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Calif. teachers unions lose in court
A court ruling on Tuesday striking down job protections for teachers in California deals a sharp blow to unions — and will likely fuel political movements across the nation to eliminate teacher tenure.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Rolf M. Treu found five California laws governing the hiring and firing of teachers unconstitutional. But it was his language, more than the ruling itself, that will shake the political debate.
Story Continued Below
Treu found that the statutes permit too many grossly incompetent teachers to remain in classrooms across the state — and found that those teachers shortchange their students by putting them months or years behind their peers in math and reading.
( Also on POLITICO: Obama expands student loan break)
He ruled that such a system violates the state constitution's guarantee that all children receive "basic equality of educational opportunity." In a blunt, unsparing 16-page opinion, Treu compared his ruling to the seminal federal desegregation case Brown v. Board of Education, decided 60 years ago last month. "The evidence is compelling. Indeed, it shocks the conscience," Treu wrote.
In adopting the language and legal framework of the civil rights movement, Treu gave a major boost to school reformers from both parties who have long argued that the current system dooms poor and minority students to inferior educations.
He might also have put further strain on the already-shaky alliance between teachers unions and Democrats.
( ALSO on POLITICO: Clinton's Obama challenge)
In recent years, high-profile Democrats — up to and including President Barack Obama — have broken with their traditional union allies over issues such as charter schools, standardized testing and the feasibility of evaluating teachers by how well their students perform on standardized tests. But many other Democrats in state legislatures and Congress remain loyal to teachers unions. Those ties are especially strong in California, where the unions wield strong political influence. The ruling's scorching finding that union policies violate students' civil rights could put those longstanding loyalties to the test.
Indeed, even before the verdict, members of the plaintiffs' team were talking confidently about plans to present their evidence to California Gov. Jerry Brown, a close ally of the teachers unions, to prod him into joining the reformers' side, at least on key issues such as teacher tenure.
Reformers also plan to take the fight to other states, hoping the strong language of the ruling will prompt Democrats elsewhere to reconsider ties to teachers unions. They're considering similar lawsuits in Connecticut, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and elsewhere. And they plan a relentless public relations campaign, backed by millions of dollars from reform-minded philanthropists, to bring moms, dads and voters of both parties to their side.
( Also on POLITICO: Senate Dems back Obama on Bergdahl)
Jim Finberg, a lawyer for both major California teachers unions, said he wasn't worried by the ruling or the coming public relations juggernaut. The case, he said, was all about "busting the teachers union," not supporting children. "People who really care about education will see through that," he said. "The truth will out."
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, echoed those comments, accusing the plaintiffs of seeking to divide and conquer rather than support public schools. "The other side wanted a headline that reads 'Students win, teachers lose,' " Weingarten said. "This is a sad day for public education."
But Education Secretary Arne Duncan signaled his support for the ongoing campaign to reform hiring and firing laws. He noted that "millions of young people in America … are disadvantaged by laws, practices and systems that fail to identify and support our best teachers and match them with our neediest students." And he called the ruling "a mandate to fix these problems."
The Education Department has been slowly drafting a plan to nudge states to better distribute effective teachers.
( Also on POLITICO: The Obama paradox)
Though the ruling was couched as "preliminary," there was nothing tentative about Treu's opinion. He found "no dispute that there are a significant number of grossly ineffective teachers currently active in California classrooms" and that the legal system protects them by making it all but impossible for districts to fire even the worst teachers.
He also expressed outrage at a system that shields veteran teachers from layoffs, regardless of their competence. "The logic of this position is unfathomable and therefore constitutionally unsupportable," he wrote.
What's more, Treu added, evidence at trial showed that teacher protections embedded in California law disproportionately hurt black and Hispanic students, who are far more likely than their peers to be assigned truly bad teachers.
The California Federation of Teachers and the California Teachers Association plan to appeal to the state Supreme Court. Treu decided the disputed laws should remain in place pending that appeal. He will also take both sides' comment under advisement before finalizing his ruling within the month.
Teachers unions, who have the money and the membership to exercise considerable clout in many state legislatures, defend tenure, seniority and other job protections as simply guaranteeing due process. They accuse reformers of spending big to demonize teachers and weaken unions instead of tackling other forces that affect academic achievement, such as poverty, crime and inadequate state funding.
"Let's be clear," said Dennis Van Roekel, president of the National Education Association. "This lawsuit was never about helping students, but is yet another attempt by millionaires and corporate special interests to undermine the teaching profession and push their own ideological agenda on public schools and students while working to privatize public education."
Van Roekel added that the ruling will "make it harder to attract and retain quality teachers and ignores all research that shows experience is a key factor in effective teaching."
The closely-watched case, Vergara v. State of California, was brought by nine students who said their education suffered because they were stuck in classrooms with lousy teachers who failed to challenge them, inspire them or even maintain basic discipline. Plaintiff Julia Macias, who will be entering high school in the fall, hailed their victory as proof that "students have a voice and can demand change when we stand together."


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I rarely read about the birth-control shot. Is it a good option?
While the Depo-Provera birth-control shot has many die-hard fans, it also has side effects some women find really unpleasant. The pros of this form of contraception: You don't have to take a pill every day, and within six months, you'll get little or no period and no PMS, says Lisa Masterson, an ob-gyn in Santa Monica, California. Also, it only contains progestin, which is great for women who can't take estrogen because of medical conditions like clotting disorders or autoimmune disorders. However, you're likely to gain a little weight -- five pounds is typical -- and many women experience annoying spotting for the first three months or so.

subset: commoncrawl


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- Accueil
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Mary AllyeB Purtle is an accomplished performer as well as private instructor on all the woodwind instruments (i.e. oboe, flute, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone). Her students have won various levels of the Music Teachers National Association Competition for the Southern USA Division and the South Carolina Division. For the past fifteen years Mary AllyeB's woodwind students have won first chair for all three age groups of the South Carolina All-State Bands and Orchestra, with her oboe students frequently as first chair in all three age levels at the same time. Her students have been featured soloists for broadcast performances of the Carolina Youth Symphony and Greenville County Youth Orchestra. Others have been soloists and accepted to programs at Interlochen, Brevard Music Center, Sewanee Music Festival, North Carolina School of The Arts, and other summer festivals. Many of her students have majored in music with full scholarships to places such as Vanderbuilt University and the Cleveland Institute of Music. Some are now playing professionally, such as the principal oboe in the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra and others who record professionally.
Mary AllyeB's written work on woodwind doubling has been cited at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. Mary AllyeB also plays professionally as Principal English Horn for the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra, acting Principal Oboe for the Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium and oboe in the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra.
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text:
When Jason Stott realized he needed his college degree, he was already working at a startup tech company. "I had no previous experience or knowledge in web development and graphic design," Jason recalls. "They kind of threw it at me to see if I would do well, and I did."Learn more
"There's a lot of great things that I like about Stevens-Henager. One is the student-to-teacher ratio. At a lot of big colleges, you're one of hundreds of students in one class, and you've got one teacher. Here at Stevens-Henager, you can get one-on-one time with the teacher. It's a really great setup. The classes are generally fairly small, sometimes from six to ten people in a class. Very easy to work with."
- Jason Stott
Graphic Arts (AAS), Web Design & Development (BS)
"Pretty much every instructor I had had hands-on experience. Either they had worked in the computer science field previously or they currently work there."
- Roger Hall
Computer Technology & Networking (AAS)
"After receiving my degree in 2003, I was better qualified for higher-level positions including supervisory positions. I was able to network with other students at school to help me find a good job. I went from making $12.50 an hour before college, to over $22.00 an hour after college."
- Adam Wisden
Computer Science with a Networking & Information Systems Security emphasis (BS)
"I knew where I wanted to go, and I wanted to get there as fast as I could, so I really enjoyed the accelerated learning program. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the comradery and support system between the students and the instructors were very helpful."
- Greg Egbert
Business Administration with a Human Resources emphasis (BS)
"The main thing I liked was the flexibility and the career-focused learning. I have a very busy life, so it was nice being able to get my schoolwork done on my own schedule. Instead of having to take lots of generals, I was able to learn about the things I was interested in, such as business, finance, and marketing."
- Chris Bitton
Business Management & Accounting (AAS)
"I liked Stevens-Henager because it was flexible. It worked with my schedule, being a working mother. The instructors were all very knowledgeable and helpful. It was a great atmosphere between the students and the instructors."
- Heather Norman
Business Management & Accounting with an Event Planning & Management emphasis (AAS)
"My grandma attended Stevens-Henager in the 1950s, so I guess you could say the college is something of a family legacy for me. I liked how every class was directly applicable to my career path. The instructors were flexible, understanding, and willing to work with me if any issues came up."
- Krista Stockseth
Business Administration with a Human Resources emphasis (BS)
Daytime or evening classes in all four schools of study.
Get more attention from instructors thanks to smaller class sizes.
Get a laptop3 to use in school and keep when you graduate.
Student success is at the heart of everything we do. Let us help you reach your educational goals and get the career you've always wanted.
We want you to enjoy your education with us, which is why we can help you find financial aid and assistance programs to help reduce the stress of getting your degree. From federal loans to a variety of grants and scholarships, college might be more affordable than you think.
Our grant and scholarship programs4 can help you afford college and focus on what's most important: pursuing your degree. There are many excellent grant and scholarship options available to those who qualify.
Stevens-Henager College admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.


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Other events at Leicester || Helicopter trial lessons in Leicestershire
Taster Helicopter Trial Lesson - UK wide at Leicester in Leicestershire, Midlands
Taster Helicopter Trial Lesson - UK wide
Helicopter trial lesson
Helicopter trial lesson
A 50 minute experience including: a 30 minute briefing, 20 minute hands on flight and insurance. Can be used at locations across the UK.
From Leicester in Leicestershire, valid 9 months, 1 participant.
Multi-site voucher
This voucher will have Leicester printed on it, but
in this region, this voucher can also be used from: Costock, Leicestershire Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
... in other regions, this voucher can also be used from: Culter Helipad, Aberdeenshire Peterborough, Conington, Cambridgeshire Ards Airport, County Down Swansea, Glamorgan
What's included
Our Introductory Helicopter Trial Lesson allows you to experience the thrill of flying and will even count as the first step towards your Private Pilot's Licence. The trial lesson is preceded by a short flight briefing with our instructor who will explain all aspects of the flight including the effects of controls and how a helicopter flies. The student will then be allowed to take the controls and actually fly the aircraft!
Each voucher entitles one person to participate in this experience. The voucher is transferable, which means that anyone can use it. The voucher remains valid for bookings for 9 months from the date of purchase. Please contact the operator using the details printed on your voucher to arrange a date for your event.
Special Conditions
Otherwise maximum weight is 17 stone (109 kg) but can varies depending on location ; maximum height is 6' 6" (1.98 m).
Booking your event
We recommend that you purchase your voucher and make a booking for your event at least one month prior to your chosen date. This is particularly important for weekend events.
www.days-out-midlands.co.uk is a regional specialist supplied by these UK-wide experience vouchers websites:
Experiences4all, Flights4all, Driving4all, Shooting-vouchers and Horseriding4all are all trading entities


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DALLAS (AP) Jaromir Jagr scored two goals and assisted on the game-winner in his Dallas debut, and the Stars opened the shortened season with a 4-3 victory against the Phoenix Coyotes on Saturday night.
Jagr, the NHL's active leader in goals, assists and points, had a hand in all four goals for Dallas. Ray Whitney, Phoenix's leading scorer last season, scored a goal in the first game against his former team.
Loui Eriksson broke a 3-all tie when he took a pass from Jagr in the slot and beat Mike Smith. The sequence started with a turnover by Phoenix's Martin Hanzal, and Jagr grabbed the rebound in the corner after a hard shot by Derek Roy.
Radim Vrbata scored twice for the Coyotes, who went to the Western Conference finals last year after the franchise had never won more than one playoff series in a history dating to 1979 in Winnipeg.


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The DLB spoke with actress Chloe Moretz recently in conjunction with the home video release of Hugo, her collaboration with Martin Scorsese. Of course we just had to ask about her role in Dark Shadows. Director Tim Burton's much-anticipated movie version of the '60s soap opera casts frequent Burton collaborator Johnny Depp as the cursed vampire Barnabas Collins, a role originated by recently deceased Canadian actor Jonathan Frid. Moretz plays Carolyn, the sullen teen daughter of Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, played by Michelle Pfeiffer.
What was it like working with Tim Burton?
Working with Tim was such an experience. I don't even know what to say because he's probably been my dream, dream, dream director, along with Scorsese of course, to work with.
My mom and my brother didn't actually tell me because they had called in and they had said that they wanted me for the movie, and of course my mom and my brother didn't tell me in case it didn't go through or something, and if it feel through I would be so devastated.
So they didn't tell me, but after the deal went through my brother and I had landed in New York to do a photoshoot, I think, or something. And we had just landed, got off the plane, and [Moretz's brother] Trevor received an email from my mom saying the deal's gone through, oh my gosh, we're so excited. It's happening. Of course he turns to me as we're docking the plane, and he goes, 'So Chlo, what we were going to tell you is you've booked a Tim Burton film for Dark Shadows and it films in three months, and I was like 'What!?' I just started freaking out on the plane, and everyone was like 'what is wrong with that girl?' And I was like freaking out, like 'oh my Gosh!' And I freaked out so much that I actually left my iPad on the plane. It was a pretty special thing.
I'm in love with Tim and I'm in love with Johnny and Helena [Bonham Carter] and Michelle Pfeiffer and everyone. It's a really special, special movie.


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Privacy PolicyLast updated on May 24, 2018
We are committed to protecting your privacy. To better protect your privacy we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used. To make this notice easy to find, we make it available on our homepage and at every point where personally identifiable information may be requested.
This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which Masters of Entertainments, LLC collects, uses, maintains and discloses information ("Personal Information") collected from users (each, a "User") of the worldofescapes.co.uk website ("Site"). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by Masters of Entertainments, LLC.
Information we collect
The Personal Information that we may collect broadly falls into the following categories:
1. Personal identification information
In the course of engaging with our Site, you may provide Personal Information about you. We may collect personal identification information from Users in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, when Users visit our site, leave reviews, fill out a form, and in connection with other activities, services, features or resources we make available on our Site. Users may be asked for, as appropriate, name, email address, mailing address, and phone number. By giving us this information, you agree to this information being collected, used and disclosed as described in this privacy policy.
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We may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with our Site. Non-personal identification information may include the browser name, the type of computer and technical information about Users, means of connection to our Site, such as the operating system, type of the device, the Internet service provider utilized and other similar information.
3. Information we collect from other sources
From time to time, we may obtain information about you from third-party sources, such as our joint marketing partners. We take steps to ensure that such third parties are legally or contractually permitted to disclose such information to us.
How we use the information
We may use the information we collect from you in the following ways:
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Most of our services do not require any form of registration, allowing you to visit our website without telling us who you are. However, some services (review, partnership inquiry or escape room submission) may require you to provide us with Personal Information. In these situations, if you choose to withhold any Personal Information requested by us, it may not be possible for you to gain access to certain parts of the Site and for us to respond to your query.
We use Google Analytics in order to improve our service, user experience and analyze how the website is used. Aside from the approximate location (IP address), the information collected by Google Analytics is mostly anonymous traffic data including browser information, device information, language.
Our Site may use "cookies" to enhance User experience. User's web browser places cookies on their hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them. They may be used to help us understand your preferences based on previous or current site activity, which enables us to provide you with improved services.
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We do not collect additional information, such as your age, gender, interests, bank details or clickstream. The collected information is used to provide an overview of how people are accessing and using our website. It is not used for any additional purpose, such as to profile those who access our website.
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You may have the following data protection rights:
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We respond to all requests we receive from individuals wishing to exercise their data protection rights in accordance with applicable data protection laws. We may ask you to verify your identity in order to help us respond efficiently to your request.
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Where required by law, we will collect Personal Information only where we have your consent to do so.
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Texas grain farmers have more than one election to consider this fall. After casting ballots in the Nov. 6 Presidential Election, grain farmers have an opportunity to vote in a mail-in referendum to decide on establishment of a grain indemnity fund.
If passed, the indemnity fund would protect grain producers from losses when delivered grain is not paid for. The vote is scheduled for Nov. 19 through Dec. 7.
The Texas State Legislature paved the way for the referendum in the last legislative session and created the Texas Grain Producers Indemnity Board and the indemnity fund program. The effort was initiated following several high profile grain elevator failures in which farmers lost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Supporters of the referendum say the issues may seem a bit complicated, but boiled down to the basics the indemnity fund creates an insurance policy that protects grain farmers in the case of elevator or other grain buyer failure.
To provide a bit more detail on the fund, TGPIB has released a list of frequently asked questions, including:
What is the purpose of the Texas Grain Producers Indemnity Board and the indemnity fund program?
The Texas Grain Producers Indemnity Board (TGPIB) is the enactment of legislation (HB 1840) passed in 2011.
The TGPIB will establish an indemnity fund program to mitigate up to 90 percent of the financial losses suffered by producers of corn, sorghum, wheat and soybeans when a financial failure prevents grain buyers from paying for sold/contracted grain or delivering unsold grain.
Who are the TGPIB board members?
A nine-member board was appointed by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples in Dec. 2011, and includes a representative from the Corn Producers Association of Texas, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Grain and Feed Association, Texas Grain Sorghum Producers Association, Texas Soybean Association and Texas Wheat Producers Association. Also serving is a member with expertise in production agriculture financing and a representative with the non-warehouse grain buying industry.
Who is a grain buyer?
For the purpose of the Texas grain indemnity fund program, a grain buyer is:
- A person who buys cultivated corn, sorghum, wheat and/or soybeans from a producer;
- A person who buys seed corn, sorghum, wheat and/or soybeans from a producer;
- A person who stores unsold corn, sorghum, wheat and/or soybeans for a producer.
- The term includes a purchaser, seed dealer, warehouseman, processor or a commercial handler.
Who benefits from the program?
Producers of corn, sorghum, wheat and soybeans who market in Texas benefit directly from the indemnity program. Agricultural lenders, equipment dealers, suppliers, etc., that have a financial interest in the producer and/or their grain may see indirect benefits from the indemnity program.
Also, local and regional economies that would be harmed by the financial failure of a grain buyer will be beneficiaries of the protection afforded through the program.
What is it going to cost; what is the assessment rate?
The rules adopted by the TGPIB set an assessment range of 0.2 percent to 0.6 percent of the final sales price of the grain. The TGPIB will have the authority to adjust the assessment amount within the adopted range and the recommended fund balance annually.
Once the fund reaches an amount determined by the TGPIB as sufficient to cover the risk, a refund process will be initiated to refund assessments on a first in, first out basis.
Who pays the assessment and how is it collected?
The "first point of sale" grain buyer will collect the assessment when producers sell their grain, and remit to the TGPIB.
What about the administrative cost to the buyer for collecting the assessment?
Grain buyers will be compensated through an administration fee that will be set by the TGPIB for costs associated with collecting and remitting the assessment.
What if the grain buyer does not collect the assessment?
Producers must take responsibility to assure the assessment has been deducted.
Producers who sell to grain buyers who do not collect the assessment and remit it to the TGPIB are not eligible for indemnification of financial loss.
How much protection will my participation provide?
Indemnity rate is set a 90 percent. The TGPIB will establish a fund to mitigate up to 90 percent of the financial losses suffered by producers of corn, sorghum, wheat and soybeans when grain buyers fail to pay for grain.
How will the fund's balance be determined?
The TGPIB annual budget will set the minimum fund balance necessary to cover all anticipated administrative and operating costs, as well as a reasonable estimate for indemnity claim payments.
Who controls the funds?
The fund is managed by the TGPIB. This money will not be a part of the Texas General Fund, and can only be used for the indemnity fund program.
How do I file a claim; what is the process?
If a producer suffers a loss he will submit/file a claim to the TGPIB along with documentation proving delivery of the grain and the loss incurred. The TGPIB will review the claims, and, upon validation of claim, the producer may receive up to 90 percent of the value of the grain.
All rights to any funds which may be recovered in a settlement relative to the loss, up to the indemnity paid to a producer, will be transferred to the TGPIB as a requirement in the settlement of the claim.
Can I get a refund?
Yes, but it may take some time. Annually, the TGPIB will review its budget for the next year and its current financial status and, based on that review, will determine whether or not to issue refund allotments based on prior years' producer assessment submissions. In any event, if the TGPIB has determined the TGPIB financial account is not sufficient to pay refund allotments and maintain a minimum fund balance, the TGPIB may not issue refund allotments.
If a producer files a refund request with the TGPIB, and the TGPIB determines refund allotments are not to be issued at the time of the request, the producer shall remain eligible to file an indemnity claim with the TGPIB.
What is the need for this program; aren't producers already covered by the bond?
Warehouses are the only grain facilities required to carry a bond, which only applies to stored grain. Other grain buyers are not licensed by the TDA or any other agency and are not required to be bonded.
The current bond requirement for state-licensed warehouses is 10 cents per bushel of storage capacity with a maximum bond requirement of $500,000; federally-licensed warehouses must have a third-party surety bond based on the licensed capacity. The $500,000 bond, at today's grain prices, does not provide adequate protection in the event of a financial failure.
Bonds only cover a warehouse's stored grain. Bonds do notcover unpaid for, sold grain or contracted grain.
Why not purchase an insurance policy to cover this risk?
It's not currently available. No entity now offers an insurance policy to cover the risk of loss of grain due to bankruptcy or theft of grain. Once the grain is delivered, an individual's crop insurance coverage ends. Additionally, once the grain leaves a producer's premises, his personal insurance is not applicable.
Will having this fund encourage producers to take more risks with less than reputable grain buyers?
Not necessarily. Producers are responsible for marketing their grain with a grain buyer that participates in the program if they are to be covered.
The program will only reimburse up to 90 percent of a covered loss. Producers will have a 10 percent reduction in their total claim, which should encourage the use of sound judgment in selecting which market they will use.
Is this just another tax?
No! The indemnity fund is designed to protect producers, and ensures they will be paid for their grain in the event of a financial failure of a grain buyer. There is also a provision for assessments to be returned to producers.
As a livestock producer, does this cost me money? And why should I support this program?
Producers of corn, sorghum, wheat and soybeans are the only ones that will pay the assessment, and they are the only ones afforded the protection of the program. This is a program where producers will build a fund to protect themselves in the event of a financial failure of a grain buyer.
Few grain farmers in Texas produce their crops without the protection of multi-peril crop insurance. Two consecutive years of drought have made it abundantly clear that crop insurance is a crucial part of a farmer's risk management strategy.
But risk does not end at the farmgate. Once a grain producer delivers his crop, his crop insurance no longer covers losses.
And current bond requirements are inadequate to offer the kind of protection grain farmers need. Many have lost significant amounts of income over the past few years to bankruptcy and other calamities over which the producer had no control. The indemnity fund, according to supporters, is designed to protect farmers after the grain leaves the farm.
Grain producers may obtain mail-in ballots at Texas AgriLife Extension Service county offices or from the Texas Department of Agriculture.
For more information on the indemnity fund or the referendum contact: Texas Grain Producers Indemnity Board www.TexasGrainIndemnity.org or firstname.lastname@example.com


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|"Map Room", a large stone slab with a representation of an ancient canal system map cut into it
I mentioned in my Canalscape post that the Sunnyslope Canal Demonstration project won an American Society of Landscape Architects design award in 2001, but I didn't have any good pictures of it then. Here's my favorite part, a big stone slab which depicts a map, or perhaps model would be a better term since it once did something, too, and in my book any time a map does anything physical like put actual water where water would go, or put actual dirt or plants where they would go, it becomes a model. I said "once did something" because I don't think the water fixture that used to fill it up fills it up any more. It looks used up. Which is appropriate, since the map is of the canal system created by the Hohokams in this valley over the nearly 1500 years they lived here, and "hohokam" means "all used up". Their canal engineering was pretty good, though, because many of today's canals follow the ancient routes they dug by hand. I could bring a couple of extra bottles of water up here to dump in here and watch it evaporate. Maybe I could ponder why a people who made their homes here for 1500 years decided to leave. From what I understand from visiting the Pueblo Grande museum, there's no clear archeological evidence to support an explanation for their departure, so the old standbys are proffered: disease, famine, war, overpopulation, drought. So for more reason than one, this might be a good place to stop on a bike ride to ponder where we've been, and where we go from here. Which is probably one of the intents of the landscape designers who put this slab here. Although I've also seen it used for cleaning fish pulled out of the canal. Probably not native species, though, probably the fat triploid grass carp, err, "white amurs" SRP puts in here to control weeds. "Triploid" means that they are induced to have three sets of chromosomes in order to prevent them from reproducing. Seedless watermelons are also triploid. I wonder if you could catch a grass carp using seedless watermelon for bait. Get up. Go ride.


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RecipesEvery menu needs a few low-cost, high-profit items, and no category qualifies better than pasta. A delicious, carefully executed pasta dish provides extraordinary perceived value with low center-of-plate costs to help balance or lower the overall menu cost. Added to the mix, a few new pasta dishes could even allow you to boost profits and avoid menu price increases.
Browse through our recipe library for tasty pasta recipes and ideas. Let them inspire you as you combine them with the ingredients and philosophies prevalent in your kitchen.


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Many of our electronics come with their own plug-in battery charger but it's not designed to charge if you find no energy. How should you really pick the right easily transportable battery battery charger which will work with your system? What exactly you need can be a manual or some ideas to help you choose the right battery charger for the system. This article provides 7 superb advice for choosing the right transportable battery pack battery charger. smartphone portable charger
- apple portable charger.
The very first thing you need to consider is voltage and amps. Your device should include some specifications based on how many volts and amps enter have to demand the unit. Often, like when it comes to a GPS or re-chargeable flashlight, this requirements can be published close to the charging you dock. At times it will likely be printed out in the electric battery pocket if this has one to the standard rechargeable battery packs. On many others you will have to discover the guide or look online.
Many others you will have
Be aware of what you're charging. MP3 athletes and other modest devices with little power needs will likely be very easy to charge employing any easily transportable battery charger. Bigger such things as laptop computers, some mobile phones, and mobile Digital video disc players may require a more substantial mobile battery charger or you should utilize your car or truck to cost them.
You should utilize your
Idea: The most significant requirements is amps. If try to cost your fine electrical product having an amperage that is too high for the product, you can damage the power packs or maybe the system. Ensure the amperage is near to the requirements from the device. After that most essential will be the voltage. Ensure the voltage is equal to or more than the specification for the device to ensure the electric batteries will cost. Or else, you might problems or release the power packs instead of charging them. samsung portable charger
Portable charger
If you're going to the shopping local mall or even the local park, you can most likely pull off a just charging you both at home and employing a car electric outlet charger to maintain your product run-up. Its not all units have compatible automobile wall plug battery chargers so that's some thing to remember.
Your product
Most of us have vehicle 12V strength shops now but, what happens if it's an extensive journey with multiple devices used by several members of the family and several of the trip will likely be jogging by way of Yosemite Federal Park or other appropriate trip or adventure destination? That's where portable battery pack charger can be purchased in.
Have vehicle V strength shops
A portable battery charger is normally features its own interior battery load up that must be kept recharged so that you can offer strength.
Is normally features
Tip: Think of a strength technique for your holiday ahead of time. Think about consuming several easily transportable battery pack battery chargers that can be plugged into your car 12V stores to ensure they are incurred until you need to have them. This way no matter if you're keeping in a vehicle or occurring an extended jaunt outside the trusty SUV, you will possess the ability you will need for your products. Many modern rechargers have multiple shops and multiple wall socket kinds to assistance multiple electronic products demands. battery pack
Solar panel rechargers are becoming a lot more popular as they are available down in selling price and offer more potential for each dollar. Most of the time they don't put out much strength and of course all depends about the light-weight readily available. But, they can be a good connect and end up forgetting battery charger for non-urgent recharging.
Each dollar Most of
Tip: This might be a good solution to strength that 2nd battery pack pack over a very long trip. The youngsters can make use of the shops although solar powered manages the battery package to suit your needs. You just need to keep your board in the maximum amount of direct sun light as you can that is generally about the dash panel of your automobile or SUV. Also, make certain that any solar power panel charger you purchase posseses an smart control so that it won't accidentally overcharge your electric batteries.
Certain that any solar power panel
Amazingly, many of the newer Electric battery Bounce Beginners also work as transportable battery power rechargers. They are able to the two jump start your automobile and sometimes have built in outlets because of DC or perhaps inverter outlets for AC. portable charger with cable
Battery charger for
- If you're going to the shopping mall or maybe the nearby recreation area,.
- small phone charger.
- Tip: This can be a great choice to power that second.
- Truth be told, a lot of the more modern Battery power Hop Newbies also work.
- pocket phone charger.


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Prevent in-app purchasing
To prevent in-app purchases, you need to turn on Screen Time:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time, then tap Turn on Screen Time.
- Tap Continue, then choose "This is My [device]" or "This is My Child's [device]."
- If you're the parent or guardian of your device and want to prevent another family member from changing your settings, tap Use Screen Time Passcode to create a passcode. Then re-enter the passcode to confirm.
- If you're setting up Screen Time on your child's device, follow the prompts until you get to Parent Passcode and enter a passcode. Re-enter the passcode to confirm.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. If asked, enter your passcode, then turn on Content & Privacy.
- Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.
- Tap In-app Purchases and set to Don't Allow.
You can also go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, and tap Allowed Apps. Then deselect iTunes Store and Books.
Learn more about using Family Sharing with Screen Time.
Make sure to choose a passcode that's different from the passcode you use to unlock your device. If you can't remember a restrictions passcode that you set on a previous version of iOS, or you forgot your Screen Time passcode, you need to erase your device, then set it up as a new device to remove the passcode. Restoring your device from a backup won't remove your passcode.
Require a password for each download
If you don't want to prevent in-app purchases or disable purchasing completely, you can require a password before downloading content from the iTunes & App Store.
Manage your child's account
If you use Family Sharing, you can let your child make purchases with Ask to Buy.
The iTunes Service is only available for individuals 13 and older or children under 13 who have received an Apple ID through the Apple ID for Students program. If your child is under the age of 13 and isn't an educational Apple ID holder, Apple must close and delete all information associated with their account.
Learn more
- With Screen Time, you can also control access to certain applications, features, and content types.
- Learn how to use Screen Time on your Mac.


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Thanks to Bikurgurl for hosting the current #100WordWednesday. My apologies this week a hundred words turned into a few hundred that could not be cut.
The balmy August air, humid and filled with scent of sand and the lake was a smell I would never forget. Years later, I'd be sitting on my chair in the nursing home and that peculiar fragrance mixed with your cologne would suddenly take me back.
I was leaning against the ice cream stand, watching various kids play in the lake. The line up for ice cream had been long but I wasn't picky about my ice cream flavor — anything chocolate would do. The server presented me with a gigantic three-scoop ice cream cone but had no idea how I'd eat it all. The server told me that the gentleman behind me had paid for it, but gazing back I had no idea which guy he meant.
Then, I went and I hid ( where I am now) behind the ice cream stand. That's when the scent of sea and sand, and of sunscreen was heightened by the somehow familiar scent of your subtle cologne, citrusy and woodsy, mixed with the fragrances of the beach. It was a heavenly and sexy scent. It even overwhelmed the taste of the chocolate ice cream. My eyes closed inhaling your forever scent.
Minutes later, I opened them and you were there, leaning against the building beside me. Sharp indigo eyes and all smooth muscles and toned arms that were lightly tanned. You were devouring a three-scoop cone of Tiger ice cream as you stood watching me, reaching out only to wipe the melted chocolate away from dribbling down my hand. Even then, you were always gentle.
But I felt your touch through the napkin, saw the light stubble on your cheeks and your full lips as you come close for a moment. Your divine cologne mingling with the smells of the lake, made my legs weak and you knew it too. There was laughter in your deep-blue eyes.
"I can't eat anymore of this you know?" I said looking dubiously at the half melted cone.
You chuckled, still staring at me,"It's okay, but you've got some chocolate here," you said wiping it off the corner of my lips with your thumb.
I could hardly breath. The memory, the feelings, they were so intense. I wanted to be anywhere else but on the beach at that moment. I wanted to be somewhere private with you.
It was a dreamlike memory, but this dream had once been our reality — our meet-cute. Later as we chatted I recalled you stroking my arms with a feather soft touch. You threw my melted icecream away, tangling your hands in my long hair. Bending down your lips meant mine, again and again. Intoxicated I devoured your scent comingled with the beach, the water, and the taste of your mouth.
I missed you still.
Hours later, I was awake in my chair in my room at the nursing home. I wondered if on the otherside you'd be there to meet me soon. If that same scent that made my knees weak so long ago, could be felt again as you you would smile with warm bedroom eyes and gentle concern. I hoped you and I could be together again in the celestial here-after as we had once been in life; friends and lovers both.
©Mandibelle16. (2017) All Rights Reserved.


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Liberty News
Students spend month in Rome
Traveling to Europe is a dream for many college students – and getting class credit for it is always a bonus.
For the first time, Liberty offered a four-week study abroad trip to Rome this summer, where students had the chance to be immersed in Italian culture while taking two history courses.
The trip, held May 21-June 19, was led by Dr. Douglas Mann, associate professor of history and an associate dean in the Graduate School. He was accompanied by 11 students from a variety of majors, including Social Science, History, Communications, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Pre-law and Vocal Performance.
For his Renaissance Reformation class, students would discuss required reading materials before heading out to the many historical sites they had studied.
"Once we got there, Rome really was our classroom," Mann said. "We wanted to get out and see as much of Rome as we could."
The students became their own tour guides in a way, he said.
"What a better place to study the Renaissance, and Renaissance art and architecture than in Rome? And for the Reformation era, with Roman Catholicism, that seemed a natural fit for the course as well," Mann said.
The other course was designed more as an independent study.
Amber Conley, a second-year graduate student, chose to study modern football (soccer) culture in Rome. The trip fulfilled her last two courses needed for her Master of Arts in History.
"Finishing up my master's degree over there was wonderful; it was a culmination of everything I've studied," she said.
She said she enjoyed living in the middle of Rome, away from the tourist areas, so she could learn more about everyday Italian life. Students lived in rented space in a convent in the city.
"My highlight was going and seeing where history actually took place. … You're living in a city thousands and thousands of years old and it doesn't quite click until you're there," she said.
The cross-cultural experience was especially valuable for Conley, who plans to pursue a job with the government that could include a lot of travel to Europe.
Senior history major Hailey Mullins studied humanism in the Renaissance. With a passion for art history, she said she especially enjoyed visiting the Uffizi gallery in Florence, home of some of the great Renaissance masterpieces.
"That was the highlight for me, seeing so many of the paintings that I've seen on screens and I've seen in a book. Sometimes you go to other art museums and it's pretty but you don't know them and the fact that I had studied so many beforehand it meant so much to be able to see them in person," she said.
For Elijah Hosse, a sophomore social science major who studied Christianity in the first century, just being able to visit churches (students were encouraged to visit several in the city) and learn about the Roman Catholic culture was "eye-opening."
"Doing my studies over there, I didn't realize how much a prominent majority Catholicism is to Christianity," he said.
Just like in classes on Liberty's campus, the trip was partly designed to challenge students in their faith as well, "to think a little bit how about who they are as Christians, as Liberty students, as Protestants," Mann said. "Of course we're going into a heavily Roman Catholic area and this was essentially the struggle Martin Luther had when he went to Rome — he sees all of the glories of Rome and that was very formative for him. He asked, 'Is this real? Is this the way Christianity really is?' … That's one of the values of going to Rome, it goes even outside of the classroom here — to be able to deal with some of those questions that are important as Christians."
Conley said seeing Pope Benedict XVI at the Wednesday Mass was a learning experience.
"People were freaking out seeing him. It seemed that people traveled from all over to be at his mass and be blessed by him and that's a foreign concept to us," she said.
Conley said she had a chance to talk with a tourist from Ireland who had grown up seeing the struggles between Catholics and Protestants in that country. She spoke to her about Christianity for several hours and has kept in contact with her since she returned home.
"Hopefully something will come of it and I can minister to her," Conley said.
Mann said the real learning comes from experience.
"I can talk about Martin Luther going to Rome and climbing a set of steps on his knees (the same steps Jesus walked up in Pilate's house) — I can talk about that in class and it's a really dramatic story. He prays on every step. … But then to take the students to those steps and to see they're still filled with people going up the steps to this day, on their knees, and saying a prayer, and to talk through it while they're there, and show how it's still important in Roman Catholic lore to today, it's a completely different experience than talking about it in class."
Mann has travelled extensively on research trips and faster-paced, shorter study tours through Europe. He said he prefers the longer trips, "where you are situated and you get to know a city. After two or three days students became very comfortable moving around Rome -- you don't get that experience on a tour bus."
He said he hopes to offer the trip every year, possibly including a service project, where students will partner with a local church there.
- For more information on Liberty's Study Abroad Office, call (434) 592-4201 or email email@example.com.


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Corgi was founded in 1892 by Carmarthenshire draper Rhys Jones who, having purchased some second-hand knitting machines, began to produce thigh-high woollen stockings for the local colliers. He then began to produce a range of finer quality socks, ideal for men to wear to chapel on Sundays. From the beginning, Rhys paid very close attention to detail and quality and as the reputation of his products grew, demand spread across the whole of South Wales and beyond.
Now, some 120 years and four generations later, the company is managed by Rhys' great, great grandchildren Chris Jones and Lisa Wood. Corgi continues to design and produce hand-finished socks and knitwear of the very highest quality in the same Carmarthenshire town it was established, Ammanford. However, joining forces with its sister company Dents in 2008 allowed Corgi to drastically expand its export market and the company's products are now sold all over the world. Despite its dramatic growth, Corgi maintains the uncompromising commitment to quality that has always been at the heart of the brand.
In 1989, Corgi was awarded a Royal Warrant by HRH The Prince of Wales. The company has a long-standing relationship with the Prince, having supplied him with socks for a number of years. He has also visited the Corgi factory, located just a short distance from the Welsh home at Llwynywermod he shares with HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.


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Memory Eternal! + Jean Miriam Card Walker
Mrs. Jean Miriam Card Walker, 100, died on March 1, 2010, at the Little Flower Assisted Living Community in Charlotte, NC. Mrs. Walker was born in Dora, AL, on April 15, 1909, and lived in Palmerdale, Alabama, for 50 years before moving to Charlotte in 1986. She is survived by two sons, Fr. Gordon Thomas Walker, Sr. (Mary Sue) founding priest and pastor emeritus of St. Ignatius Church in Franklin, TN; and Phillip Jackson Walker of Charlotte; a daughter, Mary Exa Walker Crew (Steve) of Charlotte; and numerous grand-,great-, and great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Mrs. Walker was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, G. T. Walker, Jr.; a daughter, Alice Jean Walker; and a son, David Richard Walker, Sr. (Carol). Jean personally cared for Alice, a loving special needs child, for over 60 years. Jean and G. T. were charter members of First Baptist Church of Palmerdale, where Jean sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and served in many other capacities. She later taught the Sonshine special needs Sunday school class at Briar Creek Road Baptist Church in Charlotte. Jean's life was marked by service and quiet giving to those in need.
A service of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, March 6, at 10 AM at Roebuck Chapel, 9012 Parkway East, Birmingham, AL, 35206, the Rev. B. J. Strickland of Huntsville officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:30-8 PM on Friday, March 5, at Roebuck Chapel. Younger family members will serve as pall bearers. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Palmerdale, AL, 35123.
The family offers special thanks to the staff of the Little Flower Assisted Living Community; her physician, Dr. Jimmie Adcock; and Dr. Phil Hess and the nurses and staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region.
Jean Miriam Walker was not a member of the Orthodox Church, but her three surviving children are active members in the following parishes: Fr. Gordon Thomas Walker is the founding priest and Pastor Emeritus of St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church in Franklin, TN, Dr. Phillip Walker and his wife and 2 of his children are members of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Charlotte, NC. He also has finished the St. Stephen's Course of Studies and is a Reader in his Parish. Mary Exa Crew is a public school teacher and is a member of Nativity of the Holy Theotokos OCA Parish in Charlotte, NC. She also sings in the choir and teaches in Church school.


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Infinite position, customized motion means that you can find the position that best suits you, whether you need to soothe back pain or relax and watch TV. This gentle motion is suitable for everybody, even people who struggle with physical pain and mobility issues. And its as easy to use as a touch of a button.
While it may seem like a luxury, you will soon find that having power reclining furniture and its customized position capability is a necessity for your home. Customized motion means that you can stop the recliner seat and back with simultaneous movement at whatever position best suits you, whether you need to soothe back pain or sit up and eat a snack while you watch TV. Gentle, power motion is suitable for all levels of mobility, and is as easy to use as a single touch.
Thanks to a nifty counter-balanced linkage system, you can stop your reclining chair or sofa back at any and every angle. It's truly the best option for customizing your comfort to your body, this feature is available on both manual and power recliners.
Don't be fooled by the technical jargon- Blue Steel and Dualflex springs are the real deal. The manufacturer's innovative, time-tested Blue Steel springs and the updated Dualflex system are made of heavy-duty materials and never need retying or replacing. If you don't believe it, the spring system can be replaced by the manufacturer at any time thanks to a lifetime warranty.
Recline flat, upright and in between with this power reclining sofa. This incredibly versatile piece includes a removable back for easy carrying and a wall proximity mechanism for space saving. Bring home this sofa for an examplary relaxation experience
The Latitudes - Amsterdam Power Double Reclining Sofa by Flexsteel at AHFA in the area. Product availability may vary. Contact us for the most current availability on this product.
Relax after a long day in this casual reclining collection. Each piece offers a power or manual recline option as well as a wall reclining mechanism to save space in your home. The high density cushions and secure seat construction make this collection durable as well as stylish. Revolutionize your living space with this versatile collection.
The Latitudes - Amsterdam collection is a great option if you are looking for Casual furniture in the area.
These images are representative of this group as a whole and may differ from this item.
Browse other items in the Latitudes - Amsterdam collection from AHFA in the area.
This item has been tagged as: Sectional with Recliner, Recliner Sectional, Reclining Sectional, Seating, Couches, Couch, Sofa, Reclining Home Theater Furniture, Living Room Furniture, Accent Furniture, Reclining Love Seat, Loveseat Recliner, Reclining Couch, Reclining Sofa, Couch with Recliner, Sofa with Recliner, Motion Furniture, Moving Furniture, Living Room Furniture, Family Room Furniture, Great Room Furniture, Den Furniture, Home Furnishing
Nothing on this page may be copied or reproduced without explicit permission.


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The Kansas City Business Journal announced its 2015 Women Who Mean Business honorees and the list included Huhtamaki's own Rochelle
Stringer, General Counsel.
Stringer joins a list of 25 esteemed business women who work in industries ranging from tech to construction, as well as small business owners and corporate executives in the Kansas City metro area.
The panel of judges included previous Women Who Mean Business honorees who created the final list from more than 130 applicants. The judges used past accomplishments, growth plans for their companies and community involvement to determine the winners.
Stringer and the rest of the honorees were recognized in a special section of The Kansas Business Journal and at a luncheon on Aug. 28.
Congratulations to Rochelle Stringer for this much-deserved recognition.


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The Gold Straddle
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Head of Research & Education Fullerton Markets Ltd Wayne Ko offers his weekly webinar on what's going on in the currency markets and what will happen in the next days. Ko also analyzes the market on real time.
The webinar brings three segments:
- Review of the events of the last week
- Preview of the most important data for the week
- Charts and trading opportunities.


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Thank you for requesting information about the Petrosoft Cloud solutions.
A Petrosoft representative will be in contact with you shortly.
If you have an urgent need to reach us, please feel free to call us at 412-306-0640 or email email@example.com.
How can we help?
Customer Support
Online ticketing system, phone support, on-site support, and a library of videos, articles, tips, and manuals
Technical Support
Technical support for Petrosoft internet-based retail management products is just a phone call or a click away
Business Services
Data processing, accounting, price book builds, foodservice menu builds, and business analysis
Petrosoft University
Customers are provided a series of online classes


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The Internet Will Literally Kill You By 2014, Predicts Security Firm
In a self-described bold move, the security firm Internet Identity released a statement this week in which it prognosticated that the Internet will become a murder weapon by 2014.
The predictions read like some kind of cyberpunk nightmare, with Internet Identity (IID) president and CTO Rod Rasmussen writing that the increased connectivity of vehicles and medical devices will eventually allow fiends to kill via their Internet connection. IID points to remotely operated pacemakers and self-driving cars that could be hijacked.
"With so many devices being Internet connected, it makes murdering people remotely relatively simple, at least from a technical perspective," writes Rasmussen. He continues, "if human history shows us anything, if you can find a new way to kill, it will be eventually be used."
The IID release goes on to outline a bleak vision of the near future. They believe that by 2014 we will see an increase in the use of malware in conflicts between nations; that there will be a successful breach at a major piece of infrastructure, such as a power plant; that military hardware, such as drones, will be hijacked with "real-world consequences."
IID's claims are grandiose, to say the least, but there is some truth to them. Cybersecurity is no longer an issue of hardened computer systems, but of an interconnected world of devices and services providing more potential points of entry – many of which go overlooked. Take, for example, Ang Cui who demonstrated how VoIP phones and networked printers could be used to remotely gather information.
The concerns over state-controlled cyberweapons, particularly those used by nations, is a very real one as the likely origins of Stuxnet's revealed. Concerns about defending the computer networks at critical infrastructure has been echoed by high ranking officials and even grabbed some headlines. And though armed drones, for the moment, are limited to overseas operations, their computer systems struggle with a very real (though as yet mundane) malware problem.
Of course, the problem with IID's claims about death-by-Internet is that there is far more incentive to steal and sell personal information via an Internet connection than, say, hacking someone's pacemaker. After all, a dead man can't continue to send checks to various and sundry Nigerian princes.
In their statement, Radmussen comes close to explaining why IID's predictions are the way they are.
"Being bold is predicting the end of the world this week coinciding with the end of the Mayan long-count calendar as some people are," he writes. "What isn't bold in cybersecurity is prognosticating the same old same old with more mobile malware, APTs giving cybercriminals backdoor access to their intended victims and even more data breaches of Fortune 500 companies as most industry pundits are."
More pedestrian, to be sure, but also more likely.
Following in the footsteps of IID my personal "bold" predictions for 2014 include surgical computer implants, cyber jockeys engaged in dangerous adventures on the net, electrowizards with mohawks listening to exotic computer generated music, and people with the entire text of William Gibson's Mona Lisa Overdrive tattooed on their body.
For more from Max, follow him on Twitter @wmaxeddy.


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CampusRN Job Blog
Feds to tackle nursing home workforce development in FY 2017
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Two federal agencies are planning to collaborate in the next fiscal year to address long-term care workforce issues in nursing home settings, according to a report released Thursday.
The report, published by the Government Accountability Office, identified gaps and limitations in data about direct care workers, such as nursing assistants and home health aides, that hinder workforce planning efforts.
Among those gaps is a lack of data from the Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration on the supply and demand of the direct care workforce, the GAO said. HRSA has not produced an assessment of direct care worker data in more than 10 years, despite the creation of new data sources.
posted in: National, news, Employer News
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Slideshow with audio and narration delving into the attraction of Urban Exploration. This piece accompanied a San Francisco Chronicle article on the subject.
To commemorate the centennial of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, I re-shot George Lawrence's landmark photograph, "San Francisco in Ruins."


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This pendant is approx. 2" in length. Made of a genuine Mabe pearl, 14k gold-filled wire, gold-filled stone settings, 6mm Amethyst and Alexandrite CZ's, 4mm genuine fresh water pearls. In this grandmother's pendant too I have used the same symbolism as my last one. Pearls stand for motherhood, and the wire makes a heart at the base of the bail, and the same wires that make the heart continue down on the face of the Mabe for sculpting and weaving in the birthstones of the grandchildren...."grandchildren tied to the heartstrings of grandma".
1 day ago


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As good a story as a big deciduous talking tree, and its ad agency creators, could ask for, today's Forbes article explains — with verifiable, off-the-charts consumer numbers — that StubHub's Ticket Oak is an extremely hard worker. #thanksforbes #thanksticketoak
I mentioned we were going to see Gary Lucas's "Captain Beefheart Symposium" at the Independent, and by way of explanation — or maybe Adam asked — I added that Gary had played guitar on Beefheart's final album. To which my punkass 24-year-old co-worker replied, "You mean, Ice Cream for Crow?"
"The fuck you know Captain Beefheart, let alone a specific record from 1982?!?"
And that's where it started.
Talk about Beefheart and you're talking about things way beyond music. In fact, a lot of people — some quantifiably un-square (Mr. P.) — still can't stand the music, even if they respect the man. A lot of others never listened (but in both cases, the word "lot" must be understood in a rigorously relative context — the universe of the Beefheart-aware being larger than the universe of East River Pipe fans and smaller than the faniverse of the Pixies, whom Beefheart influenced). You're talking about a cultural significance that derives, as much as anything, from the unreplicably delightful title and indelible record jacket for Trout Mask Replica, the deadpan comedy of (some) song titles ("A Carrot Is As Close As A Rabbit Gets to a Diamond"), even the martial whimsy of the band name, not to mention the flamboyant ravings of critics — mostly pro, but con, too — some of whom meant it.
One who meant it, Lester Bangs, had ears and eyes beyond mine and called Beefheart "one of the four or five unqualified geniuses to rise from the hothouses of American music in the Sixties" and backed it up to the hilt in many reviews and at least one profile.
Most of all, the Cap's cultural impact derives from that moment when everyone who was, is or ever will be cool tried to listen to one of the records and failed, a few tracks in, leaving Beefheart to stand as a permanent challenge to everything musical that would come after in their cultural journey and forever cast his shadow on their cool.


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Unoprostone Isopropyl Ophthalmic drops, solution
What is this medicine?
UNOPROSTONE (yoo noh PROST ohn) lowers the pressure in the eye. It is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and high pressure in the eye.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have, or have had any of these conditions:
closed-angle glaucoma
eye abrasion, infection, or inflammation
kidney disease
liver disease
wear contact lenses
an unusual or allergic reaction to unoprostone or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower lid with the index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently. Do not blink. Use your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.
If you are to administer other eye medications, they should be used at least 5 minutes apart from this medication.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other eye products without asking your doctor or health care professional.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Report any serious side effects promptly. Stop using this medicine if your eyes get swollen, reddened (including 'pink eye' or conjunctivitis), painful, or have a discharge, and see your doctor or health care professional right away.
This medicine may cause your eye, eyelashes, and eyelids to darken or change color (brown). Tell your doctor or health care professional if this happens. These changes may be permanent.
If you develop an eye infection or injury, or have eye surgery scheduled, tell your health care professional that you use this product.
If you wear contact lenses, take them out before putting these drops in the eye. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the drops before putting your lenses back in.
Be careful not to touch the tip of the dispensing container onto the eye, or any other surface. Serious eye infections can result from contamination of eye solutions.
Wear dark glasses if this medicine makes your eyes more sensitive to light.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
blurred vision or other changes in vision
inflamed, swollen, painful, or infected eyes or eyelids
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
burning, stinging, itching, or minor discomfort of the eyes or eyelids
changes in the color of the eye(s) (increase in brown color), or darkening of the eyelashes or eyelid(s)
dry eyes or the feeling of something in the eye
increased flow of tears
increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children.
Store between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
March 21, 2017
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert


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This is an event for our weekly Yu-Gi-Oh tournament. The registration fee is $5 and we will begin taking sign-ups at 5:00pm. The start time for this event is 5:30pm and we go off of the most up-to-date Konami ban list.
Games Events
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: October 20MTG Draft Night
Later Event: October 21Friday Night Magic


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Why Some 'Easy' Legal Questions Aren't Always So Easy: Is A Burrito A Sandwich?
from the enjoy-your-burrito deptI will state, up front, that I am mostly posting this because it's hilarious -- but there is a bigger point, which we'll get to. For reasons that aren't entirely clear, Aaron DeOliveira sent over this story from GOOD, analyzing the question: is a burrito a sandwich? This may, at first, seem like a silly debate. But, as the article notes early on, it actually was the crux of a legal dispute not too long ago, in which Panera Bread sought to block a Qdoba Mexican Grill from opening in the same shopping center, pointing to a clause in its contract promising that it would be the only "sandwich shop" in the complex. Panera argued that a burrito -- the main item Qdoba sells -- is a sandwich. In the judge's ruling (pdf), he used both the dictionary and his own experiences to claim that a sandwich should involve two pieces of bread. The burrito uses a single tortilla of course, thus, Qdoba opens, and Panera has to live with it.
From there, GOOD author Amanda Hess dives deep into the debate, and I can't emphasize enough how worthwhile it is to read the whole thing, but here is a snippet to whet your appetite:
Can a food become a sandwich simply by calling itself a sandwich? Does an open-faced sandwich constitute a sandwich, despite the lack of sandwiching employed in its construction? If so, is bruschetta a sandwich? Buttered toast? Pizza?It goes on from there, and just gets better, including conflicting governmental definitions of just what constitutes a sandwich, and even under whose regulations sandwiches fall ("a sandwich built with two slices of bread is controlled by the FDA; only an open-faced sandwich lies within the USDA's purview"). Hess apparently reached out to notable "experts" on sandwiches -- and at least one burrito expert -- none of whom seem to fully agree on the sandwichness of a buritto.
What if you fold the pizza in half? Must the unifying exterior item be split in two in order to constitute a sandwich? Is a hot dog a sandwich? A submarine roll split in the middle, but with a hinge still hanging on? Is an omelete a sandwich?
A note on methodology: Is it necessary to consume the sandwich with one's own two hands? If one were to douse a sandwich in gravy, would it neutralize the sandwich, converting it into nothing more than a bread-based entree?
If we'll accept a hinge in a sandwich, what about a filling that's encased on two sides? On all sides? Is a kolache a sandwich? A pasty? A corn dog? A calzone? An egg roll? A dumpling? A pop tart? Is a wrap a sandwich?
Is a burrito a sandwich?
As I said, it's an amusing and absolutely worthwhile read, but it also highlights a key point: something that seems simple, when tossed out in normal conversation, can often become very complex under the law. We see this all the time with things we write about. Take, for example, copyright law. People who favor stricter copyright law, seem to think that it's easy to extend copyright law without it negatively impacting creation or innovation. They say things like "infringement isn't free speech" and "how can company X not know that content Y is infringing?" Yet, under the law, this is a lot more complex. Copyright claims can pull down non-infringing content, and that's where things get tricky, and what may seem "obviously" infringing in some cases, often isn't so obvious at all. Similarly, with stories about the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, the law was put in place to deal with computer hacking. It was specifically about "unauthorized access." Yet, over time it's been twisted and changed to mean all sorts of things, including companies charging employees under the act for doing something personal on a computer -- because it's not "authorized."
In some ways, this is a defense of the need for lawyers -- even if they can be easy targets to hate. In a world where you can spend so much time arguing over the sandwichness of a burrito, there's a need for lawyers. But, it's more a warning about thinking that passing new laws and interpreting them is "simple," and that the resulting laws will not be abused in dangerous ways. This is why we're so concerned about many of the legal changes that come from certain industries, where they're always presented in a simple and straightforward manner, without any concern for the eventual unintended (or sometimes sneakily intended) consequences.
Filed Under: burritos, legal definitions, sandwiches


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Western Michigan University residence halls are located in three neighborhoods. Compare halls and amenities side by side with the residence hall summary chart.
Valley neighborhood
The Valley neighborhood features suites where two student rooms share a connecting bathroom. These large, coed halls have a picturesque peaceful setting and are close to the Haworth College of Business, Intramural Fields and Goldsworth Valley pond.
|Valley 1
|Valley 2
|Valley 3
Center neighborhood
The Center neighborhood is at the heart of campus just north of the student center and Hoekje/Bigelow dining hall. Predominantly first-year students, the programming focus is on community development, social engagement and connecting students to campus.
|Main campus
|Western Heights
|New residence halls
South neighborhood
Close to academic buildings, the library and Student Recreation Center, the South neighborhood houses a diverse group of students. The Little Three complex is for upper-level and nontraditional students.
|Big Four*
|The Burnhams
|Little Three
* Space in the Big Four is currently limited due to high demand from returning students. Please keep this in mind as you are making your hall choices, and consider other hall options.
If you have any questions about hall options and what they offer, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you.
Room types
Most residence hall rooms are assigned as doubles with two people sharing a room. There are a limited number of larger rooms designed for three or four people. The Big Three has some three-person rooms, and the Big Four has several three-person rooms and some quads.


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For a project I'm working on, I'm trying to setup a glossary of terms in a SharePoint wiki page. I wanted to be able to link directly to terms but when I tried using regular html # section links, a SharePoint generated javascript function forces the page to the top after every load. Which makes classic html section linking undesirable.
After reading online, I discovered that Sharepoint duplicates html's section linking with what Microsoft calls Bookmarks. My problem now is that Bookmarks appear to be disabled for our SharePoint site:
The admins for the SharePoint are ready to flip any switches I instruct them to, but they don't know how to turn this feature on.
How does one activate or authorize bookmarking functionality?


text:
If there's one drawback to warm weather, it's that all that time spent outdoors can strip the natural moisture from your hair. The remedy? A deep-conditioning treatment using rich, emollient oils. Although many many oils can be used -- olive is a favorite in Mediterranean countries, while Native Americans used jojoba -- blends are better, says L.A.-based stylist Philip B., who was doing so many of the treatments that he created an at-home kit as part of his line of botanical-based hair-care products. "A mix of different-size oil molecules will penetrate and condition more effectively," he explains. With Philip's help, we've created an easy at-home treatment that gives even the driest hair bounce and shine. Follow these steps, and remember your grade-school science: Since oil won't mix with water, it slides right off wet hair. Don't dampen your hair until the wash-and-rinse stage.
Note: Use a natural, blended oil for best results.
Try: Philip B. Rejuvenating Oil, Aeto Botanica Fortifying Oil, Better Botanicals Herbal Hair Oil, or L'Occitane Olive Hair Care Oil.
1. Brush Dry Hair
Oils will penetrate dry, thirsty hair better than hair that's been freshly washed and conditioned. Brush hair thoroughly to distribute its natural oils, and drape a towel over your shoulders to catch drips.
2. Go Section by Section
Work the oil into your hair one section at a time. Starting at the ends and using your fingers, apply the oil a few drops at a time. Work it into the hair until it's saturated, stopping an inch from the scalp. Pay particular attention to dry and damaged areas, which will absorb more oil.
3. Lock in the Moisture
Blow-drying will help the oils penetrate the hair shaft. Using a dryer with a nozzle attachment on a medium-high setting, direct heat down the hair shaft and away from the scalp. Your hair will absorb much of the moisture it needs when heated; if it still drips, blot the excess with a towel.
4. Sit Back and Relax
If your hair is dry, leave the oils on for 20 to 45 minutes. Colored, damaged, or brittle hair will need 45 minutes to 2 hours. For a truly deep conditioning treatment, leave the oils on overnight -- just cover your pillow with a fresh towel.
5. "Dry" Shampoo, Then Rinse
Apply a heaping handful of a natural shampoo to dry hair. Work it into the hair and scalp for 3 to 5 minutes. If needed, spritz your hair with just enough water to create a workable lather. Rinse with warm water.
6. Rebalance Hair's Moisture
Hair is already moist, so a light conditioner is all you need. To remove any oil residue and leave hair bouncy, try a cider-vinegar-based rinse (such as John Masters Organics Herbal Cider Hair Rinse & Clarifier). Rinse, dry, and style as usual.


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Christmas is Dead, Long Live Christmas
My mom made Christmas everything it was. Even well into my twenties and thirties, it continued to be the high point of my year, from her phenomenal decorations, to her elaborate meals, to her thoughtful gifts. She made everyone feel the spirit of the holidays, and made us all so very happy. Sadly, those Christmases ended in 2010 or so as dementia began to strip her nature from her. This year things have progressed to the point that she no longer seems to know who I am, beyond being vaguely familiar. So it is hard not to feel a bit lost during the holiday season. So much that was good is gone. And without her leading the seasonal charge, it's hard to know what to do. I do not feel up to the challenge of replacing her. But this year I did want to try to do something special for her, to try and prove that her legacy continues, that I can take on the responsibility, that I can carry on her traditions. In reality it is too little and too late, but the effort gives me a bit of peace and I am hoping that there might be some flicker of remembrance, or at least some novel joy.
To this end, the first step in my Christmas plans was to erect the biggest Christmas light display I could. I've never decorated the outside of a house for Christmas, but I felt inspired to try and run lights up the large 70' tree in our front yard. I wanted to turn it into a virtual Christmas tree, running the lights up as high as I could. I spent a few weeks planning it and today spent all day today doing it. I strung lights up in the shape of a Christmas tree, 50' height with a twinkling start at the top.
Originally my plan was to use a small drone of mine to fly some fishing line up and over the desired branch. After a few test flights it became clear that approach was going to fail. I would most likely end up with the drone stuck in the tree; the wind up there between the branches is unstable and the fishing easily snags. I then tried simply throwing a baseball, with fishing line attached, over the desired branch. But, throwing vertically is much harder than horizontally, none of my throws went quite where I wanted, and after ten or so the ball became permanently snagged on a branch about 40' up. I finally realized I needed to use a bow and arrow. I ran to the store and bought a "Lil Squaw" $20 children's bow and arrow set. I stuck tennis balls on the ends of the included arrows and attached the fishing line. I nailed it on my fourth shot; technically I got it on my first, but that arrow overshot a bit and joined the baseball as a permanent resident of the tree.
After a few hours of running lights, I was done... The video fails to capture the real beauty of the scene.
To the Whining Christians Complaining about Christmas
Every year it seems like I receive an email forward from irate Christians wanting to remind me about how Christmas is being co-opted by the gay, feminist, atheist, capitalist agenda who are hell bent on taking the Christ out of Christmas... This year I couldn't help but respond to the most recent forwarder, my dad, who had attached his own screed. This is my response.
You poor, poor American Christians. How oppressed you are with your undefeated record of electing 44 Christian Presidents (unless of course you conveniently think Obama is Muslim), your vast 89% majority in Congress, your significant 77% majority of the US population. Oh, but of course maybe those aren't "true" Christians. Funny, they look pretty good on paper with 61% of the population believing that evolution is a lie, and 45% of the population believing the Earth is less than 10,000 years old.
But you go on with your hypocritical lives, your convenient selective memory of the Old Testament and the New. Keep quoting the Old Testament to stop the queers from their equality, your marvelous quotes about slavery kept those uppity Negroes in chains for a few hundred extra years. And don't worry, I'm an atheist so I don't have the mandate to stone you for working on the Sabbath, for eating shellfish, getting tattoos, or association with menstruating women. And I'll try to resist quoting Matthew 5:17-20 and all that stuff about, "Don't think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn't come to destroy, but to fulfill. For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished." I'm just an amoral, compassless heathen apparently bent on doing all I can to make some tasty s'mores while I watch the world burn.
Oh, and as for Jesus Christ ruling forever, good luck with that. Hope He has a bit more staying power than the Sumerian religion, the Babylonian religion, the Assyrian religion, the Egyption religion, the Greek religion, the Roman/Mithra relition, the Germanic/Norse religion, the Maya religion, and all the others that have faded into history. All those religions sure seemed convinced they were the real deal, and I'm sure all their followers sure were pretty miffed when you people started taking the Zeus out of Zeusmas, the Isis out of Ismas, etc. So I get it, you are right to be outraged. Shout "Merry Christmas" or "I love Jesus" at whoever you want as loud as you want, nobody will punch you in the mouth like they would me if I yelled out "Merry Jesus is a Myth Day". But you're right, you're the oppressed, distressed, offended people here. I keep forgetting that.
It's a funny thing, outraged Christians sure sound a lot like outraged white males, probably because so many of them are. A few thousand years of ideological domination and the subjugation of others just never feels like enough, does it? Even when you accept the notion that equality is probably inevitable you sure do grouse about the thought that women, blacks, gays, foreigners might temporarily get 'unfair' educational, career, financial advantage. How dare the pendulum swing even a tenth of a degree in their favor, what an affront to a system you'd so carefully rigged over centuries with all your social and religious mores.
Funny thing is, I'm actually all for you loving your Lord. I want you to find spiritual sustenance wherever you may. I am not the least bit offended nor do I shy away from your Merry Christmases. There is much to respect about the modern interpretation of Christ, certainly a lot more than the interpretation which brought us inquisitions, crusades, the burning of misidentified witches, and whatever horrors future interpretations may bring. It just irks me when you whine about your lot, at the notion that others might dare for a few moments here or there to be as loud and as obnoxious as you felt quite comfortable being during various parts of your continued Western World domination.
Be gracious winners, not whiners. Your majority rule hasn't ended yet. Try to enjoy your declining years, it sounds like you are the ones confusing a trip to a big box department store with a trip to a church. I read nothing about the exchange of big screen flat panel TVs in the New Testament. I can't imagine mixing up the joy at my savior's birth with the joy of unwrapping a toxic toy made by children in China. If you expect God to be found in Best Buy or City Hall you're bound to be increasingly disappointed, try visiting your perpetually-renewing local house of worship instead. All public traditions get co-opted, by non-believers, by capitalists, by the ignorant, by people who simply see a good birthday party and want to attend without giving a damn whose birthday it is. I didn't turn your Christmas into a business proposition, that was you believing folk who made a religious celebration commercial, who took to exchanging increasingly expensive items as a proxy for religious passion.
This atheist wishes you all a very Merry Christmas, in the truest sense of it. Enjoy Christ, love Christ, celebrate Christ this December 25th. And quit your bitching about people at the local mall or city hall or school awkwardly trying to make room for others at your table of largess. But, do let me know if any of those folk wander into your church and try to make your pastor take the Christ out of Christmas, that's when you'll have my full support.
> On Thu, Nov 29, 2012 at 10:40 PM, My Dad wrote:
> Powerful, alarming,sad,sobering, all-too-true message. In response, I AM thinking of, and invoking a message of:
> Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, the Everlasting Father...the Prince of Peace...and He shall
> reign forever and ever...and the Kingdom of this world shall become the Kingdom of OUR GOD AND
> PEACE, Indeed!Thank you...(I am sending this to many)
> ________________________________
> From: Somebody
> Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:46:53 -0500
> Subject: Fwd: Fw: Your First Christmas card
> To: Lots of people
> Cleverly done!!!
> Twas the month before Christmas
> When all through our land,
> Not a Christian was praying
> Nor taking a stand.
> Why the PC Police had taken away
> The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
> The children were told by their schools not to sing
> About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
> It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
> December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.
> Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
> Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
> CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod
> Something was changing, something quite odd!
> Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
> In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
> As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
> At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
> At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
> You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
> Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty
> Are words that were used to intimidate me.
> Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
> On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
> At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
> To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
> And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
> Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
> The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
> The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
> So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'
> Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
> Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
> Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS,
> not Happy Holiday!
> Please, all Christians join together and
> wish everyone you meet
> Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!
> If you agree please forward, if not, simply delete.
Xmas Sidecar Adventure!
I decorated my motorcycle's sidecar, helmets, and dogs in a Christmas motif and Francine, Osita, Lupa, and I piled on and went for a ride around Venice today to spread glad tidings on this merry Christmas. We brought along a Christmas sack full of candy canes and handed them to people we met along the way.
Merry Christmas everyone!


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Aging Room Maduro cigars are another great offering by Rafael Nodal. Aging Room cigars are known for their small batch offerings with the philosophy that each cigar should be made using the best tobaccos making each one, in a sense, perfect. The Aging Room Maduro is just that. Perfect. Each cigar is composed of Dominican binders and fillers all wrapped up in a dark Nicaraguan Maduro wrapper for ultimate complexity and flavor. This is a cigar smoker's dream. Pick yours up now.
Aging Room Maduro Rondo
Aging Room Maduro Rondo 5 pack
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