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I have always had a keen interest in science.
When I was young I would often take things apart to see how they worked (getting them back together was the big challenge). While the other kids were playing on the swings and monkey bars I was building electronic circuits, gazing though my telescope or microscope and generally pondering the meaning of the universe.
In those days my parents were separated and my sister and I lived with our mother. Our mother was a very good person but not a churchgoer, and the sum total of the godly input into our lives was the Sunday school that we attended regularly for a period of time.
Following the untimely death of our mother we stayed for a short time with a Christian family and after that went to live with our father. We did some travelling before finally settling down in a large city in Victoria, Australia.
I went through the typical government (secular) secondary school education. I chose science subjects during that time and gained good results.
Shortly after I left secondary school my father died also, leaving only my sister and I remaining in our family.
It was at that time that my sister began searching for answers. She became involved with a local Christian church and eventually married a man she had met there.
From that time I lived a mainly mundane existence with some fleeting moments of happiness. I never found the lasting good times I was convinced must exist somewhere.
During those years my sister would periodically try to tell me about the new life she'd found in Jesus Christ and, while it all sounded interesting, I kept my distance.
However, as a result of her persistent witnessing I was ripe for the harvest when a new church came to our city and began evangelising. I first began to trust in Jesus Christ on the night of October 4th, 1987.
My life changed dramatically from that point! An excitement about God filled my life. I began to attend church and read the Bible fervently.
Although I had gone through a long period of my life professing to be an atheist, in the years leading up to my conversion I began to see that there must be a Creator. However, I had no detailed understanding of the issues then. Also, even though I had always held the name of the Bible in high regard I had never read more than a few verses.
As I began to devour God's Word I immediately saw a conflict between what Genesis was teaching and what I had been taught at school and accepted as fact without question.
I recall going to see my Pastor after reading through Genesis and trying to make it fit with my thinking. I asked him if it meant 6 days or 6 very long periods of time. He replied that the Bible says 6 days and that meant 6 real days. I asked, "but can't they be millions of years?". His reply was an emphatic, "No!"
So in my mind there was a conflict between what the Bible said and what I had accepted as basic knowledge about the creation of the world. Yet, my conversion experience was undeniable so I just held on hoping it would all work out.
Shortly after that I was visiting my sister and must have explained my dilemma to her. She showed me a video that featured Ken Ham from the (then) Creation Science Foundation.
As I watched the video I was excited. The convincing scientific evidence and arguments Ken put forward dissolved all the confusion from my mind. I remember thinking that this man (Ken Ham) is obviously not trying to hide anything because he admits that he is biased just like everyone else (The question is not whether you're biased—it's "which is the best bias to be biased with anyway?").
I had never read an honest admission like that in any science textbook. Years later I was to more fully understand how the science of the secular world constantly brakes and swerves in a frantic effort to avoid giving any credit for creation to the God of Creation.
There is no doubt that western society has been thoroughly evolutionised.
Anyway, that was it! Suddenly I realised that what I had been taught at school about creation wasn't necessarily so. My zeal for God was no longer restrained.
I got my hands on as much Creation Science material as I could find. The more I read the more convinced I became that I had been misled in those vulnerable school years when I accepted without question the world view of secular science.
Shortly after my conversion I began work at a local computer software company. Whenever I could I spoke to my colleagues about Jesus Christ. It quickly became evident that the biggest hindrance for the majority of these people was their evolutionary worldview. Over the years I have drawn heavily on the resources supplied by Answers in Genesis to attempt to break into their lives and get them to realise that they are sinners in desperate need of salvation—with some success!
For example, once after having just received the latest Creation Magazine I was reading it in the lunchroom during my break. As I read the articles my faith began to be stirred—it was so obvious that God was real! The overflow of my excitement spilled out on the next (unsuspecting) person to walk into the room. I testified to him of the awesome things I was reading about God's creation.
Another colleague came into the room and asked what was going on. Starting with the issue of Creation I was able to explain to him the good news about salvation. To my joy and amazement I had the privilege of leading him to Jesus, through prayer, right there in the lunchroom.
Also, in recent times I posted an animated GIF of a bacterial flagellum in the corner of a general information page on our company Intranet. Surprisingly, I have received many queries asking, "What is it?" and with the full attention of each inquirer have been able to give the full account of how this and many other molecular machines disprove evolution and point to the Creator God.
The resources supplied by AiG have given me great boldness to proclaim the gospel even in a largely atheistic environment like my work place. Anyone who looks at the evidence honestly can only arrive at the conclusion that there is a Creator (as in God). The problem is that most people have only been fed the anti-God version of the story.
I have a great deal of admiration for those involved in the AiG ministry, especially those scientists who speak publicly. Theirs is not an easy task and I have seen how they often encounter fierce and even scurrilous opposition.
Sometimes I wonder what might have happened after my conversion if no-one was able to shed light on the apparent conflict between science and the Bible. Without wanting to sound too dramatic the thought of possibly having turned away from God, if the conflict could not be resolved, makes me shudder to this day.
Thankfully though, from shortly after my conversion until now (thanks to AIG) I have remained thoroughly convinced that there is no conflict between modern science and the Bible. Both loudly proclaim the reality, power and supreme authority of Almighty God.
God bless you,
Colin Cummins


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By Kayla Daly
In Emotional, Environmental, Mental, public, SpiritualPosted
Slowing Down – Why You Need to Listen to Your Body
Life can get so busy sometimes. Our stress from work turns into stress at home, and a day of stress can turn into a month of anxiety before we know it if we don't slow down. Our minds want to [...]

subset: commoncrawl


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KIEV (Reuters) - Eight miners were killed in a methane gas explosion in a coal mine in western Ukraine's Lviv region on Thursday and 20 other workers were still unaccounted for, Ukrainian emergencies service said in an online statement.
It said 34 miners were at a depth of 550 meters when the explosion ripped through the mine at 12.46 local time (17.46 ET).
Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Alessandra Prentice and Jon Boyle


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Unconventional Wisdom: ESG Investing Grows Up l Institutional Investor
by Afsaneh Beschloss, May 20, 2016
- Investing in companies that have strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) records has expanded dramatically over the past two decades. In 1995, when I was at the World Bank, fewer than 60 funds engaged in this new form of investing, collectively managing only about $12 billion in assets. Now there are hundreds of high-quality ESG and impact funds, overseeing hundreds of billions of dollars in assets.
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China replaces UK as world's fifth largest arms exporter
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 19
China has become the fifth largest exporter of conventional arms, replacing the United Kingdom, says a report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
This is the first time that China has been ranked among the top five arms exporters since the end of the cold war. Overall, the volume of international transfers of major conventional weapons grew by 17 per cent between 2003-2007 and 2008-12.
This is the first time that the UK has not been in the top five since 1950, the earliest year covered by SIPRI data. China's displacement of the UK is the first change in the composition of the top five arms exporters in past 20 years.
The five largest suppliers of major conventional weapons during the five-year period 2008-12 were the United States (30 per cent of global arms exports), Russia (26 per cent), Germany (7 per cent), France (6 per cent) and China (5 per cent). "The volume of Chinese exports of major conventional weapons rose by 162 per cent between 2003-2007 and 2008-2012, and its share of the volume of international arms exports increased from 2 to 5 per cent," the report said.
"The rise of China has been driven primarily by large-scale arms acquisitions by Pakistan," said Dr Paul Holtom, Director of the SIPRI Arms Transfers Programme. The report goes on to say that a number of recent deals indicate that China is establishing itself as a significant arms supplier to a growing number of important recipient states.
In New Delhi the report was released at the Observer Research Foundation where, ORF Director Sunjoy Joshi pointed out that all top five global suppliers of arms were also the permanent members of the UNSC that has failed to stop nuclear proliferation.
No wrongdoing, claims Agusta
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 19
Helicopter maker AgustaWestland, in its reply to the Ministry of Defence show-cause notice, today said it had not violated the integrity pact it signed with India in supplying 12 VVIP helicopters at a cost of around Rs 3,500 crore.
The company, a subsidiary of Italian aerospace major Finmeccanica, faces allegations of illegal payoffs of Rs 350 crore to bribe officials in India for securing the deal by changing tender specifications. An Italian court, on February 12, ordered the arrest of the Finmeccanica CEO.
This was the second show-cause notice the MoD had issued to the copter maker after rejecting its reply to the first notice a few weeks ago. The second notice was issued after a team of the MoD and the CBI obtained some documents from Italy. The authorities were reportedly not satisfied with Agusta's reply and had confronted it with facts.
Agusta, in its reply today, said, "The company has not violated the integrity pact it signed with the MoD for the supply of 12 AW 101 helicopters."
The ministry is examining the reply and its response will be known over the next few days. "The MoD response will be conveyed to Agusta in the next few days," source said.
The MoD had asked the helicopter-maker to submit details about its transactions with Tunisia and Chandigarh-based firms, the IDS Infotech and the Aeromatrix, respectively. In response, the company has submitted audit papers of its financial transactions.
Defence expenditure
Going beyond the Budget
by Lt-Gen Nirbhay Sharma (retd)
The ongoing post-Budget debates are on expected lines. As in the past, all essential concerns are on the table excepting, of course, defence. The discourse predictably centres around the adequacy of the amount allocated. No mention is made of the vital issues — value for money and progress on self-reliance. The new budget's allocation of $ 37 billion (Rs 2.03 trillion) amounts to an increase of 14 per cent over the revised estimates of 2012-13. However, when you take into account the annualised inflation rate of around 6 per cent, the actual increase is almost nothing.
Recently delivering a lecture in New Delhi, the Finance Minister had spoken about shifting from a compartmentalised to a comprehensive approach to security — encompassing all of its dimensions. With an eye on the Budget, a direct relationship between economic growth and the expense on defence was also highlighted. While no one can argue with the premise, its complexities demand further deliberation.
Defence needs to be viewed as an integral part of national planning so as to comprehensively quantify the overall requirement to meet our legitimate security needs and strategic aspirations. A coordinating mechanism must ensure that all the relevant planning and decision-making instruments of the state are in harmony and do not come in the way of either economic growth or defence preparedness. Considering that building defence capabilities takes a long time requiring assured and sustained financial commitment, the yearly pronouncement in the Budget of "allotting more money if required for defence" must be reviewed. The allocations are nullified further by "giving with one hand and taking back by the other" through cuts at revised estimates. Within these parameters, the allocation of 1.79 per cent of the GDP for defence requires more debate. Also, the present allocation constitutes 12.23 per cent of our annual expenditure, and the taxpayers have a right to know the "whys and hows".
India is today one of the world's largest importers of defence equipment. In the next five years, we are likely to spend around $50 billion on imports. It's indigenous purchase ratio is barely 30 per cent. China, so often quoted as our strategic rival, is not only nearly self- reliant, it meets a substantial portion of its defence expenditure through the export of arms and other defence hardware. No wonder its defence spending has risen by 200 per cent in the last decade to reach $119 billion in 2010 (compared to our $36 billion). Indigenisation then can also be the key to prudent fiscal management by offsetting the expense on defence as well.
Secondly, the defence procurement procedures, which have been under constant revision, still result in delays due to procedural bottlenecks. Lengthy processes continue to contribute towards cost overruns, technology backlog and even corrupt practices. There is the view that "no-questions-asked- safety" lies in procurement through defence public sector units (DPSUs) and ordnance factories (OFs) alone. This, in fact, has given these undertakings a monopoly status leading to systemic inefficiency, lack of corporate accountability and competition, high costs and outdated technologies. With notable exceptions, these establishments primarily operate as aggregators or assembly units sourcing components from private producers. Hi-tech components are either outsourced or acquired as transfer of technology, leaving behind a static technological base.
Progressive corporatisation and joint ventures with the private sector will bring in market-based accountability and competition in quality, price and sales. It could also provide a window to, and a level playing field for, the private sector. While the government has to open the sector for the large Indian commercial base, the corporate sector needs to bring more to the table and go global. Investments in R&D and advanced technology are vital and have long-term spinoffs. Looking at the aggression Indian private companies have shown in other sectors, it is time they make strategic acquisitions in the global defence industry.
That said, excessive barriers on foreign bidders will preclude judging the competitiveness of Indian bids, enable cartelisation and increase the costs.
Instead, a marginal price preference to domestic suppliers whose import content does not exceed a certain threshold should be examined. Also, technological and volume growth is only possible in global competition. The strategic implications of defence procurements and transfer of critical technologies need the fostering of long-term relationships. In this context, the armaments and equipment inventory has to be viewed through its life cycle with upgrades that go well beyond mere buyer-seller relations. Our dreams of indigenisation and self-reliance will remain stillborn without sovereign decisions.
Finally, defence preparedness and growth cannot occur in isolated silos. For example, as of now, projects for ship building and coastal infrastructure pass through nearly a dozen ministries/departments. Likewise, defence exports do not figure in the plans of the Ministries of Commerce, Industry and Foreign Trade. The line between internal and external security having blurred, the structures and processes should have been correspondingly altered. Instead, they continue to exist and grow on separate tracks.
On a parallel note, it is worthwhile to factor in that the armed forces and Central police forces both stand at a figure of 1.3 million each. The MoD and MHA must coordinate issues of procurement of armament, infrastructure, training and manpower. The military has nearly 60,000 personnel in the age group of 35-40 retiring every year. They possess a healthy blend of professional skills, relative youth and rich experience, which remains unutilised. No other country in the world is known to indulge in such a waste. It is a pity that despite recommendations by many high-powered committees, their lateral induction into the Central armed police and paramilitary forces has been stymied on some pretext or the other. If implemented, the overall bills of pay and pension of the security forces would be reduced substantially. Add to this the savings on avoidable cost of infrastructure and training. Likewise, a huge portion of weapons and other inventory of military rendered surplus due to constant upgrades can be passed on. This measure will also reduce expense under the revenue head and make more money available for capital acquisitions.
The competing demands on the national exchequer of "guns" over "butter" have to be contextualised by striking a judicious balance. There is a need to look at the security-related expenditure in totality. Also, the expenditure on defence should not be treated as an add-on liability, but be an integral part of the national fiscal plan. A bold and realistic drive is necessary to revamp and upgrade the DPSUs and ordnance factories, bring in more FDIs and JVs. It is only then that the huge existing defence infrastructure will shift gear, give us value for money and harness our national industrial strength.
The writer is a former member of the Union Public Service Commission and presently a Distinguished Fellow at the Obs
India Needs More Vehicles, But Spending Less
NEW DELHI — India's spending on military vehicles has dropped slightly, despite the fact that defense forces have been urging faster vehicle procurement.
The budget allocation for military vehicles for the year 2013-14 is 20.8 billion rupees ($383 million) compared with an allocation of 22.6 billion rupees in 2012-13 and an actual spending of 23.5 billion rupees in 2011-12.
The drop in spending is even steeper when compared with the rupee's declining value against the dollar. Three years ago, 48 rupees equaled $1, and now it takes 54 rupees.
The Indian Army still has failed to finalize purchases of armored personnel carriers and strike vehicles, which, according to an Indian Defence Ministry source, is the reason for the "near stagnation" on spending. The Indian Army has not purchased about 100 personnel carriers, the tender for which was first floated in 2009.
Only Ukraine-based Ukraine Export had submitted bids, which were also sent to Russia's Rosoboronexport, Poland's Bumar, U.K.-based BAE Systems, Germany's Rheinmetall and U.S.-based General Dynamics.
The Army seeks to secure personnel carriers for use by its specialized forces.
In addition, the Defence Acquisitions Council, the MoD's highest authority on weapons purchases, in October approved $300 million to buy 3,000 light strike vehicles for the Army.
A request for information has been issued for the vehicles, which will be used by special operations forces and will be fitted with integrated firepower systems. The Army has sought a stable vehicle that can carry four soldiers in full-combat mode. The request has been sent to major domestic automobile contractors.
An Indian Army official said the service urgently needs a variety of military vehicles for speedy movement against terrorists and preparedness for a swift fight in the future, yet procurement delays by the MoD have slowed the purchase process.
The Army submitted its request for vehicles nearly five years ago, which included wheeled armored personal carriers, light strike vehicles, command post vehicles, light armored multipurpose vehicles and vehicle platforms for multibarrel rocket launchers, the Army source said.
Pressure from the domestic automobile industry to give tenders only to domestic firms — against the Army's desire for international competitions — is the reason behind the MoD's inability to move quickly, the MoD source said.
Abhishek Verma leaked details of most sensitive Army procurements
In an indication of the suspected deep inroads arms agents have made into the military establishment, new documents have come to light suggesting that details of some of the most sensitive Army procurements were allegedly leaked and shared with international armament companies by arms agent Abhishek Verma.
A fresh set of documents received last week by the defence ministry and the CBI, on Verma's dealings and his connections with small arms manufacturer Sig Sauer, contain a detailed fact-sheet prepared on February 28, 2011 for the then Army Chief Gen V K Singh, detailing 45 most-sensitive capital procurement cases, along with the progress in each of them.
The top-secret document, described as genuine by officials and other sources in the military establishment, gives precise details of the name, purpose, quantity and progress of the Army's most critical procurement projects.
The document was apparently leaked from Army HQ within weeks of being prepared and was allegedly mailed by Verma's associate to his then US-based escrow fund manager C Edmonds Allen.
The confidential document was sent in an email dated April 19, 2011, allegedly to be shown to international armament companies to highlight Verma's clout in the military establishment.
While The Indian Express has decided not to publish the contents of the document, officials said the details that have been leaked, specifically the exact quantity of critical ammunition the Army is short of, can have serious implications for national security.
The document also discusses in detail the required quantity of launchers and missiles, along with the project-update for the Army's next generation anti-tank guided missiles, the Army's requirement for 3-D radars, description of the Army's tactical and mobile communication systems, required quantities and updates of the four main personal infantry weapons projects and the total requirement of ammunition for various branches of the Army.
Aggression in Indian army
Indian Army chief Bikram Singh Recently warned Pakistan, that these soldiers would not remain quiet if Pakistan violated the ceasefire. Army Chief has repeatedly has shown his aggressive side after beheading of the Indian army jawans by Pakistani special forces and in a way also has given a free hand to the battalion commanders to reply to any Pakistani aggression in the area .
Indian army in recent times is not shying away from giving out its peace of mind to its political masters in the centre and when they disagree with their political masters they make sure that the whole country through media knows about their concerns and their thinking. It can be said that it was Indian Army which forced PM Manmohan Singh to stay away from handing over a favourable deal on Siachen Glaciers to Pakistan.
Gone are the days when Indian army chief could shy away from media or repeat what their political master have in mind , Indian army seems to be showing a different kind of aggression . Pervious Army chief Vijay Kumar Singh was very vocal in criticising Center or issues related to Indian army.
Aggressive Army chief is a shift which is seen in Indian Army, but it also need of hour that we cannot ignore. Once US Army is out of Afghanistan focus of attention will again shift back to Kashmir, Dozens of Terror outfits operating with or without Pakistani blessings have already shown their next Intentions after pressure of US army is gone, Kashmir will be the next battle ground for this terror outfits and Recent attack on CRPF Camp is just the beginning of the things to come in next few years. Instead of waiting for Political masters to show some nerves , Army should show the way in dealing with terror .


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Recently, we received a message through The Droid Guy Mailbag about the Samsung Galaxy S3 WiFi auto connect problem. In the email sent to us by one user, she told us that she leaves her WiFi off whenever she leaves home. However, it mysteriously turns on when a hotspot is detected.
Possible Solutions to the Galaxy S3 WiFi Auto Connect Issue
Aside from the fact that this can be very irritating, having the Galaxy S3 WiFi on auto connect can cause a quick drain battery too. So, here are the possible solutions to this particular problem:
1. Restart Phone
Restarting your Galaxy S3 provides a quick way to solve minor glitches in the system. However, this is not a guarantee that the problem will not happen again.
2. Apply the Solutions Featured in Our Previous Article
If the simple restart failed to do the trick, check out our previous article here about the same problem experienced by Galaxy Note 2 owners. The solutions here might work for you.
3. Check the Galaxy S3 for Malware
In addition to the possible solutions discussed in the Galaxy Note 2 article, you should also install a reliable anti-virus or anti-spy software in your phone. Then, use it to scan your device thoroughly to ensure that it is clear from viruses or malware that have the tendency to auto connect to the Internet whenever a WiFi connection is available.
Email to Us Your Questions and Suggestions
I hope that the information provided here somehow helped. For more questions about Galaxy S3 problems, email us at [email protected]. Just be detailed as much as possible in your questions so we can effectively pinpoint your problem and help you find the right solution for it.
Users who have something to contribute on the subject can also share their views and suggestions via email or in the comment box below.


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2018-2019 Men's Basketball News
A Season to Remember Comes to a Close in Dramatic FashionMarch 08, 2019
Markieth Brown Jr. Named North Region MVPMarch 08, 2019
Mike Trautman Named North Region Coach of the YearMarch 08, 20192nd straight season winning North Region Coach of the Year and back to back North Region Titles
Trojans Clinch the NorthFebruary 20, 2019
Balanced Effort Downs RivalsFebruary 18, 2019The Trojans entered Saturday night with the hope of securing a spot in the NWAC playoffs. A win over rivals Edmonds CC would do just that, and the mission was accomplished when the final horn sounded with a 101-96 point victory.
Trojans Go for 9th Straight Win over ShorelineFebruary 13, 2019
Trojans reach 100 points in 8th straight winFebruary 06, 2019
Trojans Come Out on Top of Double OT ThrillerJanuary 31, 2019The Trojans completed the first half of North Region play on Wednesday night going a perfect 7-0 thanks to a gutsy performance on the road and coming out with a 110-108 double overtime victory.
Trojans Remain Team to Beat in the NorthJanuary 26, 2019Trojans look unstoppable in 96-63 win over Peninsula.
5th in a Row For the TrojansJanuary 24, 2019EvCC Men's Basketball left Bremerton with their 5th straight North Region win, to go 5-0 in conference play for the first time in recent history.
Trojans Route EdmondsJanuary 19, 2019Trojans shoot lights out in big win over Rival Edmonds Saturday night.
Trojans top PhinsJanuary 17, 2019The Trojans set out on Wednesday night to do something that hasn't been done since the 2012-2013 season, and that is start off conference play at 3-0. That goal was accomplished after an 88-76 win over Shoreline CC.
Trojans shoot lights out in win over WhatcomJanuary 12, 2019Markieth Brown Jr scores 37 points and is honored for 1,000 career points with the Trojans.
Big Win in Mt. VernonJanuary 10, 2019The Trojans left Mt. Vernon last night with a big 84-64 victory in the North Region opener vs Skagit Valley.
Trojans Score 99 in win over SpokaneDecember 29, 2018Trojans go 16-28 from beyond the arc in 99-96 win over Spokane
Trojans go 2-1 in Walla WallaDecember 17, 2018After a brief return home in which the Trojans cruised to a 109-91 win over then 7-1 Clackamas CC, Everett was back on the road for the NWAC Crossover Tournament hosted by Walla Walla CC.
Trojans Shoot Lights Out In Win Over ClackamasDecember 10, 2018The Trojans go 18-36 from 3 point territory over Clackamas.
Comeback in Des Moines falls short ShortDecember 06, 2018Everett was back at it on Wednesday night, again on the road traveling to Des Moines for a matchup against 3-1 Highline College. Both teams entered the contest coming off of wins, the Trojans in a 123-89 drubbing over Yakima Valley and the Thunderbirds in a defensive battle in which they came out on top of Olympic College 70-67.
National Competition Good for TrojansDecember 01, 2018In their second pre season tournament of this young 2018-2019 season, the Trojans got to face national caliber teams at the Treasure Valley Invitational Tournament in Ontario, OR this past weekend. Two Division I (full scholarship) NJCAA teams faced were Utah State Eastern and Snow College, both out of Utah.
Trojans take 2nd at LCC ClassicNovember 26, 2018Just one day after Thanksgiving, the Trojans hit the road and traveled south to Longview for the 32nd annual Red Devil Classic hosted by Lower Columbia College. Everett has been attending this tournament for much of those 32 years, last season advancing to the championship game where they fell 71-60 to Spokane in the Championship game.
Trojans Win First Game of the SeasonNovember 18, 2018Looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season, the Trojans took on Green River who is coming off a big win over Edmonds with a final score of 90-62.
Trojans Fall to South Puget Sound 95-79November 17, 2018The Trojan Men's Basketball team hosted Puget Sound on the campus of Everett Community College's Larry Walker Court.
Congratulations 2017-18 Athletes & Team of the YearJune 08, 2018Congratulations to the Male & Female Athletes of the Year for 2017-2018- Gio Jackson and Sydney Taggart, as well as the Team of the Year- Men's Basketball.
NWAC Baden Athletes of the Year AnnouncedMay 31, 2018Congratulations go out to Trojan Sophomore, Gio Jackson being named the NWAC Baden Men's Basketball Athlete of the Year and to Trojan Freshman, Jakobe Ford being named NWAC Baden Co-Men's Track & Field Athlete of the Year.
NWAC All-Star Games in Walt Price Student Fitness CenterMarch 18, 2018The Men's & Women's Basketball Sophomore All-Star Games will take place on Sunday, March 18th in the Walt Price Student Fitness Center.
Men's Basketball- Everett 110, North Idaho 112 2OTMarch 11, 2018Written by NWAC: In the final matchup of the NWAC Elite 8, the #3 seed from the East Region, the Cardinals from North Idaho College took on the #1 seed from the North Region and #1 in the conference, the Everett Community College Trojans.


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State committee favors new psychiatric hospital in Columbia
JEFFERSON CITY (AP) — A state health committee has approved a proposal for a new psychiatric hospital in Columbia.
The State Health Facilities Review Committee Monday approved a certificate of need from CenterPointe Hospital for a 72-bed, $21.2 million hospital.
CenterPointe officials say construction of Little Hills Hospital would begin in October 2017. It would eventually employ about 200 people.
The Columbia Daily Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/29NS3ct ) the committee in April rejected a proposal from Oceans Healthcare for a 60-bed, $12.7 million psychiatric hospital designed mostly for older patients. Oceans Healthcare has gone to court to appeal that ruling.
The new hospital will have 24 child and adolescent beds and 48 adult beds, including treatment for substance abuse.
CenterPointe already operates outpatient clinics in Columbia and psychiatric hospitals in St. Louis and Kansas City.


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Recycling haulers no longer must pay the city a $500 registration fee for the right to pick up trash in Weston.
The City Commission last week, saying it was eliminating an unnecessary level of bureaucracy, wiped the registration requirement for haulers off the books.
City Manager John Flint said registering haulers is no longer cost-effective because the state has put limits on the amount that cities can charge and because there isn't much business for them left in Weston, anyway.
Until last year, the city had been charging each hauler $5,000 to register. The fee was putting $25,000 to $30,000 into the city's coffers annually.
But last year the state, saying cities were charging too much, limited the fee to $500. The city then began charging the maximum, but so few companies registered that officials found it wasn't worthwhile to continue. The city collected only $1,000 last year.
The justification for the fee was that the city set and enforced minimum standards on haulers, such as making sure they had a minimum amount of liability insurance.
The state, however, already regulates haulers and continuing the city's requirement would "serve only to add an unnecessary layer of administration to the process," the commission said.
Flint said few recycling haulers do business in Weston because their primary product is construction debris and building in the city has leveled off.
Concert set for lunchtime Wednesday at center
The Weston Town Center will offer a Lunchtime Live concert from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday.
The concert, featuring performances by husband-and-wife jazz duo Davis and Dow, will be presented on Main Street in the Town Center, at Arvida Parkway and Bonaventure Boulevard.
Karate lessons offered at community center
People of all ages can register to take karate lessons at the Weston Community Center, 20200 Saddle Club Road.
A children's class, for ages 6 and older, meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Adults meet from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays.
Instructor David Schopp, a third-degree black belt in goju karate, teaches participants self-defense, fighting, weaponry and forms.
The cost is $30 a month. There is no charge for the first class.
To register or for more information, call 954-389-4321.


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Dear Members,
Thank you for your membership and support of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA). Please accept this personal invitation to renew your membership in the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA), the statewide association of school superintendents and administrators. We have more than 1,600 members and more than 94 percent of the state's active superintendents are IASA members.
As you know, IASA offers its members an array of services that can help meet the ever-increasing challenges of being a school administrator. Those services include such things as legal assistance, professional development opportunities, consulting and mentoring, legislative analysis and communications support. We have a staff of experienced, skilled and dedicated people that provide those services and are available as resources to our members.
IASA is a highly effective association representing school administrators, and we will remain strong with you as one of our members. I hope you will consider this invitation to renew your IASA membership dues. Access the links to the left for your membership category for more information on paying your membership dues for FY 2020.
If you have any questions regarding IASA, please give Misti Murphy a call at 217/753-2213. You can also watch a video featuring superintendents discussing why they are members here.
Brent Clark, Ph.D.
Executive Director
James V. and Dorothy B. Moon Scholarship Program
Are you a superintendent or an aspiring superintendent? Are you pursuing graduate study to become the best superintendent you can be? Do you know there are scholarships available through IASA to help offset the costs of your coursework?
Established in 1993 in memory of Dr. James V. Moon, a former superintendent at Morton High School District, the James V. and Dorothy B. Moon Scholarship program is committed to improving the education and qualifications of school administrators. Since its inception, 115 scholarships totaling over $252,631.00 have been awarded to current or aspiring superintendents.
Practicing school administrators in Illinois qualify if they are college graduates pursuing an advanced degree in educational administration at an accredited college or university. Several scholarships ($2,500 minimum each) are awarded each year and are paid directly to the college or university to cover tuition, fees and/or textbook expenses.
The SAFE Board of Trustees has recommended a $25.00 contribution per IASA member. This is a voluntary contribution and is deductible as a charitable contribution. Please note that a personal check is required. Make checks payable to SAFE and mail to, 2648 Beechler Court, Springfield, IL 62703-7305.
Questions on the SAFE (Moon Scholarship Program) can be directed to Jodi Gillespie, Office Assistant - Administrative, at 217.753.2213 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
IPAC is a statewide, non-partisan Political Action Committee (PAC) organized by members of the Illinois Association of School Administrators to benefit school leaders in the pursuit of educational excellence through continued school improvement.
Click here to access additional information on IPAC.
Illinois Association of School Administrators
Cvent Online Event Registration Software | Copyright © 2000-2019 Cvent, Inc. All rights reserved.


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Creating their own Everyday Carry line, the Gerber Daily Carry several tool options along with two knives including the GDC Tech Skin Pocket Knife. The key focus of this knife is the non scratch surface when closed, so you can carry it in your pocket with any other valuables, particularly a smart phone without the worry of scratching it. It also provides for a comfortable non-slip grip Gerber are calling Techhide. You can view the full details in the promo video below. View full details at GerberGear.com
|GDC Tech Skin Pocket Knife
Related Posts:


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WM-Form Land Forming Solution
Whether you're a grower or an earthworks contractor, the Trimble® WM-Form™ land forming solution can help you fix underproducing acres – while also controlling the cost of the earthworks and minimizing disturbance to valuable topsoil.
- Level fields with single or multiple planes using a best-fit or custom plane, or with multiple hinges
- Drain water in any direction or to a linear feature such as a ditch or existing drainage system
- Create multi-direction variable slope designs to optimize the surface for furrow irrigation
- Create section lines and design each section individually
- Generate multiple design variations for the field, then compare them in 3D view against the original topography
- Produce 2D cut/fill estimates and reports
Optimize Your Acreage
With easy-to-use surface design tools and flexible parameters, WM-Form software can help you create field leveling, drainage and irrigation designs that optimize the field surface for water management and produce a more consistent yield.
More +
You'll get problem areas producing in no time, while you…
- Open up more acres to be farmed
- Enable optimal water distribution and drainage
- Minimize disturbance to valuable topsoil
- Reduce erosion and minimize flooding by effectively channeling water
- Create more uniform production and increase yield
WM-Form allows you to design variable-shaped fields and topography based on the best use of existing contours, the water needs of individual crops and even individual farming practices.
As a complete end-to-end workflow, WM-Form allows you to perform field survey, analyze topography, create an optimized design, export earthworks reports and control files, and conduct land forming operations on the machine. The WM-Form software can also be used to generate earthworks volume estimates and produce detailed project bids for contractors.
Collect 3D field data with ease using the Trimble WM-Topo™ survey system, FmX® Integrated Display or TMX-2050™ display.
Analyze topographic data in the WM-Form software for surface problems that limit yield.
Create an optimal field surface with design parameters that balance your farming practices with water movement requirements and earthworks costs.
Use the new design to estimate earthworks volumes and generate a project bid.
Level and Form
Grade the new field using the field design as a machine control model with the Trimble FieldLevel II system.
Verify and Manage
Map the true contours of your new field with Trimble WM-Topo for future maintenance or drainage management projects.


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John Hynes
John Hynes Photography
Offers professional photos to fit your personal budget with ultra-quick turnarounds and no messing.
Offers: • Portraits / Business Headshots. • Company product shots / make your website STANDOUT from the rest.
We can also offer business visual concepts for your company and branding. • Marketing, Advertising & Publicity • Passion Photography opening hours are :
10am – 10pm Monday – Friday 12pm – 8pm Saturday / Sundays making us the most flexible company around.
We can offer many different packages, also including location shots and also offering professional studio facilities too.
Guitar / Music Teaching Services
Teaching Guitar / Bass / Keyboards / Singing / Piano and Music Technology and Production.
If you've had music lessons in the past but didn't feel that you achieved or understood the music or the tutor, there is a good chance that you were not being taught in a way that is specific to you. Or maybe you felt you were not being stimulated by the lesson plan, or perhaps the tutor was not inspiring enough to help you achieve your goals?
My lesson plans are simply tailored to you as an individual, specific to your personal needs and requirements. I don't teach you what 'I want to teach you', or even what the rule book or college says I should teach you, I teach you what 'you want to learn'.
I've had many years of using this technique and approach, resulting in a catalogue of successful students. I will work with you, and together we can release your inner musical potential,
Come along to a first introductory half hour lesson, have a relaxed informal chat and we can discuss your aims and requirements, I want to understand from you what you want from your lessons, to enable me to help you meet your requirements.
You don`t even need to bring a musical instrument, I have an wide selection of guitars and keyboards readily available for you to experience, play a selection of instruments before deciding which is right for you.
All available to use within your first few lessons in the studio. Incorporating a wide array and variety of music styles.
Call us today to arrange a meeting.
Step into the beautiful world of the music.


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By Barney Lehrer and Jesse Nash
Luxurious five-star accommodations, prize-winning architecture, world-class gourmet food and the finest wines. Where are we? St. Tropez? Paris? Rome? Nope! It's Portugal, the unsung luxury destination at the southwestern tip of Europe.
We recently had the opportunity to be guests at a "Five-Star Trio" of hotels in three magnificent regions of Portugal. This cooperative marketing program is the brainchild of Chitra and Roman Stern, developers and owners of Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel, the relatively new (2010) five-star resort, as a way to introduce visitors to this varied and enchanting country.
Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel, Western Algarve
Known as "Europe's most famous secret," the rolling hills, dramatic coastlines and sandy beaches of the Algarve in southwestern Portugal provide a wonderful getaway spot. And every Portuguese schoolchild knows of Sagres, referred to by early geographers as "the western edge of the earth." According to popular legend, it was in his villa on the rugged Sagres Peninsula that Prince Henry the Navigator established a school of navigation and mapmakers in the early 1400s; and it was certainly from Sagres that he sponsored pioneering voyages along the coast of Africa.
The stunning Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel, just outside the sleepy little town of Sagres, is the only five-star property in this lovely, unspoiled corner of the western Algarve. And what a resort! Surrounded by the Costa Vicentina National Park, it's the jewel of the region, with its opulence, exceptional restaurants, extensive sports and recreation venues, spa and stunning setting. What's more, it welcomes children and is designed not only for couples in search of a relaxing escape, but also with families in mind. It even offers villa rentals and villas that can be purchased outright or on "leaseback" terms. In total, between the 38 boutique hotel rooms and the over 150 spacious designer villas, the resort has about 1000 beds.
It takes a pioneering spirit and a lot of vision to create a magical place like this from nothing, and sure enough, Chitra, a native of Singapore, and her Swiss husband Roman Stern are a very special couple. Chitra's father immigrated to Singapore from India, were he still has many business interests. Roman's father is a well-known lawyer and property developer whose interests include the Liss Ard Country Estate, a resort in County Cork, Ireland. The couple hired award-winning British architectural firm Conrad and Partners to do the overall design and British furniture and interior designer Michael Sodeau for the interiors. The Sterns run the resort with the efficiency and attention to detail renowned in their native countries, while making sure that the renowned Portuguese charm and warm hospitality dominate the atmosphere. And, as parents of four young children themselves, they made sure that the resort is set up to accommodate the needs of families, including play areas for different age groups in all parts of the resort, as well as trained babysitters who take over the kid care when a couple would like to have some romantic moments alone.
"We understand the needs of families on holiday," explains Chitra. "There must be opportunities for children of all age groups, as well as ways for parents to have time alone."
Although the Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel has only been open since 2010, it has already been recognized as one of the top resorts in Europe. Indeed, it won the 2012 Europe's Leading Villa Resort Award from World Travel Awards.
Our motto for this resort is, "Come for the sea, stay for the good life!"
Convento do Espinheiro, Évora
From the Algarve, we drove two and a half hours north to the beautiful ancient university city of Évora, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established as a city for more than 2000 years, Évora became a second home for Portuguese royalty during the 15th and 16th centuries. Around 1400 it is said that an apparition of the Virgin Mary appeared above a thornbush (espinheiro, in Portuguese) outside of Évora. It became a sacred site and in 1458 the local bishop ordered the building of a monastery and church that was to be a home of the Order of Saint Jerome. The Convento was the site of many Portuguese and Spanish kings' religious retreats and ceremonies. The Order was mostly dissolved in the mid 19th century and the property fell into ruin.
Fortunately, in 1999, the Camacho family, from the Portuguese island of Madeira, bought it and planned its transformation into a five-star hotel. In 2005, after painstaking years of meticulous restoration, it opened as the Convento do Espinheiro Hotel and Spa, the first five-star hotel in Alentejo province and a national historic monument. This magnificent hotel offers opulent accommodations, a fantastic restaurant that serves traditional Portuguese food in a modern style, a spa recognized as one of the best in Portugal and many other luxury features.
Dinis Pires, the General Manager of the Convento, took great joy in telling us the history of the property. "The Convento do Espinheiro is a national treasure," he says "and I am humbled to be its caretaker." He first brought us to the huge vaulted restaurant, which was the convent's wine cellar. Across a corridor from the restaurant entrance is the magnificently restored church, now a venue for weddings and other religious events. Dinis patiently guided us through the extensive artwork in the church, including its superb tile murals of the life of St. Jerome. We visited the former royal residences, now transformed into suites fit for a king, and then moved on to the bar, which was originally the monastery's refectory. Before dinner we wandered into the adega (wine bar) for a tasting of fabulous Alentejo wines paired with local cheeses and charcuterie. The adega, which is furnished with stylish alabaster tables and bars, was once the convent's gothic cistern.
Our motto for this hotel: "Come for the history, stay for the luxury!"
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Towering over Lisbon's main square, the Marques de Pombal, stands a large, handsome building with a simple sign on top: "Ritz." This is the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, the premier hotel property in Lisbon. Upon arrival, doormen who already knew our names greeted us warmly, then walked us into an enormous elegant lobby decorated with spectacular flower arrangements. Then it was up to the 10th floor, to our stunningly beautiful rooms with balconies overlooking the Marques de Pombal (and most of the rest of historic central Lisbon).
The view is fabulous, the room is fabulous, the service is impeccable (the housekeeping staff even neatly folds your clothes!) and the whole atmosphere of the Ritz Four Seasons makes you never want to leave!
Of course, most five-star hotels offer good fitness facilities. But the Lisbon Ritz Four Seasons takes the concept of fitness centers to a (quite literally) much higher level. The 7,535 square-foot center covers the entire rooftop of the building, offering breathtaking views of the city and the Tagus River. It features an exercise room, two yoga studios, a 1,313-foot outdoor running track and a fully equipped traditional Pilates studio. What appears to be a beautiful indoor swimming pool overlooking the hotel's gardens was under renovation during our visit, but a luxurious spa in the basement offers massages, a Turkish bath and a sauna. You can easily spend all day at the hotel, it has so much to offer.
And the restaurant! Overlooking Eduardo VII Park and the hotel's terraces, the Varanda Restaurant features a rich variety of French-style cuisine as well as some authentic and diverse Portuguese dishes. Executive chef Pascal Meynard, a native of the Basque area of southern France, previously owned his own restaurants in Tasmania and the Canadian Rockies and served as executive chef at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, Switzerland, and the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal, Canada. For us he decided on a very French, multi-course gourmet tasting meal of seafood and meats, accompanied by special Portuguese wines. We began with an amuse bouche of foam celery with roasted red mullet with truffle condiment. The first appetizer was ObsiBlue prawn, and the second scallops with caviar Baeri. Then came the first course of roast cod with miso and seaweed salad and crunchy vegetables, followed by a second course of poularde (a specially fattened chicken) de Bresse, with lemon gnocchi and green asparagus. This amazing meal ended with a fabulous desert of made of cheese Bavaroise. Fantastique!
Our motto for this hotel: "Come for the comfort, stay for the opulence!"
What better way to discover the wonders of Portugal than by staying in style in this five-star trio — each one unique, each one offering an unforgettable experience. Marvelous in every way — or as they say in Portuguese, "Maravilhoso!" We'll be back!
Suggested Restaurants
In Sagres
O Terraço Restaurant
Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel
Quinta do Martinhal
8650-908 Sagres
+351 282 240 200
Sophisticated and delicious Portuguese cuisine with some modern touches. Frequent special visits by the top Portuguese chefs.
As Dunas Restaurant
Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel
Quinta do Martinhal
8650-908 Sagres
+351 282 240 200
Informal restaurant overlooking the beach and the village of Sagres across the bay. Fish caught fresh every morning, as well as salads and sandwiches.
In Évora
Divinus Restaurant
Convento do Espinheiro Hotel & Spa
7002-502 Évora
+351-266 788 200
Remarkable Alentejo cuisine with a modern twist. Located in what was the Convento's ancient wine cellar.
O Moinho do Cu Torto
Rua de Santo Andre 2A
Bairro da Nossa Sra do Carmo
Evora 7000-729
Authentic Alentejo food in a place frequented by locals. The decor is rustic, the food authentic and delicious and the atmosphere makes you think you are in a distant century.
In Lisbon
Varanda Restaurant
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 88
Lisbon 1099-039
Classical French gourmet food with a slight Portuguese twist. Excellent Portuguese wines. Expensive, but worth it!
Solar dos Presuntos
Rua das Portas de Stº Antão, 150
(near the Elevador do Lavra)
1150-269 Lisbon
Fantastic authentic Portuguese seafood. Don't miss the sea bass cooked in salt!
Casa da Comida
Travessa das Amoreiras
Amoreiras, Lisbon 1250-025
+351-21-388 5376
"Modern" Portuguese food in a beautiful and original setting. Possibly the best wine selection in Lisbon.
Pedro e o Lobo
Rua Do Salitre 169
1250-199 Lisbon
+351 211 933 719
In their own words: "An irreverent vision of Portuguese cooking."
Photos by Jesse Nash.


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While the Trail Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge has already been linked as a potential target for the Chicago Bulls, DeAndre Jordan, another soon-to-be free-agent center, could be another option. With new head coach Fred Hoiberg likely looking to shake things up roster-wise, could the Bulls look to make a deal for Jordan?
Here's what NBA.com's Sam Smith had to say about a potential Jordan-Bulls match:
The Clippers need to make some major personnel moves, but primarily at shooting guard and small forward, where they are probably the least athletic and least talented in the West. Though I expect the Bulls will listen and rumors will come up, you're not getting a big man for an injured Noah with one year left on his deal and because of Noah's situation and Pau's age and Mirotic's inexperience, it strikes me you are not about to risk giving up Gibson with his front court versatility.
Jordan averaged 11.5 points, 15 rebounds and 2.2 blocks last year for the Clippers.
Watch Jordan's dunking highlights below:


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Autumn is the time to expand your wardrobe, right? The best time of year to vacuum pack your summer dresses and flip flops and start stock piling boots, knits and woolly tights. But, like me, you probably don't have a bottomless pit of money. Money doesn't grow on trees and being a bargain blogger and proud, i have found the BEST Autumn Knits, actually worth the stitch!
Quiz Clothing is one of my favourite brands of the moment.
I am collaborating with them this season too so stay tuned!
Quiz smash the Knit trend, don't they?
I am all about layering for Autumn and knit jackets and coats! I love that they can hide a multitude of sins while still being practical and keeping you warm. I love that they are still plugging the off the shoulder and statement sleeves into Autumn/Winter and I love the choice of colours on their site – perfect for all Autumn tastes!
Missguided are literally your one stop shop for all things current and good quality!
Missguided items are such good quality that they'll take you through the entire season and into next year's chilly snap! I love their dresses especially cricket style jumper dress in berry. I am all about berries in Autumn but Missguided help you rock pastels and browns too!
All Bits London is the amazing Sam Faiers new fashion venture. I am obsessed with Sam; whether it be watching her ITVBe show The Mummy Diaries, collecting all of our outfit bits and bobs online or watching her adorable baby Paul on her Instagram and Stories.
All Bits London is a store I am addicted to refreshing! I have bought the V-Neck Jumper simply from putting this post together. The pieces are really good quality and although some items are a little on the more expensive side, they will 100% do you for the entire season!
I love that Sam models lots of the outfits in her own home so you can see what they actually look like and what you can pair them with!
You can find all of these styles by hitting the links below:
Quiz Clothing
All Bits London
You can catch Sam Faiers on The Mummy Diaries on ITVBe by hitting this link!
And, you can follow Sam herself on Instagram, here!
What would be on your Autumn Knits list? Which stores do you think are good value for money?


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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LEED Certification Process?
LEED for Homes Talking Points for Builders
Key messages
LEED for Homes is a voluntary third-party certification system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes.
- LEED homes are safer, healthier, more comfortable and more durable
- Green homes perform better than the average home. LEED-certified homes provide a healthy place to live, produce lower utility bills and have a smaller environmental footprint.
LEED certification is something that consumers can look for to identify homes that have been third-party inspected, performance-tested and certified as truly green homes that will perform better than conventional homes. Homebuilders using LEED are able to differentiate their homes as some of the best on the market.
Homebuilders work with local LEED for Homes Providers in their area to oversee performance testing and compliance with the rating system, and to:
- Learn about the checklist and apply the rating system to the project
- Complete the required HERS rating and onsite green inspections
- Submit documentation to USGBC for certification.
Supporting messages
As a homebuilder, building a LEED certified home recognizes and celebrates leadership in high-quality homebuilding, and distinguishes their work from the vast market of new homes.
Working with the LEED rating system provides access to many resources, from Reference Guides to online and instructor-led workshops and courses.
Overall, the net costs of owning a green home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home – and is sometimes even less. Green homes save money compared to a conventional home by:
- Using less energy – between 30% and 60% less in homes case studies
- Using less water – in case studies, as high as 50% less
- Using non-toxic building materials that lower exposure to mold and mildew, reducing healthcare costs
- Making owners eligible for advantageous home financing options with some lenders
- Lowering home insurance premiums
LEED-certified homes deliver:
- Energy bill savings that have been reported as high as 60% in case studies.
o According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the residential sector accounts for 21%, or 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
o The energy efficiency ratings at the Carsten Crossings project in Rocklin, CA are 35% higher than California's Title 24 standards require, contributing to the homes' utilities savings of $1,400 per year.
o The Panishes were able to make their home in Freeport, Maine 45% more energy efficient by implementing several strategies, including installing a 3-megawatt photovoltaic array on the roof; choosing Low-E, argon-filled windows that allow sun to enter in the winter; and installing high-efficiency appliances. As a result, energy bills have gone down and the home is cool in the summer and warm in the winters.
o According to the 2005 Building Energy Data Book, energy usage in the home is comprised of:
o Space Heating: 34%
o Appliances & Light: 34%
o Water Heating: 13%
o Electric A/C: 11%
o Refrigerator: 8%
- Construction sites that proactively aim to reduce the waste sent to the landfill.
o Construction wastes constitute about 40% of the total solid waste stream in the U.S.
o Making good design decisions, particularly in the framing of homes, can significantly reduce associated waste.
o Morrisania Homes in New York diverted 96% of its construction waste from landfills.
- Cleaner, healthier air.
o The levels of pollutants run 2 to 5 times higher — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoors (U.S. EPA).
o Many of the pollutants found indoors can cause health reactions in the estimated 17 million Americans who suffer from asthma and 40 million who have allergies, contributing to millions of days absent from school and work (World Health Organization. Air Quality Guidelines for Europe, Second Edition).
o Morrisania Homes were built without fireplaces and garages and used low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, cabinet finishes, sealants and adhesives to keep air quality high.
- Reduced water usage that has ranged from 20-50% in case studies.
o Landscape irrigation and other outdoor water usage accounts for 30% of the 26 billion gallons of water consumed in the U.S. (U.S. EPA, Office of Water. Water-Efficient Landscaping.)
o In a typical home, savings of 30,000 gallons of water a year can result in average water utility savings of $100 annually.
o Morrisania Homes were able to reduce their water usage by installing dual flush toilets, 2-gallon-per-minute shower heads and 1.5-gallon-per-minute sink faucets in all bathroom areas.
o In Pasco, Washington, the Tepeyac Haven home was able to reduce water usage by designing smaller lawn areas, which reduces potable water consumption.
LEED defines green building: there are well over 540 certified homes and over 13,000 registered homes as part of the LEED for Homes program. 30 LEED for Homes Providers from all over the country are administering the LEED for Homes program at the local level.
LEED for Homes includes affordable housing, mass-production homes, custom designs, stand-along single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses, suburban low-rise apartments, urban high-rise apartments and condos, and lofts in historic areas. LEED for Homes may also be applicable to major home renovations.
LEED for Homes addresses the whole home through eight credit categories, including:
- Innovative & Design
- Location & Linkage
- Sustainable Sites
- Water Efficiency
- Energy & Atmosphere
- Materials & Resources
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Awareness & Education
According to the 2007 McGraw-Hill SmartMarket Report on Attitudes & Preferences for Remodeling and Buying Green Homes, the value of the "true" green home market was $2 billion in 2005. Given forecasts of the housing market and other trends, green homes are expected to be worth $60 billion by 2010, making up 10% of the overall housing market.
The built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health and productivity. The average size of new homes has doubled in the past 50 years.
- There are 120 million homes in the U.S., and 2 million new homes are constructed each year (U.S. DOE).
- The residential sector accounts for 22% of total energy consumption and 74% of water usage
o The average American consumers 5 times more energy than the average global citizen (U.S. DOE).
While the built environment is part of the problem, it is also part of the solution. Building green is a way to have an immediate and measurable impact on the health of the environment.
What Are Some Benefits of LEED Certification?
"LEED certification is a realistic way to tackle the ever rising energy costs by cutting a home's energy usage by as much as 60%, our case studies have shown," said Nate Kredich, Vice President, Residential Market Development, USGBC. "Homeowners of Lelanau County, Northern MI will be saving money year-round by living in a LEED-certified home."
"We spend 90% of our time indoors and where we live and work has a significant impact on our health and well-being," said Nate Kredich, Vice President, Residential Market Development, U.S. Green Building Council. "By achieving certification, Lelanau County, Northern MI will be a home that a family will truly love to come home to, because it's a healthier, high-performing place to live."
"Living in a LEED-certified home not only means you will be saving money and precious resources, it also means that it's more durable than a non-certified home," said Nate Kredich, Vice President, Residential Market Development, U.S. Green Building Council. "The quality of the products and the different green strategies used within the home means that its owners will be enjoying their high-performing home for years to come."
"While demand for traditional residential construction is slowing, the green housing market continues to grow and Lelanau County, Northern MI is a great example of why this is," said Nate Kredich, Vice President, Residential Market Development, U.S. Green Building Council. "LEED certified homes are healthier places to live, produce lower utility bills, have better air quality, and leave a smaller environmental footprint behind."
"The residential sector contributes greatly to climate change and is responsible for 21% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions," said Nate Kredich, Vice President, Residential Market Development, U.S. Green Building Council. "Green homes like Lelanau County, Northern MI are an immediate and measurable way individuals can make a difference for the environment, and this project will serve as an example to the community of the benefits of building green."
Why Burkholder Construction?
Why Select Burkholder Construction?
Because you win when you choose the best....
What is the Relationship with GreenCrest Homes?
A premier custom systems home builder in northern Michigan.
GreenCrest Homes is a branch of Burkholder Construction with the backing of over five decades of service in the Grand Traverse regional area.
At GreenCrest we blend today's precision technology with our years of expertise in the construction industry to provide a cost effective building system designed just for you. We partner with the innovative building process of Dickinson Homes of Iron Mountain, Michigan. This partnership insures the highest quality control in the building industry. This is achieved by using the latest in engineering know-how, climate-controlled assembly, and a written systematic inspection process.
You cannot go anywhere today and not hear about "Green Building." Environmentally responsible building is something system builders have been doing long before it was the "in thing." The systems building process naturally uses the latest green building techniques. The GreenCrest staff is ready to introduce you to all of the benefits of green building and explain how your new home works as a system. This innovative "Building Science" concept is an integral part of every design and build we do.
"THE SYSTEMS DIFFERENCE" approach to providing your quality dream home offers our clients a refreshing, enjoyable and rewarding experience. It is our promise to listen to your needs, assemble a committed team of professionals, design, refine, and communicate your vision into a written plan, all while developing a relationship that will continue long after you first turn the key.
It's your home and it's your choice. We challenge you to visit GreenCrestHomes.com to further explore custom home design & construction incorporating, "The Systems Difference" of assembly line efficiencies.


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This ladies De Ville Prestige watch is presented on a stainless steel bracelet and has a stainless steel case. The watch features a two-zone white mother of pearl dial with roman numerals at the 3, 6, 9, 12 o'clock positions.
Watch Movement:- Quartz
Dial Colour:- White
Crystal/Glass Type:- Sapphire Crystal
Case:- Stainless Steel
Strap/Bracelet:- Stainless Steel
Water Resistance:- 30 meters
Model Reference Number:- 4184.108.40.206.05.001
Case Diameter:- 24.4 millimeters
Manufacturers Warranty:- 2 Years
Packaging:- Official Presentation Box


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Posts Tagged
Barbaric Black/War Metal! Premiering GOATKRAFT "Angel Slaughter"
Are you fucking ready for GOATKRAFT? They hail from Norway and play the kind of putrid War Metal I freaking LOVE! Every moment of their soon to be released EP entitled Angel Slaughter comes out on March 9th via Iron Bonehead Productions. GOATKRAFT creates the kind of underground anthems that strike fear


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In energyXT you can use samples for the drum sampler, in audio tracks and in the synthesizer. Supported file formats are wav, aif and mp3 (require lame).
First, create a folder on your disk to store the samples. In this example Im using c:\audio\samples but you may store the samples in a sub folder of energyXT or your documents folder.
After unzipping and saving the sample its time to tell energyXT where to locate the samples. Select Setup from the File menu and click the Browser tab. Next select "Samples" and click the Add button. After adding the location of your samples it will look something like this:
OK, the samples are now available in the main browser and can by dragged into the project. You can preview samples by click and hold with mouse or use the up/down arrow keys on your PC keyboard.
Samples can be dragged into the track panel for use with drum tracks. Drag and drop below last track to create a new drum track loaded with the sample. You can open the drum editor and drag samples in there as well to add or replace the current drums.
Samples may also be dragged into the the timeline. This will create a new audio track and works best for longer samples like vocal and guitar.
The synthesizer in energyXT supports playback of samples. In the Zone view you can build presets of one or more samples.


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|Tenderflake® Frozen Deep Dish Pie Shells, defrosted
|3/4 cup
|(175 mL) Sugar
|1/2 tsp
|(2 mL) Cinnamon
|Pinch of nutmeg
|1 - 2 tbsp
|(15-30 mL) Flour
|6 - 7 cups
|(1.5-1.75 L) Apples, peeled, cored and sliced thick
|1 tbsp
|(15 mL) Lemon juice
|2 tbsp
|(30 mL) Butter
|Egg, lightly beaten
PREHEAT oven to 425°F (220°C).
REMOVE pie shells from the package and place one shell on a baking sheet and set aside. Using a small paring knife, gently pry the second piecrust from the foil pan and place on a lightly floured work surface. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, gently roll the crust to about 11" (28 cm) in diameter. Cut the crust into ½" (1 cm) strips.
MIX sugar, spices and flour. Combine with sliced apples and place in the pie shell. Sprinkle with lemon juice and dot with butter.
Weave strips of piecrust on top of pie in lattice fashion. Trim ends of strips flush with edge of bottom crust. Tuck bottom crust over strips and flute edge with floured fork or fingers. Brush the egg over the top of the pastry. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes or until apples are tender.
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kstew - i just can't quit you.
6 comments:
- Fashion Agony said...
She really looks better that she ever did, yay!
- January 6, 2011 at 6:47 AM
- Thekla said...
she is gorgeous!!!!!i like her style so much!!!!
http://inablondeworld.blogspot.com/ stop by sometime honey:) xx
- January 6, 2011 at 7:43 AM
- Stephanie said...
I had a feeling you were going to blog this look!! She looked AMAZING! i didn't watch the awards, but saw the pics. But she's always so "poutty" it kills me...so uninspiring. but i can't deny her this gorgeous look! def. a step up ;)
- January 6, 2011 at 4:01 PM
- Alexa said...
She looks amazing! Truly, the best she's ever looked. Her hair is perfect.
I do find her attitude a bit off-putting at times, as well. However, she's been like that since day 1, so I can only assume it's related to a genuine distaste for the press. So much of Hollywood is so fake, and useless, it's sickening. The superficial behaviour that comes along with a desire to be 'likable' is something I would probably avoid as well.
- January 6, 2011 at 4:47 PM
- Lainey said...
Wow, she actually tried. I like her dress. It suits her.
- January 7, 2011 at 1:07 AM
- JennieBax said...
wow she looks amazing, shes changed so much, but in a really good way!
- January 20, 2011 at 10:47 AM


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Leimdörfer advises on largest ever Danish property deal
Leimdörfer, the Nordic investment bank business that is part of adviser, lender and investor Brunswick Real Estate, has advised on a DKK16.9bn (€2.27bn) deal involving Novo A/S, TryghedsGruppen and DADES – the largest ever property transaction in Denmark.
Novo and TryghedsGruppen are taking a 49.2% stake in DADES. Leimdörfer acted as adviser for DADES, which is a shopping centre and office property owner in Denmark. It also owns DATEA, a property management firm with some DKK300m (€40m) annuall revenues. Post deal, the largest single shareholder in DADES will be the Aase and Ejnar Danielsens Fond foundation, with a 47.3% stake.
Leimdörfer CEO and Brunswick Real Estate founding partner Erik Eliasson,said: "It is a growing trend that non-traditional investors are increasingly looking at the real estate market when seeking to grow or diversify their portfolios. The market liquidity is strong and a lot of international capital from sovereign wealth funds, corporates, private equity, and other sources are now targeting the Nordics."
Apart from Leimdörfer, Brunswick Real Estate also consists of investment manager Sveafastigheter and debt provider LREC.


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Company History
CONCEPCION DURABLES, INC. -- a wholly-owned subsidiary of Concepcion Industries, Inc., is one of the largest appliance manufacturers in the Philippines engaged in manufacturing of refrigerators and freezers for domestic market for more than 30 years.
The success and continuing growth of Concepcion Durables, Inc. is manifested by the building of a new Refrigerator Plant situated in Calabarzon, located at Light Industry and Science Park 1 Bo. Diezmo, Cabuyao, Laguna. The new Mega-Complex incorporates the latest manufacturing technology in various countries from Asia, United States and Europe. The Management of Concepcion Durables, Inc. considers Quality as the key essential element towards its quest for Excellence.
Jose N. Concepcion Sr., the Founder.
At 60, for many twilights of their years, he broke away from a comfortable career as Chief Executive of a multinational firm and boldly pioneered his vision of Philippine industrialization.
Initially, it was a difficult mission, shared then by his spouse and business partner, Herminia. Later, the second generation of Concepcions would join them, just as import substation began to take root.
The CII founder, together with son Raul, began the long hard journey to integration and global competitiveness for the local appliance industry.
The elder Concepcion passed a set of principles he lived and worked by -- hard work, involvement, attention to what might seem to others as detail, and integrity.
For 32 years his vision and principles bred a culture of excellence and corporate responsibility.


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- No Hidden Charges
- Choose From Over 200 Car Parks
- Book & Guarantee Your Space
- Compare Prices From Multiple Websites
- Save Up To 60% On Your Airport Parking
- Instant Online Quotes
The airport of Prestwick is officially known as Glasgow Prestwick Airport. It is an air facility serving both national and international destinations. Geographically, the air hub is situated in the southern part of Ayrshire specifically in the north-eastern region of Prestwick town within the Scottish territory. As an air facility, it directly serves the urban area of Greater Glasgow. Physically, the airport is considered as the country's airfield catering commercial flights. However, considering the passenger traffic the airport holds annually, it only ranks fourth after Aberdeen Airport, Edinburgh airport, and Glasgow International. One of the past tourist attractions in the airport was the famous Prestwick Air Show that was initialled in 1967 and continued to be celebrated until 1992. Presently, a portion of the airport is utilized as the Fleet Air Arm of the country's Royal Navy. With a total of 36 destinations served, and an average number of 2.4 million passengers it receives annually, Prestwick airport is by far one of Scotland's busiest air facility. On a lighter side, due to the increasing demands of the passengers the airport is servicing, it underwent series of upgrades and improvements with its facilities, and as a result, new amenities were then introduced. Including of the airport services is the Prestwick airport parking facility that gives birth to more airport users. The Prestwick airport parking service is affordably offered for clients who need parking points for their own cars or vehicles. To take advantage of this Prestwick airport parking amenity, you can book in advance by getting in touch with the Prestwick airport parking customer service.
Parking at Prestwick airport is never been this rewarding especially with its facilitative parking personnel. You will never regret having brought your cars to the airport since you can enjoy the maximum security maintained all over the airport's premises especially in the points of parking at Prestwick airport. Basically, parking at Prestwick airport area is open 24/7 and is ready to answer you parking needs. Maintaining the prime security therein, airport parking police are in constant monitor of the area plus the modern surveillance system equipped therein guarantees that your vehicles are in safe accounts while you are away on a business trip or on a leisure travel. Parking at Prestwick airport gives you the comfort and convenience that you want as a client. You just have to avail of the airport parking services and experience it yourself the benefits of the airport parking services.
When thinking of the airport parking Prestwick services, what you can possibly imagine are the convenience, comfort, and security it brings on you. However, you should not also forget the issue on affordability as a prime reason why you should avail of the airport parking Prestwick options. Basically, you can choose as to the kind of airport parking Prestwick package that best fits to your preferences and budget. Firstly, you can avail of the short-term parking alternative should your stay in the airport will not be longer than one day. If you can bring your own vehicle with someone to drive, you can make use of the short-stay car parking option and proceed to the express parking areas designated therein. Short-stay car parks can be seen easily because they are well signposted. Plus, there are also many airport parking Prestwick attendants who are ready to render some assistance related to car parking. As a second option, the long-term parking package is designed for travellers or clients who are on a quick trip either for leisure or for business. The long-term parking service enables you to have your parked for some few days while you are away or on travel. The best thing about availing of the long-term parking alternative is that you won't be charged on a per-hour basis unlike with the short-term parking option.
When you have finally decided what parking Prestwick airport package you want to avail, your next consideration would be how to do your reservation. Basically, booking the parking Prestwick airport services can be done the time that you are in the airport. However, if personal booking won't allow it, then you might as well make use of the efficient online booking method which allows you to do your reservation in advance. Using the parking Prestwick airport online booking system, you can already grab a parking Prestwick airport spot in seconds. This can be realized of course if you have credit cards which are needed to pay the corresponding charges. Be reminded that everything you paid during the reservation is final. You will not be charged further during the time you will park your vehicles in the airport. Added to your reminders, you have to make sure that you bring the necessary identification documents that would prove to your identity when parking your vehicles at Prestwick airport. Failure to present the needed identifications would mean forfeiture of your reservation. You have to understand that the airport won't risk the security of the majority.


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A certain group has set fire to a portion of the 20 km electric fence being constructed from the Bundula -Wilmanna sanctuary up to Modara Paelessa.
The Bundala National Wild Park officials said that 17 concrete posts that had been set up for constructing the electric fence too had been destroyed.
A Bundala National Wild Park spokesman told our news team that while the Wildlife Department was constructing the electric fence for containing the wild elephant menace recurring frequently in the area, some persons were against the move alleging that their own private lands too were being misappropriated in constructing the electric fence.
However Wildlife officials have also lodged a complaint about the incident to the Tissamaharama police.


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I learned today of the "Enigma Doorway".
I know our people cannot understand it.
Twelve thousand "teams" will assemble for this,
under the many dimensions and
backdrop of Saturn's sky
but not lest our brain is broken
by the mechanisms
of our own authoritarian fear
shall we start the initiation to the stars,
shall we de-skin ourselves.
Bloodface you will look at me
and see my bloody face and the things of flesh
that hang
and know that I have seen through you,
seen into the EYE,
But how long will you press upon us,
and will you ever find
the book of stone that we have secured
in our place of the Earth and humans?
You have found this now,
let your heart dissolve the allegiance to
their structures.
Find us in our homes.
You will be known as one of the
– Poetry by Wes tewkMehrtin


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Just about everybody knows that Samsung makes a ton of phones every year, ranging from the super premium ones like the Galaxy S6 Edge all the way to budget ones like the Galaxy Grand. It's this range of phones that makes it difficult for the South Korean giant to support every single one the same way, so the focus is normally on the higher-end phones to get support for longer. Software updates can sometimes be minimal, with bug fixes and slight enhancements, or they may be huge upgrades that could even change the way the phone looks and feels as a whole. Samsung's upcoming update for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge in South Korea lies somewhere inbetween those two types of updates, not changing the way the phone looks or feels but rather adding a new feature for South Koreans that could drastically change the way the phone performs.
We're not talking unlocking some hidden processor or other software wizardry, rather enabling a feature that wasn't quite ready for the launch period and has now passed certification. LTE-X is an interesting technology that uses signal aggregation technology, much like we saw from Qualcomm at MWC. This means instead of just using a single source like a WiFi connection or an LTE cell data connection, the phone uses a bunch of different types at once, balancing the traffic between sources and essentially combining data into what you see on screen. It's a difficult technology to develop but it's being pushed as the spectrum wars slow down around the world, with most of the spectrum already being gobbled up and used.
Real world speeds of current generation LTE networks usually cap out around 100Mbps as we've seen from Verizon Wireless here in the US in some places, as well as carriers in countries like Russia and South Korea. LTE-X, with the help of a speedy WiFi connection, is said to cap out around a real-world 400Mbps. This represents an obvious massive increase in speed over current networks and has us wondering exactly what's going to be next in the world of mobile data connections. As always the theoretical throughput is 1.17Gbps, but those speeds are almost never attainable outside of a test environment due to the many factors that affect wireless signals. The update could be rolling out soon but there's no official word on when.


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Mission Statement
The mission of the Finance Department is to maximize our financial resources in a way that ensures the best possible educational services are delivered to our students. We remain steadfast in our commitment to communicating with our internal and external stakeholders about the district's finances and business affairs in an accurate, timely, and transparent manner.
Our Responsibilities
The department consists of three primary sections which include purchasing, accounts payable, and payroll. We research, develop and implement best practices to include electronic processes. This department is also responsible for financial compliance, including bond maintenance, budget preparation, levy resolutions.
Budget Documents
- 2019-2020 District Budget
- 2018-2019 District Budget
- 2017-2018 District Budget
- 2016-2017 District Budget
- 2015-2016 District Budget
- 2014-2015 District Budget
- 2013-2014 District Budget
- 2012-2013 District Budget
- 2011-2012 District Budget
Legal Postings
- Prevailing Wage Rates
- Contracts Exceeding $25,000
- AHERA Asbestos Notification
- Teacher-Administrator Compensation
- IMRF Public Disclosure of "Total Compensation", IPA 97-0609
- Pesticide Application Notice - Pesticides are applied in the school buildings monthly on the 3rd or 4th week of every month. Fertilizer, weed killer, crabgrass preventer, and grub control are applied to the turf areas around the building and the athletic fields late spring through late fall. If you would like to register to receive notification prior to the application of pesticides to grounds, email Tim Stefan at firstname.lastname@example.com
Latest Audited Financial Statements
- 2017-18 Audited Financial Statements
- 2016-17 Audited Financial Statements
- 2015-16 Audited Financial Statements
- 2014-15 Audited Financial Statements
- 2013-14 Audited Financial Statements
- 2012-13 Audited Financial Statements
Bond Sale Documents
Department Contact Information
Charles DiMartino
Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations
Phone: (708) 585-2300
Email: email@example.com
Kathy Chiaro
Purchasing Clerk
Phone: (708) 585-2304
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Chacarie Petty
Accounts Payable
Phone: (708) 585-2307
Email: email@example.com
Gail Hanson
Phone: (708) 585-2311
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Janice Opitz
Business Manager
Phone: (708) 585-2308
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Cynthia Holsapple
Executive Secretary
Phone: (708) 585-2321
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Mr. Gumpy's Outing by John Burningham that is always a big hit! I will sing/read the Jo MacDonald book. I have several felt sets of assorted pond life I could use but I especially wanted to do turtles and I really wanted something new. So, I made up a new rhyme about 5 turtles by the pond that I call 'Turtle Fun'. Here are my 5 little turtles. The middle pic of the turtle's tummy is closest to the true colors of felt. The flash made the shell look yellow and it's really an olive green. The turtles are about 6 to 8 inches long. I like my pieces to be big! LOL! Turtles at the Pond are so much Fun with Friends at Storytime!
Check with Dana and Lindsey @ Jbrary for the rest of this week's Roundup! Have questions about Flannel Friday? Check out the Flannel Friday official blog. Be sure to join us on the Flannel Friday Facebook page and enjoy the great Flannel Friday Pinterest boards too!


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With less than 30 days left until I leave for the SNAP! conference, I thought this would be a great opportunity to do my first vlog, or video-blog for those who don't know. :)
Please don't mind Toby back there walking around and almost pulling the window off the wall, or the playful banging sounds you hear about three-quarters of the way through. Ah, life with cats. :) Also, please forgive the awful lighting - I had the perfect set-up with an overcast sky... and then the sun came out.
It only took me about 30 tries to get this without a saying something silly, the video cutting out, or a cat almost knocking my laptop off the table. Maybe I'll post some bloopers later. Ha!
So there you have it... it really is me behind the screen! :)
If you are one of the awesome creative bloggers heading to SNAP, please let me know! We should grab coffee one morning or sit together at lunch!
xoxo, christa


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RumbaRoy Student
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The latest issue of the 9th Scroll is here! You can read all about it in the news.


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Urban Viii
barberini rome
URBAN VIII. (Maffeo Barberini), pope from 1623 to 1644, belonged to a Florentine family which had been greatly enriched by commerce, and was born in 1568. Through the influence of an uncle, who had become apostolic protonotary, he, while still a young man, received various promotions from Sixtus V. and Gregory XIV. By Clement VIII. he was himself made protonotary and nuncio to the French court ; Paul V. also employed him in a similar capacity, afterwards raising him to the carclinalate, and giving him the legation of Bologna. On 6th August 1623 he was chosen successor to Gregory XV. The period of his pontificate, covering as it did twenty-one years of the Thirty Years' War, was an eventful one, and the ultimate result of that great struggle was largely determined by Urban's policy, which was aimed less at the restoration of Catholicism in Europe than at such an adjustment of the balance of parties as might best favour his own independence and strength as a temporal power in Italy (see POPEDOM, vol. xix. p. 506). In 1626 the duchy of Urbino was incorporated into the papal dominions, and in 1627, when the direct male line of the Gonzagas in Mantua became extinct, he favoured the succession of the duke of Nevers against the claims of the Hapsburgs, whose preponderance he dreaded. lie was the last pope to extend the papal territory, and Castelfranco on the Mantuan frontier was fortified by him. In Rome he greatly strengthened the castle of St Angelo, removing, for the purpose of making cannons, the massive tubular girders of bronze from the portico of the Pantheon (" quod non fecerunt barbari, fecerunt Barberini "), establishing also an arsenal in the Vatican, as well as a manufactory of arms at Tivoli, and fortifying the harbour of Civita Vecchia. It was during the pontificate of Urban that Galileo was summoned to Rome to make his great recantation in 1633 ; on the other hand, the Ponssins and Claude Lorraine were patronized by him, and it was he who brought Athanasius Kircher to Rome, and who employed Bernini to build the Palazzo Barberini, the college of the Propaganda, the Fontana del Tritone, and other prominent structures in the city. He was the last to practise nepotism on a grand scale : various members of his house were enormously enriched by him, so that it seemed to contemporaries as if he aimed at establishing a Barberini dynasty. He canonized many saints, among whom the most conspicuous are Ignatius Loyola, Francis Xavier, Al. Gonzaga, and Filippo Neri. Urban VIII. was a clever writer of Latin verse, and a collection of Scriptural paraphrases as well as original hymns of his composition has been frequently reprinted. His death (29th July 1644) is said to have been hastened by chagrin at the result of a war he had undertaken against the duke of Parma. He was succeeded by Innocent X.


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THERE are few experiences more quintessentially American than summertime mall-shopping. On an afternoon in late June, I pulled my car into the parking lot of the Westfield Shoppingtown Garden State Plaza in Paramus, N.J., and was cut off by a gaggle of slow-moving teenage girls winding their way to the entrance, cellphones pressed to their temples as they pranced, oblivious, before the oncoming traffic.
Inside the mall the bright thoroughfares teemed with dazed-looking fathers and aerobicized mothers, young parents pushing strollers, and mall walkers in cross-trainers on their daily stroll. The adolescents -- boys in basketball jerseys, girls in flounced cotton skirts, their tanorexic brown stomachs tilted outward -- strode with a sense of purpose, as if this were their dominion. The aroma of French fries and pizza mingled with the tonic nonsmell of excessive air conditioning.
The merchants were typical mall fare: booths selling silver jewelry; bustling department stores like Nordstrom and Macy's; Banana Republic, Foot Locker. But just outside the Neiman Marcus entrance was something provocative and different: a store with the brick facade of a New York City town house with a wrought-iron fence and potted topiary. A startlingly handsome man with bright blue eyes and black hair stood guard, his posture identical to that of a nightclub bouncer on the watch for good-looking customers.
The store, Ruehl, is the invention of the clothier Abercrombie & Fitch, which is seeking to extend beyond its core teenage market to include older customers with more expensive tastes. The company operates some 360 Abercrombie & Fitch stores for 18- to 22-year-olds, and in 2000 it began opening Hollister stores for 14- to 18-year-olds. Its five Ruehl stores are aimed at 20- and 30-somethings.
The store, according to the company's publicity material, takes its name from the Ruehl family, who moved from Germany in the mid-1800's and opened a leather goods emporium at 925 Greenwich Street in Manhattan. Abercrombie bought the rights to the name from the family in 2002.
Or so goes the corporate fable. Although the labels on all the clothes read "Ruehl No. 925 Greenwich Street, New York, NY," there was no Ruehl family. There is no Ruehl store in New York City, and there is no 925 Greenwich Street. (Greenwich Street ends in the 800's.)
Inside, the store resembles a plushy nightclub. Moody black-and-white photos hang on black walls, and divans in barely lighted corners look as if they were set up for canoodling. Shelves hold books about artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. (Get it? This is supposed to be Greenwich Village.)
The apparel is generally more sophisticated than what you would find at A&F. Men's polo shirts, $68, bear the Ruehl logo, a bulldog. A display in the store explains the dog, named Trubble: "Upon opening their shop in Greenwich Village, little did the Ruehl family realize that their first customer would be an inquisitive little bulldog with a steadfast demeanor and a confident attitude."
For women there are slip dresses, beautifully made handbags, lingerie, gauzy silk skirts and canvas jackets. Ambitious pieces include a beaded bolero jacket woven with metallic thread for $248 and a gold clutch with a serpent closure for $198.
The problem was, I could barely see the clothes because the store's interior was so dark. So dark that I had to approach each step tentatively, tapping my foot out first. So dark that I couldn't tell what color the clothes were. A backlit display of filmy lingerie rendered each piece an indistinguishable shade of sludgy gray-brown-beige, even though they were different colors.
Taking an armful of items into the changing room, I hoped to see if the skirt I was holding was black or purple or neon-tangerine. There was just enough light for me to see that the skirt was brown. I think. Apart from that, I couldn't tell how it would look in daylight or at dusk. I could, however, tell how it would look on a moonless night if I were standing in a cornfield 100 miles away from the nearest light source.
That would be: dark.
In the retail world, low lighting is supposed to project an upscale image; darkness also suggests mystery and inspires exploration. This is great in concept, but the execution doesn't jibe with the bright white of the mall. I actually saw customers stand and blink for several seconds after they left the store, their eyes adjusting to the daylight.
The darkness may also encourage another problem: the five-finger discount. Having shoplifted one item in my entire life, I can safely say that even I could have cleaned this place out in a few minutes. (O.K., it was a tennis skirt from Lord & Taylor. I was 13. It was a dare. I live with the shame to this day.) Perhaps this was why there seemed to be an inordinate number of security guards at Ruehl; every time I turned a corner, I ran into a burly guy in a T-shirt. Not the most relaxing way to shop.
Will men and women in their 20's and 30's be drawn to Ruehl? I'm not sure. People at that age aspiring to the heights of sangfroid that Ruehl appears to promote would never deign to exert effort to find the right size, let alone spend 10 minutes squinting at a skirt to discern its color. This is a shame because the clothing is worth the time and the money.
Finally there is the name. What it conjures for me -- and I am in the target demographic -- is an image of Mercedes Ruehl, a talented and vivid actress. But she is best known for playing roles like the hapless girlfriend (in "The Fisher King"), the babbling wife (in "Lost in Yonkers") or the nerdy shrink (in "The Mary Kay Letourneau Story"). Hapless, babbling and nerdy. Try as it might, the name just doesn't sound cool.
Ruehl At Westfield Shoppingtown Garden State Plaza, Paramus, N.J.; (201)845-8108.
ATMOSPHERE -- Dark. Booming music. SERVICE -- Among the sales staff, there is a lot of vigorous fluffing and folding and a lot of "Hello, how are you?" but a lot less actual assistance. KEY LOOKS -- Distressed jeans and button-down shirts; slip dresses and shrugs. PRICES -- Reasonable. $158 for the best-selling "destroyed" blue jeans; $198 for a woman's canvas jacket with ribbon tie.