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These guys have a pretty strong union, so they probably won't get fired, though they should.
[via Joe.My.God.]
Boone's 1980 wanton endangerment charge was anything but a run-of-the-mill felony, and the details of the arrest are the stuff of lore.So, as I kick back and light my bowl, I've got only one thing to say:
Deputy Habib says Boone caught wind that the cops were planning to raid his substantial marijuana crop, so he and two friends climbed into a black pickup truck and drove wildly through the small town until they arrived at the police station.
After driving up on the sidewalk and nearly clipping a police officer, the bandits, as they were often referred to as, led the local cops on a wild chase through town until they ultimately lost the tail.
But the bandits weren't done yet.
According to Deputy Habib, the bandits then drove around until they found an off-duty state trooper's home, and they proceeded to ram into the trooper's cruiser.
The trooper called in all the Kentucky State Police units he could muster, and Boone's group led them on yet another wild chase through Lebanon.
Eventually, Boone and his crew were arrested, but they had accomplished their mission -- while the cops were busy chasing after him, Deputy Habib says Boone had his cronies, all members of the notorious Cornbread Mafia, move his cache of marijuana out of the farm before the lawmen could get their hands on it.
The charges against Lebanon's bandits were ultimately dropped, however, because the pickup truck alleged to be involved in the joyride had never been recovered.
In a fell swoop, the once-powerful Blue Dog caucus of conservative House Democrats was reduced from 54 members to 26 in Tuesday's midterm election.Remember Howard Dean complaining about "Republican lite" in the 2004 race? The Blue Dogs were some of the people he was talking about. They voted with the Dems some times, but they demanded too many concessions, and they were a bit too obstructionist.
The caucus lost two members to retirement and two others who ran for higher office, and out of the remaining 50 members, 24 Blue Dogs lost.
One of the most frustrating things about the last two years was watching Obama and real Dems bend over backward to appease faux Dems.I'm happy to see them gone. Maybe in two years, we can replace the Republicans who took their seats with actual progressives.
I've been driving a yellow cab since 2001 and I am totally against any fare increases right now because in my experience, those increases are always at the expense of the driver and passenger and benefit nobody other than individual medallion and fleet medallion owners and brokers. Every time there is a fare increase, lease rates are raised accordingly by fleet owners and medallion brokers complaining of "higher costs."I, on the other hand, support the idea of a raise. We cabbies don't make much, and we could use a little bit more. We drive 12 hour shifts, five or six days a week. And, we get absolutely no benefits. No paid vacation, no sick days, no 401K, no health care, and no respect. Sandy's complaint of raises always going to the fleet owners is not entirely true. While the owners will definitely get a share (and too large, in my opinion), we drivers will see an increase in our take home pay. And, frankly, we deserve it.
As for the Republicans — how can one regard seriously a frightened, greedy, nostalgic huddle of tradesmen and lucky idlers who shut their eyes to history and science, steel their emotions against decent human sympathy, cling to sordid and provincial ideals exalting sheer acquisitiveness and condoning artificial hardship for the non-materially-shrewd, dwell smugly and sentimentally in a distorted dream-cosmos of outmoded phrases and principles and attitudes based on the bygone agricultural-handicraft world, and revel in (consciously or unconsciously) mendacious assumptions (such as the notion that real liberty is synonymous with the single detail of unrestricted economic license or that a rational planning of resource-distribution would contravene some vague and mystical 'American heritage'...) utterly contrary to fact and without the slightest foundation in human experience? Intellectually, the Republican idea deserves the tolerance and respect one gives to the dead.
I was so hopeful when I found Ms. Magazine's piece "Will 'New Atheism' Make Room for Women?" It's exciting enough when the media covers atheism (and is nice enough to put "New Atheism" in the silly quotes it deserves), but media coverage of female atheists is a rarity. Ms. Magazine has the potential to reach oodles of women who aren't familiar with us atheist activists. If we want more women to be involved with secularism and skepticism and more atheist men to realize how many great atheist women are out there, we need coverage like this.If you care about equality in the atheism movement, go read Jen's whole post.
Then I actually read it.
To say it was disappointing is an understatement. It seems like this was the extent of the research the writer put into the article:
- Google "female atheists"
- Read titles on first page of results
- Play up posts that sound negative, downplay posts that are positive
Sometimes the NYPD's inanity is so perfect, so immaculately risible, that you just want to burst into applause and toss a bouquet of roses onto the hood of a squad car. Today is one of those days. According to a tipster, a cop parked in the bike lane on First Avenue near 23rd Street proceeded to write tickets for cyclists who weren't using the bike lane, because they had to ride around him to get by.
|Herald Square, 34th and Broadway, Manhattan. (July 16, 1936)
A 29-year-old Saudi in Makkah has been living in chains for over six years because he is, according to his father, possessed by a female jinn who refuses to leave him.This poor man needs hospitalization, not religious fakery. But, the sheiks gave their treatment plan, and now this poor man has been chained for six years. Some of the comments are astounding in their faith in woo and allah.
"Medical doctors and religious sheikhs have failed to diagnose my son. When he has fits, he has convulsions and his entire body twists and his eyes become completely white. Then the voice of a woman can be heard coming from him," said the father of the young man identified only as Turki.
"When my son first began suffering from this problem I took him to sheikhs to recite Qur'an on him but most of them became scared when they heard the female voice telling them that she was a royal jinn and that no one can exorcise her unless Turki dies," he said.
The father said a sheikh advised him to tie his son's arms and legs with iron chains and to read Qur'an on him. "We did this. My son became quiet but is totally unaware of what is happening around him. He does not talk and is now unable to harm anyone," he added.
It is very unbeliveable something like this can happen to Turki. As they live in makkah, my advice is to take him to the Kaaba and make him drink zamzam water. There is no better place to cure yourself in front of the Kaaba. At least you are lucky you live next to the Kaaba. I hope you follow my advice and then you can see that how Allah helps him. Just trust in Allah.
My advice to the family of this man to bring some sheikh from India or Pakistan, who are mastered in removing of theses kind of jinns. the family should contact local Darul Ulum of these countries. They will advice the family and will surely assist you in this matter.
It may be real jinn or shaitan inside him or a metal disorder.Brain functions all parts i have seen people with slight metal disorder and there mouth is turned due to that or some other changes.If it is jinn or rooh than definetly there is any story behind that.may be someones body is dumped inside the house or turkis ancestors have done some thing very bad to any girl and dumped her brutally.without any information to her relatives... ALLAH KNOWS WE DON'T KNOW...
"Part of the reason that our politics seems so tough right now," [Obama] recently told a group of Democratic donors in Massachusetts, "and facts and science and argument [do] not seem to be winning the day all the time is because we're hard-wired not to always think clearly when we're scared. And the country is scared."He goes on to call Obama a snob.
Let's unpack these remarks.
Obama clearly believes that his brand of politics represents "facts and science and argument." His opponents, in disturbing contrast, are using the more fearful, primitive portion of their brains. Obama views himself as the neocortical leader -- the defender, not just of the stimulus package and health-care reform but also of cognitive reasoning. His critics rely on their lizard brains -- the location of reptilian ritual and aggression. Some, presumably Democrats, rise above their evolutionary hard-wiring in times of social stress; others, sadly, do not.
Though there is plenty of competition, these are some of the most arrogant words ever uttered by an American president.
The neocortical presidency destroys the possibility of political dialogue. What could Obama possibly learn from voters who are embittered, confused and dominated by subconscious evolutionary fears? They have nothing to teach, nothing to offer to the superior mind. Instead of engaging in debate, Obama resorts to reductionism, explaining his opponents away.
It's a heartfelt, well-written, and sincerely delivered message. Let's try to divorce this effort from "the other issue" and talk about what a message like this from the president of the United States might mean to a young queer kid. And once again, let's thank Dan Savage and his husband Terry Miller for what is easily the most successful and widely-heard pro-gay campaign in the history of our movement.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.And this O'Donnell woman is running for the Senate. She, like so many evangelicals, wrongly believes that we are a Christian nation, and that Christianity should be taught in schools. She is a fool, and a lot of people believe as she does. Sad.
#10. You shall not covet.I am disturbed, but not exactly shocked that Ms
As with many bills, politicians sold ObamaCare by stoking envy. It goes like this: "What other people own -- what they earned -- you are entitled to." Covetousness, wanting what others have, is cloaked as a "right." But a "right" to a product (like insurance) or service (like health care) means others are forced to pay for or provide it, with no concurrent "right" to be justly compensated.
#9. You shall not bear false witness.Her link leads to a NewsBusters report that quotes Obama directly. He said:
Remember when President Obama made the wild accusation that doctors were removing children's tonsils and amputating diabetic patients' feet to make money? Virtually no mainstream media found it worth reporting that Obama's malicious false witness was debunked.
[L]et's take the example of something like diabetes, one of --- a disease that's skyrocketing, partly because of obesity, partly because it's not treated as effectively as it could be. Right now if we paid a family -- if a family care physician works with his or her patient to help them lose weight, modify diet, monitors whether they're taking their medications in a timely fashion, they might get reimbursed a pittance. But if that same diabetic ends up getting their foot amputated, that's $30,000, $40,000, $50,000 -- immediately the surgeon is reimbursed.It is obvious that Obama is saying that investing in preventive care will save money in the long run. And, it's also better for the patient's health. But, Ms
#8. You shall not steal.Um, yeah, her link goes to a press release from a Republican Congressman. Real authoritative source there, Wendy. Government is big, bloated and inefficient. I'll grant Wendy that, but the solution isn't to get rid of the government. Governments are necessary. They provide roads, police protection, education, and other essential services. Raising revenue to pay for these services is not stealing. If Ms
Stealing is not only pointing a gun and demanding, "Give me your money." It's also taking money under false pretenses -- frauds and scams like Bernie Madoff's, where money willingly handed over is used for something other than what was promised.
You know where the bulk of the money taken for ObamaCare through taxes, fines, and raiding other accounts will go -- not to actual health care or insurance, but to 159 new bureaucracies, and tens of thousands of new government employees.
#7. You shall not commit adultery.
ObamaCare channels millions of dollars to graphic sex education programs which instruct kids as young as kindergartners to be sexually active. Read what some of the comprehensive sex education programs teach. This sets children up to take marriage vows lightly since "it's just sex."OK, at this point, I'm thinking Poe's Law. I mean, she's gotta be kidding, right? Abstinence only education does not lead to abstinence. It leads to teen girls letting their boyfriends ass fuck them so they can remain "virgins." I'm not kidding, check the link. Comprehensive sex education does not lead to adultery. It leads to teen girls insisting that their boyfriends put a condom on first.
#6. You shall not murder.Does this lady remember the Stupak Amendment?
ObamaCare allows government funding of abortion, the murder of the most innocent.
The stated purpose of the amendment was to prohibit the use of federal funds "to pay for any abortion or to cover any part of the costs of any health plan that includes coverage of abortion" except in cases of rape, incest or danger to the life of the mother.So, she lies again. For the record, I think that abortion should be covered by health care. A fetus is not a person. Abortion is not murder.
#5. Honor your father and mother.More of the "death panel" crap. There is nothing in the bill that calls for the rationing of health care. This insidious lie was created to scare people into thinking that the feds will "pull the plug on Grandma." The only thing even remotely close is that the bill provides compensation to doctors to discuss end of life care options with patients. It does not call for bureaucrats, or anyone else, to make those decisions. That is left up to the patient.
As parents age, it oftentimes falls on their children to make their health care decisions. It can be heart-wrenching. But it is our responsibility and duty as their children.
Under ObamaCare, that privilege will be stripped from us and given to unaccountable bureaucrats. They will ultimately decide what health care our parents can get. Medical advances will be stymied, and what is available will be rationed. The elderly will be denied hip replacements and heart surgeries, medical wonders that provide full and productive lives. This will lead to unnecessary disabilities and untimely deaths. Parents will be at the mercy of bureaucrats tasked with calculating costs, rather than a family motivated by love and honor.
#4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.Now this comment is just whining. Congress is a secular body, and has no responsibility to respect the sabbath of somebody's religion. Besides, if the Republicans hadn't spent so much time playing delaying tactics, the vote could have been held during the regular work week.
Why was Congress compelled to hold the final vote on ObamaCare on a Sunday? No looming deadline demanded immediate action by the House of Representatives. It's as if they went out of their way to thumb their noses at God and prove their disrespect. The Senate vote was held on Christmas Eve.
#3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.Oh, my fucking God, is this halfwit even half serious? Jesus, is she really saying that if another Christian doesn't agree with her, then that person is taking the lord's name in vain? Christ, what an arrogant fool.
Many people limit this to avoiding using God's name as a curse word. Jewish scholars, however, so solemnly followed this commandment that they wouldn't even write out the full name of God. They were cautious not to take His name lightly.
President Obama gave a pen with which he signed ObamaCare to Sister Carol Keehan, the nun who runs the Catholic Health Association. Why? Her seal of approval appeared to give a Catholic blessing to a bill that her superiors, the bishops, rejected. Among the "Religious Left" credited by Nancy Pelosi were United Methodists and the "Faithful Reform in Health Care," a coalition of liberal religious agencies.
Their titles as religious leaders, ambassadors of God, were shameless props used by politicians to give the thin veneer of God's approval. In effect, they used God's name, His reputation, to promote something that contradicts His commandments.
#2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image (false gods).Umm, what? I'm not insane enough to understand what she is saying.
What do those who worship false gods do? They sacrifice to those gods, even despicable gods, in hopes that they will get something in return. Of course, these gods can't deliver.
ObamaCare became a holy grail that surpassed a desire for health care reform, morphing into an obsession to pass a bill. Congressmen sacrificed their reputations and careers to pass a bill -- a despised bill. It became a false god. And it isn't delivering.
#1. There is only one God.And, here we get to the crux of the matter. The biggest reason why so many fundamentalist Christians fear universal health care. Competition. They can't handle it. If government provided a decent safety net, people might not need religion or the charity it provides quite so much. And the religious establishment fears not being needed. If people don't need them, their enrollment numbers might drop. Fighting to deny universal health care to those who need it, in order to keep organized religion popular, is just plain evil.
ObamaCare sets up government as the one who will supply our needs and provide for our health. It places us on the path of socialist countries, where people expect the government to provide for them and then riot when governments cut bloated spending.
In contrast, Americans throw Tea Parties to stop government expansion and spending. Most Americans know that their faith is better-placed in the true God who loves them more than any government official can.
Focus on the Family has accused gay-rights groups of using tolerance and anti-bullying programs to introduce curricula and books into schools that promote political aims such as same-sex marriage. The same groups, it says, lobby for gays and other minority groups to be specifically mentioned in anti-bullying legislation and try to depict Christians opposed to such treatment as bigots.
"What parents need to be aware of is there are activist groups who want to promote homosexuality to kids because they realize if they can capture hearts and minds of our children at the earliest ages they will have for all practical purposes won the clash of values that we are currently experiencing," Candi Cushman, education analyst for Focus on the Family, said on recently launched website TrueTolerance.org.
Focus on the Family takes particular issue with recent curricula adopted in Alamdea, Calif. The school board there last year adopted an anti-bullying program for elementary school students that specifically mentioned gays and lesbians.
The Colorado-based organization says the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network has targeted thousands of school districts nationwide with literature. "Schools are only allowed to provide one message about homosexuality; that it's normal and should be embraced," Focus on the Family said of the gay group's message.
"The school introduced anti-bullying lessons but really they're teaching elementary school kids about gay marriage," Cushman told ABC News.com. "We think parents should have the right to teach kids about it in their own way."Their complaint kind of makes sense. I mean, if I was a bigot, I wouldn't want schools teaching my kids that bigotry was wrong. That might confuse the kids. If the schools taught my kids that homosexuality was "normal and should be embraced," it would be difficult teaching them at home that God hates gays. This is why so many Christians are into homeschooling. It's easier to keep kids away from such blasphemy as tolerance, decency, respect, and, for that matter, evolution. I get the feeling that fifty years ago, these same people would have complained about Dr. King pushing the "Negro agenda."
"I am a Christian. I am conservative. Some would call me right-wing," said Brenda High, whose son, Jared,committed suicide in 1998 when he was 13 after being routinely bullied and beat up at his Washington state middle school.
"The problem is our schools are not teaching kids to become responsible adults. When you allow kids to call people names or bash them because they think they might be gay and make assumptions and judge people, that's when kids get hurt.
"There's nothing wrong with a little religion: Teach them the Christian idea 'to do unto others,' everyone gay or straight, any religion, even atheists agree with that one," she said.That's not such a bad idea, to "do unto others as you would have others do unto you." I often wonder if these Christians (the hateful ones, not those like Brenda High) have ever read the Sermon on the Mount, or studied Jesus's teachings of love and compassion. Why do they cling so desperately to a rule put down in a book that also bans shrimp. I really don't get it.
|The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
|Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
|Postcards From the Pledge
It is truly remarkable that some commentators can so readily look past the continued polarization in how we compensate labor in this country to argue that public sector workers might be doing "too well" relative to their private sector counterparts. Most workers generally, as opposed to CEO's and the highest-paid executives, have not fared well over the past two decades in terms of sharing in the prosperity their efforts create. If they had, wages and benefits would be much higher for the typical worker and our middle class would still be broad rather than shrinking.
Private sector workers have really taken it on the chin. Inflation-adjusted real hourly wages for men are less today than 30 years ago, despite substantial productivity growth that should have made possible commensurate gains in wages and living standards. Many fewer private workers have employer-provided health insurance or pensions than in decades past. And now, those with a "winner-take-all" mentality want public sector workers to give up their hard-earned health and pension benefits.
We need to take a step back from this debate and ask where have all the gains in the economy gone since the 1980s? And how do we restore an economy that shares prosperity among all workers? We shouldn't be making scapegoats out of our public employees. They certainly didn't cause the economic collapse, nor are they responsible for the erosion in the wages and benefits of private sector workers.Steve Malanga of the Manhattan Institute follows with some stats about the bad shape of New York's budget, but doesn't mention the crux of Parrott's point. The public sector seems to be doing so much better than the private sector, because the private sector has lost so much ground over the last thirty years. Union membership has plummeted, and wages have remained flat. Meanwhile, the super rich have made enormous gains, and the middle class has shrunk.


text: Makeup13 Beauty Products To Stock In Your Locker, ASAPMove over, textbooks.By Kaleigh Fasanella September 8, 2015FacebookTwitterEmailPinterest1/14Pencils, pens, erasers, notebooks, etc. — we're sure you've got all the tools you need to ace this school year — but have you thought about what beauty goodies to bring along for the ride? If you're anything like we were in high school, then you totally have.Our advice: Stick to the essentials that will both save you from many a beauty dilemma (read: post-PE frizzes) and fit perfectly in your snug little space. Not sure where to start? We've got you covered. Scroll through to find 13 editor-approved prods we feel are worthy of making it into your locker-beauty-stash.Pinterest2/14Soap & Glory Hand FoodWashing your hands is crucial considering all the new germs you'll be exposed to at school, but it may leave your palms feeling extra-parched. The solution? A moisture-packed hand cream — preferably travel sized. This one by Soap & Glory smells like a tropical dream and contains shea butter, macadamia oil, and marshmallow (yes marshmallow!) to soothe the dreaded dryness.Pinterest(c)Luke Pidgeon 20153/14Beautyblender BlotterazziWhether you're prone to an oily mug or you're known to sweat your butt off in gym class, it can be super beneficial to have some type of grease-sopper on hand. Most blotting papers will do the trick, but we're particularly partial to these rad new sponges that use the same material as the cult Beautyblender, to soak up excess oil. The best part? They won't disturb your makeup at all. Midday shine doesn't stand a chance against these babies.Pinterest4/14Drybar Sparkling Soda Shine MistThis game-changing mist, which works on ALL hair types, uses mandarin peel and marigold flower extract to add instant (and long-lasting) luster to your mane. Shine-boosting benefits aside, it also tames static, frizzies, and flyaways. Oh and it smells heavenly.Pinterest5/14Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip And Cheek Creamy OilHave you heard? Monochromatic makeup is majorly in for fall. To get the look at school, try a multi-use lip and cheek product, which is also the perfect tool for touchups throughout the day. This one, by Josie Maran (we're digging the shade Vast Violet), delivers a subtle sheen and a delicate pop of color in one easy swipe — very school approp.Pinterest6/14Clinique Just Browsing Brush-On Styling MousseLet's be honest: sometimes it seems like eyebrows definitely have a mind of their own. But whatever your struggle, whether it's wacky hairs or unwanted sparseness, a brow styler will be your savior. This tinted mousse by Clinique will set those puppies in place and add some dimension while you're at it.Pinterest7/14BareMinerals Secret Weapon Correcting Concealer & Touch Up Veil DuoPimples have a tendency to pop up at the most inopportune time — like before lunch with your new crush — so a kickass concealer is a must. This convenient compact comes with a correcting concealer and a touch-up powder to set so you can have flawless-looking skin no matter what.Pinterest8/14Simple Micellar Make-Up Remover WipesCraving a quick, midday cleanse or suffering from smeared makeup? A pack of refreshing wipes should be a staple in everyone's locker. We've raved about these uber-gentle ones by Simple and yes, we're still obsessed.Pinterest9/14Burberry Fresh Glow Highlighting Luminous PenSummer may be over, but that better not stop you from shining. For a five-second pick-me-up, add a touch of luminizer to the tops of your cheeks and on the inner corners of your eyes — you'll instantly look more awake. We love this gorgeous highlighting pen for its totally foolproof application.Pinterest10/14Tweezerman Glitterati Python Slant TweezerTweezers — for days when you realize those stray hairs just hit uni-brow status. How cute is the unique python print on this pair though? Tweezerman always does it right.Pinterest11/14Tangle Teezer Compact StylerPost-gym-class tangles don't stand a chance against this ultra-gentle, palm-sized brush.Pinterest12/14Batiste Dry Shampoo Floral EssenceBid goodbye to unwanted greasiness and give your style some oomph with this all-star dry shampoo that — wait for it — comes out as a fine mist and then transforms into a powder by the time it hits your head. Wild, right? We think so. And it smells of flowers.Pinterest13/14CLEAN Rain RollerballWanna be that girl who makes people do a double-take because of how amazing she smells? A rollerball fragrance (which makes touchups totally effortless) is your ticket. This bright scent has notes of daffodil, watermint, and dewy melon. Mhmhmm good.Pinterest14/14Nudestix Matte + Blemish PencilBlemishes happen to the best of us, and all we can do is fight 'em — even while we're sitting in history class. This mattifying acne-treatment pencil contains salicylic acid to reduce inflammation and Amazonian clay to sop up excess sebum. Plus it's pretty cute (just don't confuse it with your other pencils!)KeywordsBeautyBack to schoolMakeup

subset: commoncrawl


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Whether you're the type who likes to pack up and go, or the type who spends months planning the perfect vacation well in advance, you can always benefit from some travel advice. And we're not just talking about packing tips — although we have some of those too.
In the infographic below by Business Insider, we discover 27 hacks that will change the way you travel from here on out. From getting paid to delay a flight to picking the right type of carry-on and avoiding extra-baggage fees to clearing your search history to save you some cash when booking fares — even experienced travelers can learn a thing or two from this handy chart.
What are your no-fail travel hacks? Let us know in the comments below.
Also on HuffPost


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Callum Pointon won a storming Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge race to start the series' final day of the season. However, with Ollie Chadwick chasing him home the resulted counted the race winner out of the championship battle with a race to spare.
With his second place Chadwick took the lead of the championship, just a handful of points ahead of James Kellett who finished fourth behind Ryan Hadfield.
The top six, completed by Stewart Linn and James Robinson finished the race split by nearly eight seconds but more much of the race the group could almost be classed as one, with each driver – save for the leader and caboose – having to manage attack and defence.
Poleman Chadwick led the opening lap but behind Pointon was moving up to the lead the challenge, demoting Kellett a place to third at Coppice on the opening lap. A lap later at the Melbourne Hairpin Kellett was in the lead, but he too was unable to breakaway. Unrelenting pressure from Chadwick caused them both take slow lines through the chicane on lap four, with Kellett – previously seeming to have fallen out of the battle – taking advantage to pass both drivers at the following hairpin and Hadfield, Linn and Robinson also buying into the battle.
The freight train of cars pushed by Kellett, the erstwhile points leader down to fourth before dropping away from the podium fight to finish five seconds off the race leader.
Luca Hirst, Matt Palmer, Russ Simpson and Dan O'Brien completed the top ten.
GT5 challengers Glen Broster and Mohammed Elshimy tangled at Coppice on the opening lap in an incident that also involved GRDC+ man Shawn Fleming. He was the only one of the three to see the checkered flag, Elshimy out on the spot, Broster limping round to retire in the pits.
Rob Keogh snatched GRDC+ victory through the final corners, beating Ben Hyland to the line by just 0.156 seconds after the pair had raced into Goddards side by side. Keogh had shadowed class pole sitter Hyland for the entire race before he took his opportunity.


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The newest members of the St Andrew's CID family:
1 – Florina Minodora Grozavu
St Andrew's was happy to announce that a new little girl, and member of our extended family of care, was transferred to the centre on May 31st 2018 from a Pitesti Centre in the Trivale area. She has been diagnosed with spastic tetraplegia, microcephaly, epilepsy, global developmental delay and gyration anomalies. She is 5 years old and a happy child and likes to be around her peers, to be spoiled and to feel the attention and love during one to one interaction with adults.
2 – Sara Elena Banu
On 21st of September 2018, the luckiest of days in our personal calendars, an adorable baby girl joined our extended family of care, love and hope. Sara Elena Banu, born on the 26th May 2018, and aged only 4 months old arrived at the centre. She was taken by our social services team from the Pitesti Children Hospital after the local authorities issued the placement order to Saint Andrew's Centre. We were informed in advance of her arrival so we made sure all the preparations were in order so we had a nice cot and special pram carriage ready for her so that she is comfortable, warm and safe all the time.


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I Am Not Admin/Owner Of The Project!
This Thread Is Created For Information.
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MLS # 18-14927 | Listing Office: Spire Commercial
MLS # 18-14927 | Listing Office: Spire Commercial
1139 Gambell is a $1,100,000, 4,925 square foot home on a 0.32 acre lot located in Anchorage, AK.
City Laundromat. Includes real estate. One barbershop tenant. Auxiliary food and snack shop. City Laundromat website: citylaundromat.net Stop in and check it out, no appointment necessary. Brand new laundromat and growing customer base. Regretfully, the current owners have to sell due to extraneous circumstances. One person's necessary sale is another person's opportunity.
|Above Grade Sqft
|Construction Types
Existing Structure
|Property Type
Commercial Sale
Style 62
b3 - general business
All information should be verified by the recipient. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed as accurate by AK MLS and should be independently verified for accuracy. Data last updated 12/12/2019 at 10:12am MST. The data relating to real estate on this website derived in part from the IDX Program of Alaska Multiple Listing Service, Inc. (AK MLS). Real estate listings held by firms other than Keller Williams Alaska Group are marked with either the listing brokerage's logo or the AK MLS logo and information about them includes the name of the listing brokerage. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither Keller Williams Alaska Group nor any listing broker shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, or misprints, and they shall be held totally harmless from any damages arising from reliance upon this data. This data is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties they may be interested in purchasing. Listing content scraping by unauthorized personnel is strictly prohibited. © 2019 Alaska Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved.


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Curtains usually use to cover the windows from sharp sunlight but there is another picture of having curtains in our house. Curtains can enhance the beauty of the house if you carry them properly. Don't hang the curtains in typical way, simply on a rod. There can be many different and stylish things you can do with curtains.
Curtains work as a decorative element in your house. In bedrooms, drawing rooms, living rooms or anywhere in the house you can hang the curtains on the windows. Do not simply hang, it pays a plain and ordinary look. You can have additional frills over your curtains from top to floor to make them stylish and luxurious. Also have a look on your curtain rod. You should change the old style and adopt new and stylish curtains rod.
Curtains color and combination also matters a lot. Have a color scheme according to the furniture and décor of your room or house. Curtains should be light weighted so that you can wash them easily. Also their colors should be relaxing that leave a soothing effect on your room as well on your mood.


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Man in custody following messy crash on I-240 in Oklahoma City
OKLAHOMA CITY – A man is in custody following a messy crash in Oklahoma City Thursday morning.
Around 4:30 a.m., a suspect driving the wrong way on I-240 led police on a chase.
The suspect reportedly crashed into another vehicle on I-240 near Western Ave.
After the crash, police said the suspect got out of the car and ran away.
However, police found the alleged suspect hiding in some bushes a few blocks away from the crash scene.
He was arrested and taken to the hospital to be checked out.
35.467560 -97.516428


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Demaclenko and Prinoth have launched a software programme that combines Demaclenko's Snowvisual snow-management software with Prinoth's Snow How fleet management system.
Whether controlling the snowmaking system, managing the snow groomer fleet or viewing the 3-D snow measurement system, everything is centrally available and can be accessed using the built-in user interface.
In addition, third party snow guns and snow groomers can be paired with the open platform, and snow mobiles can be added at a later time. The software can be tailored according to the individual needs of customers.
Read the article online at: https://www.mountaintechnologymagazine.com/product-news/04052018/prinoth-and-demaclenko-bundle-software-into-one-platform/


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<< back to my work
Project: WordPress Website
Year: 2014
Spotzot was a remote freelance job that lasted about 4 weeks. I worked closely with someone at the company to help revise existing redesign files and develop the WordPress website. Spotzot is an app that uses geo location to send you deals straight to your cell phone. They needed a new site to offer info about there app and attract more investors. I developed this site from the ground up based on the psd designs. Just about everything is up-datable through the admin panel. It s modern and fully reponsive.
Technologies Used
HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, JQuery, AJAX, WordPress, PHP
More Projects
Sure Thing Logo
Instrumental Beauty
David Ramoy


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The Building Sector: "Adaptation and mitigation are not an either-or proposition"
– Jonathan Overpeck
A step to lessen global climate change
Buildings provide the foundation for our daily activities and are associated with many aspects and activities of our daily life such as housing, education, workplace, healthcare, entertainment and more others. It has been widely accepted that all these anthropocentric activities are contributing to climate change being by far the most influential factors (rising greenhouse gasses to 70% from 1970 to 2004) (Edward) and as a response to the concern different approaches have been taken towards halting climate change. However, among all potential anthropocentric causes little concern has been directed towards the importance of buildings and material of infrastructure. Would shifting the importance given to the building sector concerning global climate change make a difference?
It is actually estimated that at present the building sector contributes as much as one third of total global greenhouse and accounts for 30% of annual greenhouse gases and consumes up to 40% of all energy. The effect of the building sector on climate change is becoming more predominant with time and they are being categorized as the main source of greenhouse gases emissions. The building sector is also considered as large energy consumer and large emitter of other CO2 greenhouse gases such as halocarbons (UNEP DTIE).
On this regard, taking into consideration the ability of the building sector to significantly reduce GHGs, create mitigative and adaptive strategies could not only help to climate, but also create jobs, save money and even more important shape a society with long term positive environment results. Prioritizing the building sector could potentially help to adapt to climate change and mitigate GHG from buildings and bring several benefits not only to environment and climate change but also to economy and society.
One of the major concerns when talking about adaptive and mitigation strategies is its mere structure and its life cycle. The life-spam of a building is relatively long, accounting for about 50-100 years throughout which they produce and consume energy. From construction to the operation and dismantle, buildings consume enormous amounts of energy through their life cycle (Edward). This energy is consumed and produced during all the phases starting from the manufacturing of building materials (embedded energy), followed by the transportation of such materials from production to building place (grey energy), construction of the building (induced energy), operation of the building (operational material) and finally, the demolition of the building" (UNEP DTIE).
Due to their long life-spam, buildings have the largest potential for delivering long term and cost efficient greenhouse gas emissions. What does it mean in terms of halting climate change? Indeed, that any sort of action taken to create a more environmental building sector could continue to affect green house emissions and energy consumption over a medium and long term period of time (UNEP DTIE). Their ability to reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts then bring more reasonable questions: how could the building sector be approached? What strategies could performed to decrease the negative effects that such structures are having on climate change? mitigative and adaptive strategies. Through them, it has been possible to identify a range of sustainable low-energy practices that have been/will be able to lessen the stress imposed by human kind on the climate change.
On the way of trying both approaches, there has existed a knowledge gap in respect to how emission produced by built environments can be mitigated and/or how can these buildings and their habitants can adapt to shifts in global and local time (Altomonte). Despite the fact that over the past years climate changes have taken place so slowly that human kind has had enough time to adapt, innovation in the production and management of energy in built environments now has become a 'must happen' in order to successfully reduce humans' climate forcing and succeed in mitigating GHG emissions nowadays. Here is where Integrative design comes to play an important role combining both approaches.
Integration and coordination of functions have been strategies that nature has exploited throughout time. Biomimicry – (from bios, life, and mimesis, to imitate) – has served as an inspiration to the building sector to study Nature's best ideas and then use them to solve human problems. "Building on this 'biomimetic' metaphor – where the flexible cooperation of several constituents contributes to the metabolism and well-being of living creatures – has allowed developing a design method based on the integration of specialized and interconnected competences" (Altomonte).
An integrated design process does not mean adding new elements, but integrating "well-proven approaches into a systematic process" (UNEP DTIE). In the search of a more systematic process, Altomonte and Luther in 2006, in fact, propose a new integrated building design (characterized by a series of iterative activity loops throughout each design stage: from conceptual to schematic to detailed design and documentation for construction) based on the following principles:
1) Site & Climate Analysis such as analysis of site, exposure, climate, orientation, topographical factors, local constraints and the availability of natural resources and ecologically sustainable forms of energy.
2) Flexible & Adaptive Structural Systems investigating the characteristics of the structure and its composition with other structures.
3) Renewable & Environmental Building Materials, their efficiency, availability, cost, embodied energy, transport, life spam, among other characteristics.
4) Modular Building Systems to create a way of isolation for the different elements of the structure and treat them as single units which might allow for shorter times of construction, avoid complications for maintenance and replacement, reduce the amount of energy emitted and consumed and increase flexibility.
5) Building Envelope Systems to control energy flows and include considerations of orientation, seasonal variation and surrounding environment and function of the building, user requirements and façade typology.
6) Renewable & Non-conventional Energy Systems
7) Innovative Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Systems to provide acceptable conditions for dwellers.
8) Water Collection & Storage Systems to be able to collect, store, distribute, use, recycle and re-use water resources (Altomonte).
Besides principles, certain measures, such as reducing energy consumption and embodied energy in buildings, switching to low-carbon fuels including a higher share of renewable energy, and Controlling the emissions of non-CO2 GHG gases (Altomonte) are needed to reduce GHG emissions from buildings. According to The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), measures like the previously mentioned can develop a hardware (strategies, technologies and practices), a software (experiences and know-how) and a org-ware (new technologies, including setting up of supporting policies) that, when is systematically approached, forms a foundation to nurture the heart-ware referring to "a sustainable lifestyles and behavior of the building occupants" and structures mitigation technologies from the most feasible to more sophisticated typologies.
Through integrative design and mitigation in the building sector there is a possibility to avoid around 30% of all building-related CO2 emissions at a net benefit by 2020 and as much as 80% of the operational cost could be also saved by integrated design principles at often no or little extra cost that the one already implemented to build the structure (Ürge-Vorsatz). The "design of the building rather than the mere application of advanced technology per se can result on being mainly what governs the balance amongst the factors determining the conditions of the building and its effects not only inside but outside the space (Altomonte).
Due to the fast pace of climate change and the speed at which we are facing new alterations, "long-term mitigation actions necessarily need to be coupled with short-term adaptive strategies" (Altomonte). Given the growth in new constructions and the inefficiencies of stock buildings, if not taking immediate action and targeting for reduction of greenhouse emissions, future emissions from buildings could more than double in 20 years. "Adaptation within the building sector includes changes in policies, technologies, infrastructures, and management. Older buildings, may present characteristics that make them more resilient to climate change and so adaptation might not be a large concern as much as for new buildings, where there is need of flexible designs with some sort of elasticity "concerning the arrangement, functionality and subdivision of internal spaces thus making the built organism more resilient to variations in environmental factors" (Altomonte). Many Experts agree that while we must continue to look for solutions to slowdown the consequences of climate change, we must also start to design adaptable buildings and structures that are able to cope with the current environment and changing climate (Wilson & Ward). According to Alex Wilson in Designing the Adaptation: Living in climate change "the implications are clear: no amount of mitigation will prevent potentially devastating impacts; it's necessary for us to adapt (Wilson & Ward).
As previously mentioned, humans evolution has resulted in a behavioral response showing a spectacular ability to adapt to the most extreme climates. Steemers in Climate Change and Architecture: Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for a Sustainable Development (2003) mentions "there are broadly three categories in which behavioral adaptations of the inhabitants can directly influence the design and the operation of buildings, adjusting their requirements to dynamic environmental conditions":
1) Spatial (capacity of designing)
2) Personal (i.e. the capacity of building occupants to adapt needs and demands)
3) Control, i.e. the possibility given to the building users to have control over devices that might affect their environment)
There are plenty of strategies that could help adapt our daily life activities and the place where they take place. Main environmental consequences of climate change could be dimed thought-out adaptive strategies: Warmer temperatures through natural ventilation, higher cooling design temperature and provision of landscape to minimize cooling requirements; water shortage and droughts by harvesting rainfall and planting native vegetation and climatically appropriated trees; more intense storms, flooding and rising levels could be prevented by avoiding buildings in flood zone, extreme-wind buildings, raise buildings and select specific material; wildfire could be prevented by high-performance, tempered Windows, specific roof materials and vegetation around homes; and power interruptions could by decreased by Design buildings to maintain passive survivability, installing solar water-heating Systems, among more others.
In order to adapt our life to the constant changing climate many more other strategies can be also applied to buildings. Mitigation strategies, on one hand, can be more efficiently and successfully carried out in completely new infrastructure and while planning and designing buildings whereas adaptation mainly focuses on those old built design and those which cannot be easily destroyed and emit great amounts of GHG and other harmful gases to the environment. "The bottom line, -as Jonathan Overpeck Ph.D., co-director of the Institute of the Environment at the University of Arizona and a co-author of the USGCRP report said-, is that you've got to adapt to what won't get mitigated—and unfortunately that's going to be a few degrees—and mitigate what you can't adapt to." He agrees: "Adaptation and mitigation are not an either-or proposition" (Wilson & Ward).


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Going to Thailand for Yi Peng was something I had always wanted to do. It was something I had wanted to do, hoped I would do, but something I didn't think I would ever actually GET to do. Kind of like when you say "I'm going to go to the gym tomorrow" or "I'm only going to have ONE glass of wine." Never happens (Who only has one glass of wine?! No one I want to spend a Saturday night with).
Yi Peng is The Festival of Lights and celebrated throughout Thailand with the release of brightly lit lanterns. Specifically I wanted to go to the main celebration at Mae Jo University in Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) that was attended by thousands of people, local residents and international tourists.
I wanted this experience so badly but it seemed painfully out of reach for many reasons including money, limited vacation time, distance, and opportunity. Maybe what was holding me back above all was the fear that I'd never get to go.
I'm fascinated by people who have taken impossibly large leaps of faith in their lives to get what they want. In the hopes of emulating their actions, I ask them how they made it happen and the answer is always a variation of the same story: They knew what they wanted and everything just fell into place.
Their testimony is further proof of a long held belief of mine that is perfectly expressed by the acclaimed author of The Alchemist (and many other revelatory gems). Paolo Coelho wrote "And the old king said: When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it."
Is getting what we want all a matter of magical thinking? Our thoughts create our world? If that's the case, I want to eat pasta and cheese all day and not gain weight. I'm still waiting on that one.
When I say that I believe that what's meant to be will be or that I trust that everything will work out the way they're supposed to, it sounds very hippy-dippy. People disagree because they think I'm kicking back on my laurels and handing over the reigns to some invisible wizard behind the curtain. People do not like the idea that we have no control. Believing that the universe has our back is NOT mutually exclusive to taking action.
Part of our deepest desires becoming a reality are the things that we can't explain like when the universe aligns perfectly and things fall into place effortlessly. But a lot of it is actually in our hands. We are not powerless to the winds of fate! It's a combination of the things we can't control that happen TO us and living intentionally; with purpose.
It's like the lyrics from the Meek Mills and Drake song 'Amen' (before the falling out, obviously): "I'm the type who says a prayer then go get what I just prayed for." Getting what we want is having faith (that it'll all iron out in the end) AND action.
Here are 5 Ways to Conspire with the Universe to Get What We Want:
Sometimes our goals and dreams seem so grand and terrifyingly ambitious that we don't dare ask for, or even admit them to ourselves. We try to cut disappointment off at the pass before it can run over our hearts by denying our heart's desires. We preemptively avoid getting our hopes up because if they're closer to earth, there's less of a distance to fall. We want to minimize the potential damage. But if you don't ask, you won't receive so own it.
You know when you buy a car then suddenly you see it everywhere? This is an example of the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon wherein one happens upon an obscure bit of information then encounters it repeatedly afterwards. As nice as it is to think, it's not because you're a trendsetter and now the car is suddenly in high demand. What's changed is your awareness. When you finally acknowledge want you really want, you're more receptive to seeing the opportunities as they present themselves.
Say you want a fulfilling career as a writer and an opportunity arises for you to write for a magazine but you reject it because you had it in mind that writing your own novel was how you'd achieve your goal. You're so focused on the vehicle that will take you to your destination that you ignore the potential of an alternate ride. Let go of your preconceived notions of how things are supposed to unfold. Sometimes what we think we want isn't the same as what we need. Don't limit your possibilities.
Remember when you went to high school dances and there was a boy you wanted to ask you to dance (there was always someone)? He can't ask you if you aren't there and it's more likely that he'll ask you if you're in his line of sight. While we can't control the things that happen TO us, we can still take strategic steps in the direction towards the things we want. Put yourself into situations with potential.
Finally, when the door of opportunity opens (and you have to trust that it will in some form or another) all you have to do is be brave enough to walk through. It can be daunting to be faced with the possibility of actually getting what we want. Now we have something that we can lose! What if it's disappointing and not everything we dreamed? What if it doesn't solve all of our problems? It probably won't. New problems will arise from the vacated space like heads from a decapitated hydra. When a door opens, don't ask why, just run through! And if the door isn't open? Find an unlocked window and crawl in.
Back to how stars aligned for me to attend Yi Peng:
During a financial planning course at Ryerson, they had us do an exercise where we wrote down our goals. According to a study about goal-setting done by the Harvard MBA program, having set, clearly written goals and plans to accomplish them had a MUCH higher chance of producing success than not.
I wrote that I longed to travel to Thailand for Yi Peng in my notebook and promptly forgot about it. In retrospect, this was my declaration to the universe, acknowledging what I wanted.
Not long after, I came across a flight from Toronto to Thailand for $900 (so cheap)! It also happened that it had been a busy year and my vacation time was a use it or lose it situation. Then a friend I had met on a previous trip reached out to me about the possibility of going on another adventure together. This all conveniently transpired in the Fall, just in time for Yi Peng in November. Everything just fell into place. I was scared to travel so far to a place more different than I had ever been before but I stepped over the threshold of my fear.
It was one of the BEST moments of my life standing in a crowd with thousands of people, the air palpable with shared joy. We lit lanterns that were as wide as hula hoops, waiting with anticipation as they filled with hot air, and watched them creating a glittery path in the inky darkness, floating into a sky brimming not with stars but with lanterns that we released from our own hands.
It didn't seem real; it was too beautiful to be real. I understood the science behind the hot air filling the lanterns but it was such a magical sight that I couldn't believe that it could exist in reality.
You're supposed to imagine the lantern filling with all of your fear, regrets, pain, etc.. of the past year and that everything is released into the sky, leaving you with only hope and joy. I felt so connected to everyone around me and with my life. It was one of those moments where everything clicked and I knew without a doubt that I was exactly where I was supposed to be, doing exactly what I was meant to be doing. Laughing and screaming with glee, jumping around too fast for my friend to take a non-blurry photo of me (hence the lack of photos in this post).
What I'm trying to say is don't flinch away from the things that you want. You don't have to yell it from the rooftops of email bomb your contact you list or even blog about it (unless you want to). You just have to be brave enough to admit to yourself what you want and hold it close to your heart and when the time comes, to gather your scraps of courage and dare greatly.
Where: Mae Jo University in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand
How: I booked it through the hotel I was staying at. They arranged for groups to be shuttled by vans to the location. Ask around well in advance because the actual day the event is on varies every year.
Wear: Cover yourself up. I know you're on vacation but it's a religious ceremony and a show of respect to the culture you're observing. Or you can make due and release lanterns from your backyard.
Lanterns: You can buy them on site for very cheap. I'd buy at least two in case one breaks. They're delicate so be careful! If they rip, it's not going to fill with air.


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|Click on a price to request a booking for these specially discounted diving daytrips:
Special Offers...
**Special multi-day discount offer:
Book 3 days of scuba diving with us and receive a 10% discount, or book 5 days and receive a 15% discount on the total price of your Krabi day trips.
**Special payment offer:
You do NOT need to pay the full amount in advance when you book your Ao Nang - Krabi dive daytrips with us. We require only a 20% deposit to confirm your booking, and you can just pay the balance upon your arrival.
Your day out:
Krabi diving day tours normally start with your hotel pick up at 7-7:45 hrs, and return to your hotel at around 17-18:00 hrs, depending on dive site distance and the number of dives in the day. The dive boat carries up to 20 scuba divers and leaves from Ao Nang Beach. Normal boat journey times range from 45 minutes to 3 hours.
Diving sites:
For more information on all these dive sites, visit: Krabi dive sites.
• Watch our Krabi diving video
Prices normally include:
Krabi or Ao Nang hotel to/from boat transfers, lunch, hot drinks, fresh fruit, drinking water, dives, weights and weight-belts, tanks, professionally qualified divemaster for every 4 divers, and taxes.
Prices (per person per day, where applicable) exclude:
Rental scuba equipment US$ 20, dive computer US$ 10, dive insurance. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. There are no hidden extras in the trip prices quoted to you.
Diver experience: All guests must be Advanced Open Water Divers to join day trips to the wrecks, and all guests must have dived within the past 12 months for all trips or they will be required to do a check dive as part of the first dive of the trip.
Non-divers and snorkellers US$ 49 per day.
• Ao Nang resort diving packages
"Timely information provided ... Provided a varied dive itinerary with a range of sites despite what I understand was some limited options during the low season from the operators." - Euan White, England ...
"Very well organized and performed very professionally ... well trained instructor who explained everything very well and repeated when asked." - Dorota Ferry, Sweden ...
"Excellent friendly service. Very professional. Diving with Kontiki really alllowed me to relax as I knew the Dive Masters, Maria and Ilva, were taking great care of my wife and family. For the first time I could relax and really enjoy my own dive experience without worrying about the safety of my wife, son and daughter." - Nick Whittle, United Kingdom ...
"Everybody was professional in their job. They enjoy their job and therefore give their best to us. They are strict and I think that is professional, maintaining the standard of diving." - Alan Lim, Singapore ...
Customer rating: Excellent!
Customer rating: Excellent!


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The week will offer participants an opportunity to discuss and exercise intercultural communication, something that most of us are confronted with in our daily working life. In addition to the cultural training and increased knowledge about cultural intelligence, the programme includes meetings with faculty members and administrative staff of Linnaeus University. It is also an opportunity to discover the two campuses of Linnaeus University, situated in the cities of Kalmar and Växjö, as well as exploring the region.
The week serves as staff training, which can be funded through an Erasmus grant from your home university. If necessary, we can write a separate agreement to enable the staff exchange. Of course, all of our partners are warmly welcome to participate in this event. The minimum amount of participants is set at 10 and the maximum at 30. We look forward to having a great variety of nationalities and representation from different categories of employees, something we will prioritize if the number of applications exceeds 30.
For more information about the International Staff Training week and a glimpse from last year's event, please follow this link. A preliminary programme and the application form are also found on that site.
Please send your application to email@example.com by 28 February, 2014. There is no participation fee. Participants are expected to cover their own travel and living expences, e.g. through the Erasmus funds.
If you have any questions, you are most welcome to contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com.
We very much look forward to meeting you in June during Linnaeus University International Staff Training Week!
Best wishes,
Lena Kulmala
Office of External Relations
Linnaeus University


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by Bill Onasch
The Murders In France
Of course, every decent human being is revolted by the mass murders Friday in Paris, likely the work of the monstrous criminals variously called ISIL, ISIS, Daesh. I was relieved to learn the few French worker activists that I know personally were not among the casualties. Their organization immediately issued an appropriate statement.
Will Columbia Be the Millnenial's Berkeley?
I'm not referring to the prestigious private university on New York's Upper West Side—which certainly had its share of activism over the years. The student radicalization that began with the Free Speech fight on the University of California campus in Berkeley in 1964 lasted through the Seventies around such issues as civil rights, opposition to the Vietnam war, a resurgence of feminism, and a new appreciation of ecology. The Columbia I'm talking about is in Missouri, venue of the main campus in my home state's university system.
MU has long been noted for its School of Journalism and football teams but never before as a hot bed of radicalism. Even though Black enrollment is only about seven percent, the student body president is an African-American. So it was shocking to most when national attention focused on MU protests against racism.
These included a hunger strike, mass rallies, occupations of parts of the campus–and the varsity football team to a man deciding to strike until top administration officials resigned. Even more astonishing: once the "jocks" refused to suit up this demand was immediately met. Not only the chancellor of the Columbia campus but also the president of the whole state-wide system had to start sending out their resumés.
While events moved quickly they were not spontaneous last minute efforts. Nor was there a focus on a single outrage on the scale of the police killing of Michael Brown that led to weeks of protests and "riots" in the Ferguson suburb of St Louis last year. The organizers of this week's victory had a deep sense of historical continuity in fighting pervasive racial insults and discrimination. Their adopted name—Students 1950—was a tribute to the first African-Americans to breach the color barrier at MU.
Prior to the 1950s Lincoln University in Jefferson City was the only college in the state open to Blacks. It was founded in 1866 by Civil War veterans of the 62nd and 65th Regiments United States Colored Troops (USCT) Infantry. It later got Land Grant College status and became fully accredited. Lincoln still exists today with an integrated, but still largely Black, enrollment of a little over 3,000.
MU was founded in 1839. The University was built mainly by slave labor and before the Civil War was largely overseen by slave holders. The Missouri state Constitution mandated segregated public schools—along with most other public facilities–until 1950s court rulings.
Ongoing tensions and incidents still remained after integration–and have escalated since the uprising in Ferguson. Administration indifference triggered the recent actions by African-American students with considerable solidarity from white ones as well. They tapped in to a wide and growing range of discontent about complicity of the university administration in advancing the reactionary agenda of a mean-spirited Right dominated state legislature. For example,
* They withdrew access privileges to the University Hospital for the only local surgeon performing abortions at the Planned Parenthood Clinic—making it impossible to comply with state law mandating nearby hospital access. This effectively eliminated safe, legal abortions in central Missouri.
* They ended a credit course in which medical students gained experience in basic women's health care—though not abortions—at Planned Parenthood.
* They initiated an intimidating investigation of a demand by a legislator to reject a dissertation by a psychology doctoral student on the psychological effects of legally required 72-hour waiting periods for women seeking abortions.
* Instead of bargaining in good faith with graduate teaching and research assistants they unilaterally canceled their health insurance—with 13 hours notice.
* And they stonewalled their unionized maintenance and grounds workers leading to union protests at athletic events.
So while Black students are a small minority there were a lot more other unhappy campers on campus—and precious few backers of the administration. Still, the symbolic victory so far won could not have been so quickly achieved without the football team.
College football is a highly profitable business exploiting young athletes. Packed stadiums—and especially television contracts—are an important source of revenue for universities. Colleges, like baseball's minor league "farm" teams, supply the NFL with ready to go talent. The only difference is that baseball owners have to pay their minor league players while the NFL gets theirs for free. The same goes for the NBA basketball teams.
There is growing awareness by student athletes of their exploitation. Football players at Northwestern University even tried to organize a union–but courts have ruled they are "amateurs" not covered by labor laws. To their credit, all of the MU players—and even their head coach—agreed to join the Black players in refusing to even practice until the top administration brass resigned. Ticket refunds and loss of lucrative television coverage for just the next "home" game to be played at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City would have run many millions of dollars. (MU wound up winning that game with BYU 20-16.)
During my generation's youth rebellion the "jocks" were usually written off as reactionary louts. That was a mistake even then. Certainly today they must be recognized as having great social and economic weight in both the education industry and ultimately professional sports. MU shows they can grasp the importance of issues and have the courage to boldly act on their convictions.
AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka—sounding more like a former Mine Workers leader of the same name—issued this statement,
"We applaud the courageous actions of students and faculty at the University of Missouri who have come together to demand change in response to racism and discrimination on campus. In particular, we commend the university's football players for their brave stand at a time when college athletes receive too little credit for their enormous contributions to their universities. The labor movement knows the power of collective action through the strike and the significant changes that can be achieved when people speak up together. The AFL-CIO is deeply committed to racial justice and to changing a system that has been rigged against working people for far too long. Together with our allies, the AFL-CIO will continue fighting to ensure that the voices of the marginalized are heard."
I don't want to appear to be a Show Me State chauvinist. There were numerous other significant student-faculty-worker actions on many campuses around different issues this past week. On Tuesday, thousands of students around the country joined in solidarity rallies supporting strikes by Fast Food workers demanding 15 Dollars and a Union. On Thursday there were coordinated protests, dubbed the Million Student March, on over 100 campuses calling for free higher education, cancellation of student loan debt, and a 15 dollar minimum wage for campus employees.
The often maligned Millenials are starting to assert themselves around issues of great concern to the working class. They have much to offer in innovative ideas and boundless energy. I only hope that we can keep up with them.
'I Am a Democrat Now'
The independent democratic socialist candidate for the Democrat presidential nomination picked up another major union endorsement last week from the American Postal Workers union. This delighted many of my friends and collaborators—including those, who like me, consider themselves socialists. A lot of good people are "Feeling the Bern."
There is no question that Senator Bernie Sanders has raised important questions and "legitimized" discussion in public discourse of some reforms long raised by socialists and the now dormant Labor Party. But those who genuinely believe this is the beginning of the "Political Revolution" at the end of the day will likely be feeling the Burn.
On ABC's Sunday morning political chat show This Week, Bernie clarified some parameters of his Revolution,
"I made a decision in this presidential election that I will run as a Democrat; I am a Democrat now."
He went on to say,
"The idea that I've worked against Barack Obama is categorically false…. Barack Obama is a friend of mine. I think he's been a very strong president and has taken this country … in a very positive way."
This is a remarkable rehabilitation of the Obama legacy for any kind of politician—much less a socialist. Most of Bernie's labor and socialist supporters have been battling Obama administration policies for the past seven years. War; health care betrayal; record deportations; attacks on public education; threats to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid; obstruction at climate summits; pursuit of more NAFTA-like deals; the GM-Chrysler bankruptcy; and very much affecting APW members, downsizing and privatizing the US Postal Service—add them all up and I concluded long ago the judgment should be this is the most reactionary administration in living memory.
If the Political Revolution means emulating Bernie's White House hero then I am not a revolutionary.
Uncharted Territory
While approved by a majority of production workers final ratification of the UAW-GM Tentative Agreement is still on hold because of rejection by the skilled trades. This effective veto can be sustained only if the UAW leadership determines their opposition is motivated solely because of changes in their work rules and conditions applying only to them and not around issues common to all UAW workers. Late Friday UAW president Dennis Williams issued a brief statement that included,
"Based on this feedback from the skilled trades membership, I have determined that further discussion with the company was needed. Such discussions are currently taking place."
No further details were supplied. But it's no secret that the trades were up in arms over major consolidation and dispersal of skilled classifications. Tuesday's Detroit News summarized,
"Several workers and local union leaders have told The Detroit News that skilled trades workers are concerned over re-classifications of skilled trades that could require them to do multiple jobs; that they may lose seniority or shift preferences; that work may be outsourced; and that no buyout incentives were offered to skilled trades workers. Others believe not enough apprentices are promised, despite the fact that more than half of the 8,500 workers are eligible to retire."
Rejection by skilled trades is rare enough—returning to the bargaining table to attempt to satisfy them is a first at General Motors. Meanwhile, nearly 53,000 Ford workers are in the process of voting on a TA that, if accepted, would complete Big Three national bargaining once a final settlement is reached at GM.
Early Bird Registration Open
These conferences are always worthwhile. Health and finances permitting, I will be there—and I hope you will be too.
That's all for this week.
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text: BRCA1 and BRCA2 Cancer Syndromes and Clinical SignificanceGao, Faye F. MD, PhD; Dabbs, David J. MDPathology Case Reviews: March/April 2014 - Volume 19 - Issue 2 - p 43–48 doi: 10.1097/PCR.0000000000000021 Review Buy Abstract Author InformationAuthors Article MetricsMetrics Familial breast and ovarian cancers are associated with BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene germline mutations in chromosomes 17 and 13, respectively. Diagnosis of BRCA1/2 tumor syndromes is made through genetic testing in a clinically approved laboratory. BRCA1 mutation associates with early onset of breast cancer with aggressive nature in female patients. It is often ductal phenotype expressing basal-like biomarkers, with high nuclear grade, pushing or circumscribed borders and associates with marked lymphocytic infiltrate with/without geographic necrosis. In contrast, there is greater representation of BRCA2 tumors and underrepresentation of BRCA1 tumors in male breast cancer patients. Luminal phenotype is the most common molecular subtype in male breast cancer, with invasive ductal carcinoma of no special type being the most common histological subtype seen in familial male breast cancer patients. Although recent studies suggest that prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer may also be associated with increased risk in BRCA mutation carriers, the mechanism of tumorigenesis remains unrevealed. Compared with increased surveillance to maximize early detection and chemoprevention, prophylactic surgery remains the most effective method to reduce cancer risk in BRCA mutation carriers; however, only some BRCA mutation carriers elect to undergo prophylactic surgery. From the Department of pathology, Magee-Women's Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA. Reprints: Faye F. Gao, MD, PhD, Department of Pathology, Magee-Women's Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 300 Halket St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. E-mail: email@example.com. The authors have no funding or conflicts to declare. © 2014 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.


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Wes Parker explores Golden Era Hollywood's Secret Getaway
If these palms could talk… it's no wonder Palm Springs is the go-to destination spot for Los Angeles based celebrities – thanks to its breathtaking views and exclusive resorts, it is the perfect place to unwind in peace.
Wes Parker – former first baseman for the Dodgers – sits down with us and reveals some secrets from his experiences in Palm Springs during Hollywood's Golden Era.
The Riviera Resort and Spa is a legendary location due to its history of cliental including Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra.
Celebrity homes are plentiful – and Palm Springs offers a variety of tours. The air is rich of Hollywood history. Iconic celebrities and performers who spent down time in the city have left a lasting impression on Palm Springs that makes it the perfect place to getaway.
Be sure to stay tuned for more with California Life HD!


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Penfolds Max's Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to former Chief Winemaker Max Schubert 1948-1975, a legend in Penfolds history. Max's constant pursuit of excellence paved the way for those who followed in his footsteps and also allowed the status and heritage of Penfolds to grow.
Max's Cabernet Sauvignon displays the Penfolds 'stamp' inspired by Max Schubert.
Sold out
avg. per bottle in a case$209.94 per case of 6
Or points 35,270
The average price per bottle is only available in a case of 6.


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|this isn't the edition that I read, but I like this cover!
On the way home, even Eunice is silenced by the sight that greets just as we turn into Hawthorn Close, for suddenly, without any preamble, the moon rises from behind the roof of Audrey's house.
Not any old moon, not the usual moon, but an enormous white disc like a big Pan Drop, a cartoon moon almost, its lunar geography - seas and mountains- a luminescent grey, its chaste rays illuminating the streets of trees with a much kinder light than the streetlamps. We're stopped in our tracks, half enchanted, half horrified by this magic moonrise.
What's happened to the moon? Has its orbit moved closer to the earth overnight? I can feel the moon's gravity pulling the tide of my blood. This must be a miracle of some kind, surely - a change in the very laws of physics? I'm relieved that someone else is sharing the lunacy with me - I can feel Audrey clinging onto my arm so hard that she's pinching my skin through the fabric of my coat.
A moment longer and we will be running for the woods, bows and arrows in our hands, hounds at our heels, converts to Diana, but then the sensible Eunice pipes up, 'We're only experiencing the moon illusion - it's an illustration of the way the brain is capable of misinterpreting the phenomenal world.'
'The moon illusion,' she repeats patiently. 'It's because you've got all these points of reference - ' she waves her arms around like a mad scientist, 'aerials, chimney pots, rooftops, trees - they give us the wrong ideas of size and proportion. Look,' she says and turns round and suddenly bends over like a rag doll, 'look at it between your legs.'
'See!' Eunice says triumphantly when we finally obey her ridiculous command. 'It doesn't look big any more, does it?'
No, we agree sadly, it doesn't.
from p. 49


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Kuapa Kokoo
The Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Union in Ghana's Ashanti region produces around 5% of the country's cocoa and operates the only farmer-owned trading company (Kuapa Kokoo Ltd) in Ghana's semi-liberalised cocoa sector. Founded in 1993, Kuapa has 85,000 members (32% women) and is known for premium quality cocoa; its motto 'pa pa paa' means 'the best of the best' in the local Twi language.
Twin and Kuapa Partnership
Established in 1993 with the assistance of Twin and Dutch NGO SNV, Kuapa received its first Fairtrade certificate in 1995. Three years later, its members voted to establish a joint venture company with Twin to market a Fairtrade chocolate bar fully traceable to Kuapa. Divine Chocolate is 45% owned by Kuapa and 44% owned by Twin and representatives from both organisations sit on the company's board.
Divine share dividends are distributed to Kuapa and a percentage of annual profits fund a Producer Support and Development programme, implemented by Twin. Kuapa Kokoo remains the principal partner in this programme, which is currently focused on good governance, women's empowerment and sustainable cocoa production.