to you – just ask.
What Goes on in an MTV Divas Dance Hen Party in Cheltenham?
There have been loads of famous stars that have graced our screens over the years, but now it’s time to choose just one and replicate their best music video dance with the MTV Divas Dance Hen Party in Cheltenham. Gather the girls and head off to the city centre venue where you’ll be greeted by plenty of space and a friendly dance tutor. In absolute exclusivity, you’ll begin the class with a warm-up before choosing and learning your favourite MTV Diva dance. The tutor will go through all the steps clearly and in a fun manner so everyone can keep up and have a great time.
What Can You Wear?
Make sure to bring comfortable clothing, gym wear & trainers. You also have the option to bring additionally outfits and accessories to go big & bold!
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Miami Sailfish Charters will provide you with a series of fishing trip experiences that will satisfy your itch for adventure. Even better, you’ll have a good chance to end up with a delicious fish to eat and show off to your friends. Just contact Captain Gil Gutierrez, and he’ll take you to the nearshore and offshore waters of Miami for an amazing experience.
The 36’ SeaVea central console has been recently restored for your safety and experience. The boat can take up to 4 passengers at a time, and includes an onboard toilet and an ice-box. It can go up to 40 knots for speedy gliding through waves.
With their packages, you won’t just go after Sailfish but also Snapper, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and many more. The captain specializes in nearshore and offshore fishing, along with reef and wreck fishing. Depending on your fish of interest the charter offers a variety of fishing techniques: deep sea fishing, heavy and light tackle, bottom fishing, and trolling, just to name a few.
Captain Gutierrez provides the necessary fishing license, and he’ll also inform you which fish is in season and its catch limit. The necessary fishing equipment is provided, and should you need live bait it will be ready before the trip. Children older than 5 are allowed, and be sure to bring your won snacks and refreshments.
Book with Captain Gil Gutierrez and discover the impressive world of fishing in the waters of Florida.
You Keep Catch
Catch cleaning & filleting
Rods, reels & tackle
About the Charter Operator
About this listing
SeaVee (Center console) originally built in 2006, and restored in 2019. Powered by a 540HP Cummins Diesel engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 40 knots.
Types of Fishing
Customers can cancel or modify their booking up to 7 days before the trip date free of charge. If the trip is canceled or modified later, or in the event of a no-show, 100% of the deposit will be charged.
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, there is a 3.5% fee.

domain: travel


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Thoughts on Mindfulness & Meditation in Business …
I attend many entrepreneurial events. Recently a new-agey type prattled on about the courage of Steve Jobs, Bill Gates or Michael Dell to drop out of college and follow their dream. She could help you find your courage … barf.
I am certain Steve, Bill and Michael’s professors and parents back in those days never used the word courage when they announced their plans to leave school and set out on their own. Arrogant, conceited, dumb-ass or ignorant were closer to the key words in their responses.
they were ignore-ant, the way only youth allows
Reality is they were ignore-ant, in the true sense of the word, the way only youth allows. They knew nothing of, nor cared about, the reported challenges they would face. More importantly, the unknown was less daunting than participating in the current state of affairs.
Once we are older and have seen success and failure, sometimes close up, and it becomes harder to have that ignore-ance of youth. There is a reason the VC and old guard of tech primarily focuses on 20-somethings to mentor and fund. They cannot recapture that combination of ignorance, drive and talent, but they can certainly recognize it and it is profitable.
The grown-up version of ignorance is Not-Knowing.
The go to practice for Not-Knowing is meditation. A little bit of meditation (or other practices) allows you to relax your normal solid position. When you are grasping to an idea, there is little room for new ideas and creativity. Ongoing practice, leads to integration of non-grasping and letting-go into your nature.
Non-grasping doesn't mean you never take a position, it means you can let go of an idea or concept. Maybe you let it go for a meeting, so you can actually listen. Maybe you let it go forever, because it no longer serves you.
Non-Grasping -> Not-Knowing -> Creative Space
In a work place with large numbers of people, implementing a meditation program will get a wide variety of results. Therefore, a selective version, usually labeled mindfulness, is typically implemented. Done well, one thing you can count on a mindfulness program doing is reducing drama among the troops. So mindfulness has its place and benefits, a happy team can be a more productive team.
Increasing creativity and empowering people is the domain of other types of meditation practice.
Controlling the direction meditation takes for individuals is predictable… it will be a broad spectrum.
Being a company, you can always skim the cream of the creatives off the top and fire those with issues that surface. However, your culture and maybe even your company is at risk in how you handle the upset. You must be truly committed to the program, not just applying the latest management thought.
I am aware of a situation where an engineering team using a Zen practice, pulled a project time-line in by critical weeks during a one-day off-site. The key was getting the team to see that they could take more risk and therefore, offer options that were not on previously on the table. The business heads did the math and the risk was worth the reward. The off-site ended with everyone feeling good.
It was a great plan for about 24 hours.
Then fears of being the one blamed and fired came back. Insecurities temporarily overcome returned and the wheels came off. In brief, the Company culture did not align with the risk the ‘Team’ had accepted while away. The ‘Personal’ returned to the forefront along with fear and insecurity. The the executive who organized the retreat was fired in an attempt to control the chaos that hit the team.
It was too late however, Pandora’s box was open. People were accused of withholding what they had offered up during the off-site. I have no follow up visibility, but I am certain the team had to be disbanded and many probably left the company.
Please consider these five points before starting a program in your business:
1) commit to a long term plan, integrate meditation into your culture
2) arrange for coaches, to manage personal and group upset that arises
3) make therapy accessible, for traumatic issues that may arise for some
4) create space and boundaries for employees to process what arises
5) create a process for employees to escalate their creative ideas
May your lives go well …

domain: psychology


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Acne is a nightmare for many teenagers. Let's find out together with the expert how to recognize and treat it successfully
Juvenile acne is a real problem for many young people. When the infamous pimples start to appear, not only do you fall into despair but often you don't even know what to do. Stop eating salami, chips and chocolate? Wash your face with "something strong"? Put toothpaste or use specific creams?
To bring clarity (and hope) to the acne universe, we spoke with Dr. Stefano Veglio, Specialist in Dermatology.
- What is meant by juvenile acne
- At what age does it occur and who it affects
- Treatment and remedies
- Chocolate yes or no?
- How long does it last?
- How to treat acne scars
What is meant by juvenile acne
A pimple isn't necessarily acne. Or maybe it's the debut. We asked the expert to explain what exactly is meant by juvenile acne.
"Juvenile acne is an extremely common problem that causes a rash mainly on the areas with the most sebaceous glands, therefore the face and trunk. From the dilated pore, pustules, nodules and even small cysts (comedones) are created "explains Dr. Veglio" It is an eruption that fluctuates over time: it starts with adolescence and with hormonal stimuli presenting particularly highs and lows. boring and annoying for the kids who obviously want to solve the problem as soon as possible ».
But what are the first signs of acne?
«The skin tends to become more oily, black points begin to form which are small open cysts in which you can see this black dot, which corresponds to oxidized keratin. Skin impurities evolve into small papules which then turn into pustules that can enlarge and therefore become more and more visible »explains Dr. Veglio.
At what age does it occur and who it affects
Acne has a preference for young faces. In fact, it is one of the torments of adolescence.
"Normally, the age of onset of acne corresponds to the onset of adolescence, a time when hormones peak: testosterone in particular, a typically male hormone but also present in girls, shows an increase in secretion. So we can say that it has an onset around the age of 12-13 but obviously follows what is the development and pubertal evolution of each individual "specifies the expert.
If there is a genetic component for which it seems there is more chance of developing acne if a close family member has suffered from it, compared to the preferred sexual gender, however, it is a false belief that it affects males more. On the other hand, however, it is true that it can "rage" more on males.
“The sexes are both equally affected, so the frequency I could say is the same. But the intensity with which the face and trunk are most affected is often more marked in males due to the higher levels of testosterone present in humans, "explains Dr. Veglio.
Treatment and remedies
"There are several useful means that can give excellent results: they range from local treatments with creams, lotions and detergents to treatments that the dermatologist can carry out in his office such as peeling, pulsed light to reduce inflammation and even laser tools to reduce the scars that acne can sometimes generate. However, the treatment must be chosen by a dermatologist based on the type of skin of the subject and the type and manner in which the acne occurs, "says the expert.
«Specifically, the dermatologist can use sebum-reducing and keratolytic substances such as derivatives of vitamin A (retinoids) and alpha hydroxy acids, antibiotics and local antiseptics. In this way it is possible to open the sebaceous pores, thanks to a pool of therapies that must always take into account the tolerability of the skin and that must never be improvised »concludes Dr. Veglio.
Chocolate yes or no?
For generations and generations, acne has always been linked to a wrong diet. So, on the dock went up: chips, chocolate, salami. But is it true that the wrong diet causes acne?
"We almost all grew up with the idea that a wrong diet was the cause of acne, but it is now understood that the causes are to be found elsewhere. Mainly in hormonal imbalances typical of adolescence, in emotional factors and in a genetic predisposition ", explains the expert," Nutrition plays an absolutely limited role. It must therefore be ruled out that chocolate is the cause of the problem. However, there are dietary indications aimed at avoiding worsening of acne, such as avoiding very unbalanced diets towards rapidly absorbed carbohydrates that increase skin inflammation. But it should be noted that acne is not a liver-related problem or that it can be treated by changing dietary regimes. These are just clichés that do not help to solve the problem but, on the contrary, demotivate children and families who see the results move away from them ».
How long does it last?
"This disease generally tends to resolve spontaneously when the boy reaches a greater hormonal balance, therefore at the end of adolescence and at the beginning of adulthood. However, it should be noted that often people who have a strong genetic predisposition to have the problem can show acne manifestations even up to the age of thirty and beyond "explains Dr. Veglio.
«In particular, an acne problem is common in women who have hormonal imbalances resulting from a polycystic ovary or other situations in which the hormones are not well balanced. I always recommend performing a gynecological check-up with an ovarian ultrasound in cases of persistent acne, to try to get to the bottom of the problem. Often, in fact, hormone therapy agreed with a good gynecologist helps to obtain excellent results "concludes the expert.
How to treat acne scars
Unfortunately, acne can leave marks on the skin. But relying on a good expert can help a lot and really make a difference.
"As for permanent signs, unfortunately in many cases these occur if acne is not treated in time and effectively. However, it is possible to avoid them when effective and intense treatments are put in place, especially in moments of greatest flowering. Fortunately, we also have excellent responses to the scarring results from lasers and aesthetic dermatological treatments that have helped to greatly reduce the impact of these scars, which also mark so much in the soul of the people who are affected "he concludes. Dr. Veglio.
- Acne and high calorie diet. A dangerous bond?
- Acne like Giulia De Lellis? 7 mistakes not to make
- Anti-acne diet: allowed and forbidden foods
- Face masks, how to protect the skin for the summer
- Acids for the skin: guide to the different types of skincare acids


Every year more than 20,000 people are murdered in South Africa. That’s a staggering number of unnatural deaths.
But perhaps the number doesn’t unnerve you. If that’s the case, you should know that the only reason the number is not higher by almost 20,000, is that 18,000 + murder attempts are unsuccessful.
Doesn’t put your mind at ease, right?
South Africa is a warzone.
You can try to deny it but the fact is: you’re a soldier.
The question is: what type of soldier are you?
You can be an ignorant soldier; you can be a useless soldier; you can be a lazy soldier.
Unfortunately most people today are lazy soldiers.
They think by ignoring the dire situation in our country it’ll all go away.
They won’t do what they should to defend themselves or their loved ones.
They prefer to laze in ignorance in front of their TV sets and lap up whatever Netflix, Facebook, Tik-Tok or other distractions throw at them.
They want to push the snooze button on life-threatening situations, draw the duvet over their head and continue sleeping.
And when the threat does strike, it’s far too late to wake up.
If you’re at all serious about doing your duty towards your loved ones, you cannot afford to be lax about safety.
You must be proactive about your security.
You must square your shoulders, do your prep work and look the enemy in the eye.
Too many people are paying an awful price in South Africa.
Those people leave behind heartbroken wives or husbands, children or parents.
If you don’t want to become yet another statistic and leave behind people who drown in sorrow, anger and confusion, arm yourself with a non-lethal weapon that’ll give you the edge over the evil powers intent on sowing destruction in your and your loved ones’ lives.
So what’ll it be?
Will you dive deeper under your duvet and wait until the war comes to an end? (Hint: that won’t be soon, if at all.)
Or will you arm yourself to ensure you’re not the next victim of a senseless murder?


Dragon Ball Z Bulma Red Bomber Jacket
Dragon ball is a cartoonist show based upon Guko who does adventures along with others z warriors. They try to save the earth against evil. This show tries to prevail the idea of good that rises and the evil that crushes down. It’s about loyalty and trust.
Dragon ball Z Jacket:
This is a Dragon Ball Z Bulma Jacket with rib knitted black collar and is really amazing to look at and feel, because it’s amazing looking and the fabric is also good for chilly days. It has an inner lining of soft viscose fabric that is smooth on the inside and as a front closure option of a zippered structure that is desirable by many. It has rib knitted cuffs and is in a really cool and shiny red tone that is vibrant and is classy.
- Inspiration: dragon ball z cartoon
- Celebrity: fictional
- Character: Unknown
- Material: satin
- Inner: viscose lining
- Closure: zipper style
- Collar: turn down, rib knitted
- Cuffs: rib knitted cuffs
- Color: shiny red


The South African Reserve Bank is Considering Launching its Own Digital (Rand) Currency.
The South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) recently announced that it is commencing a feasibility study for a general-purpose retail Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC).
“The Sarb has embarked on a study to investigate the feasibility, desirability and appropriateness of a CBDC as electronic legal tender, for general-purpose retail use, complementary to cash,” says the Reserve Bank in a statement.
“A retail CBDC can be defined as a digital form of cash aimed at providing the best attributes of both cash and electronic payments.
“The objective of the feasibility study is to consider how the issuance of a general-purpose CBDC will feed into the Sarb’s policy position and mandate.”
The study will focus on the issuance of a domestic CBDC that can be used by consumers in SA for general retail purposes.
Simon Dingle, Fintech entrepreneur and crypto expert had this to say while speaking to Bruce Whitfield on 702’s Money Show…
“They’re looking at essentially creating a digital rand… It’s antithetical to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin – it’s the opposite of what Bitcoin is,” Simon Dingle, Fintech entrepreneur and crypto expert
Dingle says it comes down to an ideological discussion with decentralisation and privacy at its core. He describes how the system would differ from conventional banking.
“Picture a future in which you no longer require intermediary banks. You essentially have an account directly with the state – they have full control and sight of everything happening in your account,” Simon Dingle, Fintech entrepreneur and crypto expert.
The Central Bank of China will be able to track citizens’ purchases in real time.
“The digital yuan is both programmable and trackable, giving the Chinese government enormous control over the economy. Not only will Chinese policymakers know every consumer choice made in the economy, but they could also directly affect spending behaviour by making the currency expirable by a certain date,” said Boris Schlossberg, MD of forex at BK Asset Management, according to Bitcoin.com.
Dingle believes central banks are aiming to align with technological trends and not necessarily perceiving their own digital currencies as antithetical to what’s happening in the world of Bitcoin.
“There’s a lot to be said about the employment of a technology that was designed to enable trust in the network where there aren’t any central authorities – using that same technology where you have a central authority is kind of pointless,” Simon Dingle, Fintech entrepreneur.
Simon is cautious and concern about the move by central bank because they want to maintain a control.
“My concern is where this leads us… Much of your money is already digital but it still resides in a banking system… The kind of central bank digital currencies being imagined now really remove the requirement for intermediaries and envision you banking directly with the state, which states would love for many reasons,” Simon Dingle, Fintech entrepreneur and crypto expert.


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I used to think the whole Gluten Free thing was just a fad; often raising my eyebrows when I’d hear another friend become one. That was until my middle daughter whom suffered from keratosis pilaris, began getting worse and worse. We tried most of the external treatments, and took her to a couple dermatologists. Not surprisingly, neither doctor felt food was a trigger.
As I mom, I think there is a internal warning signal that sounds and tells you to dive into your own research to care for your children when you aren’t satisfied with answers. This is just what I did. After months of her physically writhing in itchy skin episodes, I decided to try gluten free. With so many alternatives available, this was so easy. I swear to you, within a week, the crying and complaints about even the softest of clothing, subsided. After a month on the diet, I heard no more from her. In addition to her diet, I include a non-dairy acidophilus, along with shea butter externally.
I am constantly adapting recipes for my family, because eat a plant based diet. So it comes as second nature to switch recipes to meet our needs. My daughter Margeux LOVES pancakes. Here is my organic gluten free version. I know you’ll love it. They are light and fluffy, and taste great even reheated the next day. I enjoy mine with Daiya’s non dairy creme cheese, mango wedges, toasted pecans, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a light sprinkle of organic powdered sugar.
GF BASIC WAFFLES
Yield: 6 Waffles
1 3/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill all purpose flour
2 tsp. double-acting baking powder
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 Tbsp. maple granules
3 “eggs” – by EnerG egg replacer (powdered non-dairy gluten free eggs)
4 Tbsp. of safflower oil
1 1/2 cups of almond milk
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sea salt and maple granules
2. In a separate bowl, beat “eggs”, add oil and milk
3. Make a well in the center of dry ingredients. Pour in liquid ingredients and combine with a few swift strokes.
4. Heat pan and brush with a little oil to prevent sticking, unless you are using a non-stick pan.


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Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pro Great for RTS beginners
Easy to learn mechanics of economy, castle building and army production.
Does not overwhelm players with choices.
Pro Deep yet intuitive interface
Many options are available in the game along with good tutorials that introduce the player to these. While not all options are necessary the inclusion of them is welcome for those that would like to take advantage of them.
Con Lacks polish in some areas
Things like buttons on the bottom of the screen that are not intuitively placed as well as notifications that can not be filtered to the more important. This can detract from the gameplay as it is immersion breaking to have to rifle through inconvenient button placement as well as notifications looking for what you need at the time.

domain: design


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Dungeon Fighter Online: Priest 2nd Awakening
Act 6 is coming soon to Dungeon Fighter Online, and bringing with it the Priest’s second awakening.
Videos You May Enjoy
Articles You May Enjoy
- WildStar Now On Steam
- Today, Carbine and NCSoft have announced the official launch of WildStar on Steam.

domain: game


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The Wanderers is that rare play worth seeing twice, with a plot to ruminate on for a lifetime.
Washington Post on 'The Wanderers'
The thoughtful, excellent The Wanderers, Anna Ziegler's accomplished, tightly knit Chinese puzzle box of a play, is a treat for the eyes and the heart.
The Jerusalem Post
Cunningly devised, The Wanderers provides plenty to relish, then ponder. [Ziegler is] a fearless storyteller.
DC Metro Theatre Arts


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Best Buy unveiled its first Best Buy Mobile wireless stores in Manhattan last Friday.
The nine store pilot includes five freestanding locations and four shops within Best Buy, and feature an expanded assortment of handsets and accessories for major carriers and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) including Amp’d, Boost, Cingular, Sprint, Verizon and Virgin.
The stores are the first fruits of a joint venture with The Carphone Warehouse, the largest independent mobile phone retailer in Europe. The deal, announced in September, also calls for Best Buy to establish a Geek Squad-type IT support service for Carphone within its home market of the United Kingdom in early 2007.
“The combination of Best Buy’s unrivaled expertise in the U.S. consumer electronics market with Carphone Warehouse’s excellent track record in independent mobile phone retailing across ten European markets creates a strong skill base from which to make Best Buy Mobile a success,” the partners said in a previously released statement.
Vivian Ma, a retail analyst with CIBC World Markets, said in a research note that Best Buy developed the focused format to address its under-performing wireless business, and may try to adopt the U.K. model in which consumers first chose a phone and then select from multiple carrier plans.
Carphone CEO Charles Dunstone observed that “the U.S. market is very large but has little retail distribution on the Carphone Warehouse model,” which is marked by broad distribution through nearly 2,000 wireless specialty stores.