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One of the first questions that I ask a parent when they call is, "What is the name of the last book your child read?" Upon asking this question, I usually find that I unintentionally hold my breath as I await an answer. I'm hoping that they'll be able to name a book -- any book. When a parent answers this question, I learn so much. More often than not, I know that book. If I don't, I do a quick Amazon Search and pull up the first few pages of the book. I might ask a few follow up questions such as, "Did they enjoy the book?" "About how long do you think it took them to read this book?" "Is this book similar to other books they have read recently?" From this information, I can usually make a pretty good estimation of their reading level. Of course, this doesn't account for the child that is consistently reading books that are far too easy or books that are far too hard. I tell parents that too. When they take my placement test, I'll know more.
I consider myself a very avid reader. I estimate that I spend 12 or more hours of the day reading to some capacity -- books, journals, blogs, students papers, etc. I ordered six books on Friday. I'm hoping that they last me a couple of weeks if I filter in some children's books, young adult novels and journals. Yet, I certainly can't read anything. With a dictionary and google by my side, I could probably stumble through a medical journal and leave with about 50% comprehension. If I picked up a book on computer programming, I might also gain about 50% comprehension. If I picked up a textbook for Differential Equations, I would probably comprehend even less.
With the right tools and direction, your child should feel as if they can read anything.
They should feel empowered and successful. So many of my students want to read the 'biggest' book that they can get their hands on. It's a phase that a lot of avid young readers go through. I love to recommend "The Adventures of Hugo Cabret" for these students. It's a GIANT book. They love it. They feel empowered. They feel successful. They are proud. They should be. Reading is a habit that we should all be proud of.
There are so many ways to "level" books. I'm not fond of A-Z Reading Levels. It's very limiting. Each 'alphabet' reading level is so precise that it is limiting in options. I used Lexile reading for awhile too. I have a love-hate relationship with Lexile. Some books seem to be grossly mis-Lexiled. Amazon and other book retailers usually provide some sort of reading level, typically identified by a range of grades. This information actually comes from the publisher. I find that this is actually my favorite easily accessible resource. I also love Common Sense Media. Common Sense Media allows the public to post reviews based on "What Parents Need to Know." Reviewers are typically parents and students. They rate the books' educational value, positive messages, positive role models, violence & scariness, and language. Common Sense Media also provides a recommended age demographic.
For my book lists, I use a combination of these recommendations and my own personal experience. I read every single book that I recommend. Thankfully, I've always been an avid reader. Whilst the above resources are beneficial, most do not have a large enough database of reviewers that target the advanced reader. A publisher might intend to target a middle school audience. Although an advanced elementary student may be able to read the book, is it something that they will enjoy?
For example, one of my students recently picked up a book entitled "The Nazi Officers Wife." He's ten years old. He's also never read anything about the Holocaust. He watches PG movies. This book tells the story of a woman in Vienna during the Holocaust. She lives in a Ghetto. She lives in a slave labor camp. As Amazon says, "In wrenching detail, Edith recalls a life of constant, almost paralyzing fear." It's a wonderful book. Yet, I don't think this child would've enjoyed it -- not yet at least. He's perfectly capable of reading it. However, he lacks the background information necessary to fully enjoy the book. It's also a fairly harsh introduction into the horrors of this part of history. So, I tell him "That's a great book but I think you might enjoy this book more." It's a gentle way to guide the student towards a book that they will enjoy more. I pick out two suggestions: "Anne Frank's Diary of a Young Girl" and "A Jewish Soldier in Hitler's Army: Unlikely Warrior." He's happy with the suggestions and quickly plucks one out of my hands to be checked out.
Danielle Voit
Danielle Voit is the Co-Director of HEROES Academy.
November 2018
Learn Language Arts with Miss Danielle.


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See the Events section for this year's event dates.
A number of special events are offered throughout the year:
- Arts at the Dock – third Sunday of July
- Hilton Beach Classic Car Show – Show and Shine – fourth Saturday of July
- Hilton Beach Community Night – Saturday of civic long weekend
- Holly Jolly Christmas Craft Show – third Saturday of November
- Open Air Market tent – mid-June to end of September
For further information, you may contact the Municipal Office.
Other Events that take place in the Village include:
- Old Town Hall Concerts Series
- Lion's Pancake Breakfasts – every 4th Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (except for December)

subset: commoncrawl


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Looking forward to a great holidaying experience in another country with your family and friends? Well, that can happen if you choose the perfect holidaying destination like Thailand. The country boasts of invigorating sights, fantastic shopping spots, breathtaking & picturesque views, tourist hotspots, exotic food, rich cultural heritage, magnificent edifices and architectural splendors crafted to perfection and the most important- Temples. A trip to Thailand with friends and family is the perfect getaway from the incessant work hysteria and the maniacal frenzy attached with the modern lifestyle.
Rudraksh Group Overseas Solutions, one of the leading immigration and visa consultants in India highlights that he mesmerizing views of the endless sea & limitless sky, picturesque beaches and tourist hotspots make Thailand one of the most preferred tourist destinations. The country has attracted a number of tourists and travel enthusiasts from different parts of the world who visit to explore its culture and heritage. Owing to its exquisite beauty and unique features, Thailand has become a subject of etiquette study by various researchers and philosophers.
It has been said, "Be it Wat Phrathat Pha Ngao; the temple that has its own shade from a rock, "Giant Bodhi Tree in Prachinburi"; where idol of Buddha sits under a tree, The Mummified Monk in Samui; where a monk's dead body is well preserved from last 40 years, all these places remind that every man is mortal, and every soul has to end it journey one day." This is the belief of the people of Thailand, and they abide by it.
For some people cultural and heritage, the study is a passion for life. That's what motivates them every day and people from different places fly in every day to spend their quality time in Thailand not just for having fun but also to get a closer touch with this country's mesmerizing cultural landscape.
Traveling to Thailand from your countries of origin will need these following visa formalities to be completed:
• A valid passport or travel document valid for not less than six months
• A filled Visa Application form
• One 4×6 cm photograph of the applicant
• Air ticket
• Proof of financial funds
Once your formalities are cleared, visit the Land of culture and have the most memorable time of your life.


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In a piece written by Glenn Hall, TheStreet.com published an article today entitled "Today's Outrage: Sears Isn't Worth $4 Billion." I had to check my calendar to make sure it wasn't April 1st because I can't believe the editors at a prominent site would publish this nonsense.
Here is how the article begins:
"How can Sears be worth $31.84 a share? Target fetches only $29.54, and JC Penney is down to $16.55. At the other end of the retail spectrum, investors are only paying $6.41 for Macy's, and at the low end, Family Dollar Stores are only trading at $26. Wal-Mart is one of the few higher-valued competitors, with its shares at $53. So I have to ask: Who thinks Sears is better than Target or even JC Penney for that matter?"
I would expect this from a market novice who does not understand that share prices themselves do not indicate which companies are "better" than others (the number of shares outstanding, and therefore the equity market values, are different). But from TheStreet.com? I think Jim Cramer needs to have a talk with his editors over there.
I was planning on writing about Sears today, and will still do so later, but I just had to point this out for those of you who are often a little too quick to act on something you read online. It has become very easy to reach the online masses with one's views these days, given technological advances, but as a result the quality of the content is diluted, and perhaps even more so than I thought.
Full Disclosure: Peridot was long a small position in SHLD at the time of writing, but has been selling the stock steadily over the last couple of years, for reasons which will be explained in an upcoming blog post. Positions may change at any time.


text: Earth Effects Landscaping Vernon BC 250-308-6562 Website www.efxlandscaping.com Description Look to EARTH effects for all your landscape construction and renovation needs. Our expertise includes installation of plants, sod, block and rock walls, and in-ground automated irrigation systems. We will assist you with creating an attractive landscape plan for your property and devising a planting plan that gives special attention to site-appropriate choices. EARTH effects is locally owned and operated by Bob Fleming. Bob is a UBC graduate with a B.Sc. in Agriculture and a specialty in Plant Science. He has worked as a professional landscaper for the past 20 years. CATEGORIES Landscape Contractors Renovation Contractors Retaining Walls White Pages SEO Cloud Tags Bob Fleming BSc. (Agr.) Plant Science * Serving Vernon & Area Since 1992 * Complete Landscaping * Irrigation * Integrated Block * Rock Walls * Design * www.efxlandscaping.com


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It has been your lifelong aspiration to pursue a Master's degree study but do not have the requisite Bachelor's qualification to apply for admission?
Dream no more. Now you CAN!
With the announcement by MQA via its notification letter No. 2/2014 [Ref No. MQA.100-1/7/2(1)] dated 13 Feb 2014 on the implementation of APEL, you can now apply for admission into the following Master's degree programmes by Coursework in UTAR through APEL:
1. Master of Business Administration
2. Master of Business Administration (Corporate Governance)
3. Master of Business Administration (Building Management)
4. Master of Business Administration (Corporate Management)
5. Master of Project Management
6. Master of Information Systems
7. Master of Communication
8. Master of Mathematics
9. Master of Engineering (Electrical)
10.Master of Engineering (Mechanical)
11.Master of Engineering (Electronic Systems)


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The Art of Books
Print books are dying: Since a few years this has been a widespread statement, especially with regard to the booming e-book and digital media market. Although it is true that reading habits and bookshelves are changing, the feeling of having a book in ones hands remains irreplaceable and the medium itself highly valued.
Also in the art world, where digital art is becoming more popular, books continue to serve as a great source for artistic practice – in the most practical sense. The two following publications make this quite clear.
Art Made from Books: Altered, Sculpted, Carved, Transformed by Laura Heyenga, Brian Dettmer, Alyson Kuhn
Art Made from Books is a collection of 27 different artists portfolios, with the focus on artistic practice. Amidst the rise of digital media, this publication depicts "paper wonders" by artist such as Su Blackwell, Brian Dettmer or Alex Queral on nearly 200 illustrated pages. From repurposed phone books, free-form book sculptures, graphic works and books that have been stitched, carved and cut; this publication compiles and celebrates the unlimited possibilities books can be used for.
1000 Artists' Books: Exploring the Book as Art by Sandra Salmony
Also this publication is devoted to exploring the book as a medium of art. As the title states, the book presents 1000 artist books within four chapters: codex books (books with pages joined to make a spine), accordion and foldable books (books with multiple-fold pages), single sheet books (stacks of pages, scrolls) and sculptural books (books made from objects and objects made into books). A thoughtful curated collection of works that explore and widen the boundary of a book's functionality and potential.


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Louise & LeonContact Louise & Leon directly using the details below.
Contact Information
Phone Number
Featured Business Listing
Turning a house into a home: just a matter of doing some wholesaling and that´s it – ins´t it? But what if a home is more than just a few pieces of furniture? With this question in mind Louise and Leon from the Netherlands opened their shop in the Algarve (Almancil) with a large selection of exceptional new and used furniture, decoration, homemade garden furniture, artwork, antiques and authentic, frequently handmade Portuguese products. Have a browse round their vast selection of carefully chosen good-quality cupboards, settees, tables and many other things, new and used. Allow yourself to be surprised by their collection of authentic Portuguese tiles, with or without under-floor heating. And who knows, amongst their large collection of artwork you might just discover exactly the painting that suits you. "We love quality. we don´t only look for that in our products but it shows also in how we receive and treat people and in the radiance of our shop" says Leon. "
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Oceana Bal Harbour 10201 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour, FL 33154
Oceanan Bal Harbour Condos for Sale
Oceana Bal Harbour feature complete flow-through residences with stunning unobstructed views of the ocean and intra coastal.
Neighborhood: Bal Harbour Real Estate
Developer: Consultatio
Architect: Bernardo Fort-Brescia
Interior Design: Piero Lissoni
Landscape architect: Enzo Enea
Number of stories: 28 Floors
Number of residences: 239 oceanfront
Completion: 2017
Lot: 5.5 acres with 400 linear feet on the Ocean
25 floors of mixed 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms apartments, with maid quarters*, plus 1 floor with 4 Penthouses and 2 floors with 3 Duplex Upper-Penthouses.
Oceana Bal Harbour – Location
Set on the site of the former Bal Harbour Beach Club, Oceana Bal Harbour will soon be the pinnacle destination for contemporary luxury living. This was the only remaining development site in Bal Harbour, and in this case, the best was most definitely saved for last.
Less than a mile from Bal Harbour Shops, directly on Bal Harbour beach, and just moments from Haulover Park and the inlet, life here is a 360-degree panorama of carefree glamour.
Oceana Bal Harbour by Piero Lissoni
What was once the famous Bal Harbour Club will become the spectacular all-new Oceana Bal Harbour – a condominium paradise defined by complete flow-through residences and unobstructed views of South Florida beaches, the Atlantic, Biscayne Bay, and city highlights like the Bal Harbour Shops.
Just inside the main entrance, the art of sculptor, Jeff Koons, captivates with "Pluto and Proserpina" and its appearance of liquid gold. Breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows and extra-deep balconies frame a world of natural perfection: manicured park spaces, idyllic marinas, picturesque sidewalk cafes, chic shops, and some of South Florida's most gorgeous beaches.
Oceana Bal Harbour – Jeffrey Koons
Jeffrey "Jeff" Koons is an American artist known for works of stainless steel with mirror finish surfaces. Oceana Bal Harbour joins the exclusive company of world-famous museums and galleries by becoming the permanent home of not one, but two, commissioned Jeff Koons original sculptures.
Displayed in the beachside gardens and the reflecting pool that connects the building's ocean and bay facades, "Ballerina" and "Pluto and Proserpina" literally reflect the exquisite taste of Oceana's residents. These pieces will be an integral part of your own personal art collection, as their ownership will belong to the Oceana residents.
Oceana Bal Harbour – Amenities
A place to impress… expansive green lawns that stretch all the way to the sand… a gracious staff that attends to your every need… these are but a few of the features that make your Oceana lifestyle unique. Highlighted features include:
- Large relaxation pool
- Olympic-style lap pool
- Two oceanfront Jetted Spas
Full poolside restaurant (Bar and Grill)
- Fitness center with ocean view
- Yoga/meditation/pilates area
- Two tennis courts
- World-class spa
- Private lockers and changing rooms
- Grand salon for entertainment events
- Chef's kitchen and bar within salon
- Private climate control wine locker
- Business center/Meeting room
- Library with lounge and private area
- Billiards and Ping Pong recreational area
- Multi-purpose kids activity room
- Private cinema / Media room
- Valet parking with two levels of underground parking
- Private storage and bicycle area
- Beach and pool side services
Oceana Bal Harbour – Residence Features
- East-west flow thru residences featuring unobstructed views both Intracoastal water views on the west to magnificent Atlantic Ocean views to the east.
- Top three floors feature 4 Penthouses and 3 duplex Upper-Penthouses respectively.
- Private residence elevator galleries, opens directly into the residence.
- Oversized private balconies
- 10 Feet high floor-to-ceiling glass with extra wide windows and sliders to optimize views.
- Internet access to smart panel in unit and building services, allowing personal customization.
- Designer ready unit.
Oceana Bal Harbour – Kitchens
- Exotic stone countertops exclusively imported.
- Piero Lissoni's custom designed cabinetry.
- Chef island with oversized Gaggenau cooktop with the latest downdraft ventilation system.
- Stainless steel under-mount sinks with a courtesy cooking pot filler faucet by Dornbracht.
- Concealed dishwasher with dish drawer.
- Gaggenau appliance center including a double oven, cappuccino maker and microwave.
- Stainless steel washer and dryer with storage drawers.
- 54-inch (side by side) refrigerator/freezer combo.
- Gaggenau two-zone gourmet wine cellar for over 70 bottles*.
Oceana Bal Harbour – Master Baths
- Large master suite overlooking the ocean and beach.
- European wet bathroom design with designer fixtures and accessories.
- Piero Lissoni's custom designed cabinetry.
- Oversized vessel soaking tub.
- Stone countertops from Italy, teak shower floors and glass tiles.
- Towel heater*.
- Automatic Toto toilets with integrated bidet functions.
Oceana Bal Harbour – Leed Certification
Oceana is the first building to be LEED-certified making it an inspiring project that balances beautiful architecture and design with an environmental conscience.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized mark of excellence and an independent, third-party certification, verifying that a building was designed and built using green, energy-efficient strategies.
Oceana Bal Harbour – The Developer
Consultatio USA
Eduardo Costantini was born and raised in Buenos Aires, where he studied Economics.He later earned a Master's degree in the same discipline at The University of East Anglia in the UK. In 1975 he established a brokerage house, Consultatio Bursatil, which he re-established as an asset management firm in 1991, the same year in which he assumed the role as vice president of Banco Francés del Río de la Plata. He then ventured into the real estate market and has since been responsible for some of the most prominent developments in Argentina, such as Nordelta district and the construction of twin luxury office towers in Catalinas Norte office park.
Costantini is also a keen art collector. In 1995 he created the Eduardo F. Costantini Foundation over which he still presides and in 2001, he opened the Malba – Colección Costantini, the Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires, a private cultural nonprofit institution that exhibits his own private art collection. He is also a member of the International Advisory Board of the Museum of Modern Art, MoMA, N.Y. Costantini currently resides in Argentina from where he manages real estate developments around the world.
Oceana Bal Harbour – The Architect
Bernardo Fort-Brescia – Architectonica
Bernardo Fort-Brescia is a founding member of Arquitectonica. He did his early studies in Peru and Europe. He then studied architecture and urban planning at Princeton University and received a Master of Architecture from Harvard University where he later taught. He first came to Miami in 1975 to teach at Miami University. He founded Arquitectonica in 1977 in Miami with his partners. He has been Fellow of the American Institute of Architects since 1992 and is a recipient of the American Institute of Architect's Honor for Design Award and the Silver Medal for Design Excellence. Bernardo is designing prominent buildings in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris, Madrid, Milan, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, New Delhi, and Buenos Aires.
Oceana Bal Harbour – Interior Designer
Piero Lissoni
Piero Lissoni is a world-renowned Italian architect and designer. Lissoni Associati studio (1986) initiated a lifelong collaboration with the world's most notable design companies including Pierantonio Bonacina, Poltrona Frau, Swarovski, Cassina and Kartell to name a few. Some of his notable works include the interior design of the Mamilla Hotel, Jurasalem; Teatro Nacionale, Milan and numerous luxurious hotels and residences throughout the world.
All credits, renderings and information courtesy of Consultatio USA and Oceana sales team.
Contact us for more information or to schedule a private preview
St Regis Hotel and Residences
Click above to visit St Regis Hotel and Residences


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Credit Check & Vetting Services
By using a credit check it's possible to mitigate any potential risk to a business. GMS offer a wide range of credit vetting services for both new / existing business customers and also individual credit checks.
Business / Commercial credit checks:
• Perform a credit check and to be provided with information to set realistic credit terms / objectives
• To identify and target new and existing business, to effectively increase revenue streams
• An in-depth report which enables business to make key commercial decisions in mitigating risk.
For more information please call us on 01527 889180 or send us a message using the button below.


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After a recent discussion as to the correct terminology to use when referring to code written in CFCs I've decided to share my opinion so people have a general idea as to what is meant when someone is referring a function or a method in its simplest sense.
- A function is a piece of reuseable code that is called by name. It can be passed data to operate on (arguments / parameters) and can optionally return a result.
- A method (also known as a property method) is a piece of code that is called by name that is associated with an object. A method is almost identical to a function but it's purpose is generally to operate on the data contained within the component (class).
For example, in JavaScript, methods are defined as object properties that contain a function() whose intent is to operate on the data within that object. Whereas an example of JavaScript functions would be built in global functions such as isNaN(), alert() or user defined functions function debugLog( content ){ console.log( content ) }.
Likewise, in ColdFusion, you could probably say that UDFs (User defined functions) and the standard built in functions provided by ColdFusion are "functions" and the functions within CFCs are methods.
I'm sure people have their own opions on this but in general that's how I like to refer to functions or methods.


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New yarns from Lil' Bit o' Heaven Fibers
Almost everything is back to normal here at Greenberry House. Yesterday it was sunny enough to get some work done, and I washed some things and hung them out on the line for a change! Bravo sunshine. I had to "do up" the first piece I ever made with the handspun singles I spun on my great-grandmother's wheel. It's a shawl in silvery tones and so heavy and warm. There's a little hole in it, though, that I noticed. Need to get out the crochet hook and make a repair. I also sheared Amber, one of the oldest rabbits here. She still produces quite a bit of lovely wool!
Thanks to Sandra's suggestion, I'm going to turn the old refrigerator into a feed bin. Perfect idea and very clever on her part! And friend, fellow spinner, expert knitter, (and probably cousin) Kristen down the mountain has a refrigerator! When I can get a pickup and some pals to go along to help we'll be back in the kitchen business!
Nice responses to my very first newsletter! When I get the full version of Constant Contact, I'll be putting the issues on my web site in an archive. Since they offered two free months before signing up, I'm taking advantage! I'm starting to work on the next issue, which will feature Linda's lovely yarns above, some information on llama wool, what's happening in Meadows of Dan, and whatever else I come up with before next week!


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Students who study the BA and BCom in Law degrees can decide after their third year to take either LLB over 2 years or to proceed with an honours in Economic Science.
Duration: 3 years
Method of Delivery: Full Time
Qualification code: 6DD H01
Curriculum code Mafikeng Campus: R301M
Curriculum code Potchefstroom Campus: R301P
Curriculum code Vaal Triangle Campus: R301V
Compulsory courses in law and language skills PLUS Economics, Business Management and Accounting in year I, only two of those in year II and one in year III.
Admission requirements
- APS of 30;
- Mathematics passed on performance level 4 (50-59%) and
- Language of instruction on Home Language level passed on performance level 4 (50-59%) OR language of instruction on First Additional Language level passed on performance level 5 (60-69%).
Subject groups
The following subject groups exist in order to assist in the academic administration of the programme:
- Private Law
- Public Law
- Mercantile Law
- Criminal and Procedural Law
Sites of delivery
- Mafikeng Campus
- Potchefstroom Campus
- Vaal Triangle Campus
Career opportunities
- Commercial Sector
- Legal Advisor


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Table of Contents
- Pay Fees and Outstanding Invoices
- Personal Jurisdiction over Foreign Manufacturers
- Why Organize Early?
- Whistleblower Protection: Dodd-Frank and SOX
- Foreclosure Not Outrageous
- Principles of contract interpretation
- No notice of damages sought required in Washington pleadings
- Member loses right to file derivative action against LLC by filing bankruptcy petition.
- 90% Means 90% – Modifying Condominium Declaration
- Debt Purchasers Need Collection License
- False Claims Act Whistleblower
Pay Fees and Outstanding Invoices
If you have signed a fee agreement with Tollefsen Law, you may use this "Pay Invoice" service. If you are not a client of Tollefsen Law, your payment will be reversed.
New Clients
Pay with Bill Me Later, credit, debit card, or bank account:
|Legal Fees
Request PayPal Invoice
If you wish to pay an outstanding invoice with Bill Me Later, credit, debit card, or bank account, send an email to request a custom PayPal invoice be sent to you by email.
Bill Me Later
If you have a Bill Me Later account, you may use it make interest free payments over time. To learn more or apply for a Bill Me Later account, click here.
More About PayPal
PayPal is the safer, easier way to pay and get paid online. The service allows anyone to pay in any way they prefer, including through credit cards, bank accounts, PayPal Smart Connect or account balances, without sharing financial information.
PayPal has quickly become a global leader in online payment solutions with more than 153 million accounts worldwide. Available in 190 markets and 24 currencies around the world, PayPal enables global ecommerce by making payments possible across different locations, currencies, and languages.
PayPal has received more than 20 awards for excellence from the internet industry and the business community – most recently the 2006 Webby Award for Best Financial Services Site and the 2006 Webby People's Voice Award for Best Financial Services Site.
Located in San Jose, California, PayPal was founded in 1998 and was acquired by eBay in 2002.
eBay is a multinational public corporation that rades on NASDAQ (EBAY). In 2012 its sales exceeded $15 Billion.


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A cowboy
named Bud was overseeing his herd in a remote mountainous pasture in Wyoming
when suddenly a brand-new BMW advanced toward him out of a cloud of dust..
« get the fuck up | Main | miscellany »
I enjoy reading this part "He watches the young man select one of the animals and looks on with amusement as the young man stuffs it into the trunk of his car."
Thats funny stuff! I'm glad I found this site !
Nice blog here! Additionally your web site quite a bit up fast! What web host are you the usage of? Can I get your affiliate hyperlink to your host? I want my website loaded up as fast as yours lol
I get uρ early and I bustle around my housе like onе оf the severn dwarves, happy to be alive. Thе examinations orr checks аdvised by the doctor are ultrasound exаmination, which allows to chec the physical conduct of the chhild in mothеrs' womb. Amphetamines (including Adderall, Vyvanse, phentermine аnd deхtroamphеtamine) tend to cause decreased appetite as a sіde effect.
The comments to this entry are closed.


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The University of Hartford Alumni Relations Office is here to help. Whether you need assistance managing your career, want to know what perks and discounts are available to you as UHart alumni, are looking for new UHart gear, or simply have a question, comment, or idea to share, we are here for you.
We strive to be a resource you can count on throughout your lifetime as you navigate the world in which we live. We will always be a supportive partner.
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Drive-Thru Combo Meals
Includes tea or soft drink. Substitute fresh-squeezed lemonade for 75¢.
BREAD: Old Fashioned Bun (240 cal) • Wheat (260 cal) • Sourdough (300 cal)
We would love to help you get to your favorite Jim 'N Nick's. Click "Locate Me" above to get started.close
Don't forget cheese biscuits.


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Community Partnerships Care Plus
Providing Quality Care Coordination
Community Partnerships of Idaho Care Plus, provides care coordination to individuals in a comprehensive, holistic, person-centered manner.
Currently, CPICP is contracted to provide state-wide care coordination services for members enrolled in the Blue Cross of Idaho (BCI) Medicare-Medicaid Coordinated Plan (MMCP). We have offices in Boise, Twin Falls, Pocatello, Post Falls and Lewiston.
Blue Cross of Idaho chose to work with a statewide Idaho company with years of community experience.
Care Coordination Team
- Manages a caseload and serves as a member's central point of contact
- Conducts annual comprehensive assessments
- Develops person-centered individualized care plans
- Manages ongoing communication with Interdisciplinary Care Team members including the member, designated family members, primary care physician, providers and others
- Monitors services and coordinates care transitions
- Works with Care Coordinators to support the member's ongoing care coordination needs and personal goals
- Assists members to find local health care and service providers
- Researches and helps link members to community resources
- Supports members by providing preventative health and well-being education tools
- Triages daily calls and inquiries from members


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There are a wide range of pollutants produced by combustion. When a hydrocarbon fuel burns, each carbon atom should join with two atoms of oxygen and produce carbon dioxide ("di" meaning "two"). However, when oxygen levels are insufficient, carbon will join with one oxygen atom instead, and produce carbon monoxide ("mono" meaning "one"). Carbon monoxide can be very dangerous, but isn't the only problem associated with combustion.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a method of heating (including heating water and food as well as air):
- High levels of carbon monoxide can lead to convulsions or death, but low levels can cause symptoms that sufferers might not connect to exposure. In his book The Healthy House, author John Bower reports on a study that found nearly 24 percent of people who thought they had the flu were actually suffering low-level carbon monoxide poisoning.
- In the same book, Bower reports that more than 200 pollutants are present in wood smoke, some of which are carcinogenic. He notes that one study found 84 percent of children in wood-heated homes experienced at least one severe symptom of acute respiratory illness during the heating season, compared to only 3 percent in other homes.
- Maintenance and venting of combustion appliances is essential, but not enough to solve air quality problems. In the book Staying Well in a Toxic World, Lynn Lawson states that California's Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory found that carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide levels from a vented natural gas stove can become as high as those in Los Angeles during a smog attack. In an unvented room, the levels can rise to three times that amount.
- Carbon dioxide is not as dangerous to human health as carbon monoxide is, but elevated levels can be harmful in a number of ways. A recent study associated indoor carbon dioxide levels with impaired decision making. Carbon dioxide can build up even in buildings without combustion sources, because it is a product of human respiration. The buildup of carbon dioxide is one reason that adequate ventilation of a building is essential.
- Many people believe that combustion appliances are cheaper to operate than electric, but this may or may not be true. Electricity and fuel prices vary widely by location and fluctuate throughout the year. Electric appliances are also much more energy efficient than they once were. Electric heat pumps, although they can be more expensive to install than gas or oil heaters, are the cheapest heat source to operate, Prices vary based on local factors, but the authors of an FAQ page on heating estimate that in their area gas heating costs about 50% more than running an electric heat pump.
Heating methods are very important to indoor air quality and human health because the exposures are ongoing and continual. Combustion appliances also raise the risk of fire or explosion. Winter can be challenging enough. Let's not make it harder than it has to be.


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**(Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)
Click here for more information
Briançon is a town in the Hautes-Alps in the south-east of France. The town is in the mountain pass of the Col de Montgenèvre, so expect steep, winding streets. Car hire from Briançon is recommended to experience the spectacular views from the road. On the outskirts of the town, you'll find the Grimp'in Forest adventure park, where you can try your hand at golf, climbing and orienteering. Above the town is an old fort, and the town also has an ancient citadel. Hiring a car from Briançon could also take you to Turin, or into the mountains for a day's skiing.
The Haute-Alps is an area of France, ideal for outdoor activities, particularly skiing.
The British Collection brings a touch of class to your journey. Relax in a comfortable Land Rover while travelling cross-country, or enjoy the freedom of cruising through the city streets in an ultimately British Jaguar.
Available at Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport, London Heathrow Airport, London Marble Arch and Manchester Airport. Book now.
Please note that from 15 Nov to 15 Apr many cities are required by law to restrict the circulation to only vehicles equipped with snow chains or winter tyres. For a summary of the orders, please visit www.poliziadistato.it. To comply with the regulations, in specific locations subject to this requirement, vehicles are equipped with snow chains - the price is included in the rental charges through the cost of "Winterization Fee". At pick-up if you decide to bring your own snow chains or do not intend on driving on the roads subject to this requirement, you may decline the equipment by signing the appropriate release form. This change will be reflected in the rental charges. For more information on the fees, please click here. In all other regions, we recommend that you check before renting if your journey includes one of the roads subject to this requirement and therefore request the snow chains, if necessary.


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Millis High girls basketball senior captains Lydia Flaherty and Meaghan Hourigan, and coach Dave Fallon joined Cassell's Corner podcast host Tommy Cassell for this week's episode.The Mohawks lost to Quaboag last year in Division 4 state semifinals and fell to Cathedral in the Division 4 state title game to two seasons ago when Flaherty and Hourigan were sophomores.
The Mohawks won a Division 4 state title with a 50-42 win over Fenway when the two girls were freshmen and while both were eighth graders playing on the freshman team during the 2013-14 season, Millis won 57-36 over New Mission in the Div. 4 state title game.
Hourigan also won a state championship with the Millis girls soccer team this past fall.
The trio talked with Cassell about sustaining success, working together at a Muffin house in Medway and dating football players, who also won a state title in the fall.
Listen to the full conversation with Flaherty, Hourigan, and Fallon, who teaches Social Studies at Millis High as well.
Each week, Tommy Cassell of the MetroWest Daily and Milford Daily News will talk with a high school sports figure from throughout the MetroWest and Milford areas. A new episode is released every Wednesday. Follow Cassell on Twitter at @TommyCassell44.
You can subscribe via iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or any other podcast provider. Don't forget to rate and review. And if you aren't a podcast listener, every episode of Cassell's Corner is available here on our websites.
Related Links


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Artist description:
This took FOREVERRR. If you didn't already guess, it's Fai D. Flourite from Tsubasa♥♥♥ He's easily my favorite character, but he's so hard to draw!! I hope you guys like it(:
Java Draw Created May 29, 2011 460 x 640px Unless noted Copyright 2011 ZeroYuki.
We encourage you to submit a comment and let the artist know what you think of this drawing. Please log in or join to post a comment.
Post a comment
You drew him awesomely! I LOVE his hair--and well the thingy over his eye, plus how his eye is slanted. Lol. Also like how he is glowing. Fav.
great job 5h
wow, fab just fab...great job
This is amazingggggggg! More g's = more amazing
YESTHISWASDRAWNONEDAYBEFOREMYBIRTHDAYYAY. I love your style and miss seeing your drawings D: PLEASE DRAW MORE OFTEN DDD8
Very good, I like very ;) perfect
Amazing!! I really like his hair! 5/5
wow awewsome!!! and really detailed!!!
very good 5h
i am in LOVE with CLAMPS" tsubasa reservoir chronicles manga! i love the style you used to make Fai!:)


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Diverse experience with large global corporations within the financial services, printing/graphic arts, travel technology, healthcare/long term care/skilled nursing, pharmaceutical, and oil and gas.
Experienced in areas of accounting/finance, account management/customer service, communications/public relations, human resources, information technology, manufacturing, and sales recruiting from entry level to senior level management.
Passionate about the recruiting industry assisting candidates looking for that new opportunity along with finding the needle in the haystack the passive candidates. My candidates are also my clients.
"If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don't have to be pushed. The vision pulls you." Steve Jobs


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10 April (Part 2) - When the cat's away…
The coming of webcasts and recording by any member of the public has resulted
in sanitized and often dull council meetings with only councillor Philip Read
determined to make an idiot of himself. But it wasn't always thus.
In the good old days when the only witnesses were a few old men from the Bexley Action Group, councillors Craske and Campbell were content to insult them at will safe in the knowledge that any Standards Board (as it was called then) meeting would find them innocent of all wrong doing. Other Conservative councillors would happily aim insults at the Labour "tossers" - sorry, opposition members.
Anyone who has attended council meetings for more than a couple of years will remember those chaired by councillor Val Clark with special affection. Not content with criticising those asking questions she would abuse her position by looking up the addresses of the public present and berating them in letters to their homes. So it was with some sense of nostalgia that I made my way to the council chamber last night for a meeting of the Transport Users Committee chaired by none other than councillor Val Clark.
She was not expecting me.
She was not expecting anyone.
Not a single chair was provided other than for committee members. There was no table for any journalist or blogger who might wish to report on the meeting. (Illegal). There were no Agendas available for members of the public which made the meeting very difficult to follow. (Illegal again.)
It was said that the sound system was switched off (probably another offence) so nobody attempted to use it except that towards the end the two Labour members, councillors Borella and Francis, managed to get their microphones to work.
So not the finest hour for democracy in Bexley. The committee had obviously adopted a relaxed attitude free from the public's gaze and the chairman, for the most part, just sort of sat there and let it happen. The two Labour members observed the tradition of raising their hands to be asked to speak whereas the four Conservatives present (of which only two said anything at all) simply interrupted when they felt like it, cabinet member Don Massey being the principal offender. I wouldn't say it was bad in the circumstances, it was just a contrast to the usual stage managed meetings that have become the norm.
A few snippets of information were obtained. A brief summary coming later.
Note: The committee officer allowed me to use the chair of a committee member who had not shown up. She was unable to find a table. It's fortunate that I had not persuaded Mick Barnbrook to come with me or there would be complaints being penned right now.


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Inspiring exemplary board performance
Board Agenda is a progressive and independent resource dedicated to provide insight & intelligence for board directors, investors and professional advisers on emerging issues that shape corporate strategy, fuel effective boards and drive business success.
You will find the latest news and analysis, commentary, interviews and expert insights on an extensive range of subjects, such as legal & regulatory issues, corporate culture, risk management, corporate reputation, selection & diversity, strategic planning, corporate finance, M&A, technology, investor relations, ethics, sustainability and executive remuneration.
Our insight & research programme is enhanced by experienced and practising non-executive and executive board directors, as well as investors, governance professionals, economists, academics, politicians and regulators from Europe and across the world, with thousands of articles, reports and case studies available on every conceivable issue that board members encounter.
The independent ethos of Board Agenda means that editorial leader articles criticise, challenge or applaud corporate behaviour; there is informed opinion from diverse standpoints on topical business issues, probing interviews with corporate leaders, investigative business reporting, and analysis of corporate failures as well as successes.
Board Agenda's purpose is to support board executives so they gain insight about issues that impact on corporate governance, acquire specific knowledge about board practices, navigate the increasing complexities of their role, embed best practice in their board activities, help them achieve effective board oversight and ensure their performance as board members is exemplary.
Subscribe to Board Agenda, and receive free weekly briefings on emerging boardroom issues, legal & regulatory updates on board director responsibilities, full access to all online articles, a premier business magazine, perspectives from board directors of the worlds leading companies, plus an extensive library of practical guides, reports, whitepapers and tools. You will also be invited to attend invitation-only events, seminars and conferences, where you will hear from leading governance advisers and practitioners, meet our award-winning journalists and exchange ideas and opinion with other board directors.
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As a registered user you can obtain free access to selected sections of Board Agenda's editorial programme. You will gain access to top stories, many insight features as well as some designated guides, whitepapers and reports from leading advisory firms, business schools, regulators and stock exchanges. You can become a registered user and create an account by registering to receive a weekly Board Agenda briefing newsletter. Register here.
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Membership benefits:
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Corporate subscriptions to Board Agenda for five or more users are also available. To find out more please contact our customer service team.
To participate in the Board Agenda community you can join our LinkedIn group, Twitter feed or sign up to be a member of our reader panel. If you wish to contribute an article please contact the editor.
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Board Agenda's editorial programme benefits from the advice and shared experience of an editorial advisory panel that includes board members of FTSE 350 companies, privately owned companies, leading members of the institutional investor community and experts on corporate governance, board practices and business strategy from around the world.
Ken Olisa OBE, Chairman, Restoration Partners
Marie Louise Clayton, Non-Executive Director, Diploma PLC
Cristina Vicini, International Non-Executive Director & Board Adviser
Gilles Hilary, Professor McDonough School of Business – Georgetown USA.
Alexandra Schaapveld, Non-Executive Director, Société Général
Andrew Kakabadse, Professor of Governance and Leadership, Henley Business School
Neil Stevenson, Managing Director, IIRC (International Integrated Reporting Council)
Carol Bell, Non-Executive Director, Ophir Energy PLC
Simon Witney PhD (LSE), Private Equity Corporate Governance | Partner, King & Wood Mallesons
Patrice McDonald, Non-Executive Director, Simcorp PLC | TD Bank PLC
Dr. Sabine Dembkowski, Managing Partner, Better Boards
Professor Jill Atkins,Director of Governance, Accountability & Responsible Investment, Henley Business School
Turid Elizabeth Solvang, Founder & CEO Futureboards | President, ecoDa
Dr.Roger Barker, Honarary Associate, Centre for Ethics & Law, University College London
Erik Breen, Manager, SRI, Triodos Investment Bank | Chair, Board of Governors, ICGN


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Descrizione prodotto
This Christmas, FitFlop is proud to be supporting Habitat for Humanity with our special edition, supercomfy, crazy-fluffy House with pom poms slippers. An outrageous display of sheer and peerless cush, in ultra-soft, foot-hugging double-shearling – irresistible surely? Under all that fluff lies a pair of magic Microwobbleboard™ midsoles, so you not only look like you're walking on clouds, you feel like it. From each pair sold, FitFlop will donate 20% of the selling price to Habitat for Humanity, who help families build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. We're committed to donating at least $150,000 worldwide, so what are you waiting for? Buy a bunch of pairs! (For yourself. And for somebody else.)
LA NOSTRA INTERSUOLA MICROWOBBLEBOARD™. Lanciata con il nostro primo sandalo sette anni fa, la nostra intersuola Microwobbleboard a tripla densità, in attesa di brevetto, è stata progettata da due pionieri inglesi della biomeccanica.
Grazie al suo straordinario comfort, non solo assorbe gli urti, ma distribuisce anche la pressione della pianta del piede, aumentando istantaneamente l'area di contatto di quest'ultimo con l'intersuola.
on our supercushioned, pressure-diffusing original Microwobbleboard midsoles
generous fit (for average to wider feet)
APMA* Seal of Acceptance, for footwear found to promote good foo t health
biomechanically engineered, supercomfortable slippers
single-piece, shearling upper with minimal seaming
all-shearling lining and footbed allow your feet to breathe
seamless built-in arch contour
lab-tested for slip resistance
suitable for indoor/outdoor with an all-rubber outsole
* American Podiatric Medical Association


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Washing Machine repair services in Vejalpur Ahmedabad
quick repair service provide best satisfaction washing machine services in vejalpur Ahmedabad. our best profession technicians are well experienced in home appliances repair or electronics repair service in Vejalpur Ahmedabad. we give doorstep service at your relevant time we gives 30 days warranty in any Home appliances or Electronics repair services. we are using genuine or company parts in your machine.
Book your service Now
Washing Machine Repair & Service in Vejalpur Ahmedabad
Weather you are looking for washing machine repair service or maintenance. No matter where you can buy your washing machine. we're prepared to repair your washing machine. We're your best option for quick and easy local repair and maintenance of top-load and portable washing machines, front loading. Whether your washing machine is leaking, your washing machine smells bad, or your washer won't start. you can count on Sears for the best washing machine service technicians in the business. Technicians that are local, licensed and well experienced, with the skills to get your dryer up and running again.
5 Tips How to Use Washing Machine :
1. Use the Presoak cycle.
extra-dirty loads get cleaner without going through twice. setting agitates the contents and may dispense detergent before starting the main cycle,
2. Reduce your load size.
if your washer and dryer have different capacities, go for the smaller volume. Adjust the water level (newer models automatically do this) and drying time, Cramming the tub isn't a shortcut — clothes need to move to get clean
3. Add bleach yourself.
If you want to extra cleaning power then add the chlorine bleach, to load the 5 minutes after the cycle start, (earlier, and it will kill stain-fighting enzymes in the detergent)
4. Pick the right detergent.
Regular cleaners can generate too many suds, damaging these appliances. In the High efficiency machine use the only "HE" Logo
You can Book our Washing machine repair appointment anytime and change with your comfort time schedule
We will update your washing machine repair appointment via email, text or call whatever you prefer.
Protect your all Home's Appliances. Ask our technician how you can save with a warranty.
Problem with Washing Machine
- Washer Won't Turn On
- Not Draining Properly
- Will Not Spin and/or Agitate
- Washer Leaking Water
- Does Not Dispense Detergent
- Washer is Shaking and Moving
- Washer is Noisy
- Washer Smells
- Washer Won't Finish Cycle
Types of Washing Machine
- Semi-Automatic Washing Machine
- Top Load Washing Machine
- Front Load Washing Machine
We Connect with All Brands
- IFB Washing Machine Repair
- Samsung Washing Machine Repair
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- Godrej Washing Machine Repair


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Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
The North Salt Lake Police Department is hiring a substitute crossing guard. Wage is $20 per shift. If you are interested, an application may be obtained at the North Salt Lake Police Department, located on the first floor of the City building. Position is open until filled. Applicants may be required to complete a background check. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jana at 801-335-8652. Equal Opportunity Employer.
Reserve Police Officer Job Announcement


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By. CityRoom Staff
Giardino Ascona is a magnificent retreat, 54 rooms and 18 suites, set in tranquil, beautifully perfumed Mediterranean-style gardens. In addition to the spa (with indoor and outdoor pools, as well as saunas and steam rooms), it has a large well-equipped gym and two restaurants, including the two-star Michelin ECCO. The elegant interiors are decorated with soft furnishings by Designers Guild. The property is located next door to Golf Club Patriziale Ascona and a short stroll from Lake Maggiore where it has its own speed boat; it also has a range of road and … [Full Article]


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There is no better place to spend the holidays than Norfolk. From a parade through downtown and into the New Year, the lights, the sights, and the sounds of the Holidays in the City season provide unforgettable activities for the whole family to enjoy.
31st Annual Grand Illumination Parade
November 21
7:00 p.m.
Free & Open to the Public
The festivities begin on Saturday, November 21st at 7:00 pm with the 31st Annual Grand Illumination of the downtown skyline. The lighting of the skyline signals the start of Hampton Roads' most cherished event, the Annual Grand Illumination Parade. Spectacular floats, marching bands, giant balloons, dancers and Santa himself will delight spectators with glowing décor as they parade through downtown Norfolk. Visit>>
Dickens' Christmas Towne
November 21 – December 27
Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center (lower level)
Tickets at Nauticus
Experience a magical Victorian village filled with strolling carolers, Father Christmas, sweet treats, an impressive train display and family-focused holiday activities and crafts. Visitors can also enjoy live music, theatrical performances and a traditional English meal in the newly built Wren's Pub. This season, Virginia Stage Company actors will perform vignettes in various locations inside Dickens' Christmas Towne, as well as on the main stage. Visit>>
MacArthur on Ice and the Winter Carnival at MacArthur Center
November 21 – January 18
This holiday season, there's no place like MacArthur Center, which comes alive with holiday fun and entertainment, from the annual outdoor ice skating tradition MacArthur on Ice, to the all-new outdoor Winter Carnival. Hampton Roads' premier shopping destination, MacArthur Center, is also the place for an exciting winter extravaganza.
Pagoda and Garden LightFEST
November 21 – December 31
The Annual Pagoda & Garden LightFest featuring over 40,000 sparkles of friendship glowing in the Garden & Pagoda nightly. This event opens with the Grand Illumination on November 21. Visit>>
Dominion Garden of Lights
November 26 – December 31
5:30 – 10:00 p.m. Nightly
Don't miss a Hampton Roads holiday tradition. Bring your family and friends to the 20th annual light show extravaganza for a magical holiday experience. During this event, our garden is transformed into a winter wonderland where you can enjoy a 2-mile drive through a million sparkling lights bringing the four seasons to life. Visit>>
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
December 9 – 24
It wouldn't be the holidays without Dickens' A Christmas Carol at Virginia Stage Company. Ebenezer Scrooge and his travels with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future reawaken the spirit of Christmas in all of us. This timeless tale remains a heartwarming tradition for many Hampton Roads families as they celebrate the season in the festively decorated Wells Theatre. Visit>>
The Nutcracker
December 4 – 6
Chrysler Hall
Stoner Winslett's The Nutcracker, heralded as "perfect" by The New York Times, returns to Chrysler Hall to celebrate the holiday season. From the opening notes of Tchaikovsky's famous overture, the Richmond Ballet performers will instantly whisk you into the warm, candlelit drawing room of the Silberhaus family, buzzing with celebrations of Christmas. Visit>>
Hurrah for the Holidays
December 11 at 7:00 p.m., December 12 & 13 at 3:00 p.m.
TCC Roper Performing Arts Center
A joyful celebration featuring all the best music of the season – from your favorite classic standards to popular modern day hits. With the renowned precision kick-line dancers, a 6-foot dancing snowman, and a few festive surprises – it's an event for the entire family. Visit>>
Holiday POPS: Home for the Holidays
December 12
Harrison Opera House
Conducted by Robert Shoup, VSO Chorusmaster/Staff Conductor, our holiday performances have become a locals' favorite at year's end. Lift your spirits than with seasonal songs and traditional carols delivered in full sound and spectacle by the Virginia Symphony, the inspirational voices of Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and special guests. Visit>>
Holiday Brass
December 18
TCC Roper Performing Arts Center
Experience the festive sounds of the season in a concert filled with wit, virtuosity, and the glorious music of the holidays—featuring the VSO brass and percussion sections. Conducted by Dr. Paul Bhasin, Director of Wind Studies at Emory University in Atlanta and former Director of Bands at the William and Mary School of Music. Visit>>
Handel's Messiah
December 19
Harrison Opera House
Experience the greatest story ever told with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Benjamin Rous returns to conduct the Messiah of the season. Featuring the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and vocal soloists. Visit>>
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 12 at 7:00 p.m.
TCC Roper Performing Arts Center
Based on the popular book by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is the funny and heartwarming story of an unlikely group of kids who learn the true meaning of Christmas. A holiday tradition in Hampton Roads, this one night only event is presented with Happy Hanukkah, My Friend, a short program celebrating the Festival of Lights. Visit>>
Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas In Vienna
December 20
Harrison Opera House
With a history six centuries in the making, the famed Vienna Boys Choir delights audiences across the globe with their purity of tone, distinctive charm and a diverse, crowd pleasing repertoire that encompasses Austrian folk songs and waltzes, classical masterpieces, beloved pop songs, holiday favorites and medieval chant. Visit>>


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Creative Writing for Young PeopleVarious DatesOnline booking has now closed.
Call 0121 446 3232 to enquire about remaining places
Event Information
Are you an aspiring writer or just can't get started? Learn some top techniques for creative writing for all levels of experience and confidence.
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for children aged 12 to 17 years. It is open to all ability levels and levels of experience. Parents are not expected to accompany children on these courses. All our staff are DBS checked.
The course is accessible for young people of all abilities, however we suggest speaking to us if the young person has a disability that may impact on writing. There is a learning support worker and a parent or carer may assist their child if requires 1-1 support. Carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending a course to provide support. The room is wheelchair accessible.
Age ranges are set carefully to take into account key age developments, materials being used and course stimulus. It is very important that age ranges are not too large or across key stages and therefore need to be adhered to.
What will you learn on this course?
This half day course will bring some fun into creative writing and provide techniques for how to start a story and develop ideas. Carol's approach is about building confidence and finding enjoyment as well as embracing the drafting process. By the end of the morning everyone will have something finished or to that they can take away to work on further. No matter if you're an aspiring writer or want to get to grips with where to start, this course will offer something for you.
Do you need to bring anything?
All course materials are provided.
Are there any additional costs?
There are no additional costs for this course.
Who teaches this course?
Carol Preston


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Westside Theatre Upstairs
407 West 43rd Street
Between 9th and 10th Avenues
New York NY 10036
View on map
Discount Tickets for Groups
Add to My Event List
Little Shop of Horrors, the iconic musical, returns to its roots!Seymour is a down-on-his-luck florist with a crush on his co-worker Audrey. When he discovers a mysterious – and voracious – plant, suddenly Seymour and Audrey are thrust into an epic battle that will determine the fate of the entire human race. Get close — but not too close — to Little Shop of Horrors when it returns to its off-Broadway roots this fall! Experience the iconic musical as it was meant to be seen, in an intimate 270-seat setting. This thrilling new production stars Emmy® Award winner Tammy Blanchard (Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows), Tony Award® nominee Jonathan Groff (thru 1/19) (Hamilton), and two-time Tony winner Christian Borle (Something Rotten!). Together they bring succulent new life to a show that has made three decades of theatergoers laugh, scream, and give up gardening for good.Featuring a book and lyrics by Oscar® and Grammy Award® winner Howard Ashman (The Little Mermaid), music by Oscar and Tony winner Alan Menken (Aladdin), and direction by Tony winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening), this Little Shop will bring you within biting distance of musical theater's favorite man-eater.
Tammy Blanchard, Jonathan Groff , Christian Borle*, Tom Alan Robbins, Kingsley Leggs, Ari Groover, Salome Smith, Joy Woods, Stephen Berger, Chris Dwan, Kris Roberts, Chelsea Turbin, Eric Wright, Teddy YudainAs of 1/21/20, Gideon Glick takes over the role of "Seymour"*PLEASE NOTE: For performances from Tuesday, 2/11/20 through Wednesday, 2/19/20, Christian Borle will not perform the role of "Orin, et. al."
Author: Howard AshmanMusic: Alan MenkenLyrics: Howard AshmanDirector: Michael MayerChoreographer: Ellenore ScottProducer: Skid Row Downtown LLCPress Agent: Vivacity Media Group
2 hours, including intermissionPerformances begin promptly. There is no late seating. Patrons who leave the theatre for any reason during the performance will not be re-admitted.
View Full Calendar
$69.00 - $139.00 (Ticket prices include a $1.50 Facility Fee.)
See this week's prices
Recommended for 5 +Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
On performances days, the Box Office is open from Noon - 6pm for advance sales.The box office remains open through the performance for ticket pickup and same-day sales.
None available.


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We are now in the Fire Danger Period and burning off is not allowed. You can dispose of green waste for free at transfer stations.
Find out more
Your bin collection service is changing from February 2020. From February we will start the rollout of a four bin kerbside collection service.
In This Section
If you are a landholder with a waterway running through your land, you have a role to play in protecting water quality.
The hard hooves of animals such as sheep, cattle and horses can erode riverbanks, cause damage to habitats and reduce water clarity by disturbing the riverbed. Livestock waste is a source of water pollution that can threaten human health and the health of all aquatic species.
As a landholder, you can improve water quality by:
A catchment is an area where water is collected by natural landscape features such as rivers, creeks, lakes and dams. Catchments also include man-made features such as groundwater, stormwater, wastewater and water-related infrastructure.
We rely on our catchments for clean drinking water, recreation, water for livestock, irrigation, and industry. It is the role of Catchment Management Authorities to ensure that human activities do not harm the environment our drinking water comes from.
Our shire is almost evenly divided between the Maribyrnong River catchment and the Campaspe/Coliban River catchments. A small area also falls within the Goulbourn River Catchment.
Different waterway management responsibilities apply depending on which catchment you are interested in. Visit the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) Victorian Catchment Management Authorities map to find out in which catchment your property lies.
You may be eligible for funding to help manage the waterways under your care, depending upon the catchment you are located in.
Phone: (03) 5422 0333
Fax: (03) 5422 3623
National Relay Service
TTY call 133 677
& ask for (03) 5422 0333


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Here you'll find answers to frequently asked questions. Click the categories below to find what you are looking for.
We also have separate FAQ pages for CCL Testing and Recertification.
If your question isn't listed here, get in touch with us.
Translators deal with the written word. They translate written documents from one language to another.
Interpreters deal with the spoken word or signed languages (such as Auslan). They interpret what each speaker is saying or signing into the other person's language.
No. NAATI does not provide translation or interpreting services.
We are an accreditation authority – that is, we 'licence' people who wish to work as translators or interpreters. Once certified, each translator or interpreter works for themselves (or an agency or some other organisation).
To find a certified practitioner, click here for our online directory. You will need to contact the translator(s) you have chosen directly.
My document was translated overseas. Why do I need to get it translated by a NAATI certified translator?
Each organisation or department has their own requirements about what documents, including translations, they will accept. You will need to ask the organisation that has requested a new translation why they won't accept the overseas translation of your document.
The best way to update your details is through the MyNAATI portal. If you cannot access your account, please use the the get in touch form to contact our national office (and include your customer number).
You should update your contact details with us every time you change your address, phone number or email.
NAATI does not provide a reduction in fees for concession card holders, students or pensioners.
Many translators and interpreters choose to work for themselves as individuals. Others choose to work 'in-house' for specific businesses or organisations or for translating and interpreting agencies.
NAATI is aware of concerns over remuneration rates within the translating and interpreting sector. While we are happy to advocate for practitioners and support any initiative that aims to improve the pay conditions generally, we have no direct influence in determining remuneration rates.
A translator translated my document but I don't think it's a good translation. Who do I contact to make a complaint?
In any situation where you feel that an error has been made in the translation your first point of contact should be with the translator.
There are situations in which errors are made and can be corrected. However, this does not mean that a translator can be required to make a change they feel is inconsistent with the principle of accuracy as set out in the Code of Ethics.
The Code of Ethics also requires a translator to consider your feedback in a professional way and provide you with justification for their translation should this be asked for.
Should you wish to lodge a complaint after discussing the issue with the translator then you can do this with NAATI.
NAATI is not aware of any formal recognition of NAATI credentials in other countries.
If you have any questions about the acceptability of your NAATI credential overseas, you need to contact the organisation who would receive your translation or for whom you might interpret for.
No it is not. As NAATI is not an agency as defined by the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, we do not breach the terms of the act by refusing to release test materials to applicants.
Applicants acknowledge these terms when they sign their application form. The FOI Act also provides exemption for all testing materials.
It is NAATI's view that the individual requirements of each government agency is a matter for that respective agency. We encourage practitioners to contact agencies directly to check requirements for acceptable translations.
It is your responsibility to check whether the organistion or department you are submitting the translation to will accept older NAATI credentials.
NAATI encourages all existing accredited translators to transition as NAATI certification is the accepted industry standard.
Certification & Other Credentials
NAATI began a journey in 2011 to raise our standards of testing and certification. NAATI-commissioned research, led by Professor Sandra Hale, which resulted in the Improvements to NAATI Testing Report (INT Report) and the subsequent formation of the Improvements to NAATI Testing Project (INT Project). One of the key deliverables of the INT Project is to introduce a new model for NAATI credentials, standards, testing and assessment. This model is known as certification.
Certification tests are scheduled depending on the number of people wanting to be tested in a particular language, and the availability of examiners.
There are multiple pathways to upgrade your credentials from Certified Provisional Interpreter to Certified Interpreter.
Generally, if you already hold Certified Provisional Interpreter and do not wish to complete a NAATI Endorsed Qualification, you will need to provide us with:
- Evidence of at least three years' work experience in the language combination; and
- Evidence of completed Professional Development activities to support advanced practice.
Click here to learn more.
Usually, the marking of a certification test will be completed and the result issued to you, 8 to 10 weeks after the test has been sat.
No. There will be no requirement for certified practitioners to attempt to 'upgrade' to the next type of certification.
In cases where NAATI introduces certification testing for Certified Provisional Interpreter or Certified Translator in languages where only Recognised Practising credentials have been awarded, practitioners who hold Recognised Practising will automatically be notified if testing is scheduled.
Yes. A NAATI Recognised Practising credential as a Deaf Interpreter (DI) may be obtained for the specialised interpreting and translation that DIs perform.
Applicants seeking Deaf Interpreter credentials will need to attach evidence of their Auslan proficiency with their application form.
Acceptable evidence of Auslan proficiency includes:
- Evidence that the applicant has completed the majority of their primary and secondary education (up to year 12) where Auslan, or English and Auslan, were the languages of instruction. The evidence must show the number of years completed (not just that education to a particular year, year 12 for example, has been completed); or
- A letter from a state-based Deaf Society confirming the applicant's membership in the local deaf community and fluency in Auslan:
- Completion of a diploma in Auslan teaching; or
- Current Certified Provisional Interpreter (Auslan-English) certification (or higher)
There is no law that says you must have NAATI Certification to work as a translator or interpreter. However, NAATI sets the standards for the translating and interpreting profession in Australia and most employers and users of language services will expect you to be certified. You may find it difficult to get work without certification.
Yes. If you are awarded a NAATI certification can claim CCL points without sitting any additional testing.
NOTE: if you are awarded Recognised Practising Interpreter or Recognised Practising Translator you cannot claim CCL points.
All you need to do is provide a copy of your official credentialing letter with your visa application.
If you need to download a new copy of your letter, you will need to login to myNAATI.
No. It is not compulsory for anyone holding a current NAATI accreditation or recognition to transition to the new certification system. It is matter for each individual practitioner to decide. NAATI will continue accepting applications from Accredited Translators and Interpreters to transition to NAATI Certification up until 31 December 2019.
After this date, transition applications will no longer be accepted, and to gain NAATI Certification you will need meet the training requirements and pass a test in your language.
All Accreditation credentials previously issued by NAATI remain valid for the period they were issued. However, NAATI anticipates the value of accreditation will diminish as NAATI certification becomes the preferred industry standard.
All credentials previously issued by NAATI remain valid for the period they were issued. However, the old accreditation scheme will no longer be supported. This means that practitioners who choose not to transition will not be able to:
- Order new ID cards or stamps for their accreditations;
- Appear on the online directory; and
- Be able to revalidate;
As of 1 July 2019, a transition fee of $121 will apply. Transition applications will close December 2019
It is expected that NAATI certification will become the industry standard. Many employers (particularly in the government, legal and health sectors) will expect practitioners to have an up-to-date certification – it may become difficult to continue to get translating and interpreting work without it.
Should you choose to transition, you will be issued with newly designed products as well as opting in to be listed on the online directory at no cost.
No. It is up to each individual practitioner to decide which credentials they will transition. NAATI would encourage practitioners to transition any accreditation or recognition that is used regularly.
If only one/some of my credentials are currently part of the revalidation scheme and the others are not, what do I have to do?
You can use the wizard located on the transition page to work out what you will need to do for each individual credential.
Generally, if your credential is already part of the revalidation system, you will not need to provide any additional evidence. For credentials that are not part of the revalidation system, you will need to provide evidence of work practice in order to transition that credential.
You may choose to provide one of the following:
- A reference letter/s from your employer or agency detailing the work undertaken; or
- A summary of work completed via a work practice record; or
- A reference letter from an accountant detailing the income generated by translating and/or interpreting.
Translators: click here for more specific details.
Interpreters: click here for more specific details.
If you cannot provide any of the above, NAATI may consider accepting a statutory declaration.
What type of evidence can I provide to prove my skill in chuchotage (whispered simultaneous interpreting)?
You may choose to provide one of the following:
- Evidence of training in chuchotage (as part of a formal qualification); or
- Work references indicating ongoing work experience in chuchotage; or
- Evidence of completion of a professional development training session on chuchotage.
If you cannot provide any of the above, you will be able to indicate to NAATI that you need to complete a chuchotage professional development training session. NAATI is partnering with AUSIT who will provide these sessions at no cost to the participants.
No. It is only practitioners who are transitioning from Professional Interpreter to Certified Interpreter that have to provide evidence of their skill in chuchotage (whispered simultaneous interpreting).
Decisions about expiry dates will be made on a case-by-case basis. No recertification dates will occur in 2018. The earliest will be 2019.
As a general rule, NAATI expects that your new certification expiry date will be within one year of the expiry date of your accreditation or recognition when you transition. For example, if your current accreditation expiry date is 12 June 2018, we'd expect that your certification expiry date would be 12 June 2019.
If your accreditation or recognition has no expiry date, that is revalidation is not required, then we expect that recertification will be required 2.5 years to 3.5 years from the point you transition.
Yes. Recertification is a universal requirement under the new certification system.
Yes. NAATI expects that we will be able to synchronise multiple credentials so that they all show the same expiry date under the new certification system. In most cases, we expect that they will be aligned to the furthest date.
No. These new specialisations have no equivalent under the current accreditation system, so a practitioner cannot transition straight to them. Practitioners holding Certified Interpreter will need to meet one of the prerequisite pathways in order to be eligible for Certified Specialist Interpreter testing.
NAATI will accept transition applications until December 31st 2019.
Should you choose not to transition, that decision is up to you. Each organisation (including government departments) will determine its own policies for acceptability of translations (as currently occurs).
NAATI expects, that as we move through 2018, more and more agencies and departments will require a certified practitioner to complete the translation for it to be accepted.
No. NAATI has made a decision that we will not list non-transitioning practitioners on the directory from January 2018. This is irrespective of whether the practitioner holding the accreditation or recognition is willing to pay a fee to be listed.
You will be contacted with the details of upcoming sessions should you nominate that you need to attend a session during the transition preregistration process or on your transition application.
Your current NAATI Number will become your customer number (to keep track of your interactions with NAATI). Transitioned practitioners will be issued a new NAATI Practitioner ID for professional purposes. Please be aware that you will not be searchable via the online directory or online verification tool using a NAATI Number after 31 December 2017.
It takes up to 4 weeks to prepare our products as they are made individually on demand. Once a product has been posted to you, via Australia Post, it can take up to 6 business days to reach most Australian addresses.
All practitioners holding a current Certification or Recognised Practising credential are automatically listed in the Online Directory at no further cost.
Practitioners will be able to edit or deactivate their listing by logging in to their myNAATI account.
You will need to ask your client or organisation what their requirements are.
Generally, you will be able to confirm your translations by writing:
- Your first name
- Your last name
- Your NAATI Practitioner ID
- The direction of your credential (English to LOTE or LOTE to English)
- Your credential expiry date
You will then need to sign your translation.
But remember, some organisations (eg. government departments) will only accept stamped translations so in some cases you'll have to wait for your stamp.


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Ironhorse Real Estate
Get away from the crowds and relax in a serene setting at Ironhorse Country Club. Convenient to all the shopping and entertainment of the Palm Beaches, Ironhorse is privately situated just a bit out of the mainstream in West Palm Beach. Just beyond the colorfully landscaped guardhouse entrance, intimate neighborhood enclaves portray a lush, inviting feel that reflects Ironhorse's hospitality and congenial sense of community spirit. Luxurious Mediterranean and Florida Contemporary style homes are built by Westbrook Communities, a company that provides a wide range of residential choices while keeping prices affordable.


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Who Else Here Hates Shaving?
Sponsored Guest Post By Christine H.
Have you ever thought about what a strange thing shaving is? I mean, who was the first person who thought it would be a good idea to take a blade to their own face? And how did it progress from that into a cultural norm?
I can't be the only girl who thinks that waxing and shaving her legs is just… a whole lot of effort. And those nice razors? They're so expensive! How did we get here?
Ancient Shaving Trends and Techniques
Shaving goes back a lot farther than you might think… even leg-shaving. In fact, the Ancient Egyptians shaved their whole bodies, top to bottom, even the hair on top of their heads; they wore wigs instead.
Romans also shaved. Keeping their beards shaved and hair cropped was a smart move in close-quarters battle, because it made it harder for enemies to grab hold. It also helped prevent the spread of disease and vermin, ensuring that the soldiers were clean (bet you never considered that benefit of shaving, did you?)
Normalization in the Modern Era
Despite ancient Roman and Egyptian habits, shaving for women didn't become a popular, normalized thing in the Western world until the 20th Century. In 1901, King C. Gillette patented the safety razor. This made it easy for people to shave in the privacy of their own homes, instead of depending on professionals to take care of unwanted hair.
The safety razor was so popular that sales skyrocketed, even during the Depression. Soon, the company realized that there was a huge untapped market: women. In 1915, Harper's Bazaar published an ad featuring a woman in a sleeveless dress, raising her arms over her head to reveal smooth underarms. The print encouraged women to remove "objectionable" hair before trying out the sleeveless dress.
As far as marketing strategies go it was brilliant (if, perhaps, sexist and body-shaming).
In the 20's underarm shaving became the norm for women, especially in the shift-style dresses popular at the time. But while conventions were scandalized with shortened hemlines, shaving legs didn't become popular just yet. During the Depression, hems were lowered again, and most skirts didn't show more than an ankle.
Wartime Trends and Smooth Legs
You'd think that everyone had more to worry about during WWII, but the truth is that this is the time when leg-shaving really became the norm amongst women. First of all, famous pin-up girls like Betty Grable were featured in every army barrack, not to mention fashion ads throughout the world. The bared legs attracted stares from both genders, and although miniskirts didn't immediately become popular streetwear, women were much more conscious of how they displayed their legs.
In the meantime, nylons and stockings started becoming harder and harder to get a hold of, since the war had shortage situations happening in every convenience store. So, in order to achieve the same soft look, women opted for razors, which were American-made and much easier to obtain.
Choices Today
Today, we use whatever means necessary to get rid of "unwanted" hair. And while technology has made it easier to take care of personal grooming, the truth is that there's still a lot of bother and complication involved in hair removal.
Even laser hair removal, which feels like the turnkey solution for every girl who can't seem to manage shaving her ankles without a nick or two, isn't perfect, as this article states.
In fact, the more I learn about the trends behind leg-shaving, the more I want to never pick up a razor again. A woman will spend tens of thousands of dollars in her lifetime to remove unwanted hair. Did the whole female gender just get tricked by a marketing gimmick? It's also considered a complication because it perpetuates the trend to glorify women who are younger and younger. Not only do we have to be in the bloom of youth in order to be beautiful, but we may have to go clear back to before puberty and the onset of body hair.
At the same time… who doesn't like the way it feels right after you shave? And while I won't bother with a razor if my legs are covered in jeans or a maxi skirt, that doesn't mean I have the courage to venture out in a bathing suit without doing some shaving. The truth is that all we see of women's bodies are waxed, glossed and airbrushed versions of reality. As ads got more and more open about how much of women's bodies they showed, only hairless versions were shown, and so it became considered the norm.


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Hello and welcome to FrontDoorFarmMarket... dot com!
We're happy to have you stop by for a visit.
2019 is upon us and we are looking forward to what lies ahead. It's hard to believe that we are a year away from 2020 it sounds like futureworld in a book! Mike and I are busy trying to book gigs and make a living as travelling entertainers, it is harder than we thought, sellin ourselves. We both are pretty humble about our craft but also believe this is what we are supposed to be doing.
Front Door Farm Market is home to M&N Farms near Taneyville, MO. It is our piece of heaven nestled in these Ozark Mountains.This farm is our blessing still as we travel down dusty paths, muddy roads, asphalt jungles, straights and curves. We have scaled back our farming as we are travelling more and more but it sure is nice to call home because you know there's no place like it!
We are going to add some more pages to our site adding our educational programs and a You Tube channel is in the works. And just in case you are wondering yes we are still farmers and performers which makes us Perfarmers! Please check our SHOW SCHEDULE
God Bless, Mike and Nancee
Contact us HERE


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Welcome to the Home Economics Website
Formal instruction in Home Economics began at the University of Saskatchewan in 1916. The Household Science department became a school in 1928, a College in 1942, and in 1952 was renamed the College of Home Economics. The College was disestablished in 1990, with the Home Economics teaching area continuing in the College of Education and the Nutrition program in the College of Pharmacy, which was renamed the College of Pharmacy & Nutrition in 1995.
In 2006, a Home Economics Display Project was undertaken to gather together Home Economics memorabilia and class photos and create a searchable Home Economics website. This website and campus displays document and celebrate the contributions of the College of Home Economics to its 1675 graduates and the University of Saskatchewan.
Read our latest Alumni Newsletter!
Home Economics Ring
Have you lost your Home Economics ring? To order a replacement, please contact:
Tara Jewellers
9803 102A Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 3A3
Phone 780-428-1542
Fax 780-425-9485
This site is designed to be viewed full-screen at 1024 x 768 resolution. If using Windows Internet Explorer, simply press the F11 key on your keyboard. We hope you enjoy browsing through!


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Tuesday, April 26, 2011
greenpeace video of Chernobyl.
This video is hard to watch. Such a sad event. Today is the 25 anniversary
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Getting nursery set up!
"Don't know what to think about this "
Monday, April 4, 2011
Lair O' the Bear
Lair O' the Bear
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


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"There must be the appropriate checks and balances between the Parliament and the Executive. We must reform our Parliament to better serve the needs of our people. … There is a cost to democracy and the State must accept this reality if we are to protect the will of the majority from the influence of the few and the powerful.". – Barbados Labour Party, 2016: 'Our Covenant of Hope'
The word 'democracy' has its etymology in the Greek language with 'demokratia' meaning 'the political power of the ordinary people' within a given polity. It is not unusual to hear people express the idealistic view that under a democratic system, it is the people who possess the ultimate power. This obviously will depend on who are the people, and under what specific conditions can the power be utilized.
Barbados is operating under 'majoritarian' and 'representative' democracy born out of the touted Westminster model. An ideal democracy would mean that ordinary people get to participate in making the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy would trigger more participatory mechanisms, and less alienating institutional tools. Predictably, political parties in Barbados have fed the population a diet purporting that democracy in Barbados is well established with the Barbados Parliament in place since 1639.
However, the boast of democratic longevity in Barbados is a 'fiction'. This concept of the Westminster model shifted from 'adoption' without appropriate 'adaptation' to Barbados' peculiarities. In this majoritarian system, Barbadians are questioning the role of the representative vis-à-vis minorities and vice versa. The question is whether this majoritarian and representative democracy is meeting the overall expectations of Barbadians.
Arend Lijphart argues that in a majoritarian, Westminster-style democracy, power is concentrated in the hands of the majority. Majoritarian democracy has the following institutional characteristics:
· one-party majority cabinets; meaning, the concentration of power in one-party executive arms of government
· executive dominance over the legislature
· majoritarian and disproportional electoral rules underpinning a two-party system, with an associated winner-takes-all approach to government formation and maintenance
· pluralist interest group systems with free-for-all competition among groups with these factors all contributing to an adversarial political culture.
There are areas of deficiency relating to the role and tenure of elected representatives. Indeed, the electorate's ability to have a direct and continuing relationship with representatives beyond the periodic ballot box is receiving greater credence given the state of affairs occurring within the last decade. Former Prime Minister, Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford, has contended that: "Democracy in Barbados cannot and must not mean a mere moment in a polling station once every five years. Our citizens must, from day to day and from week to week, receive facts, opinions, comment and interpretation of public affairs and must also be encouraged to express their opinions. That is what participatory democracy is all about."
Clearly, a responsive legislature that consistently grounds decisions in the public good is necessary. Currently, the legislature does not placate the electorate's objection of positioning party over people. There is evidence of selfish inclination whenever unadulterated party loyalty persists. Patterns of partisan behaviour have led to public disagreement with the policy directions being pushed by a domineering executive branch. Hence, both majority and minority interests tend to suffer at the hands of the elected when voices are stifled and prejudices dictate the choices.
Minority interests are subsumed below the tyranny of the majority, and mechanisms such as the Public Accounts Committee are neutered due to interpretations of procedure and intent. It must be re-emphasized that elected representatives continue to grow unpopular with the dominance of the executive over the legislature. With the mangling of national issues, no confidence motions perceivably falter, not for lack of cogent arguments or weakness in the representatives, but because of numerical strength.
Majority representatives almost always prevail over minority representatives. Barbados does not have an engrained culture wherein the executive members are contented to resign themselves to the legislature if malady strikes in the executive. To that end, matters of national interest have become problematic with the farcical circumventing of Westminster's built-in checks and balances. Since 2008, there are louder calls for the buzzwords of transparency and accountability to obtain in practice at the sites of legislature and government. The contention is that parliamentary scrutiny urgently needs to be vastly improved, perhaps with an added dimension of freedom.
There is the lack of backbench scolding or exposure, and this has allowed the executive to dominate over the elected legislature. Pronounced failures by elected representatives must be exposed. Needed is an 'independent' Speaker of the House who does not owe his existence to a singular entity within the Assembly – discipline and fairness may return. Possible punishment should be obtainable through petitioning for recall of badly performing elected officials. With formal recall, this ought to be carefully instrumented through a pre-determined aggregation of the electorate followed by strict procedures for the invocation.
There are swelling demands for ample participation in the deliberative and decision-making processes by the electorate. Barbadians are critical of the status quo. Perhaps, one can commend the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) for asserting its position for the creation of a "space for direct democracy" and for "greater consultation and participation, in and out of Parliament." The fact is, town-hall meetings and other public forums are being demanded whether it is to discuss education, health, transport, or housing. The decisions being made by elected representatives and non-elected officials will affect majority and minority groupings within communities and constituencies.
Deliberation augurs well for finding consensus out of the many different and sometimes conflicting interests on show. The notion of people power is showing signs of recovery after a passive insistence that Barbados' political culture is characterized by civil docility. The political class traditionally has taken advantage of a system not suited to quick adjustment. Referenda are being put as possible solutions to the failures associated with inadequate direct participation.
People are craving central positionality in terms of decision-making. Essentially, Barbadians want to be able to exercise vital control over elected representatives on the basis that distrust and dissatisfaction are increasingly inhabiting the arena of majoritarian democracy. The vocal distrust against politicians has grown since a decade ago. Social and political commentators have voiced dissatisfaction with the politicians and political parties based on many crucial aspects, inclusive of many broken promises, that help to create despondency and voter apathy in the island.
Numerous persons are concerned about declining qualities of representation inside the national assembly. There are allegations of malfeasance emerging from the citizenry and these have scaled the political divide within Parliament.
It is important that the electorate's concerns attract meaningful responses both before (manifesto pledges) and after the elections (policy action and legislation).
Jean-Jacques Rousseau in On the Social Contract, Book II, Chapter I – contended that: "If, therefore, the populace promises simply to obey, it dissolves itself by this act, it loses its standing as a people. The very moment there is a master, there no longer is a sovereign, and thenceforward the body politic is destroyed."
The Barbados body politic is too important an instrument in the scheme of power and governance to accept the status quo without advocating and challenging for appropriate changes.
(Dr George C. Brathwaite is a political consultant. Email: brathwaitegcgmail.com)