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Trial Studies Bullfrog Device in Vascular Disease Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia

EMERYVILLE, CA., October 30, 2017 - Mercator MedSystems, Inc., a medical technology company specializing in localized delivery of drug therapies for deep in the body, announced completion of enrollment today in the company's LIMBO-ATX (Lower-Limb Adventitial Infusion of Dexamethasone via Bullfrog to Reduce Occurrence of Restenosis after Atherectomy-Based Revascularization) clinical trial. The LIMBO-ATX trial was designed to use Mercator's proprietary Bullfrog® micro-infusion catheter to test a new treatment strategy to potentially improve blood flow and decrease repeat revascularization procedures in below-the-knee (BTK) critical limb ischemia (CLI), a debilitating vascular disease that may result in amputation and is estimated to affect 22-30 million persons worldwide.   Current solutions for CLI are substandard and face many limitations, leaving a significant unmet need for these patients and physicians treating the disease.

"The investigators associated with LIMBO-ATX are very excited to have completed enrollment in this important study.  Meaningful results utilizing Mercator's proprietary delivery technique could lead to a change in the standard of care treatment of CLI in the U.S.," said Dr. George Adams, National co-Principal Investigator for LIMBO-ATX and Director of Cardiovascular and Peripheral Vascular Research at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

LIMBO-ATX is a prospective, multi-center, randomized, controlled trial that enrolled over 100 patients with arterial obstructions in their BTK arteries. Lack of blood flow through these arteries to the foot causes complications such as resting pain, non-healing wounds or tissue loss.  Positive results from the study can be used by the company to seek new indications for the use of Bullfrog to deliver the generic steroid dexamethasone for patients with CLI to improve the outcomes of revascularization alone.

"The completion of enrollment in LIMBO-ATX is an important step in validating Mercator's new therapeutic approach to treat CLI disease, and we look forward to seeing the primary 6-month endpoint data in the second quarter of 2018," said Trent Reutiman, CEO of Mercator. "We are encouraged by our investigators' ability to swiftly complete this study in an area where other technologies have consistently yielded little benefit or have been unable to reach the conclusion of the study."

Mercator previously sponsored the DANCE trial, which reached its primary endpoint in early 2017 and demonstrated positive patency outcomes from delivering dexamethasone in combination with angioplasty or atherectomy in above-the-knee (ATK) endovascular revascularization.

About CLI:
Approximately 2 million people in the U.S. are living with CLI. While revascularization is widely regarded as the cornerstone of treatment, restenosis – or the recurrence of the narrowing of the vessel – after treatment of long and complex arterial obstructions has been reported to occur up to 75% of the time within 3 months of the initial revascularization. If not resolved, CLI can lead to the need for amputations of the toes, foot or lower leg.

About the Bullfrog® Micro-Infusion Device:
The Mercator Bullfrog Micro-Infusion Device is a FDA 510(k)-cleared and CE-Marked system that infuses therapeutic and diagnostic agents directly, non-systemically, and safely through blood vessel walls into adventitial tissues. The closed balloon provides a protective covering for a tiny, perpendicular-oriented injection microneedle as it is guided safely through the vascular system to target vessels with diameters of 2 to 8 millimeters.

About the LIMBO-ATX Trial:
The Lower-Limb Adventitial Infusion of DexaMethasone Via Bullfrog to Reduce Occurrence of Restenosis After Atherectomy (ATX)-Based Revascularization (LIMBO-ATX) trial is a perivascular drug delivery trial that pairs the Bullfrog® Micro-Infusion Device with the generic steroid dexamethasone to treat below-the-knee arteries after revascularization. LIMBO-ATX is being conducted in 11 centers in the U.S. Its national Principal Investigators are George Adams, MD, from the University of North Carolina, Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina and Donald Jacobs, MD from Saint Louis University in Missouri. The LIMBO-ATX study was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under an Investigational New Drug (IND) application. More information about the LIMBO-ATX trial is available at

About Mercator:
Mercator MedSystems, Inc. (, based in Emeryville, CA, is a venture-backed, privately held medical technology company. The company develops proprietary catheter-guided micro-infusion systems for targeted delivery of drugs and biologics deep inside the body to treat the root cause of a growing portfolio of medical conditions, including peripheral disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension and heart disease.

For Media Inquiries:
Lori Rosen @ LDR Communications


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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Determining Buyout Capital Structures

My prior post on Capital Structure focused on how traditional corporations establish their capital structures. This entry shifts to how highly leveraged buyout capital structures are determined. Little explanation on how private equity funds set leverage levels for their portfolio companies exists despite buyouts composing an important segment of the overall M&A deal market. As previously discussed, corporation capital structures are ratings based and tend to be permanent in nature. The ratings are tied to fundamentals including size, funded debt to EBITDA and interest coverage.

Buyouts have transitory capital structures driven by factors unrelated to corporations with their more permanent capital structures. Buyouts focus more on maximizing debt capacity utilization tied to market conditions. Hence, their capital structures are highly pro cyclical and drive buyout pricing levels.  (See  Buyout Leverage.)  This is based on the limited life of private equity funds (5 year investment period and 10 year overall life) and the compensation of the general partners (GP).

The traditional GP compensation structure is known as ”2 and 20”. This means they receive a 2% management fee on the funds committed by limited partners (LP) during the investment period, and dropping to 1% for the remainder of the fund’s life. Additionally, they receive 20% of the fund’s profits (AKA the carried interest) after a guaranteed minimum return to the LP-usually 8%. The option like carry is not risk adjusted. Like all options its value is positively related to risk. This leads to a GP-LP agency (conflict of interest) problem. GP are incented to take value destroying investments that cover the preferred return requirement, but not the investment’s cost of capital, to maximize their carry. They are further incented to take as much leverage as the market will allow to enhance their carry. The “great moderation” from the mid 1980s thru 2006 (see Moderation) with its falling rates, increasing profits and high exit multiples shrouded the real effects of these facts from many LPs. The facts became evident once the financial crisis occurred and devastated many buyouts and funds.

The evidence indicates that buyout volume, leverage and purchase prices are inversely related to the spread on high yield securities less LIBOR. (see Drivers) Thus, as markets peaked in the 2006-2007 period, debt spreads fell and buyout leverage surged. Once spreads widened during the 2008-2011 crisis, leverage levels collapsed. Currently, the QE based market recovery has lowered spreads to pre crisis levels. Predictably, buyout leverage levels are approaching pre crisis levels.

The standard corporate explanations for capital structures (trade-off and pecking order) have limited ability to explain buyout leverage levels. Buyout capital structures appear to be based more on market timing and agency factors. The unique contractual organizational structure of private equity funds compared to corporations influences the way they raise capital. This is another area where capital structure theory and practice seems to have a divide that needs closing.

PS We are approaching the next offering of our Acquisition Finance Course in Amsterdam and that also means approaching the deadline to sign up.

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Methodist University Announces Two Major Gifts

Methodist University is pleased to announce two recent major gifts to the Campaign for Methodist University – Building Excellence.

Margaret Ann Player and her family have made a gift of $100,000 to name the Ensemble Rehearsal Room in the Sharon and Ron Matthews Ministry Center in memory of her late husband Richard Player Jr. Mr. Player, who passed away in 2015, served as a trustee of the university for 16 years and built many of the buildings on campus through his company Player, Inc. Mrs. Player is a founding member of the university’s Friends of Music group and of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. Mr. and Mrs. Player were awarded the University Medallion in 2014 for their long and distinguished service to Methodist University.

“I am pleased to give this gift in memory of my husband and to fund a project that will help support the students and the music program at Methodist,” said Margaret Ann Player. “This new facility will benefit the campus and the entire community through music.”

Richard Player III, a graduate of the Class of 1991, stated “I’m happy that our family has made this gift in honor of my mother and father. It’s good to give back to my alma mater and to the community where we live and do business.”

Alumnus Jurgen Stanley and his wife Dee Dee have made a $100,000 gift to name the conference room in the Matthews Ministry Center in their honor. Stanley, a graduate of the Class of 1977, is the owner of J&S Holdings. Mr. Stanley was named the Alumni Business Person of the Year in 1998 by the university’s Reeves School of Business.

“Methodist University provided me with the foundation I needed to become successful in business,” said Jurgen Stanley. “It was the place where I began to fulfill my goals and dreams. For that I am very grateful and happy to give back.”

“These two significant gifts are the most recent examples of contributions built on relationships that span decades,” said university president Ben Hancock. “Methodist University is fortunate to have friends and alumni who are appreciative of the university’s role in the community and in shaping their personal lives, thus leading to their commitment to serving others.”

The Campaign for Methodist University – Building Excellence is the largest fundraising initiative in Methodist University’s history. It will fund scholarships, endowed faculty positions, academic programs, campus life enhancements, new and renovated academic buildings, and expanded athletic facilities. Numerous naming opportunities are available within each of the facilities as well as named endowment opportunities. The capital projects in the campaign include:

  • The Thomas R. McLean Health Sciences Building
  • John M. Reeves Fine Arts Building Renovation
  • Sharon and Ron Matthews Ministry Center
  • Linda and Ralph Huff Concert Hall
  • Student Union and Berns Center Renovation and Expansion
  • Improved athletic facilities, including golf, baseball, softball, soccer, football, track and field, and lacrosse

For more information on the Campaign for Methodist University, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 910.630.7200 or visit the campaign website at

"gallery goes POP: Warhol" Art Exhibition

Exhibition Dates: Feb. 7 - Apr. 12, 2019

The current exhibition entitled “gallery goes P O P: Warhol" is an exhibition featuring 34 silk...

23rd B. F. Stone Lyceum: "The Biology of Monogamy"

Dr. Scott Robertson, Assistant Professor of Biology, will be the featured speaker for the 23rd B. F. Stone Lyceum, and he will be...

Womack Lecture: “Why Eating Matters”

Norman Wirzba, Ph.D., is the Gilbert T. Rowe Distinguished Professor of Theology at Duke University, and also a Senior Fellow at Duke’s Kenan Institute...


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A CEO’s Insights: Thriving in a Dynamic Economy

Brought to you by our Research Sponsor, Pinnacol Assurance

Munich Offers Even More than 2008

The Lufthansa A330-300 lifted off from the Munich Airport runway on May 11, heading to its newest destination – Denver, Colorado. The two airports have been “sisters” for 25 years, exchanging staff, learning from one another, copying one another’s best practices and, most importantly, working to bring back the direct flight that was canceled in 2008.

A Big Thank You for a Big Opening Event

The business community, and especially the Metro Denver EDC and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, demonstrated that a combined effort of the private sector in consort with the region’s mayors and other important groups could bring us to a brighter day where access to the entire region is possible. April 22 puts on exclamation point on vision, tenacity, and collaboration.

About Phil Kalin

Phil Kalin joined Pinnacol Assurance as CEO in 2013. He has served as the chief executive of both public and privately-backed companies, including large hospital systems, as well as organizations focused on health care data, technology and education. He has been active nationally on health care topics related to insurance, data analytics, technology innovation, cost improvement and risk mitigation. Phil is providing an informed opinion on what we see in the Monthly Economic Indicators.

Learn More...

About Pinnacol

Pinnacol Assurance is the Metro Denver EDC's Research Sponsor. Pinnacol is Colorado’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance. Pinnacol provides comprehensive, competitively priced coverage; immediate attention to claims; a highly qualified network of medical providers; and proactive safety programs to more than 55,000 Colorado businesses. Annually, Pinnacol supports nearly $500 million of Colorado’s economic activity, spends over 35,000 hours keeping Colorado worksites safe and provides compassionate care to over 40,000 Coloradans injured on the job.

Learn More...

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Thursday, May 26, 2016

Great week for the Mets, but here comes the Dodgers!  Jared Massey of Dugout Blues, a LA Dodgers podcast, joins me to talk about e upcoming series.  But that's not all we have injury news, minor league recap and even a shopping guide for Father's Day so tune in.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Not a good week for our Metsies, let’s hope our fortunes change when Milwaukee come to town.  I’m joined by the one and only Mr. Brewtown to talk about that upcoming series, so join us on the podcast.

Not affliated with MLB or the NY Mets
Email us at
Voicemail/feedback hotline 516 619 - 6341

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Kevin Henry, Editor of the RoxPile, a Colorado Rockies blog, joins me to discuss the upcoming series.  I'll also discuss Bartolo the slugger, Thor 's mighty hammer, DL Wilmer and a we even got a voice mail from Merry Ole' England.  So join me for all that and more on this edition of " MetsMusings".

Thursday, May 5, 2016

It's me again contemplating the past Mets week, the Plawecki effect, what's wrong with Harvey and so much more.  So join me and we can ponder and muse together. All on this episode of MetsMusings.


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International Sustainable Development

CSR and Development MHC International Ltd advises corporations on their links with developing countries - sustainable development strategies, ailment local level development, check development instead of philanthropy. Michael Hopkins' book on CSR and International Development - Is Business the Solution can be ordered from Routledge.

Labour market analysis and skill assessment has helped countries develop strategies to deal with the twin problems of unemployment and underemployment. Leading to major reports on skill development for the future. Studies have been carried out for the Governments of Azerbaijan, pills China, Colombia, Tunisia, Egypt, Malaysia, Qatar and South Africa.  MHCi worked with Sheikha Mouzah in Qatar as the architect behind her Youth Employment Scheme for the Middle East known as Silatech. MHCi also won two tenders in 2010 for the World Bank to develop Employment Services in Azerbaijan.  MHCi has a new association to develop research and advisory services in East Africa based in Kenya.

Development of Non-oil sectors (Turning Black Gold Into Human Gold) MHC International Ltd has helped Azerbaijan develop its non-oil sector in a project known as 'converting black gold to human gold'. [I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the excellent work done and wish all the best in 2007 for you and your families - Marco Borsotti, UNDP Resident Coordinator, Azerbaijan, Dec 28th, 2006]. There are two reports:

  1. The longer report can be found on final report of turning black gold to human gold, 2006
  2. The longer report and the summary report can be found on the UNDP Azerbaijan website[Note that the summary report is much slower to download than the full report]

Human Resource Development Strategies The development of human capital is crucial to development in all countries. MHC International Ltd has helped Governments evaluate alternative investment strategies in Colombia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, Bolivia, Chile, Egypt, Kenya and South Africa. MHCi has also innovated the concept of intellectual capital in the Arab Region for UNDP and developed a strategy of Job Futures for the Arab Region - See Michael Hopkins: Labour Market Planning Revisited, Palgrave, UK, 2002. Available from

Humanitarian Issues. MHCi has helped countries develop strategies to deal with post-conflict situations. Studies have been carried out with the United Nations for the Governments of South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, Azerbaijan, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Yemen. See Jawahir Adam

Poverty Alleviation is a key concern of many agencies with whom MHCi has worked (World Bank, ILO, UNDP, AsDB) in all the main continents - Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, Oceania. Strategic analysis has been carried out for Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Cote d'Ivoire, Somalia, Honduras, Colombia, Kenya, Uganda, Nepal, Philippines, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Ecuador, Brazil, Surinam.

Social Funds evaluation and development have been carried out with high praise for the work done on Chile's Social Fund FOSIS An evaluation of Egypt's social fund was not, initially, without controversy given its huge size ($US1 billion), but the team's work subsequently proved accurate. This emphasises MHC International's commitment to socially responsible and independent advice.

Monitoring and Evaluation has been carried out for ILO's major employment creation programme using labour intensive techniques (the report was subsequently used by ILO's Governing Body - see, for instance, a review of MHCi's work at the ILO in an issues paper on CSR for ILO). Subsequently, MHC International was invited to evaluate ILO's Child Labour programme (IPEC). In addition major evaluations have been carried out of all the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) activities in selected countries - Uganda, Kenya, Sri Lanka and Honduras. See, for instance, MHCi's led evaluation of UNDP Honduras

Food for work evaluation and appraisal studies have been carried out for the World Food Programme in Jordan, Costa Rica, Madagascar, and Bolivia.

Labour market and education information systems have been, or are currently being, developed for Egypt, Barbados, St. Lucia, Surinam, China and Vietnam with finance from either the UNDP, ILO, World Bank or the European Community. Social indicator development work has been accomplished for SIAP - the Asian Statistical Agency, and social indicator priorities were developed for the Jordan Department of Statistics.

Vocational education and training analyses to support the labour market have been carried out in Malaysia, Tunisia and Vietnam for the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank.

Human development. MHCInternational has been retained on numerous occasions to shape, write and evaluate UNDP's prestigious Human Development Report. We have also helped in formulating reports for Egypt, Colombia, Tunisia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Morocco and Somalia.

Human rights and development is a rapidly growing area. MHCi has produced a report on human rights for UNDP that covers the 50 or so countries in the Central and Eastern European Regions. MHCi is now offering services in this area to corporations.

Survey Analysis to assess future training needs in Vietnam and the design of questionnaires was carried out for the Vietnamese Government in 1999, supported by the Asian Development Bank. Labour Market Survey managed by MHCi for Azerbaijan. Survey of post-conflict soldiers in Ethiopia for EU.

Regional marketing helps companies and institutions set up in the Gulf.

To place an order for any of the reports (specify exactly which) mentioned above, send us an This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .


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Small Company Internship Award

The Small Company Internship Award Program (SCIA) provides funding to help small businesses hire university students to work as interns on projects that are both beneficial to the company and academically relevant to the student. Especially targeted toward Michigan businesses in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) field, the SCIA program is designed to increase students’ exposure to innovative processes and products emerging from companies that employ high-skill workers and to encourage student job placements with innovative and dynamic Michigan companies after graduation.

To be eligible for the SCIA program, companies must be based in Michigan with significant business operations in the state. The SCIA is a matching grant program where funding for a 12-week internship or co-op position is split evenly between the SCIA and the hosting company.

Details on participating, funding, timing and other frequently asked questions can be found here. For updated guidelines on the SCIA program, please download our 2019 SCIA guidelines.

If you would like to be notified when the application opens, please fill out this form.

For more information, please contact one of the MCRN business engagement offices in your area.

Check out this video, Keeping Our Grads in Michigan, showcasing the SCIA program and its success connecting Michigan talent with growing small businesses.

VIDEO: Companies like Duo Security gain access to talent while providing important career experience to students.

“This experience has given me a sense of confidence to handle data and understand it. I feel fortunate to have got a chance to explore some of the many things I wouldn’t have come across otherwise. Most importantly, it gave me an understanding and an excellent opportunity to build a rapport with the leadership and make the most of it. Networking was something I never really banked on. Now I can certainly say that, it works!”

“I loved our interns because they have a different way of thinking and they come up with things that we’d never even think of. We get a bit set in our ways, but they bring a fresh perspective to our business.”

“Previously, I had no knowledge of the packaging industry. After my internship, I’m looking forward to post-graduation and staying in this industry. This industry is very interesting to me now, and I’ve learned so much. I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did!”


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Thursday, 10 January 2019

Nigerians Want Change, We Alone Can Deliver That Change- Buhari

Image result for Nigerians Want Change, We Alone Can Deliver That Change- Buhari

President Buhari today reiterated his commitment to eliminate corruption in campaign financing in the country, pledging that he will not authorise the use of any money from the treasury for his re-election campaign.

Speaking at the close of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, President Buhari directed cabinet ministers to take advantage of technology to reach out to voters on the need to return the All Progressives Congress (APC) led administration in next month’s general elections.
“As political parties spread their ideologies and views to every nook and corner of the country, the issue of cash payment to voters and its corrupting influence in electioneering has once again become a topical issue. Try and use text and multi-media messages to seek votes for the party and government. ‘There is no money from the treasury for use in the campaigns. I will not authorize that,” he said.
President Buhari declared that the APC-led administration has a clear development agenda best suited to take Nigeria forward and sustain economic development.
‘‘This message needs to be taken to all Nigerians but we cannot use money from the treasury to share out to prospective voters. Nigerians want change and we alone can deliver that change. Our people can no longer be swayed by money politics,’’ he said.

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Tuesday, 12 March 2019

R. Kelly Said his Spirit Told him to Speak to Gayle King

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R. Kelly has a bizarre reason for going on national TV to address the sexual abuse allegations against him ... his "spirit" wanted him to speak his truth.

Sources close to the singer tell TMZ ... R. Kelly sat down with Gayle King because he is in constant touch with his "spirit" and tends to listen to it more than the people around him. He also said he felt he owed it to himself and his fans to break his silence and tell his side.
Of course, Kelly quickly went off the rails in the CBS interview -- his first public comments since being arrested on 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse -- shouting in Gayle's face, exploding at the cameras, calling his accusers liars and wearing his emotions on his sleeve.

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Mosul – story of hope – Photo Exhibition

Mosul, a vibrant city of diversity and the largest home of the Christian community in Iraq, was once a thriving city that has been gradually destroyed since 2003 until the latest war that swiped out the city. Can the damage be repaired? Are there still ways in which the ethnical communities that had lived peacefully with each other for centuries to coexist? The cultural loss that Mosul was exposed to and how people are trying to save what is left, are at the centre of this unique exhibition.

The exhibition includes photographs, short films, and stories from Mosul, Iraq. The artworks combine both the concept of war and displacement in relation to the hope of rehabilitating the city. Mosul, at its current state, is an explicit example of the period that a demolished city can experience before it is being resurrected. The exhibition shows the massive destruction of the neighborhoods, and it refers to the role of locals and organizations in reconstructing what war has destroyed.

The artworks give us a better understanding of migration from this city and its surroundings, and enables us to understand what kind of threats have remained after the Islamic State (ISIS) occupation. Moreover, the exhibition gives us a broad image of the scale of risks that still inflict on a group of people that have been deported back to Mosul. We can ask ourselves, is the number of asylum seekers who arrived from Mosul to Finland considered a substantial number in comparison to what has happened to the second largest city in Iraq?

The Artists: Omar Salahuddin, Muslim Fakhri, Moyasser Nasseer & Saad Haadi Rifai.

Mon–Tue, Thu–Fri 10–16
Wed 10–18

Exhibition opening Wednesday May 23, 5 pm– 7 pm.

Opening program:

Tuomas Martikainen: Opening words
Ahmed Zaidan: Mosul and the Story of Hope
Ahmed: Story of a refugee who arrived to Finland in 2015
Ameen Muqdad: Iraqi violinist’s performance and experiences (Skype)
Umar Abdul-Nasser: Short film A Prisioner from Mosul (Skype)
Ahmed Zaidan: Poems of Aurora from Mosul

For more information and group visits contact Ahmed Zaidan (ahmad.ahmad(a)

Facebook event.

© Siirtolaisuusinstituutti Takaisin ylös


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Monday, June 26, 2017

Edmonton City Council Gender Parity

Back in October I took a quick look at the success rates of female candidates getting into city council. In 2013, 22% of candidates were female, but only one out of the twelve council seats ended up being held by a woman. The aim of that post was to investigate some of the source of the gender disparity on council - namely whether the distribution of female candidates in different races was causing the issue, or whether there was an inherent bias against female candidates.

Ultimately, I determined that the relative lack of successful female council winners was more likely due to distribution of candidates across races than individual bias - without accounting for incumbency, there was no evidence of anything other than relative equal chances of winning between female and male candidates (i.e the number of female winners since 2004 is more or less what you'd expect assuming all candidates are equally likely to win).

That was a pretty positive sign, as it suggests that the biggest factor holding back a demographically-balanced council is the availability of under-represented candidates to run (which is totally outside of the scope of this blog to discuss), and perhaps more importantly, the avoidance of clumping of under-represented demographics into the same few races.

One of the biggest issues with the 2013 election was that five wards had no women running at all, and half of all women were clustered into two ridings. This drastically reduced the expected number of women into council, regardless of the relative proportion of candidates who put their names forward.

So with all that said, I've been keeping track of candidates for the 2017 civic election which are being tracked at Daveberta. For each candidate, I've tried to ascertain their gender in order by how they refer to themselves (political candidates love speaking in the third person), or how they're referred to in third party posts, and if all else fails by name and presentation assumptions. If you notice any errors, please let me know.

(Last updated September 19, 2017)

Based on the current 71 candidates, 23 are female and 48 are male (female ratio of 32.4%, up from 22% in 2013). However, based on the distribution between wards, an expected 3.89 seats will be won by female candidates, which could be considered a relatively inefficient allocation of seats based on the ratio of candidates. wards have no women running at all.

Overall, it's most likely that the number of female councillors after the election will be between 2 and 6 (90% confidence).

Edmonton Council (32% female candidates)

Edmonton Catholic School Board (65% female candidates)

Edmonton Public School Board (39% female candidates)

Now that the official nomination deadline has passed, these numbers ought to be pretty official! All in all, women running for city council are still a bit poorly distributed, leading to an expected under-representation of about 0.15 seats. On the other hand, men tend to be poorly distributed in the school board races, leading to expected over-representations of 0.28 and 0.86 seats for Catholic and Public boards respectively. All in all, the candidate distributions are fairly balanced though, and this is certainly a fairer election gender-wise than 2013.

2 comments: discount code said...

There should be no gender fights.i mean come on man we are living in 2017 and if a person is talented or proficient, gender doesnt even matter. Women are working everywhere in every filed. There should be no restrictions.

Peggy Rothchild said...

Imagine becoming vastly wealthy overnight. Being a winner of a multi-million dollar lottery certainly will be a life-changing event for almost every single lottery winner. My name is Mavis Wanczyck from Chicopee, Massachusetts, the famous Power Ball lottery winner of $758 million (£591m) in 2017. I know many people would wonder how I had won the lottery. Would you believe me if i told you that i did it with spell casting? I met this famous spell caster known as Doctor Odunga and he was the one who did it for me. As shocking as it was to me my famous comment to the press was “ I’m going to go and hide in my bed.” Never did I believed that Doctor Odunga actually made me wealthy overnight. If you want to have your chance of winning and becoming very wealthy just like me, contact Doctor Odunga at odungaspelltemple@gmail. com and you will be lucky. Thanks for Reading and hope to see you at the top


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Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Alberta Electoral Districts

A few months ago, the Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission released its report with recommendations on how to redistrict the province for the 2019 election. As I discussed before, this is an important process that occurs every eight to ten years, and is necessary for keeping the provincial electoral boundaries up to date with current population distributions.

As a quick aside, I'd like to thank everyone who, after reading my post on redistributing using the shortest splitline algorithm, actually wrote in to the commission to tell them to do that. Thanks guys!

Redistricting is always a hot topic, as it can lead to accusations of tampering or gerrymandering by those in power. In Alberta the process is ostensibly done by an arms-length body, and as such when the results were unveiled in October the complaints were pretty tame from the parties not in power. The major effect of the redistricting was to merge rural ridings in such a way that three more urban ridings were created.

In 2015, the poll by poll results for Alberta looked like this:

Here, each poll is shaded a darker colour if the party won by 50% of the vote or more. It's pretty fun to zoom around in it!

These polls were fitted to the 2015 riding boundaries, and if we break them out then add the votes back together according to the new 2019 boundaries, we can get a sense of what the outcome for future elections might look like. The process isn't perfect, as not all polls fit precisely into each new riding, but ultimately this is how the 2015 election is likely to have looked under the 2019 redistricting:

This map is coloured the same way as the poll map above.

The impact this would have had on each party is:

  • The total seats won by the NDP wouldn't have changed at 54
  • The total seats won by the Wildrose would have decreased from 21 to 20
  • The total seats won by the PCs would have increased from 10* to 12
  • The Alberta Party would have stayed at 1 seat
  • The Liberals wouldn't have won any
The next election is a little over a year away, and these will be the ridings to be determined in that election. Stay tuned as I work to better develop my seat projection model and poll tracker over the next year!


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Mind Caviar Poetry

Didi Menendez  is the creator and Webmaster/designer of Mi Po Poetry E-Zine. You may have seen her poetry/prose on Experimentia, Writer's Hood, Ophelia's Muse, and in Oceania's Peacockblue and Girlphoria, Mentress Moon and Mind Caviar. Starting December, 2001 she will become a contributor for the-hold.com.

E-mail Didi Menendez. Mi Poesias Poetry Zine edited by Didi Menendez.

Pacify Me

ay papi que rico
minty eyes flutter
coo me gently
with your pacifier
Let me murmur
a spanish lullaby
as my lips suckle
with gentle intensity
ay papi por favor
plunge it in
dulce de leche
my eyelashes shutter

Copyright © 2001 Didi Menendez. All rights reserved. Do not copy or post.

Turns Me On

Your hair frames a chiseled jawbone.
Full lips pouting
against a five o'clock shadow.
Scratches me as I lean in
to snatch a kiss.
Oval face with a shadow of a dimple,
pointing to the center of your aura.

You make it hard for me to be a bitch.
melting emotions evaporate,
steaming in your burning masculinity.

Look at the way my hips sway
to your pants starting to show a bulge.
Your shirt three buttons loose,
black shined boots,
casually sitting and seducing me with
those deep penetrating come and fuck me
bedroom eyes.

And what about the way that women look
at you when we are together?
Lusting after you, checking out your moves,
green eyes glowing,
realizing that you are mine,
turns me on.

Copyright © 2001 Didi Menendez. All rights reserved. Do not copy or post.

G-Spot of My Mind

come and explore
the g-spot of my mind
with your words
you have turned me on
to your philosophy
opened wide for you to enter
go ahead and push
immerse your thoughts
you will not hurt me
come and pick my brain
petals from a daisy
she loves me
she loves me not
come and discover
the g-spot of mind
explore it thoroughly
the entrance is left
thieves have entered
taken my treasures
once almost my life
I keep my mind open
push in deeper
penetrate my walls
of knowledge
how deep can you go
before I yell for mercy?

Copyright © 2001 Didi Menendez. All rights reserved. Do not copy or post.

Main Page
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Copyright © 2002 Mind Caviar. All rights reserved. Mind Caviar is a working trademark pending registration.


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Allison transmissions deployed to outback mining operation

Allison transmissions prove to be more than a match for some of the harshest conditions in the world. After more than 25 years, two of these tough automatic transmissions are logging amazing performance in Steiger broad acre tractors in a unique mining environment in the Australian outback. Read more at


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nunpohnganfoofront.jpg nunpohnganFooRear.jpg
flwimage2.jpgRoop Lor (cast mini-statue) Luang Phor Ngern Another votive tablet that my mentor gave is a mini-statue. The shown unit on the left was painted in gold and another in original matte-chrome finish. Previously, he used a pair with another old Buddha to prepare his hour-long chanting before using the flower to "bath" my body. I was told that Thai businessmen love to have one of these for personal use. Actually, my partner has been looking for one of these for a long time and eventually, my mentor managed to get one unit for him when he heard his friend has a unit for sale.
I was told by my mentor that the LP Ngern I was using now is from WAT Bang Klaan, Changwat Pichit, Central Thailand. Enlarged View(s): Front Section (93k); Rear Section(61k). Copyright-free image collection. leofoo® 2004. Basically, from what I understand Luang Phor Negrn has a few styles, the one second row at the bottom). a variation from the popular style (shown above) is called Katta version (very hard to differentiate at the front, but a tiny mark at the end of the second foot for the popular style version). Newer batches may has a script at the back (see image at bottom of this page).Perhaps some of you can feed us with more methods in verification.

The Early Versions ... The recent trip to Chiangmai was an eye-opener as with the help of Mr. Weerapong Suvichai, the columnist who writes weekly for Chiangmai News Ltd. and Nation Channel TV Network introduced me to his uncle who is an active member at Chiangmai Hobbyist amulet Market for Amulets Collecting club. He has two early versions of the LP Ngern images - I would like to remind these are very expensive pieces, I was quoted the very well preserved piece such as the one shown at the far right can easily command a hefty RM70,000-00 a piece. No joke ...The well worn image at the far right is of similar piece without except it comes without the top portion. Cool ....

An early batch of LP Ngern Image
Front Section (96k) | Rear View (93k)

ENLARGED VIEW (114k) of the
cased unit (far right)

Credit: Mr. Weerapong Srivichai from Chiangmai News Co. Ltd. & his Friends.

LP Ngern
Front Section (118k)

LP Negrn Larger pendant frontview LP Negrn Larger pendant Rearview

LP Negrn pin-size  pendant front view

LP Negrn Larger pendant Rearview

Size comparison

Front View (123k) | Rear View (118k) My newly acquired piece at a bargain...

Front (63k) | Rear (61k)
A pin-sized LPN provided by Mr. Gark who trades amulets at Pudu Plaza

Size comparison of version fourth of wat Pak Nam triangular style with a typical Soomdej image and two versions of a LP Negrn. My recently acquired version is the left is significantly larger than the image at far right.

NOTE: Lately, I managed to find a website via Google which was prepared by Mr. Lek Watruak from Bangkok which has some superb information relating to this image form. LP Ngern can be regarded as the most sought-after mini-statue as people commonly believe the old monk, who was the Abbot of Wat Bang Klaan, Pichit Province, provided supernatural power for businesses. However, this is also one of the most counterfeited image by irresponsible merchants.

As compare to the early pricey pieces, these have a more realistically price tags even though early version of these mini statues have a different form from those of very early versions. However, as many Thai public are quite convinced that the LP Ngern is closely associated with given wealth and prosperity to the owner, some of the earlier versions are getting pricey too. The images above and the few shown below are versions that have been introduced at different stages and naturally, they have a different calling prices for each of these versions too.

LPNergnGoldFrntMdm.jpg LPNergnGoldRearMdm.jpg LPNergnGoldFrntMdm.jpg LPNergnGoldRearMdm.jpg

My ChiangMai Friend who pursuaded me to get this LP Ngern 2515 "limited edition" unit in a solid 24k outfit where I was told only 9 units have been produced...This was in my possession now hehe .... Picture shown at far left is an old Luang Phor Ngern owned by Uncle Wichian for his chanting along with this oldie piece..

uncleDUALLPnernfrontMdm.jpg uncleDUALLPnernRearMdm.jpg

Two newer versions which have LP Ngern's name printed on the rear sections. Enlarged View(s): Front Section (53k); Rear Section(53k).

LUang Phor Ngern front

LUang Phor Ngern Rear
The far left image (A) of the LP Ngern was the version that my mentor has managed to source one unit for my partner - it was a very well preserved image with great facial expression. The one at far left was exchanged with the one given to me long ago as I thought he should has a unit fully waterproof as during chanting he has to put a LP Ngern along with his chanting tool inside the container. The far right image was acquired via Weerapong during the Chiangmai trip. Enlarged View(s): (A) Front Section (109k); Rear Section(89k). (far Left) Front Section (103k); Rear Section(113k). (far Right) Front Section (98k); Rear Section(86k) and a Base View (68k). Copyright-free image collection. leofoo® 2004

<<<-- A pretty high quality Luang Phor Ngern image acquired by Mr. HO FOO SANG for his friend, paid around RM4,000-00. But the friend never honoured to take the image from him. Sad state.. The image was taken at night, not very favourable lighting to show its details.
triLPnernfrontMdm.jpg triLPnernRearmdm.jpg

HELP: One of the most disturbing element in collecting Amulets is whether you have bought a fake item. A recent trip to Bangkok, a friend of mine bought a LP Ngern from a gold smith shop which made me felt very uncomfortable. You can click on each of the images to see an ENLARGED VIEWS to determine whether if the new purchase is a genuine image or a fake one. Anyway, as I said earlier, I am not an expert but the image came with such a cheap price that actually made me feel a little uneasy over its origin. Update: Mr Malcolm Lee provides some clues at the Message Board Section..

Between the mind and the heart: HOW MUCH are you willing to put up a price for one of those aged mini statues ? ....

| Previous | NEXT | a few of the popular Phra Khun Paen images

| BACK | to Index page of personal collection
| BACK | to Main Index page of Thai Amulets/Pendants

Nang Phaya.jpg

LP Nern.jpg

Khun Paen.jpg

Phra Pitta.jpg

Phra Kring.jpg

Paul Collection.jpg

FS Ho Collection.jpg

Office & Friends.jpg

Uncle Lim.jpg.jpg

Uncle Wichien.jpg

Wichien Soomdej.jpg

Broze Medallions.jpg

| My Personal Collection |

| My Friend's Collection |

Chao Khun Nor   The Box - Mr. Adisak
Col. Samay Soontara
Brian Koh - Chao Khun Nor
Raymond -Soomdej
Contributing Articles: Main Index Page
Collectible Med. scale Buddhist Statues
Highly Useful
External Links
Map of Thailand (273k Click to enlarged)

wallpaperLink.jpg   potpourri.jpg ChaingMai.jpg Yangon, Burma Link Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh, Cambodia religiousContainerSML2.jpg Wat Keschaiyo, Anthong wat_logoSML.gif Wat Pak Nam logo and LINK

Public Knowledge Based Forum: Any comments, questions, suggestions, report of a problem encountering in the site OR wish to share a thought, expressing a personal desire to acquire or disposal any particular Buddhist image ? Please make good use of the

Message Board / Guestbook link
section which may serve more specifically with your objective.

NOTE:- Virtually ALL the images appear in this site have two dimensions in their respective display. I think most seasoned Thai amulet lovers probably possess a pair of hawk eyes second to the Jews in the diamond trades, so, it is the intention to provide a LARGER view of each thumbnail in order for everyone to enjoy, authenticate or verify their originality. The technique to fully explore the convenience of this display system is - even when the larger view appears on the browser, you should use your mouse to click again to see the actual explosive view. Please bear with the slower download time of those explosive views. Enjoy.

About this personal community site

MIR Logo.gif
Home - Photography in Malaysia

leofoo.Gif mac_link.jpg

Credit: To all the good people who have contributed their own experience, resources or those who are kind enough in granting us the permission to use their images that appeared on this site. Mr. Wichian Phetratanamunee® (+6-012-2612207 (Malaysia);+66(0)74-421248 Thailand), my master and mentor all these years. My friend, Mr. Ho Fook Sang® from Ipoh, Perak (+06-0125388633, +605-5415433) who has been helping me all this long with wonderful source of information on Thai Buddha Imageries; my partner, Mr. Paul Lim, who shares the same passion together with me. Uncle Lim®, from TONG SOON Trading, Pudu Plaza (+06-012-9128391) who has given me some guidance relating to the background of some of the Thai amulets and lastly, Miss MaeV who helped me edit and patching some mistakes found on some of the pages in this site. Mr. Alan Tan "Arohka®" who contributes some of his excellent articles fro this site, Mr. Weerapong Srivichai®, (+6609999974) from Chiangmai News Co. Ltd. who has inspired me with so many new findings on Thai Amulets; Mr. "Ben", Col. Samay, Mdm Wannee, Mr. Adisak® & many others (such as Stan Thong (, Raymond Goh(, Tony EH ( who share so much passion towards construction of this website and not to mention all the time and effort spent by volunteered Co-Maintainers of the Message Board. Note: Certain content and images appeared on this site were taken by using a Canon PowerShot Pro-1, G2 and Sony digital cameras. Some materials appeared on this site were scanned from some leaflets, brochures or publications published in Thai and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their work for educational purposes. The creator of the site will not be responsible for any discrepancies that may arise from such dispute except rectifying them after verification. Site made with an Apple IMac.


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Before and After Gallery at M Khan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery

Before & After Images Gallery

Liposuction, aka LipoSculpting

Thigh sculpting for leaner and longer looking legs.

M Khan: Thigh sculpting before M Khan: Thigh sculpting after

Inner thighs: Liposulpting to create a space in between the thighs

M Khan: Liposulpting before M Khan: Liposulpting after

Abdominal pouch: Liposculpting for contoured abdomen

M Khan: Abdominal pouch before M Khan: Abdominal pouch after

Flank Contouring: Liposculpting for flanks or so-called “Love Handles”

M Khan: Flank Contouring before M Khan: Flank Contouring after

The results of all procedures are patient specific and will vary depending upon patient's specific situation.


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Lamprocapnos spectabilis
Common Name: bleeding heart
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Papaveraceae
Native Range: Siberia, Japan, northern China, Korea
Zone: 3 to 9
Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 2.50 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Description: White/pink
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Tolerate: Rabbit, Heavy Shade, Black Walnut

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Prefers moist, humusy soils in part shade. Intolerant of wet soils in winter and dry soils in summer. The foliage usually goes dormant by mid-summer in the St. Louis area, but may die back earlier if soils are allowed to dry out. May self-seed in optimum growing conditions.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Lamprocapnos spectabilis has been a common, old garden favorite for many years. It is native to Japan. This is a late spring blooming perennial which typically grows to 24-36" tall and to 18-24" wide. Nodding, puffy, heart-shaped, rose-pink flowers with protruding white inner petals begin bloom in spring before the leaves emerge. Flowers dangle downward at regular intervals beneath long arching stems. Compound, biternate green leaves.

Synonymous with and formerly known as Dicentra spectabilis.

Specific epithet means spectacular or showy.

The common name is in reference to the protruding white inner petal on each heart-shaped flower which purportedly gives the flower the appearance of a "bleeding heart".

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to aphid infestations. Good soil drainage is essential for plant survival. Foliage goes dormant in summer.

Garden Uses

Best for the shaded border or woodland garden. Because foliage goes dormant, it is best to plant this bleeding heart through a loose ground cover or among later developing perennials such as hostas and ferns which will fill in as the bleeding heart foliage begins to die back.


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2nd BlogAnniversary: I am now on www.missprincessdiaries.com

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Hey girl!
Yohooo! Finally, it is officially www.missprincessdiaries.com. I am overjoyed and it is a big deal for me. I'm sorry that it is not a giveaway time for everybody. Please give this 2nd Blog Anniversary for me. I'll make it up to you next time. I believe that it is the perfect time to get a custom domain for this blog. I wouldn't make a switch anymore. I made up my mind and all I want for this blog is for the better.

The past years was a trial and error process that I'm trying to stitch every details and pieces. But now, it is for real and again, it is official. You know how inspired and passionate I am when it comes to blogging and that keeps me on moving forward towards the brighter side. I am grateful that I learned a lot in blogging. It made my eyes open to the world that are out of my reach and learn from them. I also got the opportunity  to share what is known to me. I admit that I still have more to learn than to share and that makes me more excited on what's next. Starting now, it is a brand new chapter. A good start of something more. Thank you for the shared learning and experiences. More and more blogging years to come.

Very happy 2nd Blog Anniversary Miss Princess Diaries!

Let's talk again on my next blog.
Yes, YOU lovely gorgeous.

Love yourself because you are beautiful.

Hugs and Kisses,
Princess Mikee

You Might Also Like


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Friday, October 31, 2003

There is the question of whether to keep a beloved fantasy solely within the realm of the imagination or to break through the walls of one's mind and make those things a reality. There have been those who have served me who have told me that they were searching for a long time for a Mistress. Some never dared take that step until they came across my site, where they discovered an intelligent, heartfelt conveyance of erotic perversion which struck a chord with their own deepest desires. Never before had they found someone to dominate them who articulated and embodied the secret cravings that stirred within them. Then they came to see me, experiencing the unforgettable. And opening the door to another world ripe for exploration.
[Though I am admittedly biased, I do think that fulfilling the fantasy of being dominated by a sexy, smart and twisted woman is one worth taking up. Beyond my own self interest, I see such an exchange as vital to understanding the true nature of sexuality, gender and power in all their malleability. It is similar to how knowing another language broadens one's horizons.]

Above and beyond female domination, there may be other acts which tug at one's psyche. Often it is the unspeakable, the sordid, the shameless. Public exposure, cuckoldry, coerced bisexuality or forced feminization are a few that really seem to hit a nerve. Perhaps this particular activity gets played out in your head whenever you touch yourself. Maybe it is so powerful that you can always rely on it to push you over the edge to orgasm. It's the perfect fantasy. Do you dare make it a reality? Could it ever live up to what you've imagined so well for so long? When it's all said and done, will you still have your fantasy intact?
It reminds me of the dilemma of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden with the fruit of knowledge. To live in peace with what you have -- or some would say blissful ignorance -- or to seek more? And once you know, will you be cast out of the paradise of your own mind's creation? Yet can it ever truly be paradise if it is bottled up rather than shared?
For some, the answer is easy. To live is to act upon one's desires, to pursue what makes one feel good. I know a fellow adventurer of the erotic who sees the fulfillment of his fantasies in terms of the Buddhist ideals of detachment from passion. Each fulfillment extinguishes a fire and brings him closer to the truth.
I too have built up desire, only to see it brought crashing down in flames. Yet from the ashes arose a phoenix, powering my flight to new heights. I wouldn't be where I am today if I had not said "yes" to making my fantasies real. With each step in my evolution, I have mourned the passing of these last vestiges of innocence, while at the same time reveling in my newfound knowledge and powers.


text:
 Books
Home Portfolio Greeting Cards Framed Prints Blog Spot About

   Matylda Laurence - Photographer

All Photographs by Matylda Laurence

Site by CLUB-Graphics          Copyright © 2012-2014 ML-Media.com

Room Art Room Art

Small to Medium - by Ryta Lyndley, who also went onto write and publish a new series of children’s books, the first entitled

Tales of Brick Kiln Brook and Dingle Ditch.

Time to Make Melodies - by Jennie Wilson, a children’s illustrated song book with original lyrics and integrated audio cd. The songs are played and sung with the children at Jennie’s Melody Maker Groups - times and places can be found on her website.

Please contact Jennie and come along for a morning that is full of fun and music.

Trains and Animals (Trains 4 Kidz) working with James Garratt this book opened up a new genre - an interactive children’s quiz book containing photos from the vast train library at Milepost92½. By means of questions the children’s answers will help them to learn about trains from a bygone era, and people and places as far away as China.

Available on Amazon Kindle Edition.

The Enchanting Tale of Swapley Dale by Elise Belcroft is an illustrated children’s book. Writing for children, Elise wants them to imagine a place where animals work and live. Where swapping and recycling is better than throwing things away! How two grey mice, Oscar and Olivia get out of town, fly away and get into more trouble.

And what happened to the Tudor mountain? Well, after a considerable makeover she still sits alongside the B660 between Bedford and Kimbolton. Surrounded by quiet fields, contented and well loved, she gives succour and solace to those who want fine dining and a truly warm welcome.

The Plough at Bolnhurst.

It had never been my intention to publish books, but in life many plans are altered by the people we meet and the places we go. Whether consciously or not most of us have desires, some achievable, others just staying as daydreams. Time plays an important role too, as does opportunity and purpose. How did I meet my first author? Well, I certainly hadn’t planned even going in that direction, literally! That universal line,‘once upon a time’ still is the best opening; setting the scene for plot lines to develop, words to become events and plans which turn us down unexpected roads. And so it happened to me.

Offering to do a good turn for someone, driving along the B660 to Kimbolton, I turned into a wide gravel yard. The old willow tree, its sagging green tendrils seemed comfortable in its own space. Banging the iron knocker, and shouting to a closed transom window, a chirpy lady with red hair eventually peered out from under Tudor eaves, inviting me inside.

Each room we passed through was dull, closed up, clamped down in misery. Webs wreathing windows, sticky, curtains spun when laughter hung alongside. The spiders long gone unable to bear the cold, numbness commiserating with abandonment and desperation, hit me face on. Unseen webs woven from human sinew were waiting to be unearthed. Like the child’s boots found cemented in stone, a charm to protect, but failed to do so this time.

Sitting either side of the ancient fireplace we watched as one flame took hold, then another. Words, held back for years in the frozen heart opposite melted, ice chunks throwing themselves into my lap. The book was born, I adopted it, but the moving of this Tudor mountain must be shifted she said. Like a toddler touching boundaries, I pushed forward, leaving with assurance that I would sell the Plough, type the manuscript, format the text, take the photos, publish the book. So, once upon a time it all began with…


text:
Michigan Land Use Institute

Clean Energy / News & Views / A Letter to Governor Rick Snyder

A Letter to Governor Rick Snyder

MLUI, others urge action on energy in 2014

Power to Change | January 15, 2014 | By MLUI

Recent Posts

Rep. Nesbitt: Save, Don’t Sink, MI's Clean Energy Progress!

Clean Energy | April 30, 2015 | By Jim Dulzo

MLUI just wrote to state Rep. Aric Nesbitt and the House Committee on Energy Policy, urging them to expand, not eliminate, Michigan’s fabulously successful renewable energy and energy optimization standards. Could you read our letter and then email your own note to Rep Nesbitt’s committee in the next few days? ...

Guest View: Shared Heat Can Warm MI’s Energy Policy

Clean Energy | April 7, 2015 | By Jamie Scripps

Power plants waste a lot of energy—most of it as heat fleeing up their smokestacks. But what if the plants captured that wasted heat and put it to good use—producing more electricity, warming nearby buildings, or assisting industrial processes?...

Time for Lansing to Catch, Not Ignore, the New-Tech Energy Wave

Clean Energy | March 26, 2015 | By Skip Pruss, of 5 Lakes Energy, and Jim Dulzo

We’ll always need a rock-solid, unshakably constant supply of power. But today there are other ways to do that besides merely burning more fossil fuel.
New distributed energy technologies, new grid control systems, and new demand-side energy services should be part of what has been an under-informed, truncated conversation about meeting Michigan’s future electricity needs....

MLUI and a number of community leaders in northern Michigan penned this letter to Gov. Rick Snyder to thank him for his work on energy over the past year and urge action in 2014 on a clean energy future for the state.

January 14, 2014

Dear Governor Snyder,

As your State of the State address draws near, we are writing you from the Grand Traverse region about energy policy.

First, though, thank you for leading such a successful statewide conversation about building a “no regrets” energy future for Michigan.

“Readying Michigan to Make Good Energy Decisions” was unique and remarkably transparent. Sixteen hundred people jammed your seven forums, including Traverse City’s. Hundreds spoke; hundreds more filed submitted comments on the project Web site.

You invited rebuttals, published drafts, encouraged additional comments, and used the state’s utility and energy expertise to sort through reams of submitted information before publishing four final reports, including two on the issues we’re addressing: renewable energy and energy efficiency.

We won’t rehash those findings, other than emphasizing they confirm that more efficiency and renewables is very doable in Michigan. The state now has well-vetted data to help design statewide energy policy. That itself is a great accomplishment.

On January 16, during your State of the State address, you take the next step: urging our Legislature to update the state’s energy policies. We know you will not suggest firm goals beyond 2015, but instead invite lawmakers’ collaboration in defining those goals—and policies to support them.

We know election-year politics are complicated, particularly with energy. Some lawmakers and interest groups flatly reject renewables and efficiency as suitable for state policymaking, no matter the facts and practical experience, and want to make energy policy a highly partisan controversy.

Or, perhaps not: A recently formed, high profile, conservative, pro-clean energy group wants to change that. They are worried, rightly, that without prompt action, we will fall further behind other states with aggressive energy policies.

More broadly, it is clear from polls, from the turnout for and tenor of your energy forums, and from a remarkable and ongoing statewide spate of editorials and op-eds that a large majority of Michiganders will warmly welcome bold, forthright leadership from your office on renewables and efficiency.

Most Michiganders see more clean energy and efficiency as good for the economy, their own energy costs, and the environment.

So, we want to make three points:

First, we applaud your fact-based, non-partisan approach to energy. It should help defuse the politics threatening thoughtful action.

Second, you and lawmakers should work together this year to act on energy because Michiganders deserve to know where their representatives stand on this question before the election, and because each day we wait competing states pull further ahead.

Third, the businesspeople, officials, efficiency and renewables contractors, and citizens signing this letter will support your efforts to work for the positive goals your administration’s recent studies clearly suggest.

We’re looking forward to Thursday night’s can-do message about taking relentlessly positive action on renewables and efficiency.

Michigan must lead in crucial industries, and clean energy is among the most crucial, offering incredible economic and environmental benefits. Your leadership is the key.

Hans Voss, Executive Director, Michigan Land Use Institute
Sarna Salzman, Director, SEEDS; Co-Chair, Grand Vision Energy Group
Kimberly Pontius, Director, Traverse Area Association of Realtors
Liz Kirkwood, Director, FLOW
Brenda M. Archambo, Outreach Consultant for National Wildlife Federation
Gary Howe, Commissioner, Traverse City City Commission
Ed Bailey, Technical Division Director, Northwestern Michigan College
Ann Rogers, Former Councilmember, Traverse City
Ric Evans, Owner, Paradigm Energy; Board, Great Lakes Energy Co-op
Skip Pruss, Principal, 5 Lakes Energy
Tim Pulliam, President, KEEN Technical Solutions
Steve Smiley, Principal, Smiley Energy Services
Randy Smith, CEO, Renewable Energy Services
Matt Vajda, CEO, Voltage Electric

And Snyder Energy Forum Participants: Betsy Coffia, Lisa & Pete Del Buono, Elizabeth Dell, Alison Heins, Jerry & Pat Jehle, Heather & Toby Miller, Laura & Bob Otwell, Paul and Jennise Phillips, Margaret Pierson, Mary Van Valin, Charlie Weaver, Ilene Wolff

CC: Steve Bakkal, Valerie Brader, Bill Rustem, Gary Quackenbush

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Michigan Land Use Institute

148 E. Front Street, Suite 301
Traverse City, MI 49684-5725
p (231) 941-6584
e comments@mlui.org


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Bilsen, F.A. (1966). Repetition pitch: Monaural interaction of a sound with the repetition of the same, but phase shifted, sound. Acustica 17, 295-300

When a sound and the repetition of the same sound after a delay $\tau$ are presented together, monaurally, one perceives a "coloration", accompanied by a pitch sensation. This pitch, RP (Repetition Pitch), appears to correspond to the reciprocal $1/\tau$ of the delay time $\tau$. However, when all the frequency components of the delayed sound are shifted in phase by $90^\circ$, $180^\circ$ and $270^\circ$ resp., the RP changes to $1.07/\tau$, $0.88/\tau$ (or $1.14/\tau$) and $0.94/\tau$ resp. (In our case the sound was white noise, delayed by a tape recorder.) The same pitches are perceived when listening to a random sequence of pulse pairs (pulse distance $\tau$), where the first of (and) the second pulse is shifted in phase. These results cannot be explained simply by means of autocorrelation or frequency analysis.


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Titan Brawl MOBA Game Goes to Mobile Soon

If you see on the apple store, there have been any game in multiple genres such as MOBAs which seems to be fun to play in the ios and android devices

titan brawl walkthrough ios android

Titan Brawl is the one among MOBAs games out there that will come to the ios for few days next
In this game, two teams will face off across a level, with two lanes and two totems.
Here, all you will do is to smash your rival`s totem to get your victory
At the same time, you have to defend your totem

Besides, you will also have a bunch of heroes and troops each with unique skills and weapons where they will move at your disposal
To win the battle, you must build up a strong team than your rival does

On the other side, those heroes have their own strengths and weaknesses such as a big punchy one, a shooty one, etc

Moreover, you can play this game with your rival in PvP modes
Or, you can build up your team and experiment with the other heroes in solo modes

In pvp modes, you can party with your friends to battle with online opponents
At this point, your party will prove that you are the best in the game

To smoothly run the game on the go, it has been designed from the ground up for mobile.
Recently, this game is still in the progress to be launched on the ios and android markets

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Ever Thought About Your Dryer Vent ?
There are 16,800 dryer vent fires a year.  Most people don’t know their dryer  vents need to be cleaned.  They clean out their lint filter and think that’s it.  But the  dryer vent duct is where lint can really build up and get clogged.  And lint is highly  flammable, accounting for most dryer vent fires.

Lint buildup takes more energy (and money) to dry your clothes.
If your dryer isn’t drying your clothes like it used to, you may not need a new  dryer!  A dryer vent clogged with lint reduces airflow so your dryer doesn’t dry as  efficiently as it used to.  An inefficient dryer also uses more energy, thereby  costing you more money.

We clean your dryer vent by running a “spinning” brush through your system.  The brush scrapes off the lint that is stuck to the sides of the vent and it is blown out or sucked into a special designed vacuum.

Our brush is connected to special flexible rods that can bend around elbows, travel through long lengths of pipe, and in most cases clean the entire length of the vent.

Your dryer vent is cleaned, maximum airflow is restored increasing efficiency, and your system is safe from lint fires.

In addition to lint buildup, improper installation of your dryer vent system can also pose a serious danger to you.  We are dryer vent cleaning professionals and will find potential hazards such as the presence of flammable vinyl duct or a duct run that is improperly routed.  In most cases we can install a proper vent that meets current fire safety code standards.

We have passed the detailed examination required by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) to become a Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician.*

* To keep the certification status current the (CSIA) requires that the test be retaken every three years.  We have elected not to do so at this time.


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The works!

Here is a showcase of what we have done in the past. Click them to view for more details.

However, we have not listed all of our works here due to advertising regulations, and their sheer size.

Do CONTACT us and we will be elated to show you more.

Our clients

We have had the privilege to work with some high-profiled organisations, but we take care of the small ones too. Building a positive relationship is important to us. We work hard, and smart, to make sure the end product is delivered in the most effective way possible. Our clients appreciate this. We view our clients as partners and by knowing their little 'secrets', and keeping the communication channels open,

we know that we are going in the right direction!

What our clients say

Fast delivery, creative and unique design which could enhance customer viewing experience. Mojo Rising is willing to share tips and guidance/ advices on the work piece.

Valerie Chan (Cerebos Asia Pacific)

The designer pays attention to the big and small details and understand what kind of logo I want. I am very satisfied with their service and reasonable pricing. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs a logo or graphic design.

Peter Yap (OM Scientech International)

We have engaged Badrul for his services at our standalone meeting. The timeline for our communications materials was taking slightly longer for approval, however, Badrul was very professional and provide fast turnarounds for amendments. This allows us to keep to the project timeline and everything was on track. We have since worked with him on other projects where he’s always providing great suggestions and ideas for our regional medical initiatives. A great team player, I will not hesitate to recommend his services to anyone.

Rebecca Chng (Janssen Asia Pacific)

Badrul (Mojo Rising Studios) understands the needs of our projects and always delivers to project deadlines. I have been particularly impressed by his flexibility and responsiveness to client requests. Badrul is approachable and easy to work with whilst also maintaining a professional service.

Cassie Humphreys (Health Interactions

Asia Pacific)

Get in touch with us!

We would love to work with you!

From small and medium enterprises,

to multinational companies; WE ARE UP FOR IT!

If you have any creative problems that you've been scratching your head upon, do not hesitate to drop us a line. Email us, or simply fill in the form in this section, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

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Tuesday, September 29, 2015

The Tontine, Bet The Other Guy Dies

It’s sleazy, it’s totally illegal, and yet it could become the future of retirement - The Washington Post:

Tontine -- a retirement vehicle where a group of people invests a sum of money something like a mutual fund at a payout based on performance, BUT with the twist that as people die, the remaining folks get their payments. It is much like an annuity where if you die the day after you put your money in, your fellow investors get the money over time, rather than the annuity provider getting it.

Turns out the tontine -- named after its inventor was once a very popular retirement vehicle, then, due to some scandals and people considering them a "morbid gamble", it was outlawed.

I can't see any reason at all they ought not be offered. Sleazy? We have reverse mortgages, payday loans and the biggest ponzi scheme of all, FICA, these seem like just another reasonable hedge.

I always expect to die tomorrow, so not very good for me, but OTOH, I expect my wife to live forever, so PERFECT for her!

'via Blog this'

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Friday, March 2, 2007

Honda QC not good.

Buying a new car and need to visit the service centres regularly is well-known for Proton cars, but now Honda also have the same problem. Try to imagine paying for more than RM 100,000 in the hope to get peace of mind but ended up with the same lousy QC as Proton. How true is this ? I never had the chance to own a Honda yet. I can't comment much. Below are the posts that I collected from Internet forums:

Don't be hindered away by all these posts if you really want to buy a Honda car. Try to ask around your friends and relatives. I never hear my friends and relatives to complain about Honda.

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Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Proton Gen2 CPS is finally launched in Malaysia

The facelifted Proton Gen2 is finally launched in Malaysia. The Gen2 CPS was first launched in Thailand last year. The new facelift Gen2 high line variant is fitted with Cam Profile Switching (CPS) while the medium line is fitted with IAFM.

RM 53,488 - Proton Gen2 IAFM 1.6 (M) Medium Line
RM 56,488 - Proton Gen2 IAFM 1.6 (A) Medium Line
RM 57,488 - Proton Gen2 CPS 1.6 (M) High Line
RM 60,488 - Proton Gen2 CPS 1.6 (A) High Line

The new Gen2 has improved in styling, safety and performance. It has been marketed as sportier and performance-driven model. Proton is expected to sell 1500 units of Proton Gen2 a month.

The performance of the CPS variant is better than the IAFM variant. 0-100 km/h acceleration and top speed of the Proton Gen2 are as follows:
10.6s, 190 km/h - Gen2 CPS 1.6 (M)
11.2s, 190 km/h - Gen2 IAFM 1.6 (M)
13.2s, 185 km/h - Gen2 CPS 1.6 (A)
13.5s, 185 km/h - Gen2 IAFM 1.6 (A)

Proton Gen2 News:
The Edge Daily (2008-03-04) - Proton in talks to develop 1.8- and 2.0-litre cars
Syed Zainal unveiled the Gen.2 hatchback that is fitted with a Cam Profile Switching (CPS) engine and described it as a sportier and performance-driven model.

The Star Online (2008-04-13) - 2nd generation Gen-2
This is the car that Proton should have launched five years ago. Proton is back on the right track but does have to speed things up a little.

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Julien Prudent

Julien Prudent

Programme Leader

Interactions between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum in cell physiology and disease

Mitochondria play a central role in a number of cell signalling pathways, including cell death and regulation of intracellular calcium homoeostasis. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that can adapt their network in response to specific cellular needs. Indeed, they are able to constantly fuse and divide, and these events are intimately related to their metabolic functions and cellular stress signals. Impairment of mitochondrial physiology is linked to human diseases including neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and diabetes, and also in the progression of certain forms of cancer.

It has become clear recently that mitochondria do not function in isolation, but establish direct contact and communication with other cellular organelles to exchange metabolites and signals converging on, or streaming from, mitochondria. For instance, mitochondria are physically coupled to the endoplasmic reticulum through contact sites that act as a signalling platform. These are called mitochondria-associated membranes (MAM), and are essential for a number of processes, including intracellular calcium homoeostasis, lipid exchange, mitochondrial dynamics and motility, ROS production and apoptosis. Studies performed in the last decade have identified several proteins which directly tether the two organelles in MAMs and proteins enriched in these contact sites that play highly specialised homoeostatic or execution roles. However, the biogenesis, regulation and precise molecular mechanisms associated with these signalling platforms are still poorly understood.

The goal of our lab is to understand the physiological importance of these inter-organelle contacts in specific cellular contexts, including metabolite flux during steady state, and in response to specific triggers, particularly during cell death or cell migration. Using molecular biological and biochemical approaches we will focus on the characterisation of proteins localised at the interface of the mito/ER contacts sites, their potential role in the stability of the MAM structures, and their functions in lipid and calcium fluxes during the execution of the cell death programme. We will couple these techniques with the state-of-the-art advanced microscopic analysis, including spinning disc and scanning confocal systems, super-resolution microscopy, and electron microscopy. To unravel the function of mito/ER contacts sites on cell physiology, live cell imaging will be performed to study organelle movements during cell migration. The precise localisation of target proteins will be studied by the emergent super-resolution microscopy techniques. Finally, we are also interested in understanding the relevance of mitochondrial dynamics and MAMs in the context of mitochondrial disease. We will study the mitochondrial biology, in different cellular models derived from patients, to characterize how mitochondrial morphology and inter-organelle contacts are affected by different gene mutations, and how this contributes to disease progression

Group Members

Research support

  • Hanish Anand

  • Dr Shun Nagashima
  • Vincent Paupe

Post-graduate students

  • Jordan Morris
  • Lisa Tilokani


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Soojun Women OL Bodysuit Blouse Front Buttoned Shirt with Collar - B01DRLBDZO

  • Model: B01DRLBDZO
  • 581 Units in Stock

$212.84  $20.44
Save: 90% off

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   Rated 4.8   reviews [225]

  • Button closure

  • Update: Asian size converted into US size on July 10,2017 base on the customers feedback. -- US 0=Tag S; US 2=Tag M; US 4=Tag L; US 6=Tag XL; US 8=Tag XXL; US 10=Tag XXXL; US 12=Tag XXXXL

  • Long sleeved, bodysuit styles, snap-close panty--The bottom part is mesh with two button's on the underwear part so you can go to the bathroom without disrobing

  • Hand wash cold or dry clean

  • Slim fit, fits true to size, good quality Fabric, and making style make you feel good and comfortable when wearing

  • Button-up design shirt, Newest update design

  • Featuring ruched detail, and a point collar and buttons, this classic shirt has a little more elegance to it than the average blouse. Wear it to any workplace with a skirt or pants.

    Size Chart - Asian size converted into US size:

    (actual dimensions of the garment)

    Tag S = US 0: Bust: 32.6"; Waistline: 25.5"; Shoulder: 14.17".

    Tag M = US 2: Bust: 34.2"; Waistline: 27.2"; Shoulder: 14.56".

    Tag L = US 4: Bust: 35.8"; Waistline: 28.6"; Shoulder: 14.96".

    Tag XL = US 6: Bust: 37.4"; Waistline: 30.2"; Shoulder: 15.35".

    Tag 2XL = US 8: Bust: 38.9"; Waistline: 32.0"; Shoulder: 15.74".

    Tag 3XL = US 10: Bust: 40.5"; Waistline: 34.0; Shoulder: 16.14".

    Tag 4XL = US 12: Bust: 41.6"; Waistline: 35.6; Shoulder: 16.50".

    Garment Care

    Washing: Wash inside out with cold water with similar colors using a gentle cycle, Best hand wash.

    Ironing: If ironing is necessary, iron inside-out on the lowest setting.

    We are dedicated to providing you with perfect service. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us via email. We will reply to you by email within eight hours.

    Soojun Women OL Bodysuit Blouse Front Buttoned Shirt with Collar - B01DRLBDZO


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Mom gets out to dance during traffic jam, teen son is not having it

Wendy Gossett, mother of two teenagers, was standing in traffic for hours between Denver and Monument. To cheer the youngsters she decided to get out of the car and start dancing, but one of her kids clearly didn't appreciate it!

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Diddy Opened His Home To Chris Brown And Rihanna 'As A Friend'

'It was a dark time for them, and I was there as more of a support,' Diddy says on 'Ellen DeGeneres Show.'

Diddy recently opened his Miami home to Chris Brown and Rihanna to ease their reconciliation following an alleged altercation last month, and the music mogul spoke about the gesture Tuesday (March 10) on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

People.com reports that Diddy appeared uncomfortable when asked about the matter but defended his decision nonetheless. "It was a dark time for them, and I was there as more of a support," he said. "I'm not immersed in [the proceedings]. I'm not going to pass judgment on it. I'm going to be there as a friend."

The pair stayed in Diddy's mansion for a few days before flying to Los Angeles for Brown's court appearance. While at the Miami home, Brown was photographed riding on a jet ski. The pictures had some wondering if the R&B singer understood the gravity of the incident. Even Usher chided Brown over the jet-ski photos, before apologizing for his comments.

Brown and Rihanna's reunion in Miami prompted mixed feelings from their fans. On MTV.com, commenters called Rihanna a "fool" and "dumb" for her decision to make up with Brown. Others, however, called themselves "true fans" and said the singers needed the public's support.

Experts also weighed in on the reunion. Sheryl Cates, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, said she wasn't surprised and called the reconciliation a "normal reaction." She urged caution and said a level of trust appeared to exist between the two if Rihanna is willing to give Brown another chance.

Diddy, for his part, said his motivation was solely as a friend to offer a place for "two people to sit down and talk about a situation they're in.

"It's my house, and I'm allowed to give my house to whoever I want to give my house to," he said to DeGeneres. "I don't cast a stone, cast judgment on anybody. So if friends ask me for a favor, then I'm going to be there for a favor as long as I know the energy of the favor is positive."

Go here for domestic-violence resources, or check out Think MTV for a video handbook on spotting the warning signs of abuse.


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APC sets itself apart from the competition in several ways:

  • Global one-stop solutions – APC provides worldwide access to “best-of-breed” offerings;
  • Financial strength – APC’s financial strength makes it an attractive partner;
  • Efficient manufacturing – APC provides high quality products to customers worldwide;
  • Innovative product offerings – APC designs solutions to address “real” customer needs.

APC’s Corporate Mission/Strategy

The mission of APC is to create delighted customers by improving the manageability, availability, and performance of information and communication systems through rapid development and delivery of innovative solutions to real customer problems.

APC’s formula for success has included the following ingredients:

  • Design for reliability – In today’s business where downtime can cost companies thousands of dollars per minute, reliability is everything;
  • Only enter markets where APC can lead – Our high standards for return on investment demand success;
  • Offer highly differentiated, end-to-end solutions with compelling price/performance – APC takes pride in its innovative product offering, which provides customers with a global one-stop shop for power protection and management solutions;
  • Educate the market on the need for power protection – Given that an IBM study determined that the typical computer is subject to more than 120 power problems per month, reliable power protection is a necessity;
  • Develop partnerships for reliability – In an effort to enhance system and network availability, many of the IT industry’s leading companies partner with APC because they realize how power problems impact productivity and feed customer perception of poor product performance; and
  • Strive for 100% channel and customer satisfaction – APC’s research and development is driven by “real” customer needs. With so many of APC’s customers doing repeat business, 100% satisfaction is essential.


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ramadan printables mummyonmymind pretty paper studio

Ramadan Printables – Pretty Paper Studio…

Being a mother during Ramadan can be incredibly challenging. Having to entertain those energetic bunnies whith very little energy yourself, is no easy feat. At the same time, trying to instill the spirit of Ramadan in your children so they are just as excited about it as you are is also another hurdle that we parents face.

Since Master Z has turned 4 this year, he is very much aware of our habits and I am always looking for ways to get him intrigued about Ramadan, the yearly month of fasting and one of the five pillars of Islam. So this year, I have partnered up with Pretty Paper Studio to create some printables that will get your kids involved in celebrating and keeping track through this special month of Ramadan.

You can download all the printables from the Pretty Paper Website here: https://ppsuae.com/product/a-set-of-five-ramadan-printables-free-printable/

Below is a snapshot of the printables that I have created and how they can be used…

  1. Ramadan Mubarak Banner

    Beautify your home with this Ramadan Mubarak Banner. This 7 page printable has all the letters to spell out Ramadan Mubarak, which you or your kids (under adult supervision) can cut out, thread and use to decorate. Simply tie it together with some string and hang it above the dining table, or outside your front door, to spread the happiness.

    ramadan printables mummyonmymind pretty paper studio

  2. Ramadan Countdown Calendar

    “How many days till Eid?” Ever get asked this question from your children? Well now you can simply point them towards  the Ramadan Countdown Calendar to help them tick off how many fasts they have completed, and how many more there are to go before the celebration of Eid…and most importantly the Eid Gifts! hehe!

    ramadan printables mummyonmymind pretty paper studio

  3. Ramadan Checklist

    This one is for the older or more independent kids who you want to encourage to keep track of their good habits during Ramadan. After completing their daily tasks like fasting, salah, learning a dua, they can simply tick each of these off their checklist, and keep an eye on their daily progress.

    ramadan printables mummyonmymind pretty paper studio

  4. Ramadan 3D Cut Out Lantern

    Why not add to the beautiful banner by letting your kids create their very own lanterns. A good afternoon activity when your own energy flame is flickering, this activity encourages your children to get creative by colouring or painting their very own design, as well as cutting and sticking it into shape to create a 3D Lantern to decorate their homes with. Print out as many of these as you or your kids would like!

    ramadan printables mummyonmymind pretty paper studio

  5. Ramadan Placemat

    Do you kids need encouraging or reminding to recite their duas at the time of making and breaking their daily fast? We have a ritual of saying the dua out loud as a family before breaking our fast, so the little ones can repeat it after us. This placemat ensures they can read the duas with you in a fun manner, that can be kept under their plates and even laminated to ensure they don’t get grubby with Rooh Afza stains! 😛

    ramadan printables mummyonmymind pretty paper studio

Thank you for downloading the Free Printables if you have! Be sure to let me know by tagging me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter (@mummyonmymind) and Pretty Paper Studio (@ppsuae) and using the hashtag #MummyonmymindRamadan with pictures of these printables in use! We would be absolutely delighted to see them in use, and feel free to let me know of other printable suggestions you want to see from me!

Ramadan Mubarak!

This post is part of the UAE Mom Bloggers Blog Hop for Ramadan.

Do check out other posts from our talented bloggers:

Building a Ramadan Legacy – Pocket Treasures
DIY Decorative Pots for Ramadan – Mom Is Learning
DIY Soda Can Lanterns – Raising My Knight
My Ramadan Story – The Archi Effect
My Ramadan Favorites – Thoughts Over Chai
Ramadan Learning Game Printable – Sand In My Toes
Tips for a Green Ramadan – Sustainability Tribe
Welcoming Ramadan with Toddlers – Nayel and Mummy

  • raisingmyknight May 9, 2018 at 8:11 am

    thank you so much for this absolutely love these printables

    • Zeyna S. May 9, 2018 at 9:05 am

      You’re very welcome! 😊

  • Frommummytonayel May 9, 2018 at 10:55 am

    very creative Zeyna! I LOVE the placemat!

    • Zeyna S. May 9, 2018 at 12:41 pm

      Thank you! 😊 Hope you enjoy using them!

  • Tasneem Rajkotwala May 9, 2018 at 2:37 pm

    These are such great ideas to spend Ramadan with the little ones. I am particularly in love with the banner and can’t wait to use it for my first Iftar gathering! Thanks for sharing.

    • Zeyna S. May 10, 2018 at 2:42 pm

      Yaay, so glad you like them! Can’t wait to see the pics! Thank you!

  • Tarana Khan May 9, 2018 at 10:54 pm

    Love the colour scheme on these printables! I’m probably going to make the banner.

    • Zeyna S. May 10, 2018 at 2:42 pm

      Yay, thank you so much! Cant wait to see the photos! 😊

  • Mumzy Notebook May 13, 2018 at 3:44 pm

    The Place mats are my favourite and can see it being a hit at Iftar parties. Well done!

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Massachusetts Veterans Service Officers Association Inc.

What is Chapter 115 Benefits: Under Chapter 115 of Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L. ch. 115), the Commonwealth provides a uniform program of financial and medical assistance for indigent veterans and their dependents. Qualifying veterans and their dependents receive necessary financial assistance for food, shelter, clothing, fuel, and medical care in accordance with a formula which takes into account the number of dependents and income from all sources.

we are

Your Department of Veterans' Services has been providing services and benefits to veterans and to the dependents of veterans since 1861. From the date of that commitment by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, that insured that no individual who served his or her state and nation with honor during periods of war or other conflicts, would ever be "pauperized" or forced to turn to public welfare for assistance. The Massachusetts Executive Office and the Massachusetts House and Senate have shown their continued concern for the welfare of the veteran and his or her dependents with the fullest support of one of the most comprehensive programs for the veterans in the country - The Department of Veterans' Services and the local Department of Veterans' Services.

From that start in 1861, to that date in 1888, when the soldiers' Relief Law was enacted, (which gave cities and towns the right to support honorably discharged veterans, their spouses, widows, and minor children) to that date in 1945, when the Office of Commissioner of Veterans' Services was created and to that date in 1946 when Chapter 115 (Veterans' Services) of the Massachusetts General Laws was reorganized to form the basis of today's benefits and services program, the veterans within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have not been forgotten.
With Chapter 599 Acts of 1946, mandating "municipal and district Departments of Veterans' Services", Veterans' Agents and Directors of Veterans' Services had become the first individuals that an ill, disabled, indigent, unemployed or injured veteran has turned to for assistance.

We of the Massachusetts Veterans' Service Officers Association are committed today to assist our needy veterans and their dependents with the same concern and compassion that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office and the Massachusetts House and Senate had when aid and assistance for our veterans was first created in the Commonwealth. From an early start, many reforms and changes have been made to improve the delivery of services. Today, with the continued support of the Massachusetts Executive Office and the Massachusetts House and Senate, the Veterans' Service Officers and Directors of Veterans' Services throughout the Commonwealth are continually meeting the needs of our former service personnel

Chapter 115 Benefits

Eligible dependents of deceased veterans are provided with the same benefits as if the veteran were still living. How to apply: For applications, contact the local Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO) in the city or town where the veteran lives. To find a VSO: Call the local City or Town Hall and ask for Veterans’ Services; Call the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services, 617-210-5480, and ask for the VSO name and contact information; Visit the DVS website at to search by municipality;