Siemens Energy has been awarded several 10-year wind service agreements encompassing over 400 onshore wind turbines in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. The customer is Pattern Energy Group Inc., based in San Francisco, California. Combined, the scope of these long-term contracts represents one of Siemens’ largest agreements with a single customer in North America.
Tim Holt, CEO of Service Renewables, a business unit of the Siemens Energy Service Division, commented this as an important milestone as “more and more wind energy is placed into service, our commitment is to provide long-term added value to customers like Pattern Energy in order to help them realize favorable performance throughout the turbines’ lifecycle.”
Helping Pattern Energy obtain continued reliability, availability and performance of the turbines, Siemens will provide the long-term service and maintenance, as well as technology updates, for six Pattern Energy wind projects located in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico with a combined output of over 930 MW. Currently operating projects included in the new service agreements totally represent around 757MW. In addition to the projects currently in operation, Siemens has also signed a 10-year service agreement for the Panhandle 2 wind project, 182MW, in Texas, which Pattern Energy has agreed to acquire when the project reaches operation later this year.
The Siemens service program focuses on providing a tiered range of flexible services to help customers achieve high availability throughout the lifecycle of the wind turbines and wind farms. Intelligent service offerings such as the company’s innovative remote monitoring and diagnostics help customers achieve optimum performance from their wind turbines. These systems provide real-time data for predictive maintenance at well-timed intervals, as well as helping to identify potential issues in advance, allowing for a proactive response. The large amounts of data can reveal trends that can then be interpreted and closely analyzed by Siemens experts, contributing to improved service and maintenance regimes based on overall field performance, as well as to future design technology.


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The congregation they sought to create, however, was not centered solely around religious practice. They wanted a group of families that not only embraced Judaism but would also create and engage an inclusive, gender-neutral and non-patriarchal community committed to social justice and all aspects of Tikkun Olam, Healing the World.
Wedding their social consciousness to their burgeoning Jewish awareness, the founders decided, after much soul-searching, to create a new Jewish place of worship within the City of St. Louis. Out of that effort grew Central Reform Congregation. The name derived from the twin goals of having a central geographical location and a synagogue that would provide a central focus in congregants’ lives.

domain: sociology


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Welcome! Hope you enjoy your time here! Enjoy the craziness, and May God just guide you in his wisdom and strength as he guides you in doing his will in your yearning to teach the Japanese people about Christ! All of us are here to talk if you ever want to pm us.
Come check my facebook fan page here
If you want to see some great photography and art!
I am currently on my 4th draft of the script for Canvas! Canvas is a watercolor animated short about how everything declares of a Creator and how everything happens for a reason. If anyone would like to help by sending me resources on watercolor or animation it would be greatly appreciated!
I am also on my 1st draft of a short live-action Romcom called "Behind Every Good Man! Behind Every Good Man is about a Bride-to-be, Evelyn, who must stop her Mother-in-Law, Pamela, from living her dream wedding through Evelyn's. Along the way she learns what it means to be a Woman of Integrity today! If anyone wants to help let me know!

domain: artistic


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Latest Health effects of wine Stories
Although previous research has linked alcohol consumption to an increased risk of developing breast cancer, a new study has found that drinking before and after diagnosis does not impact survival from the disease.
A recent CBS News article highlights the potential anti-aging benefits provided by resveratrol, a compound found in red wine. Dr.
Drinking non-diet sodas, sports drinks, fruit drinks, and other sugar-sweetened beverages could be associated with as many as 180,000 deaths worldwide each year, according to a new study led by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health.
A new study suggests talking to your kids about drinking in college before they start their higher education might be very beneficial.
A recent CBS News article highlights the potential for resveratrol, an ingredient found in red wine, to serve as an effective anti-aging treatment. Dr.
While alcohol, with all of its benefits and ills, has been around for most all of human history, a new study reports it is now the third leading cause of both disease and injury worldwide.
Alcohol consumption in the UK may be much higher than previously thought, with as many as 75 percent of Britons drinking more than the recommended daily limit. And many of these people are likely consuming dangerous levels of alcohol, with the drinking habits of women easily matching those of men.
Louisiana insurance agency urges residents to take care of themselves in order to avoid claims to their health insurance. Natchitoches, Louisiana (PRWEB) February
- To say in too many words; to express verbosely.
- To express in too many words: sometimes used reflexively.
- The leading idea or a repeated phrase, as of a song or ballad; the refrain; burden.

domain: news


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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida argued that the ocean discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant was in accordance with international practice.
According to the Asahi News Network (ANN) on the 14th, Prime Minister Kishida attended the House of Councilors Budget Committee the day before.
Hirofumi Yanagase (柳ヶ?裕文), chairman of the Japan Restoration Association, said, “The annual amount of tritium emitted from nuclear power plants in China and Korea is several times the annual amount of tritium released from Fukushima (ocean discharge). It is necessary to accurately communicate this fact both domestically and internationally,” he said, asking Prime Minister Kishida for his position.
Prime Minister Kishida said, “The discharge of ‘treated water’ from the Multi-Nuclide Removal System (ALPS) into the ocean in compliance with regulatory standards is in accordance with international practice. The International Atomic Energy Agency also evaluates that it is technically feasible and follows international practice.”
At the same time, it argued that “many nuclear facilities around the world, including Korea and China, which oppose the discharge of contaminated water into the ocean, are discharging liquid waste containing tritium into the ocean.”
In addition, he said that the marine discharge of polluted water that complied with regulatory standards was “a method of disposal in accordance with international practice, and we will inform (to the international community) that it is polite and easy to understand.”
During the March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, contaminated water containing radioactive materials is generated from the reactor building, where the core nuclear fuel (debris) of the decommissioned reactor melted in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident remains.
Japan calls this contaminated water ‘treated water’ by filtering it through ALPS. However, even after purification treatment, it is said that radioactive substances such as tritium (tritium) cannot be removed.
On April 13, 2021, the Japanese government decided to dilute the contaminated water and discharge it into the sea. Since then, it has been decided to start discharging contaminated water in the spring or summer of this year. It plans to mix the contaminated water with water and dilute the concentration of tritium to 1/40 of the standard value before releasing it. This dilution number is at the level of 1500 becquerels (㏃) per liter.
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.


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I have a question about the recipe "A Bowl of Green" from tuscanfoodie. Would Anaheims be a good substitute for New Mexican chiles?
Anaheims are probably the closest thing available in most supermarkets. Way better than the tasteless Ortega canned chiles. Maybe through in a few serannos as well.
Jess from New Mexico
Thanks! I wish we had access to hatch chiles in Chicago, but so far all I've seen are Anaheims and Poblanos.
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domain: food


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The Élysée Palace is the official residence of the President of the French Republic, containing his office, and is where the Council of Ministers meets. It is located near the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Multiple Topics Found, please select a specific topic.
) has been the official residence of the President of France since 1848. Dating to the early 18th century, it contains the office of the President and the meeting place of the Council of Ministers. It is located near the Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, the name Élysée deriving from Elysian Fields, the place of the blessed dead in Greek mythology.

domain: history


Energy saving, emission reduction, and green production are the sacred responsibilities that our generation has entrusted to our generation. For manufacturing companies, we must not only work hard to reduce emissions, but also make more efforts in energy saving. The Carbon Infrared Heater Manufacturer will share with you the case of carbon fiber heating tube radiant heating technology in the printing industry.
Carbon fiber heating tube is a kind of heating component with high electrothermal conversion rate. In common electric heating products, the electrothermal conversion rate of resistance wire and metal heating tube is 70%, semiconductor heater is about 85%, Up to 95%, the difference in material characteristics and resistance is the root cause of the different electrothermal conversion rates.
Carbon Infrared Heater infrared drying technology is a non-contact heating method. Electrical energy is converted into energy by carbon fiber molecular vibrations and reaches the surface of the object through infrared radiation. After reaching the surface of the object, it is absorbed by the object and the temperature of the object rises. The whole process is fast, efficient, energy-saving, and pollution-free. If the infrared wavelength of the carbon fiber heating tube is adjusted to match the infrared wavelength absorbed by the heated object, the heating effect can be greatly improved.
Carbon Infrared Heater
So is there any precedent for the application of carbon fiber heating tube in the printing and screen printing industry? We take a kind of verification effect as an example to introduce the application of carbon fiber heating tube infrared drying technology in the printing industry.
The heating method used by the company's heating equipment was mainly resistance wire stainless steel metal heating tubes and hot air circulation. Carbon fiber infrared heating tubes or tungsten wire infrared heating tubes with relatively high electrical and thermal conversion rates were not used, and infrared rays were not absorbed according to the material resonance. Wavelength to match the corresponding infrared heating tube. When the equipment is remodeled, it is recommended that the customer change to a carbon fiber heating tube of the corresponding wavelength. What is the effect after verification?
Verification scheme: two identical printing presses, one of which uses carbon fiber heating tubes and one uses stainless steel heating tubes. The same products are produced at the same time, and the electricity consumption in one week is recorded.
Test conditions: The parameters of the two devices are the same, and the size, length, shape and power of the heating tube are all the same. Adjust various parameters according to the actual situation during the test.
Test results: After one week of verification, the number of heating tubes of equipment using carbon fiber heating tubes was reduced from the original 32 to 24, the power reduction was reduced from 32 kW to 24 kW, the total power of the equipment was reduced by 25%, and the product quality was not any Impact, production efficiency is not affected.
In the printing and drying stage before rectification, the defect that the paper is baked and discolored often occurs. In this test process, because the infrared band matches the ink and the wavelength, the degree of the paper's wavelength is not high, which solves the problem of paper discoloration.


Donald Trump just fired FBI Director James Comey, the man who was directing the investigation into the Trump campaign’s collusion with Russian intelligence officials who were trying to throw the Presidential election his way. Not is it arrogant for the President of the United States to dare to fire the director of the agency investigating him, what throws this action over the top is Trump’s obvious belief that he can sell us the lie that he fired Comey for mishandling the Clinton email investigation. At the time, Trump praised Comey for his courage for coming forward and reveled in the damage that was caused to the Clinton campaign by Comey announcement. The fact that Trump believes he can convince us of that lie is the height of arrogance. Donald Trump must believe that we are stupid and totally under informed. That is an insult to every American.


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Some Of The Best Beef Jerky You’ve Never Had Is At This Illinois Asian Fusion Restaurant
This is so, so, so, so much better than any beef jerky you're going to find in a bag.
The dish is called Seen Savanh, but I've also seen it called Sin Savanh or Sien Savanh. I'm far too ignorant about the Laotian culture to know if there's a difference between them. If someone is reading this that actually knows what they're talking about, I formally apologize ahead of time for getting any specifics wrong in this post. I just love this dish and want people to know about it.
I first had it at the old Bamboo restaurant on State Street across from The Irish Rose. It is now Sisters Thai Cafe (which is another great place to eat in town.) I believe that the Wok N' Roll food truck, that is being run by the former Bamboo owners, still serves it but I could be wrong.
I know for a fact that Rock Pho'd on Riverside does because I try to order it at least once a month.
It's basically a Laotian take on beef jerky, or maybe, probably likely, that the "Western" version beef jerky is based on the methods used to make Seen Savanh. I'm guessing that people have been preserving meat for a while now by dehydrating it.
This is what it looks like when you order it.
NOTE: The presentation is MUCH better when you dine-in.
Several strips is tender, slightly spicy, beef (flank?) served with a spicy tomato dipping sauce and a mound of sticky rice. You pinch off some rice, wrap a little meat around it, dunk it in the sauce and experience some of the best meat you've ever tasted.
Literally everything at Rock Pho'd is delicious, it really is one of the best restaurants in the Rockford area.
There is one other dish that I would like to highlight from Rock Pho'd that you might not be familiar with. That's the Nam Khao.
Here's the picture from their website.
I somehow know even less about Nam Khao, but I do know that it's delicious and maybe my favorite entrée in all of Rockford.
Here's their description of Nam Khao:
Deep fried crispy fried rice ball with bits of sour pork, glass noodles, chopped peanuts, green onion, cilantro, mint, and lime.
Think fried rice but with little bits of magic sprinkled in. It's all served with big lettuce cups to make wraps out of. It's a bit messy but totally worth it.
If you haven't been to Rock Pho'd yet give them a try, don't let the menu intimidate you. Ask questions, the almost overly-friendly staff will definitely point you in the right direction.
25 Highly Rated Places For Tacos in the Rockford Area
LOOK: Here are copycat recipes from 20 of the most popular fast food restaurants in America


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When I was working on the Landing Sites images, it occurred to me that if one were to literally “dive into” the seascapes that I was making images of, one should theoretically be able to see the actual material conjunctions of internet cables that I was trying to learn how to “see.” To do thisContinue reading “Undersea Cables”
This is an ongoing project to track and photograph the world of secret satellites that are above our heads nearly constantly. Although the satellites I track and photograph in this series are not typically acknowledged by the United States, they are cataloged and observed by an international network of amateur “satellite observers,” whose observations IContinue reading “The Other Night Sky”
Much of the history of surveillance, secrecy, and militarism can be found deep in the American deserts, where classified military bases and weapon ranges litter the remotest landscapes. Tucked away within massive restricted military ranges and buffered by dozens of miles of restricted land, there is often nowhere on Earth where a civilian might beContinue reading “Limit Telephotography”
89 Landscapes is a dual-channel video installation comprising material I filmed for Citizenfour, Laura Poitras’ Academy Award-winning film about Edward Snowden. The installation presents a series of landscapes, all of which have some kind of intrinsic relationship to the NSA’s mass surveillance infrastructures.
As part of a larger project looking at the material infrastructures of the internet and mass surveillance, I located and photographed some of the primary “choke points” on the internet backbone – places where multiple undersea cables reach land and connect the continents together. Each photograph had two “rules”: first, the conjunction of internet cablesContinue reading “Landing Sites”
While photographing and shooting a video of NSA infrastructures in Germany for Laura Poitras’ film Citizenfour, I was stopped and interrogated by police and military on a nearly daily basis. Although what I was doing was perfectly legal, the military still insisted on harassing me while I was doing my job. My response was toContinue reading “Eagle-Eye Photo Contest”
I often think about the different histories of photography – how they intersect and diverge and how so much necessarily gets left out by any attempt to tell a coherent story about the history of the medium. I think a lot about the various histories of photography in the western US – a history ofContinue reading “Karnak”
In 2015, I took a group of people on a scuba diving trip off the coast of Miami. Our goal: to see the internet in the form of the transoceanic communications cables that connect the continents together. Brian Boucher from Artnet News has a great report here. And the Creator’s Project made a video documentingContinue reading “Dive Expedition to Look at Undersea Cables”


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Holding the golf club correctly is crucial for achieving consistent and effective golf shots. There are two common grips in golf: the Vardon or overlapping grip and the interlocking grip. Here, I’ll explain the Vardon grip, which is the most widely used by golfers:
**Vardon (Overlap) Grip:**
1. **Position Your Hands:** Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and the club head on the ground. The clubface should be square to your target line.
2. **Left-Hand Placement (for right-handed golfers):** If you’re a right-handed golfer, your left hand will be the top hand on the club (opposite for left-handed golfers). Place your left hand on the club’s grip with the handle running diagonally across the palm, from the base of the little finger to the middle joint of the index finger. Your left thumb should rest gently on top of the grip.
3. **Fingers and Pressure:** Your left hand’s fingers should wrap around the grip comfortably, and the pressure should be moderate, neither too tight nor too loose. A common tip is to feel as if you’re holding a small bird – tight enough not to let it escape but not so tight as to harm it.
4. **Right Hand Placement:** Bring your right hand to the grip, positioning it just below your left hand (for right-handed golfers). The heel pad of your right hand should rest on top of your left thumb, and the fingers of your right hand should wrap around the grip. The right thumb should also rest gently on the grip, touching the left thumb.
5. **Fingers and Pressure:** Similar to your left hand, the fingers of your right hand should wrap around the club, and the pressure should be balanced. You should feel the club primarily in your fingers, not in your palms.
6. **Interlocking or Overlapping:** In the Vardon grip, the right pinky finger (for right-handed golfers) overlaps the gap between the left index and middle fingers slightly. Some golfers prefer to interlock the right pinky with the left index finger instead.
7. **Alignment:** Ensure that the V formed by your thumbs and index fingers points towards your right shoulder (for right-handed golfers) or is slightly to the right of the center of your body.
8. **Check Your Grip:** Take a few practice swings and make sure your grip feels comfortable and secure. Your hands should work together as a unit when swinging the club.
Remember that the grip is one of the foundational elements of a golfer’s swing. It might take some time to get used to, so practice it regularly. Additionally, seek advice and feedback from a golf instructor to ensure you’re holding the club correctly and to make any necessary adjustments to improve your game. Contact Dan Chicorel at Bettergolfinstruction.com to learn more.

domain: hobby


"There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen"
Vladimir Ilyich Lenin. 1870 – 1924
Friday, 11 October 2019
Young Scientists Prizes in Semiconductors Physics
Nominations are now open for the Young Scientists Prizes in Semiconductors Physics awarded by the IUPAP for outstanding contributions to semiconductor physics and its applications. Winners will have a maximum of 8 years of research experience following the award of their PhD.


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Spot the cat 😻i love that minnie has adopted several spots in the house as 'hers'. this end of the sofa. the end of ben's bed. daisy's windowsill. the middle of the landing. it's like she's always been here ❤ ps happy mother's day y'all!
Well, my instabreak didn't last long 🙈i managed three days, but i kept thinking of things i wanted to share and stuff i needed opinions on - i'm trying to be stricter with the amount of time i spend on social media instead. not sure how successful that will be either to be honest 😂 for anyone who didn't see on stories last week, we've just adopted this beautiful girl. she's called minnie, and she's nine - she uses her litter tray like a champion and loves a fuss, which is lucky because the kids won't leave her alone! (big thanks to @onrshop for her extensive cat wisdom 🙌🏻)

domain: pet


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Signature Logo Hoodie Peach
This variant is currently sold out
Screen printed in Denver on a 400gsm custom milled cotton body, double folded side gusset ribbing, flatlock stitched seams. Details include a 3-panel hood, metal-tipped drawstrings, and kangaroo pocket.
Machine wash on cold if necessary and hang dry. This item will shrink slightly after a wash.

domain: design


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Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch…
In Acts 8.26-40 God sends Philip along a desert road, where he encounters someone least like himself: a foreigner who has been sexually mutilated, serving as a high government official. The Ethiopian eunuch is of a different race, ethnicity and language from Philip. He is sexually different, and of a different social class. The eunuch is reading scripture and has a question. Philip engages him in conversation The eunuch invites Philip to get in his chariot and sit beside him. Philip does, and in the ensuing conversation the eunuch asks to be baptized, which Philip does. Then he magically disappears and the two go their separate ways.
We are most naturally attracted to people just like us, but the gospel sends us out to join the journey of people who are different. Way different. To really proclaim the grace that transcends boundaries of deserving, privilege and control, we have to transcend our own boundaries. We have to share the journeys of others, especially those who are not like us. (One way racism persists is that white folks don’t befriend people of color.) It’s in the boundary-crossing that we experience the grace that is beyond our ability, control or deserving.
So we stop and talk to the homeless person on the street, or the laborer cleaning the hallway. We befriend someone who is incarcerated, or gender non-conforming, or an undocumented immigrant, or of a different religion, or who has a mental illness—or just someone who’s left out. We don’t just wave at them on the way by. We get in the chariot and sit beside them. We engage them in relationship. We journey with them. We see beneath the stereotypes (including these I just listed) and see the person who like the eunuch has questions, cares about things, and seeks God. Then it is they who minister to us. They enrich our world. That’s where grace happens. Even miracles.
Who are those people who are different who God might be sending you to? What are the differences you hide behind? Who are the unlikely ones who God is asking you to accept, and journey with? Run alongside. Get in the chariot.
—April 26, 2018

domain: literature


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Courgette Linguine with Vegan Cashew Rocket Pesto and slow roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Broad Beans
This is an almost entirely raw dish, which means that it retains all of the nutrients in its highest form, as it has not been heated. The only part of this dish that is cooked are the broad beans, garlic, chili, and shallot. I slowly roast the tomatoes to release certain health benefits, but at a very low temperature to keep other nutrients intact, no more than 50 degrees. It is also dairy free for people who suffer from lactose problems or are vegan. If you have none of these conditions, add an interesting aged cheese. Recently while in Greece, I tried an aged Feta and mixed in oregano. It is also gluten free, as the noodles are made from the courgette itself, so anybody with IBS or celiac disease can easily digest this dish. If you want and you are not vegan, add some prawns or crayfish. Even grilled chicken breast goes very well.
Nutrition: Lycopene, which is what gives tomatoes their red colour, and is proven to intercept cancer’s ability to make the connections it needs to attach to a healthy blood supply. Therefore, they are a preventative tool against cancer cells. The beans, cashew nuts, and pine nuts provide this vegan dish with a balanced dose of protein. The rocket in the pesto is incredibly packed with vitamins A, K, C, and beta-carotene which your body needs to protect itself from cancer, and it also enhances bone and skin health just to name a few. It is also rich in folic acid and various important minerals such as copper and iron. Courgettes are packed with anti-oxidants and are very low in calorie balancing out the higher calorie content of the nuts, seeds, and beans in this dish.
Makes 4 portions
2 courgettes “noodled” with a Vegetable “noodle” maker (order gefu at gefu.com)
4 cloves of garlic, slivered
2 red chilis finely diced
2 shallots finely chopped
8 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons vegan pesto (see recipe below)
3 cups of peeled fresh broad beans (frozen is also ok)
150 grams pitted kalamata olives
2 large handfuls of fresh basil leaves
2 cups of pine nuts
40 cherry tomatoes halved
sea salt and pepper to taste
8 tablespoons vegan pesto (see recipe below)
200 grams of rocket
200 grams of cashews
½ bottle extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon of sea salt to taste
For the pesto: Place all ingredients into a food processor. Store any remaining contents covered with olive oil to seal. Can last up to two months in refrigerator.
First make your vegan pesto and then set aside. Preheat your oven to 50 C. Line a baking sheet with foil and lay out cherry tomatoes facing up. Sprinkle the tomatoes generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in the oven for several hours if you can, but one is fine too, they just wont be as “sun-roasted”. Place your peeled broad beans in a pot of boiling salted water for about 3 or four minutes and drain. cool down in cold water and peel.
Use your noodle device and starting from the bottom, spiral the courgette into the noodles. Put the noodles in a bowl and set aside. Meanwhile, take a large pan and heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and add the shallot. Fry 2 minutes, then add garlic and chili. Fry a couple more minutes on medium heat. Add your broad beans and olives and sauté another minute. Add vegan pesto. Take off heat. Add noodles, basil and pine nuts (leaving a small amount of pine nuts and basil for the topping). Top each serving with 12-15 cherry tomatoes and remaining pine nuts and basil. Serve.


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Why do you want to start a meetup? And what can people expect at your events?: To meet like-minded people. I have always had an interest in self help stuff and it is the area I gravitate to in any library or book shop. I have studied hypnotherapy, NLP and mindfulness. I have also worked as a volunteer for both the Samaritans and Cruse. People can therefore expect to be listened to in a non judgemental way.
What's your favourite self-help book, and why?: That changes over time but I have chosen to be pictured with 'Happy for No Reason' as it promotes self-acceptance. I have not taken a conventional route through life and this helps me in terms of being ok with that.


To evaluate the purity of nucleic acid and protein samples, molecular scientists frequently compare the recorded spectrophotometric absorbance of a sample at 260 nm to the value measured at 280 nm.
Before employing samples in time-consuming or costly downstream applications, many scientists also consider the ratio of the absorbance values at 230 nm and 260 nm as an important additional measure of purity.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a nucleic acid sample and a protein sample as detected on a DeNovix DS-11 Spectrophotometer:
Figure 1. Typical dsDNA spectrum. Image Credit: DeNovix Inc.
Figure 2. Typical BSA spectrum. Image Credit: DeNovix Inc.
260/280 Nucleic acid purity ratios
It is common to practice utilizing 260/280 ratios to assess the accuracy of nucleic acid tests. The most common application of this ratio is to indicate the existence of phenol and/or protein in an isolated nucleic acid sample. These ratios fall within the generally acceptable range shown in Table 1, although they do not ensure sample purity.
Table 1. Acceptable Range for 260/280 Ratios. Source: DeNovix Inc.
||Acidic Phenol or Protein
260/230 Nucleic acid purity ratios
The presence of unwanted chemical compounds, including Trizol, phenol, Guanidine HCL, and Guanidine Thiocyanate, is indicated by the 260/230 ratio.
In general, 260/230 ratios between 2.0 and 2.2 are considered appropriate. Values above this can be a sign of contamination with the aforementioned substances.
Protein 260/280 purity ratio
A common contamination found in whole cell lysates is DNA. The 260/280 ratio can be used to gauge the purity of an isolated protein when evaluating purified proteins. For typical proteins, a 260/280 ratio of 0.6 is appropriate. Higher ratios can be a sign that DNA has contaminated isolated proteins.
Note: When working with buffers that have UV region absorbance, colorimetric spectrophotometric techniques like the BCA or Bradford tests are typically advised.
Troubleshooting purity ratios
Below is a list of the three most typical reasons for aberrant 260/280 ratios:
- Sample contamination from residual guanidine, phenol, and other isolation process reagents. A frequent contaminant in nucleic acid isolations from plant sources is carbohydrates.
- Concentrations are extremely close to the minimum detection limit, or samples are considerably diluted. For nucleic acid samples with concentrations less than 10 ng/µl, ratios may not be an accurate measure of purity.
- The Blank measurement solution was incorrect. The pH and ionic strength of the Blank solution should be comparable to those of the sample solution. Low 260/230 ratios could be the result of using water as the Blank measurement for samples suspended in TE.
Microvolume vs. cuvette
It has been stated that small changes in a solution’s pH can cause variations in nucleic acid 260/280 ratios.1 Acidic solutions may underestimate the 260/280 ratio value by 0.2–0.3, whereas basic solutions may overestimate the ratio value by 0.2–0.3. When comparing ratios for samples measured on the microvolume mode and then diluted for measurement with a cuvette, make sure the undiluted and diluted samples have the same ionic strength and pH.
Variance from other instrument brands
When assessing the same sample on diferent spectrophotometers, it is not uncommon to see small variations in purity ratios. When evaluating the same nucleic acid sample on two spectrophotometers with a 1 nm wavelength accuracy standard, a difference in the 260/280 ratio of up to about 0.4 can be observed.
The absorbance of nucleic acid at 260 nm is typically measured on a plateau region of the spectrum, whereas the absorbance at 280 nm is typically measured on a steeply sloped portion of the spectral curve. Since one value is measured on a plateau and another on a slope, a small shift in wavelength accuracy has a large effect on 260/280 ratios.
The DS-11 Series has a wavelength accuracy of 0.5 nm. Larger wavelength precision features limit the ability of instruments to accurately report 260/280 ratios.
The ratio limits displayed in this article are ideal values that are widely accepted. The ratio limits that anticipate sample functionality in the user’s downstream applications must be empirically determined.
The DS-11 Series EasyApps software generates automatic alerts when samples exceed these standards, or custom thresholds can be set.
DS 11 Series | Spectrophotometer | Fluorometer
- William W. Wilfinger, Karol Mackey, and Piotr Chomczynski, Effect of pH and Ionic Strength on the Spectrophotometric Assessment of Nucleic Acid Purity: BioTechniques 22:474-481 (March 1997).
About DeNovix, Inc.
DeNovix Inc. is an instrumentation company that designs, manufactures and sells laboratory equipment to meet the demands of today’s evolving life science technologies. Our focus is on providing innovative products and outstanding customer support. DeNovix is equipped with the financial, commercial and technical resources to deliver breakthrough products for your research success.
DeNovix offers the DS-11 Series Spectrophotometer/Fluorometer which combines fluorescence analysis and 1uL UV-Vis in the same instrument. Coupled with our new suite of dsDNA Fluorescence assays, DeNovix instruments provide a wider quantification range than any other instrument.
DeNovix instruments are found in life science research labs worldwide. Each instrument is a stand-alone system controlled by a built-in Android™ operating system (no PC). Labs love the smart-phone-like operation, impressive performance and the flexible connectivity of the instrument. Learn more about DeNovix Instruments and how they can benefit your lab.
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The first weekend of the ACL Music Festival is wrapping up.
Usually by this time local business owners near Zilker Park are feeling like they've had a pretty successful weekend...but this year, it's a little different.
It's the first time in history ACL is 2 weekends instead of one.
So for local businesses, does that mean twice the profits? Or not quite?
Ben Cary with Uncle Billy's says its the latter.
"It has been a little bit slower than we expected. I think that the separation between the two weeks kind of hurt our business a little bit," Cary said.
He's hoping that next weekend and this weekend combined will end up being better than ever though.
Nick Bollinger is a pedi-cab driver. He says this year the competition is a little stiff among pedi-cab drivers.
"It also brings a lot of extra pedi-cabbers from out of town. So where there are a lot of people, there's a lot of extra competition so....I won't say it gets cutthroat but the competition makes it interesting to find rides," Bollinger said.
Mark Mitchell with Barton Springs Bike Rental is doing just fine. His shop rents and sells bikes and ACL is a big part of his yearly income.
He says they sold out this weekend and they're nearly there for next weekend.
"I do great cause the people that are renting them this weekend aren't gonna be here next weekend so it's a whole other group that's renting them. So we're supplying both weekends equally. It's just worked out real good for us," Mitchell said.
Jamie Laratta with Short Bus Subs says their food truck started at ACL back in 2009.
"It's a lot slower than what it was in 2009. There was never any food trucks down here like before you went in during 2009," she said.
So will next weekend be better?
"I don't know. We'll see how it pans out because next weekend's not even sold out. So yeah. we were pretty busy last night so hopefully we'll be busy again tonight," Laratta said.


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Sometimes I think I became interested in storytelling because when you tell a story there’s no place to hide. As scary as it sounds, I also find this fascinating.
When you tell a story there’s an awful feeling of being exposed. You talk about something that people might not like, or don’t feel connected to, you relate something personal that people might not resonate with, and by definition that’s risky.
If your presentation is full of jargon and technical concepts, if it’s too complex or too long, you can always tell yourself “I can’t do it differently. People need to understand this, that’s part of their job. I’m not going to apologise for having to explain a complex problem. At the end of the day I’m talking to professional people”.
And that, I’m sorry to say, is hiding, because you’re blaming others. You aren’t holding yourself responsible for the quality and clarity of your message and your communication style.
We’ve all been there. At least, I’ve done it myself more than I like to admit.
If you choose to tell a story to explain a complex idea, you run a risk. People will see how you think about the subject, how you feel about it, your sources of inspiration, and the way you think.
They can hear your voice. They get a glimpse of who you are behind the mask.
And there’s nothing more scary than being seen.
Any time you tell a story you’re making a decision that feels risky.
And that’s a big decision.
No matter how much storytelling training you do and how many story techniques you learn, there’s only one decision that you need to make: Am I ready to be seen?


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- 1 Why do I have a sharp pain under my left foot?
- 2 How can I stop stabbing pain in my foot?
- 3 How do I know if my foot pain is serious?
- 4 What can cause foot pain without injury?
- 5 Why do I get a stabbing pain in my foot?
- 6 What part of the foot hurts with diabetes?
- 7 What causes electric shock like pain in foot?
- 8 Should I go to the ER for foot pain?
- 9 Is pain in your feet a sign of diabetes?
- 10 Why did my foot suddenly started hurting?
- 11 What is the best painkiller for foot pain?
- 12 Can foot pain be a sign of heart problems?
- 13 What does it mean when the side of your foot hurts?
- 14 What are the signs of arthritis in your feet?
- 15 Can dehydration cause foot pain?
Why do I have a sharp pain under my left foot?
Plantar fasciitis typically causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel. The pain is usually the worst with the first few steps after awakening, although it can also be triggered by long periods of standing or when you get up after sitting. The pain is usually worse after exercise, not during it.
How can I stop stabbing pain in my foot?
Treatment involves rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, orthotics (shoe pads,) braces, and sometimes steroid injections into the damaged tendon.
How do I know if my foot pain is serious?
Seek immediate medical attention if you:
- Have severe pain or swelling.
- Have an open wound or a wound that is oozing pus.
- Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 F (37.8 C)
- Are unable to walk or put weight on your foot.
What can cause foot pain without injury?
Other potential causes of foot pain include:
- ingrown toenails.
- medications that cause swelling of the feet.
- Morton’s neuroma, which is a thickening around the nerve tissue between toes near the ball of the foot.
- hammer toes.
Why do I get a stabbing pain in my foot?
One of the top causes of stabbing foot pain is plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the fibrous tendon that connects your toes to the underside of your heel. Plantar fasciitis pain is often described as stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot or heel.
What part of the foot hurts with diabetes?
Peripheral neuropathy It’s the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. It affects the feet and legs first, followed by the hands and arms. Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are often worse at night, and may include: Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes.
What causes electric shock like pain in foot?
If your sensory nerves are damaged, you may have a feeling of “pins and needles” or “ electric shocks.” You may also feel cold, prickling, pinching, or burning in your hands and feet. Some people become very sensitive to touch, while other people feel numbness.
Should I go to the ER for foot pain?
Go to an urgent care or ER for foot pain if: You have severe pain and swelling. You are unable to walk or put weight on your foot. Have an open wound ( Emergency room only) Have signs of infection such as redness, warmth or tenderness ( Emergency room only)
Is pain in your feet a sign of diabetes?
High blood sugar can cause diabetic neuropathy, which damages the nerves that send signals from your hands and feet. Diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, hands, and feet. Another symptom is a burning, sharp, or aching pain ( diabetic nerve pain ).
Why did my foot suddenly started hurting?
Injury, overuse or conditions causing inflammation involving any of the bones, ligaments or tendons in the foot can cause foot pain. Arthritis is a common cause of foot pain. Injury to the nerves of the feet may result in intense burning pain, numbness or tingling (peripheral neuropathy).
What is the best painkiller for foot pain?
Oral analgesic medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) or aspirin are often the first line choice for quick relief of foot pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are also often recommended and can help to reduce inflammation at the same time.
Can foot pain be a sign of heart problems?
When the heart’s pumping is strained by something like peripheral arterial disease, it reduces the flow of blood to your feet, making them hurt or making them swollen.
What does it mean when the side of your foot hurts?
Peroneal tendonitis This condition causes the peroneal tendons to swell or become inflamed, resulting in pain on the lateral side of the foot and the heel. A person who runs excessively or places their foot abnormally may develop peroneal tendonitis. It may also occur after an ankle sprain.
What are the signs of arthritis in your feet?
Symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis often include:
- Tenderness when you touch the joint.
- Pain when you move it.
- Trouble moving, walking, or putting weight on it.
- Joint stiffness, warmth, or swelling.
- More pain and swelling after you rest, such as sitting or sleeping.
Can dehydration cause foot pain?
How Can Dehydration Cause Foot Pain? A good example of foot pain caused by dehydration is gout. This is a form of arthritis that can cause extreme pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints of your foot, especially in your big toe.

domain: medical


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Rebecca’s #CBR4 Review #30: Fables-Animal Farm by Bill Winningham et al.
I really enjoyed the first volume of Fables, a comic series that follows the stories of various characters from fables, fairytales and folklore as they live in the normal world, exiled from their homelands by a mysterious adversary. Animal Farm continues in the same world, but moves its focus from the fables that live in the city to an upstate farm, where non-human fables – animals, goblins, trolls and other creatures – and any other fable that cannot pass as human live.
In Animal Farm, some of these fables rebel and attempt to stage a coup. Goldilocks is a radical revolutionary, who preaches that those who refuse to engage in inter-species relationships are discriminating. (She is in a relationship with one of the three bears). They rebel and attempt to take over the farm by force in order to receive better treatment and not be forced to do labor on the farm due to their appearance.
While it gives lip service to the complaints of these fables, it unfortunately glosses over them and always keeps the reader firmly on the side of Snow, who is visiting the farm. It does complicate the world of the fables, giving it dozens of new characters and types of characters to explore.

domain: entertainment


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The Proud Family Movie
The Proud Family Movie is a Disney Channel Original Movie based on the Disney Channel animated series, The Proud Family. It premiered on August 19, 2005 and was the finale to the show’s original run.
It's Penny Proud's 16th birthday, and she is excited for herself and her friends to be part of Fifteen Cent's dance group, due to the fact that he's Sticky's cousin. However, when Fifteen drives her home, her father, Oscar Proud, gets mad when he finds them kissing. He grounds Penny indefinitely and cancels her birthday, after which Penny outrageously resents him as her father.
Oscar manages to create a serum that could make his Proud Snacks tastier but it instead causes the snack to expand and explode. As he is hauled away, he protests that his formula has no expiration date, which is overheard by Dr. Carver, who has been trying to create an army of humanoid peanuts but never got his formula stabilized and plots to get it. Disguising himself, Carver invites the Proud family to Legome Island. Trudy forces Oscar and Penny to go, hoping they will bond. Upon arrival, the Prouds meet the G-nomes, dwarf-sized creatures made from peanuts.
Carver tries to negotiate obtaining the formula from Oscar but when he refused, he reveals he has created peanut clones of his family from DNA snatched from them while they were partying. Oscar runs away and tries explaining to his family but they don't believe him. Meanwhile, the clones get a mix-up when the real Penny comes with them back to the mainland to search for the formula, while her clone remains with the original family. Penny soon enjoys the free life, which the clones allowed her, but gets tired of it soon enough.
At that moment mysterious Cashew leads the Prouds and the Penny clone on a perilous journey to the other side of the island, saying there is someone who can answer their questions. Along the way, the Penny clone proves to be the kind of daughter Oscar desires—obedient. When they meet the person the Cashew wanted them to meet, he turns out to be Dr. Carver, who explains that he created a clone of himself out of a peanut. Unfortunately, the clone went sizzling crisp in the sun one day and turned to evil. Donning a disguise of his original form, the clone took over the island and the Cashews, turning Carver's peanut research for evil. Oscars realizes his formula is the key and tells the family he had left it in a locket for Penny's birthday, which she opened back home. Her clone informs the other clones, who take the formula. Penny gathers her friends to go back to Legome and rescue her family. Unfortunately, the Carver clone is set to bring his peanut soldier army to conquer the world and had already left. The original gives Penny a container of gas that could instantly turn solid peanuts into peanut butter. Just as Penny was on the verge of releasing the gas, the clone offers her the free life—without rules or responsibilities. However, Penny retorts that her family is looking out for her and unleashes the gas, foiling the clone's plot. Penny and her friends then end the movie with a song.
Why It Rocks
- This film stays faithful to its source material.
- The entire Proud Family, the original cast, and antagonists are memorable.
- A decent and exciting storyline.
- The evil clone of Dr. Marcus Garvey Carver II was a decent and intimidating antagonist. His musical number is also spot-on for a villain song.
- The dance-off battle scene between Penny's gang vs the Peanut creatures is cool.
- A few understandable moments.
- Penny's desire for making her own decision is understandable, while all Oscar wanted was to keep her safe and have an obedient daughter.
- The scene where Penny mistakens her family for lookalike clones created by the fake Carver II while her real family mistakes the fake Penny for the real one is also understandable due to each side being lookalikes.
- Aside from the fake Carver II's song, the other musical numbers are cool, with the last one being the greatest example (the one where Penny and her friends perform with Fifteen Cent's band at the stadium).
- The last battle scene was thrilling, exciting, and fun, along with the defeat of the fake Carver II.
- Penny and Oscar make up later on.
- Oscar demands Suga Mama to give him respect for once because he was getting sick of how she has been treating him.
- The epilouge scene is also funny (Puff, Suga Mama's poodle grows gigiantic from drinking an energy drink created by Oscar and destroys half of the town until Suga Mama puts an end to it by drinking some herself and growing).
- Though Dr. Carver II's clone was a decent but intimidating villain, he was one of those generic villains with a tragic backstory that causes him to find a way to seek revenge and plan to take over the world.
- The scenes where Penny and Oscar argue can get annoying, depending on your view, despite either side could be taken because all Oscar wanted was a daughter who could obey and respect him while all Penny wanted was to make her own decisions because she turned 16.
- Speaking of Oscar, he was a bit unlikeable as he tends to be very overbearing by refusing to let Penny go to the dance off hosted by Fifteen Cent (Sticky's cousin), and when she did by sneaking out, going in the dance, and getting caught with Cent in his van by Oscar when he noticed it being in front of his house, he gives Penny the worse punishment by grounding her, cancelling her birthday, and tried to forbid her from growing up and becoming an adult when he can't do that because everybody turns from children to adults(even Trudy had the mind to point it out by saying Oscar was being unreasonable).
The Proud Family Movie was initially set to be released as a direct-to-video film, but was instead theatrically on August 19, 2005 by Warner Bros. Pictures, and received mainly mixed to negative reviews from critics. It earned over $89 million worldwide on its $60 million budget, and was a box office bomb.
- This was said to be the series finale of The Proud Family, but since the show will get rebooted, it won't be.
- There is no telling if the reboot will follow up from the events of this film.
- Penny is now allowed to make her own decisions and has a license.
- There is also no telling if Suga Mama will keep treating Oscar like how he did throughout the series and in the beginning of the film before the scene where Oscar demanded for her to give him respect.


Spinning Sorrow: The Uses and Abuses of Forgiveness in the Public Sphere
In a recent column, Michael Gerson of the Washington Post explains that this discussion from EPPC’s Faith Angle Forum sheds light on the “acute shortage of public integrity at the highest level of our politics.”
Republicans Race Democrats to Dig the Deeper Grave
The GOP has sunk farther thanks to a full-on suicide that not even a novelist would have imagined.
Trump, Kaine, and More Illusions
American Catholics for whom the noun, not the adjective, is determinative are thus faced with a brutal fact: Our deeply wounded political culture has produced two impossible options in the 2016 Republican and Democratic tickets.
Where Does a Patriot Turn in 2016?
Donald Trump and President Obama share the philosophy that America causes more problems than it solves, and no champion of conservatism is left.
A new book offers a sometimes interesting, sometimes tedious assessment of the legacy of Chief Justice Burger’s Supreme Court.
What “Hillbilly Elegy” Reveals About Trump and America
In the realm of race, sex, and class, the pandering to groups goes beyond bad economics and government waste and into the dangerous territory of pitting Americans against one another. The problems of the white working class should concern every public-spirited American not because they’ve been forgotten or taken for granted but because they are fellow Americans.
I shall undoubtedly vote for Republicans down the ballot in November. Leading Republicans still promote an agenda of national renewal that seems to me more reflective of Catholic social doctrine than anything on offer from the Democrats. But I cannot bring myself to vote for Donald Trump for president, even under the rubric of playing strategic electoral defense.
Why I Am Not a Cruzite
Politicians position and hedge and dodge. Understood. But when that positioning comes in the form of undermining a key institution, such as the Republican party, it’s playing with fire.
Yuval Levin on How the Republican Party Lost its Way
EPPC Hertog Fellow Yuval Levin discusses Donald Trump, conservatism, the future of the Republican Party, and much more.
Why Conservatives Failed to Stop Donald Trump
#NeverTrump never coalesced around an alternative candidate because the conservative movement is in a full-blown identity crisis.


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This draft officially has had everything, and we’re not even through two rounds yet.
On Friday night in Cleveland, the NFL brought out a fake Macho Man Randy Savage with a championship belt and everything.
The fans loved it.
Check it out:
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‘Avengers: Endgame’: How Elizabeth Olsen’s Facebook Watch Show Prepared Her For This Pivotal Scene
Most actors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have a lot of other projects going on. And sometimes, they can inform their work in these films. Here’s how Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlet Witch) says her latest project helped her with a very important scene in Avengers: Endgame.
Elizabeth Olsen plays Scarlet Witch in the MCU
Olsen got her start as a child, appearing in her older sisters’ projects (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen). But it wasn’t until she was in her 20s that she began to appear in films, beginning with the 2011 drama Martha Marcy May Marlene.
After several more notable films, Olsen’s big break came with Avengers: Age of Ultron, in which she portrays Wanda Maximoff, an orphan who was experimented on. Her twin brother dies in the film, but Olsen continued to appear in Marvel movies including Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Endgame.
She also stars in the Facebook Watch series ‘Sorry For Your Loss’
While she has thrived on the big screen, Olsen hasn’t had much TV experience. That is until she began starring in the 2018 Facebook Watch series Sorry for Your Loss, for which she is also an executive producer.
The drama series portrays Olsen as Leigh Shaw, a young widower who struggles to figure out her life after her husband passes. The ten-episode first season aired from Sept-Oct 2018. Now, four episodes of Season 2 have been released, with more on the way.
Olsen said she was ‘tuned up’ to fight Thanos
These are two very different projects: One’s a massive, worldwide phenomenon, and the other is what Olsen says is like shooting “an independent film every week,” she said to Seth Meyers recently. However, she adds, “I feel like my body’s tuned up when I get to go back to Avengers.”
“I come back in there and I fight Thanos,” Olsen continued. “And we reshot that after I did the first season of Sorry For Your Loss, and I was like, ‘I’m so much better now and more powerful!’ I felt so great to do that, to get to have that shot one more time at him.”
She’ll also star in the upcoming ‘WandaVision’ series
Olsen isn’t done yet with the MCU. At San Diego Comic-Con 2019, it was revealed that she and Paul Bettany will star in an upcoming Disney+ series, titled WandaVision.
Details are scarce for the show, which is due out in 2021, but given that Vision is no longer alive in the MCU, we can assume it will take place in the past, perhaps during their time in hiding in between the events of Civil War and Infinity War.
How Olsen handles Marvel secrets
One thing everyone knows about Marvel is how closely the company keeps its secrets, while still trying to “tease” what info they can. Many stars, like Tom Holland, have struggled with this. Olsen finds it difficult as well, she told Meyers.
“I either just forego the NDA [nondisclosure agreement] and I tell my friends everything, or I say nothing at all,” she said. She said that at Comic-Con, she was supposed to say a particular sentence, but she ended up messing it up. At least she didn’t spoil anything!


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PHOTO: A woman stands on the sidewalk as people cross a street in this undated photo illustration. A national hotline to help victims and survivors of human trafficking is now taking calls, with the organization behind the initiative saying it hoped the service would also fill crucial gaps in public knowledge about the issue. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Karen Joyner
Back in June 2018, that municipality’s regional council endorsed a three-year pilot program that saw the creation of a safe/emergency house, a transition house, and a dedicated service hub.
A follow-up evaluation determined this ‘Strategy to Address Human Sex Trafficking in Peel’ was successful in “achieving its intended outcome to increase awareness and coordinated access to dedicated services to victims, survivors, and those at-risk of sex trafficking in Peel.”
With the COVID-19 pandemic further amplifying the need for service provision and housing for human sex trafficking survivors in Peel, the Region recently approved the strategy as a permanent $2.1 million program as part of its 2022 budget.
The Region of Peel, which includes the cities of Mississauga and Brampton and the town of Caledon, is the first municipality in Ontario to implement long-term, sustainable services and supports for those impacted by human sex trafficking.
Peel’s strategy aligns with Ontario’s anti-human trafficking strategy 2020-2025 by addressing human trafficking through prevention, intervention, and exits and ensuring people can access services and supports without having to leave their community.
“Human sex trafficking is a crime that impacts our entire community and requires a long-term community response,” said Sonia Pace, Region of Peel’s director of community partnerships, in a release.
“The Strategy becoming permanent is a big win for the Community Partnerships team; this will enable us to continue our efforts in providing trauma- informed, survivor-centred services to support victims/survivors in rebuilding their lives.”
Human trafficking is a crime that can happen to anyone, but primarily impacts women.
Most victims of trafficking are between 12 and 24 years old.
Cases in Ontario account for more than 70 per cent of all reported instances in Canada. Sixty-two per cent of Canadian human trafficking cases originate in the GTA, which is due in part due to access to major highways and an international airport.


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Nissan Design America (NDA) debuted three new concept vehicles based on the new, second generation Frontier at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. The new version of the Frontier was unveiled in February of 2021 and is already off to a strong start, with sales up 115% over the previous model in the first three months since hitting dealer showrooms. The Project 72X, Project Hardbody, and Project Adventure concepts provide three different takes on the platform, all tied to the manufacturer’s 62 years of truck heritage.
Project 72X Frontier
With so much of the new Frontier’s design referencing the iconic Nissan Hardbody design of the ‘80s and ‘90s, it’s no surprise that NDA had design nostalgia. The Project 72X is a reimagining of one of Nissan’s early pickup truck successes and its first vehicle manufactured in the United States, the Datsun 720. Based on a 2022 Crew Cab S 4×4, the design of the Project 72X combines design cues of the Datsun with its retro body graphics, white steelies, and sport bar behind the cab with modern PRO-X tires, 2.5-inch lift, and adjustable front upper suspension arms.
NDA has been vocal about referencing the Hardbody D21 DNA and off-road racing bona fides in the new Frontier. Project Hardbody develops that design connection further by giving us their contemporary take on a built-up Hardbody of the ‘80s and ‘90s. In essence, this is the evolution on what those of us that were around back then dreamed of doing to our Nissan trucks, had we been old enough to own them. The concept truck is based on a Frontier Crew Cab SV 4×4 model, with a 3-inch lift, Hardbody-inspired block wheels, 33-inch tires, sport bar, and a bed-mounted spare tire carrier.
The Project Adventure concept is NDA’s take on an overland-centered build using the Frontier platform. The design is based on a Crew Cab PRO-4X model, augmented with 34-inch mud terrains and a 5-inch suspension lift. A roof top tent atop a Yakima bed rack system, a set of Maxtrax recovery boards, a custom carbon fiber snorkel, and the obligatory overlandesque map on the side of the build round out the theme.
While none of the concepts are scheduled for production, they do provide a glimpse into the platform’s potential. The new 310-horsepower body-on-frame design features a 9-speed automatic transmission, improved fuel efficiency, and a long list of new or improved safety, technology, and driver-assist features. While the Frontier has long had a passionate group of fans in the overland community, the new platform is likely to become a more prevalent overlanding platform moving forward.


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Ford Media Center
Dearborn, Mich., Oct. 18, 2018 – Ford Motor Company is increasing Ford GT production to 1,350 vehicles after more than 6,500 applicants raced to sign up for the original 1,000 cars allotted in 2016 – even before the car recaptured LeMans glory later that year.
“The response to our Ford GT has been unprecedented, with initial demand outstripping supply by more than six-to-one,” said Hermann Salenbauch, Ford Performance director. “By extending the Ford GT production run for a limited period, we’re able to maintain the exclusivity of the ultra-desirable supercar while offering the ownership experience to a greater number of customers.”
Ford is re-opening the application window to customers hoping to join the exclusive group of Ford GT owners starting Nov. 8 for select global markets. Prospective owners will be able to submit their applications for 30 days at FordGT.com.
Successful applicants will work with the Ford GT Concierge Service for a personalized purchase experience of cars produced in the 2020 to 2022 calendar years.
Production of the Ford GT – powered by a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and featuring a carbon fiber architecture, active aerodynamics and 216 mph top speed – began in December 2016.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 182,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com.


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How are you going?
Since I spoke to you last my mother has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer - a tumour that was detected on a routine mammogram. More stress for everyone!
I just wanted to say that I have an appointment to see a hypnotherapist in a few days. I have already had one appointment and spoke to him for 2 hours! I did feel better when I left even though we didn't get time to do any actual hypnosis. I am hoping to discover whether any of my physical problems are psychosomatic in nature. He has indicated that he will be able to change my response to stress. I would also like him to implant the suggestion that Sugar doesn't taste so good any more, since when I feel down I just can't resist things like coffee and sugar, even though I know they will cause me more pain a few hours later. Weak!!! I don't know whether the hypnotherapy will have any effect on my abdominal pain, but at least when I feel less distressed I am more able to cope with the pain. I'll let you know what happens.
BTW, I have done 25 Liver Flushes in the last year and a bit as well as three lots of parasite cleansing and three lots of several weeks on psyllium and bentonite. None of these things have made me feel any worse. The Liver Cleansing I feel has been a big success as it helped me to lose over 100 pounds, I no longer have any need for asthma medication and my hay fever/grass pollen allergy is reduced by around 95%. However, I don't feel that it has made any difference to my bowel symptoms. I will continue the Liver Flushing (I still get discomfort in the gallbladder area); I am even toying with the idea of drinking Coca Cola (yuk!) to see if the phosphoric acid has an effect.


The result of the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner vote is expected within the hour according to our reporter at the count in Aylesbury.
More top news
Monday afternoon's weather for the east of the region
Monday afternoon's weather for the west of the region
Two men involved in the supply of Class A drugs in Tunbridge Wells have been jailed for more than nine years.


HOLLYWOOD blockbuster Robin Hood, which features scenes fimed in the countryside around Ashbourne, is to finally get two special screenings in the area this month.
Two of the area’s main cinema projects, the Empire Cinema Group and Hulland Film, have secured the blockbuster from Universal Pictures and mobile cinema firm Reels on Wheels will be helping the two groups lay on the film for families in and around Ashbourne.
The Empire Cinema Group will be showing the Russell Crowe remake of the classic legend at 7.30pmon Friday, June 11, with doors open at the Empire Ballroom at 7pm,.
Hulland Film, meanwhile, will screen the film at 7pm on Saturday, June 19, with doors open at Hulland Ward Millenium Village Hall at 6.30pm.
Empire Cinema Group member Andrea Cooke said: “This is definitely not the usual story of ‘robbing the rich to feed the poor’ with an evil Sheriff of Nottingham.
“This is a new story with plenty of big action scenes, so forget everything you think you know about Robin Hood, and come and see a completely different slant on the local legend.” Hulland Film organiser Wendy Whitbread, who hinted committee members might be donning tights at the screening as they show people to their seats, said: “Films that have been set in the area are always so popular, however small the part it plays.
“We tend to get people in from all sorts of places to see them, as it makes the film more interesting for people, as they can sit and try and recognise places.
“I think it shows we live in a very ‘filmable’ area.” The two groups will also be showing family favourites as matinees, with Hulland Film screening Nanny McPhee at 2.30pm on Sunday, June 6, and the Empire screening How to Train Your Dragon at 11am on Saturday, June 12.
Advance tickets to the Ashbourne films, are available by telephoning 01335 300140.
Hulland Ward tickets can be booked by telephoning the box office on 01335 370257 or calling into the village shop.
Both venues will also be selling tickets on the door, subject to availability.


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Kareemkhan and Co.
9/0/1, Aghadinagar CHS, Sher e Punjab, Andheri(E),
Tel. 09769272974, 09890414495
The Present Legal Service Provider deals in Criminal Laws, Waqf, Family Laws, Intellectual Property Laws. we also work for NGOs to provide free legal aid to the poor and the victim of the system. and our tagline is

domain: law


text:
Put an END to Caste-based Reservation in India.
This petition had 7 supporters
Caste based reservation system in India was meant for uplifting / encouraging certain classes of the society, which have been suppressed over a period of time or deprived access to certain systems / facilities of the society in the past (may be in the Pre-independent India, but not now anymore). Even Dr. B R Ambedkar, one of the author's of our Constitution, has advised that the reservation system should not continue beyond certain level.
Today, we face a situation like a person getting into a school/college through caste based reservation. The same person secures a Govt. job based on reservation, then later becomes eligible for a promotion, also based on the same reservation. And, as if that is not enough, his children and their children and so on, also are eligible for reservation in the same way. This is a fallacy which the constitution writers have warned us about.
There is an urgent need to implement a policy that any person can use his caste based reservation only once in his lifetime. Thereafter for all purposes, he/she and his kin, may only compete under the general category. This is a slow but sure way of containing this leakage.
Plugging this leakage is a politically controversial issue for a Govt., which has to go for election every 5 years, and thus successive governments have managed not to touch this issue. But the silence and patience with which the citizens of the country have accepted de-monetization, should work as a guiding force for bolder decisions by the Govt.
As this leakage is continuing unplugged even today, we find many a talent leaving the country for better prospects to other countries where such inequalities are not there. Others who remain in the country are highly de-motivated and are thereby less productive. This is sheer self-destruction. And, as a nation aiming to be a world leader, India cannot ignore its own talent this way.
I strongly support the removal of caste based reservation system in India (or its phase-wise removal atleast). How about you?
Today: Surya Kumar is counting on you
Surya Kumar Mangipudi needs your help with “Prime Minister of India: Put an END to Caste-based Reservation in India.”. Join Surya Kumar and 6 supporters today.

domain: politics


McLaren MP4-12C launched: The company
Ron Dennis, who for years was seen on television masterminding McLaren's Formula One team from the pit wall of circuits around the world, now heads McLaren Automotive, with Antony Sheriff, formerly of Fiat, as his managing director.
They are establishing a new production facility at Woking, next to the technology centre that engineers and develops the team's Formula One cars.
The plan is to start by building the MP4-12C at the rate of 1000 a year and to expand to a four-car range producing 4000 a year. Two of those additional cars are already in development.
'We are looking at everything diverse styles, packaging solutions and drivetrains,' says Dennis. 'But given the nature of the business we are involved in, I think it would be fair to say that the cars we produce will all have two seats and the engine in the back.'
More photos of the McLaren MP4-12C
> McLaren MP4-12C picture 1
> McLaren MP4-12C picture 2
> McLaren MP4-12C picture 3
> McLaren MP4-12C picture 4
> McLaren MP4-12C picture 5
> McLaren MP4-12C picture 6McLaren's aim is not to be the world's biggest sports-car manufacturer, but to be the best. 'Developing cars that are as good as our competitors is not good enough,' says Sheriff. 'We want to push technology to the edge of the edge of what's possible.'
Every single component of the MP4-12C is unique to McLaren. Even the most minor switch is designed and built to the company's specification.
The simulator that Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton use to perfect their Formula One cars has also been used to hone the MP4-12C.
'It's widely acknowledged as being the best in the world,' says Martin Whitmarsh, the Formula One team principal. 'To use something like this for road-car development is unheard of, but it meant that the performance of our first prototype right out of the box was fantastic.'
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These colorful and funny cocktail mixers are a small-sized representation of the masks used during the Carnival of Barranquilla– a celebration that takes place every February in the city of the same name.
The masks that inspired the Ave Cocktail Picks are carved in wood and have their origin in West Africa. This technique came to the Colombian Caribbean coast during colonial times.
The animal figures used for this type of handicrafts represent not only the cultural heritage but also, the biodiversity of America and Africa.
Style your table with extraordinary treasures full of history and color!


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€450m of building projects under way in office sector
MORE than 50 office-related building projects costing more than €450m are under way in Dublin and around the country.
In addition a further 145 projects costing up to €178m have received planning approval while 202 new planning applications for projects costing €394m were made over the last 12 months.
This level of activity is a substantial increase on the 2012 figures when planning applications were submitted for 135 new office projects costing a combined €131m.
Only 91 projects costing €95m were approved in 2012. These figures were compiled by Construction Information Services (CIS) at the request of the Irish Independent.
Almost all of the projects where work has begun are being undertaken by owner occupiers and many of these involve extensions or new building work on existing buildings.
In addition two major new speculative development projects have got underway in Dublin.
These include the redevelopment of the site of the former Canada House offices, a corner site at 65-68 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, comprising approximately 6,900sqm.
With a design and build cost of €19m to €20m, this high quality development has already attracted offers from prospective tenants and buyers even though the marketing will not get underway until late Spring and the construction will not be completed until December 2015.
It is being developed by Island Capital, a company owned by communications billionaire Denis O'Brien.
Richard Strappe, investment director of Island, is very pleased with the response from the market. "What looked like a risk a year ago has turned out not to be one," he adds. The agents are Jones Lang LaSalle and Knight Frank.
Meanwhile, in Dublin 4, Comer Brothers have started work on the office element of the former Veterinary College site, extending between Shelbourne Road and Pembroke Road in Ballsbridge.
The original planning permission allows for an office element measuring 15,600sqm. It has been estimated that the office component of this mixed use development could cost €22m. Comer had not responded to a request for information before we went to press.
Marion Finnegan of DTZ Sherry FitzGerald estimates that about 22,500sqm of speculative office development was underway in Dublin's central business district area at the end of last month. She also expects a number of other office projects to commence construction during 2014.
The Central Bank and NAMA are also gearing up for projects, the former on north docklands and the latter on south docklands although it may be 2015 before site works get underway.
In the interim, the market is expected to absorb the current excess space.
Hannah Dwyer, head of research at Jones Lang LaSalle, estimates that Dublin currently has 7.1 million sq ft of vacant office space which is a vacancy rate of 18pc. The vacancy rate in the city centre at 14.9pc is significantly lower than the suburbs' where it stands at 21.9pc.
She estimates that Dublin has 2.1 million sq ft of vacant Grade A space, with just over half, 1.1 million sq ft, in the city centre. This is across 36 buildings, of which seven have availability greater than 40,000 sq ft. However four of these are currently under offer.
But the new office related developments are not confined to Dublin. Indeed the largest project is a €100m innovation centre being developed by Kerry Group in Naas, Co Kildare.
Meanwhile, in Cork pharmaceutical multinational Eli Lily is investing €10m in the office element of a major development.
In Galway an 8,260sqm office building at a cost of €10.4m is being developed by Hewlett Packard and a local developer at HP's site in Ballybrit.
The fact that most of the current 50 projects are being undertaken by owner occupiers and 35 of them outside Dublin may offer some encouragement to developers. However vacancy levels are still quite high in Cork, at 21pc and Limerick, 23pc.
According to DTZ availability in Galway has fallen to less than 50,000sqm or 16.7pc.
In Dublin among the owner occupiers with major projects underway is book seller Amazon's Data Services subsidiary which is undertaking a €7.8m project at Clonshaugh Business and Technology Park on Dublin's northside.
With a floor area of 5,341 sq m and including a loading bay as well as two storey offices and a workshop, it is expected to be completed next September.
In west Dublin IBM is undertaking a €6.1m project which will see the conversion of a warehouse to offices at the IBM Technology Campus, Damastown Industrial Park, Dublin 15. This follows IBM's receipt of planning permission last July for change of use of 6,904sqm of ground floor space at an existing building for use as office, call centre, business continuity and recovery, and science and technology work.
Marie Hunt of CBRE is among the agents who are quite optimistic about further speculative development getting underway in Dublin this year following the 25pc increase in prime office rents in Dublin 2 and 4 during 2013. She predicts that these rents will increase a further 15pc this year to reach €435 per sq m or €40 per sq ft by next January.
"On the basis that new development is feasible at these rental values we expect to see the beginning of the next wave of office development during the next 12 months. This will be supported by the Dublin Docklands Strategic Development Zone later this year," she adds.
Meanwhile, in Cork, Lisney point out that rents, which stabilised in a range of €150 to €190 per sqm for Grade A city centre space, will need to increase to encourage refurbishment of city centre offices. "Nevertheless limited instances of this may occur in 2014," they add.


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DENVER - David Mueller, the former DJ who was ordered to pay Taylor Swift a symbolic $1 after losing a groping lawsuit he filed against her, says Swift’s money is in the mail.
Swift and her mother, Andrea Swift, and the singer’s radio handler Frank Bell, were sued by Mueller when he lost his KYGO-FM job after allegations emerged that Mueller groped Swift during a 2013 meet-and-greet photo op in Denver.
In August, a judge threw out Mueller’s suit and ordered Mueller to pay Swift a symbolic $1.
Mueller told The Associated Press that he sent the singer a Sacagawea coin last week. The money was meant as a dig at the singer in response to Swift’s team calling the ruling a victory for women.
“I mean, if this is all about women’s rights…It’s a little poke at them, a little bit,” he told The AP in August after the trial. “I mean, I think they made this into a publicity stunt, and this is my life.”
Mueller provided The AP a letter that showed the payment was sent Nov. 28.
Swift, who was named one of the Silence Breakers, TIME’s Person of the Year, spoke to the magazine about her Aug. 10 testimony in the suit. At the time of the interview, she said she hadn’t received the payment from Mueller.
“When the jury found in my favor, the man who sexually assaulted me was court-ordered to give me a symbolic $1,” Swift said. “To this day, he has not paid me that dollar, and I think that act of defiance is symbolic in itself.”
Swift also had advice for her fans after the experience.
“My advice is that you not blame yourself and do not accept the blame others will try to place on you,” Swift told Time. “You should not be blamed for waiting 15 minutes or 15 days or 15 years to report sexual assault or harassment, or for the outcome of what happens to a person after he or she makes the choice to sexually harass or assault you.”
© 2018 Cox Media Group.


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Mysterious Castle - 3D Puzzle l Version: 1.0.3 | Size: 8.41MB Developers: OpenXcell Technolabs Pvt. Ltd. | Language: English
Mysterious Castle is an engaging piece of entertainment that is quite hard to put down. The mystery/puzzle conquest is nicely built within the entire plot and backed by an awesome gameplay experience. The game is consisted of 10 interesting levels with increasing difficulty as the user goes up. With some breathtaking UI and sound effects, Mysterious Castle is worth playing.
Challenge yourself in this addictive, free puzzle game and watchout for the absolute 3D level with realtime navigation
10 challenging levels:
↗ Addictive mini puzzles!
↗ Gorgeous graphics and different themed environment!


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The 2011 NHL Entry Draft is approaching. On Friday, June 24, the first round of the draft will be completed. It'll be aired live on VERSUS and TSN at 7 PM EST. The New Jersey Devils will host a draft party at the AmeriHealth Pavilion and Mulberry Street for those who've registered on the Devils' website. On Saturday, June 25, the rest of the draft will take place: rounds two through seven. This will start at 11 AM EST and will be aired on the NHL Network.
The New Jersey Devils won the NHL Draft lottery and will select fourth overall. Per the NHL's released order of the draft, they will be selecting eighth in subsequent rounds with two exceptions. The first is in the second round, as the Devils traded this pick to Nashville in the Jason Arnott deal last summer. The second is their original third round pick, which was forfeited due to the NHL making up a punishment for the Ilya Kovalchuk contract. The Devils will currently get Dallas' third round pick, 75th overall, as the conditional pick in the Jamie Langenbrunner trade. This will only change if Dallas signs Langenbrunner before the draft; then the pick would be upgraded to Dallas' second round pick at 44th overall. In summary, the Devils are currently picking 4th, 75th, 99th, 129th, 159th, and 189th overall.
Over the last month or so, Tom, Kevin, and myself have done a myriad of prospect profiles. Not just to identify who the Devils will take with their first round pick, but players they could be selecting later on in the draft. Potential third rounders or longshots to be seventh rounders. Some of these players may not get selected at all by New Jersey. Some won't be selected at all. All the same, I believe it was an informative enough exercise to learn about who's out there throughout the entire draft. Hopefully you found it the same way.
Beyond the jump, I've included links to each and every one of the profiles we have done since May 22. I hope you find some value in them individually as well as an easy reference in this very post.
Profiles are presented in alphabetical order with position and their 2010-11 team. Here's a fun game for the draft: see where these players actually go. Keep in mind, players may go earlier or later than we expected when writing these; hence, the inclusion of "potential."
Potential First Round Profiles
Sean Couturier - Center, Drummondville (QMJHL)
Jonathan Huberdeau - Center/Left Wing, Saint John (QMJHL)
Gabriel Landeskog - Left Wing, Kitchener (OHL)
Adam Larsson - Defenseman, Skellefteå AIK (SEL)
Ryan Murphy - Defenseman, Kitchener (OHL)
Ryan Strome - Center, Niagara (OHL)
Potential Mid-Draft (Rounds 2-5) Profiles
Rasmus Bengtsson - Defenseman, Rögle BK (Allsvenskan)
Reid Boucher - Center, USNTDP (USHL)
Gabriel Bourret - Defenseman, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
Jeremy Boyce-Rotevall, Left Wing, Timrå IK (SEL)
Magnus Hellberg - Goaltender, Almtuna (Allsvenskan)
Zac Larraza - Left Wing, USNTDP (USHL)
Matt Killian - Defenseman, Delbarton (U.S. High School)
Michael Paliotta - Defenseman, USNTDP (USHL)
Brennan Serville - Defenseman, Stouville (OJHL)
Dillon Simpson - Defenseman, North Dakota (WCHA)
Colin Sullentrop - Defenseman, Oshawa (OHL)
Johan Sundström - Right Wing, Frölunda (SEL)
Troy Vance - Defenseman, Victoriaville (QMJHL)
Austin Wuthrich - Right Wing, USNTDP (USHL)
Zachary Yuen - Defenseman, Tri-City (WHL)
Potential Late-Round (Rounds 6 & 7) Profiles
Gustav Björklund - Forward, Västerås IK (Allsvenskan)
Nick Bligh - Center, Dexter School (U.S. High School)
David Broll - Left Wing, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Sam Jardine - Defenseman, Camrose (AJHL)
Peter McMullen - Left Wing, Delbarson (U.S. High School)
Cody McNaughton - Right Wing, Guelph (OHL)
Jonathan Parker - Right Wing, Prince Albert (WHL)
Ryan Renz - Defenseman, Vernon (BCHL)
One Last Link
2011 NHL Mock Draft Database - Need a mock draft? How about at least 40 of them, regularly updated and with links to the mocks themselves? This link will give you what you need should you need mocks.

domain: sports


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It was a smorgasbord of Squamish issues.
Gas prices, ICBC, regional transit, BC Assessments — and even an incumbent MLA addressing a fellow party member who has controversial views on conversion therapy — were highlights of the Oct. 8 all-candidates debate.
The event, hosted by the Squamish Chamber of Commerce and moderated by Doug Munroe of Politikos Research, was polite and had all the markings of a standard political debate — except that this time, participants were separated by computer screens rather than rostrums.
The Squamish Chief, Tourism Squamish, the Downtown Squamish BIA and the Squamish Arts Council were partners in the event.
This was the first debate in Squamish held online over Zoom, and candidates tuned in from their homes to an audience, which, at one point, was close to 100.
Two fresh faces vied for attention over the incumbent MLA Jordan Sturdy, a BC Liberal.
Keith Murdoch, a union organizer, sought to sell the BC NDP's platform while Jeremy Valeriote, the BC Green Party's choice for the riding, tried to position himself as a candidate for a party whose time has arrived in the Sea to Sky.
The NDP Candidate
Murdoch painted the NDP as the sole party that had the interests of small business in mind,
"The Greens and Liberals, in my view, they seem to be more supportive of supporting big businesses like Vail where the NDP are focused in helping those who need it — the small and medium-sized businesses that are local," he said.
It was a view that was challenged by both other candidates.
Murdoch recited one of the NDP's statistics, saying that the party had added 60,000 jobs, in their three years in power.
He touted the party's promise to deliver $3 billion a year over three years for hospitals, schools and infrastructure projects, which would presumably create about 18,000 jobs.
He said $300 million in grants would also be given to small and medium businesses.
Perhaps one of Murdoch's better moments was when he was the first to bring up a long-bemoaned issue in Squamish — gas prices.
He presented cracking down on high prices as a way to fund regional transit via a motor fuel tax.
"There are some challenges within your region specifically [regarding] price gouging with gas," said Murdoch. "And that the fuel within your region...they're charging it like there's already a transit tax associated [with] it. The NDP is committed to go after these gas companies who are overcharging customers in this region. That would then create some space for a transit tax to be put in for municipalities."
Recently, the NDP government has launched an investigation into fuel prices in Squamish. Earlier this year, then Energy Minister Bruce Ralston told The Squamish Chief that the B.C. Utilities Commission was looking into pricing around town.
He said that the authority will gather information on the cause of the pricing and then present it to the public. The hope is that it will name and shame vendors who are overcharging.
Ralston, however, did not commit to regulating gas prices, which makes it unclear if there will be any tangible penalties to vendors who are overcharging.
Murdoch said he supported ICBC and that the NDP has gone to great lengths to revitalize the Crown corporation.
He said it is a better alternative to privatized insurance as it is an entity that is not seeking profit.
Murdoch said any shortcomings of the company can be attributed to what he considered to be the BC Liberals' misusing the corporation as their own "personal piggy bank."
On the daycare front, he said there are currently 32,000 families in the province who are receiving $10-a-day — or less — daycare.
Murdoch said that he hopes the NDP will be able to expand the program into the Sea to Sky.
The BC Liberal Candidate
Perhaps the most challenging part of the debate fell to Sturdy, who was asked to deal with a question from a parent of a transgender child.
The parent wanted to know what Sturdy would do to keep his party accountable in light of a revelation that some BC Liberals had been advertising in a Christian magazine that has espoused contentious views around the LGBTQ community, especially concerning conversion therapy.
In one article, the Light Magazine questioned a proposed bill that would outlaw conversion therapy in B.C.
CTV News Vancouver then reported that Laurie Throness, the BC Liberal MLA for Chilliwack-Hope, said he would advertise in the magazine again because it aligns with his values as a "Biblical Christian" and it's an important way to reach his constituents.
"Biblical Christians follow their Lord in their sexual practice. They don't attack other people, they don't condemn other people, because Jesus did not condemn other people," Throness told CTV.
"They withdraw from sex outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. That has nothing to do with intolerance, it has everything to do with following their conscience and following their Lord."
However, an official with the Liberal caucus later told CTV News Vancouver that no more advertising dollars will be spent on the Light Magazine, not even for Throness.
When faced with the question about the Liberals' stance on LGBTQ rights, Sturdy said that there is no room for the BC Liberal party for hate or bigotry of any sort.
"I know Mr. Throness personally, and he's one of the people that I think that this question is oriented towards, and...we're not aligned on all things, I am confident that he's a man that is very tolerant and is loving of all people."
"It's a... broad... party, and there's a range of different views, and we tolerate different views. But the stand of the party is there is no room for hate or bigotry in British Columbia or in [the] BC Liberal party."
Aside from that, many of the questions that Sturdy fielded were more routine.
He challenged Murdoch's words on regional transit.
"That would be a little more believable if there was a demonstrated commitment by this government, by the NDP, to fund regional transit," said Sturdy.
He said local governments and First Nations have all decided on a funding formula that works.
Sturdy called the NDP's proposal to base much of the costs on property taxes "inequitable."
The incumbent MLA also took a question about one of the most complained-about topics facing small businesses — BC Assessment's practice of valuing a property based on its potential use, rather than its current use.
"The highest, best use taxation structure is one very prejudicial to small businesses and small landlords," Sturdy said.
He said the BC Liberals would bring a solution to the matter, creating a split assessment that would create a valuation based on both the current use and potential use.
This would lower the amount of property tax a small business would have to pay.
Concerning liquefied natural gas, Sturdy said that there's a 20-to-30 year window where natural gas will remain in demand, and it's possible to get involved as a clean producer of the material.
"I don't see any reason that we shouldn't be part of that market," he said.
Turning to the high-profile saga regarding Quest University's financial challenges, Sturdy said he would like to see the institution survive, though he acknowledged the difficulties surrounding the school.
'There have been some very difficult or questionable transactions around the funding of Quest University, and it very much needs to be exposed," he said.
"We need good representation there so that that institution survives."
The Green Candidate
Valeriote branded his party as the socially progressive up-and-comer in the Sea to Sky.
He championed the Green Party as the environmentally responsible vote.
"Greens are the only party that opposes LNG, which is clearly not the fuel of the future. It does not help us meet our climate goals — in fact, it puts us back from CleanBC. Offset by Carbon Engineering or not, it is not a step in the right direction," said Valeriote.
"I can understand the arguments that it's displacing other fuels in other parts of the world. That doesn't make it a good use of our efforts. It doesn't justify fracking and the earthquakes and contaminated water that are the result of fracking."
He said it also doesn't justify re-industrializing Howe Sound just after it's begun to recover, alluding to the location of the Woodfibre LNG project without saying its name.
Valeriote was less clear when it came to making a stance on the proposed Garibaldi at Squamish project, which would create a large all-season resort on Brohm Ridge, right by Mount Garibaldi.
Some say the project would damage the environment, add too much traffic, and stretch the town's infrastructure beyond its capacity. Proponents, however, say it could make Squamish a world-class competitor with Whistler and that it will be a boon for the economy as well as direct tourists already flooding Squamish, to managed areas.
"My opinion on Garibaldi at Squamish, or GAS, as I've heard it referred to — my opinion is [the] Green Party looks at these things based on the evidence," he said. "Whether it's a good idea or bad idea I can't say at this time, but I can say that, like every issue, as your MLA, I would deeply dive into the details."
Provincial parks have been another hot topic, as the pandemic has made them one of the main means of recreation, given that many indoor activities have been shut down.
Some outdoor enthusiasts have said the government should recognize the increase in demand for park usage and up funding and staffing for them as a result.
Valeriote said the parks need to be better staffed, but noted the party hasn't made a tangible promise.
"The Green Party hasn't made a specific announcement on parks. I recognize that others have taken this up as an issue. The overcrowding requires better management," he said, noting it would be good to review data from the new day-pass system.
When it came to education, Valeriote said as a father, he frequently thinks about how the pandemic will affect his children at school.
Valeriote said that the government should make in-class learning available while making online classes an option as well — this is something that appears to already be happening in many school districts.
That way, parents who need schools to look after their kids can go to work, but parents who feel their children are at risk can keep them safe, he said.
He also briefly addressed the increase in racist attacks against Asian Canadians during the pandemic and the recent racial justice protests for Indigenous and Black Canadians, saying there was no room for bigotry and that generational change can be slow.
"[I] can't really go on, because it's clear-cut — it's black and white to me," Valeriote said. "It's an issue of education and awareness, for sure."
Change needs to "pervade the entire system," he said.