title: Engine control computer 79 0593v

text:
CARDONE Remanufactured Electronic and Powertrain Control Modules are designed to meet or exceed O.E. performance. Reverse engineering provides insight into how and why the unit originally failed, allowing our engineers to identify and correct original design weaknesses. All critical components are re-soldered or replaced at our Philadelphia manufacturing plant, and each unit is 100% computer tested to ensure reliability. CARDONE is committed to getting your vehicle back to peak performance.
Tested with automated computer equipment or bench-tested, depending on application, to ensure functionality.
Re-soldering of critical components ensures superior electrical connections. This prevents intermittent failures and leads to longer product life.
On-car vehicle validation is done to test durability and performance.
As a remanufactured Original Equipment part, this unit guarantees a perfect vehicle fit.
Our remanufacturing process is earth-friendly, as it reduces the energy and raw material needed to make a new part by 80%.
Product & Technical
What’s the difference between an ECM and a PCM?
“ECM” stands for Electronic Control Module. “PCM” stands for Powertrain Control Module. Both the ECM and PCM control the engine; however, the PCM also has control over the transmission.
Do I have to transfer anything from my original ECM/PCM?
Some GM applications have a knock module that must be transferred to the replacement module. Some older Ford applications have a calibration module that must be transferred to the replacement module.
Do all Ford vehicles require a Passive Anti-Theft System (P.A.T.S) reset?
No, not all Ford vehicles require PATS reset. Check the PATS chart found on the O.E. Manufacturer’s Service site for your application.
The replacement PCM for a Ford vehicle won’t start the vehicle. Why?
Ensure that the PCM was properly flash programmed for the vehicle. Also note whether the vehicle is equipped with the Ford "passive anti-theft system", which requires an on-car relearn.
What steps should I take to ensure the original PCM is causing the issue?
Prior to replacing the original ECM/PCM, the installer should determine what caused the original to fail. Common causes of failures are: poor grounds and power, a bad wiring harness and short-circuited solenoids/relays.
Do GM vehicles have a passive anti-theft system?
Yes, most GM vehicles have a VATS, Pass Key or Pass Lock anti-theft system.
Do all Chrysler Power Train Control Modules (PCM) need VIN programming?
Chrysler models 1996 and newer will need to be VIN programmed.
Do I need a scanner to reset the anti-theft system
Not necessarily. There is a 30-minute manual procedure that can be done without a scanner. Refer to your O.E. manufacturer’s approved service manual for details.
What are the most common symptoms of a bad PCM?
Check Engine Light staying on after resetting, engine turning off for no reason, loss of spark, loss of fuel injection, loss of pulse on fuel pump, intermittent starting problems.
What is a core?
A core is a used automotive part that is returned to the remanufacturer instead of being scrapped.
Why return cores?
Cores are literally at the “core” of the remanufacturing process, because they are the raw material used to
start the remanufacturing process. That’s why remanufacturers buy cores back from customers, and they pay
the most for good quality cores. If a core has too much damage in key areas, it may be unusable or require
extra resources to process; therefore a reduced core payment may be awarded. This core policy explains
potential deductions that may be taken from the core price if certain components are missing or damaged.
What is remanufacturing?
Remanufacturing is the process of taking used parts, completely disassembling and thoroughly cleaning them,
replacing the worn components with original quality components, and restoring them to their original
function. Every unit is 100% tested to ensure O.E. performance.
Reman captures used, durable goods like auto parts and puts them “back on the road” to new and sometimes
better than new performance. Reman provides the opportunity for detection of common failure modes and
incorporation of design improvements to prevent repeat failure.
Reman products cost consumers about 40% less than new. Reman products are one of the few “green” products
that actually costs less than their “non-green” counterparts.
Reman saves up to 86% of the energy required to build a new unit. Reman realizes Greenhouse Gas savings of
up to 25 lbs. per unit over new. Reman saves up to 85% of the raw material required to produce a new unit by
reusing existing products. Reman is even more sustainable than recycling, as product castings are preserved
rather than melted down to raw material, saving energy and reducing emissions.


tier: polar

shelf: software-docs

title: True

text:
I've noted your request to enhance our API to return the credit cart expiration date and forwarded it to our product management team for consideration in a future release. I would suggest subscribing to this topic to be notified if there are updates.
The thread appears to be locked now and the API manual has been updated to no longer include the screen shots that show the Hosted CIM form displaying the expiration date next to the masked card number. The issue has caused friction for us since day one and has become a selling point of alternate providers. We tried making a last-ditch effort and reaching out to Authorize.Net support. They said:
Andre M: You can look up the expiration dates.
Andre M: Click Tools from the main toolbar.
Andre M: Then click Customer Information manager from the left side menu.
Andre M: You can find them here.
Andre M: Or use the Customer Information Manager API.
I tested and am still getting a masked value back so this is not true.
Please stop masking the expiration date or if it makes someone feel better about not having them both in the same return, provide a different API call to return just the unmasked expiration date so it is no longer delivered with the masked card account number.
I for one cannot understand the logic that says it is OK to display them together in the Authorize.net merchant portal and in one (but only one) form of the Hosted CIM form but not show it in other versions of the hosted form and not send it back in CIM. Let us decide if we want it or not and give us a call to get it.
Yes it's time that Authorize.Net upped it's game when it comes to providing data back to client programs. Not having this data creates problems when attempting to reuse a card.
My thought on why this was masked in the first place is that someone thought that the data is protected. The expiration date does not need to be rendered unreadable per PA-DSS V3. The expiration date should be unmasked when CIM functions GetCustomerProfile or GetCustomerPaymentProfile are called.
I could not agree MORE. Not providing an expiration date or at a minimum an 'expired flag' available in the payment profile request response payload make things more complicated than is necessary. With an 'expired flag' you could in some cases avoid a possible costly (merchant transaction/gateway fee) validation operation if using CIM payment profiles to create a payment transaction.
For those that want to go further in culling expired (CIM) payment profiles that maybe causing you transactional woe's. Forget the CIM API validateCustomerPaymentProfie (cost's money).. You will need to scrape the results of an 'Advanced Search' options search by exipiration date. Probe the payment profiles exipration date, save the bad payment profile id and along with the customer profile id and issue a deleteCustomerPaymentProfile through the CIM API. Your payment profile history link is just a filter as far as I can determine. All payment transactions are 'rolled up' under the Customer History. You loose nothing.
We appreciate the feedback on exposing the card expiration date with CIM. I've added your posts to the other requests for this feature.
I'd recommend subscribing to this topic so that you'll be alerted via email if there are updates. To subscribe, click Topic Options at the top of this thread and then select Subscribe. You'll then receive an email once anyone replies to your post.
Apparently this has yet to be resolved?
I have a client that was using the Hosted Page, and I am creating a new site for them and using the API calls to integrate the data directly into thier account settings pages, etc. instead of serving the hosted page in an iframe.
But our sticking point now, is that thier current hosted page solution shows the expiration date, and allows it to be edited.
Since the API calls will only return a masked expiration date, I can not duplicate this feature.
Using features in the hosted pages, that are not avaialbe via the API, puts us developers at an unfair advantage.
Authorize.net either needs to decide that expiration date is sensentive and needs to be masked, and mask it in thier hosted pages as well. Or provide a way for us developers to access provide the same level of interface as the hosted pages do.
We're still waiting and I'm getting pressure to look to other solutions so I've returned to search the forums to see if anyone had answers.
In another thread about CIM returning masked expiration dates it was suggestedo to put the topic under the ideas forum and vote for it, so in addition to subscribing here, go vote (kudo) the idea in the ideas forum:
UnMasked Expiration Date in Hosted CIM's getCustomerProfileRequest by CoryAuth on 01-23-2015 11:08 AM


tier: cub

shelf: health

title: What is ingrown hair

text:
Ingrown hair is a strand of hair growing inside the skin, causing cysts. This is also referred to as cystic ingrown hair. Furthermore, these pink, itchy bumps arise when dead skin clog hair follicles.
Ingrown hair bumps are caused as a result of curly hair removal from face, neck or legs.
What Causes Ingrown Hair?
Improper shave, wax or tweeze curls can leave your hair sharp and coarse. This part of hair may curl inside the skin and re-grow .
Ingrown hair from shaving can cause swelling and lead to skin irritation causing bumps on your skin.
If you cut curly hair too short or tweak or pluck it, the pointed end of hair causes hair ingrowth. To add woes, dry skin or tight clothes might make the situation even worse, resulting in more bumps and pus-filled lesions on the shaved part.
Though these ingrown hairs are mostly benign, some conditions may require medical attention.
Symptoms of Ingrown Hair
So, how do you identify if the skin condition is due to the hair ingrowth? Well, below given are some symptoms to identify ingrown hair among women.
Some symptoms of ingrown hair are:
- Itching and tenderness on the site of shave is a symptom of ingrown hair
- You might notice a curly hair at the centre of the bump.
- Red bumps may arise and spread over the shaved area after the hair grows back as a symptom of ingrown hair
- Development of pustules or pus-filled lesions, causing discomfort on friction is a symptom of ingrown hair
In some cases, you may even notice the hair under skin is causing problems and is embedded in the skin.
Types of Ingrown Hair
If you can’t figure out the difference between a pimple and a cystic ingrown hair, you must know there are only a few sites where hair ingrowth can occur.
This includes ingrown hair on armpits, face and neck area, pubic area and groin, and legs. Ingrown hair after waxing or shaving may form a cyst or a pus-filled lesion, especially in the pubic area.
Ingrown Hair on Legs
Women experience lots of ingrown hair on legs. After shaving or waxing the leg, a bump may form on the waxed area. This might cause discomfort due to friction when you wear trousers.
Ingrown hair on Breasts
Yes! You heard it right. This could make it hard to wear clothes and worse if you sweat inside them.
Ingrown Hair on Vagina
Female infected ingrown pubic hair is real. Pubic areas are one of the most vulnerable areas for ingrown hair. We know how much this hurts, as your genitals are all the more sensitive. In fact, did you know that there is ingrown hair on labia too? Where else does it grow? Have you ever experienced an ingrown hair bikini line? There could also be ingrown hair on your thigh. It may even become red and bumpy. One of the reasons for this could be aggressive, dry shaving.
Ingrown Hair Under Armpit
Ingrown infected hair in armpit can be painful. These may form lumps underneath and cause more irritation on exposure to sweat and deodorant.
Ingrown Hair on Butt
Shaving or waxing your butt area can form ingrown hair. Sometimes, the hair under the skin may develop on its own due to excessive pressure from your underwear or clothing.
Besides this, dead skin may clog, or coarse hair may even push back inside causing ingrown hair on thigh area and on the groin, forming large cysts.
Ingrown Hair in Women
Improper shaving techniques or dry and aggressive shaving among women may cause ingrown hair after shaving. This pushes back the hair inside the skin, clogging it and resulting in a cyst or a bump.
Infections Due to Ingrown Hair
Some hair growing inside skin may go away on their own while some may even cause infection. That’s when it needs special attention.
Some infected areas may result in an infected ingrown hair with the dead skin cells clogging up the hair follicles. The infection is more likely to occur in the areas where grown hair gets trapped under the skin.
In extreme cases, these infections may turn into a Staphylococcus infection within an ingrown hair. It can cause pus and boils when the bacterium staph penetrates into the skin.
Infected hair may also cause certain conditions including razor bumps, hyperpigmentation, permanent scarring and hair follicle destruction.
Treatment of Ingrown Hair
If the skin around the ingrown hair gets infected, it is better to get an ingrown hair remedy. Your doctor might want you to opt for the ingrown hair removal or provide you with some ingrown hair solution without removing it.
Doctors can use sterile needles to scrape or release the hair embedded into the skin or you might be prescribed Retinoids to remove dead skin cells.
Some ingrown hairs do not require special attention. Thus, there are various home remedies for ingrown hair treatment.
- Tea tree oil diluted with water can be applied on the infected area which nullifies the infection.
- Make use of ingrown hair solutions such as hydrocortisone cream or oatmeal lotions to relieve itching.
- Use of skin moisturisers containing salicylic acid and glycolic acids alleviates skin infections.
Tips to Avoid Ingrown Hair
Prevention is better than cure. Proper shaving techniques and skin hydration can reduce the risk and prevent ingrown hair among women.
Before shave or wax, here are few tips to avoid the ingrown hair under your skin:
- Scrub Exfoliation also takes out the ingrown hair. Gentle exfoliation using a scrub or washing with mild soap and water to hydrate skin.
- Always shave in the direction where your hair is growing.
- Use a shaving lotion or wash or rinse your blade with water to avoid dry shaving.
- Make sure to use a sharp razor before shaving.
- Use hair trimmers for quick and safe hair removal.
Alternatively, you can make use of electric razors or clippers or a hair removal cream to reduce the risk of ingrown hair.
If you notice hair growing inside skin, you should apply some gel or cream to avoid dryness or clogging. Some occasional ingrown hairs are fine, but it is better to consult a doctor if that occurs more frequently.
Furthermore, keep your skin moisturised and avoid unnecessary shaving.
Stay tuned for more related content!


shelf: finance

title: Pauls story

text:
Paul is a senior executive. He was making large payments into his pension but hadn’t realised that he was considered a high earner for pension purposes. Had he maintained these contributions then he would have been liable to tax penalties for exceeding his annual pension allowances.
With this in mind, we helped Paul review his retirement plans
Although he had been paying into a pension for a while, it transpired that Paul had not put much thought to his retirement. So first, we worked with him to establish when he would like to stop working and what income he would need at the time. We also helped Paul establish his own attitude to taking investment risk. We then used cashflow modelling to review his current assets and future sources of income and it became clear there was likely to be a shortfall.
With retirement goals in place, we reviewed Paul’s existing pension provisions
Firstly, we discovered that Paul held some older personal pension schemes that were not being actively managed. They did not offer appropriate investment choices or access to the flexible retirement facilities he needed to meet his retirement goals. We also found that he had significant final salary pension entitlements from previous employers, which had not been reviewed since he left.
With a clear understanding of Paul’s circumstances, we put a strategy in place
We provided him with a number of options tailored to his new retirement goals. Paul decided to retain his final salary schemes as they offered a good foundation to his retirement income. We consolidated his other pensions into a single, more modern arrangement – offering a better selection of investment options with the flexibility to make changes as and when his circumstances change. Finally, we reduced his pension contributions to avoid tax penalties and suggested other tax-effective strategies to help Paul bridge the shortfall.
Having made these changes, we now manage Paul’s retirement portfolio. We provide him with regular guidance and updates. We also meet regularly to review his progress and suggest any refinements to his retirement plans as Paul’s circumstances or the savings market evolve.


shelf: education

text:
Will dental practice ownership still be attractive in future?
Key message: I invite dentists, at different parts of the career life cycle, who are willing to share advice about the different practice options (associateship / ownership / involvement in a large network) facing young dentists today, to contact me please. All information will be treated in confidence. Please contact me at firstname.lastname@example.org or 1-800-267-6354 ext. 5000.
What practice options will face the young graduates coming into our profession in the foreseeable future? That was the subject of some very persuasive presentations at the conference of the Federation of Canadian Dentistry Student Associations in Toronto in January. To my ears there were two major perspectives articulated at that conference.
One perspective was that owning and managing your own practice is still the way to go, like it always has been for most dentists in Canada. The students heard that dentists are among the highest earning new graduates in Canada, with a very good chance of earning a six-figure salary in the first year in practice.
The doom and gloom about too many dentists, too few patients and difficulties facing young dentists can be ignored if young dentists acquire the right skills (notably business and communication skills) make good plans, set career goals, and practice in the right location. A number of speakers told the students that owning an independent practice will continue to make good economic sense and provide the greatest opportunity for career satisfaction.
The other major perspective articulated was that owning and managing a dental practice may be unsustainable in the future, so the young dentist may be better off being part of a large network, as either an associate or a partner. The argument was made that the price of dental practices will rise significantly in the years ahead and that it will become much more expensive to borrow the money to purchase and upgrade practices so that they have the equipment necessary to satisfy the demands of more discerning patients.
Conference attendees were told by the proponents of large networks that young graduates lack necessary business skills and that the complexity of running a practice continues to increase. In addition, the changing demographics of the profession will dictate that many more dentists will likely be happy to remain as associates for a much greater portion of their careers. Given all these factors, attendees were told that large networks hold out the promise of a different way of practicing and providing support for a dentist’s growth ambitions.
The options (associateship/ownership/involvement in a large network) facing young graduates is top of mind for me at present, because my team has been asked to support CDSPI and the provincial and territorial dental associations to create a career transitions resource for dentists, with a focus on the early part of the career. In this context, I wish to hear from dentists, at different parts of the career life cycle, who are willing to share valuable advice, based on their experiences, about the different practice options facing young dentists today.
The dental student leaders I have been communicating with have told me that they would really like to get unbiased information from experienced dentists that will guide them with the crucial career decisions they face. I am confident we can work together to help them. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.


shelf: home-craft

title: Boozy irish whiskey cake recipe

text:
Indulge in the rich flavors of this boozy Irish whiskey cake, a delightful dessert that combines the warmth of Irish whiskey with the comforting taste of a classic cake. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, this cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up Irish whiskey and buttermilk if you don't already have them at home. Irish whiskey adds a unique depth of flavor, and buttermilk helps to keep the cake moist and tender.
Ingredients for Boozy Irish Whiskey Cake
Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
Eggs: Provide structure and help to bind the ingredients together.
Irish whiskey: Adds a warm, boozy flavor that makes this cake special.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to help the cake rise.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to the cake.
Buttermilk: Keeps the cake moist and tender while adding a slight tang.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When creaming together the butter and sugar, ensure that the butter is at room temperature. This will help achieve a light and fluffy texture, which is crucial for the overall cake structure. If the butter is too cold, it won't incorporate air properly, and if it's too warm, it can cause the mixture to be greasy. Additionally, when adding the eggs, make sure to beat well after each addition to fully emulsify the mixture, which will help in creating a uniform batter.
Suggested Side Dishes
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the cake denser.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds moisture and a different sweetness profile, but reduce the amount by about ¼ cup.
softened butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, with a slight coconut flavor.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative.
irish whiskey - Substitute with apple juice: Apple juice provides a sweet and fruity flavor without the alcohol.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 times the amount of baking powder, but the texture may be slightly different.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a coarser grain and may need to be adjusted to taste.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.
buttermilk - Substitute with milk and lemon juice: Mix ½ cup of milk with ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Cake
How to Store / Freeze This Cake
To keep your Boozy Irish Whiskey Cake fresh and moist, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help preserve its delightful texture and prevent it from drying out.
For short-term storage, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container and store it at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
If you prefer to refrigerate the cake, ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To freeze the cake, first wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps protect the cake from freezer burn and maintains its flavor.
For added convenience, you can slice the cake before freezing. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can easily thaw and enjoy a slice whenever you crave a sweet treat.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen Boozy Irish Whiskey Cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
For an extra touch of indulgence, warm a slice of the cake in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. This will enhance its rich, buttery flavor and make it even more irresistible.
If you plan to serve the cake at a special occasion, consider adding a fresh glaze or dusting it with powdered sugar after it has thawed. This will give it a beautiful finish and make it look as good as it tastes.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Wrap the cake in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the cake's moist texture and enhances its flavors.
Microwave Method: Place a slice of cake on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check the cake and add more time in 10-second intervals if needed. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the cake rubbery.
Steaming Method: If you have a steamer, this is a fantastic way to reheat without drying out the cake. Place the cake on a heatproof plate and steam for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the cake incredibly moist and enhances its flavors.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 325°F (165°C). Wrap the cake in aluminum foil and place it on the rack. Heat for about 10 minutes. This method is great for reheating smaller portions without using a full-sized oven.
Skillet Method: For a quick and slightly crispy exterior, heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place a slice of cake in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method adds a delightful texture contrast to the cake.
Sous Vide Method: If you have a sous vide machine, set it to 140°F (60°C). Place the cake in a vacuum-sealed bag and submerge it in the water bath for about 30 minutes. This method ensures even heating and preserves the cake's moisture and flavors.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the cake at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the ingredients together.
Electric mixer: Helps to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, and to beat in the eggs.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, butter, whiskey, and buttermilk.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like baking powder, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract.
Whisk: Useful for whisking together the dry ingredients.
Bundt pan: The specific type of pan used to bake the cake, which gives it a distinctive shape.
Spatula: Handy for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Toothpick: Used to check if the cake is done by inserting it into the center to see if it comes out clean.
Wire rack: Allows the cake to cool completely after being removed from the bundt pan.
Cooling rack: Another term for the wire rack, used to cool the cake evenly.
How to Save Time on Making This Cake
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before you start. This will streamline the baking process and prevent any last-minute searches.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can save time when creaming butter and sugar and mixing batter.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Prepare the pan: Grease and flour your bundt pan before you start mixing the batter to save time later.
Clean as you go: Cleaning up while the cake is baking will save you time after.
Boozy Irish Whiskey Cake Recipe
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter softened
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup Irish whiskey
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the whiskey and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured bundt pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.


shelf: history-culture

title: Lhola amira looking for ghana the red suitcase

text:
And all I ever wanted as a young black girl was to be visible, but all the spaces I entered, performed an extreme violence of either making me silent or loud. But I might be known if I die or when I’m killed.
As Lhola Amira approaches center stage, in a medley of sculptors, painters, and photographers all of whom have had their practice inseparably preceded by the term ‘African’, she disputes and rejects this simultaneously sparse and generalized description. In her signature fusion of politics, economics and arts, Lhola Amira has developed Looking for Ghana & The Red Suitcase as the first of many more physical investigations into assumptions, contradictions and associations placed on contemporary definitions of Africa.
This exhibition presents a selection of photographs, an installation and video piece that are all rooted in Lhola Amira’s recent project based in Ghana. This project saw the artist engaging with local and current issues through a number of appearances and interactions in Accra, Ghana. The project, described by the artist as ‘Looking for ‘Africa’ in ‘Africa’, engages with contemporary discourses around decolonization, nationality, gender, sexuality and race.
Lhola Amira is primarily considered a ‘performance artist’ however; she refuses to adhere to any preconceived theories of ‘art’ or ‘performance’ and defines her practice as ‘appearances’. She unashamedly intertwines definitions that academia attempts to separate, such as ‘activist’, ‘poet’, ‘philosopher’, ‘artist’ and many more. Lhola Amira questions connotations of performance, such as ‘farce’ or ‘play’ from which audiences can take an interval; in her own words; “You cannot perform being black, you cannot perform the very thing that you are. Black bodies are the only bodies viewed by society as being in a state of perpetual performance”
As she stalked the streets of Accra, Lhola Amira tackled her own preconceptions of the first sub-Saharan country to demand independence from colonialism. Not only were the artist’s own expectations of Ghana unsettled but this recent sojourn also served to emphasize the futility of attempts to fully understand issues and controversies facing an area without extended personal experience. Lhola Amira remained a visitor during her time in Ghana, seeing and experiencing only a small collection of lifestyles possible in the country. Looking for Ghana & The Red Suitcase should not be seen as a summery of an entire country; Lhola Amira intentionally highlights the inadequate borders and geographical divisions that continue to enforce colonialism in Africa.
Lhola Amira worked with local photographer, Francis Kokoroko and filmmaker Wanlov Kubolor to produce a body of work that took place in Ghana but left residues that could be exhibited in South Africa and elsewhere.


shelf: civic-law

title: Life Empowerment Deliverance Ministries

text:
Life Empowerment Deliverance Ministries
Mission & Objective
Our mission is to provide a ministry to young adults, divorcees, widows and single adults that fosters’ individual wholeness through a relationship with God. Life Empowerment Deliverance Ministries desires to minister to singles current state and beyond. Our desire is for our single adults to grow into the image and likeness of Christ and be empowered to live godly lives while prepare for their destiny God has planned for them.
The ministry is designed to educate the single Christian about Christ and relationships. We provide instruction about family, finances, future ministry and preparation for marriage. Life Empowerment Deliverance Ministries is preparing our singles…
And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
- Acts 24:7
“Life’s” Music Department – operates as one body unified in spirit and with a heart of purity and purpose to glorify God, to humbly serve Him in spirit of excellence as ministers of music, hope and agape love. To lead others into His divine presence through thanksgiving, praise and worship.
Here we see how praise and worship had its place in protecting Judah. God moved on their enemies when they began to praise praises to God. We see the power of music in God’s intervention (not that this is a rule) and we also see the place of music in praise and worship. Life Empowerment is a church of pure worship. We believe when he Holy Spirit is in control of the entire service-worship is easy.
Praise Dance Ministry
The Dance Ministry is a Life giving expression of worship through movement. The ministry will not only be a place to come and dance, but a community of learning many different genres of dance technically matched with the anointing the Lord has placed in each person to exude excellence and bring a fresh perspective of the facet of ministry. It will offer technical classes (like Zumba) for all ages and the training will consist of biblical principles whereby the understanding of dance as a ministry is realized and actualized.
“Life’s Bible Study is designed to help believers grow and discover the Word of God while connecting with others in a small group setting. Wednesday Night Bible Study is the ideal place to grow in your walk with God and make new friends. Our Pastor and leaders make studying God’s word relevant and exciting. No matter what your age or marital status, there’s always a message that’s right for you. Come and be blessed!


shelf: science-engineering

title: Hunting with ruger american gen ii predator in 22 arc

text:
Back in the day, I made Phantom of the Opera a fixture in my Walkman. One song from that epic work always stood out to me – “Music of the Night.” In Texas, the first time I hunted with thermal optics, I felt like that song played across the velvety black landscape. There is something intoxicating about the dark. Even more exhilarating is the ability to see in it.
Now that I’m back in Michigan, come along with me as we scratch the surface on predator hunting, with thermal optics paired with the Ruger American Gen II Predator, chambered in 22 ARC.
Seeing in the Dark – What that Means with Thermal Optics
If you’re like me, thermal optics are a bit of an unknown. My fall excursion to Texas was actually the first time I had ever hunted with this equipment. I chased hogs with my oldest son on the Sellmark Ranch and enjoyed using a broad range of Pulsar and Sightmark products.
With assorted Hollywood movies being my sole source of reference for what thermal optics technology looked like, I had a lot to learn. Here are the basics.
Thermal optics can take a couple of forms. First, you have a scope that goes on your rifle. This can look similar to a traditional scope, but has a much different user interface and visual set-up.
Second, is a monocular. This is a hand-held piece of equipment that you can use to scan your area in search of game or other goals. Kind of like binoculars, but only one eye piece. For the sake of this conversation, we are going to stick with these two tools.
We’ve got the essential interface, how do thermal optics work? The technology is incredibly technical and complex but can be distilled down to this concept: it is a visual representation of temperature differences in objects using pixels. In hunting scenarios, live critters give off heat, and they are hotter than their environment – day or night, generally. So do trees, recently laid footprints/tracks and heat-generating parts of vehicles (engines, brakes, etc). Thermal optics, unlike their technological cousin – night vision, can be used day or night – with varying degrees of effectiveness.
Purpose and Platform
For this first Michigan-based thermal optics adventure, I wanted to chase coyotes and needed an effective platform. I selected the Ruger American Gen II Predator in 22 ARC. I went this route for a few reasons.
First, I am very familiar with the quality, reliability and accuracy of the Gen II. I hadn’t experienced the Predator before, but went that direction based on application. It has all the traits of the Standard, but two more inches of barrel, giving me 22-inches to work with out front. For this rifle, Ruger cuts the barrel thread pitch at ½-28. Since I plan on shooting/hunting with a suppressor attached to the rifle, this is an important piece of information to help me determine whether my suppressor will fit without a thread adapter.
Second, the Gen II has factory available mods that lend themselves well to my desired application. Both the length-of-pull and the comb height are easily adjustable. This is a great feature because predator hunting in northern Michigan is in the winter, and a hunter must wear lots of clothing layers to stay warm. Once you don the fluffy, warm, “sit in the snowbank for the evening” clothes, the length-of-pull you need can change by an inch or so. Being able to modify this on the rifle is very helpful!
As far as comb height, thermal scopes are heavier and bulkier than traditional optics. This will place them higher than normal optics, relative to the bore, and make proper eye alignment challenging. The Gen II alleviates this issue beautifully with low, medium and high comb options.
Caliber – What and Why
The 22 ARC is a fabulous little round recently conceived and brought to market by Hornady. The ARC stands for “Advanced Rifle Cartridge.” Designed for a comfy fit in an AR-15 platform, it also demonstrates great performance in a bolt gun. It is a 6.5 Grendel case necked down to accommodate a .22 caliber projectile.
Process and Planning
As I had never shot this rifle, nor used the particular thermal optic I intended to mount on it, I decided to shoot the 22 ARC first with a traditional optic with which I had familiarity. I have found it is better to eliminate variables when possible so you don’t spend hours and boxes of ammunition chasing problems that could have been quickly resolved. I wanted to confirm I could shoot the gun accurately. I would be using the Hornady 62-grain ELD-T V Match for both target and hunting applications.
Toward that end, I mounted a Leupold 3-15 VX 5 HD on the Gen II and headed to the range. I wasn’t going to go through the time and ammunition to fully zero with this set up, but I wanted to get a feel for the gun with an optic I knew was sound and capable. After mounting and bore-sighting, I set up on a solid bench and took a cold-bore shot at 100 yards. While high and left, the shot felt good. I settled in and took a second one. I was momentarily annoyed as I didn’t see an obvious second hole in the Caldwell Peel Sight In Target. I adjusted all the way to 15 and saw a bulge on the top left rim of my first shot. Bingo. Two shots; nearly the same hole, so I had confidence I could shoot the gun well.
The next step was to mount the thermal. For this project, I selected the Wraith Mini Thermal from Sightmark. This is a 2-16×35 optic that is an outstanding entry point in the wonderful world of thermal optics hunting. It is a functional balance of resolution, size, weight and features.
The Wraith mounts directly to a Picatinny rail. After securing the Wraith in its mounts to the rifle, playing with it in the gun vise for a little bit, I found my ideal eye relief and tightened the optic and mounts down. Then, it came time to zero.
Remember, this operates off of temp differences, so sighting in looks a little different than normal. I used a piece of paper stapled to my backing board and put a HotHands hand warmer in the middle with another two staples. I now had a bullseye that my thermal could “see.”
The directions for zeroing were simple, straightforward and easy to follow. I made sure to zero the rifle while my suppressor was mounted, as this can alter point of impact versus that of the unsuppressed rifle. I was now ready to hunt. As always, check your local regulations as far as gun, ammo, game, season and time of day to make sure you remain in compliance.
It was winter in northern Michigan and we had been blessed with a blizzard. I knew of a spot with lots of coyote sign, but had yet to see a coyote. With high hopes and handwarmers, I settled in to wait. I could hear some coyotes lighting up in the woods, but they didn’t seem to be coming near. They call it hunting, not shooting, for a reason.
I put in a few more sits with this set-up and came away with some observations. First, the Ruger Am Gen II is a very versatile and accurate bolt guns on the market for the money. It has a lot of custom features at an off-the-rack price point ($729). It’s also incredibly accurate.
Although I’ve taken no coyotes in this process so far, being able to see in the dark is truly magical. The Wraith Mini Thermal allowed a peek into the nocturnal winter wonderland in which I sat. I could watch bunnies, squirrels and deer as they went about their nighttime routines – with them having no idea that I was seeing their every move.
I look forward to a winter of nighttime forays with this effective, accurate and fun to shoot set up.
For more information, check out the Ruger American Gen II Predator.


title: Getting started setup environment

text:
This tutorial assumes that you've already purchased an ABP Commercial license and have an active ABP Commercial account.
This document assumes that you prefer to use Angular as the UI framework and MongoDB as the database provider. For other options, please change the preference on top of this document.
Setup your development environment
First things first! Let's setup your development environment before creating the first project.
The following tools should be installed on your development machine:
1 You can use another editor instead of Visual Studio as long as it supports .NET Core and ASP.NET Core. ↩
2 Yarn v2 works differently and is not supported. ↩
Install the ABP CLI
ABP CLI is a command line interface that is used to automate some common tasks for ABP based solutions.
ABP CLI is a free & open source tool for the ABP framework. It is also used for ABP Commercial application development.
First, you need to install the ABP CLI using the following command:
dotnet tool install -g Volo.Abp.Cli
If you've already installed, you can update it using the following command:
dotnet tool update -g Volo.Abp.Cli
Login to your account
In order to use ABP Commercial features, you need to login your account using the ABP CLI:
abp login <username>
It will ask a password, so you must enter the password of your account.
You can freely create a new account from the ABP Account web site. However, your account should be registered to an organization as a developer to be able to use the ABP Commercial. If your company has an ABP Commercial license, ask your manager to add your account to the developer list of the organization.
Install the ABP Suite
ABP Suite is an application aims to assist you on your development.
First, you need to install the ABP Suite:
abp suite install
If you've already installed, you can update it:
abp suite update


title: Manchester 2017 conference by dr liliana cane

text:
Our very own Dr Liliana Cané, director of IMHEM, will be giving a presentation during the XIV European Society of Hypnosis in Psychotherapy and Medicine congress, hosted by the British Society of Clinical & Academic Hypnosis.
XIV ESH congress hosted by the British Society of Clinical & Academic Hypnosis (BSCAH)
23th – 26th August 2017
British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis
Metaphor, Mindfulness and Ericksonian Communication in the Healing Process
In this workshop we will explore the strategic Ericksonian communication techniques that create a fast, secure and trusting therapeutic relationship. By listening closely to our patient, we’ll identify their choice of metaphors in their expressing of their problem. This will be the base to establish the hypnotic healing relationship.
Metaphors are communicative events that convey different associations to the mind both for the client and the therapist. By listening carefully to the nature of the metaphors that clients use to describe their experience, and entering a creative dialogue that produces an expansion in consciousness, we will trigger hypnotic dissociative states, and convey therapeutic suggestions in a non-directive manner. This is the beauty of the Ericksonian approach to metaphor and hypnosis.
Mindfulness on the other hand, is a state of concentrated awareness of the present experience. It includes an attitude of curiosity, and a sense of relative emotional detachment from the inner experience. We will explore in which clinical situations this might be the treatment of choice.
These strategies, integrated with care and creativity enhance the hypnotic process of healing. In this two-hour workshop we will explore in detail the above elements, illustrated with different clinical vignettes (anxiety, depression, PTSD). This will be followed by a live demonstration and a discussion.
To get more information, please see the XIV ESH congress website.


title: Credit card fees and how to avoid them a practical guide 2

text:
Navigating the complex world of credit cards can be a daunting task. With a myriad of fees attached to various credit card transactions, users often find themselves paying more than they bargained for. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify credit card fees and provide practical strategies to avoid them, ensuring that your credit card works for you, not against you.
Understanding Common Credit Card Fees
Credit card fees come in various forms, and understanding them is the first step to avoiding unnecessary charges. Some of the most common fees include annual fees, foreign transaction fees, balance transfer fees, cash advance fees, and late payment fees. Each fee serves a different purpose and understanding when and why they are charged is crucial. For instance, annual fees are charged for the benefits associated with premium credit cards, while foreign transaction fees are applied when a card is used abroad. By comprehensively understanding these fees, cardholders can make informed decisions and select the right credit card for their needs.
Strategies for Avoiding Annual Fees
Annual fees can add a significant cost to the convenience of having a credit card. However, there are several strategies to avoid or minimize these fees. One approach is to choose a credit card that does not charge an annual fee. If the benefits of a card with an annual fee are essential, negotiating with the credit card company for a fee waiver or reduction is another viable option. Additionally, some credit cards offer the first year’s annual fee waived as a promotion, which can be a smart way to enjoy premium benefits without the upfront cost.
Tips for Evading Foreign Transaction Fees
Foreign transaction fees can quickly add up for those who travel internationally or make purchases from foreign merchants. To avoid these fees, look for credit cards specifically offering no foreign transaction fees as a feature. Another tip is to make payments in the local currency instead of your home currency, which can help bypass the additional conversion charges that come with foreign transactions. By being aware of the fees and choosing the right card, international spending does not have to come with hefty extra charges.
Minimizing Balance Transfer and Cash Advance Fees
Balance transfer and cash advance fees are often overlooked by cardholders. To minimize balance transfer fees, seek out credit card offers that include a low or zero percent introductory rate for balance transfers. Be mindful of the time limit on these offers and the standard rate that will apply afterward. For cash advances, the best strategy is to avoid them altogether if possible due to the high fees and interest rates. If a cash advance is necessary, paying it off quickly can help reduce the interest charges that accumulate from day one.
Best Practices to Prevent Late Payment Fees
Late payment fees can be easily avoided with a few simple habits. Setting up automatic payments for at least the minimum due amount can ensure that payments are never missed. Reviewing credit card statements regularly and setting reminders for due dates also helps to prevent late payments. If a payment is accidentally missed, reaching out to the credit card company promptly to discuss the situation may result in the fee being waived, especially if there is a history of on-time payments.
While credit card fees may seem inevitable, they can often be avoided or minimized with a bit of knowledge and proactive management. By understanding the types of fees and the situations in which they are charged, choosing the right credit card for your needs, and employing practical strategies, you can enjoy the benefits of credit cards without letting fees diminish your finances. The key is to stay informed, be strategic, and take control of your credit card use.


title: Mathiscool global ssl navigating the landscape of unblocked educational gaming in 2025

text:
In 2025, the intersection of education and digital entertainment has become more prominent than ever. Students and educators alike seek platforms that combine learning with engagement. One such platform that has garnered attention is mathiscool.global.ssl. This site offers a range of unblocked games and applications, aiming to provide educational value in an accessible format.
Understanding the role and offerings of mathiscool.global.ssl is essential for educators, students, and parents who prioritize both learning and safe online experiences.
Current Trends and Developments in 2025
The educational landscape in 2025 emphasizes interactive learning tools that can be accessed across various devices. Unblocked educational gaming platforms have seen a surge in popularity, especially those that can bypass restrictive networks without compromising safety.
Platforms like Hooda Math have set benchmarks by offering games that are both educational and unblocked, ensuring students can access them even within school networks . Similarly, mathiscool.global.ssl aims to provide a suite of applications and games that align with educational goals while remaining accessible.
Expert Insights and Practical Applications
Educators have long recognized the benefits of gamified learning. Integrating games into the curriculum can enhance student engagement, improve retention, and foster a love for learning.
While specific case studies on mathiscool.global.ssl are limited, the platform’s approach mirrors successful strategies employed by other educational game providers. By offering a range of applications, it allows educators to supplement traditional teaching methods with interactive content, catering to diverse learning styles.
Addressing Challenges and Providing Solutions
One of the primary concerns with unblocked gaming platforms is ensuring the content is appropriate and aligns with educational standards. While mathiscool.global.ssl offers a variety of games and applications, it’s crucial for educators and parents to vet the content regularly.
To address these challenges:
- Content Review: Regularly assess the games and applications available on the platform to ensure they meet educational objectives.
- Feedback Mechanisms: Encourage students to provide feedback on the games they find most beneficial, allowing for a curated selection that aligns with learning goals.
- Parental Controls: Implement tools that restrict access to non-educational content, ensuring students remain focused on learning.
Actionable Tips and Strategies
For educators and parents looking to integrate mathiscool.global.ssl into their educational toolkit:
- Explore the Platform: Familiarize yourself with the available games and applications to identify those that align with your curriculum.
- Set Clear Objectives: Determine what you aim to achieve by incorporating these games—be it reinforcing math concepts, enhancing problem-solving skills, or providing a fun break from traditional learning.
- Monitor Usage: Regularly check in on how students are interacting with the platform, ensuring it’s being used as intended.
- Gather Feedback: Solicit input from students regarding which games they find most engaging and educational, allowing for continuous improvement in your approach.
In the evolving educational landscape of 2025, platforms like mathiscool.global.ssl offer promising avenues to blend learning with engagement. By thoughtfully integrating such tools into educational settings, educators and parents can enhance the learning experience, making it both effective and enjoyable.
Q: Is mathiscool.global.ssl safe for students?
A: While the platform offers educational games, it’s essential for educators and parents to review the content regularly to ensure its appropriateness.
Q: Can mathiscool.global.ssl be accessed on school networks?
A: The platform is designed to be unblocked on many networks, but accessibility can vary based on individual school policies.
Q: Are there any costs associated with using mathiscool.global.ssl?
A: As of now, the platform offers free access to its games and applications.


title: Best sugar cookie recipes

text:
You won’t want to miss these best Sugar Cookie Recipes for all times and seasons! No one can resist their soft, pillowy texture and everyone will want to join in the fun of decorating! Just make sure to make a double batch because these will be gone in minutes!
Fresh, baked sugar cookies are my favorite! The soft buttery texture and creamy frosting are a perfect treat that everyone can enjoy. That is why we’ve gathered the very BEST SUGAR COOKIE RECIPES ever here for you. Be sure to pin this to save it!
Tips to making perfect sugar cookies every time:
- Sugar cookie dough is sticky, but once it’s sufficiently chilled, it’s much more workable. Resist the urge to add more flour to the dough before chilling! If you add too much flour, the ratio of wet to dry ingredients is off and the cookies end up drier and more crumbly.
- Do not melt the butter! The butter needs to be softened (at room temperature), but using melted butter will ruin the cookies.
- Spend a little extra time when you mix the butter and sugars. Creaming them together for 2-3 minutes will improve the consistency of your cookies.
- Preheat the oven. This will help your cookies turn out right every time!
- Use a cookie scoop! If you want all your cookies to be perfectly shaped and have them all be the same size, a cookie scoop is the way to go.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Doing this will make it really easy to remove the cookies from your cookie sheet so that you don’t have to scrape them off the pan – they will just slide right off in perfect shape!
- Make sure not to over-bake your cookies. They may not even look totally done on the tops, but if the bottoms start to brown, I take mine out and they are perfect!
Can you use salted butter for sugar cookies?
You can absolutely use salted butter for sugar cookies! I’m a big fan of using what you have and I only buy salted butter. Some people aren’t fans of salted butter because they want complete control over how much salt is in the recipe. I’m one of those people who constantly has to add salt to everything though, so I like there to be enough! When making cookies, I feel like the cookies taste better when they have a good salt to sweet ratio. I’ve served my sugar cookies to many, many people and no one has ever complained about there being too much salt!
Key lime pie cookies made with a sugar cookie base & topped with key lime filling and a lime buttercream! Tangy, sweet lime cookies that are perfect for summer. See the recipe for Key Lime Pie Cookies here.
Chewy Coconut Cookies are made with simple ingredients like flour, brown sugar, butter & coconut of course! This coconut cookies recipe creates a flavorful, chewy cookie that is a crowd pleaser! See the recipe for Chewy Coconut Cookies here.
4th of July Berry Star Cookies are simple soft sugar cookies cut into star shapes, then baked & topped with our favorite buttercream frosting and berries! Perfect for 4th of July! See the recipe for 4th of July Berry Star Cookies here.
Super Soft Sugar Cookies are the best sugar cookies ever! Made with classic ingredients, this sugar cookie recipe has great texture and flavor. This is the last sugar cookie recipe you’ll ever need! Amazing recipe for sugar cookie frosting included. See the Soft Sugar Cookies recipe here!
Strawberry Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie are soft & chewy with lovely, bright strawberry flavor! Perfectly sweet, tender sugar cookies perfect for springtime! See the recipe for Strawberry Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies here.
Easy Fruit Pizza Cookies are everything you love about fruit pizza, but in cookie form! Soft, vanilla cookies baked & topped with sweet cream & fresh fruits and berries! See the recipe for fruit pizza cookies here.
Lemon Cut Out Sugar Cookies topped with a sweet royal icing tinted in darling Spring colors! Lovely sugar cookie recipe with a hint of lemon flavor! See the recipe for Lemon Cut Out Sugar Cookies here.
Peppermint Fudge Sugar Cookies are two favorites in one! Soft sugar cookies topped with a chocolate peppermint fudge & crushed candy canes for an over-the-top Christmas treat! See the recipe for Peppermint Fudge Sugar Cookies here.
Valentine’s Sugar Cookies are soft, thick, and easily the best sugar cookie recipe I’ve ever tried. These sugar cookies hold their shape when baked and they are moist and perfectly sweet too! See the recipe for Valentine’s Sugar Cookies here.
Frosted Strawberry Cookies made by adding fresh strawberries to a simple sugar cookie dough. No rolling out or chilling necessary! Just bake and top with my amazing strawberry buttercream frosting. Easy Strawberry Cookies piped with a super simple pink rose, so they taste incredible and they’re pretty too! See the Frosted Strawberry Cookies recipe here!
Chewy brown sugar cookies topped with a lovely homemade brown sugar icing. Fantastic slice & bake butter cookies made with brown sugar that everyone loves! See the recipe for Brown Sugar Cookies here.
Circus Animal Sugar Cookies are a fun and whimsical twist on traditional sugar cookies. The recipe calls for basic ingredients that can be found in most kitchens, along with a few extra special additions, such as rainbow sprinkles and frosted circus animal cookies. See the recipe for Circus Animal Sugar Cookies here.
These Snowman Sugar Cookies are the perfect holiday recipe. They’re soft, chewy and full of rich vanilla flavor. Delicious sugar cookie recipe that doesn’t require any chilling, cookie cutters or frosting! See the recipe for Snowman Sugar Cookies here.
Soft Buttermilk Sugar Cookies are classic sugar cookies with the addition of buttermilk for an extra soft, pillowy texture. It’s a family favorite frosted sugar cookie recipe that you’ve got to try! See the Buttermilk Sugar Cookies recipe here!
Fun Patriotic Cookie Bars made with swirled red, white & blue icing making them perfectly festive! Easy sugar cookie bar recipe for 4th of July & Memorial Day. See the Swirled Patriotic Cookie Bars recipe here!
Lucky Charms Sugar Cookies are soft, sweet and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! Absolutely perfect cream cheese sugar cookie recipe frosted with a simple buttercream frosting and topped with Lucky Charms cereal. See the recipe for Lucky Charm Sugar Cookies here.
Frosted Lemon Sugar Cookies made by adding fresh lemon juice and zest to a simple sugar cookie dough. No rolling out or chilling necessary! Just bake and top with a bright lemon buttercream frosting. Easy Lemon Cookies piped with a super simple rosette so they taste incredible and they’re pretty too! My all-time favorite Sugar Cookie recipe! See the Frosted Lemon Sugar Cookies recipe here!
Maple Donut Cookies are soft & pillowy donut-shaped cookies with a lovely maple glaze topping. Everything you love about maple donuts, only in cookie form! See the Maple Donut Cookies recipe here!
Easter Egg Sugar Cookies made with classic ingredients for festive, colorful Easter Egg cookies! Pastel Easter cookies with a vanilla icing everyone loves! See the recipe for Easter Egg Sugar Cookies here.
Halloween Cobweb Cookies are spectacularly spooky and completely delicious! Sugar cookies topped with chocolate & vanilla icing- no coloring! Quick & easy spider web design made in seconds. Perfect Halloween treats! See the Halloween Cobweb Cookies recipe here!
Watermelon Sugar Cookies made easy with sugar cookies, my favorite buttercream frosting and chocolate sprinkles. Perfect for summertime picnics when you can’t get enough of watermelon in any form! See the Watermelon Sugar Cookies recipe here!
Crispy Sugar Cookies have a lovely crisp texture and buttery flavor! This Crispy Sugar Cookie Recipe is made from scratch with simple classic ingredients like butter, sugar and eggs, then baked to golden brown perfection! See the recipe for Cricpy Sugar Cookies here.
Under the Sea Cookies are soft sugar cookies topped with a fun ocean scene complete with gummy fish & sharks, chocolate rocks and a brown sugar ocean floor! Perfect for celebrating summer at the sea! See the Under The Sea Cookies recipe here!
Chocolate Heart Valentine’s Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery cookies topped with vanilla icing & candy hearts! These simple Valentines Day sugar cookies are adorable and festive! See the recipe for Chocolate Heart Valentine’s Cookies here.
Marshmallow Flower Cookies are easy to make and perfect for Spring baking! Everyone loves these cute treats topped with marshmallow flowers with a jelly bean stem, in a chocolate pot! See the Marshmallow Flower Cookies recipe here!
Patriotic Swirled Sugar Cookies are fun, festive and perfect for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or Labor Day. A delicious sugar cookie recipe that is perfect for the holidays! See the recipe for Patriotic Swirled Sugar Cookies here.
Frosted Gingerbread Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy and packed with spice and flavor. These delicious gingerbread cookies don’t require any chilling, rolling out or cutting and they are frosted with a simple buttercream frosting. See the recipe for Frosted Gingerbread Sugar Cookies here.
Swig Sugar Cookies are buttery, soft and somewhere in between a sugar cookie and shortbread, with a little bit of delicious frosting on top! See the Copycat “Swig” Sugar Cookies recipe here!
These Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are soft and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness — they’re perfect with or without frosting and make a great freezer-friendly holiday cookie! See Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies recipe here!
Christmas Jello Sugar Cookies made with red and green Jello in the cookies and the frosting. Festive and flavorful cut-out sugar cookies that can be made with any flavor of Jello! See the recipe for Christmas Jello Sugar Cookies here.
Frosted Brown Sugar Cookies are soft and chewy with a simple brown sugar frosting on top. Easy cookie recipe with a rich brown sugar flavor that is absolutely delicious! See the recipe for Frosted Brown Sugar Cookies here.
Christmas Sugar Cookies are soft and light sugar cookies dipped in vibrant frosting and topped with crushed mints. Easy holiday sugar cookie recipe that is perfect for parties and goody platters. No chilling, rolling out the dough or cutting out any cookies! See the recipe for Christmas Sugar Cookies here.
Jello Sugar Cookies are made with Jello in the cookies and the frosting! Soft sugar cookie recipe that can be made with any flavor and the simple buttercream frosting can be flavored to match. See the recipe for Jelo Sugar Cookies here.
Delicious Sugar Cookies with the addition of fun and colorful sprinkles is such a great and kid approved way to make cookies! See the Rainbow Funfetti Cutout Cookie recipe here!
These white velvet sugar cookies just might be the softest, most delicious sugar cookies you’ll ever meet thanks to the secret ingredient that makes them unique and perfect! See the White Velvet Sugar Cookies recipe here!
Chocolate sugar cookies are a chewy sweet chocolate cookie made with cocoa powder & melted chocolate. These homemade dark chocolate cookies are rich in taste completely satisfying. See the recipe for Chocolate Sugar Cookies here.
Blueberry sugar cookies made with a soft, vanilla cookie dough & an absolutely delightful blueberry buttercream frosting on top! Frosted sugar cookie with blueberries perfect for any occasion! See the recipe for Blueberry Sugar Cookies here.
Frosted Peppermint Cookies are soft, pillowy cookies baked with peppermint candy and topped with peppermint vanilla buttercream and candy cane pieces. See the Frosted Peppermint Cookies recipe here!
Fall Cut Out Sugar Cookies are soft, flavorful pumpkin cookies cut into delightful Autumn shapes! Perfect pumpkin spice flavor in these buttery sugar cookies. See the recipe for Fall Cut Out Sugar Cookies here.
Popsicle Sugar Cookies are fun & tasty summer treat! Homemade sugar cookies cut into popsicle shapes & topped with royal icing everyone loves! See the recipe for Popsicle Sugar Cookies here.
Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups are festive Christmas cookies! Sugar cookie cups filled with fudge, mini marshmallows & sprinkles. Love the candy cane handle! Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups are sugar cookies perfect for the holidays. See the Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups recipe here!
Coconut Sugar Cookies are soft cookies with a lovely coconut flavor! Frosted with a coconut buttercream & topped with toasted coconut for a delicious coconut cookie! See the recipe for Coconut Sugar Cookies here.
Christmas Sugar Cookies are a necessary holiday tradition at our house! This simple sugar cookie recipe produces soft, chewy and delicious cut-out cookies that can be decorated with a simple 4-ingredient buttercream frosting. See the Christmas Sugar Cookie recipe here!
All Butter Sugar Cookies are soft & sweet cookies topped with a buttery vanilla frosting. Easy sugar cookie recipe made with simple pantry ingredients that yields about a dozen cookies. See the recipe for Butter Sugar Cookies here.
Chocolate Sugar Cookies are soft, rich and perfect for cutting out shapes and making holiday cookies. Easy chocolate sugar cookie recipe that is absolutely delicious! See the recipe for Chocolate Sugar Cookies here.
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites are a bite-sized version of classic Christmas sugar cookies with buttercream frosting. So yummy and so easy to make! Plus when they are bite sized you can eat more, right?? See the Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites recipe here!
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are soft, thick and easily the best sugar cookie recipe I’ve ever tried. These sugar cookies hold their shape when baked and they are moist and perfectly sweet too! See the recipe for Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies here.
Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are classic cookies with sour cream for a perfectly soft texture. Soft cut-out sugar cookies with pillowy frosting and sprinkles perfect for any occasion! See the recipe for Sour Cream Sugar Cookies here.
These Christmas Swirl Sugar Cookies are delicious and although they look rather impressive, they are actually really simple! They make a great alternative to frosting dozens of sugar cookies for a large group! See the Christmas Swirl Sugar Cookies recipe here!
Lemon Jello Sugar Cookies are delicious cookies made with lemon jello! Easy sugar cookie recipe with a simple buttercream frosting perfect for lemon lovers. See the recipe for Lemon Jello Sugar Cookies here.
Spread the holiday cheer with these Gingerbread Sugar Cookie Bars. These soft and chewy spiced cookie bars topped with smooth cream cheese frosting are divine! See the Gingerbread Sugar Cookie Bars recipe here!
Lime Sugar Cookies are soft, delicious and packed with lime flavor! This cookie recipe is so simple and everyone loves these sugar cookies with a fun little twist of lime! See the recipe for Lime Sugar Cookies here.
Cinnamon Rolls and Cookies are a big part of our holiday season, so it makes perfect sense to combine the two into a delicious cookie with that perfect glaze drizzled on top! See the Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe here!
These Cookie Sheet Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect treat to make for parties and large gatherings! Bake enough delicious dough for a group and decorate them to fit your party’s theme! See the Cookie Sheet Sugar Cookie Bars recipe here!
Donut Sugar Cookies are everything you love about your favorite sugar cookie recipe with the addition of a fun donut look! Decorate these with kids or decorate them ahead of time for a party! See the Donut Sugar Cookies recipe here!
Jello Sugar Cookies are delicious cookies that can be made with any flavor of jello! This sugar cookie recipe is easy to make in any color and the simple buttercream frosting can be flavored to match. These sugar cookies can be rolled and cut out into shapes or just quickly scooped out into balls. See the recipe for Jello Sugar Cookies here.
All of the usual delicious sugar cookie ingredients with the addition of cocoa will step up your sugar cookie game! Now you can have chocolate and regular sugar cookies to decorate and enjoy! See the Chocolate Sugar Cookie Recipe here!
These Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies are better than the store bought version! They are soft, pillowy, and everything you want in a homemade cookie! See the Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies recipe here!
Frosted Rose Sugar Cookies are buttery, soft sugar cookies with a delicious swirled rosette on top! This sugar cookie recipe doesn’t require any chilling and you don’t have to roll them out either! Elegant Sugar Cookies that look like roses that are perfect as gifts! See the recipe for Frosted Rose Sugar Cookies here.
The holidays can get so busy, so here are some ways to save time making your Sugar Cookies:
- Mix the dough and frosting beforehand, then store in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to use. This is an easy way to speed up the process when making cookies with kids. I usually make the dough and frosting the night before, then, the next day, when the kids are ready to make Christmas cookies, it’s a faster process.
- You can scoop dough balls out on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, then freeze until ready to use! When baking, just add 1 to 2 minutes to compensate for frozen dough, unless you’re able to thaw them out prior to baking.


title: Creative intervention and the dhaka art summit

text:
The second Dhaka Art Summit opened a day after part of the Bangladeshi capital was unexpectedly shut down by strikes, but the three-day event presented a strong cross section of art from South Asia. Bearing with logistical difficulties, lack of infrastructure, and government restrictions, this forum for art from the region unveiled new notions of otherness that were no longer burdened by Western cultural conditioning. Works from fourteen solo projects and three curated shows from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh created a lingua franca that was fresh in its use of historicity and cultural identity to transform and open new possibilities of looking and thinking.
Like most biennials in Asia that focus on geographical representation and underlying ethnographies, the Dhaka Art Summit showcased both internationally recognized artists and local art practices. What was apparent in all the works was a strong sense of pluralism that welcomes universal aspects. This phenomenon is best described in the words of the postcolonial theoretician Homi Bhabha, whose view that art from the subcontinent may be seen in a “nation space,” as opposed to a “nation state,” opens up the possibility of “creative intervention.”1
Jitish Kallat’s landmark exhibition Public Notice 3, at the Art Institute of Chicago (September 11, 2010–September 12, 2011), demonstrates Bhabha’s point. Installed on the risers of the museum’s grand staircase, 68,700 LEDs resurrected the text of a significant 1893 speech to end bigotry and fanaticism, delivered by Swami Vivekananda, an Indian monk in Chicago. Kallat’s meditation on religious tolerance commingled two important historical moments, highlighting the global significance of nation space and the role of art that can no longer be marginalized to the place of its historical antecedence.
Bhabha’s idea of nation space became a complex narrative of transformation in the Pakistan-born, New York–based artist Shahzia Sikander’s sound-video installation Parallax (2013), which was on view at the Dhaka Art Summit. Currently installed at the Bildmuseet in Sweden until May 18, 2014, Sikander’s unique combination of digitized miniature paintings, abstract forms, sound, text, and recitation of poetry in Arabic evoked thoughts of dissonance and disruption followed by rebirth and regeneration that assert the tenacious ability of humans to reinvent themselves. Viewers were compelled by new notions of otherness replete with cross-cultural historical references that resonate with audiences over the world.
The Dhaka Art Summit set new standards for determining the quality of the selected works. Ever since the groundbreaking Whitney Biennial of 1993, the notion of aesthetic quality transcending ethnic boundaries has been frequently tested and redefined. In the work Wisdom and Compassion (2013), Tsherin Sherpa presented Buddhist deities that symbolize the union of truth and emptiness in a grid-like format. Sherpa’s nuanced canvas of disfigured gods in abstract shapes and bright colors altered traditional concepts of Tibetan artwork and opened viewers to new avenues for its assessment.
The subordinate voice was acknowledged through stacks of Naeem Mohaiemen’s subversive single-issue newspaper, Shokol Choritro Kalponik (2013). Reporting from the year 2024, the Bengali-language paper—whose title means “all characters are imaginary”—proffers an alternative, leftist point of view from the dystopia of daily life in Bangladesh. Using language that falls between research, whimsy, and humor, Mohaiemen addressed the notion of historical truth by pointing out that historical narratives vary with each individual. Viewers could take copies of the paper, which contained text that conveyed the importance of “othering,” in Homi Bhabha’s perspective, that gives significance to the excluded other and works towards leveling the inequities of communities.2
Bringing different countries, genres, and mediums together, the biennial in Dhaka fortified its place as a forum for cultural exchange. Whether it was the Bangladeshi artists in Deepak Ananth’s exhibition, B/Desh, or the Pakistani artists in Ambreen Karamant’s Ex-ist, the Dhaka Art Summit, much like the Singapore Biennale and the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, established a close rapport among artists whose processes of recontextualizing tradition and modernity facilitated the mutability of artistic expression.
Ultimately the artists experienced a sense of rootedness without being insular and found a place where identity and otherness become one and the same. Freed from the burden of being marginalized and reinforced by each other’s visions, artists from South Asia found the Summit an important venue for strengthening their sense of belonging and endorsing art practices that continually reappraise the contemporary. It is no coincidence that, spurred by the strength of such expositions, the Indian contemporary artist Nilima Sheikh’s canvases are on view at the Art Institute of Chicago until May 2014, and the Indian modernist painter Vasudeo Gaitonde will be featured at the Guggenheim Museum, New York, later this year.
1. Ghose, Madhuvanti, ed. Jitish Kallat: Public Notice 3. (Chicago: The Art Institute of Chicago, 2010), 78.
2. Ibid, 80.


title: By Amos Tauna, Kaduna

text:
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
A civic group, the Eagle Brain Youth Transformative and Development Initiative (EBYTDI), has alleged that a shocking injustice continues in Kaduna State, with hundreds of detainees, including one Emmanuel Musa, remaining imprisoned for years without trial due to the Kaduna Correctional Centres’ lack of basic logistics to transport them to court.
A statement issued by its Executive Director, Mr. Daniel Ejembi, revealed that Emmanuel Musa, a resident of Ungwan Gajere, Maraban Rido, was arrested in 2018 after he intervened to prevent a suspected bandit from being lynched at his home, insisting that the suspect be handed over to the authorities.
He explained, “Instead of receiving commendation for upholding the rule of law, he was detained, and for six long years, the Kaduna Correctional Service has failed in their duty.”
“This case is not an isolated incident. Many detainees in Kaduna prisons have never set foot in a courtroom, not due to delays in their cases, but because the correctional centres lack vehicles, fuel, and security personnel to escort inmates to court.”
Ejembi lamented the human cost of this institutional failure, emphasising the innocent lives destroyed, such as Emmanuel’s, who has spent six years in prison without conviction and is now suffering severe psychological trauma.
He further explained that the family has been shattered; his dependents, who relied on him for their survival, are now struggling in poverty. He stated, “The justice system is mocked when detainees cannot even appear in court; the legal process collapses into a cruel farce.”
According to him, the Kaduna State Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and the Judiciary must answer why there are no functional vehicles to transport detainees, why the government has failed to allocate funds for inmate logistics, and who will be held accountable for these unconstitutional delays.
The group has called for immediate intervention from Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, the Controller of Corrections, the Chief Judge of Kaduna State, and the Nigerian Human Rights Commission to address the broken system.
Ejembi stressed the urgent need to provide operational vehicles and security for inmate transportation, prioritise cases of those detained without trial, and hold officials accountable for their negligence.


tier: kodiak

text:
Fault-tolerant embedding of quantum circuits on hardware architectures via swap gates
In this blog post, we discuss our recent work , which proposes a protocol that enables quantum circuits to preserve their fault-tolerant properties when implemented on connectivity-constrained devices. This allows us to fault-tolerantly embed error-correction codes, such as the surface code, onto different devices, facilitating their implementation on near-term quantum devices featuring local connectivities.
Introduction — error correction in quantum devices
Quantum error correction (QEC) is an essential component for accurate quantum computation at scale. As real quantum computers are inherently noisy, implementations of QEC protocols are themselves subjected to faults and are thus designed with strict error propagation properties to ensure their fault-tolerance. Because of this, their implementations are also extremely sensitive to architectural aspects of the quantum device, such as their connectivity/topology, which restricts possible multi-qubit gates between qubits in the device.
In general, one way to overcome device-connectivity limitations is to insert SWAP gates into the circuit, each having the effect of exchanging the positions of a pair of qubits. In this way, an arbitrary circuit, which we call the abstract circuit, can be transformed into one that respects the device connectivity. The problem of finding sequences of SWAP gates — which we call routing schedules — that carry out this transformation is known as qubit routing, and we refer to the output circuit as the routed circuit.
However, there is a risk here that we may be solving one problem only to create another. Fault-tolerant quantum error-correction (FTQEC) circuits are carefully designed to ensure that errors behave in controllable ways and cannot spread in such a manner as to make them uncorrectable. If a circuit that is originally fault-tolerant must be subject to qubit routing, resulting in a new circuit with potentially different ways for errors to propagate, is fault tolerance lost? This is the question that we set out to investigate in our work.
With these considerations in mind, we propose a strategy for performing routing that preserves the fault-tolerance of the underlying abstract circuit, thereby relaxing constraints on FTQEC set by device topologies.
Intuitively, if we could find routed circuits where errors behave and propagate similarly to the abstract circuit, the routed circuit could inherit the fault-tolerance of the abstract circuit. More formally, in our work, we analyze the set of possible error-patterns — the spatio-temporal distribution of errors arising from faults across the circuit — that can arise in the routed circuit. The routed circuit is said to be error-pattern-preserving (EPP) if its error-patterns are identical to those arising in the abstract circuit.
A core result of our work is showing that routing schedules can be guaranteed to be EPP under certain conditions. Furthermore, we find that existing routing algorithms can be easily adapted to search for EPP routing schedules simply by building these conditions into the search. Given only the connectivities of the abstract circuit and the device, we can, therefore, output a routed circuit that preserves any underlying fault-tolerance properties of the abstract circuit.
Embedding the surface code
As a direct application of our method, we embed the syndrome extraction (SE) circuit of the rotated planar surface code — typically implemented on a square lattice — onto hardware with a heavy-hexagonal-lattice connectivity (see Fig. 1 (left) above), which is featured in IBM’s superconducting-qubit-based quantum computers. We consider the task of protecting physical qubits against noise over time using the surface code.
To recap the standard rotated planar surface code, its SE circuit (per cycle) involves four layers of CNOT gates between neighbouring qubits. It can be executed directly on a device with a square-grid topology (see Fig. 1 (right) above). For instance, focusing on individual qubits, the sub-circuits take the following forms:
The ancilla qubits are then repeatedly measured over several cycles of the above circuit, whose results allow us to infer and correct errors that have occurred. A classical decoding algorithm is also involved in the error inference process.
Our workflow to embed the above circuit onto the heavy-hexagonal lattice is the following:
- Given the SE circuit and device topology, we use a classical search algorithm to output an EPP routing schedule.
- We modify the decoding algorithm accordingly based on the form of the resulting EPP routing schedule and the form of the underlying abstract circuit.
- We perform simulations of the routed circuits under a full-circuit noise model, verifying the fault tolerance of the EPP-routed circuit.
The resulting EPP routing schedule found by the search algorithm consists of 5 SWAP layers on top of the 4 existing CNOT layers. Because SWAP gates have the action of permuting pairs of qubits, we can also visualize the EPP-routing schedule via an animation such as the following:
To understand the embedding procedure's impact on the surface code's performance and verify its fault tolerance, we simulate both the embedded circuits and the un-embedded abstract circuit (i.e. the surface code executed on a square grid) under noisy conditions and compare their performances.
To analyze our results, we plot the curves of the logical error probabilities pL against the physical error probabilities of the two circuits together. Consistent with our theoretical arguments, the curves for the embedded circuit coincide almost perfectly with those of the abstract circuit if they are shifted horizontally. Thus, we introduce and plot against the effective physical error probability p_eff = cp instead, where c is the shift, and p is the physical error probability:
With c = 3.63, we observe excellent agreement between the two sets of curves; intuitively, this means that the routed circuit behaves like a noisier version of the abstract circuit, with the higher probability of error contributed by the additional SWAP operations. That the gradients of the lines — reliant on the circuit’s fault-tolerance properties — for the abstract and embedded circuits match well indicate the preservation of fault-tolerance. The threshold, the error probability below which error correction is beneficial, also deteriorates by the same factor c in the embedded circuit.
Analysing other device connectivities yields similar conclusions. An embedding of the same circuit on the hexagonal lattice yields a very similar plot, but with c = 1.25. Our technique can be applied to any device connectivity and any quantum circuit. Furthermore, the degree of deterioration can generally be estimated theoretically by deriving an effective noise model relating the embedded circuit to the abstract one.
In conclusion, we have proposed a general strategy to fault-tolerantly embed quantum circuits in connectivity-constrained devices. The central elements of our work consist of introducing and proving the fault-tolerance of EPP routing schedules and introducing methods to systematically obtain them under general conditions.
Our results lead to several significant consequences. Firstly, our approach is directly compatible with any device connectivity and quantum circuit. This opens up the possibility of implementing and testing QEC circuits on different devices, which is particularly relevant on the majority of current scalable quantum hardware architectures featuring geometrically local connectivities. Compared to existing methods, its generality provides a flexible route to implementing arbitrary circuits on hardware, including protocols that implement logical operations, state preparation, and more.
Secondly, applied to QEC circuits, our approach can result in embeddings that yield tolerable performance deteriorations, rendering them viable in near-term devices available today. As shown in the surface code examples above, the relatively small deterioration c suggests that the increase in error rates introduced by our approach will not present a major obstacle for near-term implementations.
Finally, from a broader perspective, our results yield new insights on the relationship between fault-tolerance and device-implementation details. By studying the properties and characteristics of EPP routing schedules in their own right, our results pave the way to new theoretical and practical results, which can motivate better architectures of quantum computers and QEC protocols.
: Fault-tolerant embedding of quantum circuits on hardware architectures via swap gates. Shao-Hen Chiew, Ezequiel Ignacio Rodriguez Chiacchio, Vishal Sharma, Jing Hao Chai, Hui Khoon Ng. arXiv (2024).


title: ibm-data-and-ai.ideas.ibm.com

text:
This portal is to open public enhancement requests against products and services offered by the IBM Data & AI organization. To view all of your ideas submitted to IBM, create and manage groups of Ideas, or create an idea explicitly set to be either visible by all (public) or visible only to you and IBM (private), use the IBM Unified Ideas Portal (https://ideas.ibm.com).
Shape the future of IBM!
We invite you to shape the future of IBM, including product roadmaps, by submitting ideas that matter to you the most. Here's how it works:
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Start by searching and reviewing ideas and requests to enhance a product or service. Take a look at ideas others have posted, and add a comment, vote, or subscribe to updateson them if they matter to you. If you can't find what you are looking for,
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title: courtesy of on.cc |

text:
courtesy of on.cc |
Jo Kuk and her daughter |
Actual calendar photos differ from the earlier released ones, like this one with Kelly Chen and her son |
Laughing Lady Miriam Yeung is so busy with laughing that her son is more aware of the camera |
Jo Kuk takes the initiative to contact the Year of the Dragon mothers and receives rapid responses |
Janet Chow courtesy of mingpao.com |
Jo Kuk Cho Lam led 11 "Dragon Mamas" and babies in the "2013 XOXO charity calendar" shoot, yesterday an unveiling ceremony took place. Kuk Cho Lam, Janet Chow Ka Wai, Lillian Ho Ka Lei, Joyce Lee Lok Si, Claire Yiu Ka Nei, Annie Man Chung Han and Josephine Ng (Chu Fun) made an appearance in support. When Siu Kuk posed for the photo, she was half naked with her naked daughter Lau Sum and the mother and daughter photo was very warm. At the event, Man Chung Han said that during the shoot her daughter acted up and almost gave her a wardrobe malfunction as her tube top was almost pulled off. This time she was willing to be sexy for charity.
The event raised fund for the Hong Kong Early Psychosis Intervention Society. Siu Kuk hoped to raise over 1 million. She took the initiative to contact the Dragon Mamas and received support very quickly. The fund will support EPISO's school promotional tour to provide knowledge of Early Psychosis to everyone. Siu Kuk's brother in 2007 due to emotional disorder committed suicide. She said that after having her baby she worried about post natal depression. Thus she would immediately see a doctor even when the slightest problem arose; the doctor said that she was fine. She said that her family's tragedy had quite an impact, but the most tragic has already passed.
Janet Chow Ka Wai is seven and a half months pregnant. Yesterday she even cut her long hair. Currently he weight has risen to 140 pounds. The doctor during the examination said, "You have a waist!" She thought it was a compliment for her but the doctor was referring to the baby. The mother absorbed too much nutrition and the doctor told her to pay attention to a balanced diet before giving birth. She revealed that she was liberal with her diet, she had four bowls of noodles and still was not full. Now her husband Timmy Hung Tin Ming would remind her to watch her diet. Ka Wai said that her husband would not mind that she was fat and even called her pretty everyday.


title: 606627

text:
- Goldman Sachs announced Wednesday it would acquire home-improvement lender GreenSky in an all-stock deal worth $2.24 billion.
- The transaction, set to close in this year's fourth quarter or the first quarter of 2022, will bring more than 10,000 merchants into the fold of Marcus, Goldman's consumer-banking arm, the bank said.
- GreenSky went public in 2018 with a valuation of $4 billion, but its business suffered because of an increase in loan defaults both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to The Wall Street Journal, which reported the company's stock has fallen 70% from its peak.
The GreenSky deal marks Goldman's second billion-dollar acquisition in less than a month. The investment bank in August agreed to acquire the asset-management arm of the Dutch insurer NN Group for $1.87 billion.
“We have been clear in our aspiration for Marcus to become the consumer banking platform of the future, and the acquisition of GreenSky advances this goal,” Goldman CEO David Solomon said in a press release Wednesday. “GreenSky and its talented team have built an impressive, cloud-native platform that will allow Marcus to reach a new and active set of merchants and customers and provide them with an expanding set of solutions."
By acquiring Atlanta-based GreenSky, Goldman is hoping to give its consumer-banking customers an avenue to pursue buy-now, pay-later loans for one-off purchases, such as home improvement projects and healthcare spending.
As part of Wednesday's deal, GreenSky stockholders will get 0.03 shares of Goldman stock for each GreenSky share they hold. That translates to $12.11 per share, a more than 50% premium over GreenSky's current share price. However, it is nearly 50% less than the $23-per-share value GreenSky stock was given at its 2018 IPO — for which Goldman Sachs was an underwriter. GreenSky's stock has, however, surged 70% this year, according to Bloomberg.
“The GreenSky team and I are thrilled to be joining Goldman Sachs,” said David Zalik, GreenSky's CEO. “From GreenSky’s inception, our mission has been to deliver exceptional value helping businesses grow and delight their customers. In combination with Goldman Sachs, we’re excited to continue delivering innovative point-of-sale payment solutions for our merchant partners and their customers on an accelerated basis.”
Wednesday's deal comes about two years after Goldman initially considered buying GreenSky, The Wall Street Journal reported.
At the time, GreenSky counted nine banking partners. One of them, Regions, said it would not renew its funding relationship once it expired. The bank had initially wanted to build point-of-sale lending partnerships to see if it could stimulate customer base growth. But Regions CEO John Turner said the bank opted to focus more on direct relationships. Regions reinforced its home-improvement lending footprint this year, buying EnerBank in a $960 million deal.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) fined GreenSky $2.5 million in July and required the fintech to refund or cancel up to $9 million in loans it let its merchant partners take out on behalf of customers who said they didn’t request or authorize them.
In its consent order, the CFPB wrote that the fintech received more than 6,000 complaints between 2014 and 2019 from harmed customers.
GreenSky said it services a $9 billion loan portfolio. About 4 million users have financed more than $30 million in loans through the company, it said.