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Arduino Mini 05
Want to learn more?Getting Started
- Overview
- Tech Specs
- Documentation
The Arduino Mini 05 is a small microcontroller board originally based on the ATmega168, but now supplied with the 328.(datasheet), intended for use on breadboards and when space is at a premium. It has 14 digital input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 8 analog inputs, and a 16 MHz crystal oscillator. It can be programmed with the USB Serial adapter or other USB or RS232 to TTL serial adapter.
The new Mini (revision 05) has a new package for the ATmega328P, which enables all components to be on the top of the board. It also has an onboard reset button. The new version has the same pin configuration as revision 04.
Warning: Don't power the Arduino mini with more than 9 volts, or plug the power in backwards: you'll probably kill it.
You can find here your board warranty informations.
Getting Started
In the Getting Started section, you can find all the information you need to configure your board, use the Arduino Software (IDE), and start to tinker with coding and electronics.
Need Help?
- On the Software on the Arduino Forum
- On Projects on the Arduino Forum
- On the Product itself through our Customer Support
Microcontroller ATmega328P Operating Voltage 5V Input Voltage 7-9 V Digital I/O Pins 14 (of which 6 provide PWM output) Analog Input Pins 8 (of which 4 are broken out onto pins) DC Current per I/O Pin 40 mA Flash Memory 32 KB (of which 2 KB used by bootloader) SRAM 2 KB EEPROM 1 KB Clock Speed 16 MHz Length 30 mm Width 18 mm
OSH: Schematics
Arduino Mini is open-source hardware! You can build your own board using the following files:
The Arduino Mini can be programmed with the Arduino software (download). For details, see thereference and tutorials.
To program the Arduino Mini, you will need a USB Serial adapter or other USB or RS232 to TTL serial adapter. See the page on getting started with the Arduino Mini for instructions.
The ATmega328P on the Arduino Mini comes preburned with a bootloader that allows you to upload new code to it without the use of an in-system-programmer. The bootloader communicates using the original STK500 protocol (reference, C header files).
You can also bypass the bootloader and program the ATmega328P with ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming); see the page on bootloading the Mini for information on wiring up an ICSP header to the Mini and the programmer for instructions on using a programmer to upload a sketch.
Input and Output
Each of the 14 digital pins on the Mini can be used as an input or output. They operate at 5 volts. Each pin can provide or receive a maximum of 40 mA and has an internal pull-up resistor (disconnected by default) of 20-50 kOhms. Pins 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11 can provide PWM output; for details see the analogWrite() function. If anything besides the Mini USB (or other) adapter is connected to pins 0 and 1, it will interfere with the USB communication, preventing new code from being uploaded or other communication with the computer.
The Mini has 8 analog inputs, each of which provide 10 bits of resolution (i.e. 1024 different values). Inputs 0 to 3 are broken out onto pins; input 4 to 7 require soldering into the provided holes. By default the analog inputs measure from ground to 5 volts, though is it possible to change the upper end of their range using the AREF pin and some low-level code.
See also the mapping between Arduino pins and ATmega168/328 ports.
Note: the pinout changed from version 03 to version 04 of the Mini, please be sure you use the right diagram.
Pin out of the Arduino Mini 03. (older versions are compatible, but missing theIO7 header at the top)Pin out of the Arduino Mini 04 and 05.(Note that the ground pin on the left has moved down one pin.)

subset: commoncrawl


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This trip was epic, to be sure. The endless driving, the impossible hikes, lack of sleep, keeping my gear in good clean working order - it was difficult, to say the least. But now that I am back in Florida, the really hard work begins! Creating a book out of the 27,000 or so images is no small feat. And there are lots of things that go along with that.
Press coverage continues - with articles appearing in newspapers and magazines across the country. And developing our own promotions is also key, like this one here -
Some of our teaser images, done with a Parellax effect! Pretty cool, eh? So neat stuff still happening, all the while I am chained to my computer all day, every day, until I have my selections selected. So thank you for following along, and stay tuned for the next big announcement, coming soon!


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Good price. Fast performance. World phone.
Still runs Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich). Lots of bloatware. Cluttered, heavily modified UI.
Bottom Line
The Pantech Perception for Verizon Wireless isn't perfect, but its favorable price-to-feature ratio proves that the midrange smartphone is better than ever.
You can choose between regular and starter modes. Starter mode modifies your phone so that it has four different home screens. One comes prepopulated with a list of favorite apps. The next has a weather widget and space to add three quick contacts. Then there's a phone dialer, and a list of favorite sites with a Google search bar. The Apps menu has also been simplified, so that it only shows eight very large icons at a time. This mode isn't meant to please power users, but it can be helpful if this is your first time using a smartphone.
Standard mode also has many modifications from stock Android. It feels like Pantech has subscribed to the "more is more" theory with mixed results. For instance, I like the scrollable shortcuts at the bottom of each screen. I also like the quick on/off switches on the notifications bar. But when you add Settings shortcuts underneath them, there's barely any room to view your actual notifications. And that's just one of the instances where Pantech adds extra features at the expense of cluttering things up.
Pantech has also infused a number of motion controls into the Perception, like Samsung has done with the Galaxy S 4. For instance, while you're listening to music you can wave your hand left or right above the screen to play the next or previous song. You can also use similar controls with your photo and messaging apps. It's gimmicky, sure, but I like it.
There aren't many uses for NFC yet, but the Perception has it. And there's no HDMI-out or MHL, but you can connect to a compatible HDTV via DLNA.
While the Perception has been stuffed to the grilles with features, it's also been loaded with bloatware. There are at least four apps from Verizon, three from Amazon, Audible, Color, NFL Mobile, Shark Dash, and Slacker, among others. Now I like some of those apps, but there's no guarantee you will, and there's no way to delete them.
Multimedia and Conclusions
You get 10.24GB of free internal storage, and my 32 and 64GB SanDisk cards worked fine. For music, I was able to play AAC, MP3, OGG, WMA, and WAV audio files, but not FLAC. Sound quality was good over both wired 3.5mm headphones and Altec Lansing BackBeat Bluetooth headphones. For video, all of our test files played back at resolutions up to 1080p.
The 8-megapixel camera is pretty good. Shutter speeds are essentially instantaneous, but it is possible to snap photos before the autofocus locks in. The camera captures some good detail, but colors are a little light and washed out—especially brighter colors. Video camera performance is a little more uneven; capturing 1080p video at 25 frames per second indoors and 30 frames per second outside. Video recorded indoors looks a little faded, and the camera continually refocused whenever it was moved. There's also a 2-megapixel camera around front for video chat.
The Pantech Perception proves you don't need to pay top dollar to get a smartphone filled with great features—but that doesn't necessarily make it your best bet. The once top-of-the-line Motorola Droid Razr HD can now be had for less than the Perception, and has a better build quality, longer battery life, and a newer version of Android. That also goes for the Droid Razr M, which is free, but has a smaller, lower-resolution display. The LG Spectrum 2, meanwhile, costs a little less than the Perception, and is expecting an update to a newer version of Android any day now.


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Sympathy thermometers
3/6/2008 14:13 (#37)
Sympathy thermometers
New user
Posts: 1
Turnout will be a major subject in the 2009 EP election, because it will differ greatly between countries
(a high of 80% plus and a low of less than 40% is likely
) and because within the great majority of countries there are usually substantial differences, with the EP turnout being as low as half that of the most recent general election and EP election. The analysis of turnout will not only be of concern to political scientists
(Franklin, 2004
) but also be of major public policy interest to candidates for the European Parliament, EU policymakers, national and EU parties and the media. Given the results of recent referendums on EU constitutional issues, interpretations of turnout in 2009 will be of particular political relevance to the debate on popular
)satisfaction with the EU.
The existing literature on why people do not vote, which the Voter Survey should monitor as in earlier elections, needs to be complemented by the analysis of what difference, if any, it makes to representation in the European Parliament at the party and the national level. This requires the provision of appropriate data and models of analysis.
The existing Voter Survey has a number of relevant questions for analyzing non-voters. It could be further strengthened by adding 'sympathy' or 'feeling thermometers', which ask for all major parties on the ballot
(party leaders could also be considered
). The thermometer items make it possible to determine both the strength of sympathy or antipathy toward a party but also the extent to which individuals hold an exclusive sympathy or have similar attachments to more than one party. The value of the scale for analyzing both non-voters and voters is demonstrated in Pettersen and Rose
A particular advantage of the question is that it is asked independently of questions about vote choice or turnout. This serves to minimise bias when the item is used in estimations of counterfactual voter behaviour. To determine partisan differences between voters and non-voters requires imputing party preferences to non-voters. Bernhagen and Marsh
) have demonstrated how this can be done with data of the Voter Survey type by applying the method of multiple imputation of missing data developed by Gary King et al.
). We propose to undertake this type of analysis again once the 2009 EES survey data is available.
To determine the impact of non-voting on representation in the European Parliament requires converting preferences of the electorate
(that is, voters + non-voters
) into seats. This is a complex process varying with the electoral system of each country
(more or less proportional
), the number of seats it has in the EP
(cf. district magnitude
), the number of parties contesting an election and the 'leverage' of non-voters
(that is, what % of ballots they would add to the total count if they were to vote
). A model that takes all of these considerations into account has been developed by Kohler and Rose
) and applied to national elections across Europe.
The additional electoral system data is available in EJPR Yearbooks and, for 10 new EU member states in Rose and Munro
). A memorandum on this dimension of contextual data has been submitted to the Context strand of the study. The same data base can be used to address the scale of national over and under-representation, which is especially large among small countries, e.g. one MEP per 81,000 persons in Malta and Luxembourg; 140,000 persons in Cyprus; 205,000 in Estonia; 280,000 in Slovenia and about 370,000 in Latvia and Lithuania. It also is substantial between medium size EU members, for example, 474,000 persons per MEP in Belgium and 660,000 in the Netherlands.
(For comparative data based on American states, see Ladewig and Jasinski, 2008
We believe that the above recommendations meet the EES criteria of integrating survey with contextual data, taking advantage of the extraordinary character of the 2009 EP election and offering a 'big bang for the buck' by requiring only fine tuning of the Voter Survey and efficient assemblage of the Contextual Data base.
Patrick Bernhagen
(Department of Politics & International Relations, University of Aberdeen
Richard Rose
(Centre for the Study of Public Policy, University of Aberdeen
APPENDIX: Example 'feeling thermometer' question from the 2002 Irish national Election Study:
I'd now like to ask you how you feel about some Irish politicians, using what we call the "feeling thermometer". The feeling thermometer works like this: [Int. Show Card C1]
If you have a favourable feeling
(a warm feeling
) towards a POLITICIAN you should place him/her somewhere between 50 and 100 degrees;
If you have an unfavourable feeling
(a cold feeling
) towards a POLITICIAN, you should place him/her somewhere between 0 and 50 degrees; and
If you don't feel particularly warm or cold
(have no feeling towards the politician at all
) then you should place him/her at 50 degrees
Where would you place these Irish politicians?
Bernhagen, P. and Marsh, M., 2007. 'The Partisan Effects of Low Turnout', Electoral Studies, 26, 548-560.
Franklin, M., 2004. Voter Turnout and the Dynamics of Electoral Competition in Established Democracies since 1945. New York: Cambridge UP.
King, G., et al., 2001. 'Analyzing Incomplete Political Science Data', American Political Science Review, 95, 49-69.
Kohler, Uli, and Rose, R., 2008. 'Under What Conditions Can Non-Voters Affect an Election Outcome?'
(under review
Ladewig, J. W. and Jasinski, M.P., 2008. 'On the Causes and Consequences of and Remedies for Interstate Malapportionment of the U.S. House of Representatives', Perspectives on Politics, 6, 89-107.
Pettersen, P.A. and Rose, L.E., 2007. 'The Dog That Didn't Bark', Electoral Studies, 26, 574-588.
Rose, R. and Munro, N., 2009. Elections and Parties in New European Democracies. Colchester: ECPR Press, 2nd edition of a book initially published by CQ Press, Washington DC, 2003.
15/6/2008 21:31 (#75 - in reply to #37)
RE: Sympathy thermometers
Posts: 11
Because they require a question for each party, a battery of this kind is very expensive for the EES. We already have a question for each party regarding propensity to vote for it, position in left-right terms and position on European unification. We might well want to add another battery on position in GAL-TAN terms. The question of whether a feeling thermomiter adds significantly to the vote propensity variables in terms of the objectives mentioned in this post needs to be carefully considered. Arguably, knowing how likely it is that each respondent would 'ever' vote for each party already provides a better means of estimating the likely vote of non-voters, but the matter should certainly be discussed.
16/7/2008 16:26 (#95 - in reply to #37)
RE: Sympathy thermometers
Posts: 26
Location: University of Oxford, UK
Dear Dr Bernhagen and Professor Rose,
Thank you for submitting this proposal to the Open Forum. The PIREDEU Steering Committee met at the end of June to evaluate each of the proposals. We assessed them on the basis of whether they met the following criteria:
* An explicit argument about why the proposed question/coding category merited inclusion in one or more of the PIREDEU data components.
* An explicit argument about the conceptual and theoretical foundations of the question/coding category.
* An explicit case for how the question/coding category facilitates integration and linking of several data components. The PIREDEU Steering Committee preferred proposals that allowed for conceptual integration across the five data components
(i.e. voter survey, candidate survey, media study, manifestos and contextual data
* An explicit consideration of how the proposed question/coding category linked with questions/coding categories in past data collection efforts.
The PIREDEU Steering Committee favoured proposals that ensured over time and across instrument comparability. Moreover, given that the voter and candidate surveys can only contain a limited number of question items, priority was given to proposals with succinct question formats.
On this basis we ranked each question in the proposal as follows:
) The proposed item will be included in data collection instrument
) High priority proposal that will be included if space and time constraints permit
) Proposal can only be included if additional funding is secured
) Proposed item is not a priority
The item
) from your proposal received the following ranking
Instrument: Voter Survey
I'd now like to ask you how you feel about some [COUNTRY] politicians, using what we call the "feeling thermometer". Where would you place these [COUNTRY] politicians?
Ranking: 3
Rationale: The steering committee decided to add a series of candidate/leadership evaluation questions, but these will not necessarily include feeling themometers, as these are very lengthy. Moreover, the Propensity to Vote
) questions which will be included will capture respondents' feelings toward support for the party.
Thank you again for your participation in this process. We hope that you will continue to use the Open Forum to comment on the questionnaires/codebook that will be posted online on the Forum in the autumn.
Yours sincerely,
Mark Franklin
Chair of the PIREDEU Steering Committee
Sara Hobolt
Deputy Chair of the PIREDEU Steering Committee


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All in One Night
- $2.99
- $2.99
Publisher Description
A bridesmaid caught up in dream. A stranger looking to fulfill all her fantasies.
Tamara Chaney is living a fairy tale. For a girl who grew up in a small town in North Louisiana, being the maid of honor for the daughter of an earl is beyond her wildest dreams. Wearing a gown that costs more than her first car certainly makes a woman feel like a princess, but even princesses need to have some fun, don't they?
Brulie Rawley is the quiet type. Even though he carries the family name, he prefers to blend into the background, and that's never a problem for someone who lives on his own in the wilds of Alaska. But those long, cold nights up north can get lonely, so when he sees someone who gets his blood boiling, how can he resist just a taste?
Sometimes, just a night can take your breath away, especially if it comes with the promise of so much more…
Meet the Rawleys. A series of stand-alone romances, each following a different couple in this saga of life, love, family, and friends...


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US Licensed Practitioner Testimonials
US Licensed Practitioners talk about their experience with Insights Discovery
Becoming an Insights Licensed Practitioner was the best thing I've ever done for my business. I have delivered hundreds of events based on Insights Discovery. Insights provides me with all of the support I need. Insights Discovery is a pleasure to work with, and most importantly my customers love it.
D. Lincoln
Insights Discovery Licensed Practitioner
The Insights Discovery instrument has been consistently proven to transform organizations and team relationships in a way that results in better business outcomes. The personal impact of Insights Discovery is also often mentioned by my clients - they use it daily within their personal relationships and it has enabled better relationships, new understandings, and acceptance versus judgement. This is huge. The extension of application from work to home to community and beyond is a very unique value that Insights offers. I'm proud and honored to be associated with the Insights organization, and am grateful for the amazing tools, products, and community Insights provides.
Amy Brown
Insights Discovery Licensed Practitioner
Insights is the tool that makes me a better coach.
Thom Monahan
Insights Discovery Licensed Practitioner
We find every time we get together with both the Insights staff and our fellow practitioners it's always a valuable experience for us.
Joy and Perry Kacik
Insights Discovery Licensed Practitioner
I have seen some things I can do to look at my own business in a way that I hadn't seen before, using the color energies in my own business.
Bambi McCullough
Insights Discovery Licensed Practitioner
It's really for personal as well as professional growth in seeing how Insights can help others.
Karen Jones
Insights Discovery Licensed Practitioner
Insights is building a Licensed Practitioner community in the US which gives them a sense of belonging, cooperation and collaboration.
Tom Dalton
US LP Manager, Insights
The Insights LP support staff feels like an internal team - to me that really is a huge help.
Shelly Priebe
Priebe and Associates
Work takes over the opportunity to learn most days. And every time I engage with these [continuing education] opportunities what you provide so excites and inspires me. I mean that! Thank you.
Jean Oplinger
Visions in Action


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Photos from the Vault
A mysterious grave from 1899 was discovered during construction of Lopez Dam
Water is the story that never dries up in the arid West.
The dual role of flood control and water storage spurred the Lopez Dam project in 1965 after two decades of study.
On the North Coast, Whale Rock reservoir provides water for Cayucos, San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly and CMC.
This week it was revealed in a Tribune story that California's Division of Safety of Dams is ordering a comprehensive assessment of spillways and structures including Lopez and Whale Rock dams, in the wake of the Oroville Dam spillway breakdown.
The following is a collection of short posts on the creation of Lopez Lake that were previously re-published in online form.
A Telegram-Tribune story from Aug. 18, 1965, by Pat Keeble said:
"Twenty years of study culminated Tuesday when the Board of Supervisors officially approved the $16 million Lopez Dam project and set an election date of Sept. 28."
The story said Avila Beach and Shell Beach wells were in overdraft and seawater was migrating in.
Margo Dodd (her civic activism is memorialized in the park named after her), of Sunset Palisades supported the project and said, "We have had the 'pleasure' of cleaning our teeth with saltwater."
The article said that the owner of a $30,000 house could expect to pay $20 more per year for water.
Voters approved the project, and land was acquired, some from willing sellers and others through the condemnation process.
What the builders could not know was that they would be putting the finishing touches on the project as the epic rains of 1969 filled the lake.
Filling the dam was expected to take more than one season, but as it turned out Lopez Lake would be full at the end of the rainy season. The structure saved downstream dwellers from the ravages of Arroyo Grande creek.
As construction proceeded, a mysterious grave was discovered in the canyon.
This unbylined story is from the Telegram-Tribune, Jan. 10, 1968:
'La Maria' leaves Lopez
ARROYO GRANDE — "La Maria" left her grave in Lopez Canyon Tuesday, displaced by the water project which will soon submerge the site a mile upstream from the new dam.
Two employees of the county Flood and Water District — Bob Grant and Jerry Thomas — disinterred the remains, which were taken to Wood Funeral Home. All that remains of the skeleton — leg and arm bones and part of the skull — will be interred in the Arroyo Grande District Cemetery at county expense.
The supervisors will be asked to authorize a suitable marker for the mysterious occupant of the grave, which was discovered last summer. The bones are believed to be those of a girl. Its headstone, with only the words "La Maria" and the date 1899 legible, is to be placed in the museum proposed for the project grounds. Six silver or lead crosses, which fastened the lid of the now disintegrated coffin, also may go to the museum.
After the grave was discovered, an effort was made to identify its occupant. No clues turned up, so a court order was obtained to transfer the burial site at county expense.
David Middlecamp is a photographer for The Tribune. 805-781-7942, email@example.com, @DavidMiddlecamp
Visit www.sanluisobispo.com/photos-from-the-vault to see old photos and read selected archives.


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Becoming Human
Institute of Human Origins
Becoming Human is a ground-breaking original documentary experience that explores the question — What makes us human? Guided by Dr. Donald Johanson, who discovered the Lucy skeleton in 1974, guests can walk through a paleontological dig, meet leading scientists in the field, and trace the evolution of the human species over the last four million years. The site combines in 30 minutes original documentary with nearly fifty connected hands-on exhibits for deeper learning.
Webby Award Winner — Science
I.D. Interactive Media Design Review — Gold
Scientific American SciTech Award
USA Today Hot Site
Yahoo! Daily Pick
Exploratorium Cool Site
Flash Film Festival
Step-by-Step Design Annual
Graphis Interactive Design 2
Reviews & Comments
"Why wait for interactive TV to get good when Becoming Human already shows us how it's done on the Web?"
— I.D. Magazine
"Terra Incognita has unearthed the missing link between television and the Web."
— Create Online
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! My students are so excited by your site, they are accessing it from home and showing it to their friends. You are a hit on campus. Not an easy task with 15 and 16 year olds. Well done."
— Visitor to Becoming Human


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Naval Marines arrested Alberto Mendoza Contreras, aka El Chico Malo ("Bad Boy"), alleging that he controlled trafficking for the Beltrán Leyva cartel in the Monterrey suburb of San Pedro. Controversial San Pedro mayor Mauricio Fernández Garza said that he paid El Chico Malo as an informant (and credited him for fingering 50 corrupt cops), but denied that he had any knowledge of his trafficking activities. He added that Government Secretary Fernando Gómez Mont approved these activities, setting off a firestorm. The Ministry of Government issued an immediate statement in response: "It is unacceptable, under any circumstances, to exchange intelligence information for tolerating impunity or protecting criminals."
In a second incident, the body of a drug dealer was found handcuffed and with signs of torture the day after he was photographed being detained by police in the Monterrey suburb of Santa Catarina. He was one of two suspects wanted for trying to ambush the local police chief. The police transferred him to Naval marines for transport to a hospital for treatment of injuries, but both the police and the marines deny responsibility for the suspect's killing. (Excelsior 3/26, Reforma 3/24, 3/27)


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From the 29th of April until the 3rd of May, WOREC Nepal, one of the co-developing organisation of DOVA, and DOVA writer and trainer Loeky Droesen, hosted a 5 day DOVA Nepal kick off workshop.
Nepal has made steps forward in addressing Domestic Violence in its legal and policy framework, but Nepali civil society see many challenges and gaps in the implementation. With the support of Ausaid, a coalition of Nepali organisations has committed to address these challenges. Organizations involved in the project include the Women Forum for Women in Nepal (WOFOWON); LOOM Nepal, (a community-based women organization from southern part of Nepal (terai); Mahila Ekta Samaj (young women led women's organization); Nepal Disabled Women Association (NDWA); Sahayatri samaj and Mukti Nepal. Together they represent a wide variety of the Nepali population, including marginalized groups such as women working in the entertainment industry, women living with disabilities and rural women.
To make the DOVA manual easy to use for the participants, Worec Nepal translated it into Nepali. As soon as the final edit is completed the Nepali version of DOVA will be shared on our resource center.
During the workshop the participants learned to use the DOVA step by step research methodology to explore the practical challenges victims of Domestic Violence face and to link them up to the Human Right and Policy obligations of Nepal. The results of the research will be used to make practical recommendations to the Nepali authorities on how to improve its work to end Domestic Violence. The DOVA Nepal team is committed to push for real change on the ground and for an end of impunity of perpetrators of Domestic Violence. To many participants the workshop was eye opening. Especially the realization that economic and social rights are very relevant to victims of domestic violence. At the workshop participants decided that the focus of their DOVA research will be the lack of access to livelihood for victims/survivors in Nepal.
On May 3rd 2013, a public launch of DOVA was held in Kathmandu. Representatives of the Nepali press, government, civil society attended the meeting. The new Australian ambassador, who had just arrived in the country listened to DOVA project team members explaining the focus of the DOVA research and the struggles faced by their specific communities.


text:
Thanks to everyone who entered our #MyStrataStory garden competition; we've been blown away by how you've transformed your Strata gardens into colourful and green escapes. From outdoor spaces perfect for entertaining, to places for your family to play, picking just two winners wasn't easy!
Drumroll please…
And the winners of the two £50 John Lewis gift vouchers are Keren Smart and Lucy Victoria!
We love how Keren has added bursts of colour to her garden with pots and planters filled with vibrant flowers. Hope it smells as beautiful as it looks!
Lucy Victoria shared her garden transformation with us on Instagram. Starting with a top soil blank canvas, her garden soon became lush and BBQ-ready!
You can see all the garden entries and get more home and garden inspiration at #MyStrataStory on Instagram, as well as on our Pinterest channel.


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Recent statistics coming out of the professional carpet cleaning industry have indicated a notable growth in interest toward professional carpet cleaning services. This is attributed to an increase in carpet purchases and installations across UK and US. Industry analysts say this has prompted many entrepreneurs to set up their own carpet cleaning company like https://monstercleaningepsom.com/ for example. Taking advantage of spikes and rises in customer needs and cleaning service availability is exactly what upcoming cleaning service providers are looking for. However, in order for a newly set up company to have a realistic chance of good establishment and success, owners and managers must account for a number of important factors. First and foremost, the company and its staff must have the necessary practical skills.
Professional carpet cleaning is a skill, and like any other skill it must be learnt properly. In light of this, professional cleaners must be trained effectively – the importance of work training and skill build up shouldn't be overlooked by owners and managers. Next up – legitimacy, in all cases, the new cleaning company must be fully licensed, registered and insured. This is very important to potential customers looking for a reliable cleaning service. Initially, owners might opt for a basic, sole proprietorship entity and when the business picks up and grows they may change to a different type of entity. Next stage is equipment and products.
The professional (carpet) cleaning industry is growing greener and more sustainable thus moving away from chemical using, water intensive cleaning methods, in favour of efficient, waste-free, nontoxic cleaning systems. Newly set up cleaning companies should purchase or lease equipment that will grow with the industry so to say. Moving on to finding and securing a niche – the cleaning industry is segmented into niches. New service providers must choose and penetrate a specific niche – whether that is commercial carpet cleaning, residential etc. Niche specification will allow for better customer targeting and meeting customer requirements in full.
Last but not least – web presence. Web presence (advertising online) is essential for the success of a modern day cleaning company. Owners shouldn't shy away from any (positive) online exposure – the more people see your name, the more interest you will provoke, especially when everything is compiled into a straightforward, spot-hitting ad campaign. A search engine optimised website is quintessential part of the positive online presence of any cleaning company. Low cost websites can be very beneficial in establishing the company presence online.


text:
Things Adjusters Say: We've approved $5,000 of treatment
This article is part of a series on insurance company's justifications for paying you less than you deserve. Whether through malice or ignorance insurance adjusters often refer to questionable logic and non-existent laws to award you as little money as possible. A personal injury attorney can ensure that you receive full compensation. The consultation is free.
I have a new client, Ms. Jones. Ms. Jones was badly injured in a car wreck, she missed work, she has medical bills in her mailbox, and she needs help making sure she is properly compensated for her damages. I accepted her case about two weeks ago.
Today I got a phone call from the defendant's insurance company. We exchange hellos, verify contact information, and then the adjuster says the strangest thing:
Adjuster: I just want to let you know that we have completed our assessment of the case and have approved Ms. Jones for $5,000 of treatment.
Attorney: Explain that to me.
Adjuster: Based on our investigation we have determined that $5,000 is a reasonable and customary amount of treatment for Ms. Jones' injuries. I don't want to see any medical bills above that number.
Attorney: How did you come to that conclusion?
Adjuster: We based our determination on the results of our investigation and the use of proprietary database software to determine the reasonable and customary amount of medical treatment.
Let's review what just happened. The insurance adjuster, without speaking to Ms. Jones, without speaking to her doctors, without even waiting for Ms. Jones to heal, has determined that Ms. Jones needs $5,000 of medical treatment, and not a penny over. When asked for a justification the adjuster talked about an "investigation" and "proprietary database software," in an attempt to sound authoritative.
This $5,000 number is baseless. The adjuster made it up. It isn't admissible in court, it isn't relevant to any future negotiation, and it implies that the insurance company gets to ration medical treatment at will.
This is a negotiation tactic called the "Authority Limit." The adjuster will throw out a number, say $5,000, and state early on that she cannot go any higher than that number. Later she will refer back to the $5,000 number, stating that even though she wants to pay out more money she isn't allowed to. She might even scold someone who goes over the $5,000 limit, saying something like, "I tried to help you by telling you how much we approved but you went over the limit." A lot of people, especially those not represented by an attorney, fall for this tactic.
The only practical limit to the amount of money that is available is the policy limit. Don't let an adjuster use a simple negotiation tactic to convince you otherwise. The insurance company will use every trick they know to ensure you receive as little money as possible for the harms you have suffered. An attorney can ensure you receive full and fair compensation. The consultation is free.


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Non-woven shopping bag more economic effect
Starting with the release of the plastic limit order, the bags will begin to gradually exit the packaging market of goods, instead of reusable non-woven shopping bags. Nonwoven bags are easier to print than plastic bags and are more vivid in color. Plus can be used repeatedly, you can consider in the Non-woven shopping bag plus more exquisite plastic bags and advertising, because the ability to repeatedly use less than plastic bags, resulting in non-woven shopping bags instead more cost savings, and bring more obvious advertising benefits
Two Non-woven shopping bags more solid
Traditional plastic bag shopping bag, in order to save costs so the material thin, easy to damage. But if it is to make him stronger, it must cost more. Non-woven shopping bags appear to solve all the problems, non-woven shopping bags, strong toughness, not easy to wear. There are a lot of plastic film non-woven shopping bags, but also has a solid, more waterproof, feel good, beautiful shape of a bit. Although a single cost is a little more than a plastic bag, its service life a Non-woven shopping bag can be hundreds of thousands, or even tens of millions of plastic bags.
Three Non-woven shopping bags more advertising effect
A beautiful Non-woven shopping bag, not just a product of the packaging bag. Its exquisite appearance is more attractive, can be transformed into a stylish simple shoulder bag, to become a beautiful street scenery. Coupled with its solid, waterproof, non-stick hand characteristics will become the first choice for customers to go out in such a non-woven shopping bag, can be printed on your company's logo or advertising, its advertising effect is self-evident, the real small investment into a big return.
Four Non-woven shopping bags more environmentally friendly value
The issue of plastic limit order is to solve the problem of environmental protection. The use of Non-woven bag overturned, greatly reduced the pressure of refuse conversion. Coupled with the concept of environmental protection, more can reflect the image of your business, and the effect of the people. The potential value of this is more than money can replace.


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With an 85% success rate, Don't Fall Down
in the Hood is among the most successful
juvenile violence intervention programs
in the nation.
Don't Fall Down in the Hood is one of ten
programs operated by The Institute for the
Development of African-American Youth, Inc.
IDAAY is a community-based,
non-profit organization, serving Philadelphia
and Montgomery Counties. S. Archye Leacock
founded IDAAY in May 1991 in response to the
alarming statistics characterizing disadvantaged
youth in the Philadelphia area. To address
these issues, the organization's expressed
purpose is to serve and empower youth at risk.


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*** EU: KDS in Archeage [Est]: (EU Dahuta) ***
Greetings all,
KDS High Command has decided that Archeage is a game we will play, in the hope that beyond the neat extra features end game pvp will be something to write home about.
General Information:
— Founded in 2003 in Star Wars Galaxies, KDS is a semi-RP military structured guild.
— Notable presence in SWG, WoW, EQ2, DnL, AOC, WAR, Darkfall, SWTOR, DF:UW, FFXIV, GW2, TESO
— KDS takes pride in helping the new and experienced player alike, amongst our ranks we have many years of MMO experience and are quite willing to share this knowledge amongst our members be that with PVP hints and tips, help with the many variations of character builds, crafting advice etc. Everyone starts out as the new guy at some point and we understand that your MMO history and experience is different from ours. To make sure you as a player are integrated into our community you will immediately upon acceptance start you training as a recruit in the KDS Boot Camp. We will provide you with training in our tactics and our code of conduct.
— We have players online 24/7 as our membership spans all time zones, whatever your playtime schedule happens to be, there are always Keepers around to play with. However our main Events occur during the European Evenings.
— We are not to everyone's taste. We are not elitist, we know people make mistakes, we understand that sometimes you will be gone for a week and appreciate that Real Life comes before Virtual Life. We do however pride ourselves in working as a guild, grouping with our friends, helping each other out whenever possible and doing our best in the game we are playing. It is no secret that we see ourselves as a serious Massive PVP guild, which makes an impact on all games we embark upon.
If you want to check out some of our adventures go check this Youtube channel.
Archeage Details:
Server: EU Dahuta
Faction: Haranya/Est
Focus: PvP and Crafting
Officers for Archeage:
Maj. Prom - Chapter Co - Guild Master
Col. Xaint - Chapter Xo
Lt. Col. Augir - Civil Corp Co (the economy mastermind)
Gen. Molan - Military Advisor
Gen. Medizor - Political Advisor
Ctp. Eirik - Squad Leader
Cpt. Dante - Squad Leader
Cpt. Silverminken - Squad Leader
For Archeage we will apply our classic squad system. So if you have a group of friends that you would like to play together inside a bigger structure than this is your chance to shine as an officer leading your friends in a friendly competition with the other KDS squads. We provide the Set-up - structure, rule-set and tasks. The rest is yours to enjoy the game.
- Consider your squad as your online family
- Enjoy their company
- Do things together
- Win together
- Get to know one another and learn to work as a unit where you can achieve much more than playing solo wandering aimlessly in the world alone.
We will do our best to rule the server!
Everyone will know and fear us!
Discipline and strategy are our weapons!
Looking forward to how this new adventure will unfold!
Yours, vargfan


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The Legal Office of Mandel Law is a Boutique Business and Real Estate Law Firm. Since we opened our doors, we have represented various clients in evictions, foreclosure defenses, business disputes, contract and lease negotiations, and residential and commercial closings, among other legal issues.
Thanks to the broad experience and knowledge of our legal team, Mandel Law has been able to effectively help clients, becoming one of the highest grossing firms in the area. Using a careful process of evaluation and comprehension, we have succeeded in resolving eviction, closing and estate planning issues in a fast and effective manner.
Contact info:
7610 NE 4th Ct #103, Miami, FL 33138
+ 305.900.5996
E-Mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Business Hours:
Monday-Friday 9:00-17:00


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We're working directly with Senators Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Mark Begich (D-Alaska) to move forward their Social Security expansion plan.
PETITION TO CONGRESS: With corporations cutting worker pensions, Americans rely on Social Security more than ever. Congress should expand Social Security -- not cut it.
Sign the petition and pass it on.
We're doing events across the nation highlighting the grassroots support for this petition -- and the senators will use these signatures to persuade their colleagues.
And, they'll be on MSNB's Ed Show this Saturday at 5pm to talk about their bills.
Using Technology to Deepen Democracy, Using Democracy to Ensure Technology Benefits Us All
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
MundiMuster! Congress Should Expand Social Security Not Cut It
Progressive Change Campaign Committee:
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Your Custom Text Here
"Hearts like these, Love like this, The stars aligned in the sky insist" ~ Fitting lyrics to celebrate Imee and Brandon's wedding day story
"to love is to create an oasis of tranquility together", congratulations Amanda and Brad!
The average final run time of my produced wedding video package is about 2.5 hours of finished footage. Each second of that video contains 24 individual images. If you do the math, that adds up to over 215k images minimum! Lets talk about one.


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|The LaFontaine Family camp, "Que Sera Sera"
|The current fleet (not shown: the Sunfish "Brisas"
|Headline: Boy Skips Stone, Follows Dad's Footsteps!
The following sequence needs a little bit of background explanation. I set out with my niece, a Miami native with some dinghy sailing experience who now attends college in Massachusets. The lake has been struggling with weed growth for several years and this summer is no different. They collect on the foils (daggerboard and rudder) quickly ruining the boats ability to point up wind; we struggled with horrible lee helm all day. Also, it's important to note that I still haven't addressed the halyard and downhaul cleats. The sheets enter the cam cleats at a bit of an angle such that the tend to ride up and out of the cleats' jaws. This happened again as seen in the time-lapse photos below (frames are at 30-second intervals). Final note: we never went over.*
|Trying to beat upwind in spite of weeds, Erin works the main
|Keen observer will note shore has slip from right to left, indicating leeway
|Helm crouches down, keeping hull flat in fresh breeze
|POW!!! halyard lets go with tremendous sound; all ballast is windward, throwing hull to port; captain scrambles to make sure she doesn't fully tip!
|Crew keeps her cool, but takes a nice safe seat while captain gather the rig prepares to row...
The rest of the story is that we struggled to row against the wind until we got to shore. After a bit of deliberation, Erin determines we would look totally badass if we sailed home anyway. THAT's the spirit; you have a bright future young lady. Badass it was as we fought our way up wind, lifting the dagger board periodically and using an oar to come about. We were both justifiably proud of our ability to overcome adversity. (It helps that we were within walking distance the whole time, but still...)
|Headline: Boy Commemorates Labor Day By Enjoying Leisure
*...cue Robert DeNiro as Jake LaMotta: "You neva got me down Ray... hey Ray, you hear me? You neva got me down..."


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The recession has sent the building boom bust all over, but you'd never guess it in Houston, Texas, where the Houston Ballet reports that it saved nearly $3.2 million on the construction of its swank new Center for Dance, due to lower prices of steel and concrete as a result of the 2008 recession.
The new six-story, 115,000 square foot building–which opens to the public on April 9th–came in at a cool $46.6 million and features nine dance studios, a dance lab with seating for 200 (for presentations as well as rehearsals), and artistic, administrative and support facilities for Houston Ballet and its academy. When the Center for Dance opens, it will reportedly be the largest professional dance company facility in the nation.
The structure was designed by the Gensler architecture firm and makes use of sustainable features such as extensive natural daylight harvesting coupled with an automatically adjusting lighting system; low gain windows; automatic blinds; recycled materials; water efficient plumbing; low water landscaping on the grounds; and recycled/re-purposed furniture from the Houston Ballet's West Gray facility.
According to World Interior Design Network, the architect designed the facility around a gallery-like concept, working with a neutral colour palette and a recurrent linear theme. The facility features views overlooking downtown Houston and the bayou and clear interior sight lines that engender "a spirit of openness, activity and collaboration."


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Orders are usually shipped within 48 hours (or less!). If we do encounter a delay, such as a product that is temporarily out of stock, we will contact you shortly with an expected ship date.
Not happy with your order? Give us a shout and let us know if you need to return an item.
Returns are happily accepted within 30 days from the date of sale.
All sales are final for knitting needles, crochet hooks, books, patterns, magazines, software and food products.
Items must be in original condition and packaging, with any labels attached. No returns will be accepted for merchandise that has been opened, worn or used.
Customer responsible for return shipping.


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2015 In Review
2015 Year in Review at Dewdney Animal HospitallDewdney Animal Hospital Ltd. Year in review……2015 not 2016 as per the video
Posted by Dewdney Animal Hospital Ltd. on Saturday, December 26, 2015
"For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice."
–T.S. Eliot, Four Quartets
What a joy it has been to serve Maple Ridge (and those of you who make the trek from elsewhere!) for another year. Our wonderful patients and the incredible staff at Dewdney Animal Hospital have made it all possible. So thank you for a wonderful year, and here's to many more!
Backyard Chickens: Are they right for your family?
Should you get backyard chickens? Many people like the idea of having home-grown eggs, however, raising hens isn't for everybody! Let's talk about it.read more
Why RATS Make the BEST Pets
Did you know that domestic (fancy) rats are physiologically and psychologically different from their wild counterparts? We get to the bottom if it in our latest Dewdney Diaries!read more
Enriching Indoor Cats
Many, if not all, behavioural problems can be solved by properly enriching a cat's indoor space. Contrary to popular belief, cats do not need to roam outdoors to be satisfied. It is actually far safer to keep them inside when not supervised. It is our duty as cat owners to create a 'Catified' environment to delight their natural instincts. We have a few ideas for you that we think you'll love!read more


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HOMESTEAD, Fla– Starting on October 1, Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks will increase entrance fees for visitors in order to fund important maintenance and improvement projects within the park. Everglades and Dry Tortugas have not increased park-wide fees since 1997.
"This increase in fees will allow us to continue to protect, preserve and share the special places at Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks with current visitors and future generations. After carefully considering the impact of a fee increase on visitors and community members, we came to the conclusion that this is the right course of action to improve facilities and services important to visitors," said Superintendent Pedro Ramos.
Entrance fees have supported a wide range of projects that improve the park and visitor experiences, including trailhead signs, developing and installing exhibits in visitor centers, improving park water systems, providing ranger-led programs, and improving Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility. An example is the new Shark Valley Visitor Center, which was partially funded with Recreation Fees.
Additional revenue from this fee increase will address deferred maintenance project costs for parks around the country. The National Park Service defines "deferred maintenance" as work activities that were not performed when scheduled on fixed assets (such as a bridge) and subsequently delayed until the future (most often due to funding constraints). These assets are necessary to provide the public an enjoyable experience in harmony with resource protection which is the economic engine for local communities across the nation. In Florida, the deferred maintenance amount comes to almost $192 million. According to Deputy Superintendent Justin Unger, the cost of Everglades National Park's deferred maintenance comes to almost $63 million. At Dry Tortugas National Park, that number is closer to $56.5 million.
In the fall of 2014, the National Park Service conducted a nationwide review of entrance fees. To solicit public input, a civic engagement campaign was launched in December 2014 and January 2015 regarding the Everglades and Dry Tortugas proposals. During the public comment period, input was solicited by the park from local officials and the public through 5 public meetings held throughout the area. Briefings were also provided for Congressional, nearby Federal, State, County and City officials, and stakeholder groups.
The new marine waters boater education program, which is expected to soon be approved as part of Everglades National Park's General Management Plan, is being developed and is expected to be available in 2016. More information about the program will be announced well in advance of the course's launch date so that the public is aware of course details as soon as possible.
WHAT: Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks will increase entrance fees for visitors in order to fund important maintenance and improvement projects within the park. (Please see the attached chart for more details.)
WHEN: Starting on October 1, 2015
WHERE: Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks
For information and directions to the park please visit the park websites at http://www.nps.gov/ever or http://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm or call (305) 242-7700 (during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).


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Submitted by admin on
Do I Need Brake Work?
Brake linings should be inspected periodically. A good time would be when you have your tires rotated. Most manufacturers recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. There should not be an additional charge if the brake inspection is done when the tires are rotated. Check the lining material on all the pads, inner and outer and front and rear, of each pad. If the thickness is down to the thickness of a nickel or less at any point, they should be replaced. The caliper slides should be cleaned, also. Any springs or clips that are worn or missing should be replaced.


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Guest Houses and B&Bs with sailing nearby in South West France
We have found 10 properties to book, based on your search for Guest Houses and B&Bs with sailing nearby in South West France, France.
Maison Bonne La Vie Chambre d'hotes B&B South France
B&B in Saint Sever de Rustan, Hautes-Pyrenees, France
Traditional house with garden in picture postcard village with bistro,river and abbey.Evening meals. Wifi,English++ TV. Bikes available. Ideal for exploring the Pyrenees and visiti...
€ 49.00 - € 115.00 per night
Sleeps: 12Pet & Dog Friendly Pets Welcome
Le Capistan Chambre D'hotes B&B near Sarlat Central France
B&B in Lacave, Lot, France
Located between Sarlat and Rocamadour, our bed and breakfast is the perfect accommodation for your holidays. You will also find close by some excellent restaurants where you will b...
€ 50.00 - € 70.00 per night
Sleeps: 6
Le Pech Bed & Breakfast with Pool South West France
B&B in lacour de visa, Tarn-et-Garonne, France
'LE PECH' BED AND BREAKFAST / GUEST HOUSE is relaxed and informal, located in the beautiful SW FRANCE countryside.Located between CAHOR and AGEN, 1 hour's drive north from TOULOUSE...
€ 45.00 - € 55.00 per night
Sleeps: 7
La Bordette B&B with Pool in South West France
B&B in Valeilles, Tarn-et-Garonne, France
Our 6 ha property, set on a hillside facing south in beautiful and untouched natural surroundings.Here, in safe environment for your children, we put at your disposal 5 guest rooms...
€ 45.00 - € 75.00 pppn
Sleeps: 14
Maison Maurice Rural Guest House B&B France
B&B in Biron, Charente-Maritime, France
Delightful! A sympathetically restored ancient farmhouse now an award winning B&B in a lovely setting, providing tastefully styled, very comfortable accommodation set among Cognac...
€ 60.00 - € 75.00 per night
Sleeps: 9
Chez Jacqueline B&B with Pool in Deuz Sevres France
B&B in Paizay le Chapt Nr Chef Boutonne, Deux-Sevres, France
Typical Charentaise house with swimming pool set in over an acre of well stocked garden. One double bedroom and one family room sleeping 3. Tea and coffee making facilities. Freevi...
€ 45.00 - € 60.00 per night
Sleeps: 5
Les Eaux Tranquilles B&B Pyrenees France
B&B in Belvianes et Cavirac, Aude, France
Quiet riverside property on the banks of the river Aude 4km south of Quillan at the foot of the Pyrenees. Ideally located for the Cathar Castles, vineyards, mountains and lakes. Ex...
€ 45.00 - € 60.00 per night
Sleeps: 8
Maison Delmas Guest Hoseu B&B Midi Pyrenees France
B&B in Puy l Eveque, Lot, France
Welcome to Maison Delmas, a Maison de Maître situated in the beautiful Lot Valley of Puy L'Eveque. We are conveniently situated in the heart of the village situated off from the ro...
€ 70.00 - € 75.00 per night
Sleeps: 8Wheelchair Friendly Accessible
B&B in HIESSE, Charente, France
Located 7km north of Confolens in the village of Hiesse. 3 types of room available, 2 double ensuite, 1 twin ensuite, 1 family room ensuite, with a bouble bed and a bunk bed. Cots...
€ 40.00 - € 70.00 per night
Sleeps: 10
Les Tilleuls Self catering Gite Cottage South West France
B&B in Touffailles, Tarn-et-Garonne, France
Our self catering gite is set on the outskirt of the tranquil and picturesque village of Touffailles in the South-West France overlooking beautiful valley with the fields of sunflo...
$ 520.00 - $ 1,450.00 per week
Sleeps: 4


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Pam Olson Vennerberg
Cathryn L. & Jon R. Withrow Leadership Scholars Program, College of Arts & Sciences, University of Oklahoma, Norman
Journalist Pam Olson Vennerberg of Norman is recognized for her dedication and commitment to two University of Oklahoma students, political science and history major Jesse Hare and Letters and history major Dylan Rodolf, whom she mentors through the Withrow Leadership Scholars Program.
"Pam has long been a faithful supporter of the OU College of Arts and Sciences," said Dr. Rhonda Kyncl, associate dean for students. "One aspect of her support and engagement with the college has been as a Withrow Leadership Scholars mentor and as a member of our Board of Advocates. Her mentorship has been particularly significant as she has doubled her duties, mentoring two of our leadership scholars."
Kyncl said Olson Vennerberg, an OU alumna, is generous with her time, meeting the students at least monthly, taking them to dinner and to events on campus.
"While Pam and her husband, Tom Boettcher, often attend events with Dylan and Jesse, her true gift to them is her time and generous wisdom," Kyncl said. "Both Pam and Tom have lived very interesting and engaged lives: Pam as a reporter for CNN, Tom as an author and war correspondent, and they have shared so much of their stories with these students – stories that resound with wisdom, life lessons, and interesting character."
Their investment in Hare and Rodolf became particularly significant this past summer. In mid-June, one of the Withrow Leadership Scholars, Daniel Holland, died tragically while traveling with the mentees in Europe. Olson Vennerberg not only contacted both students before they returned to the United States offering her condolences and support, but upon their return, she met with both of them and accompanied them to Holland's service in McKinney, Texas, and attended the OU Memorial Service for Daniel with them after fall classes began in August.
"Pam and Tom truly exemplify the mentor spirit we want our students to experience," Kyncl said. "They have poignantly lived out the role of the 'mentor' as they have accompanied these young men through the very ordinary academic life and in through a significant life event that has left us all forever changed."
About the Program: Students in OU's Cathryn L. & Jon R. Withrow Leadership Scholars Alumni Mentoring Program are paired with an alumnus or friend of the College of Arts and Sciences for a mentoring relationship. The program recognizes the brightest and most involved students in the college. Students from the sophomore, junior and senior classes are selected on the basis of grade point average, university or community service and leadership potential. Leadership Scholars meet regularly for leadership development activities, guest speakers, social events and community service.


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On spring low tides Marc Treanor draws incredible designs in the sand. We're lucky enough to be close to one of his favourite beaches to use as a canvas. Each design takes roughly three hours to complete and is drawn using the most basic of tools. We spoke to Marc to learn more about his artistic process...
1. Roughly how long does it take to complete a design?
It can take anything up to three hours to complete a design. Any longer and the tide is on its way back and all will be lost before it's completed...!
2. Whats tools do you use in order to create your sand circles?
The tools are actually very basic and comprise of sticks, rakes and string. I create a giant drawing compass with the sticks and string so can produce very accurate circles. The sticks are used to draw the lines in the sand, the string can also be used as a straight edge if stretched out between two sticks. The rakes are then used to rough up the surface of the sand giving the contrast of light and dark. If the light is right this can be quite dramatic creating a strong black and white image.
3. In a nutshell, what drives you to produce sand art?
I suppose the drive is my own pleasure at creating something on the sand. It is a three part process: the first is the mental work of translating the design onto the sand and this can take a lot of concentration. Second is the physical side of drawing in and raking the surface. In some cases the designs can be up to 80m wide so this can be a lot of raking! Lastly is the contemplative side. When all is complete it is nice to find a high point and sit and watch as the design is swallowed by the sea. There is something strangely moving about this part of the experience. Maybe it is a nod to our own limited time before we are absorbed back to where we sprang...
What a delight it is to have such extraordinary artistry right on our doorstep!


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Anthony Vaccarello has been announced as the new designer of Saint Laurent.
The 33 year-old Italian-Belgian designer had been repeatedly slated to replace former helmsman Hedi Slimane at the storied French fashion house.
'Mr Saint Laurent is a legendary figure for his creativity, style and audacity. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the history of this extraordinary house,' said Vaccarello in a statement.
François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering, the parent company that owns ysl, added: 'I am very proud to welcome such a vivid and young force among today's creative fashion talents to Yves Saint Laurent. Anthony Vaccarello's unique style will greatly express the maison's creative signature and fashion authority, building on the brand's solid foundations, and further developing it to realise its full potential. Together with the entire Yves Saint Laurent team, Anthony Vaccarello will strongly contribute to the maison's growing accomplishments.'
Whispers stepped up a gear on Friday when Slimane finally announced his long-rumoured departure. They were further ramped up on Monday morning when Vaccarello stepped down from his position as creative director of Versace sister line Versus, clearly positioning himself to take Slimane's former role.
Donatella Versace, who brought him into the Italian brand in January 2015, commented of his departure: 'While I'm sad to see him leave the Versace family, I wish [him] tremendous success with his next chapter.'
In taking the job he becomes the sixth ready-to-wear designer to succeed the brand's eponymous founder Yves Saint Laurent.
His predecessor Slimane controversially removed 'Yves' from the name of fashion house's ready-to-wear collections, showing and selling then under the label Saint Laurent. Whether Vaccarello will maintain this or revert back to the full, famous moniker is as yet unknown.
He will show his first collection at Paris Fashion Week in October.
Who is Anthony Vaccarello?
Vaccarello graduated from Belgian design school La Cambre in 2006.
His graduate thesis was so highly commended that it won him the top award at the 2006 Hyères Festival, and led to a two-year stint at Fendi's Rome atelier, where he worked on the house's fur offering.
In 2008, he founded his eponymous, Paris-based label, which has become known for its sensual, revealing designs.
'Maybe because I'm half-Italian and half-Belgian, I strive for both a kind of sensuality and a control and construction,' he told Interview magazine last year. 'It's sexy because the girl is wearing the dress. It's not my first goal when I'm making the collection.'
He began collaborating with Versus Versace in December 2013, designing a number of well-received capsule collections before being announced as the new permanent creative director of the brand, which is overseen by Versace creative director Donatella Versace, in January 2015.


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The Green Movement - What May Mean To Start Green?Your kids will love carrying a lantern at night. A good battery powered lantern is fairly inexpensive and simply found in cool colors that bring the children and teenagers. There are even several lanterns about the market targeted especially young children.
The same goes for Water Bottlles. As an alternative to buying a newer container, reuse those glass jars your peanut butter, pasta sauce, jams, et cetera comes in by washing them out after use. By doing this, you are usually reducing and reusing, and also you can save a pretty penny as better.
No fooling. In one case, the dog lost both eyes and had scars on the snout forever after. In addition as in the other, the dog lost a leg. But the dogs saved the people's lives. Personally, I continually had a Black Labrador. and on more than one occasion, my dog has barked a snake (rattlers) away, while Acquired hiking.
If you are going to be doing bench presses you to help make confident you acquire a good set of weightlifting rubber gloves. Gloves are not exclusively for making certain your hands don't get callouses, nevertheless they also keep sweaty hands from slipping off bars or from the heavyweight causing pain in your hands. Also if you are using resistance tubing the gloves will keep your hands from having allergic solution to the latex. You also might want look at using weightlifting pads. The spongy pads fit inside palm of one's hand and you more control is associated with your hand is priced at contact for the weight. Within mind mind though that while you are working out you'll must carry the pads around in your pockets while working on other work out routines.
Cut your shower time by five (5) free minutes. This would save over 25 cents off your water heating bill each shower that you cut 5 minutes off with. This may not seem just like lot, but assuming you shower everyday, that would save you $100 every day doing of a year! And if you have more than individual in your house, the savings are greater! Let's suppose you cut ten (ten) minutes off of your baths!
Drinks: States you can't drink cash? Add a few drops of green food coloring to white milk or in order to a regular bottle of water! Your child will function as a talk within the table when they take out a Insulated Water Bottle at that night filled with green "St. Patrick's Day Elixir" or "Leprechaun Juice"!
Another essential is a skilled Water Bottle. Online marketers use them use a water bowl but bottles are bigger. It is too easy for a water bowl to spill or splash which communicates the bedding around it saturated. Also the water can collect sawdust bits and pieces that spoil the clean water. A bottle is a lot cleaner and neater. In case you are at work and the guinea pig's water bowl spills, the poor pet is thirsty and soon you will get domestic.
The involving noise created can be also controlled because when many dried beans are dropped into the homemade recycled baby noisemakers. A reasonable amount is roughly 1/8 of a big bottle. If there are so many beans, it end up being too heavy for the child to tremors.
The mantra anyone whose ambition is to be environmentally friendly lives by is to reduce, reuse, and selling. These three it is easy to live a life by and promote a greener the earth. Reducing just has to have people to cut back and smarter concerning their purchases. Reusing allows for things for you to become used more than one moments. Recycling has whatever can go back in the process to look through much more. Three basic ideas, if adopted by many people, check out means to maintain down pollution and enable the Earth to thrive.