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I'm Beary Excited To See That This Orphan Bear Cub Is Doing So Well!
Found wrapped in a blanket by a good samaritan, this adorable orphan bear cub is growing fast! Thanks to her good fortune, this lucky (and very fuzzy) baby will be A-OKAY! For now, she is busy playing and eating and being beary cute. Would you want to help raise an orphan bear cub?
Missing Alabama Dog Found Lounging in Prison With Friendly Inmates: Click "Next" below!
Julie Hunt Julie resides in Northern New Jersey with her two kids, two dogs, cat and partner. She has two published books which make excellent trivets if you aren't a fan of poetry. She tolerates people but LOVES animals. If she isn't blogging, she's most likely cuddling with her pups, Paisley and Skyler.

subset: commoncrawl


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So many kids have food allergies these days that it can be difficult to plan healthy and tasty snacks that are also safe. Whether you are making nutritious allergen-free snacks for your own children or providing the daily treat for the entire play group, preparing snacks for toddlers that take potential allergies into account doesn't have to be difficult.
Allergen-Free Snacking
For snacks that all toddlers can enjoy, first you have to consider what ingredients to avoid. The most common allergens for kids are milk, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy, wheat, fish and seafood, so steering clear of these foods is a good start. If you are preparing snacks for a group of kids, you'll want to check with everyone's parents to make sure that there are no unusual allergies. If most of the children are allergy free, you might be able to prepare snacks that simply eliminate the problem foods without having to restrict the menu to take into account all allergic foods.
On-The-Go Options
There are plenty of pre-packaged allergen-free options available, but you'll have to check ingredient lists to make sure that no specific problem foods are hidden inside. Fresh or dried fruit is a good option for many toddlers, since fruit is rarely an allergen. Tortilla chips with mild salsa or bean dip are a big hit with toddlers. Cucumber slices and celery sticks provide extra nutrition for your growing toddler. Pretzels, applesauce and mini rice cakes are other quick options.
Homemade Snacks
If you're a whiz in the kitchen, or you'd just rather create a more substantial snack, cooking allergen free is fairly easy when you plan ahead. Create delicious granola bars using oats, raisins, honey and butter that fill up toddlers while remaining allergen-free. Another option is to prepare homemade hummus to serve with crinkle-cut carrot sticks. Baked chicken cubes are a lean, high-protein option that toddlers can dip into dressings or barbecue sauce.
If your child has a food allergy, make sure that you and any caregivers who will be watching your child. If your doctor recommends it, have an epi-pen handy, a powerful shot that stops an allergic reaction from happening if he does happen to eat any of the reaction-producing food. If your child does consume something he's allergic to, call the doctor, even if he doesn't display a reaction right away. Sometimes, it can take a few hours before the body reacts, but the response can quickly turn deadly once it begins.


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NIA to conduct Punjab SP's lie-detector test next week
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, January 15
The anti-terror probe agency NIA has set into motion the legal process to get Punjab Police SP Salwinder Singh's consent to subject him to a lie-detector test. The agency plans to conduct the test on the officer sometime next week.
Sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that even after several rounds of questioning for five consecutive days and also confronting him with his cook Madan Gopal and caretaker of Dargah Somraj, the officer — who is presently posted as Assistant Commandant with 75th Battalion of the Punjab Armed Police – made changes in his statements.
Salwinder Singh, shunted out barely few days before the January 1-2 terror strike as Superintendent of Police (headquarters) of Gurdaspur and facing alleged charges of breach of discipline, has given his in-principle consent for a polygraph test, sources said.
Sources said that the NIA, which has been probing the case, will move an application before a designated court here tomorrow seeking permission for conducting a polygraph test on Salwinder.
His car was hijacked by terrorists before they entered the Pathankot IAF base on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1.
Sources said that bringing the witnesses and accused face to face was necessary because of the "conflicting statements". While Salwinder had told the Punjab Police he regularly visited the shrine, Somraj claimed that he had seen him for the first time hours before the terrorists launched the attack on the Pathankot facility.
Pak shuts JeM seminaries
To seek DNA, fingerprints of terrorists
Pakistan authorities have shut down several religious schools run by the Jaish-e-Mohammad that is accused of masterminding the Pathankot attack, the provincial Law Minister said today.
The crackdown in Punjab province, PM Nawaz Sharif's power base and the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad, follows the arrest of several members of the militant group, including its leader, Maulana Masood Azhar.
Pakistan has said it is clamping down on Azhar's group, which India has long accused Pakistani authorities of tolerating, while it investigates Indian assertions that the January 2 attack on the Pathankot air base was the work of the Pakistan-based militants.
"Officials of the Counter-Terrorism Department raided the Jamiatul Nur seminary in the Daska area on Thursday and arrested more than a dozen people," Rana Sanaullah, Law Minister of the Punjab province where Jaish-e-Mohammad is headquartered, said.
"The seminary has been sealed off and documents and literature have been confiscated from the premises," Sanaullah said.
Meanwhile, the Joint Investigation Team set up by Pakistan to probe the Pathankot attack today decided to seek from India the DNA reports and fingerprints of the slain terrorists amid its keenness to expedite the probe, an official said. The team, headed by IG Rai Tahir of Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department, held a meeting to discuss the progress in probe. — Agencies
Cross-border terrorism continues to bleed J&K: 69,000 cases in 25 yrs
13,920 civilians, 4,922 security men, 21,777 terrorists killed since 1990: MHA
Arteev Sharma
Tribune News Service
Jammu, January 15
Cross-border terrorism continues to bleed Jammu and Kashmir as the state has witnessed on an average eight terror-related incidents in a day during the past 25 years.
During this period of turmoil and bloodbath, as many as 18,881 civilians and security personnel have been killed in over 69,000 terrorism-related incidents across the state since 1990, while around 21,800 terrorists have been gunned down in encounters with security forces during the period.
This information was provided by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in response to an RTI application here.
"A total of 69,387 terrorism-related incidents have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir till December 13 last year since 1990. However, the number of terror incidents has shown a declining trend after 2002. The highest number of terrorism-related incidents was reported in 1995 when the state saw 5,938 such incidents followed by 5,829 terror incidents in 1994. Only 170 incidents, the lowest-ever in past 25 years, were witnessed in 2013," the Union Home Ministry said.
It said a total of 13,920 civilians have fallen to the bullets of terrorists from across the border since 1990. "In 1990, 461 civilians lost their lives, while the highest number of civilians (1,341) fell to the bullets of terrorists in 1996 followed by 1,031 civilians in 1995. The civilian causalities, too, have recorded a declining trend after 2003," it said.
After the eruption of insurgency in J&K, the Centre had to extend the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which gives sweeping powers to the armed forces to detain suspects and use force, as the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, 1990, in the Kashmir valley in 1990 and the Jammu region in 2001, to deal with the terror situation.
"A total of 4,922 security personnel laid down their lives while fighting terrorists during the past 25 years. Security forces suffered the maximum collateral damage in 2001 when 536 of their personnel were killed followed by 453 in 2002," the Union Home Ministry said, adding that the collateral damaged being suffered by forces was significantly brought down in 2012 when only 15 personnel lost their lives. However, as many as 39 security personnel were killed last year till December 13.
The security forces eliminated 21,777 terrorists till December 13 last year since 1990 and the maximum number of terrorists (2,020) was gunned down in 2001 followed by 1,707 terrorists in 2002. Last year alone, 105 terrorists were gunned by security personnel in the state.
Army ready for any situation on border
Tribune News Service
Jammu, January 15
The Army today said it was well-equipped, well-trained and on alert to deal with any situation on the Indo-Pak border.
Responding to media queries on the sidelines of an Army Day function here this morning, Maj Gen Sanjeev Narain, General Officer Commanding of Tiger Division, said after the Pathankot airbase terror attack and with the onset of foggy weather, the Army was well equipped, well trained and on alert to deal with any situation _on the border.
"Foggy weather and winter are an annual feature, but the Army is well trained and well equipped to deal with any of these situations," said the General Officer Commanding of Tiger Division.
Asked if there were any intelligence inputs on intrusion bids or terror attack plans in Jammu on Republic Day, Major General Narain said the Army was alert and vigilant about the situation.
On the 68th Army Day, a ceremony was organised at Balidan Stambh and Tiger War Memorial. Wreaths were placed by Maj Gen Narain. Military bugles were sounded in consonance with the military band and added to the gaiety of the ceremony.
Army Day is celebrated on January 15 to pay homage to the valour and courage of brave soldiers who had sacrificed their lives in protecting _and upholding the territorial integrity and sanctity of the nation.
Award for Pathankot martyr
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, January 15
Lt Col Niranjan E Kumar, head of the Bomb Disposal Unit of the National Security Guards who was killed in the recent terror attack at Pathankot airbase, has been awarded the Chief of Army Staff's Commendation on the occcasion of Army Day 2016. The officer had reportedly been killed in a blast while handling a body of a terrorist that was booby trapped, during the sanitising operations. He was an officer from the Corps of Engineers and went on deputation to the NSG in 2014.
The list of commendation cards issued by the Army shows his rank as Major, but mentions his posting with the NSG. A total of 503 persons across all arms and services, including a handful of civilians, have been given commendations this year.
The list of martyrs for the past year released by the Army does not mention Lt Col Kumar's name.


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Thread: Merge 2 XMLs Based on Schema
- 02-12-2009, 06:46 PM #1Member
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Merge 2 XMLs Based on Schema
I have 2 web.xmls which I want to merge as part an ANT build process.
There are 2 developments teams which want to have one web application at the end of the day.
I have seen this XMLTask which seems to do lots of nifty stuff with XML, but not a generic merge which I am looking for.
It seems like something straight-forward, to merge 2 XMLs based on a schema. Does anyone know how?
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JOHN Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, has called for China and the Philippines to accept the Hague tribunal's ruling on the much-disputed South China Sea region.
Reuters reports that Kerry, 72, made the remarks during an address to students in New Delhi, where he had been visiting for two days. His input also comes just a few days before the G20 Summit is to be held in China on September 4 and 5, which will be attended by world leaders.
He was quoted saying: "This is a crucial opportunity to uphold the existing rules-based international order, show respect for international law, and support regional stability and prosperity."
In July, the Hague Tribunal ruled in an arbitration case that China breached the Philippines' sovereign rights by encroaching on the latter's territory in the South China Sea to explore resources. It also lay blame on China for causing permanent and irreparable harm to the coral reef eco-system surrounding the Spratlys Island.
SEE ALSO: Hague Tribunal rules against Beijing's South China Sea claims
China vehemently rejected the tribunal's verdict, and accused the Philippines of "political provocation". Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the decision was "irresponsible to the Filipino people and the future of the Philippines".
After the ruling was made, Kerry encouraged both countries to find diplomatic solutions to ease tensions, reported the Guardian.


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- Edinburgh, Scotland, Storbritannien
- 30 apr 2019 - 14 maj 2019
We had a wonderful exchange in the big and cxWe had a wonderful exchange in the big and comfortable home. The house is very near the centre of town but not for away from lovely places to visit in the country and on the coast. We had excellent communication with our exchange partners and they left our house very clean and tidy. I would recommend our exchange partners - thank you very much for everything.


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Bera beach hotel is a 5-star luxurious halal resort in Alanya.
Golden Beaches, amazing architecture, deep blue waters, outstanding landscapes and traditional Turkish cordiality are what define Bera resort. Tourists can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. Families and couples both can relish this luxurious attractive resort which has excellent reputation and incredible services. The facilities and flawless services provided by Bera Beach Resort ensure a pleasant stay for guests and make their vacations memorable.
See all available rooms and deals in Bera Beach Resort
General info:
- Rating: 5 stars
- Board Basis: All inclusive(soft drinks, meals, pools, spa, beach)
- Location: Konakli district of Alanya City, Turkey
- Nearest city: Alanya (15 minute bus ride, overlooking the sea)
- Nearest International Airports: Antalya (AYT) Airport(122 km), Gazipasa (GZP) Airport (57 km)
- Open:Check in time is 15:00, Check out time is 11:00
When to go:
Resort is open 12 months of the year. Tourists mostly prefer going in summer season. Its open from 10 April to 31 October.
Nearby attractions:
The modern hotel is in the vicinity of popular city attractions such as Cleopatra's Beach, Damlatas Aqua Centre.
Plan your Trip
Flights to Alanya from £80
Book cheap car rental from £9
Book your travel insurance from £7
Private airport taxi from £25
Things to do:
Summer season daytime activities and evening entertainment usually includes games, sports, live folk music, poetry and comedy plays. Other activities include Parachute, Surfing, and Jet Ski (at extra charge).
Some Western and Turkish music are allowed within the hotel.
Halal Hotel Facilities:
- The luxurious feel of each room at Bera Alanya Hotel is complemented by facilities like flat-screen satellite TVs, minibars, air conditioner, balcony, safety deposit box, En Suite Bath/shower and hairdryer.
- Hotel Bera offers breakfast every morning that guests can enjoy. Hotel also serves International and Turkish Cuisine as an open buffet for lunch and dinner. There are also snacks served at selected times between meals. Minibar is free for guests on arrival day only.
- A mixed private beach area for families with modest swimming dress code.
- Segregated swimming pools are for men, women and kids.
- Spa, Sauna, Steam room and Turkish bath separated for men and women.
- Sports activities include water polo, aerobics, darts, pool table, table tennis and beach volleyball.
- Games room with arcade and electronic games for an extra charge.
- Mosque with special area for women.
Contact details:
Phone: +90 242 510 0500
See all available rooms and deals in Bera Beach Resort
You've read all about this place and why it meets your halal needs, but if you want to continue with your search, there's many more to choose from that all cater to those who are after a truly unique halal holiday experience. We have halal hotels, halal resort hotels, halal thermal hotels and even halal villas to choose from!
So, whether you're looking for family holidays or all inclusive holidays (or both!) there are plenty of halal friendly holidays to choose from on Muslim Break.


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People can make pretty much anything with Lego nowadays — from an enormous working NES controller, to a machine that automatically sorts Lego pieces itself — so it's not really a surprise when someone builds something awesome with the plastic blocks. However, that doesn't make impressive builds any less awesome — you simply saw it coming. Lego mastermind Jason Allemann proves this notion, and though he didn't surprise us with this Lego clock that tells time through the use of balls, he sure has us impressed.
The clock featured in the video, powered by a Lego 9V motor, doesn't use a timing motor and controller to keep accurate time, but rather is set to position Bionicle Zamor Spheres every 55 seconds. Each sphere dropped on the bottom rail represents one hour, each one on the middle rail represents 10 minutes, while each on the top rail represents one minute. So, the time is read from bottom-to-top, and requires a bit of counting unless the machine uses alternate rails Allemann built that have visualized numbers.
When time rolls over and the number of balls need to reset on any row, a ball drops from the top and lands on the rail in such a way where it tips the rail over, draining the spheres into a reservoir where the conveyor belt can grab and reuse them. Cleverly, a motor is employed in the reservoir that powers a small piston which pokes at the pooled balls, making sure there isn't any clogging.
Toward the end of the video, Allemann shows how the machine handles time rolling over to midnight — a Zamor sphere simply hits the tipping point of all three rails, which dump their cache of balls into the reservoir in descending order.
To check out more of Allemann's builds, head on over here.


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Halloween Events
Horrible Halloween at Waddesdon
It just wouldn't be Halloween without pumpkins! Get creative and choose from 1,000 pumpkins grown especially for Waddesdon and paint or carve your spooky designs (£4 a child). To celebrate Waddesdon's 'Creatures and Creations' exhibition, this year's Horrible Halloween trail takes you through the woods in search of some creatures of the night. See how many creatures you can find as you explore the illuminated woodland trail (£1 a child). For a fang-tastic finale, there's Waddesdon's Fête Worse Than Death (October 28 and 29, 10am-4pm), a two day Halloween party full of games, face painting, live music and much more including a photo booth and light-up candyfloss. Normal grounds admission applies.
Until 29 October, 10am, Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Aylesbury.
Pumpkin Carving
Carve a pumpkin to take home. Come along to Hughenden this October half-term and carve a pumpkin with a spooky design to take home. No need to book.
27 October, 10am, Hughenden, Valley Road, High Wycombe.
Family Fun at Hellfire Caves
Face Painting, colouring competitions, fancy dress competitions and more. All hosted by friendly spooks. Face painting is available for a small charge. There is no charge for the fun and games or access to the courtyard and delightfully decorated café, but normal entry times (11am to 5pm) and prices apply if you want to enter the Caves to see the amazing Halloween display. There will also be witches workshops at 10.30am, 12pm, 1:45pm and 3pm – booking required. Call 01494 533739 to book.
Until 28 October, 11am to 5pm, Hellfire Caves, West Wycombe.
Walk with the Ghosts
Join fellow ghoulish thrill seekers at Stubbings for dinner and a walk to remember. Included in the ticket price will be a light dinner in the cafe, along with a 20 to 30 minute walk round the grounds of the old manor house. On each of the three evenings there will be three sessions: 1st scare - walk at 5:45pm with dinner at 6:15pm. 2nd scare - dinner at 5:45pm with the walk at 6:30pm and 3rd scare - dinner at 6:30pm with the walk at 7:15pm.
27 and 28 October, Stubbings Nursery, Stubbings Estate, Henley Road, Maidenhead.
Pumpkin Carve Spooktacular
Get in the spirit of Halloween at Missenden Abbey's Pumpkin Carve Spooktacular in aid of the Thomas Ball Children's Charity. Open from 12pm to 3pm, guests of all ages are welcome to put their creativity to the test and carve your most ghoulish idea. For the little ones who are too young to carve, there will be a 'creepy colouring' station with lots of spooky pictures to choose from. Feeling fiendish? Indulge in some cakes from the cauldron in a bake sale which fully contributes to the charity. The entry fee is £3 per person (under 2's go free), with all profits being donated to the Thomas Ball Children's Cancer Fund. Pumpkins and carving tools will be provided by Missenden Abbey and Halloween costumes welcome/optional. Carvers must register for their pumpkin either online or call Missenden Abbey on 01494 866811. All carvers must register by the 20th October and must be accompanied by an adult if under the age of 16.
27 October, 12pm, Missenden Abbey, London Road, Great Missenden.
Halloween Ghost Tours
Explore the horrible history and spooky side of Buckinghamshire's towns, presented by Wycombe Paranormal Investigation. Over the Halloween weekend they will visit Amersham, Beaconsfield and High Wycombe and look into some of the more unpleasant goings on in these towns' past. Are the numerous tales of the paranormal related to these events? Or is it just coincidence that there are decades worth of witnesses to peculiar sightings and phenomena? Join them and visit the locations of some of these haunted and historic events. £12 per person. Keep an eye out for special child friendly tours (ages approximately 8+ with adult supervision, other tours suitable for 16+). For each child friendly tour one child goes free for each paying adult. Visit www.wycombeparanormal.com/store/c5/Halloween_2017.html, call 07980160381 or email firstname.lastname@example.com for more.
27 October until 31 October, 4:30pm, Old Library, Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe.
Halloween Spectacular!
Bring the family for an unforgettable, unmissable evening of spooky fun for all ages in the unique and atmospheric setting of the museum's historic buildings and woods. Pre-booking is essential for this extremely popular event. Take a trip around the spooky walk… if you dare. Discover the monsters, fire-breathers and witches. Listen to spine-tingling stories by our scary storyteller. Trick-or-treat around the museum's historic buildings. Enjoy barbecue food, soups, snacks and drinks including cider and premium beer on the Village Green. Make Halloween souvenirs. Get your face painted, make a spooky candle or enter the frightening fancy dress competition. The museum will be closed during the day and will open at 5pm for the event. Children £12, adults £8. Call 01494 871 117 for more.
27 October, 5pm, Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles.
Tunnel Tours
Discover what's hiding in the cellars below the County Museum. For the first time ever, Bucks County Museum will take you behind the scenes to explore its underground passageways and reveal secret discoveries. By the light of torches, hear tales of intrigue, superstition and magic from the museum's past. Numbers are strictly limited so book early to be one of the lucky few. Tours last 45 minutes. Adults and children aged 7 and over only. Tickets £3.50 per person (includes a minimum 10 per cent voluntary Gift Aid donation). Caution – be aware that this tour will involve some areas of low lighting, walking along full height tunnels, spooky tales and objects relating to beliefs and superstitions. Telephone 01296 331441 to book a place or book online at www.buckscountymuseum.org.
Until 28 October, 2pm and 4pm, Bucks County Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury.
Children's Events
Pottery Puppets
With Elizabeth Browning. Put your imagination to the test to design and sculpt a unique puppet out of clay. Wear an apron and bring a packed lunch. Workshops must be booked in advance – Call 01296 424332.
27 October, 10am, Queens Park Arts Centre, Queens Park, Aylesbury.
Disgusterous Dinner Plates
This disgusting duo are even bad to each other! Hear more about their revolting tricks and then decorate a disgusterous plate to take home. Cost: £3 per participant. Adults are welcome to pay to make their own. Price does not include Museum entry which you will also need to book to take part in the workshop. Age: suitable for 4+ years. Call 01494 892192 to book.
27 October, every hour between 11am and 4pm, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.
Mix 'n' Match Baddies Book
Make your own bogtrotting baddies book with artist Ruby Runnalls. Find out how Roald Dahl created some of his meanest, most horrible characters, then create your own baddies. You'll make a mix and match book of your of dastardly characters, so you can flick through for inspiration whenever you need a baddy. Cost: £3 per participant. Adults are welcome to pay to make their own. Age: suitable for 4+ years. Under 8s will need to be accompanied by an adult. Call 01494892192 to book.
28 October, 12pm, 1:30pm and 3pm, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.
Sponge and Spiker Spoon Puppets
James' loathsome aunts are terrible baddies – and some of the first nasty characters the author created. Hear more about the gruesome twosome and then make your own spoon puppet versions. Cost: £3 per participant. Adults are welcome to pay to make their own. Age: suitable for 4+ years. Call 01494 892192.
29 October, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3pm, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.
Sales and Fairs
Jig Fest
A festival of jigsaws. Completed jigsaws to view, new and preloved puzzles to buy, partly made puzzles to complete on the day over a cup of tea and cake, Tangrams to try. Admission £1 (children free) and refreshments and cakes on sale. All profits towards the church building fund. Email firstname.lastname@example.com or call 01844 351565 for more information.
27 October until 29 October, 2pm (Friday and Sunday), 11am (Saturday), Chinnor Methodist Church, Station Road, Chinnor.
Beaconsfield Farmers' Market
This popular market always guarantees an amazing selection of quality, local produce. As well as a prodigious selection of fresh meats they have free range poultry, game, award-winning cheeses, seasonal fruit and veg, locally produced cider and wines, artisan breads, meat and savoury pies, cakes, patisserie and baked goods, honey and preserves. Don't miss the fresh trout and sea fish and hot food stall too. Free parking in Windsor End.
28 October, 9am to 12:30pm, Windsor End, Beaconsfield Old Town.
Autumn Craft Fair
Craftworkers displaying their products on 14 stalls. Also books and plant stalls, toys, Christmas cards and paper. Traidcraft stall. Coffee and lunches from 12 noon. Proceeds for Christian Aid. Free entry.
28 October, 10am to 3pm, Amersham Free Church, corner of Woodside Road and Sycamore Road, Amersham.
Dogs' Big Tabletop Sale
Big Portacabins of donated new and nearly new goods come up for grabs in near end of season sale of clothes, household goods, bric a brac, toys, books, DVDs, plants, strange things - and more. All in aid of saving dogs' lives. The next similar sale will be at Longburrow Hall, Park Lane, Stokenchurch, on Saturday November 25, 11am till 1pm. This charity will also hold large Christmas bazaar with Santa on duty, in this hall on Saturday, November 18, from 11am till 2pm. Bargains galore again. Call 01494 482695 or email email@example.com for more information.
28 October, 10am, Stokenchurch Dog Rescue, Oxford Road, Stokenchurch.
Talks, classes and exhibitions
Bucks Pottery and Sculpture Society
This month's meeting will include a talk by ceramicist and artist Diana Tonnison. Inspired by visits to local markets at home and abroad, Diana creates ceramic wall sculptures based on displays of food (fish in particular) waiting to be prepared for cooking. You can see examples of her work at www.dianatonnison.co.uk. Call 01844 342355 or email email@example.com for more information. Tickets £2 for members, £5 for visitors.
27 October, 8pm, Little Kingshill Village Hall, Windsor Lane, Little Kingshill, Great Missenden.
Chesham Photographic Club Annual Exhibition
Not only will there be the usual display of members work there will be an adults and children's tombola and legendary homemade cakes for sale for a well-earned break after viewing all of the works. Chesham Mayor Emily Culverhouse will also present the schools competition trophy, a competition which has been run for many years in conjunction with the local high schools to encourage and inspire those students who wish to take part. This year they are introducing displays for 'Meet the Committee' and 'Get to know Judges & Speakers' so that you can get to know everyone. This year the exhibition will be dedicated to a dear friend and long-standing member Richard Sanders who sadly passed away in August. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.
28 October, 10am to 4pm, Chesham Town Hall, Chesham.
Classic Model Train Show
A classic model train show organised jointly by the Chiltern Hills Vintage train group and members of St John's Methodist Church, Amersham with all profits going to support local community projects. There will be up to 16 working layouts and displays, and light refreshments will be available. Many of the model trains originate from the classic period of toy trains from the 1920s to the 1960s. Lots of action is guaranteed and there may be an opportunity to help operate one of the layouts. Admission: adults £4, children £2 (up to 15, under 5s free), families £10.
28 October, 10:30am to 5pm, St John Methodist Church, 60 Woodside Road, Amersham.
The Birth, Renaissance and Exciting Future of Car Design
Fundraising talk in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care. Frank Stephensen, who designed the new Mini and now designs 'super cars' for McLaren will take part. Come and hear him chat about his career and join a question and answer session. Tickets £20 including glass of beer/wine and homemade canapes. Call 01628530899 or email email@example.com.
30 October, 7:15pm, Davenies School, Station Road, Beaconsfield.
The Last Charge – Centenary Exhibition of the Charge at El Mughar
The charge of the 6th Mounted Brigade at El Mughar in Palestine on 13 November 1917 can claim to be the last great British cavalry charge, although there were later charges in Syria in 1918 by an Indian regiment and by the Australian Light Horse. Significantly, James Prinsep Beadle was commissioned to paint the charge at El Mughar as the cavalry contribution to a representative collection of Great War studies for the United Services Club in Pall Mall. Never previously exhibited outside of the building, Beadle's painting depicts 'B' Squadron of the 1/1st Royal Bucks Hussars leading the charge against the Ottoman Turkish defenders. This exhibition brings together Beadle's painting, Thomas Cantrell Dugdale's painting of the same charge, and other artefacts and images, to commemorate the service of men from Buckinghamshire in Palestine. It is one of the forgotten campaigns of the First World War, yet one that left a profound legacy. Call 01296 331441 or email firstname.lastname@example.com for more. Entry by donation.
31 October until 6 January, 10am, Bucks County Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury.
Billy and the Minpins: An Exhibition of Quentin Blake's New Illustrations For Roald Dahl's Last Book
Almost 40 years after his first collaboration with Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake was asked to illustrate Billy and the Minpins, Roald's last story. This exhibition unites a selection of prints from Quentin's brand-new drawings with extracts copied from Roald's original manuscripts for the book: two heroes of the imagination together again. Call 01494 892192 to book.
Until 15 April 2018, 11am, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.
An Evening With Kirstie Allsopp
Join Chorleywood Bookshop for an evening with Channel 4 favourite Kirstie Allsopp, Kirstie will be discussing her delectable and first ever cookbook 'Real Kitchen', which is packed with delicious recipes and stories from her family life, the book gives a unique glimpse into the kitchen of the Queen of home-making, Kirstie Allsopp. The perfect night out for craft queens, culinary masters and those of us who love to create a family feast. Single event book vouchers £25 to include a copy of Kirstie's latest book Kirstie's Real Kitchen: Simple Recipes for Modern Families. Couples event book voucher £35, which allows admission for two people with one copy of the book, Kirstie's Real Kitchen: Simple Recipes for Modern Families included. Buy tickets at chilternbookshops.co.uk/events.
2 November, 7:30pm, Dr Challoner's High School (Challoner's Girls School), Cokes Lane, Amersham.
Advanced Blacksmithing Classes
Blacksmithing with Nicholas Packham. Visit a practising workshop to learn and refine the art of blacksmithing. These classes for those students who have completed Nicholas' Beginners' class. Classes take place at Nicholas' workshop in Milton Keynes. Call the centre for address. Places must be booked in advance - don't forget to bring a packed lunch. Call 01296 424332 or email email@example.com for more. Tickets £45.
29 October, 10am, Queens Park Arts Centre, Queens Park, Aylesbury.
Robbie Williams Tribute Evening
Rennie Grove Hospice Care and the Mayor of Beaconsfield invites you to a Robbie Williams tribute evening including dinner at the Old Bengal restaurant in Beaconsfield Old Town.
For tickets contact Chris Owen on 0777 0888997 or email firstname.lastname@example.com £28. 29 October, 7pm, The Old Bengal Indian Restaurant, Wycombe End, Old Beaconsfield.
Turtle Song
An English Touring Opera, Royal College of Music and Turtle Key Arts collaboration, in partnership with Waddesdon Manor. Turtle Song is an opportunity to compose and sing your own songs with professional musicians. It is for people with memory problems and all forms of dementia and for their companions (husbands/wives/carers). The group will meet weekly over a nine-week period between October and November. The aims are to enjoy singing together, to write a song cycle, to record the songs on CD/DVD, and to have an experience that is both fun and inspiring. All the ideas for the songs will come from the participants, and the final piece will be performed live to friends and family at the end of the nine weeks. They'll be led by professional composer, director and supported by music students from the Royal College of Music. There is no need for any previous experience or skill, and everyone is welcome. Email firstname.lastname@example.com or call 2089645060 if you are interested and would like an application form.
Until 28 November, 10:30am, Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury.
Songs of Glaze with a Slice of Brass
A wonderful evening with Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir and Marlow Town Band. The best of voices and brass band sound together. Supporting Cakes4Casualties. Call 07973985603 or email firstname.lastname@example.com for more information. Tickets £12 each.
28 October, 7:30pm, All Saints Parish Church, High Street, Marlow.
Lulu – All About the Music
Following on from her smash hit 2016 tour Lulu returns with her biggest tour yet. There is one overriding influence in the life of this acclaimed singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, Grammy and Novello Award nominee, and that is, it has always been All About the Music. Lulu delivers a show packed full of her hits, new songs and songs that have influenced and guided her throughout her incredible career. Tickets £39 to £40, available online at www.wycombeswan.co.uk or by calling 01494 512 000.
30 October, 7:30pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.
The Stylistics
The Stylistics are known instantly for their recognisable hits such as the Grammy-nominated You Make Me Feel Brand New plus classics including Can't Give You Anything (But My Love), Stop, Look, Listen To Your Heart, You Are Everything and Betcha By Golly Wow. They are one of the most iconic and best-selling soul groups in history. Tickets £36, available online at www.wycombeswan.co.uk or by calling 01494 512 000.
29 October, 7:30pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.
The Railway Children
E. Nesbit's classic novel The Railway Children is brought thrillingly to life in a stunning new stage production. This best-loved tale, made famous by the iconic 1970 movie starring Jenny Agutter and Bernard Cribbins, delivers a compelling coming of age story and a fascinating insight into Edwardian rural life. Complete with beautiful period costumes and ingenious designs, this new production promises an uplifting theatrical experience for all ages, packed with intrigue, adventure, joy and jubilation. Tickets range from £12.25 - £28.75, available online at www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury.
31 October to 5 November, 7pm and 2:30pm showings, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury.
A Murder is Announced
Middle Ground Theatre Company Ltd present their acclaimed production of a classic Miss Marple mystery. The residents of Chipping Cleghorn are astonished to read an advert in the local newspaper that a murder will take place this coming Friday at Little Paddocks, the home of Letitia Blacklock. Unable to resist, the group gather at the house at the appointed time, when the lights go out and a gun is fired. Enter Miss Marple, who must unravel a complex series of relationships and events to solve the mystery of the killer. Starring Louise Jameson as Miss Marple. Tickets £19 to £31, available online at www.wycombeswan.co.uk or by calling 01494 512 000.
1 November to 4 November, 7:30pm and 2:30pm showings, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.
Top five things to do
Live on Mars
A bold new stage production celebrating iconic pop hero David Bowie; his music, artistry, style and showmanship. Featuring the electrifying vocals and uncanny likeness of singer and lifelong Bowie fan Alex Thomas, with a hand-picked world-class band, and covering the Bowie back-catalogue from Space Oddity to Let's Dance and everything in between. Tickets £28, available online at www.wycombeswan.co.uk or by calling 01494 512 000.
27 October, 7:30pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.
Real Ale and Sausage Weekend
Real ale and sausage weekend, with music and a quiz on Saturday and a singer on Sunday lunch time. Plus a selection of great ales and local sausages. Call 01494 711144 for more information. Free entry.
27 October until 29 October, 2pm, Holmer Green British Legion, 48 Beech Tree Road, Holmer Green.
Aylesbury Beer Festival
The 24th Aylesbury Beer Festival has moved to Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School for 2017. The festival will take place on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th, offering real ale fans the chance to try local beers as well as award-winning ales and ciders from further afield, whilst raising vital funds for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. Local CAMRA expert David Roe will be selecting the ales and ciders to include a range of old favourites and seasonal novelties. Following its enthusiastic reception last year, the Kings Farm Shop, Wendover will be bringing a range of delicious gourmet sausages to barbecue between 11am and 7pm on the Saturday of the festival and there will also be live music on Saturday. Prices are just £5 in advance or £7 on the door.
To book, and for more information go to www.fnhospice.org.uk/aylesbury-beer-festival or call 01296 429 975.
27 October until 28 October, 6pm, Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School, Oxford Road, Aylesbury.
Petrifying Pumpkin Trail
Follow the map and clues to find all the pumpkin clues hidden in Black Park. Simply pick up your map from the Information Point to follow the self-led trail, answer the quiz sheet and earn yourself a little treat. No booking required, just turn up on the day. Suitable for: all the family - ghosts, ghouls and goblins and well behaved dogs are all welcome. Parking nearby. All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: £3 per map, pay & display charges apply.
27 October, 10am to 3pm, Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham.
The Silver Screen Dance Show
Celebrating 40 years of excellence in dance and the performing arts the Carol Kristian Theatre School is proud to present The Silver Screen Dance Show a vibrant and exhilarating dance performance set to music from the movies spanning the decades. This thrilling performance demonstrates the talents of all our dance students, and is sure to be a night to remember. Tickets £15, available online at www.elgiva.com or by calling 01494 582900.
28 October, 2:30pm, The Elgiva Chesham, St Mary's Way, Chesham.


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This blog is about student loans, and why the laws need to be changed. At the least, there needs to be a one time forgiveness of student loans for seniors who can't afford to pay theirs off. We are not going to suddenly start earning more money. We don't have 25 years left in the workforce to make payments, assuming we can afford them in the first place. Yet under current law, if we don't come up with the money, our paychecks and/or Social Security can be garnished. This is wrong.
2 thoughts on "Welcome to my blog"
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I'll try to get the hang of it!


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ExpertCare Team
You Make a Difference
You Make a Difference
Direct Deposit
Frequently Asked Questions
Timesheets should be submitted to ExpertCare on a weekly basis by Monday at 8:00 a.m. via the following methods:
Email your timesheet to ExpertCare through our secure message center. Follow the link below and you will be taken to the login screen where you will be prompted to enter your email address and password that you established. Once logged in, you can attach your timesheet and data logs in a new secure message by clicking on the "Compose" tab. Click here to access our secure message center: ExpertCare Portal.
ExpertCare has a drop box for timesheets, notes and data logs at the north entrance near the stairs. This entrance is at the far right end of our parking lot to the left of the main entrance.
You can use CamScanner in order to scan your timesheets to send them securely through the ExpertCare Portal.
CamScanner Instructions for iPhones
Timesheets can be faxed to: 248-740-3505
Mail to: 210 Town Center Drive, Troy, Michigan, 48084
Coming Soon
Working for ExpertCare means working for a company that is passionate about "Helping People Succeed" and working for a management team that treats others with respect and dignity.
Dental coverage helps members pay for the most common procedures and preventive services, without restricting their choice of dentists. Using a dentist in the Careington PDNO Dental network will help lower out-of-pocket expenses. This is a PPO plan, not a discount plan.
The Vision program includes coverage for routine eye exams, eyeglasses and contact lenses. Using a vision care provider in the Superior Vision network will help lower out-of-pocket expenses.
Short Term Disability coverage replaces a portion of the employee's income when he/she is unable to work due to a non-occupational injury or sickness.
Term Life and Accidental Death Insurance can bring employees great peace of mind without great expense.
Critical Illness coverage helps supplement out-of-pocket medical and non-medical expenses associated with a critical illness that are positively diagnosed by a Physician
Accident coverage pays a benefit due to a covered accidental injury directly to you. If one of the MEC plans are elected, coverage amounts are in addition to Accident benefits offered through the MEC plan.
At ExpertCare Management Services, it is our intent to provide our employees access to affordable healthcare coverage. Understanding that the cost of health insurance can be prohibitive, we have found the most cost effective HMO plan. We also offer Supplemental Health, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Life, Critical Illness, and 24 Hour Accident insurance through Benefits in a Card to help our employees and their families offset potential out of pocket expenses.
This plan is an HMO major medical plan. This plan provides rich benefits at a cost effective premium. Please check provider directories to assure your doctors and hospitals participate in the THC network. THC uses a generic mandatory system for prescription drugs. If there is a generic equivalent, it will be substituted unless your doctor can provide medical necessity for the preferred brand.
We will begin taking deductions on the first payroll of the month following the receipt of your enrollment forms. Benefits will begin on the first of the month following your first deduction (e.g. if deductions begin on the first four (4) pay periods of March, your benefits begin on April 1.)
The THC plan is a Section 125 plan. Deductions from your paycheck for the cost of the plan will be before taxes (pre-tax). This is a benefit to you. The IRS does make certain rules for Section 125 plans.
Your election to participate in THC health plan will lock you into that plan until:
MEC is an innovative and affordable program designed to meet the standards of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With MEC, employees can avoid ACA penalties, benefit with first dollar coverage and cover preventive care at 100% with no deductions or co-pays.
These plans are not major medical plans but do satisfy the government's requirement that you have minimum essential medical coverage.
We will begin taking deductions for the BIC plan(s) within 2 weeks after you contact BIC directly via phone to enroll. Deductions are taken on Friday and benefits are in effect each Monday thru Sunday following that deduction. Benefit coverage continues each week there is a deduction taken.
Note: if deductions are not taken from your pay on a given week, you will not have coverage the following Monday thru Sunday. To get coverage for those weeks, payments must be made directly to BIC. Benefits will be terminated after 4 deductions are missed.
If you decline coverage after your first time being eligible, you will not be able to elect coverage again until the Open Enrollment Period, which occurs in February each year. BIC benefits begin as early as February 1. THC Benefits will begin April 1, 2018. You can drop BIC benefits at any time. You may not add, drop or change THC benefits or add or change BIC benefits unless you have a qualifying event, such as:
Direct Deposit to Bank Account or rapid! PayCard
Now caregivers have options in electronic pay delivery. Caregivers can have their weekly pay direct deposited into a bank account or onto the rapid! PayCard. Not only are these options faster, easier and more reliable than a traditional paycheck, you will also be helping to save the environment. No more paper checks – just download your paystub directly to your computer.
Below is a link to our direct deposit form. Any changes to your direct deposit must be submitted in writing.
The link below will take you to ExpertCare's payroll website. By registering here, you will be able view your pay stub and other key employment information on-line. If you have any questions, you can always call us at 866.812.8896.
Log-In to View Paystub
1) What do I do after I complete an interview with the consumer family? Call a Staffing Consultant at ExpertCare.
2) What should I do if I haven't heard from the consumer family about my work schedule? Call a Staffing Consultant at ExpertCare. The Staffing Consultant will call the family and then call you back.
3) What do I do if I do not want to return to the case I was working on? Call ExpertCare and ask to speak with a Staffing Consultant. The Staffing Consultant will then call with the consumer family.
4) What if I cannot work today? Who should I call? Call ExpertCare as soon as you know you will be unable to work your scheduled hours, during business hours. You must speak with a Staffing Consultant. If you are calling after hours, please contact the on-call phone at (248) 229-3088.
5) When are timesheets due? Timesheets, progress notes, data sheets, and any other documentation are due at 8:00 a.m. every Monday, even if a holiday falls on a Monday. Timesheets should be sent in each week after the end of your last shift for the week.
6) How many hours am I allowed to work? You are only approved to work the hours within the consumer's budget. Each consumer's budget differs. Please check with ExpertCare on how many hours you can work with your consumer.
7) What do I do if another service is being provided to the consumer during my shift? Contact ExpertCare right away. In most circumstances, only 1 service may be provided at a time. Any exceptions must be approved through ExpertCare.
8) Can I transport my consumer to medical appointments? No. Per the Michigan Medicaid Provider Manual, "transportation to and from medical appointments" is not approved as a CLS activity.
9) Who is able to authorize me to work? Only ExpertCare can authorize you to work. If you are uncertain if you are able to start working with a consumer or return to case, please contact ExpertCare and ask to speak with any Staffing Consultant.
10) What do I do if the Supports Coordinator or consumer's parent/guardian tells me I can start working? Please call ExpertCare. Only ExpertCare can authorize you to begin working with a consumer. Only ExpertCare can verify that all the requirements and forms have been received into our office, allowing you to start work.
11) What do I do if the consumer's parent/guardian wants me to care for other children in the home while I am working? This is not allowed. All services are to be provided 1-on-1. Please call ExpertCare if the parent/guardian makes a request for you to watch other children in the home.
12) Can I bring my child to work if the consumer's parent/guardian says it is OK? No. Bringing others to your place of work violates Medicaid, HIPAA, and ExpertCare's policies.
13) Can I run my own errands when working with the consumer? No. You should be working on goals as indicated in the consumer's Individualized Plan of Services (IPOS).
14) Can I have my consumer meet my family and/or friends as part of working on a goal of socialization? No. If socialization is a goal in the IPOS, this may be accomplished out in the community and through developing relationships with age-appropriate individuals in the community.
15) Can I complete my online trainings while working with my consumer? No. Trainings must be completed when you are not working with your consumer.
16) How do I submit my timesheets? Timesheets can be faxed, mailed, emailed through our secure portal located on our website, brought into our office during business hours, or dropped in the office drop box.
17) How can I get more timesheets? Timesheets and notes pages are found on the website for you to print. You can also call ExpertCare to request timesheets and other necessary documentation to be mailed. Allow 48 hours for this request.
18) Can I accept money or gifts from my consumer or consumer family? Caregivers cannot accept money or gifts from the consumer or family. Accepting money or gifts is a Recipient Rights violation.
19) What if I am not sure what activities to do in the community with my consumer? Please visit the events tab under "Resources" on the ExpertCare website or go to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ECareMichigan
20) What do I do if an incident occurs when ExpertCare's office is closed? Call the after-hours on-call phone at (248) 229-3088.
21) Do I have to have direct deposit? Can I receive paper checks? You have the opportunity to choose direct deposit into your existing checking or savings account or we can issue a Rapid Paycard to you for your deposits. We do not issue paper checks.
22) If I submit more than one timesheet at a time, can they be paid separately? Unfortunately, we cannot pay timesheets submitted at the same time in separate deposits.
23) How do I reset Prism HR password? On the main screen of the PRISM HR employee website, you can either select "forgot username?" or "forgot password?" for a user name retrieval or password reset. ExpertCare does not have the ability or access to reset these passwords for you.
24) When will I receive my W-2? W-2s are ready for viewing through the Prism HR site and mailed to you by the last day of January of the new year.
25) What do I do if I didn't receive my W2 or misplaced it? W2s are available electronically on the payroll portal, Prism HR. Under the Payroll category, select W2 reprint and select the year from the drop-down menu. If you need us to send you a W2 reprint, you must complete the W2 Reprint Request form before we can complete your request. Please contact HR to obtain the form. W2 reprints can ONLY be sent through mail once the Reprint Request form is received. We do not send W2 reprints via fax or email and we do not allow employees to pick up their W2s in the office.
26) How long before my new direct deposit information will go into effect? Generally, if the Direct Deposit information is received and entered by us before EOB Monday, it'll go into effect that week If the information is received after Monday, the direct deposit will go into effect the following week.
27) How do I request copies of pay stub requests and/or employment verifications? Any request for pay stub printing or employment verifications must be submitted to us in writing with the caregiver signature. For the caregiver's protection, we will not process these requests without a written request and signature.
28) When will trainings be paid? Trainings are processed for payment within two weeks of taking your class or receiving your training documentation. The training will be deposited on Friday
29) What if I need to know how many hours are left in my consumer's budget? Please call ExpertCare to check how many hours are left in your consumer's budget.
30) Why can't I see my payroll deposit on Thursday? ExpertCare payrolls are dated each Friday, so generally you will not see your deposit until Friday.
1) What should I ask the Caregiver during the interview? Some questions you could consider asking the Caregiver during an interview may be: • What experience do you have providing care? • What qualities do you have that make you a successful Caregiver? • What is the most challenging thing you have experienced in this type of work? • Why did you choose this field of work? • What schedule are you able to work?
2) How many hours can my Caregiver work each week? Caregivers must remain within the authorized budgeted hours, as indicated in the Individual Plan of Service (IPOS). Contact ExpertCare if you are uncertain of the weekly or monthly authorized hours.
3) What should I do if the timesheet my Caregiver gives me to sign is incorrect? Do not sign a timesheet that indicates incorrect times. Timesheets should be reviewed every week your Caregiver works and signed at the end of the work week. You are responsible for reviewing the hours indicated on the timesheet prior to signing.
4) What should I do if my Caregiver asks me to sign a blank timesheet? Do not sign a blank timesheet. Contact ExpertCare if you are asked by to sign a blank timesheet. Timesheets and required documentation must be completely filled out for the hours worked prior to requesting your signature. An "X" should be marked through the days your Caregiver did not work.
5) How do I know what the Caregiver should be doing with my loved one? Goals should be indicated in the Individual Plan of Service (IPOS) and documentation should reflect the goals the Caregiver worked on each day.
6) What should I do if I have concerns about my Caregiver providing care or haven't heard from them in over a week? Call ExpertCare ASAP and speak with any Staffing Consultant at 248-643-8900.
1) What do I do if I need to cancel a therapy session? Call the ExpertCare therapy services phone at 248-901-9388.
2) What is the cancellation policy for therapy appointments? We require 24 -hour notice to cancel a scheduled appointment. If you have an emergency and need to cancel, please call the ExpertCare therapy services phone at 248-901-9388 as soon as you know that you will not be able to make your scheduled appointment.
3) What insurance do you accept for therapy services? We accept Medicare and Medicaid only.
4) What do I need in order to get therapy services? You will need an Rx from your physician with the diagnosis, and the type of therapy begin prescribed. We contract with Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority. Your Support Coordinator may send a referral for your services to ExpertCare as well.
5) If I have to cancel, can my therapist just come on a different day? Our therapists have a weekly schedule for all of the clients that they see. They cannot typically reschedule to another day; however check with ExpertCare therapy services at 248-901-9388 to see if there were any cancellations.
6) Do therapists still come to the home if school is canceled? The therapists will visit their scheduled clients unless the therapist determines it is unsafe for them to travel. If the therapist is not going to visit, you will receive a phone call from ExpertCare letting you know.


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9am - noon Central
Achieving your mission in the community depends on your ability to find the resources to meet your goals. Most non-profits face the challenge of long-term financial sustainability, both in terms of how to do this kind of planning and where to look for these resources. Attend this series to create a sound financial plan that will help your organization in the long run.
Over four sessions, you will create a long-term financial sustainability plan for your organization using several innovative tools for identifying financial and non-financial resources, and for making strategic decisions around priorities and programming. Importantly, your plan will be strengthened by great ongoing feedback from peers in the workshop.
The workshops will assist you to:
- Identify financial and non-financial resources - from grants to volunteers
- Develop a comprehensive list of potential funders
- Explore diversifying your income streams to increase your organization's stability
- Learn about practical tools for planning, such as 'Friend-raising' & 'Asset Mapping'
- Make strategic decisions around priorities and programming
Who Should Attend:
People in charge of planning and budgets for their organization (EDs or program managers). This understanding is critical for the usability of the plan that will come out of the workshops, and for the ability to provide a high level of peer support to others in the group. It is also necessary that those attending the course have the time to complete the homework.
- Dates: February 26, March 12, March 26, April 9 - Four sessions at two week intervals
- Time: Wednesday mornings, 9:00 am - 12 pm
- Where: 765 Main Street - Social Enterprise Centre boardroom
- Cost: $100 (members), $250 (non-members) - please send cheques to our Manitoba office, or bring them to your first session (Unit 202-765 Main St. Winnipeg, MB, R2W 3N5)
Sarah Leeson-Klym (gathering [at] ccednet-rcdec.ca) or 204-943-0547.
Series Facilitator - Brendan Reimer:
Brendan Reimer is the Manitoba Regional Director at the Canadian CED Network, a member of the Social Enterprise Council of Canada, and a former Board Member at the Assiniboine Credit Union. Working out of the Social Enterprise Centre, Brendan is a teacher and an organizer, and works hard to change policy in support of building fairer and stronger local economies, reducing poverty and homelessness, and creating more sustainable communities. He has taught the "Management of Non-Profits" course at the University of Winnipeg, and facilitates many workshops every year on the topics of CED, social enterprise, building financial sustainability in non-profits, and understanding and advancing policy.
Quotes from past participants
"The workshop provided both a theoretical overview and practical hands-on application of the concepts. The facilitator was very knowledgeable and able to adapt the sustainability model(s) to a variety of situations."
Frank Atnikov-SEED Winnipeg Inc.
"I loved making the personal connections with other not-for profit directors. Listening to their experiences allowed me to see things from a different perspective and learn about different financial models. Several of the participants met for breakfast before one of the sessions which gave us more time to get know each other and the organization we work for."
Brian Jamieson- Executive Director, English Online Inc.
"The playing field for non-profit organizations is continuously changing. This workshop is a valuable tool for leaders to interact with others, assess present practice and explore alternative ways to work towards financial sustainability."
Lois Coleman Neufeld- Executive Director, Mediation Services
"This workshop was an eye opener. Brendan used easy-to-understand tools and gave clear explanations to help us think strategically and meaningfully about organizational financial sustainability. This workshop will change the way I conceptualize and help build the financial health of our organization."
Shereen Denetto – IRCOM


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Unlike gravity camp showers that need to be hung overhead and produce dismal water pressure, Helio™ LX rests securely on the ground and delivers the pressure you need to wash hair, do the dishes, rinse off gear, water your plants, or wash the dog.
You can quickly and easily pressurize the 5.8-gallon tank with a foot pump – and with occasional pumps you can keep it fully pressurized for 7-10 minutes of strong, continuous spray. The tank cannot be over-inflated. Set the black tank in the sun to warm up gradually, or you can fill it directly with hot water for a warm shower.
Unlike other pressurized showers, Helio™ can be refilled anywhere, even without a hose. The 7-foot neoprene hose is long enough to hold it overhead for a shower, or to reach all angles of dirty gear, muddy paws, or salty wetsuits. Pair with Heliopolis™ privacy shelter, which has a fitted nozzle holder for hands-free overhead showering, for the ultimate home-away-from-home shower in the backcountry.
|Minimum Weight
|1 lb , 14 oz / 860 g
|2 lb , 0 oz / 905 g
|Packed Size
|6.5 x 10.5 in dia / 16 x 26 cm dia
|10 x 23 in / 26 x 58 cm
|Black / Apple Green
|PU coated polyester, TPU, Neoprene tubing


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I am looking to get some new heated gear and in these times of fast changing technology I am clueless. My old equipment from tour Master was bulky, uncomfortable and with the wired controller not always easy to manage.
I live in the Pacific NW so I am not facing the extremes of temperature. Mountain passes and extended damp chilly rain are about the worst things I face.
With that said, I am looking for jacket and pant liners that use battery/plug power to supply heat, rather than bulky fabrics that are intended to keep you warm i.e. the Tour Master line. Their early design seemed redundant.
Additionally I like the thought of the remote controller as way of cutting down on wiring, or am I misunderstanding the use of "Remote"
So fellow Forum members in 2018, what is the state of heated gear? Any suggestions, considerations or experience would be very helpful, and appreciated.
From the moderately cold, but damp NW
Brian Kenny


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23 April (Part 1) - Full council. First impressions. Not good
I get used to being the only member of the public listening to Bexley
council press on with its mission to bring the borough ever closer to a characterless
dictatorship and by the end of yesterday evening it was pretty much business as
usual. Me, one or two others, and 45 councillors intent on demonstrating how
nasty and vindictive they can be.
But the meeting didn't start that way. It began with me, 50 or 60 Splash Park supporters and 45 councillors demonstrating how nasty and vindictive they can be.
Anna Firth bottom right, Ronie Johnson, UKIP, Erith & Thamesmead PPC, top left
As well as a large deputation of Splash Park supporters being present, so was Erith & Thamesmead's Conservative candidate Anna Firth who has joined the Splash Park campaign with indisputable enthusiasm. As one of our councillors said to me yesterday "she has played a blinder of a campaign" and while I expect she has upset a few of her rivals along the way, no one could deny she very rapidly became high profile on social media.
The full council meeting was a very good one. Too often I sit at this keyboard struggling for words to adequately describe what I have seen the night before. It would be easier if I more often strayed towards the language of the school bus but to do that too often might dilute the message.
It would be easy to dismiss Bexley Conservatives as a bunch of crooks but I try not to because some of them aren't - there's err, well believe me, one or two are OK; but more importantly readers who haven't seen Bexley's Conservative council on top form might not believe a word of it. Can any council really be that bad?
So last night was from my point of view an extremely good meeting. If I lazily describe Bexley's Conservatives as a bunch of crooks in future I know that there will be 50, 60, 70, or whatever their number was, of Belvedere based parents who will nod their heads in agreement.
Throughout the meeting there were incidents, of, to borrow the words of a UKIP councillor from last night, pure vindictiveness.
Time after time all the Tory hands went up to block a perfectly reasonable opposition request. The mayor wouldn't allow an obvious error in some old minutes to be corrected, the Tories voted against extra time to discuss a motion after 15 minutes had been lost due to the meeting starting later than usual and they voted against paying the living wage. The nasty party lives and thrives in Bexley.
Early on in the meeting I felt I wanted to collar Anna Firth after the meeting to ask her if she was proud to be associated with such a disreputable bunch of, what's the word I am looking for? "Scumbags", yes that'll do, but she buzzed off back to Sevenoaks long before the end.
There will no doubt be more on last night's meeting after I have properly listened to the recording. Meanwhile for the latest news there is always the campaign's Facebook page and for extra and maybe better photos there is Brian Barnett's picture gallery.


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How to put it gently and not sound creepy? I don't know, but the fact is that Gromit, our first family dog, an old one, rescued from a family (human) who suffered a murder attempt, slipped from sleep to wherever mighty dogs run in the afterlife.
No need to add that it was hard, very hard to accept. We somehow believe he will live forever. Despite his age, his fur turned white, his fading appetite. We knew,of course we knew, but we still won't believe it possible.
Life is not what we like it to be, it simply is, and so Gromit is not here anymore. We should be happy, rejoice even, because he simply never woke after his sleep.
Gromit is to be remembered as the dog who had a name before he was even born. In our family we had two TV programmes fit for the kids: the first was Pingu, the second Wallace and Gromit. Pingu had no intelligible language – this is not true, of course, the underline was very subtle – Wallace and Gromit gave the kids the first taste of english.
Like all kids our two had a mad desire for a pet. A dog! We then lived in a small flat, a brisk change of town and school to help our son cope with his allergies. No way to keep a dog in there. Then, for the allergy reason, we moved to the country and there was no denying them the dog. The name had been settled for years: Gromit. The dog who is wiser and brighter than his owner. And off I went, searching for him.
I was a cat woman, never had a dog, no experience at all, more: I was afraid of them! But a mother is a war machine when needed and so off I went, with two things in mind: a) the dog must not smell when wet (I cannot stand the stench), b) it must be a "rescued" dog. Italian law did not allow me and my partner – me and him married after 25 years of partnership because there was no law to secure our underage kids, thank you so much – to adopt a child, we will at least adopt a pet.
I visited and cuddle a selection of puddles advertised by the local newspaper, then I end up in a small home where they gave away two tiny dogs, a male and a female. I fell in love with Gromit-to-be at first sight, and when we drove to bring him home my husband asked me: are you sure the dog lives here? Here where? We are both journalist, you must understand this. And he covered a criminal story in that very place. A relative came to the house, shoot with a gun at the house, missed the young granddaughter of the owner, killed a dog instead, and run away across the border. In our places it is possible to run to another country, happy we… Headlines for weeks, but i did not realize it when I first visited. My husband, who had to cover the story, was shocked. But Gromit came home with us, for good.
And so the story goes till February the 9th, when Gromit – as said – drifted away as peacefully as we all hope to. To put it right, there will be no other Gromit in our household. When our retired greyhound was put to sleep due to an aggressive cancer, we adopt another poor soul, but this time we decided not.
Gromit gone, end of the story.


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Understanding the FTC Guidelines for Bloggers is a must when writing sponsored content on your blog and on your social media channels. Learn how to properly disclose your relationships with brands below!
Understanding the FTC Guidelines for Bloggers
If you're new to blogging, the FTC Guidelines for Bloggers may seem a bit overwhelming, but trust me they're not. This set of guidelines simply states that you must disclose all relationships with brands, in a clear and conspicuous manner. Also, both you and the sponsor have an obligation to be accurate in your claims about a product. No lying!
Sponsored Posts and Product Reviews
When writing a sponsored post and product reviews you need to let your readers know immediately they are reading sponsored content. This must be disclosed at the top of your post, before any sponsored links, and can be brief like the examples below.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of (Company Name).
Here's another example to consider:
I am so thrilled to have this opportunity to receive a complimentary FastAction™ Fold Click Connect™ Jogger from Graco.
In both examples, you are identifying to your readers that you have been compensated for this post.
If the sponsored post requires a longer, more descriptive disclosure, you can add this to the bottom of your post or link to a landing page with a more detailed disclosure policy. And be sure to disclose any affiliate links you have at the top of the post as well.
Social Media
When you send a tweet, post to Facebook, upload an image to Instagram, pin an image to Pinterest, or update any other social media channel that is promoting (amplifying) a sponsored post or sponsored content, you need to once again let your readers know they are reading sponsored content.
To let readers know the are reading sponsored content on a social media channel, simply add the word AD (or# ad) in front of your statement or any URL links. This disclosure must be in every social media amplification and it needs to be in a prominent place. You need to make sure the disclosure stands out.
Here are a few examples of what tweets that are compliant with the new guidelines look like:
#ad Loved meeting my #GracoJogger buddies today and trying out our new strollers! Have u seen how pretty they are? (LINK)
Come see how much my baby Jane LOVES her new #GracoJogger today on my blog. She's smiling from ear to ear! #ad (LINK)
As always, we encourage you to take some time to read through the FTC guidelines for bloggers yourself! You can check out a copy here: FTC Guidelines.


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It's like a 1950's poodle skirt. But for your tree. And with a kitty, because I like kitties.
And you don't have to sew it (unless you want to).
1 larger piece of felt (whatever size and color you would like the tree skirt to be)
Scraps of smaller pieces of felt in a variety of colors
Glue (I used Aleene's Original Tacky Glue)
Thumb tack and string
Rikrak or ribbon
1. Fold your large piece of felt into quarters. Using your thumbtack and string as a compass, draw the large circle for the outside part of the tree skirt.
2. Now do the same for the smaller circle, where the trunk of the tree will go.
3. With fabric still folded, cut out the larger and smaller circles.
4. Open it out, and make one straight cut from the inner circle to the outer circle, so you can later wrap the skirt around the tree.
5. Using your scraps, cut out presents in whatever shapes and sizes you want. Glue on rikrak or ribbon trim.
6. Make bows for the presents. Make sure one bow has a long tail. For a small tree skirt like mine, I left about 18″, but for a full-size tree skirt you might want a yard or more. It's better to leave it too long and cut it off later than to be wishing you'd left more to play with.
7. Cut our your kitty. And your kitty's eyes. Here are some patterns for large and small kitties that I drew, or you can make up your own.
8. Bend felt kitty's head back and make two snips, about where the sides of the mouth should be.
9. Thread the long piece of rikrak or ribbon through the kitty's "mouth" as shown.
10. Lay out the presents, bows, and the kitty pre-threaded with the long end of rikrak or ribbon onto the tree skirt you cut out earlier.
While the traditional poodle skirt has a poodle on a long, looping leash, I couldn't imagine my cats consenting to a leash. So this kitty is chewing on the long ribbons on the packages. (Which is why we don't put ribbons on the real packages, but that's another story). Let's just say kitty is helping to artfully arrange them, shall we?
When you're happy with the layout, glue it all down. I just used a few dots of glue in key places.
11. Let it dry flat.
And taa-daa! You have a super cute new kitty skirt for your Christmas tree.
Adorable assistant optional.
And this makes scrap project #9/101.
If you try this, I'd love to hear how it works out/see pictures!


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WASHINGTON -- The Pizza Mart owner found dead in his shop was killed by a woman he paid to marry his brother for citizenship -- until he learned she wasn't faithful, according to court documents. That's why the payments stopped, and that's why he died, NBC4's Pat Collins reported.
Shahabuddin Rana's body was found locked inside the northeast Washington Pizza Mart he owned with his brother on Aug. 18. He had suffered 14 large lacerations to his head and multiple skull fractures, Collins reported. One police officer said it was the bloodiest scene he'd ever encountered.
The culprit may have tried to set the victim on fire, Collins reported. Rana's back was scorched, and burnt matches were found on his body, according to court documents.
Police charged 26-year-old Shanika Robinson with first-degree murder while armed.
Rana agreed to pay Robinson $500 per week to marry his Pakistani brother so he could get U.S. citizenship, according to court documents.
When the brother found out that Robinson had sexual affairs with others, Rana stopped paying her, the documents said.
On the day Rana was killed, Robinson went to the Pizza Mart with two men, the documents said. An argument escalated into a fight, according to authorities.
The box cutter used in the slaying was found in Robinson's Capitol Heights, Md., home, according to the court documents. Bloody clothes were burned in barbecue behind the home, Collins reported, and the getaway car was scrubbed with bleach.
CORRECTION: On Monday, News4 posted a report on the arrest of the suspect. News4 showed a picture of a woman and identified her as the suspect. The woman pictured, however, was not the suspect. We apologize for the error.


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Although Diva Entertains offers many pineapple themed favors, just today we added these beautiful and elegant Gold Pineapple Bottle Opener Favors.
Details include:
- It comes packaged in a beautiful tropical themed box.
- Offer your loved ones a Warm Welcome! A perfect favor for any celebration!
- Size 4 3/4″ x 1 1/2″
- Warm Welcome Collection gold pineapple themed bottle opener
- Made from poly resin in a pineapple shape
- Pineapple has a three dimensional perspective
- Plated in shiny gold
- Bottle opener is made from a sturdy gold metal with an opening on the end for easy opening of bottles with style and grace
- Packaged in a beautiful tropical themed bottom box with pineapple leaves and fruit
- Inside of the box is pink
- Box has clear plastic top for perfect display of the bottle opener
- Box is wrapped with a white organza ribbon wrap and bow
- Attached to the ribbon is a tag with a 'Warm Welcome For You' message in a matching pineapple design
- Perfect as Hawaiian Luau party favors
To see other similar favors, please visit our Wine Favors category.


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Your cart is currently empty!
$ 60.00 $ 45.00
$ 60.00 $ 45.00
Fiona walker handcrafts each item, no two are identical!
Presenting a neutral safari vibe the Fiona Walker England Arrows add style to a playroom, nursery or bedroom wall. Mounts flush to a wall with a single hook attachment.
- Approximately 5.5"w x 22"h x 2"d - 1lbs
- Wall decor, not a toy or mask
- Set of 2
- 100% felted organic lamb's wool exterior
- 100% polyfil fiber interior
- Low impact dyes
- Sustainable and biodegradable
- Handmade (variations in each accessory are to be expected)
- Strengthened with bamboo cane
- Easy to hang and lightweight


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OPINION: What if Grain Bin Walls Could Monitor Moisture?
*GUEST COLUMNIST'S NOTE: This monthly column takes some crazy sounding ideas and applies them to the field of Ag Tech. The purpose of this is purely entertainment, but hey, if we can spread ideas, or ignite imaginations, how awesome is that?*
"My grain bin's steel walls are connected to WiFi."
This is a statement that might, in the near future, not be outside the realm of possibility, if the speaker had just implemented the first set of anisotropic steel into their grain storage operation.
Anisotropic is a term applied to an object or substance, whose physical properties can be different, depending on how they are measured. Therefore something that is anisotropic is said to be "directionally dependent." Alternately, when the properties of a material are the same no matter how they are measured, the material is said to be isotropic, or have "uniformity in all directions."
SciFi in Ag: No Field? No Problem. Reverse Engineering Plants
SciFi in Ag: Self-Reacting Spray Nozzles to Fight Dicamba Drift
SciFi in Ag: Rolls Royce Tech On Your Planter? Robotic Bugs for Maintenance?
Anisotropic steel doesn't exist quite yet, although currently, there is research into a self-healing aluminum, optimized for aerodynamics to be used in aircraft. This substance would incorporate data collection into the skin of the aircraft itself, eliminating the need for sensors.
What if we thought about this in terms of ag concepts?
Consider this; all grain bins previously designed with a "uniformity in all directions" (isotropic) concept, actually forced our grain to survive in the environment we created for it.
In an anisotropic environment, the steel itself would be the sensor for the grain, monitoring moisture, temperature, etc., and could actually change itself to the environment, getting hotter, colder, becoming porous for airflow and re-healing itself as needed from microspheres of uncured material within the nanocrystal coating.
In an article from Techcrunch titled "How Smart Materials Will Literally Reshape the World Around Us", Max Moruzzi says.
"The researchers at MIT are also hard at work at the newly formed Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) Institute. Their goal is to come up with a new generation of fabrics and fibers that will have the ability to see, hear and sense their surroundings; communicate; store and convert energy; monitor health; control temperature; and change their color."
Applying this tech to Ag in the years to come will certainly be exciting. Obviously this goes beyond just grain bins. For instance you might even be able to make your green tractors red, or the other way around.
In all seriousness though, this may affect all of your on-farm equipment, even insofar as your metal planter disks could be made from anisotropic steel, in order to sense all kinds of data about the soil and change the nutrients applied to the seeds based on that data on the fly.
Top Reasons to Work with A Crop Consultant
Using Data for Fall Planning
Not at all outside the realm of possibility…


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It's been an interesting time to be working on Capitol Hill. As I'm writing this on Wednesday night, the government has just reopened after being shut down for two weeks and three days, on the evening before the government would have defaulted on its debt if it hadn't come to this agreement. With House and Senate offices operating with skeleton staff, Congress people and Senators have had to hash out some kind of deal which would allow them to pass a budget and fund, not just the government itself, but all federal programs, from NASA to the Department of Veterans Affairs to the National Parks.
For the past two weeks and three days "non-essential" federal workers haven't been in work, and both they and the essential workers who have still had to come in haven't been paid. They will all be receiving back pay now that the government has reopened, but those with government contracts will not, while the many businesses that rely on federal workers will never get the revenue they've lost back and small businesses that have been unable to get government loans will struggle to recover. The shutdown has cost the economy around $24 billion.
So what was this all for?
Well, from the Republicans perspective, nothing. They've not managed to delay Obamacare, they certainly haven't managed to get rid of it, the debt ceiling has been raised and meanwhile they're poll ratings have plummeted. Not that the Democrats have got anything good out of this situation either – they have managed to defend Obamacare and they haven't had to give up anything up in exchange – but nobody wants to see their time in government wasted while they're caught in the first government shutdown since 1996.
It'd be easy, as a Democrat, to blindly blame the Republican Party for holding the workings of the federal government hostage over a healthcare law that has already been passed. But while this was an awful thing to do, I don't blame the Republican Party. During this shutdown, I've actually grown to respect a lot of Republican representatives – from John McCain, who has consistently said that the GOP should not have picked this fight the way they did, to Mitch McConnell, the minority leader of the Senate who helped to work out the bipartisan bill that went through the Senate (which over half the Senate Republicans voted for), to the 87 sensible Republicans in the House who voted with the Democrats for the bill to reopen the government. The Senate women's caucus, featuring representatives from both parties, including Republicans Susan Collins from Maine and Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, as well as many brilliant Democrats like Barbara Mikulski of Maryland and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, were instrumental in getting the bill through the Senate.
To blame the whole of the Republican Party is completely missing the point. The Tea Party and people like its recent darling, Senator Ted Cruz, are the ones who made this whole debate, which should have been about the budget, about Obamacare and who were willing to take the government into shutdown over it. Ted Cruz, earlier today, called the actions of such Republicans a "courageous act", a view which I'm sure would go down well with people who've been laid off because small businesses with government contracts couldn't afford to keep them on during the shutdown.
And then there's Speaker Boehner, the chair of the House, who has, until now, refused to put a vote on the floor of the House. The Democrats have repeatedly said that if he put a bill forward, the votes would be there to pass it; today, finally, they were proved right. So why wouldn't Boehner call of vote? Well, one theory says he was worried that he'd lose his speakership, because Tea Partiers would oust him.
It wasn't the whole Republican Party that has been holding the government hostage for the past two weeks and three days. It was an extreme right wing faction and those it is pulling to the right with it.
So what does this mean for the future? Well, this deal has not ended the debate. What was passed was only a continuing resolution – which basically means government funding was approved, but isn't a proper budget. This means we still have to reach a more long term agreement, or face another situation like the one in just in in a few months.
And with the Republicans being dragged further and further to the right, it's going to be hard to come to a long term agreement.
It's easy as a Democrat to rejoice at an increasingly unelectable Republican Party. But what might be making it easier to win elections is making it harder and harder to govern. The whole US system is based on reaching compromises, but when you have an extremist Republican faction which won't compromise, which won't accept that it can't just have whatever it wants despite losing the Presidential and Senate elections, which won't, frankly, act like adults, coming to such compromises is difficult, to say the least.
So while this may be making it easier for Democrats to be elected, what's the point of being elected if you're subsequent ability to govern is so stifled?
Trying to restore some sense to the Republican Party is a task that lies primarily with the increasingly exasperated moderates in that party, but there is one factor in this that is worth us all considering. Gerrymandering – the redrawing of congressional boundaries to create seats which will always vote for one party of another – is a large factor in this GOP swing to the right. There are now many seats where Republicans will always be elected, so instead of worrying about the electorate, they worry about the Primary, where the registered Republicans who will be voting are inevitably to the right of the mainstream. This is dragging the whole party to the right. Fixing the problem of gerrymandering is a problem for all parties.
I have to give a quick shout out to the absolutely fantastic Democrats in the House and in the Senate who have all worked so hard to end the shutdown. And here's hoping we can really move forward from here and really start finding long term solutions to America's problems (the President has said his first priority, starting tomorrow morning, is immigration reform which is exciting). But with the Tea Party still here, still powerful and still scarily detached from reality, getting things done in Washington DC is still going to be very difficult for a the foreseeable future.


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Karpat POLAT
Creative Chairman,
K A R P A T, Istanbul
Karpat Polat has started another chapter in his career by forming his own agency - K A R P A T! The first chapter of his stellar career came in 1998 at JWT. After several years there, he moved to Medina Turgul/DDB for another couple of years. He then continued his career in a local agency where he won the first of his many international awards. During this period, he laid his eyes on the Brazilian creative scene and when the opportunity arose in 2004, he moved to Sao Paulo.In Karpat's leadership, DDB&Co. Istanbul has been chosen "Agency of the Year" in the third ranking at Cannes Lions 2009, an unprecedented achievement in the Turkish advertising sector. Shortly afterwards, DDB&Co. won Turkey's first Grand Prix in Epica Awards, Epica D'or in 2009. And in 2010, DDB&Co. won 3 Grand Prix at Golden Drum Festival and was named Agency of The Year, which led to DDB's becoming Network of The Year at Golden Drum.He is the first Turkish creative to bring home a Lion; he also holds the most, with 19 Cannes Lions. According to Luerzer's Archive rankings, Karpat Polat is one of the top ten copywriters in the world. According to the Big Won report, he is one of the top 5 Creative Directors in the world. Recognised by Turkish Time as one of the top 50 Turkish creative individuals, he is the only adman in Fortune Turkey's 40 Under 40 list. His work has been awarded for both its creativity and effectiveness, including Gold, Silver and Bronze Effies and more than 80 Crystal Apples, Turkey's advertising creativity awards.


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When you think of scientists, what are the images that come to mind? If you have never met a scientist or visited a laboratory, it can be hard to get away from the stereotypes we see in films and on TV.
What are they really like? For many people, scientists seem scarily clever. And so they see science as "off limits". In fact most scientists are pretty regular people. They have different personalities and outlooks on their life and work. But they don't often get the opportunity to talk about them.
Can't access YouTube? See the film on Vimeo or iTunes.
So I have made a film by interviewing six scientists who are at different stages of their careers. They share their stories about how they got into science and talk about why they like doing it and what they think it takes to be a good scientist. Most importantly of all, they reveal their favourite type of cheese.
As you will see, these scientists are thoughtful, funny and enthusiastic people who, like me, would like to invite you into the world of science to have a look around.
The film was made with teenage school-children in mind but I hope it will also appeal to other students, teachers and the general public, and maybe even to scientists.
Please enjoy and share with your friends. To make the film easier to use in the classroom, it is also available as short clips, each addressing a particular question.
If you need a copy on DVD, please get in touch.


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Product Description
This salt is a workhorse in the kitchen. It is so versatile; you can use it on almost everything for that little bit of extra flavor. This is not your mom's garlic salt. We take all natural sea salt and combine it with real roasted garlic. The result is a fragrant, chunky gourmet garlic salt that is great on vegetables, pasta, meats, salads and even popcorn.
Origin: USA
Size: 4 oz


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Now Ranbir Kapoor kisses Rakhi
Item girl Rakhi Sawant is in news again.After the 2006 kissing controversy with pop star Micka Singh, Rakhi has been kissed by Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor.
Sources said Ranbir kissed Rakhi Sawant in full public view recently.The kiss lasted for ten seconds but it was captured by the Bollywood photographers who are always hungry for controversial photos.
Ranbir While shooting for his new film asked the entire unit to stop and then kissed Rakhi.
Fans please do not bring negative thoughts about Ranbir as he did not kiss Rakhi Sawant but the Rakhi which was tied on his hand.
Click Rakhi Sawant Photo Gallery:


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Stocks for the Long Run: Archer Daniels Midland vs. the S&P 500
Investing isn't easy. Even Warren Buffett counsels that most investors should invest in a low-cost index like the S&P 500. That way, "you'll be buying into a wonderful industry, which in effect is all of American industry," he says.
But there are, of course, companies whose long-term fortunes differ substantially from the index. In this series, we look at how members of the S&P 500 have performed compared with the index itself.
Step on up, Archer Daniels Midland (NYS: ADM) .
Archer Daniels Midland shares have slightly underperformed the S&P 500 over the past three decades:
Source: S&P Capital IQ.
Source: S&P Capital IQ.
Source: S&P Capital IQ.
Since 1980, shares have returned an average of 10.2% a year, compared with 11.1% a year for the S&P (both include dividends). One thousand dollars invested in the S&P in 1980 would be worth $29,400 today. In Archer Daniels Midland, it'd be worth about $22,000.
Dividends accounted for a lot of those gains. Compounded since 1980, dividends have made up one-third of Archer Daniels Midland's total returns. For the S&P, dividends account for 41.5% of total returns.
Now have a look at how Archer Daniels Midland earnings compared with S&P 500 earnings:
Source: S&P Capital IQ.
Source: S&P Capital IQ.
Source: S&P Capital IQ.
Again, not too different from the index. Since 1995, earnings per share have grown by an average of 6.2% a year, compared with 6% a year for the broader index.
What's it all meant for valuations? Not much. Archer Daniels Midland has traded for an average of 20 times earnings since 1980 -- close to the 21 times earnings for the broader S&P 500.
Through it all, shares have been roughly average performers over the past three decades.
Of course, the important question is whether that will continue. That's where you come in. Our CAPS community currently ranks Archer Daniels Midland with a four-star rating (out of five). Do you disagree? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, or add Archer Daniels Midland to My Watchlist.
At the time this article was published Fool contributorMorgan Houseldoesn't own shares in any of the companies mentioned in this article. Follow him on Twitter,@TMFHousel.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days.
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