5 Common Myths on Frozen Foods

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With hectic schedules and busy lifestyles, most families choose to cut down on preparation time when it comes to meals and go for quick fix dinner options. This has brought about the immense popularity of frozen foods, which ensures that there is always something to eat at home and on top of this, freezing leftover meals can actually prevent wastage of food too. However, with many people opting for frozen food, misconceptions regarding it have been rising as well.

Frozen food is not nutritious

Frozen food could sometimes lose out on some nutritional value but the reality is that they are generally more nutritious than the fresh food that’s available at the grocery store. The reason for this is that out-of-season produce is picked before it has completely ripened and then stored, cutting down a great deal of nutritional value before you finally eat it. By comparison, frozen food is picked when it’s ripe and then frozen, so it only loses some nutritional value during storage.

Too processed

While grocery freezers are packed with unhealthy frozen dinners, there are some great healthy choices as well. This is why it’s important to go for whole and natural foods by checking through the list of ingredients and avoiding any that include additives or preservatives. Another interesting fact to note is that the process of freezing can actually stop bacteria from developing because microbes cannot grow of food that are stored at minus 0 F, making it far healthier than most people think.

Way too expensive

Generally, it is less expensive than fresh food. For example, most fruits and vegetables that are not in season are priced very high but stocking up frozen fruits and vegetables can actually save money on your grocery bills.

All food can be frozen

While there are plenty of foods that can be frozen and yet retain the original texture and flavor, this is not the case with all food. There are certain foods that tend to lose its flavor when frozen and these include cream-based sauces and fruits and vegetables that contain high water content.

Can last forever

Frozen foods have a longer lifespan than when it’s fresh but it can lose the taste and quality when stored for too long. However, there are some ways in which the storage life of frozen food can be extended and this is done by blanching vegetables before freezing and covering the food in moisture-proof packaging.

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Source by Farhan Fawzer

Food Processor Safety Tips

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A food processor is an electrical appliance that operates with fast moving and sharp blades and discs. Like other electrical equipment, a food processor should always be handled with care. Follow these safety tips to protect you and your family from misuse and harm.

  • The appliance’s blades and discs operate and move at high speeds. Make sure your hands and kitchen utensils, like spatulas or wooden spoons, are kept away from the moving blades and discs when processing food. Only insert your hands or kitchen utensils into the food processor after the machine is off and unplugged.
  • As stated, the blades and discs are very sharp and should be handled and stored carefully. When connecting the motor shaft or stem to the processing unit, always place the blades and discs on flat, stable surfaces to minimize potential contact with them.
  • Make sure the work bowl is securely locked before placing blades or discs on the motor shaft.
  • Never put food or other ingredients into the work bowl until the blades and discs are securely in place.
  • Always use the pusher or food plunger to move food into the bowl and into the spinning blades or discs. Never put your fingers into the feed tube or work bowl while it is in operation.
  • Make sure the blade or disc has stopped spinning before you remove the cover from the work bowl.
  • Make sure the processor is turned off and unplugged from the electrical outlet before removing food, changing parts or cleaning it.
  • After your food processing is done, first remove the work bowl from the processor’s base before removing any blades or discs.

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Source by Elizabeth Wilson

The Awesomeness of Owning Freezer Mugs

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Ever wondered how freezer mugs work? What is it in these mugs that make them function the way they do, like keeping your beverage cool and refreshing long after removing them from the refrigerator? Basically, these mugs are containers with a double-side wall, filled with a certain type of gel-a mixture of propylene glycol and water-at the core, which serves as an antifreeze. The antifreeze works by keeping the mugs’ freezing point lower than what it usually is, so in effect, the liquid contained in it is kept cold for a longer time. While it is similar in many aspects to the freeze preventive used in automobiles (ethylene glycol), propylene glycol is considerably less toxic, so the freezer mugs are still kept safe even in cases of accidental leakage.

Freezer mugs come in a variety of styles. You can find them in the form of a beer mug, a wine glass, or even a tumbler. You can also find them plain clear or frosted, or even with colored gels inside, depending on your preference. These mugs can also be made from different materials, such as plastic, glass or acrylic. But whatever the material your mugs are made from, it is important that they are well taken care of. Habitual use in environments of very different temperatures can shock the mugs and cause them to crack, so it is important to know how to properly store them.

To care for your mug, wash it in lukewarm water by hand and place it in the refrigerator for an hour to cool it down. Remember not to leave it soaking in the water or to use a dishwasher to clean it. Afterwards, move the mug to the freezer and put it in an upside down position, out of the direct path of the air inlet. By the time you need to use the freezer mug, take it from the freezer and wrap a dry towel around it. You are now ready to use your freezer mug again.

As a whole, users of freezer mugs seem to have a good review on it. For them, the mugs work just great, in terms of keeping their favorite beverages cool and fresh as it does not water the drink down. Also, it saves them from ice and all the hassles that come with it, as it is able to keep the cold temperature longer. Indeed, there are so many benefits from keeping your own freezer mugs.

When shopping for freezer mugs, it is highly recommended to buy them online by bulk because online markets offer the best selection for the best prices. You can even choose your favorite sport team on your mug! Happy drinking!

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Source by Aurelio Gentry

Future Soldiers – What Can You Bring To Basic Training?

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The most commonly asked questions recruits ask today is “What Can You Bring to Basic Training?” There are several things you can pack up for boot camp but you don’t want to forget these items such as running shoes, a cell phone, stationery supplies, a debit card, cash and also civilian clothes. After all, you want to have the best experience as possible with the least amount of problems in basic training. Here are some of the few things your allowed to take with you to boot camp.

Running shoes. You can bring your own running shoes to basic. You can bring your running shoes (tennis shoes) but it’ll be up to your drill sergeants on whether they’ll let you wear them or not. Some drill sergeants will make you buy the shoes that they sell at reception. It depends on where you go to training and some drill sergeants let Soldiers wear their own shoes and they didn’t have to buy them.

Cell Phones. You can bring your own cell phone but it’ll be up to the drill sergeant’s decision if you’ll receive any phone privileges (cell phone or phone booth). You can keep your cell phone during reception but once you’re at basic then you’ll have to hand them over to the drill sergeants. You will not get them back until you start white phase or every other Sundays.

Stationary Supplies. You can take your own stationery supplies such as paper, envelopes and stamps or you can buy them while you are at basic training. You have the freedom to write letters every night and have it sent out to a family or friend every day. You will have to do 10 push ups for every letter that you receive during mail call which is worth it.

Debit Card. It is highly recommended that you bring your own debit card tied to your account. You will have to resupply later for personal hygiene’s and to withdraw money from the ATM to pay for haircuts at the PX. Some things are not free in training and you’ll have to reach into your pocket sometimes to pay for the basics such as a haircut or if you want to buy a class yearbook.

Address book. Bring an address book listing your family members and next to kin. It’s very important to have a mailing address of someone so that you can send letters and add them to your life insurance, emergency contact and beneficiary when you in-process during the reception battalion.

Cash. Bring a few extra dollars but not more than $50 dollars. You may never know what might happen during your journey to boot camp. You might need to get a cab or buy something to eat.

Civilian Clothes. Bring the clothes on your back because on the first day you arrive to the reception battalion, the Army will issue you a lot of uniforms and gear. You will wear your PT’s or ACU uniform. You are not allowed to wear your civilian clothes anymore and you must dress according to the uniform of that day.

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Source by Gregory Warren

Operating System Options and Installation Methods

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An OS is installed on the computers’ hard disk, inside an area called hard disk partition. There are several ways for installing a new operating system. The installation method is based on the system hardware and end-user requirements. Generally, you have four basic options for the installation of a new operating system:

Clean Installation

We can perform a clean installation on a new computer or in those cases where there is no upgrade path between the current operating system and the new one. This type of installation deletes all data on the hard disks partition where the current operating system is installed. A new PC requires, of course a clean installation. You can also do a clean install when the current operating system installation has corrupted files or does not work properly.

Upgrade Installation

Sometimes, it is also possible to perform an upgrade. When you perform an upgrade, OS configuration settings, installed programs and data are preserved. With this installation you have nothing to worry about, because you will not lose any personal data. You will just replace the old operating system files with the new, upgraded files. However, keep in mind that after the upgrade the applications and drivers that are incompatible with the new OS will not work as expected.

Multi-boot Installation

Another option is to install multiple operating systems on a single computer. You can install each OS inside a different disk partition and this way every OS will have its own files and configuration settings. On multi-boot installations, the users see a menu when they open their computers and they have to select the desired OS. Of course, only one operating system can run at a time.

Virtualization

This is relative new technique that is often used on servers. With virtualization we can run numerous copies of an operating system on a single set of hardware and create this way several virtual machines. Every single virtual machine works like a separate computer. This technology makes a single physical hardware resource to appear like multiple logical resources.

Before starting any operating system installation you have to make sure that all the hardware is certified to work with the new operating system. Also confirm that the hardware resources meet the minimum installation requirements. Moreover, when you perform an upgrade it is a very good practice to perform a virus scan before starting the installation and a complete full backup of all your personal data.

One method that helps you protect your data is this: Create multiple partitions on the hard disk and install a different OS on each partition. Then copy all your data inside an empty partition that does not contain an OS. This way you can upgrade the operating system without the risk of losing any data. Backup and recovery of data files is also easier with this design.

It is also important to decide the type of file system to use. The file system controls how the OS stores and tracks the files. There are several different file systems available. The most well-known are: FAT 32, NTFS, HPFS, ext2 and ext3. Every operating system is designed to use one or more of these file systems. There are advantages and disadvantages on every file system. Careful consideration should be made to the type of file systems supported by the selected OS and the benefits of each.

You can find several programs to modify the partitioning structure and file system of a hard drive after installation, but it is better to avoid them if possible. When modifying either the file system or partition structure on a hard drive, data loss may result. Careful planning can help preserve the integrity of the data.

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Source by Manolis Skoras

How Can You Make Your Relocation Stress Free?

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Relocations can be stressful and nerve-wracking especially if they are not organized and planned in advance. Packing each item personally can be a very dreary and tiresome job to reduce your tensions by hiring some professionals for the task. You need to manage the transfer “stress-sensibly”.

Ask your family and friends for a referral and hire a reliable moving company in your area. Let your relocation stress be effectively managed and make your move smooth and easy. Whether the move is across town or it is transferring all your stuff to a new city, the effort and headache stay the same. You can trust specialists with the move and these recommended packers and movers will ensure this transfer is a brilliant experience for you. There are loads of things that need to be planned, juggled and coordinated; professionals can do it for you. You need an experienced moving company to help you make a successful and satisfactory move and that too within your budget.

People collect curios and articles that have memorable moments attached to them. Moving companies treat each article with a lot of respect and care and promise to deliver them in an intact condition to the new place. Moving companies provide clients with total support and extensive moving services along with a knowledgeable staff to take care of everything. Customer satisfaction and affordable rates are their main goal. Good companies make sure they customize the moving services according to the unique needs of the clients.

The moving company needs to have proper information regarding the areas and regions where the relocation is being planned and they need training in moving townhouses, condos, high rises, apartments, and homes etc. Relocation includes apartments, dorms, condos, single-family homes, local home, retirement community, and other moves. This variety of moves can be managed easily by trained personnel.

The household articles and belongings are super carefully kept. The furniture pieces and crystals are padded individually and they are stretch wrapped so that they can be transported damage free. This ensures that the items stay safe and are carefully unloaded in the proper place at the end of the move. Hire movers with expertise so that the job can be done to perfection. The moving experts have a complete know-how of the community where the relocation is planned and they can carry out the transition of complete homes or corporate offices in a seamless manner.

The household items are carefully packed and stacked in moving trucks and then empty spaces are filled with paper strips or filling material. Then all the packages are stretch wrapped by professionally trained staff members of the moving company so that nothing shifts during the travel. You need a pronounced professional experience and great care for your precious possessions. This method of packing provides maximum travel protection and the moving company also provides insurance so that the belongings are properly insured. Damage can also be reduced by using covers, mattress bags, cushioning material and shields.

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Source by Manoj Kapoor

Different Uses for Scissor Lifts

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Scissor lifts can be applied to many different uses and industries. Though they are more limited in movement than other aerial work platform types, such as boom lifts and cherry pickers, scissor lifts can provide a versatile function for a variety of projects and requirements.

Scissor lifts come in many shapes and sizes – from narrow and compact platforms for use in warehouse aisles or to access small doorways, to industrial sized lifts to reach heights of over 20 metres.

A scissor lift is a temporary lifting platform, unlike a permanent structure like an elevator. It is also different to a crane, since it has a limited safe working load (SWL) – normally under a ton – and can only move on a vertical plane rather than side to side or ‘up-and-over’.

The main industries that use scissor lifts on a regular basis tend to be within maintenance and construction – for lifting equipment or personnel to working heights and reaching otherwise difficult-to-reach areas to carry out repairs or building work.

Many other industries utilise aerial work platforms (AWPs), but ones that frequently use scissor lifts in particular include:

  • Warehouses and storage facilities – a cost-effective way of storing large quantities of goods in a limited area is to make use of the full height of the facility. This means a lift will be required to reach, store and collect stock from higher levels.
  • Loading bays – rather than a permanent lift solution, a scissor platform can provide easy loading of goods or personnel to a variety of heights.
  • Delivery and logistics – goods that are too heavy to be loaded by hand may need the assistance of a work platform to get them on to a delivery vehicle.
  • Transport – in a large, multi-level facility, lifts are often employed to transport products and equipment to higher floors using the scissor action – for example roll-cages and pallet lifts.
  • Assembly lines – sometimes assembly stages involve heavy lifting, or require access to a high height. An aerial work platform makes this easy and safe for the operator.
  • Disability access – this type of AWP is often found in specialist access equipment for the disabled, to carry people safely from one level to another in the form of disability lifts.
  • Aviation – self-propelled and trailer/truck-mounted lifts are often used in the aviation industry, for aeroplane and hangar maintenance, repair and access.
  • Railway – scissor lifts provide excellent access for work and maintenance on railway equipment, and come in compact models for ease of access in narrow areas.
  • Events and entertainment – these lifts are sometimes used by the entertainment industry for filming, stunts and constructing sets.
  • Rescue – the fire department sometimes have use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) like this to reach people who are trapped.

There are many other applications of scissor lifts to be found in various industries, but in all instances, safety should be paramount. Operatives should be correctly trained to use aerial work platforms by an accredited training facility, and must adhere to the safety guidelines for that particular model.

Scissor lifts are versatile, adaptable and come in many different sizes, working heights and weights, to suit a range of industries. For more information, get in touch with your local powered access provider.

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Source by Joanne Morris

How to Cut Foam and For What Purpose?

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This article sheds light on why to cut foam, which uses are there for cutting foam, the types of industries using foam cuts and what is the process of cutting. It also explains the types of foam used and the equipment involved in the process

There is a vast growth in demand for foam cutting nowadays, especially for fabrication and machining. The demand for foam cutting and machining is essential in various types of industries, including props, sculptures and monuments, boats, kayaks and canoes, signs, displays, proto types, and architectural shapes, crown moldings for construction, packaging insulations and wings.

Companies cutting foam need to use top of the line cutting equipment to offer a wide range of foam cutting services. The cutting can be done either by using a CNC hot wire foam cutter, or a CNC laser cutter. The hot wire can cut almost any thickness of foam, and up to 12 feet projects and more; While the laser cutter is cable of cutting very thin cuts (up to ¾”), manufacturing a high-quality surface finish. The decision of whether to use the laser or the hot wire cutters is based on the type of foam (for example, Polyurethane, also known as PU foam can only be cut with the laser), on the thickness and the size of the foam to be cut.

Most CNC hot wire foam cutters are capable of cutting EPS foam (also called Expanded Polystyrene), EPP foam (called Expanded Polypropylene) and XPS foam (Extruded Polystyrene).

The smaller foam cutters will usually cut wings, fuselages, logos and letters. The medium foam cutters will cut similar shapes to small ones, with the addition of being able to cut crown moldings and trims used in the architectural industries, while the large foam cutting machines are used mostly by construction contractors and large sign manufacturers.

Laser cutters and engravers can cut various types of foam, including Polyurethane, mainly for packaging, insulation and gun cases; Polyethylene or EVA foam for creating 3D shapes, packaging and tool trays; Polystyrene for packaging, crown moldings, signs and props; Polycarbonate (also known as Plexiglas) for cutting and engraving and MDF for vacuum molding forms.

If the materials to be cut are wood or light metals, the use of a CNC router is necessary.

The different cutting machines differ in their dimensions and size, including their effective cutting on the X axis (horizontal) and the Y axis (vertical), their hot wire length, and other features such as cutting speed capabilities, how many blocks of foam can be cut in one single cut and the type of cuts made (tapered or not tapered).

For projects requiring machining foam or fabrication of foam there is a need to use CNC routers or a combo of a CNC hot wire foam cutter with a router system. Full scale racing cars, 3D topographic maps (up to 10’x5’x20″ on a single cut), props and art work can all be machined, and foam molds can also be created.

All of the cutting machines are CNC, which means they are controlled by a computer and come with specialized cutting software.

The process of cutting the foam involves specialized files that include the shape drawing. For 2D shapes a DXF file is required, while for 3D shapes an STL file is needed, which allows to rotate the shape and see all the angles of it for better accuracy.

Once the right file is received, the data is entered into the computer which is connected to the foam cutter, including all the coordinated needed for cutting that specific shape. Upon finishing of cutting the shape needed, it can be sanded to either a rough or a smooth finish, according to the customer’s request. Large scale shapes are made in several pieces, then glued together to make the complete shape. The cut can also be coated with Polyethylene coating, Polyurea and paint it if needed. The end product needs to be durable, strong and long lasting.

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Source by Sig Barnea

What Are the Services Provided by a General Contractor?

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Are you about to hire a Construction Services Provider?

But you are not sure what offerings they have to make your home or office space more comfortable and luxurious. If so, then you need to have a look at all the key services usually offered by a renowned commercial construction company. We have mentioned them all here just for your benefit.

Core Services

Let’s start by having a look at the core services offered by such organizations. They include but are not limited to:

Design Creation: In this service, every aspect of the pre-construction design stage is taken care of. Apart from creating marvelous designs, tasks like permitting, ensuring competitive pricing and construction delivery are also handled.

Construction Management: As a part of this service, the construction services provider would take care of everything from reviewing plans developed by other companies to budgeting and from value engineering to ensuring competitive pricing. Construction delivery is also ensured.

General Contracting: In this service, the company would provide you with lump-sum prices they charge for the delivery of a defined project on the set of plans that could have been defined by anyone else.

Maintenance & Repairs: Here, you as a client get the option of choosing from contact pricing schedules or lump sum pricing. The time and material could also be chosen by you and the company would follow your instructions.

Other Vital Services

Apart from the aforementioned services, good building contractors also offer some more vital services listed here:

• Drywall or Framing: The walls and ceilings of your building are framed and drywalled by using the right materials and skills.

• Plumbing: Companies involved in commercial construction often have the capability to take on pipe fitting and plumbing jobs of any kind and scope.

• Electrical Services: Whether it’s a small electrical failure or setting up of a new electrical system in a new construction, everything is done flawlessly at as per your expectations.

• HVAC: Everything from new HVAC installation to refurbishing the old system is done by experts so that you never feel suffocated again.

• Concrete for Creations: Concrete is used to create small or large concrete slabs or equipment pads. It all depends on what you expect from a contractor you have chosen.

• Cleanrooms: Office constructions or medical room additions can be done in a clean & safe manner by a skilled contractor so as to avoid halting of your vital business operations.

• Modular Offices and Structures: You can make your office an efficient and productive space by hiring a general contractor with tons of experience in this field. After all, an efficient design lures better employees and clients, don’t you think?

• Painting: From commercial to industrial and from the interior to exterior painting, everything is offered by an expert contractor so that your space looks excellent from the outside and the inside.

• Carpentry: Want to add in a bit of artistic woodwork to your home or office? Your own contractor can provide it at reasonable costs. You should try it once.

• Permit Processing: A contractor with appropriate contacts can also help you get all the needed permits in a time-bound manner without charging a high fee for it. It’s a service worth exploring if you want to have a hassle-free construction or redesigning experience.

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Source by Terry Tracy

FDA – Approved Food Processing Facility Coating Materials

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Painting contractors know that the food processing industry have some of the most difficult requirements when it comes to food safe floor coatings applications. Food products, after all, require special care in processing and handling, and the environment where these products are processed, specifically the floor coatings system, must guarantee a food-safe facility.

Foremost of these requirements are the environmental conditions in most food processing facilities, which is not like just any ordinary production plant. Food preparation areas are filled with constant human and mechanical activities, such as loading, packing, cleaning, food assembly, storing, and the like. Then there are the ingredients — oils, acids, and chemicals — that are commonly handled or spilled on facility floors. Any of these environmental conditions require for food safe floor coatings systems resistant to this kind of daily abuse.

The second consideration is that food processing plants naturally fall under the influence of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which requires food manufacturers and processors to comply with its safety and health regulations. Food safe floor coatings systems should be able to support the regulated standards on sanitation and safety set by the FDA.

FDA Flooring Systems Regulations for Food Processing Plants

The FDA has safety and hygiene regulations that require strict compliance from the food processing industry. Food processors will not be able to operate without certification from the FDA. Even existing plants are still in danger of being fined or shut down if the FDA finds evidences of non-compliance. There is also the possibility of forcible product recalls, urged by the FDA, should a quality inspection reveal violations of the standards. Any of these situations could cost the plant significant business losses.

The FDA has stringent quality guidelines for food processing facilities because it is protecting the populace against health-threatening pathogens such as e. coli, listeria or salmonella. These pathogens thrive in poorly-processed food and unsanitary environments, and can be transmitted to the food-consuming community.

Food processing plants are required to maintain clean areas at all times. This includes floorings that should be easy to clean and sanitize. This means that these products are durable and tough against sanitizing chemicals and the frequent cleaning process.

FDA Food Safe Floor Coatings and Finishes

Section III of the Food Establishment Plan Review Guide covers the FDA’s design, installation and construction recommendations for food facilities. Part 10 of this section covers specific guidelines on floor finishes.

Quarry or commercial grade vinyl composition tile, as well as seamlessly-poured and sealed concrete are the approved finishes for kitchens, food preparation and storage rooms, and the waste disposal and washing areas in food manufacturing facilities. This is also true for walk-in refrigeration and freezer areas, with the addition of stainless steel and poured synthetic materials. The use of any materials aside from these must be submitted to the FDA for evaluation and approval.

The reason why these finishes are acceptable is that they make for smooth, non-absorbent and easy-to-clean floorings. Additionally, food safe floor coatings of epoxy-, silicone- or polyurethane-based materials are required to maintain the flooring performance and provide long-lasting performance.

FDA regulations do not cover any specific floor coating formulation, per se. The material composition of the coatings is what is considered in determining food safe floor coatings. Non-toxic materials are preferred, as well as materials that would not provide an environment for harmful pathogens or food contaminants to proliferate.

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Source by Steve A. Parker