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Oceanside Pier
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Oceanside in San Diego County is a quintessential Southern California beach town with six miles of white sandy beach, a wooden pier built in 1888, and a colorful, quirky harbor village. The town has been attracting tourists from the beginning of the 20th century with its perfect climate, the well-preserved historic district, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Here are the best things to do in Oceanside, California.

More ideas: Pink Sand beaches, Best Places to Visit, Colorado, Things to Do in Seattle, California beaches

1.Oceanside Pier

Oceanside Pier
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The Oceanside Pier in Oceanside, California offers a large array of activities to those who seek some adventure out in nature. The shoreline provides boating enthusiasts with nearly a quarter-mile of perfect sand to launch their sailboats. There is a large marina and a marine base, and you can always find an isolated spot or two for launching your boat. The pier is one of the top Oceanside attractions.

For those who are more into fishing, the 1600-foot pier has a variety of local species to catch. It also has picnic areas for those who want to stop and eat their lunch, take a break in the shade or use the barbecue grills in each area. For those who love the water, they can go out surfing and do some sea bird watching from the water or the shoreline. Finally, there are plenty of coastal walks and restaurants along the harbor beach to keep everyone busy.

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2.Oceanside Museum of Art

Oceanside Museum of Art
© Oceanside Museum of Art

The Oceanside Museum of Art opened its doors in 1997 and began providing exhibitions and public programs to the residents of Oceanside. The aim of the museum is to celebrate the inspiring power of the arts and the culture that accompanies it. The museum offers over fifteen contemporary art exhibitions a year and puts on concerts, films, and culinary events as well as tours and fundraising event opportunities.

The museum is non-profit and welcomes all visitors of different cultural backgrounds and walks of life. It is a nationally acclaimed gathering place. The museum looks to provide engagement, education, and inspiration to all who come to admire the artwork. The museum is open to the public between Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Oceanside Museum of Art is one of the best things to do in Oceanside, California.

704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA 92054, 760-435-3720

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3.Harbor Beach

Harbor Beach
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Harbor Beach consists of a quarter mile of sand, shoreline, and street. The beach has volleyball courts, sheltered picnic areas for those who want to stop in the shade, a playground, and jetties, which are popular with fisherman. Those who want to come and surf will do so in their own separate zone, as will those who want to swim. From body boarders to surfers to boat enthusiasts and fisherman, the beach is shared amongst both locals and tourists. If you are wondering what to do in Oceanside with kids, this is a great place to visit.

When it comes to facilities, there are restrooms, fire rings, and beach showers as well as picnic areas and restaurants all along the street. One of the major draws of Harbor Beach is its local variety of fish and its coastal walking trails. During the busier months there are lifeguards at their respective towers and multiple paid parking lots.

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4.California Surf Museum, Oceanside, California

California Surf Museum, Oceanside, California
© California Surf Museum

The California Surf Museum, founded in 1986, chronicles the first twenty-five years of the museum's growth as well as its beginnings. The museum aims at serving as a resource center for those who want to come and learn about surfing, the lifestyle associated with it, and the art and culture that surround it.

By capturing the heritage of this lifestyle sport, the museum hopes to educate future generations on the enjoyment that surfing can bring. The museum is non-profit, has a large selection of artifacts, and puts on various exhibits for guests to see. These exhibits can include information on surfboards, history of surfing legends from around the world, pop culture that exists around surfing, and even exhibits on how to find your own swell. Read more

312 Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA 92054, 760-721-6876

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5.Oceanside Sunset Market

Oceanside Sunset Market
© Courtesy of Oceanside Chamber of Commerce

The Sunset Market offers residents and visitors the opportunity to take part in a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year. The market has a large selection of hot food offerings and merchandise items, as well as live entertainment throughout the year. It debuted in August of 2007 and has been going strong ever since.

Throughout the year, the community gathers once a week, delighting both locals and tourists. The market has various events that take place throughout the year, including author’s night, an international food court, public safety night, world marketplace, and fresh and ready row, as well as various vendors.

701 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92054, 760-754-4512

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6.Old Mission San Luis Rey, Oceanside, CA

Old Mission San Luis Rey, Oceanside, CA
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Old Mission San Luis Rey was founded in 1798, and it then proceeded to go through five different periods of occupation including: Luiseno Indian, Spanish Mission, Mexican Secularization, American Military, and the Twentieth Century Restoration. The mission consists of a ministry of Franciscan Friars within the province of Saint Barbara, who keep the community alive and well through various community fundraising events throughout the year.

The mission has several enticing aspects, including the museum, which has artifacts from the Luiseno Indian culture and traces of the Spanish Franciscans who helped settle the mission in its early days. The mission also offers private retreats that look to offer spiritual renewal, healing, revitalization, and a place for solitude, as well as spiritual direction for those who desire a spiritual companion for guidance. The cemetery of the mission is located in the shadow of the historic church, and it is the oldest cemetery within North County of San Diego. The cemetery is still in operation and is known as sacred ground. It is also considered a National Historic Landmark. Read more

4050 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92057, 760-757-3651

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7.Oceanside Farmer's Market

Oceanside Farmer's Market
© Courtesy of Oceanside Chamber of Commerce

The Oceanside Farmer’s Market offers local residents as well as tourists a large selection of fresh produce, flowers, artisan baked goods, organic choices such as honey, and dozens of other food items such as oils, dips and sauces. The market also has multiple vendors that come to sell hand-made crafts, including soaps and lotions, clothing, photography, and jewelry.

The market is held in downtown Oceanside on every Thursday of the year, weather permitting, and it is a great place to try new food, especially at the hot food booths that sell ethnic foods, crepes, sandwiches, gyros, paninis, and much more.

701 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92054, 760-754-4512

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8.Guajome County Park, Oceanside, CA

Guajome County Park, Oceanside, CA
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Spend a night or two sleeping under the stars, camping at Guajome Regional Park. There is so much to see and do here, and the park is located close to many entertainment opportunities and historical points of interest. You can camp, picnic, hike over the 4.5 miles of park trials, bird watch or even play a game of basketball all in one day.

There are two ponds that are home to a wide variety of birds and fish where the fishermen can relax and put up their feet. Wander through the contrasting landscapes of woodlands, chaparral, wetlands and grasslands. Guajome Regional Park is located only 8 miles from the Pacific Ocean making it the perfect family vacation.

3000 Guajome Lake Road, Oceanside, CA 92057, 760-724-4489

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9.Buena Vista Audubon Society & Nature Center

Buena Vista Audubon Society & Nature Center
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Located on the north edge of the Buena Vista Lagoon is the small but fascinating Buena Vista Audubon Society and Nature Center. Inside the center you will find several displays and exhibits that showcase the native plant life and wildlife of the San Diego area. The displays have been crafted to recreate a true representation of natural habitats and contain exhibits of taxidermy and living plants.

Picnic amongst the trees and wildlife and let the children explore. There are two short trails near the Nature Center that are suitable for all levels of fitness and age groups. These trails will offer you many opportunities to catch sight of the lagoon inhabitants. Next read: CA Hot Springs

2203 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054, 760-439-2473

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10.Heritage Park Village and Museum

Heritage Park Village and Museum
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Nestled on two acres a short distance from the San Luis Rey Mission is the Heritage Park Village and Museum. Once the original town center, the two-acre park was set up as a permanent memorial to Oceanside’s heritage. Here you will find the original General Store, a blacksmith shop, stables, a jail and many other buildings.

The town center was chosen due to its location on the old Spanish exploration trail, which later became a stagecoach route between San Diego and Los Angeles. Situated in the middle of the town center is a beautiful pavilion and grass area for families to relax and take in their surroundings. Learn about the history of Oceanside and the important role it played in the movement of early Americans.

220 Peyri Drive, Oceanside, CA 92058, 760-966-4545

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11.Hello Betty Fish House, Oceanside, CA

Hello Betty Fish House, Oceanside, CA
© Hello Betty Fish House

What could be more SoCal than sitting in a rooftop lounge, sipping a margarita, and munching on fresh fish tacos? That is the scene of Hello Betty Fish House, a spacious, comfortable indoor-outdoor space where you can linger over your tacos as long as the margaritas are flowing. Funky décor with a ton of photos on the wall might keep you indoors, but all the fun is at the rooftop lounge.

You can watch the sunset, people watch, get some oysters or fresh ceviche, try some of the local craft beers, or stick to margaritas. Whatever you choose, you will have a great time at Hello Betty.

211 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92054, 760-722-1008

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12.Tyson Street Beach

Tyson Street Beach
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Located just a few minutes away from the Oceanside Pier is Tyson Street Beach and Park. There are stunning vistas in all directions, whether you look back towards the Pier, towards the city, or out to sea. The park is located just feet from the beach, making it popular for families and holiday goers.

The sea here is calm, making it perfect for families with young ones, and it is patrolled by lifeguards in the summer. The park has plenty of grassy spots and tables for a picnic, benches to rest on and watch the world go by, and a playground for the children. Family fun is the aim of Tyson Street Beach and Park so bring your family along for a memorable day out.

928 North Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92058

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13.Succulent Cafe, Oceanside, CA

Succulent Cafe, Oceanside, CA
© Succulent Cafe

Sitting down with a cup of your favorite coffee, tea, or other morning beverage,at the Succulent Café guarantees that your day will start well. The place is snuggled in a tiny courtyard that the owner Peter Loyola turned into an enchanting garden bursting with all kinds of succulents.

Succulents drape the windows, run up the walls, and are tucked into any kind of object imaginable, from an old shoe to the hole in the wall. The result is beyond Zen – you can almost breathe peace. Small bistro tables encourage intimacy and quiet contemplation. There is large selection of hot and cold caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks of every flavor you can imagine, as well as chocolate, smoothies and pastries. Visiting Succulent Café can easily become a habit.

322 N Cleveland St, Oceanside, CA 92054, 760-717-9612

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14.Harney Sushi

Harney Sushi
© Harney Sushi

Harney Sushi’s Oceanside location is a 3,500-square foot visual delight. The 155-seat super modern restaurant has enormous floor-to-ceiling windows and more art on the walls than the average gallery. Its famous sake bar, with 40 of the best premium sake in the world, is hidden behind a 600-gallon fish tank.

There is also a waterfall, soft music, and just what you came for, 35 varieties of some of the best sushi you will find anywhere. Zagat and other reviewers agree. Try their popular Maui Waui roll stuffed with crabs and shrimp tempura and piled with eel, avocado, seared albacore, chili oil, green onion, ponzu, and masago. If you are not fond of sake, have something else to drink. They have great cocktails, some nice microbrews, and approximately 50 well-selected wines.

301 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92054, 760-967-1820

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15.Privateer Coal Fire Pizza

Privateer Coal Fire Pizza
© Privateer Coal Fire Pizza

Privateer’s pizzas are baked in their seven foot, 6,500 pound coal burning oven. “So what?” you might ask. The oven is what makes their absolutely superb Neapolitan pizzas thin and crunchy on the outside and soft and delicious on the inside. And whatever they put on it gets cooked to perfection in only four minutes.

All veggies are super fresh and come straight from the nearby Cyclops Farms. That oven is the reason so many people flock daily to this rustic space with high ceilings, industrial touches, and a lovely patio. If you ever come with some strange person who does not like pizza, not to worry – at Privateer they also make great fresh soups and salads, sandwiches, and some interesting, quirky appetizers. Check out their 15 beers on tap, including some great local crafts.

1706 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054, 760-453-2500

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16.Breakwater, Oceanside, CA

Breakwater, Oceanside, CA
© Breakwater

Usually breweries just open a restaurant to offer their customers something to eat while tasting their brews. Breakwater started with a restaurant, got everything running smoothly, and then attached a brewery to their customers’ eternal delight. Just around the corner from the iconic Oceanside pier, Breakwater is now serving up to 18 house-made craft beers on tap and, to show that they have nothing to fear from competition, 25 competitors’ beers from local and far-flung breweries alike.

They make great pizzas to go with all the beers, a variety of pub grub, including six kinds of wings, paninis, breadsticks, and much more. The atmosphere is lively with eight flat-screen TVs and a several pinball machines and video games.

101 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054, 760-433-6064

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17.Legacy Brewing Company, Oceanside, California

Legacy Brewing Company, Oceanside, California
© Legacy Brewing Company

If you are one of those who love a good beer after a long day of exploring, make a trip to the Legacy Brewing Company, which doubles as both a brewery and live music venue. With twelve specialty beers on tap, there are plenty of flavors to satisfy even the fussiest of connoisseurs. If you’re brave, try the full flavored Clan Ross Scotch Ale, which originates from Edinburgh, Scotland.

Hellfire IPA, the Chesty Irish Red, Founding Father’s Nut Brown Ale, and many others take you on a voyage around the world without leaving the comfort of Oceanside. Flavors have been influenced by Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Belgium, America, England, and Russia. Grab your friends, your partner, and head out for a fun night at the Legacy Brewing Company.

363 Airport Road, Oceanside, CA 92058, 760-705-3221

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18.Fratelli's Italian Kitchen

Fratelli's Italian Kitchen
© Fratelli's Italian Kitchen

Brick walls, intimate high backed booths, and the divine smell of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs constantly wafting out of the kitchen are just a few of the elements that make Fratelli’s so popular for family celebrations. Lively, friendly, and comfortable, it is the place where people like to share dishes and taste things from each other’s plates.

The menu is traditional Tuscan, with great hand-made pizzas, in-house pasta sauces that have been cooked for hours, organic local salads, and fresh local catches. Their signature meat lasagna is legendary, while their tantalizing baguette sandwiches are perfect for takeout. The restaurant has a respectable selection of wines, both local and from the Old World.

3915 Mission Ave #12, Oceanside, CA 92058, 760-696-9007

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19.Sailing Blue Water Charters

Sailing Blue Water Charters
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Now that you have explored Oceanside by land, head out onto the water with a Sailing Blue Water Charter trip. Step on board the 35.5-foot yacht Breath of An Angel and feel the sun, fresh air, and wind on your skin. They offer fantastic tours to suit the entire family, including a daily sailing charter, whale watching, and harbor cruises, which are available all year round.

Watch dolphins swim in the wake of the bow as you head out to find migrating whales and seals. With a number of charters available, you can visit the Catalina Island or another destination of your choice. It’s the perfect way to see Oceanside.

619-994-2438, Sailing Blue Water Charters

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20.Oceanside Broiler, Oceanside, California

Oceanside Broiler, Oceanside, California
© Oceanside Broiler

The Oceanside Broiler is situated right on the water. You can watch boats pass by or the distant horizon over the ocean while sipping your Bloody Mary or a glass of California wine. The view is spectacular, whether you are sitting in their elegant dining room with a wall of glass or on one of the two spacious outdoor patios.

The inside dining room has a magnificent large aquarium, but the real showstopper is the open kitchen where you can watch the chef weaving his magic. The Broiler serves juicy steaks and fresh seafood, and it has 10 craft beers on tap, interesting, unique cocktails, and a nice wine selection. The best time to come is for their Sunday Brunch, which features a buffet with a bit of everything the restaurant offers. Sunday Brunch is served in their elegant ballroom.

1325 N Harbor Dr, Oceanside, CA 92054, 760-722-3474

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21.Prince of Peace Abbey

Prince of Peace Abbey
© Prince of Peace Abbey

Peace, beauty, and spirituality all await you at the Prince of Peace Abbey. Located on the top of Benet Hill, the Benedictine monastery is home to over twenty monks. The gift shop, library, Prayer Walk, and cemetery are all open to the public. The Prince of Peace Abbey offers retreats for those interested in developing a spiritual life in a place of seclusion – guests can stay for one night or longer.

A gift shops carries a wide range of catholic merchandise, from sacramental items and Benedictine items to books, and statuaries. A trip to the Prince of Peace Abbey offers the chance to get a glimpse into a way of life normally off limits to the public.

650 Benet Hill Road, Oceanside, CA 92058, 760-967-4200

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22.Beach Break Cafe, Oceanside, CA

Beach Break Cafe, Oceanside, CA
© Beach Break Cafe

If you did not know that Oceanside is a surf town, you will figure it out once you enter Beach Break Café. The place is a veritable museum of surfing with surfboards decorating every inch of the walls. Surfing photos decorate anything that is not covered by surfboards. Over the top? Touristy? Maybe, but the locals do not mind, and they are turning up every Sunday for the fabulous, traditional American breakfasts with huge portions and an exceedingly popular, enormous piece of coffee cake.

The menu is uncomplicated and offers burgers in any shape, size and form, sandwiches, again in any combination you want, and, what they call “other stuff” such as salads. But breakfast is what the Beach Break Café is all about, and they offer an enormous choice of eggs, sausages, steaks, pancakes, waffles and anything else you imagine.

1802 S. Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054, 760-439-6355

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23.Beach House Winery

Beach House Winery
© Courtesy of gzikry - Fotolia.com

Sun, sand, and wine – that’s the award winning combination of Beach House Winery. Located just a few blocks from the beach, the winery offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the North Country. Vigna Al Mare (Vineyard at the Sea) is internationally recognized for its Viognier, Chardonnays, Rosé, Grenache, Syrah, and Zinfandel wines.

A family run vineyard, Beach House Winery invites you to come and relax in the simple, yet stylish tasting rooms with a wine tasting every Saturday and Sunday from noon – 4pm. A trip to Beach House Winery is a perfect way for couples and friends to spend a relaxing afternoon.

1534 Sleeping Indian Road, Oceanside, CA 92057, 760-732-3236

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24.The Coaster

The Coaster
© Courtesy of godfather - Fotolia.com

The Coaster is a commuter train that takes travelers from Oceanside, California to downtown San Diego. The coaster train has one hundred and twenty-six services running each week, and offers expanded service during the spring and summer months. The train offers an alternative to those who do not want to travel on congested highways and those who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

The aim of the train is to improve air quality by reducing the number of vehicles on the highway, and it intends to provide passengers with several mobility options by offering them access to other trains and busses. The route takes passengers along a 41-mile coastal rail system that is broken up into several different zones. The fare will change depending on how many zones you wish to travel through, and if you are a regular commuter, you can take advantage of their program that guarantees a ride home during business hours.

205 South Tremont Street, Oceanside, CA 92054, 760-966-6500

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25.Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub

Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub
© Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub

Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub is quirky, with eclectic décor that ranges from Victorian sofas to Mexican antiques and fish skeletons. At this eatery, you can expect the unexpected, and Executive Chef Davin Waite does not disappoint. His curious take on sushi produces a number of truly unique concoctions.

All ingredients are locally grown, freshly caught, or made from scratch. He serves only what is in season and takes sustainability seriously. At Wrench & Rodent there are no additives or chemicals, only very good food. Try fish skin crisps as a starter, and definitively check out the choice of house rolls. For example, try the Wet Brain, which has shiitake mushrooms stuffed with deep-fried spicy tuna and crab and served with root beer teriyaki, scallions and shaved dried bonito.

1815 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA, 760-271-0531

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25 Best Things to Do in Oceanside, California


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Grenco G Huf Flask

$175.50 $135.00
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Grenco G Huf Flask
Grenco G Huf Flask Limited Edition Flask and built in stash compartment Chrome microG vaporizer Contents: 1 x engraved flask 1 x engraved microG battery 1 x microG coil 1 x microG mouthpiece 1 x embossed polishing cloth 1 x embossed carrying pouch 1 x funnel 1 x microG wired USB charger 1 x micro G tool 2 x additional microG coils  About: The Grenco G-Huff Flask mixes novelty with functionality for a perfect combo limited edition microG vaporizer. Each G-Huff Flask comes with a built in storage compartment on the flask that houses 1 all-chrome microG vaporizer and its USB charging unit.  The Flask is made of the highest grade stainless steel with a capacity of 3 fluid ounces. The flask is also adorned with elegant engravings and embossments. When closed it measures 4.45" x 2.61" x 0.82". This makes a great vaporizer and secret storage set. Don't miss out on this amazing limited addition Grenco product. Make Vapor Outlet you #1 wholesale herbal vaporizer and herbal grinder supplier.

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text:
Enrichment is an important part of the day for our cats, ensuring they stay mentally and physically stimulated to elimate boredom. Unfortunatly as the cats that call Big Cat Rescue home, are all captive bred rescues, they can never be released into the wild. Therefore its our job to make sure they stay occupied. Watch as MaryAnn, Zucari, Apollo and Thurston take on some pumpkins!

This looks AMAZING if you wear Oculus Go, HTC Vive, Rift, Cardboard or any other sort of HMD. Get our inexpensive headset and support the cats at the same time at BigCatRescue.org/VR

You can donate to the cats at NO COST TO YOU when you select BCR as your charity on Amazon Smile and shop Smile.Amazon.com instead of Amazon.com. It is exactly the same as regular Amazon EXCEPT when you use the Smile URL Amazon donates .5% of your purchase to BCR. It's added up to over $89,000 for the cats!

Please visit BigCatRescue.org/amazon-smile for how to sign up and let us know you did so we can thank you. :)

Check out our website at BigCatRescue.org or shop at BigCatRescue.biz
Join our Official Facebook Group at Facebook.com/groups/BigCatRescue
YouTube.com/BigCatRescue and our daily updates at YouTube.com/DailyBigCat


text:
Easy Chocolate Cake-Pan Cake

Chocolate Cake-Pan CakeAre you are looking for a simple, vegan cake recipe that is delicious? You, and I, are in luck because I have one. This is adapted from a vintage recipe and the method can’t be easier – you mix and bake in the cake pan. It’s tasty, it’s moist and it’ll will be gone so fast you may want to make two of them.

The cake was initially egg and dairy free so I just had to make it high altitude. I reduced the sugar, baking soda and vinegar while adding more flour and liquid. The liquid called for was cold water, but my chocolate-loving husband wanted more chocolate flavor so I used chocolate almondmilk. I also added mini chocolate chips to keep him happy.

Chocolate Cake-Pan Cake adapted from King Arthur Flour
1 1/2 cups + 2 TBS all-purpose flour
1 cup – 1 TBS vegan sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, or chopped chocolate
1/2 tsp salt
scant 3/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup + 1 TBS cold chocolate almondmilk
Preheat oven to 350°F. Measure all dry ingredients into an 8″ x 8” x 2” cake pan. Blend the ingredients together thoroughly with a whisk and scoop out three holes. Pour the vanilla into the first hole, the vinegar into the second, and the vegetable oil into the third. Take the chocolate milk and pour it directly over everything in the pan. Stir all ingredients together with your whisk until they are well blended. Don’t forget to stir the sides, bottom and into the corners being careful not to scrape the pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the sides of the cake start to pull away from the pan. Serve right from the pan.

This cake brings back fond memories of Snackin’ Cakes from the 70s. Do you remember those?

Dazzled by Science

science moleculeHigh altitude baking is fairly simple while still being somewhat difficult. The science is best described by Pat Kendall in High Altitude Baking: “The reason for most baking problems at high altitude is lower atmospheric pressure due to a thinner blanket of air above…This decreased pressure affects food preparation in three related ways.

  1. Leavening gases expand more quickly
  2. Moisture evaporates faster from foods
  3. Water and other liquids boil at lower temperatures

In addition, because the climate of higher altitude areas is usually drier than that of lower altitude areas, flour may be drier and doughs may therefore require more liquid to reach the proper consistency.”

The most troublesome baked goods are cakes as the decreased pressure may cause excess rising which can lead to coarse texture or a fallen cake. To solve this you can do any or all of the following: decrease baking soda, baking powder, or sugar; or increase liquids, flour, or oven temperature. I also cross my fingers on occasion.

This may all be a bit daunting, but I have found that the more I adapt recipes the simpler it seems. Don’t get me wrong – I am still impressed and ecstatic when baked items turn out right!

Red Velvet Cupcakes

red velvet cupcake Nothing says Valentine’s day like red velvet cupcakes, right? I hope not because mine did not turn out red! But they tasted fantastic so I spruced them up with pink and white frosting.

I tried this recipe early in the month so there would be time to perfect them before the holiday. It’s good I did because the first batch came out a bit dry and the texture was off. The second time was a charm. I added extra milk and used vanilla soy for more sweetness, along with more agave nectar and vanilla. Part of the coconut oil was removed in lieu of canola oil. I also used only all-purpose flour to get a better chance at a ‘red’ cupcake but, alas, they just turned a different shade of brown.

The cupcakes turned out moist and were delicious with a vegan buttercream frosting. Although beet-derived food color couldn’t quite make them red, they were fun and flirty for my Valentine.

Red Velvet Cupcake adapted from Babycakes by Erin McKenna
3/4 cup + 1 tsp vanilla soymilk
2 TBS apple cider vinegar
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 TBS baking powder
scant 1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp salt
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1/3 cup canola oil
1 cup + 3 TBS agave nectar
3 TBS vanilla extract
5 TBS natural beet food coloring
1/2 cup vegan shortening
1/2 cup vegan margarine
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups organic powdered sugar
1/4 cup soymilk
natural beet food coloring, as desired
For Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 325F. Line two 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Pour milk and apple cider vinegar into a small bowl, but do not stir; set aside to develop into “buttermilk.” In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add oil, agave nectar and vanilla to dry ingredients and stir to combine. The batter will be thick. Using a plastic spatula, add “buttermilk” and mix just until combined. Slowly add food coloring. Pour 1/3 cup batter into each prepared cup, almost filling it.
Bake cupcakes on center rack for 20-22 minutes, rotating the tins halfway through baking time. Finished cupcakes will bounce back slightly when pressed, and toothpick inserted in center will come out clean. Let cupcakes stand in tins for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire rack and cool completely. Spread frosting over each cupcake. Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to three days.
For Frosting: Cream shortening and margarine in a stand mixer. Add vanilla. Gradually add sugar, a cup at a time, until mixed well. Add soymilk and food coloring and blend until light and fluffy.

Do you have a red velvet cake recipe that really turns red?

Happy Valentine’s Day, and happy baking!

Why is there a crater in my cupcake?

cupcake So – you reduced the amount of baking soda and baking powder and there is still a small dimple in the center of your cupcakes. Why? One possibility is the freshness of your leavening agents (those are the baking soda and baking powder).

According to CraftyBaking.com, “Baking powder has a usual useful life of 24 months from the date of manufacture.” To test baking powder for potency, place 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder in some warm water to see if it fizzes.

To test baking soda, put 1 teaspoon in a cup that has 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. If it is still potent it will bubble vigorously. For a plethora of info on leavening agents, click here for more Crafty Baking insights.

It’s also good to know that when baking soda is not neutralized it leaves an odd aftertaste. So, excess or old baking soda will not only affect the ‘rise’ of the cake but also the taste.

If it tastes good and still has a slight dimple, don’t worry – just add a mound of delicious frosting or some sliced fruit. It can only complement your baking.


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Speedmax Skate IFP

  • Sale
  • Regular price $869.00

Speedmax Skate IFP

A brand new revolutionary cross-country ski run from Fischer, which is faster than ever before. This is due to new production technology, which makes the paraffin pickup better and the surface becomes planar, resulting in faster sliding.

Are in:

Plus: Going goes extremely well in the bow of -5 and warmer.

Cold: Best in bowl -2 and colder and in a slightly drier climate, inland climate and mudflats.

C-Special: Transparent coat that goes best in roughly wet snow.

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Auto NewsFashionMen

HUGO BOSS x Porsche: Get Ready for the Formula E Racing

HUGO BOSS and Porsche – two global players with shared regional roots – will be joining forces in the future. Beginning next year, their cooperation will center on the two companies’ involvement in Formula E racing. In its capacity as an official partner to the sport, HUGO BOSS – which already boasts a long tradition of motorsports sponsorship – has been successfully engaged in the electric-powered racing series since the end of 2017. From December 2019, the start of the next championship season, Porsche too will be joining the Formula E circuit with its own works team – outfitted by HUGO BOSS. The fashion group will also be the official outfitter to the entire Porsche motorsports team worldwide.

The shared passion for racing, and a fascination with perfect design and innovation, inspired the creative minds at HUGO BOSS to produce the “Porsche x BOSS” capsule collection. Its standout features include premium leather and wool materials presented in the Porsche and HUGO BOSS colors of silver, black and red. Starting in March 2019, a range of menswear styles from the debut capsule collection will be available online and at BOSS stores.

“Formula E is an exceptionally attractive racing series,” said Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG. “It offers us the perfect environment to strategically evolve our vehicles in terms of efficiency and sustainability. We’re looking forward to being on board in the 2019/2020 season. In this context, the renowned fashion group HUGO BOSS represents the perfect partner to outfit our team.”


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VR-F02 Forged Monoblock

Product Details

Product Info
Venom Rex Forged 02
Forged All Terrain Wheel
Guarantee Fitment

Vehicle Applications
Dodge Ram 1500
Jeep Wrangler JK
Jeep Wrangler JL
Toyota Tundra

Wheel Specs
Size: 20X9.0 | 20X10.0 | 20X12.0
Offset: TBD
Backspacing: TBD
Bore: TBD
Load Rating: TBD

The Venomrex VR-F02 Forged Monoblock Wheel

Our Venom Rex F02 looks to combine our distinct and innovative design methods with the robust and rugged styling of traditional truck wheels. Combining those two concepts to create one of the lightest Forged wheels available.

With proper care, professional installation, and an assumption of reasonable use on public roads & highways, Vorsteiner Flow Forged Wheels carry a Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer and structural defect. In addition, Vorsteiner offers a full 2-Year cosmetic warranty on the factory painted finish.

All warranty claims will be limited to product repair or replacement at Vorsteiner’s discretion, and does not include reimbursement for any costs associate with labor, shipping, transportation, or loss of use. Claims will only be accepted with a dated proof of purchase and must be processed through the original dealer or distributor where the wheels were purchased and installed. Warranty is only valid to the original purchaser and must have been installed by an Authorized Vorsteiner Dealer.

Installation Instructions

  1. Test fit each wheel (front and rear) before mounting and balancing any tires in order to ensure proper fitment to the vehicle as well as for adequate clearance between any brake and/or suspension components. Returns or exchanges will not be approved based on fitment after tires have been mounted to the wheels.
  2. Observe the tire manufacturer’s suggested tire size based on rim width. Clearance between fenders, fender linings, and suspension components should be checked before mounting opposite side tire. Before the vehicle is released to the customer, the vehicle should be checked for tire interference while on the rack, as well as on the road by driving at slow speeds (up to 10 mph) and turning in both directions at full steering lock.
  3. All Venomrex wheels are engineered applications specific for use with factory hardware. The use of hub centric rings, spacers, or adaptors to alter the fitment of the wheel is not authorized by Venomrex. When fitted to vehicles not properly validated or approved by our engineers, the installer will be fully responsible for the performance and final outcome.
  4. Tires should not be inflated in excess of 50 psi in order to seat the tire bead. Please follow the tire manufacturer’s recommended driving pressures before releasing the vehicle to the customer.
  5. Wheel bolts/lugs should be tightened by hand, in a progressive crisscross pattern, and without the use of air powered or electric impact wrenches. Always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. All wheels should be fully torqued after the full weight of the vehicle is lowered onto the suspension.
  6. Please ensure that the vehicle is returned to the installer within 50 – 100 miles of use for a visual inspection, and recheck for proper tire inflation and torque specifications.

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Dialogue Volume 13 Issue 3 2017 - Page 29

clearly defined role. The landscape in Ontario has evolved with the devel- opment of the narcotics monitoring system (NMS), a consolidated database of all narcotics prescriptions in Ontario, managed by the Ministry of Health and Long- Term Care. Its development has improved the under- standing of prescribing practices across the province. The College continues to advocate for a comprehensive prescription monitoring program that will provide real time access to prescribers. Following is just some of the activity underway led by system partners that will help to strengthen physician prescribing practices: Real Time Access to Patient Medication Profiles The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, as the guardian of prescribing information in Ontario, has committed to improving access to p atient medication profiles for prescribers. Physicians require real-time ac- cess to patient prescribing information to inform best prescribing practices. Comparative Opioid Prescription Data Health Quality Ontario (HQO) has been tasked with including opioid prescribing indictors in the existing Primary Care Practice Reports, which provide indi- vidual physicians with key measurements and feedback information to support quality improvement within their practices. Providing physicians with informa- tion about their own prescribing practices will support their efforts to prescribe opioids appropriately. HQO is also developing quality standards relating to opi- oid use disorder; opioid prescribing for chronic pain; and opioid prescribing for acute pain. The College’s Prescribing Drugs policy reflects that quality stan- dards from HQO should be considered and applied, as appropriate. Guidelines The Michael G. DeGroote National Pain Centre at McMaster University led an international team of clini- cians, researchers and patients in the development of new national clinical guidelines for the prescribing of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain. The College released a state- ment in response to the updated guidelines. Updated Medical Education Faculties of medicine and relevant national education bodies are responsible for ensuring that medical educa- tion is objective, accurate, and up-to-date with respect to the appropriate and effective prescribing of opioids. The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada, for example, has committed to have faculty experts review opioid education activities currently in use across Canada, and create a repository of education products that reflect best practice and provide them to all facul- ties. Various other stakeholders in medical education have also committed to undertake specific actions to evaluate and improve medical education with respect to opioids, including the Canadian Federation of Medical Students, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. These commitments are captured in the Joint Statement of Action to Address the Opioid Crisis. Looking Forward Through our opioid strategy, the College has identified and committed to a specific plan of action within its own area of responsibility of medical regulation, and is committed to reporting on progress. Prescribing opioids under the right conditions is critical for good patient care. Our goal is to ensure that physicians have the resources and information they need to appropriately prescribe opioids to their patients. MD ISSUE 3, 2017 DIALOGUE 29


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Viknick is an online rental solution platform available in Chandigarh, Mohali, Zirakpur and Panchkula, and as we are providing rental solution, so here's some food for thought from us why and when you should rent. Based on these points or probably few of the many points you may decide whether is it good for you to buy or rent products. There are some factors you should consider before deciding to buy or rent things, for example: 1. How often you're going to use that product in future? 2. In case, if you what to sell the purchased product then what will be the value of the product after few years?Read More

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Village Properties has provided property management services in Sunriver for over 30 years and we have a dedicated department to provide you with the quality of service you deserve!

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or looking for a summer vacation home, our team of passionate, dedicated realtors have the expertise to help you find exactly what you’re looking for!

Poplar Lane 26

57665 Poplar Lane, Sunriver 97707
Sleeps 8
3 bedrooms
4 baths

Book Now

Poplar Lane 26
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Property Details

View the Tour

This home will make you wish your Sunriver vacation would go on forever! Located in the heart of Sunriver Poplar 26 has easy access to many favorite attractions such as Fort Rock Park, SHARC and the Village at Sunriver.

This bright and open home has a great room with vaulted cedar ceilings, wood burning fireplace and lots of windows allowing for an abundance of natural light and views of the common area behind the home. The kitchen is spacious with stainless steel appliances, granite counters, alder cabinets and soft close drawers. There is also a wet bar with a wine refrigerator! The dining area has loads of room for everyone in your group.

This beautifully updated home has three master suites, the first is very spacious and is located on the upper level with a king bed and small deck, perfect for sipping your morning beverage. The other two master suites are on the ground level, one with a queen bed and the second with two sets of bunkbeds. Both of these bedrooms have sliding glass doors that lead out to a covered patio area with a gas log woodstove, adding an extra cozy space to chill out after a hard day of play.

Speaking of the decks; these areas are expansive, perfect for your family gathering, with a great view of the forest behind the home. After you’ve explored the miles of paved paths in Sunriver and splashed the day away at SHARC, kick your feet up and soak under the stars in the private hot tub.

Please note that the garage is not for vehicle use. Inside, you will find fun and games…perhaps a family foosball or pool tournament?

If you are traveling with a large group or planning a reunion, consider our nearby homes!

Address: 57665 Poplar Lane, Sunriver 97707

Property Features

  • Hot Tub (Private)
  • Fireplace (Wood Burning)
  • Golf (Nearby)
  • Tennis (Community)
  • Air Conditioning (Yes)
  • Laundry (Yes)
  • Parking (Uncovered)
  • Stories (2)
  • Deck (Ground Level)
  • Grill/BBQ (Yes)
  • Game Room (Yes)
  • Pool Table (Yes)
  • TVs (4)
  • DVD Players (3)
  • Foosball (Yes)
  • WIFI (Yes)

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( CC for subtitles.)

Based on a real conversation we had with Juan Molinet before leaving Japan.
Mixed up memories about our visit to Tokyo, Hiroshima, Miyoshi, Naoshima and Kyoto.

By Dante Zaballa
Design: Juan Molinet, Dante Zaballa
Music: Skillbard

# vimeo.com/304156637 Uploaded 122K Plays 97 Comments

Directors Notes Plus

Eclectic in its tastes, the Directors Notes channel is where you can find the most cutting edge drama, documentary, music video, animation, fashion and experimental cinema being made today.

Submit your film!

Browse This Channel

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    One Screen Film Fest Winner, “Dukkha” is inspired by Godzilla, Dragon Ball Z and classic Kung-Fu films, these influences are crashed together as a blitz of beats, and wild animations between live action choreography vimeo.com/302883713

    by 18 Uppercut

  • Jacob Snyder

    The story of a boy who was burned, and how it saved his life:

    by Jacob Snyder

  • Max Liberatori

    Fairways is a mini-documentary that follows a crew of golf course groundskeepers as they complete a multitude of seemingly monotonous, but necessary tasks in order to keep the oceans of green in tip top shape for the swarms of golfers who are unleashed upon the course daily. Taking care of a golf course is a spiritual experience - time seemingly has no meaning and the seconds, minutes, hours, and days drift by effortlessly in the warm breeze.

    by Max Liberatori

Heads up: the shoutbox will be retiring soon. It’s tired of working, and can’t wait to relax. You can still send a message to the channel owner, though!

Channels are a simple, beautiful way to showcase and watch videos. Browse more Channels.


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06 1440 | Feb 2019

A restructured King Abdullah Financial District

In the last decade, works started at the King Abdullah Financial District, without consideration of its economic feasibility. The objective was to prepare the land in order to allow the business and financial communities to invest and build real estate. When this objective was not reached, the government decided back then to develop and rent the real estate. Challenges were deepened by the development of the real estate project in one single phase, which caused a significant increase in construction costs and several delays in delivery. This resulted in large oversupply of commercial space for the years to come. Without any dramatic shift in direction, renting the three million square meters of built-up areas at reasonable prices, or even achieving decent occupancy rates, will be very challenging. With this in mind, we have reviewed the economic feasibility of and designed a new fundamental strategy for the district in order to increase the chances of profitability and success. We will seek to transform the district into a special zone that has competitive regulations and procedures, with visa exemptions, and directly connected to the King Khaled International Airport. We will also seek to repurpose some of the built-up areas and change the real estate mix, increasing the allocation for residential accommodation, services and hospitality areas. We will seek to build and create an integrated and attractive living and working environment. The district will be the headquarters of the Public Investment Fund, the largest sovereign wealth fund, which will contribute to creating an environment attractive to financial, investment and other corporations.


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Proper Apostrophes Usage Rules

This article will outline the use for this mark of punctuation: indicating possession or ownership.

The second use of an apostrophe is to denote ownership or possession. This one becomes a bit trickier, especially where plurals are involved.

After you read the article, you might also wish to watch a video in which Dr. Lines explains how to use apostrophes in this way.

The Apostrophe with Plurals

For example, in the sentence, ‘There is the dog’s bed’ an apostrophe has been used to show that the bed belongs to the dog. By using an apostrophe, it becomes clear that a single dog is the subject of this sentence. This is the case with proper nouns too: ‘Ben’s house’ and ‘London’s train network’ both require possessive apostrophes.

However, what should be done when there are multiple dogs who all have beds? If you want to indicate that there is more than one dog, the sentence would read, ‘There are the dogs’ beds’.

In words that end in ‘s’ in the plural, the apostrophe belongs after the ‘s’ to show there are multiple dogs. Others example of this rule include ‘I’m going to the girls’ treehouse’. Plurals that don’t end in ‘s’ don’t require this treatment, such as ‘The Board’s decision is final’ or ‘There is the gang’s hideout’.

The Apostrophe with Personal Names

According to the Snooks & Co. Style Manual for Authors, Editors and Printers, (which is the style manual adopted by the Australian government and Australian universities), personal names that end in ‘s’ are treated differently to plurals ending in ‘s’. ‘John’s notepad’ shows correct apostrophe placement for a personal name not ending in ‘s’, while ‘Jess’s notepad’ shows the correct apostrophe placement for a name ending with ‘s’. Instead of just adding the possessive apostrophe, you should add an apostrophe and then an ‘s’.

Singular or Plural?

Where it becomes tricky is in the case of a word ending in ‘y’ and ‘ies’. Should it be ‘baby’s toy’ or ‘babies’ toy’? The former refers to one baby’s toy, whereas the latter refers to a toy for babies or a toy that many babies share.

An easy way to check your accuracy with this is to ask yourself if you are referring to one or too many? For example, when mentioning ‘the lady’s hat’, you are speaking of one woman with one hat. ‘The lady’s hats’ still refers to one lady, but this time she has many hats. ‘The ladies’ hat’ indicates that many ladies seem to share one hat and finally ‘the ladies’ hats’ signifies that many ladies have many hats.

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Planning: Emotionally -

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Planning: Emotionally

When you or a loved one develops a serious illness, it's normal to go through an emotional experience similar to grieving. If the illness is life-threatening, it's important to talk about a plan for the end of life. These conversations can be challenging, but there are ways to make them easier.

Talking About Hospice

Death can be a difficult subject to discuss. Many patients and their families are reluctant to discuss even the possibility of hospice. Most people would prefer to die in their own homes. But all too often, terminally ill patients die without hospice, in a hospital, receiving treatment that is either unwanted or ineffective. Their loved ones usually have only limited access to the patient and often miss sharing their last moments of life.

It's common for people to begin grappling with and grieving a loss before it completely unfolds. The fears and feelings that surface now are better aired than ignored. Plus, practical matters need to be discussed. End-of-life care needs to be arranged. Funeral plans need to be considered. Legal and financial matters must be addressed now or in the days after death.

To ensure the patient's family understands his or her wishes, everyone involved should learn all they can about hospice and discuss their feelings with one another before a medical crisis strikes. When loved ones are clear about the patient's preferences for treatment, they are free to devote more energy to the patient's care.

Making Time To Say Goodbye

Although painful in so many ways, a terminal illness offers time to say "I love you," to share appreciation and to make amends when necessary. When death occurs unexpectedly, people often regret not having had a chance to do these things. Ira Byock, author of Dying Well and a longtime hospice advocate, suggests dying people and their families exchange these words with each other:

  • I Love You
  • I Forgive You
  • Forgive Me
  • Thank You
  • Goodbye

Sometimes, dying people hold on to life because they sense others aren't ready to let them go. They want to hear it's all right to let go when they are ready to do so. The assurance their family will be able to carry on — perhaps to help children grow up or to fulfill another's shared dream — may offer enormous relief.


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Business Class vPBX

This is the solution that sets Voipia’s Business Unlimited offering head & shoulders above the competition. While it would appear that all Phone Service companies offer the same product and features, it is how the Phone Service is delivered and maintained that makes the difference for you and your company. Yes, it is true that Voipia’s vPBX phone service comes with all the core phone service features your office needs included for one low monthly cost per user, the way Voipia takes care of our customers is very unique in the industry. Our customers are provided with a simple and easy to use web interface to manage and review their total Voipia office communications. But the majority of our customers love the high quality and immediate response they experience when they pick up the phone and speak with a Voipia Customer Support Representative. Rather than the hours on hold they experienced with their previous phone service providers, Voipia customers dial 611 from any Voipia phone and immediately get a cheerful and knowledgeable support rep that can take care of their needs. Changes to your Voipia account takes minutes, rather than the hours you have experienced with other phone service providers. In addition to the quality customer support our customers enjoy, Voipia actually warrants and covers the Voipia provided desk phones for as long as the customers stay with Voipia. This means that if two years after signing up with Voipia, the phone’s speaker goes out, or 5 years later the phone’s buttons stop working, Voipia will actually replace that Voipia provided desk phone with a new or current model, and only charge the customer for the shipping of the replacement phone. So, when you choose Voipia as your phone service provider, our commitment goes far beyond the initial Service Agreement. We are committed to your success today, tomorrow, and far in to the future.

Voipia’s Business Class vPBX service includes a full-featured Auto-Attendant, customizable Music-on-Hold, multiple Hunt/Ring Groups, plenty of local phone numbers, Time-of-Day Call Routing, Company Announcements, and the Telephony Manager allow your company to manage all calling needs professionally day or night.

Calling Features
Dial Tone / Connectivity
Anonymous Call Rejection
Calling Line ID Delivery
Call Forwarding
( Always, Busy, No Answer)
Find me / Follow me
Advanced Find me / Follow me
Simultaneous Ring
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Call Pickup
Call Waiting
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Do Not Disturb: In short: DND
Extension Dialing
Last Number Redial
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Unlimited Calling
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Series Completion
Feature Access Codes
Company Announcements

Nationwide Coverage

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Competition makes IT better

Leonardo Iacovone, Mariana Pereira-López, Marc Schiffbauer 30 October 2017

Digital technology creates opportunities to accelerate growth as firms across the world become more connected. But the 2016 World Bank World Development Report, titled Digital Dividends, showed that the benefits are neither automatic nor assured. Firms’ use of digital technologies differs substantially across countries, and while the internet has reached almost all countries, the use of digital technologies is still basic in most developing countries (Comin and Mestieri 2013). In Mexico, 84% of firms with at least ten employees used the internet in 2012, but only 26% of employees had internet access, only 13% of firms used e-commerce for purchases, and 9% for sales. What is preventing developing countries from realising the benefits of digital technology?

To answer this question, it is important to understand the channels through which IT affects productivity at the firm level. The relation between IT and productivity has been widely studied, but there is still relatively little evidence about these channels. Also, most results have focused on developed countries. Research suggests that firms must pursue complementary investments such as changes in business organisation and training, which imply additional costs, to successfully leverage IT investments (Jorgenson et al. 2008). Recent evidence shows that the lack of these complementary investments explains differences in the impact of IT on productivity between the US and advanced European countries (Bloom et al. 2012). But training and business reorganisations are costly, so does increased competition create the incentives to invest in them?

The IT and competition nexus in Mexico

In recent work, we constructed a two-period panel of firm-level information using Mexico’s National Survey on Information Technologies from 2009 and 2013 (Iacovone et al. 2016a). This provides detailed information on IT use and firm performance that, to the best of our knowledge, has not been used for research before.

We analysed three physical measures of IT use: computers-per-worker, the share of labour with internet, and the share of labour with a computer. The surge of Chinese import competition in the Mexican market was used to measure differences in the degree of competition, using the change in the share of China in total Mexican imports for each sector between 2000 and 2008. We also checked whether more intense Chinese competition for Mexican exporters to the US market led to changes in Mexican firms' use of IT.

We found that firms that faced more intense import competition from China used IT more intensively (Figure 1) and more efficiently (Figure 2). Firms that faced this external shock of higher foreign competition between 2000 and 2008, either in the domestic or the US (export) market, increased the number of computers per employee, the share of labour using the internet, and their share of online purchases in total purchases in the subsequent four years 2008–12. As a result, the number of computers per employee in 2012 was 11% higher for firms that faced more Chinese competition, and the share of online purchases was 114% higher.

More intensive use of digital technologies for firms selling products that directly compete with imports from China also translated into higher manufacturing productivity growth. For example, firms that increased their share of workers using the internet from zero to one due to high import competition from China had 1.2% higher productivity growth between 2008 and 2012. By contrast, ICT use had no impact on labour productivity growth among Mexican firms that did not face import competition from China.

The results are robust when using an instrumental variables approach, relying on subnational and sector-specific information on IT intensity, to account for the endogeneity between firms’ IT use and productivity.

Figure 1 Mexican firms’ use of ICTs in response to import competition, 2008-12 (percentage-point changes)

Source: Iacovone et al. (2016b).

In contrast, we did not find any effects of IT on firm productivity among Mexican firms that did not face more external competition. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that competition provides incentives to pursue organisational changes and investment in training associated to IT. We found similar results when we analysed Chinese competition for these firms in the US market.

The finding that firms in more contested industries use digital technologies more effectively would be consistent with a Schumpeterian mechanism. The allocation and selection mechanism in Mexican or US markets that are more intensively contested by competition from China drives Mexican firms (exporting to the US) to use digital technologies more intensively and productively.

Figure 2 Change in sales/worker versus ICT use in Mexico, 2008-12

Source: Iacovone et al. (2016b).

How does competition leverage IT effects on productivity?

We also investigated the connection between competition, firm efficiency in using IT, and complementary investments by using a new set of questions that was included in the last wave of the survey.

We used two scores on innovation that indicated the extent of complementary innovative investments that firms have implemented. The first one recorded innovation activities related to products and processes, such as reductions of training costs, improvements in the design of products, and plant scaling. The second measured organisation and marketing innovations, such as access to new markets, better communication within the firm, and implementation of automated systems.

As Figure 3 shows, firms that faced more external competition had better scores in both product and processes innovation, as well as in marketing and organisation. In contrast, firms that invested in IT but did not face more external competition pressures did worse in terms of innovation.

Figure 3 Mean innovation score by IT use and competition with China

(a) Products and processes

(b) Marketing and organisation

We also found that IT use only affected the probability of innovation for firms that competed with Chinese imports. Similarly, the probability of using software for logistics and distribution and control of processes increased with firms’ IT use when only among firms that faced more competition from China. Therefore, our results suggest that competition generated the incentives to use IT more efficiently by promoting not only a more intensive use of IT, but also encouraging the complementary investments in innovation and improvements in an organisation.

When does IT boost firm productivity?

We can conclude that the impact of IT use on productivity would be contingent on reforming regulatory barriers. This encourages firms to compete by investing in the efficient use of technology. For instance, subsidising IT is not enough if barriers to private sector competition through regulation, or insufficient antitrust laws, prevent a level playing field among all firms.

Bloom, N, R Sadun, and J Van Reenen (2012), "Americans do IT better: US multinationals and the productivity miracle". The American Economic Review 102(1): 167-201.

Comin, D, and M Mestieri (2013), "If Technology Has Arrived Everywhere, Why Has Income Diverged?" INET Research Note 26, Institute for New Economic Thinking, New York.

Jorgenson, D W, M S Ho, and K J Stiroh (2008), "A retrospective look at the US productivity growth resurgence", The Journal of Economic Perspectives 22(1): 3.

Iacovone, L, M Pereira-López, and M Schiffbauer (2016a), "Competition Makes IT Better: Evidence on When Firms Use IT More Effectively", World Bank Policy Research Working Paper no. 7638, Washington, DC: World Bank.

Iacovone, L, M Pereira-López, and M Schiffbauer (2016b), "ICT Use, Competitive Pressures, and Firm Performance in Mexico", The World Bank Economic Review 30(Supplement 1)" S109-S118.

OECD (2013), “Investment in ICT”, in OECD Factbook 2013: Economic, Environmental and Social Statistics, OECD Publishing.

World Bank (2016), World Development Report 2016: Digital Dividends, Washington, DC.

Topics:  Productivity and Innovation

Tags:  competition, Export, innovation, China, information technology, IT, Schumpeter, Mexico

Lead Economist, World Bank Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice

Consultant, Trade Competitiveness Global Practice, World Bank

Senior Country Economist, World Bank

CEPR Policy Research


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Guillermo Calvo 04 August 2010

The current US fiscal policy debate often starts from the assumption that the subprime crisis has brought about a “lack of demand”. From that premise, policies that increase demand look appealing. Fiscal expansion ranks first in line, particularly if the economy is caught in a “liquidity trap” in which conventional monetary expansion runs out of steam (see Krugman 2008). High public debt may become a problem, but the concern is swiftly dismissed by arguing that it will be addressed when full employment returns.

The main difficulty I have with that type of argument is that it starts the narrative too late into the game. The subprime crisis is a financial crisis that threw a dark cloud of mistrust on financial intermediation; lender L stopped lending to borrower B, not because B became a rogue, but because L hears that people like her are worried about the health of the financial sector. That's the central reason why a small financial problem catapulted into the present global crisis. Many professional economists agree with that.

Once this is acknowledged, “lack of demand” is almost a corollary. If L does not lend to B, B's demand will have to fall. L is a lender and, therefore, now she has to find a place to park her money. The easiest alternatives are cash or Treasury bills. Therefore, B's forced austerity is not offset by L's overindulgence, and "lack of demand" springs to life. B's sudden austerity – it is worth stressing – is due to a credit crunch. He didn't become anorexic or lose his self-esteem as some Keynesians want you to believe. These psychological diseases may happen to him as crisis evolves, but the roots of his austerity are in a suddenly malfunctioning credit market.

Proponents of expansionary fiscal policy claim that the government should increase expenditure – spending what B can’t and L won't – by issuing the Treasury bills that L wants. This closes the circle, the additional fiscal deficit is financed by L and the economy goes back to full employment.

The economy is not that simple

But, unfortunately, economies in crisis are not that simple. The argument assumes that the government channels additional spending towards the very same goods that B cannot afford. This is not true in general. In the US, for instance, small firms lost access to working capital that the government spends on solar energy. Hence, sectoral “lack of demand” is unlikely to vanish. The sun will set on B goods and shine on government goods.

Fiscal expansion could thus have little impact on unemployment, because the unemployed in the sector that caters to B's tastes are unlikely to find new jobs in those sectors that benefit from the government's largesse. One important reason for sluggish employment creation is that stimulus packages are transitory and hiring-and-firing is costly. Sectors producing government goods will go on overdrive, but will be reluctant to hire new workers. Equally important, labour reallocation is costly and cannot take place in the spur of the moment: a bricklayer does not become a computer technician overnight. This helps to explain why US unemployment is still high even though output is heading to recovery (see Calvo and Loo-Kung 2010). Moreover, if trust in financial intermediaries does not recover, even this type of inefficient and employment-less recovery may lose steam if fiscal stimulus is discontinued.

The case for fiscal stimulus is stronger if the government spends on B goods, which the US public sector has certainly done to some extent through tax credits and the Fed's purchase of toxic assets. This is welcome in the short run because it helps to cushion the fall in B goods' relative prices (e.g., real estate prices) and gives time for the financial industry to digest the subprime blow. Financial contracts are highly imperfect and their small print does not anticipate improbable or complex events. Therefore, cushioning the blow may effectively prevent major and unnecessary pain. But this is temporary relief – it needs to be substituted by policies that help to regenerate credit on an efficient and sustainable basis.

Restoring credit would be straightforward if all it takes to go back to full employment is for B to resume his expenditure plans prior to the subprime crisis. But this is not the case. The economy was seriously distorted by the real-estate bubble. B should not build so many houses as before and, therefore, construction workers will have to be reallocated to other activities, which as noted before it is not easy. Unemployment may not fall and may actually rise in the transition.

This will call for more generous unemployment compensation schemes which, fortunately, could be implemented in the US at low inflation and low public-sector default risk. The dollar is the world reserve currency and L is still willing to buy Treasury bills. But going beyond cushioning the losers runs the risk of slowing down the market's discovery process. The US economy relies on markets; there is no central planning agency to guide the private sector in the resource reallocation task. Markets discover the new pattern by trial and error. This is a very strenuous task that is made enormously more difficult if the government keeps employing resources in activities that will have to be phased out.

Getting credit markets back on their feet: A difficult choice

Moreover, getting the credit market back on its feet requires the non-financial private sector to lead the way by finding new and promising activities. The Fed is very concerned about the tepid recovery of the credit market, particularly credit channelled to small firms (Bernanke 2010). But one should not put the cart ahead of the private sector's discovery process.

Bankers shuffle paper and wait behind their desks for someone with a bright idea. Indeed, a common feature in economies recovering from deep financial crisis is that the bounce-back is not led by (bank) credit. Experience suggests that output recovery is instead helped by low real wages and currency undervaluation. In the US, incidentally, the real wage is still close to its level prior to the subprime crisis, and export-led growth will not be a realistic alternative until the rest of the world shows clear decoupling (see Calvo et al. 2006 and Calvo and Loo-Kung 2010).

I argue that recovery to the new full-employment equilibrium in the US may require further real wage contraction in the transition1. If this road is taken, public policy has still a big role to play, namely, to prevent that the pain falls too heavily on the poor and unemployed (e.g., through extension of unemployment insurance), and that the adjustment exacerbates financial distress (e.g., guarding against sharp price deflation).

I am afraid that we have reached a major fork in the road:

  1. Maintaining or increasing fiscal stimulus will probably prevent a major slump of economic activity and a sharp rise in unemployment (the feared double-dip recession), but at the cost of slowing down growth and technical progress;
  2. On the other hand, phasing out fiscal stimulus risks generating double-dip recession but, if unnecessary pain is avoided, it may result in a more vibrant economy in the medium run.

The choice is difficult and I am afraid that it will be guided by political expediency, and the outcome will depend, in no small measure, on implementation.

The main question is not so much to spend or not to spend but, rather, how to spend. In my opinion, it is time to take option (2) – phase-out government expenditure while phasing-in social protection programmes, such as the extension of unemployment benefits, to cushion the blow of a necessary transition.

Restoring fiscal equilibrium is an important midrange goal, but it is far from a priority compared with helping the economy finding its new equilibrium, away from the real estate sector and into activities that are likely to be less labour-intensive. This will expose fewer skilled workers to a harsh reality, which policymakers should not ignore. If social protection policy is not addressed head on, trade protectionism could arise as an alternative. This is an undesirable outcome but it may look attractive to policymakers who are now beginning to be concerned about ballooning fiscal deficits.

Bernanke, Ben (2010), "Restoring the Flow of Credit to Small Businesses", Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 12 July.

Calvo, Guillermo, Alejandro Izquierdo, and Ernesto Talvi (2006), "Sudden Stops and Phoenix Miracles in Emerging Markets", American Economic Review, 405-410, May.

Calvo, Guillermo and Rudy Loo-Kung (2010), "US recovery: A new “Phoenix Miracle”?",, 12 April.

Krugman, Paul (2008), “Optimal fiscal policy in a liquidity trap (ultra-wonkish)”, The Conscience of a Liberal,, 29 December.

1 This may be partly cushioned by labour subsidies.

Topics:  Global crisis Macroeconomic policy

Tags:  fiscal policy, fiscal stimulus, global crisis, Fiscal crisis

Professor of Economics, International and Public Affairs at Columbia University

CEPR Policy Research


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PEER Locations

SYKE - Finnish Environment Institute (Finland) DCE - Danish Centre for Environment and Energy, Aarhus University (Denmark) EC JRC - European Commission, Joint Research Centre IRSTEA - National Research Institute of Science and Technology for Environment and Agriculture (France) CEH - Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (United Kingdom) Wageningen Environmental Research (Alterra) UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Germany) CIENS - Oslo Centre for Interdisciplinary Environmental and Social Research peer

Research Facility

The members of PEER run major research facilities, some of them unique. Please find below an overview of the facilties which are open to interested researchers.

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ProVIS - Centre for chemical microscopy

Centre running the infrastructure:

  • UFZ

Type of facility:

  • Laboratory / high-end instrument

Short description:

ProVIS is a unique platform for chemical microscopy. ProVIS combines complementary techniques for analysing the elemental and isotope composition as well as  structural units of microscopic objects on various scales. In particular cases even sub nm lateral resolution can be achieved. The high surface sensitivity of the methods employed allows for a depth resolution up to a few atomic layers. Options for tomography of microscopic objects are available on electron- and ion-probe instruments. Computer cluster support allows for high-performance image-processing which is the basis for correlative microscopy, in particular for the combination of data obtained by the different techniques of the ProVIS centre.

ProVIS research focusses on the visualisation and quantification of microbially mediated bio-geo-chemical processes and the role of micro-organisms in C, N, S and metal transformation in natural as well as polluted environments. The aim is in situ analysis of function, structure and identity of micro-organisms. These are for instance the degradation of contaminants, corrosion, bio-leaching and bio-mineralization as well as single cell metabolism in ecosystem functioning.

Major research issues/sites:

The aim of ProVIS is to visualise and quantify microbially mediated biochemical processes in natural and polluted environments using innovative high-resolution chemical and surface imaging techniques employing optical, electron and ion probes. Information on elemental and isotopic composition as well as molecular structural units of small objects can be obtained using the following techniques: nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (nanoSIMS), time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), helium ion microscopy (HIM), MALDI imaging mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), confocal RAMAN micro-spectroscopy, laser ablation ICP-MS with isotope resolution  as well as laser micro-dissection (LMD) combined with fluorescence microscopy. The chemical microscopic approach is complemented by a high resolution mass spectrometry laboratory for metabolomics and proteomics comprising Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FT-ICR-MS) and an Orbitrap mass spectrometer.

Using these techniques in combination with stable isotope tracer experiments and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) a direct correlation of the phylogenetic/morphological identity of micro-organisms with their metabolic activity can be obtained. The final aim is to determine the contribution of specific populations to a certain biochemical process, e.g. metal and element cycling, and therefore the micro-organism's role in ecosystem functioning.

Current topics:

  • Microbe-metal/mineral interactions e.g. bio-films on metal surfaces, intracellular and extracellular sequestration of metals on terrestrial pristine and polluted environments;
  • Carbon, nitrogen and sulphur fluxes in microbial communities;
  • Microbial ecology of contaminant degradation / transformation of organic chemicals in microbial communities;
  • Tracer experiments in oxic/anoxic conditions, aerobic/anaerobic cultivation methods;

Development of novel methods using isotope-containing fluorescent nano-markers for cell identification, imaging of molecules (proteins, mRNA) and activity tracing.

Short technical description:

We have established a work-flow from sample preparation to chemical microscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis. Our work-flow allows for a flexible sample preparation using a combination of various techniques, depending on the particular target. Cryo-preparation is possible for a number of applications. A broad variety of techniques for molecular work, biological sample preparation and surface treatment has been established.  The preparation of samples for high-vacuum environment, as needed for electron or ion microscopy, will involve high-pressure freezing, freeze substitution, cryo-ultramicrotomy, cryo-sublimation drying, cryo-fracturing, cryo-etching, cryo-coating, and critical-point drying. Magnetron sputter coating and electron beam evaporation will be used for conductive layer deposition needed for electron microscopy on insulating samples.

Methods and instruments:

Sample preparation:

  • high pressure freezing
  • freeze substitution
  • cryo-sublimation/etching
  • cryo-fracturing
  • ultramicrotomy in cryogenic environment
  • critical point drying
  • thin layer deposition by sputter coating and electron beam evaporation
  • A well-equipped molecular biological laboratory allows application of molecular biology techniques including PCR, clone libraries, DNA sequencing, and DNA/RNA-stable isotope probing for sample preparation and analysis.

  • Epifluorescence-microscope, stereo-microscope with epifluorescence option for visual inspection and sample preparation.
  • Optical profilometer (Sensofar) with objective AFM option (NanoSurf) enables high resolution monitoring to the surface topography of objects.
  • Laser micro-dissection system (LMD, Palm IV system, Zeiss) combined with optical tweezers and epifluorescence microscope. The LMD in combination with laser tweezers allows for cell marking, cell separation, isolation and sample preparation in combination with epifluorescence microscopy for example for FISH.
  • Confocal Raman microscope combined with atomic force microscopy (AFM) option. The combination of confocal Raman with Atomic Force Microscopy (ALPHA 300 RA+ instrument, WITec) will enable chemical imaging along with exploration of sample surface topography and physical properties.
  • Scanning electron microscope (SEM, Merlin VP Compact, Zeiss) equipped with cryo-sample transfer system and cryo-sample holder allows element mapping with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), transmission electron detection for organic thin section, material-contrast imaging with secondary electron detection as well as with energy-filtered back-scattered electron detection.

High resolution surface imaging and treatment by:

  • Helium ion microscope (HIM, ORION NanoFab, Carl Zeiss) will facilitate the high-resolution imaging of virus, microbial cells or nano objects. Its Atomic Level Ion Source (ALIS) delivers a highly focussed He+-beam or Ne+-beam with resolutions of 0.35 nm and 1.9 nm, respectively. The He+-ion-beam is used for imaging with high surface sensitivity whereas the Ne+-ion beam shows an enhanced sputtering rate as needed for lithography, sample preparation and HIM-SIMS technique for elemental analysis.

Visualisation of elemental/isotopic ratio distribution or molecular ion mapping by secondary ion microscopy comprise:

  • Nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS 50L, Cameca) allows for mapping of elements and isotopes at a lateral resolution down to 50nm.
  • Detailed information on molecular composition of organic substances will be gained with a  time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometer (ToF-SIMS-5, IonTOF) comprising cluster ion sources (Bi, Ar) and focussed Ga ion beam source (FIB) for high-resolution depth profiling and molecular ion mass spectrometry.
  • Maldi imaging of biological samples using  Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS, 12 tesla-Solarix 120 Hybrid,  Bruker)  or  TOF Mass spectrometers (Autoflex Speed LRF, Bruker).
  • Laser Ablation System (LA, Analyte G2, S-Prep) equipped with 193 nm ArF-Excimerlaser connected to an ICP-MS System (Spectro MS, Ametek) allows imaging and element mapping. When the LA system is connecting to a multi-collector ICP-MS (Neptune, ThermoScientific) isotope analysis of elements with high mass resolution is possible.

Chemical methods for proteomics, metabolomics and isotope analysis

We have established a unit for high-end proteomics, metabolomics and isotope analyses for analysing bio-geo-chemical and biological processes in biological experiments and at field scale. For physiological and metabolic analysis we have established the work-flow for high resolution metabolomics and proteomics. High resolution isotope analysis is used for characterising biogeochemical processes in the environment and comprised:

  • A 12 tesla-Solarix 120 Hybrid FTICT MS system (Bruker) is equipped with different periphery instrumentation such as direct infusion, UHPLC and Nano-HPLC for analysis of a wide range of organic substances. The mass resolution up to 5 Mio. (MRP) allows for the analysis of atomic composition of each ion.
  • An high resolution Orbitrap MS system (Fusion, Thermo Scientific) is equipped with different periphery instrumentation such direct infusion, UHPLC and Nano-HPLC for analysis of a wide range of organic substances. The mass resolution up to 340T (MRP) allows for the analysis of a wide range chemicals. The Orbitrap is mainly used for proteomics and for example stable isotope probing of proteins and lipids.

The multi collector ICPMS is used for analysing the concentration and isotope composition of elements in environmental samples, geological material, and aqueous solution and can be connected additionally to HPLC, GC and LAS systems.

Specific features/uniqueness:

The high-end analytics for chemical microscopy and chemical analysis in one platform (ProVIS) is unique in Europe. The capabilities for correlative microscopy along with high resolution MS and isotope analysis provide complementary capabilities for analysis biogeochemical processes from a molecular level to the field scale.

SIMS techniques and a number of our equipment for chemical microscopy is fully remote controlled and can be used with clients via internet directly from their office. After introduction the clients can analyse their samples with assistance of our staff via internet from any place in the world. For collaborators we provide excess to our computer cluster via internet for correlative microscopy experiments.

Scientific areas:

  • Environment and Health
  • Soils, Forests and Agriculture
  • Water
  • Geoinformation
  • Fragile Environments
  • Environmental Technologies
  • Climate Change
  • Biodiversity and Land Use
  • Marine
  • Atmosphere

Options and conditions for visiting scientists:

The mission of ProVIS is to accelerate common research in Saxony, Germany and the European Union on a non-commercial basis. Thus ProVIS is open for national and international research collaborations. Collaborative research projects are invited and preference will be given to quality of projects and feasibility of the approach. ProVIS reserves space and capacity for visiting scientist. Visiting scientists are invited to send a request with a small project outline to contact person of ProVIS. Preference is given to joint projects.

The UFZ is accepting proposal for collaborative research. Proposals for research projects can be sent to Dr. Hans H. Richnow or Dr. Niculina  Musat. The proposal for 2015 will be evaluated by a scientific committee in the UFZ.

Unit cost of use and principles of costing:

Basic running cost of ProVIS is covered by the UFZ. Preference for use will be given to collaborative research. Contribution of running costs is expected for collaborative research projects. The UFZ is a non-commercial research institution and calculation of costs for use will be made on real expenses related to the project. Cost for analytical service will be calculated on expenses related to the project. Please contact the staff of ProVIS for further information.


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How a bad lunch can wreck your afternoon productivity

Healthy Food Options for Business Meeting

Making smart snacking choices and healthy lunchtime decisions can dramatically improve your afternoon productivity at work. See if you’re guilty of these bad food decisions.

Can eating a bad lunch really tank my afternoon productivity?

You know the situation well: It’s looking like it’s going to be a late lunch because you’ve been “just wrapping something up” for an hour and a half. It doesn’t really feel like you’re making progress, and yet the clock says it’s been an hour since you told your coworker you’d be just a minute and would join them for a proper (healthy even!) lunch break. You’ve got a big client meeting in 20 minutes, so you need to wolf something down quickly if you’re going to eat at all.

Your energy and self-control are bottoming out, so it’s very easy to say yes to the burger shop down the street, even though you know that such high fat meals provide sustained energy, but require your “digestive system to work harder, reducing oxygen levels in the brain and making us groggy.” And it makes sense, according to Harvard Business Review:

“Unhealthy lunch options also tend to be cheaper and faster than healthy alternatives, making them all the more alluring in the middle of a busy workday. They feel efficient. Which is where our lunchtime decisions lead us astray. We save 10 minutes now and pay for it with weaker performance the rest of the day.”

Keep that in mind next time you know your morning and afternoon are going to be slammed and make wise food decisions before you’re too hungry and swamped to give in to the fast food devil on your shoulder.

Is grazing on small food portions throughout the day a good idea?

While feasts are often festive and fun, when was the last time you walked out of one and didn’t feel like an extended nap? Making a habit of a large lunchtime feast may not be the answer to your hunger pangs. In a study on the physiology of willpower, researchers from Florida State University point out that, “Glucose enables cerebral functioning by providing the fuel for neurons to fire impulses. The brain must receive an adequate supply of glucose in order to function effectively.”

Since nearly all the food we eat is converted to glucose, keeping the brain supplied with adequate levels of energy and glucose throughout the day, rather than big spikes and drops throughout the day, our productivity will certainly benefit and our minds will stay more consistently sharp and alert.

Carting in fruits and vegetables to the office is hard – why are they one of my best productivity options?

Although strictly correlational, a study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology showed that, “Young adults who ate more [fruits and vegetables] reported higher average…well-being, more intense feelings of curiosity, and greater creativity compared with young adults who ate less [fruits and vegetables].”

One of the theories posited was that “Fruits and vegetables contain vital nutrients that foster the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the experience of curiosity, motivation, and engagement. They also provide antioxidants that minimize bodily inflammation, improve memory, and enhance mood.”

So there you have it. It can be a hassle to haul in your sack of fruits, veggies, almonds and protein bars to the office every week, but if you’re looking to achieve peak workplace performance, are you willing to sacrifice to make it happen?

Interested in hosting a healthy meeting full of snack and beverage options that will fuel you and your team to a productive new level? Contact the event planners at Vue today to get your healthy meeting started.


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W-2 Laser Set 4 Part

$ 0.85

W-2 Tax Form Laser Set 4 Part (Copies A,B,C,D)

Minimum order 50.

This 4-part prepackaged Laser W-2 set includes copies A,B,C and D. Each copy is packaged individually, not collated.

W-2 4-Part Pre-Packaged Convenience Set (50 employees)

For use with envelope DWCL (double window) or SWCL (single window)Can also use self seal envelopes DWCLS.

Note: format is set for 2 employees per page (i.e. - a package of 50 is enough for 100 employees).

Tax Form 95214. Also known as 5645, Greatland Tax Form W2TRADS405 and Sage tax form LW2SET4.


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Tag Archives: government

Yo, Mr. Corbett, Mr. Nutter: Stop Messing with Our City’s Future

Originally posted on Streets Dept:
(Image via Fight for Philly) Fund our schools… Fund Our Schools… FUND OUR SCHOOLS!

Posted in Big Stuff, In and Around Philadelphia | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fiscal Reform in Philly

An eye-opening piece by Patrick Kerkstra in PlanPhilly. Fiscal reform in Philadelphia faces a taxing problem

Posted in In and Around Philadelphia | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

North Carolina, Think TWICE Before You Vote

You could be voting to legalize discrimination against your family, your neighbors and your friends…and maybe someday yourself. Be careful what you wish for.  Be even more careful what you vote for. Get the word out about N. Carolina’s defense of … Continue reading

Posted in Big Stuff, News & Newsworthy, Personal is Political | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

This Just In: Warren Buffet on “Class Warfare”

Warren Buffet said that if — per Romney and some of the other GOP candidates and supporters — IF this is class warfare, then his side “has the nuclear bomb.”

Posted in News & Newsworthy | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

AlterNet’s Five Food Stories of 2011

This is definitely worth a read — from USDA failures that are disturbing, but not all that surprising, to the surprising and (dare I say) plain gross. If we are what we eat…(shudder) http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/755867/5_outrageous_food_stories_of_2011/

Posted in Food, Drink, Entertainment, News & Newsworthy, Something in Between | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Apps and Taxes: A Means to an End for Jeff Bezos

Apparently, Jeff Bezos’ Amazon empire is not enough. And, he’ll do whatever it takes ’til it is. He’s announced that he wants to pay more taxes — for the purely non-altruistic reason that it will help the economy and the … Continue reading

Posted in Big Stuff | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment


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Day 7: Stones

Neil Diamond says, Some days are diamonds; some days are stones.  My day was stones.

I got woken up in the night by something wandering around my site.  I don’t suspect it was a human, but I wasn’t super concerned until it…huffed.  It let out a loud-ish snort-ish noise, and I didn’t like that at all!!!  My first instinct was to put on my glasses…cuz, you know, if you’re gonna be devoured by a wild animal, you wanna see it coming.  The “protocol” for bears (my concern here) is to make lots of noise.  Instead, I froze. Quiet as possible.  Glasses on.  Petrified.  Of course I didn’t sleep well after that.  Then  I woke up late.  And groggy.

To top it off, I had car “trouble” en route to my hike, probably from taking my Civic on rocky mountain roads meant for higher-clearance vehicles (if I could manifest a Subaru, I would).  Then everything just sort of went haywire from there.  All is well (or will be), but it was just a frustrating and…sort of fruitless day.  Probably meant to teach me some sort of lesson, I imagine.  [eye roll]

I never made it on my hike…but I did treat myself to dinner at an adorable Italian restaurant not far from the car shop, and my waitress was delightful (and let me sit and soak up their WiFi for some time).  She was definitely the bright spot in my day – and the Bolognese sauce, which was delicious.  Then the clouds (which I’ve hardly seen in the bright blue skies here!) just floating softly above the mountain tops… So idyllic.  Hard to imagine all the devastation that’s come from those peaks in the past – and surely will again someday.  At least my day just felt like stones.  I guess I should consider myself lucky none were spewed at me from the top of those volcanos!  😉

Tomorrow will be diamonds.  I’ll make it so.

1 Comment Leave a comment

  1. ugggghhh!…I guess car trouble is a thing in Eden too 😦 Glad to hear it was not too bad. Your instincts seemed to have been good with the camp intruder. Probably Deer or Elk (Bull Elk are more dangerous than bear in during Elk mating season Sep-Oct). You will know when to make noise vs. be quiet and keep those glasses, flashlight and bear spray close! You have the right attitude, this day was a rock for sure but it takes rocks to make diamonds!

    Liked by 1 person

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