text:
Wedding Photography Thornbury Castle
I think at times I don't appreciate the beauty of our country Great Britain and this lovely county of Somerset, yep, I do think its mainly down to the weather however when we really start to look at our history, just look at the Historic City of Bath absolutely stunning for Photography and the stunning country houses, many of these are also Wedding Venues such as Stourhead, Bodiam Castle, Ham House, Nymans and Claydon to name just a few, I had the privilege of photographing a wedding there just last year however I digress, the reason for my first statements is because I photographed the stunning wedding for Milan & Theresa at Thornbury Castle this weekend.
Milan, Theresa and their close friends had been sailing around the Amalfi coast for 3 weeks prior to their wedding, in fact when Milan arrived at Thornbury Castle with his groomsmen, they were still in their sailing plimsolls.
I hadn't met the guys prior to their wedding, 1. because of their sailing spree but also and the main reason being, they were from Texas, yes, thats right, they had specifically chosen the United Kingdom to get married, hence my initial thoughts.
Milan had promised Theresa that they would get married in an English Castle and he would be warring a kilt! When the guys stepped out of their huge American transport (booked specially by Theresa for the boys) I was met by four of the best looking guys, if you can think of an American film, CSI maybe, these guys were straight out of an American movie, they looked fantastic and they hadn't even changed at this point.
Milan and his groomsmen were such great guys and we instantly hit it off, Milan wanted to walk me around the grounds pointing out specific areas where he wanted photos taken with his stunning Bride. The grounds at Thornbury Castle are stunning, Milan and Theresa were determined to have their ceremony outside in the grounds, Thornbury Castle has a wonderful gazebo in one of the rose gardens and thats where the ceremony was held.
I then went up to one of the tower rooms with the guys, taking shots of their preparations as Theresa had requested privacy, she wanted to spend the morning quietly with her bridesmaids.
Once the lads were ready, looking great in their full Scottish regalia, we took some photos of the guys, looking perfect in the surroundings of the fabulous Thornbury Castle.
The ceremony was beautiful, Theresa and Milan shedding a few tears, after I took several group photographs, I then took Milan and Theresa for a stroll around the magical grounds, capturing those special moments, we couldn't miss out on the opportunity of taking some romantic images inside the superb rooms.
The wedding breakfast took place in the banqueting hall and later the evening entertainment was held in the large banqueting hall opposite, where an ABBA tribute band played all evening.
So I think I need to remember what a gorgeous country we live in, especially when five Texan Surgeons and 50 guests fly around the globe to make a romantic promise come alive.
"I will marry you in an English castle!!"
www.thefxworks.co.uk – for much more information on wedding's, wedding tips and Photography galleries


text:
IRS Free Resources
Tax Information for Businesses
If you run a small business or are self-employed, the IRS web site offers a wide variety of information to help you. http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html
Checklist for Starting a Business
This checklist provides the basic steps you should follow to start a business. http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98810,00.html
Business Structure
When beginning a business, you must decide what structure to use. Legal and tax considerations enter into this decision. http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98359,00.html
Employer ID Number
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN. http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98350,00.html
Employee vs. Independent Contractor
Before you can determine how to treat payments you make for services, you must first know the business relationship that exists between you and the person performing the services http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99921,00.html
Industries and Professions Index Page
Specific tax information for Agriculture, Automotive, Child Care, Construction, Cosmetology, Entertainment, Fishing, Gaming, Gas Retailers, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Restaurants, Tax Professionals, and other industries. http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/industries/index.html
Tax Information for International Businesses
This section provides information on international taxes.
Tax Information for Tax Professionals
This section provides information for tax practitioners and other tax professionals.
Parts of the www.irs.gov are available in Spanish at http://www.irs.gov/espanol/index.htm

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Shakhtar's newcomers granted a press conference
Shakhtar's players have answered media questions as part of the unveiling ceremony.
- Eduardo, it's always a special moment to return to the team. What do you feel when taking to the pitch as part of Shakhtar again?
Eduardo: - It was a very important feeling for me. I returned to my favourite team and again took to the pitch. I want to say that a year has passed very quickly, as if has not happened at all. There is something important in every player's life, there is a favourite team. For me it's Shakhtar.
- Brazilians' families may often be a stumbling block for some players in Ukraine. How did your family react to returning to Shakhtar?
Eduardo: - My family are here, they are Europeans, living in Croatia. Therefore, there was not even the slightest problem with me returning to Shakhtar, to European football. They like it.
- It happens rarely when a player returns to the Ukrainian league. Who was the initiator - the club or you?
Eduardo: - Indeed, it happens very rarely when a player returns to the club, for which he played in the past. I gladly accepted the offer. Shakhtar are a good team that regularly take part in the Champions League. I will try to help the Pitmen achieve their goals.
- Maksym, two days ago, you played your first match for Shakhtar. Mister singled you out, team-mates praised your performance. What does such an assessment mean to you and what are your own requirements?
Maksym Malyshev: - I am happy to make my debut for the home team. I am very pleased with what Mister said, plus the guys supported and congratulated me. I would like to thank them for that. As for my own requirements, I want to make progress. I will work hard and do that depends on me. I want to show my best.
- In the last match you operated in central midfield with Fred. How well did you interplay? Did you communicate to each other? What language did you speak?
Maksym Malyshev: - Everything was fine. We spoke to each other in Russian. Everything was normal. We support each other.
- Question to Sergiy Gryn. You already have experience of playing in the Premier League. However, having moved to Shakhtar, you said that you saw football from a different angle. What exactly are you impressed with?
Sergiy Gryn: - First of all, I was impressed with Mister's training sessions in terms of complexity. At the same time, the sessions are very interesting.
- Mykola, Mister named you as one of the leaders of young players' new generation. Your colleague from Shakhtar U19 Viktor Kovalenko already takes part in official matches for the senior team. What are you going to do to comply with Mircea Lucescu's requirements and adapt as quickly as possible?
Mykola Matviienko: - Firstly, I am very pleased that Misters speaks highly of me. For my part, I will do my best to justify his confidence as soon as possible and make my debut for the first team.
- In the central area you have five competitors, including the national team players. How are you planning to fight for a first-team spot in such a situation?
Mykola Matviienko: - I repeat, I am very pleased to have been invited. This is a big step forward in my career. Still, I will be making progress with these players. I'll watch how they work. And together with them, I think I can get in shape and compete.
- A question to all the players: was it you who picked squad numbers or were you given them? What do they mean to you?
Mykola Matviienko: - Originally, it was the club who assigned them. Then they called and asked if I wanted to change it. Anyway, I decided to stick to my number. And I have just been told that number 25 is associated with Brandao. I do not know what to say. This is probably a good thing since Brandao has played for Shakhtar for long time!
Sergiy Gryn: - I was not asked. I have a squad number which I was given. For me, a squad number is not so important. The main thing is to play.
Maksym Malyshev: - I have a similar situation.
Eduardo: - I always wanted to play wearing number 22. But, unfortunately, in all the previous teams this squad number was occupied. Finally, this squad number is vacant at Shakhtar. For me, 22 is a lucky number.
- Eduardo, last year you spent at home. Has it given to you anything in terms of the game?
Eduardo: - I have gained additional experience by playing for Flamengo. In Brazil, the championship is different, a completely different climate. I liked everything. But at the same time I am happy to have returned to Shakhtar.
- Question to Maksym Malyshev: what is the difference between Zorya and Shakhtar in terms of the game? What are the difficulties have you faced and who have become your friends at Shakhtar?
Maksym Malyshev: - Of course, this is a move to a more serious club, the league's top team, in which the training process is different, the attitude - everything. There are many factors, therefore, I feel the difference! I am very glad to be at Shakhtar. I will try to continue to progress. I know Ivan Ordets. We were born in the same year, played together at the Academy, were close friends. I also know Taras Stepanenko, we played together for the national team. All Ukrainian guys help me in terms of adaptation. There are no problems with that.
- Question to Mykola Matviienko: what's it like to be the Academy player, to watch Shakhtar's matches on TV, watch training session and then plunge into the first team?
Mykola Matviienko: - I have been playing at Shakhtar Academy since 13 years of age. I remember bringing flags for the players, ran across the field, watched the game of the first team, attended virtually every home game. It's nice to be here. I'm still shocked a little. For me it is a very important step. I will do everything possible to not only sit near the players of the first team, but also to play and win.
- Who was your first coach at the Academy?
Mykola Matviienko: - Volodymyr Vinnichenko.
- Question to the Ukrainian players: this is your first season at Shakhtar. What are your expectations?
Mykola Matviienko: - My partners have already played in the Premier League; well, my goal is to make my debut for the senior team as soon as possible.
Maksym Malyshev: - Of course, I want to play, be useful to the team, become an important player for this team and win trophies.
Sergiy Gryn: - I agree with Maksym's words. I would like to make my debut to become an important part of the team and win all the trophies with them.


text:
A co-worker of mine just received his American cititzenship. The rest of his team made note of it by presenting him with an American flag and congratulating him on the achievement. I think everyone in the room (all natural-born citizens, I believe) agreed that we probably couldn't pass the standard citizenship test without a considerable amount of studying beforehand.
It was a good reminder for me of the most important part of U.S. citizenship, and that is our right to vote. Marc just earned his own U.S. citizenship in 2001 and voted in his first presidential election in 2004. Now, with a very interesting election season upon us, I found a great piece on the details of how our presidential election process works. If you have any questions, this is a great resource:
My sister Anne and I have always debated the merits of the rationale she and her husband use to support their non-voting habits: since one is Republican and the other Democrat, they don't vote because they feel their votes cancel each other out (for those who know them, it's pretty clear which one is which, so I'm not sure why I'm being cagey and not labeling them). My point has always been that it's the critical right of citizenship to be able to vote so no matter how the votes fall, it is about exercising your voice in casting a vote for your choice.
As an interesting aside, Anne has taken a new position with her broadcast group (she sells radio advertising) that put her in a category management role for the news-talk stations, which means she is coordinating all the advertising for political candidates leading up to the election in November. Since it's a two-party election this year, she's been a little busy -- oh, and she lives in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (SC is one of the early primary states for both parties). The night of the Republican debate in Myrtle Beach, which was about 3 weeks ago, provided her with an opportunity to meet and observe Sean Hannity as he broadcast his show from one of her stations. She even has a photo with him.
She's always been a firmly-planted Democrat (okay, there's the label).
Just goes to show you what a little charisma, star power and the energy of a locally centered political campaign can do to sway votes. She's discussing her opportunities to perhaps select a Republican candidate this year.
Her husband, her in-laws, and my father are dancing in the streets!
Now, if they could only get through to me....


text:
I came across this photo from the 2014 Guldbagge Gala and I feel like I've seen it before but I think maybe because it's similar to the one Petrus Sjövik used as his Facebook profile photo.
La Carpe Script
I managed to salvage a copy of the script from the French short film La Carpe which was posted on Jenny's original Alexandra Dahlström Fansite (since gone offline). I just edited slightly and it's been archived on the Media page.
Read La Carpe Script in English.
This is the closest I've gotten to seeing the film and after reading it, now I want to see it more!
Then & Now
A "Then & Now" type list of Swedish celebrities was posted on the Stoppa Pressarna website today. Alexandra made the list! Among other familiar faces you'll find Robyn, Carolina Gynning, Sissela Kyle, Alexander Skarsgård and Kristian Luuk.
In 2000, teenage girls across Sweden wanted to be like Elin from the film Show Me Love. She was played by Alexandra Dahlström, 30, who last played the younger sister of Carolina Gynning in the movie Blondie.
Antingen-Eller Trailer
Elin Övergaard posted a trailer for her upcoming short film Antingen-eller on Vimeo today! It's in Swedish with no subtitles available but Alexandra is in it. She will be playing the lead character's sister Torild.
Trailer: Antingen-eller from Elin Övergaard on Vimeo.
More Tommy Premiere
Here are a couple more photos from the Tommy premiere on March 6. It took place at the Rigoletto in Sweden.
Not sure who her mystery friend is though. Here she is with producer Göran Hugo Olsson. (Edit: Thanks, Fish!)
Tommy Premiere
The red carpet premiere of Tarik Saleh's film Tommy was last night in Sweden. Among the guests, miss Alexandra Dahlström. So far just her face (certainly not a complaint) but let's keep our eyes open for more event photos to come!
Grammis + Tommie X
Another photo from the Grammy Awards popped up on Tommie X (Damberg)'s blog. You might recognize him as he was in Alexandra Dahlström's short film Because the Night.


text:
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Aug 11: The Chinese have pitched tents in Demchok area of Ladakh around 300 meters inside Indian territory in July this year and standoff continued despite Brigade level meeting this week between Indian Army and Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).
The PLA in civvies have pitched five tents inside Indian territory at Cherdong-Nerlong Nallan (CNN) area in the first week of July some 300 meters inside Indian territory in Ladakh region. However, last week Chinese removed three tents but two tents are still pitched there. Sources said that they have also brought in some goats in the area and are posing as nomads and have refused to leave the area.
The Indian Army had been insisting for the Brigade level meeting to resolve the issue with the PLA in the area and finally this week, the meeting was held. The Chinese have now agreed to remove the tents but have put a condition asking the Army to stop local administration from constructing a path in Nerlong area. However, there is no assurance from the Army on stopping the construction so the standoff continued.
In the meantime, nomads who graze their goats in CNN have been removed by the Army from the area and they are now camping in Ulong, around 50 kilmeters from their pastures. They have been protesting there for last three weeks. The area where they are camping these days is spring and autumn grazing area. They are demanding that they should be allowed to graze their flock of goats in the CNN.
Deputy Commissioner Leh, Avny Lavasa told Excelsior that nomads' issue has been resolved and Army has been cooperative with the civil administration. She said that locals approached the district administration with the issue and they took it up with the Army who have now allowed them to proceed ahead towards the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for grazing.
"Army had some issue in the area, on which I don't want to comment. But they have agreed to allow the nomads in the pastures now and they were supposed to move ahead today", the Deputy Commissioner Leh said.
However, sources said that the nomads are still there and have not been yet allowed to move ahead. Army had offered them some monetary help in exchange but they declined and insisted that they be allowed to graze in their traditional pastures. In order to win the goodwill of the nomads, Army today organized lunch (bada khana) for these 7 families who were protesting against them.
Chinese pitch tents in Demchok, standoff continues
Fayaz Bukhari


text:
Despite the fact I haven't been to school in over 8 years, this time of year always gets me in the 'back to school' mode.
The first leaves are just leaving the trees, august is nearing its end and I've started to think more about pumpkins than beaches. (I blame the last one on the fact that I read far too many blogs based in America; the land of autumn pumpkin fans!)
When I think of going back to school, it's high school that I remember most. Dragging my mum around every possible shop in Norwich to find the perfect back to school kit.
The big three on my list: shoes, bag and pencil case.
Endless hours spent looking for the perfect school shoe – had to be comfy, but more importantly had to look cool and have a heel slightly higher than allowed by the school. It must have bored mum to tears! Then imagine her disbelief when 3 weeks later I come home in someone else's shoes becuase we'd swapped for the rest of term…
The bag was a whole other decision: satchel? rucksack? simple tote? tiny handbag so you had to carry everything separately? I think I was mainly a satchel girl, I still use them now, but I still have my red rucksack with the longest straps so it sat on my bum when I walked!
The pencil case was the best part – I am officially a stationary geek. Pens, pencils, rubbers, rulers, compasses, set squares – I had it all. I could spend hours dithering between the ink pen or the gel pen and I'm pretty much the same now with art supplies. Don't even ask how many sketch books I've got in my cupboard, waiting for the perfect drawing to be worthy of filling the front page!
Then there is the excitement of starting a new school year. Don't get me wrong, I've never had a summer holiday that was quite long enough, but I loved school! I loved that every year you were smarter than you were last year and you were going to be smarter again this year – progress!
I miss that now I'm out of education! You don't get that sense of progress and moving on in quite the same way that you do in school. Knowing that even if this isn't your best subject/topic, you just have to get through it then you get to try something else – it isn't really an option at work, even if your job is project based like mine!
I like this time of year, it's still my marker for a new year, probably more so than 1st Jan! So this is my back to school girl, looking exactly like I wish I'd looked each time I went back to school; organised, excited and super stylish.
And it's probably a good time to say thanks mum for putting up with my back to school demands (the less said about the second year uni duvet tantrum the better – cringe!) and I hope that if any of you have children going to school, that they don't drag you to every single shoe shop in town!


text:
Are you a dealer looking for site conversion? Check out this video.
Are you a dealer looking for site conversion? Check out this video.
We are unique that we have a contact center to help you monitor and engage your website visitors. We have programs where your team can staff the software, or you can use Magnum's chat specialists.
Engage More. Convert.
Our unique digital strategy engages and converts higher than average.
Mobile and Tab App
Chat via your Cell phone with customers that are on your site.
What is your strategy in working with chat customers that do not find the vehicle they are looking for in your inventory?
If you don't have one, you need one. How many missed opportunities does your dealership miss by not having the vehicle in stock that customers are looking to purchase?
First, know your inventory and help them with a search when necessary. But remember your objective of asking and obtaining their contact information (name and phone number).
If they do not land themselves on a vehicle, ask them the specifics of their "wants" of the vehicle.
We strongly suggest having a network to pull vehicles from. One dealer network we see dealers working with is www.dealerslink.com. It allows you to maintain control of the chat customer by doing a search for them of thousands of additional vehicles.
Encourage setting up an appointment for the customer to search your private dealer network.
Why is it important to track your previous customers when they arrive on your site and be alerted when they are looking at specific vehicles or service on your site?
Magnum suggests this step as one of the first steps of your new live chat strategy. Since almost 76% of new car buyers will shop online before going to the dealership, this would apply to your previous customers.
Tracking their behavior on when they have been on your site and what they have been searching for on your site become valuable tools in determining who is in the market in your database.
We are using a combination of email marketing (www.emailyourlist.com) and our custom parameters in magnum chat: http://magnumcontact.com/livechat/custom-parameters/
You will be able to see your customers in real-time on your site and be alerted to what vehicles they are viewing.
What are the top 6 suggestions to increase chat engagement with magnum chat?
1) Change up the chat icon (including some type of visual movement) on a weekly basis- give them a reason to chat. For automotive, focus on what's their hotspot: trade in, payment, price, interest rate, etc. SEE ICONS
2) Be proactive and "ADOPT" chats. Don't wait for the customer to chat. Start chatting with them based on what the customer is looking at. ASK CONTROLLING QUESTIONS WHERE THE CUSTOMER WILL WANT TO GIVE YOU THEIR NAME AND NUMBER.
3) Have multiple chatboxes that personalize the new vehicle that they are looking at, or having a unique chat box for service, specials, etc. Individualize the message.
4) Use the "open" chatbox feature to open the chat box at any time and update the IP address for the internal database. When customers return, you can personalize the message to them.
5) Use the "push" page feature and use the "push" script feature to get their attention AND pull the customer into the chat. Or use the "push" form feature as an end to each chat when the customer will not disclose their contact info.
6) Send out an email announcing that customers have a new way to communicate.
The web and MAC version and the PC version work dependently of each other and are all tied together in your account. There is no need to uninstall the PC version.
It also works off of the same script as the PC version.
The PC version of our software include the admin of the software, configurations, and chatbox setup, while the web/MAC version allows you to monitor chat, take chats, and most of the functionality and features as the PC version.
Step 1 of 2:
Go to the website, https://magnumchat.com/UniverseServer/Public/Client.php
Step 2 of 2: To access your account, you will need the following:
Account: siteexample.com
Operator: Contact your Magnum representative
Password: Contact your Magnum representative
Also here are some helpful hints in suggestions of strategy:
Under settings in the Web/Mac version, make sure that the continuous alarm is set.
Make sure to press leave after every time you respond to a chat in the Web/Mac version.
Please watch this introductory video of Magnum's Web/Mac version of Magnum Chat.
For the month of July 2013, we are offering a 14 day complimentary evaluation of our software!
Please visit http://magnumcontact.com/livechat/14-day-trial
Only the software is used for our trial, not our 24/7 monitor or Contact Center packages.
Hey local businesses! We want you to participate in the Magnum Chat Lead Conversion Championship!
This competition is free to those that are seeking to generate more sales, increased leads, and enhanced customer service from their websites and digital marketing.
You can find and click on the Magnum Chat Lead Conversion Championship in the following markets:
Charleston, South […]
Conversiontrak is a real time website visitor tracking software program that allows website owners to monitor website visitor activity on their website. Each visitor session is recorded for later review alternatively for the first time in the industry! Conversiontrak allows you to watch your web visitors In Real Time as if you were sitting behind […]


text:
Our Mission
At MMAD our vision is to use music to bring together the community to celebrate diversity, support musicians, and generate contributions for charities in the local community.
Music Makes a Difference! was founded by Bill Zorr in early 2017. Bill was working regularly at a homeless shelter and supporting other organizations like Big Brothers/Big Sisters, but felt he could do more. Bill loves music and noticed how people of different backgrounds enjoyed musical events together, so it dawned on him to combine his passion for music with his passion for charitable causes and Music Makes a Difference! was born.
Music Makes a Difference! is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, staffed with volunteers, dedicated to supporting musicians with paid performances in venues around Madison and the surrounding area. Music Makes a Difference! then donates contributions it receives to local charitable organizations.
Music Makes A Difference was recently written about in the Isthmus. Read the full article Here
MMAD is an awesome group who supports live music and local charities by hosting great live music events. I LOVE THEIR SHOWS!!
You guys rock- literally and figuratively! Thank you for this wonderful gift, we're honored.


text:
We are excited to announce our school now has its very own school app to help parents and friends of our community keep informed of the school's activities through notifications, events, newsletters and more.
Download it today to take advantage of these wonderful features:
- Messages
- Receive notifications, reminders, alerts and up to date news and information
- Calendar - see all of our upcoming events on our school's calendar
- Absentees - Send notification of your child's absences via the app form
- Newsletters - view our newsletters at the click of a button
- School Shops - access online ordering for our Tuckshop and Uniform Shop
- Contact us - school contact details and email our staff directly
- Online - access our website, social media and blog all at your fingertips.
- Plus much, much more...
This app is available on both Apple and Android phones and there is a mobile website version for Windows phones.


text:
Women's heeled boots by Tommy Hilfiger, featuring a round front. These 90's sporty inspired boots have a slip on design and also features brand detailing around the ankle.
- Women's boots
- Brand detailing
- Round front
- Slip on
- Heel height 9cm
UK Mainland delivery is free for all full price orders over £100 (excluding sale items). All of our orders are sent via DPD courier service, parcels are fully traceable and require a signature upon delivery. For all information on our delivery times and costs, including our international postage rates, please click here.
We accept all major credit/debit cards for payment as well as Paypal. All of our transactions are processed in GBP, any necessary currency conversion is processed by your own bank. Quest Retail (trading as Diffusion) complies to the Data Protection Act 1998, all personal information that you give us is kept secure and processed fairly and lawfully. You can view our full Terms & Conditions here.


text:
LetsEncrypt for Multiple Hosts
Using LetsEncrypt for certificate creation and management has made secure communications much easier. Instead of contacting the IT department of your univer...
Each step is more and more difficult. Running R on your laptop is much easier than running R on a cluster. And running R on a cluster is less difficult than running it on the Grid. But there are techniques to bring these closer together.
Creating Slurm submit files and writing R scripts is the most common method of R users at HCC. The steps to this workflow is:
More on the Slurm configuration is available at HCC Documentation.
A submit file for Slurm is below:
#SBATCH --time=00:30:00
#SBATCH --mem-per-cpu=1024
#SBATCH --job-name=TestJob
#SBATCH --error=TestJob.stdout
#SBATCH --output=TestJob.stderr
module load R/3.3
R CMD BATCH Rcode.R
This submit file describes a job that will run 30 minutes, and require 1024MB of ram. Below the
#SBATCH lines are the actual script that will run on the worker node. The
module command loads the newest version of R on HCC's clusters. Next command runs an R script named
A parallel submission is:
#SBATCH --ntasks-per-node=16
#SBATCH --nodes=1
#SBATCH --time=00:30:00
#SBATCH --mem-per-cpu=1024
#SBATCH --job-name=TestJob
#SBATCH --error=TestJob.stdout
#SBATCH --output=TestJob.stderr
module load R/3.3
R CMD BATCH Rcode.R
This submit file adds
--ntasks-per-node and
--nodes=1 that describes the parallel jobs.
ntasks-per-node specifies how many cores on a remote worker node is required for the job.
--nodes describes the number of physical nodes that this job should span across. All other lines are very similar to the previous single core submission file.
The R code looks a bit different though. Here is an example:
a <- function(s) { return (2*s) }
mclapply(c(1:20), a, mc.cores = 16)
This will run
mclapply which will apply the made up function
a across the list specified in
c(1, 20).
GridR is another method for farming processing out to remote cluster. GridR is able to submit to HTCondor clusters. Therefore, it is able to submit to the OSG through HTCondor.
The GridR package is hosted on Github. The wiki is very useful with examples and tutorials on how to use GridR.
Below is a working example script of using R on HCC's Crane cluster.
# Initialize the GridR library for submissions
grid.init(service="condor.local", localTmpDir="tmp", bootstrap=TRUE, remoteRPath="/util/opt/R/3.3/gcc/4.4/bin/R", Rurl="https://www.dropbox.com/s/s27ngq1rp7e9qeb/el6-R-modified_1.0.tar.gz?dl=0")
# Create a quick function to run remotely
a <- function(s) { return (2*s) }
# Run the apply function, much like lapply. In this case, with only 1 attribute to apply
grid.apply("x", a, 13, wait = TRUE)
# Output the results.
This R script submits jobs to the OSG from the Crane cluster. It will run the simple
a function on the remote worker nodes on the OSG.
The jobs can run anywhere on the OSG:
Jobs submitted to the OSG can run on multiple sites around the U.S. They will execute and and return the results.
There are many methods to submitting R processing to clusters and the grid. One has to choose which one best suites them.
The GridR method is easy for experience R programmers. But, it lacks the flexibility of the Slurm submit file method. The Slurm submit method requires learning some Linux and Slurm syntax, but offers the flexibility to specify multiple cores per R script or more memory per job.


text:
After cutting the "Knee Jerks" segment from our GeekNation show due to time constraints, we had these two magical bits lying around…so here you go, people who bother to spend time with the Pigs!
After cutting the "Knee Jerks" segment from our GeekNation show due to time constraints, we had these two magical bits lying around…so here you go, people who bother to spend time with the Pigs!
The Film Pigs are back with their twelfth episode! Not only do they fearlessly skewer the movies themselves, but they also take you on a journey behind the scenes of the entertainment industry. Before a movie hits the theater, before it is
The Pigs tell you whether you should see the latest scary cartoon for kids, take another shot at seeing the new Paul Thomas Anderson movie, and uncover some amazing deleted scenes from popular feature films.
Get your ass to Mars! The Film Pigs are back with a new alternate commentary for the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic TOTAL RECALL! Given the super-dull remake, this exercise in 90s over-the-topness is a breath of fresh air (Cohaagen!). And by "air" we mean a preposterous storyline, ludicrous blood-squib violence, a truly impressive amount of scene-ending quips, and the smoldering rage of Canada's own negative emotion repository Michael Ironside. Open your miiiiiiinnnnd!
TO SYNC WITH MOVIE: start this commentary 10 seconds after starting movie (chapter 1 for DVD/BD).
Podcast: Download (52.3MB)
The guys talk about this week's releases, last week's Total Recall, and teach an important lesson on screenwriting.
For thirteen glorious uncut minutes the Pigs discuss the latest Ridley Scott picture as well as Men In Black III, Battleship, and Rock of Ages. There are important lessons here, you guys. This isn't just a bunch of guys on a porch discussing movies. It's a bunch of guys on a porch discussing movies AND drinking beers. (Pro tip: watch out for water snakes with vagina heads…they're really mean.)


text:
Scoping out the latest in everything related to the fascinating world of images, our goal is to offer educational information, titillating tidbits, and glimpses of some of the best clipart and photos to be found online.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Great Sites for Free Photoshop Resources
Granted, we've all been taught, and if we've lived long enough learned, that very little in life is actually free. There are usually strings attached or a price to pay for trying to get something for nothing.
In the world of Photoshop, however, there are many resources available that cost nothing and prove to be quite useful tools for your projects. No strings attached. It was indeed a happy day when I discovered how many there are out there.
In the spirit of spreading the happiness around, therefore, I decided to share just a few of the ones I found here:
iCLIPART.com Pinterest Free Photoshop Resources
Top Photoshop Resources
250 Free Photoshop Resources for Designers
60 Most Wanted Photoshop Resources, Brushes, PSDs and Tutorials
Free Photoshop Brushes
Posted by Unknown at 6:50 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: brushes, free, free Photoshop brushes, free Photoshop resources, photoshop, Photoshop tutorials, resources, tutorials
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Oodles of Babies
All this is changing with the influx expected and we couldn't be more thrilled looking down the road to summer vacations and Christmas with Santa again.
Just three weeks after a baby shower for our son's partner, we will be taking time on Sunday to celebrate the same special event for our daughter, at a shower hosted by her equally pregnant sister. These are wonderful family times indeed.
With little else but babies on the brain, it seems obvious to me that when I set out to choose a clipart collection for today, it was going to be all about cute, blue and pink bundles of joy. Here then are the adorable results of that search:
iCLIPART.com Baby Illustrations
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
What's Your Favourite Spring Flower?
The aforementioned snowdrop and the crocus are the first to strut their stuff, bringing warmth to a place too long stark and cold. As they push through from their underground bed, we awaken too, moving outdoors to clear away the remaining detritus of winter.
As a young girl, I remember planting a hyacinth bulb for a school project. When it bloomed I thought it was the prettiest flower I'd ever seen. For sometime thereafter it remained my favourite and I would often pick bouquets for my Mom and my room, allowing its heady fragrance to fill our home with spring. Sadly, allergies developed, and now that same perfume leaves me breathless so I can only enjoy them from afar.
If I need to be cheered, there's nothing like the appealing freshness of daffodils to do it. The colour of sunshine these unpretentiously pretty flowers epitomize spring. It's little wonder they were chosen as the symbol for the Canadian Cancer Society as representation of hope.
The riotous variety of colour that tulips bring to early landscapes is a treat for the eyes. These jaunty blooms arrived in abundance in Canada after World War II, a gift from the people of The Netherlands, in gratitude for the safe harbouring of their royal family after German occupation, and in appreciation of the Canadian soldiers who liberated the country.
There are many others of course; these are the ones most familiar in my corner of the world. Like anything else, some appeal to some, others to others. What's your favourite spring flower?
iPHOTOS.com Daffodils
iPHOTOS.com Hyacinths
iPHOTOS.com Tulips
iPHOTOS.com Snowdrops
iPHOTOS.com Crocuses
Posted by Unknown at 7:22 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: crocus, crocuses, daffodil, daffodils, flowers, gardening, horticulture, hyacinth, hyacinths, nature, photo, photograph, photographs, photos, snowdrop, snowdrops, tulip, tulips
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
When Spring is in the Air
Though I posted a few blogs about how to get great winter photos, I most definitely didn't practise what I preached. Like the bear, I hibernate in the cold months, limiting my amateur shutterbug tendencies to loved ones and social events.
But now that spring is mightily pushing winter out of the way, I think it's time to start thinking about taking my camera outdoors. The rebirth and rejuvenation is quite frankly a blooming opportunity for some lovely pictures. The first signs of returning flora and fauna, the colours are the images of the season that beg for attention. The trick is in how to make the pictures you take as fresh as the subjects on which you're focussing.
PictureCorrect Spring Photography Tips
PictureCorrect Useful Tips for Spring Photography
11 Tips for Capturing Spring
Spring Flower Photography TIps
Spring Landscape Photography Tips
Posted by Unknown at 7:20 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: flowers, landscape, nature, photograph spring, photography, seasons, spring, spring floral photograph, spring landscape photography, tips
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Apr 24, 2015 at 10:17 AM
NEW Camp in Santa Barbara: Architecture Engineering & Interior Design
Sign up for our camps and have fun learning!
Our registration process has been made much easier for you. You may choose your camp and register right here.
With summer just weeks away, we're preparing for the rush of kids. KidZ Engineering 101, Inc. (KE101) will be out in full force beginning mid-June thru early-August ready to "STEAM" your kids with fun projects and activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. Academics taught by an Architect with over 20 years of professional experience.
Posted in Summer Camps.


text:
The 25th ITS World Congress has concluded in great ceremony with the orb being passed to Singapore for 2019.
During the last day of the Congress, Brian Negus was able to chat with a number of high profile ITS leaders, including Jacob Bangsgaard, CEO, ERTICO (ITS Europe). Having attended ITS World Congresses over the past 18 years, either as leader of ERTICO or as a leader at FIA, the events are continuing to be special. Topics may have changed over 25 years, but the focus is as ever to utilise ITS technology to make the transport world a better place – safer, cleaner and more efficient.
Conversations also took place with Richard Harris, OHMIO UK noted the agenda of the Congress was driven by what people are interested in. MaaS really hit the headlines in Melbourne ITS World Congress, and it has continued to be a strong theme.
Daniel Ruiz, Meridian Mobility, UK – Smart communities as a term is being used more regularly in Europe, in part because it is recognised that the parts in between the European cities are just as important at the cities themselves. Safety is of utmost importance from when collaborating on ITS technologies and advances.
Graham Scott, ITS UK announcing that following the submission of a white paper earlier this year, a fund of GBP2m has been set aside by the Scottish Government to test MaaS concepts starting in early 2019.
Also worth noting that if anyone fancies a trip to bonnie Scotland, a CAV conference is being held at the end of October!


text:
The Nord Hero Sword is an improved Ancient Nord Sword found in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
It is visually similar to the Ancient Nord Sword, but is cleaner and more polished. It also has higher base damage, lower weight, and is of greater value.
Like all other Nord Hero Weapons, the Nord Hero Sword can only be crafted at the Skyforge after completing the Companions questline. It requires the following components:
- 1 x Ancient Nord Sword
- 2 x Steel Ingots
- 2 x Leather Strips
It can be upgraded with a Steel Ingot at a grindstone and also benefits from the Steel Smithing perk, which doubles the improvement.
Honed Ancient Nord Swords cannot be used as a component.
- The Nord Hero Sword has the same base damage as the Honed Ancient Nord Sword, Nordic Sword, Scimitar, Skyforge Steel Sword, and the Blades Sword but it weighs less.
See alsoEdit
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.


text:
2 Piece Plus Length Formal Attire
Top 10 plus size dresses. Huge range of plus size dresses. Top brands, competitive prices.
G Level Plus Length Clothes
Plus size prom dresses prom dress shop. Our plus size dresses come in a variety of styles & colors, ensuring you look great at prom, homecoming, or your next formal event. Free shipping & no tax!
save for plussize formal clothes, formalwear and evening. Amerimark carries fee priced evening and cocktail jacket dresses for the more mature female in each plus and plus petite size four to 26w. Adorable & modern day plus size style modcloth. Modcloth offers state-of-the-art and specific plus size apparel for each fashionista. Store our brand new selection of the fashion gallery is a remarkable new manner with a purpose to.
Plus Length Dresses Teenagers
Plus size clothing, style for stylish style buy. Two decades of favor. New arrivals. Maximum cherished; a leader inside the plussize garb industry, kiyonna™ has styled curvy girls with its series of present day. Save for plussize formal clothes, formalwear and. Amerimark consists of fee priced night and cocktail jacket clothes for the extra mature lady in both plus and plus petite size 4 to 26w. Summer time style at kmart®. Loose instore choose up at your closest kmart keep. Keep now! Plus size attire attractive plus size clothes. Dhstyles providing plus size clothes for all horny womens at affordable fee. Purchase low-priced plus length attire,cheap womens plus clothes,plus size ladies dresses at. Your own home for plus size style, plus length dresses. Wholesale plus size style all of our designs are created with masses of affection for fashion, intense interest to element and adhere to the strictest requirements of great. Styles for plus length women shopstyle. Styles for plus size girls 10,000+ products from zero outlets. Manufacturers. Clothes. Intimates. Jackets. Outerwear. Pants. Shorts. Skirts. Sweats & hoodies. Sweaters.
Locations With Plus Length Clothes
your property for plus size style, plus length dresses and a. Wholesale plus size style all of our designs are created with plenty of love for style, intense attention to detail and adhere to the strictest requirements of satisfactory. Plus length attire elegant plus length clothes in a. Elegant range of plus length clothes from sizes 12 to 32. Our massive size womens get dressed variety consists of casual dresses, evening clothes, birthday celebration attire and. Plus sized dresses get plus sized clothes information information. Your search & social effects now. Plussize clothing nordstrom. Find a exceptional choice of plussize apparel for women at nordstrom. Store dresses, locate the patterns you want for fall. Plussize clothes; bras; ralph lauren; Belk® legit website fantastic financial savings on top manufacturers belk. Keep modern southern fashion at belk. Store latest plus length ladies's sale patterns, clothes. Save girls's plus length denim attire, plus size jumpsuits, plus length rompers, overalls & greater at ashleystewart the simplest location for brand spanking new, hot & cutting-edge plussize. Buy vintage style plus length garb at the wardrobe keep. Store for and purchase vintage style plus size attire, tops, camis, jackets, plus size clothes; cocktail attire; google plus; pinterest; instagram; comply with us.
Plus Length Attire Yahoo Solutions
Plus length garb, plus length clothes, plus length alight. Plus length garb for women sizes 14 to 28. Junior plus too. Jeans, dresses, skirts, shirts, evening attire and more. We deliver the world over! Plus size bridesmaid clothes the dessy group. Plus size bridesmaid attire all dessy organization bridesmaid styles are to be had in sizes 0030w. Torrid plus size fashion for sizes 1030. Torrid's collection of ultra-modern plus length apparel together with hip plus size fashion patterns. Please upload email@example.com for your electronic mail address e book or. Style to discern plus size garb for women attire. Keep fashion to discern for brand new plus size clothing, attire, jeans, ftf fashion. Save instagram; weblog; Alight plus size apparel, plus size attire,. Plus length apparel for ladies sizes 14 to twenty-eight. Junior plus too. Denims, attire, skirts, shirts, nighttime dresses and greater. We ship the world over! Plus length prom clothes promenade get dressed shop. Our plus size attire are available a variety of styles & shades, ensuring you look wonderful at prom, homecoming, or your subsequent formal occasion. Free delivery & no tax! Kinds of plus length dresses image results. More kinds of plus length attire pix. Top 10 plus length clothes. Large variety of plus size clothes. Pinnacle manufacturers, competitive costs.
Plus size garb store plus length clothes kohl's. Experience loose transport and easy returns on girls's plus apparel from kohl's. Discover girls's plus attire, formal and workready patterns kohl's plussize garb. Plus size clothes clothes for plus size women save. Keep plus size dresses at justmysize. Discover a splendid selection of fashionable and low-priced clothes from jms! Get picture fashion. Unique designs. Movie star dresses, promenade, plus size, horny clothes. Celeb dresses, promenade, plus length attire, horny dresses without a doubt dresses. Keep simply attire for formal clothes for prom, attractive clothes, ladies's nighttime clothes. Top 10 plus length dresses. Huge variety of plus size dresses. Top brands, aggressive charges. Shop cutting-edge plus length women's sale patterns, dresses, length. Shop girls's plus size denim dresses, plus size jumpsuits, plus length rompers, overalls & extra at ashleystewart the simplest vicinity for new, warm & trendy plussize. Plus size attire old navy unfastened transport on $50. For days when you need to wow, choose plus size dresses from antique military. Ideal cuts for clothes to have a good time your shape. Comfort is fundamental whilst you're trying to find plus. Belk® legit web page first rate savings on top manufacturers belk. Keep modern-day southern style at belk. Plus length dresses stylish plus size attire in a massive. Elegant variety of plus size dresses from sizes 12 to 32. Our massive length womens get dressed range consists of informal clothes, nighttime attire, celebration clothes and.
Plus sized dresses get plus sized clothes data information. Your seek & social outcomes now. Plus size dresses vintage military free delivery on. For days when you need to wow, choose plus length dresses from old military. Ideal cuts for clothes to rejoice your shape. Consolation is prime while you're searching for plus. Plus length clothes horny plus size attire dhstyles. Dhstyles supplying plus size dresses for all horny womens at inexpensive fee. Buy low priced plus size dresses,reasonably-priced womens plus clothes,plus length girls attire at. Plus sized clothes get plus sized dresses data information. Your search & social results now. Shop plus size clothes and special elegant plus. Elegant plus plussize dresses purchasing listing informal, career and unique event inclusion in this purchasing.


text:
The Law Shop is now closed. Please click here to find out more.
The Law Shop is now closed. Please click here to find out more.
Starting any business is difficult, but if your business is to be a purveyor of grub, you have an extra set of pitfalls to avoid.
Here are some of the main things you will need to take care of when you are starting a food business. You can find more general information in our setting up a business section.
Any business which conducts 'food operations' must be registered with the local council at least 28 days before operations get underway.
The punishments for failing to register a food business are severe indeed – you could face up to two years in prison.
The definition of 'food operations' is quite broad, covering everything cooking and preparing food to just selling or distributing it. If you aren't sure whether you will need a licence, contact your local council.
You will need to register every premises that you carry out the food operations in – for example, if you prepare food at home and then sell it from a van, you will most likely need to register both your home and the van.
If your business deals with any food which comes from animals, you will likely need to have your premises inspected and approved by the council.
This includes meat and dairy products, as well as fish and eggs.
There are exemptions from the requirement for food premises approval – for example, if you sell your products directly to the consumer, and you don't sell food outside the county in which the business is registered.
However, you can only be exempt if food sales account for less than 25% of your business, which, considering you are reading a post specifically about starting a food business, seems unlikely.
There are a number of different licences associated with different food activities – depending on what your business does, you may need to do more than just register with the council.
Here are a few examples of licences that your food business might need:
You may need licences for other activities related to the business – for example, you will need a PRS licence to play background music in your restaurant.
Depending on how you are marketing your business, you may also need a licence to hand out leaflets or put signs on the pavement or street.
The government's own website has a useful service for finding the licences you will need for your activities – you can find it here.
Food safety and hygiene is obviously a critical concern for any business that handles food. These are the main things to consider regarding food safety regulations.
Your business's most straightforward concern in this matter would be to make sure that the food you provide is safe to eat, and that it is prepared in a safe way (no undercooked chicken, for example).
If you discover that food is unsafe once it is already on sale, you must withdraw it from sale immediately. You will also need to complete an incident report on how you came to sell unsafe food and what steps you can take to avoid repeating this mistake.
You should be as transparent as possible about your food, through your advertising and marketing and other representations to the public.
Your business should not mislead the public about the quality of the food, and if you have to withdraw a product from sale or recall it, you must take sufficient steps to inform the public (for example, through posters or leaflets).
You must know where the food you sell has come from, lest you end up in some kind of Tesco horsemeat situation.
You can find out more about food safety and hygiene from the Food Standards Agency.
As with licensing, the type of insurance that you need will depend on the sort of food business you are running – for example, a sit-down restaurant will have different insurance requirements than an ice cream van.
Most, if not all businesses will require some form of public liability insurance, which covers the business if a customer or member of the public has an accident. You should also have employers' liability insurance to cover yourself and any members of staff.
If your business operates out of a vehicle, you will need to get vehicle insurance to cover it. Vehicle insurance can cover you if the vehicle is damaged or stolen. You should also get insurance if you operate out of a trailer.
Please note: The views expressed in community areas of this site do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of Law on the Web, its owners, its staff or contributors. All comments are moderated prior to publication.


text:
Successful customer acquisition is the result of smart relationship building. At Digital Media Solutions® (DMS), we leverage people-based marketing strategies to help Fortune 1000 brands connect with, engage, convert and retain high-intent consumers.
Our long roster of owned-and-operated domains and premium publisher partner websites provide a reliable, efficient and scalable way for brands to connect with their target audiences.
Utilizing the first-party data of DMS TRAX proprietary marketing technology, DMS deploys personalized messages to efficiently engage, re-engage and acquire customers.
Acting as a point of connection between leading advertisers and successful, high-quality publishers, DMS Performance Ad Market helps grow businesses by sourcing new, quality customers through more channels than advertisers can reach on their own.
With vertical-specific experts on the team, DMS supports the marketing success of brands within many highly competitive verticals. Our extensive portfolio of owned-and-operated, consumer-focused properties includes a long list of top-tier consumer finance and education websites.


text:
Your one stop shop for cake decorating supplies
FREE Mainland GB Delivery on orders over £50
Next Working Day Delivery order 'express' by 3pm
Your shopping cart is empty
In stock
Sugarflair Dusky Pink Blossom Dusting Colour
E171 Titanium dioxide, E122 Carmoisine, E124 Ponceau 4R
E122 & E124 may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.
Allergy Advice:
Suitable for vegetarians & vegans.
Gluten free. Kosher certified.
Fat, Nut & GM Free.
Sugarflair Colours Ltd, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 4PW


text:
QUINCY — Kegan Mascarella went 4-for-5 with a home run and Chaser Todd had three hits and five RBIs Tuesday afternoon to lead the Lincoln Land Community College Loggers to a 15-5 Mid-West Athletic Conference victory over John Wood.
QUINCY — Kegan Mascarella went 4-for-5 with a home run and Chaser Todd had three hits and five RBIs Tuesday afternoon to lead the Lincoln Land Community College Loggers to a 15-5 Mid-West Athletic Conference victory over John Wood.
Mascarella led off the game with a home run, and the LLCC bats stayed hot the rest of the day as the Loggers made the most of 14 hits, 10 walks and three John Wood errors. Kellen Steindl also homered, and Todd had a pair of doubles.
Devin Moore was the beneficiary of the offensive outburst, and the Pleasant Plains High School graduate earned his first collegiate win after three losses. The Loggers are 8-12 overall and 4-2 in conference games.
Andrew Jurgesmeyer was 3-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs for John Wood (11-10).
Lewis sweeps Prairie Stars
Kayla Smith's single brought home the tiebreaking run in the 13th inning, sending Lewis University to an 8-5 victory over host University of Illinois at Springfield to complete a doubleheader sweep.
Lewis won the first game 3-1.
In the second game, UIS scored in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game at 5. Jaylon Jones' sacrifice fly scored Brooke Carroll with the tying run. Neither team scored until the 13th, when Smith drove home Jayme Hefler to make it 6-5, Traci Freitag tripled in Smith for a
two-run lead and Lauren Hanford singled to score Freitag to make it 8-5.
Tina Buck went 3-for-5 with an RBI for UIS (4-14 overall, 1-7 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference). Lewis improved to 17-5, 7-1.
In the opener, Lewis scored a run in the second and two in the seventh to take a 3-0 lead. The Prairie Stars rallied for a run in the bottom of the seventh, but potential tying run Emmarie Snyder struck out to end the game.
Jessica Yocum went 2-for-3 with an RBI for UIS. Alexis Munaco was 2-for-3 and drove in two runs for Lewis.
Track and field
Illinois College duo honored
JACKSONVILLE — Illinois College junior Mark Hughes has been named the Midwest Conference performer of the week in men's track, and IC freshman Melissa Norville has earned the conference's performer of the week award for women's field events.
Hughes won the 400-meter run in 49.61 seconds at the Rhodes College Invitational in Memphis, Tenn.
Norville was runner-up in the triple jump with a leap of 37 feet 6½.


text:
The collegiate tennis season kicks into high gear this weekend as the 2018 NCAA Championships begin play, and three local venues will host regional action this weekend. Both UCLA squads are in strong contention, with the men ranked at #2 and the women at #12. The USC Trojan men round out the Top Ten at #10, while San Diego kicks off regional tournament play on Saturday morning. Check out our NCAA Preview below, including Divisions I, II, and III and the Southern California teams who look to end their season with trophies in hand!
MEN'S TOURNAMENT (click for updated results)
Southern California's top ranked team, the #2 UCLA Bruins, host Division I men's competition in Westwood at the Los Angeles Tennis Center. They face the international flair of Idaho to open the tournament on Saturday at 11am. Idaho is 15-7 overall this spring, led by senior Mark Kovacs and junior Carlos Longhi Neto. The squad features athletes from Hungary, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States. UCLA features the nation's #1 singles player, senior Martin Redlicki, along with sophomore Evan Zhu and the energetic junior Maxime Cressy. UCLA is undefeated at home this year, and did not lose a match within the conference. Losses to Wake Forest (NCAA top seed) and Stanford are the only blemishes on a spectacular season for the Bruins.
Also in Westwood, #39 University of San Diego looks for revenge against Texas Tech (Sat., 8am). The Toreros fell to the Red Raiders earlier this season in a 4-3 defeat at home, but the young USD roster led by talented freshman August Holmgren will hope to even the score on a grander stage. Meanwhile, Texas Tech (19-10 overall) looks to top singles player, Canadian Tommy Mylnikov, to set the stage for a first round upset.
At David X. Marks Stadium at USC, the #10 ranked Trojans face Big West champions UC Santa Barbara (Sat., 11am) to open tournament play. Brandon Holt and Daniel Cukierman lead the 17-8 Trojans, who won five of their last six matches in 2018, including a shutout win over Stanford. The Gouchos of Santa Barbara feature Big West Player of the Year Moreno de Alboran. The junior was 15-5 in dual match play this year, and 28-10 overall. UCSB has won ten straight matches entering tournament play.
Division II competition is already underway, with #4 Azusa Pacific (27-2) advancing with a win over #5 Lynn. The Cougars come into the tournament with plenty of firepower, featuring three singles players who exceeded 20 wins each during the regular season. Grad students Oliver Frank (23-1) and Christian Schmid (20-2), plus freshman Jakob Schnaitter (23-2), hope to extend their win streak into the semifinals at Surprise, Ariz., meeting #21 Drury in the second round on Thursday at noon.
At Claremont, Division III UC Santa Cruz meets Claremont M/S (Fri., 5pm). The Stags are 28-3 overall and 9-0 in conference play, including a 13-match winning streak. They have lost only three matches at the #1 line that features SCIAC Player of the Year Nikolai Parodi, one of four Stags to earn first team All-SCIAC honors.
WOMEN'S TOURNAMENT (click for updated results)
In Westwood on Friday, #12 UCLA (20-5) begins their trek toward a shot at the national title when the Bruins meet Fresno State (Fri., 1pm) to open the Division I women's competition. Two-time PAC-12 Player of the Year Ena Shibahara (28-3) and sophomore Jada Hart (25-10) are among five Bruins to earn All-Conference Team accolades, only the second time in school history to honor five athletes with All-Conference status. Fresno State looks to gain an
early advantage with Emma Wilson & Georgia Lawson, a strong doubles tandem who earned a berth in the NCAA doubles competition later this spring.
In Malibu, Pepperdine hosts Idaho (Fri., 1pm) as the #13 Waves look to build on a 22-2 season, with losses only to UCLA and UNC. Pepperdine held the top national ranking (USTA) for a portion of the spring, led by two players in the national top 25, Ashley Lahey (#18) and WCC Player of the Year Mayar Sherif (#22). Senior Laura Gulbe leads the team with 29 wins. The Waves have lost only seven individual matches in singles 1/2/3. At 15-6, Idaho claimed the Big Sky title this spring, led by Big Sky MVP Marianna Petrei (14-3) and First Team junior Maria Tavares.
Claremont Mudd Scripps is in the second of Division III play, to face the winner of UT Tyler / Whitman on Friday. The Athenas (24-2) received a first round bye and carry a three match win streak against Top 25 teams behind Catherine Allen, SCIAC Athlete of the Year among six Athenas with All-SCIAC honors.


text:
Unfortunately, we cannot contact Paypal on your behalf. If you are concerned about the status of your refund or payment the best thing to do is contact your local Paypal service and/or speak to your bank.
The service Paypal offers to their clients is private and personal and, therefore, we cannot intervene nor manage this relationship.


text:
Fitness CrossFit
Fitness CrossFit is a line of Fitness called CrossFit.
WHAT IS CROSSFIT?CrossFit is a fitness program developed by Greg Glassman. The method is about getting fitness into a more comprehensive and evidence-based level - that is i.e. a measurable way. In Fitness Crossfit methodology it´s all about measure, observe and repeat.
CrossFit itself is defined as that which optimizes fitness that is constantly varied functional movements performed at relatively high intensity.
FITNESS CROSSFITFitness CrossFit is exercises that are regulated in how they should be performed. The exercises are all functional movements performed at a relatively high intensity. Fitness CrossFit movements involves more than one muscle group at the time, they almost involve your hole body!
Fitness CrossFit emerged from three basic categories: gymnastics, weightlifting and metabolic conditioning.
The gymnastic movements, also called the bodyweight movements, includes pullups, pushups, situps, lunges, handstand pushups and ring dips.
The weightlifting exercises include movements such as the deadlift, squat, Olympic lifts and presses.
Metabolic conditioning includes running, cycling, swimming and rowing. Including all of these different Fitness CrossFit exercises creates all-around fitness.
We now explain some of the movements more detailed.
CROSSFIT EXERCISES - BODYWEIGHT MOVEMENTSKipping Pull UpThis is a CrossFit exercise fairly unique to CrossFit. Most programs call for a strict form performing chin-ups, but Kipping Pull Up is an exercise where a great deal of the momentum, kicking, and bouncing out of the bottom, called "kipping", is used to perform as many chins as possible given a fixed time.
Ring Dips
Ring dip exercise is a dip, performed on gymnastics rings. As with all dips, the shoulder must dip below the top of the elbow at the bottom of the dip. The elbows must also be fully extended at the top of each dip with the rings pulled in close to the body.
CROSSFIT EXERCISES - WEIGHTLIFTING MOVEMENTSDeadlift
The Deadlift is one of the most important exercises because it works all your muscles. Deadlifts also teach you to pick up an object with a straight back - which can prevent injuries from repeatedly lifting with a round lower back.
Always start with the bar on the floor. Stand with the bar above the center of your feet - your stance should be a bit more narrow than shoulder-width to give your arms room. Start by grabbing the bar overhand so your arms are vertical to the floor.
Bend through your knees until your shins hit the bar which must remain above the middle of your feet. Shoulder-blades directly over the bar.
Lift your chest without squeezing your shoulder-blades like on squats. Just put your shoulders back and down, head inline with rest of your spine.
Now - Pull! - keep the bar close to your body, roll it over your knees and thighs until your hips and knees are locked. Never lean back at the top.
CROSSFIT EXERCISES - METHBOLIC CONDITIONINGBurpees
Burpees are the ultimate full body fitness exercise. Just one simple movement allows both your strength and aerobic capacities to grow.
The burpee is a full body, strength crossfit exercise. Each repetition work your chest, abs, arms, hamstrings, front deltoids and thighs and at the same time it is an effective exercise for developing the conditioning and endurance.


text:
ASU Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This collection includes most of the ASU Theses and Dissertations from 2011 to present. ASU Theses and Dissertations are available in downloadable PDF format; however, a small percentage of items are under embargo. Information about the dissertations/theses includes degree information, committee members, an abstract, supporting data or media.
In addition to the electronic theses found in the ASU Digital Repository, ASU Theses and Dissertations can be found in the ASU Library Catalog.
Dissertations and Theses granted by Arizona State University are archived and made available through a joint effort of the ASU Graduate College and the ASU Libraries. For more information or questions about this collection contact or visit the Digital Repository ETD Library Guide or contact the ASU Graduate College at firstname.lastname@example.com.
- Gould, Ian
- Zhang, Fei
- Arizona State University
- 1 Liu, Yan
- 1 Yan, Hao
- 1 Zhang, Peiming
- 1 English
- 1 Public
- 1 Biochemistry
- 1 Chemistry
- 1 Engineering
- Mobile Crowd Sensing in Edge Computing Environment
- The Effect of Disability on Subjective Well-Being across the Adult Lifespan: The Moderating Roles of Age at Disability Onset and Disability Type
- Mechanically Active Heterogeneous Polymer Matrix Composites
- Attribute-Based Encryption for Fine-Grained Access Control over Sensitive Data
- 并购背景下教育行业品牌价值研究
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has emerged as an excellent molecular building block for nanoconstruction in addition to its biological role of preserving genetic information. Its unique features such as predictable conformation and programmable intra- and inter-molecular Watson-Crick base pairing interactions make it a remarkable engineering material. A variety of convenient design rules and reliable assembly methods have been developed to engineer DNA nanostructures. The ability to create designer DNA architectures with accurate spatial control has allowed researchers to explore novel applications in directed material assembly, structural biology, biocatalysis, DNA computing, nano-robotics, disease diagnosis, and drug delivery. This dissertation focuses on developing …
- Contributors
- Zhang, Fei, Yan, Hao, Liu, Yan, et al.
- Created Date
- 2015


text:
Today we'll talk about vst plugins, DAWs and vst instruments. These are really critical to our productions and it's the technology used by every famous producer of almost every genre out there.
DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation
It's also known as Recording Program, Recording Software or Mixing Software. It is the program of your personal preference to record and mix music like Cubase, Pro Tools and Ableton to name a few.
Cubase is mostly used by European producers while Pro Tools is the No1 choice in the United States. Some other DAWs for you to consider are: Reaper, Logic Pro and FL Studio.
Reaper is a newer program in this field comparing to cubase and pro tools but it has frequent updates and promises a lot.
Many people switched to Reaper so I will create some videos for Reaper too.
Thanks for Sharing!
Please "Save Link As" to Download:
VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology
DAWs work with VSTs. They are not standalone programs which means that they cannot be opened without using a DAW. In order to use VSTs you need a daw that supports them like Cubase.
VSTs are the necessary programs that help you mix. Programs like Equalizers, Compressors, Reverbs & Delays, Choruses and Limiters… every single processor and effect you are going to use is with one word… VST!
Pro Tools support RTAS instead of VST but it's the exact same thing, except the name. Finally, the Pro Tools company offers a more expensive version of RTAS known as TDM which they claim to have a better sound resolution that RTAS.
While you can hear an insignificant difference between these 2, I mostly believe that this is just marketing, so that the company can earn more money.
I've mixed the exact same tracks using VST, RTAS and TDM and the difference was really hard to notice. There are more important things that you should take care of for a great sound, rather than worrying about VST or RTAS.
VST Instruments
VST instruments are similar to vst plugins with the difference that these are not processors or effects. The little i next to VST stands for the word instrument.
Kontakt libraries and instrument libraries from a huge range of companies run in the VSTi format, which uses the VST technology to create an instrument – pianos, drums, violins, anything you can think of – instead of a mixing processor like compressors and EQs.
I hope you now understand the differences between VST, VSTi and DAW. Expect more articles from me for this subject! Take care!
Please share some love for: What DAW and VST Instruments Stand For in Music Production.
Related Posts:
Your e-mail will NEVER be shared with anyone.
You can unsubscribe anytime with 1 click.


text:
Lausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism (LCJE) North America Annual Conference
03 Mar 2014 · 05 Mar 2014
Wheaton, Illinois, USA
This is the annual conference of the LCJE-NA, a network of Lausanne-affiliated Jewish outreach ministries located throughout North America–including Jews for Jesus, Chosen People Ministries, Life in Messiah, CJF Ministries, and many others. It's part of a worldwide network of other, similar organizations dedicated to sharing the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus) with Jewish people in all relevant countries and cultures, including Israel.
The consultation will take place at The Billy Graham Center & Museum on the Campus of Wheaton College.
For more information and to register, visit www.lcje-na.org.


text:
Operation 8
Film (Trailer) – 2011 Documentary
On October 15 2007, citing evidence of guerilla camps involving firearms training, police raided 60 houses across NZ, many of them in Ruatoki, near Whakatāne. In production for almost as many years as the ensuing legal proceedings, this provocative documentary proposes that the so-called "anti-terrorism" raids were bungled, racist and needlessly terrifying to children. The film's subtitle 'Deep in the Forest' is inspired by ex Red Squad second-in-command Ross Meurant, who argues that as police move into specialist units they grow increasingly paranoid.
The problem with the police is it's like being in a forest, and the further you get into the forest, the more paranoid you become.– interviewee Ross Meurant, ex Red Squad second in command
CUTCUTCUT Films
CUTCUTCUT Films
Available on DVD from Filmshop.
Featuring music by Ladi6, Upper Hutt Posse, Don Franks, and Acoustic Activists


text:
The Game of Pig is one that my students used to love to play and was one I used
when I had a few minutes at the end of a class period.
It's a simple game that takes no set up, only takes dice to play,
and practices both addition and probability.
Mathwire has some great explanations and
charts here to use when playing the game.
There is also now a Pig Dice app
that would be great to use in the classroom!
Here are the rules:
Two players race to reach 100 points.
Each turn, a player repeatedly rolls a die until either a 1
is rolled or the player holds and scores the sum of the rolls
(that is, the turn total).
I've posted some other great apps here- both free and paid.


text:
Iris Ford (Captainiris)
Iris joined Artemis in 2010 and served as the team captain/coordinator from 2012-2018. She was born and raised in Israel. Since young age she swam in a team and loved spinning classes. She was first exposed to cycling after reluctantly going out on a casual Sunday rides with her husband. She was immediately hooked and purchased her first road bike.
Iris is a former pilot loves to live on the edge…Speed is her passion…She has flown acrobatics and drove fast cars…Now she is putting herself to the real test racing with Artemis and hoping to encourage other women to join the sport and come out and race!!!


text:
Natascha Morris spent most of her childhood in a leather chair with her nose in a book. Formerly an editorial assistant at Simon & Schuster, her passion for books across genres and her desire to find amazing talent drove her to make the transition from editorial to literary agent at BookEnds Literary.
Her editorial philosophy stems from the idea that all books should be well written and entertaining. Some of her favorite authors include Molly Idle, Sherwood Smith, Ann Rinaldi, Sabaa Tahir, and Meg Cabot. A Texas native, Natascha can often be found hunting for the best Tex-Mex in New York. Outside of reading, she is interested in urban farming and cooking.
Natascha is looking for artists that speak to her creatively.
Here is what Natascha had to say when asked what she is looking for in picture books today:
"I really enjoy lyrical picture books, like Love Is. I am looking for quirky, humorous picture books with a commercial hook and narrative nonfiction. I'm trying to steer clear of quieter picture books at the moment."


text:
We wanted to focus on the PlayStation 2 now that it is no longer being produced. Instead of asking the PSLS staff what our favorite game was, we're going to go in a different direction and are asking: 'What's Your Most Memorable PS2 Game?.'
Looking back there were so many great games that generation. I wonder if in 10 years, we look back at the PS2 as we do now the NES?
It would probably have to be some kind of tie between Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy X, and Metal Gear Solid 3. Although there were just so many amazing games on PS2. It's hard to even pick the top three.
Final Fantasy X, Ratchet and Clank, Primal, Shadow Hearts Covenant, GTA SA and the Jak trilogy, ... couldn't pick just one game :/


text:
Below is the case search of our database which contains various types of files. For information on using this search as well as the various case types see the "Case Types And Using The Search" page.
Disclaimer NoticeThe Wal-Mart Litigation Project has no affiliation with Wal-Mart (Walmart) itself.
The Wal-Mart Litigation Project is solely coordinated by Lewis L. Laska and has no affiliation with any other organization, institution or entity.
It has no affiliation with the company whose headquarters is in Bentonville, Arkansas and operates under the trade names Walmart,Wal-Mart, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Wal-Mart Associates Inc., Wal-Mart Discount Stores, Wal-Mart Stores East, Inc., Sam's Club, Sam's Wholesale Club, Sam's Club Members Only, Sam's Club We Mean Business, Sam's Club Membership Warehouse for Business and other companies related to Wal-Mart, or Claims Management Inc., Wal-Mart's captive insurer.
NOTICE: The following statement is required by the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility: "Certifications of Specialization are available to Tennessee lawyers in all areas of practice relating to or included in the areas of Civil Trial, Criminal Trial, Business Bankruptcy, Consumer Bankruptcy, Creditor's Rights, Medical Malpractice, Legal Malpractice, Accounting Malpractice, Elder Law, Estate Plannning and Family Law. Listing of related or included practice areas herein does not constitute or imply a representation of certification of specialization."


text: Retro Infographic Vector Template Published by Steven Han on Apr 5, 2017 ← Square Business Card Mockup with Round Corner Simple Resume Template (AI and PSD) → Use this free retro infographic template for your next design project. This infographic template are designed in Adobe Illustrator easily edit the color scheme, and the data points. Presented by DryIcons. File type: EPS File Size: 644 KB Download


text:
No comments yet.
Name (*required)
Mail (will not be published) (*required)
Website (optional)
Go ahead, say something!
Don't be shy!
We'll love you for it!
Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.
My favourite moment from the whole evening (well, the ceremony was touching and stuff, but I was just a spectator) was when we were dancing around our newly-weds. Just like in about every movie , that includes Jewish wedding
Hava nagila, hava nagila
Hava nagila venis'mecha
Hava neranena, hava neranena
Hava neranena venis'mecha
Uru, uru achim
Uru achim belev same'ach
To be honest, I was waiting for this moment Too bad I'm not Jewish and wasn't sure how to dance- it still was fun!!
Oh, and with my 6 ft +heels I was the tallest person around
Я не просекаю хто на фотке шафер, а хто есть лучшая подруга шафёра, но "best girl" (друган невесты) я и в абсолютной темноте определю.
Times Squire is always filled with tourists. We could have easily passed as such with our camera and -well- kind of Russian looking faces (except for Maruk- he claims that people confuse him for a Spanish/Central American dude, and to tell you the truth sometimes I can even see why ). We didn't spend too much time there though, probably because of the crowd. Don't like crowds (heh, who does?), although sometimes they can put you into a vacation kind of mood (I'm talking about those idle roaming people somewhere on the central streets of a tourist city).
Ну имейте совесть, господы.
Конец рабочего дня, а тут пикчер с полэкрана.
Кто, по-вашему, будет теперь мой монитор мыть, весь слюной испачканый
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
Before WoW I didn't really play any PC games at all( well, it's hard to play games if you don't have a computer at home Besides, I simply didn't find this kind of activity worthy of my time). Then Danya started trying to involve me into it. Wasn't too easy, I must admit. I was pretty reluctant, but then I just realized what a huge amount of time he spends playing. So… Besides, he bought 2nd computer How could I refuse to play after that??
I like WoW a lot. Especially playing my uber priest Although recently I'm growing tired of the game
Well, after watching a Dnevnoi Dozor (Day Watch) I can say that I liked the first movie better. Eldar seems to agree as well. But then again, we probably should wait a while and watch it again. A lot of stuff I did not understand, so maybe after we watch it again in a while, we'll like it more.
I have read all three books now and enjoyed them. I can not find a single thing about The Final Watch being published in english, i do hope it is because to leave it there would be awful.
Any info would be appreciated.
and when is day watch released in english too.
Hey Paulie,
Honestly, I have no idea if and when the Final Watch will be published in English. I was trying to find this information on the Russian language sites for you, but there was nothing (found the full version of the book posted in Russian though, but I don't think that's of any help to you). I didn't read it yet, because, as I mentioned, the whole Dozor business was Ok, but less enjoyable than other Lukyanenko books.
As for the movie – it looks like the theatrical release date was June 1, 2007, but I don't know when it'll be released on DVD.
Аленик, не узнал – быть тебе богатой.
Думал, очередная звезда, мегазорка, которых и так на каждой обложке пруд-пруди, а тут – она, настоящая!
Это всё, наверное, от твоей работы. Посетитель заходит, говорит, а покажите мне вон то или это. А Аленик ему – а накося тебе, – отсюда у таланта и ноги растут.
Ожидаем продолжение показательных фотографий, переговоры с группой \"Ojos De Brujo\" о написании внеочередного альбома, для вдохновения Аленика уже ведутся.
[...] long time ago I said that one day I'll make a post about my watch, which I remembered today. There [...]


text:
CHICAGO — Managing money was much easier in your parents' and grandparents' time than it is today. A generation or two ago, people lucky enough to accumulate a few dollars for investment had a minimum of easy rules to follow.
By dividing their money among a few blue-chip stocks and some AAA-rated bonds, they could sit back and turn their attention to other matters. It isn't that easy these days.
The last few decades have seen some startling changes in what used to be reasonably stable rules for money management. After years of relatively calm interest rates, the 1970s ushered in a period of skyrocketing increases. By 1981, yields on 10-year Treasury bonds peaked at an unheard 15.8%.
Between 1984 and 1995, long-term Treasury earnings averaged more than 13%. Financial life was a comparative breeze in those days.
Since then, Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker and his successors have gone to work determined to push interest rates down—and they've succeeded. As of the time of this writing, the yield on a 10-year Treasury bond hit a 40-year low of 1.83%.
As you might expect, rapidly falling interest rates made high-yielding stocks more attractive to investors, driving prices up. But Treasury bonds and low-dividend growth stocks benefited even more during that time. From 1995 to 2000, growth stocks were by far the best choice for investors.
Now, with interest rates hovering at anemic levels, stocks that pay healthy dividends are getting more attention from many perceptive investors than fixed-income securities, or low-dividend growth stocks.
There's good reason for this shift in attention. With the current 15% tax rate on dividends, overall yields on solid dividend-paying stocks are among the most attractive investments available today. With the expectation of reasonable growth in earnings, these stocks stand to put more money in your pocket than growth stocks or bonds.
With the top tax rate of 15% on dividends vs. a top rate of 39.6% on interest income, a stock paying a dividend of 3.0% will give you a better return after taxes than a bond paying 4.5%.
Then, there's the question of safety. Traditionally, bonds have been considered safer than equity investments, but that may not be true in today's financial environment. There is hardly any place for interest rates to go but up in the intermediate term, and perhaps into the distant future. When interest rates rise, bond prices go down. Further, the principal amount of a bond remains fixed. Even at today's low inflation rates, the purchasing power of the principal in any fixed-income investment erodes over time. At today's inflation rate, the purchasing power of the principal in a 30-year bond will be reduced by half at maturity. If inflation rises, as it most surely will, that 50% drop in purchasing power would come much sooner.
With dividend-paying stocks, you enjoy your regular payout along with the likelihood of price growth over time.
This is not to say that there is no place for bonds in your portfolio. Depending on your age and financial circumstances, some portion of your investments in fixed-income securities makes sense. Most financial experts, however, recommend that equities, especially stocks with a long record of dividend increases, should make up the largest portion of your asset allocation.
Generally, I make it a policy not to recommend specific stocks or funds, but you'll have no trouble locating the dependable dividend payers in the stock listings in the business section of your local paper or on the Internet.
There is a nice choice of blue-chips paying dividends from 2% to better than 4%. Even those stocks paying between 1% and 2% shouldn't be ignored. A solid company with a long record of uninterrupted dividends will probably raise its dividend as earnings grow. For a list of stocks that have raised dividends every year for at least 25 years, visit dividend.com.
I hope I've made the case for high-dividend stocks in your investment portfolio. The numbers, I believe, speak for themselves. However, none of this is to suggest that I've changed my oft-repeated mantra that small investors should not attempt to pick individual stocks. For the reasons that I've outlined in the past, mutual funds are a wiser choice for most people. Unless you have a great deal of time, a penchant for analyzing voluminous statistical data, plus a lot of luck, you're better off leaving the buying decisions to the people who spend their full time battling the tides of the volatile financial waters. That's why no-load mutual funds should be a part of your life.
Should you decide to hop on the income stock bandwagon, there is a long list of mutual funds out there—such as the Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund and the T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth Fund—that concentrate on high-quality companies that pay good dividends. These funds, like their many counterparts in other fund families, are widely diversified. Thus, their yields will be less than the top-yielding individual stocks. Still, over the long term, they should give respectable returns.
But keep this in mind: When you're searching for the fund that will suit your personal needs best, look for no-load funds with solid track records and low management fees. In my view, the larger, better-known fund families will be your safest choice.
Information in this article is provided for educational and reference purposes only. It is not intended to provide specific advice or individual recommendations.


text:
You're the Candidate!
Lesson Plan for Grades 6-8
Overview: In this interactive game, student "candidates" race against time and political opponents as they create a platform, identify key states, and launch their presidential campaigns.
Duration: about 50 minutes (1 class period)
Objectives: Students will be able to:
- Understand the Electoral College system as it is outlined in the U.S. Constitution
- Identify issues of personal importance and develop a presidential platform around those issues
- Develop a campaign strategy to maximize electoral votes
Materials: Computer(s) with Internet access; "Electoral Votes" PDF, grades 3-5 or "Electoral Votes" PDF, grades 6-8 (optional)
Set Up and Prepare: Preview the game prior to the lesson.
Directions:1. Engage students' interest with a riddle: What is a presidential candidate's lucky number?
After some discussion, explain that the answer is 270, because that is the number of electoral votes a candidate must receive to win the presidency. Review what students already know about the Electoral College system.
Remind them that when voters go to the polls on Election Day, they are not actually casting votes for a candidate. Instead, they are selecting electors, people from that state who have pledged to vote for that particular candidate. These electors have a vote of their own after the general election. It is this electoral vote that determines the next President.
What makes the system complicated is that each state gets a different number of electoral votes, depending on the number of Representatives and Senators it sends to Congress (which in turn is based on population). For example, California has 55 electoral votes, while Montana has only 3. Explain that in almost all states, the vote is winner-takes-all. That means the candidate who wins in that state on Election Day gets all of that state's electoral votes. Guide students to understand that a smart candidate campaigns hardest in states that can give him or her the most electoral votes. Explain that students will need to keep this in mind as they play You're the Candidate!
2. Once students have reviewed the Electoral College system, have them play the You're the Candidate game. Students should begin by choosing a character and a political party, then selecting the election issues that they care about most. Explain that a candidate's stand on the issues is known as his or her platform. Platforms help voters decide which candidate to support.
3. Next, have students develop a campaign strategy, or plan, that will help them win as many electoral votes as possible. To do this, they need to study the map on the game screen and decide which states and regions to focus on. Remind students of the electoral vote system, and use prompts to help them think this decision through. For example, tell them:
- States colored red are states that are considered safe for Republican candidates. That means the Republican candidate is most likely to win. If you are a Republican candidate, does it make sense for you to spend most of your time and money in those states?
- If you are a Democratic candidate, does it make sense for you to campaign hard in red states, where you are most likely to lose?
- What states are still up for grabs? Which of those states would you need to win to get the most electoral votes? Why? Students may ask how we know which states are "red" and which states are "blue." Explain that we know whether states lean Republican or Democratic based on past elections and opinion polls. We can also count the number of voters who are registered as Democrats or Republicans.
4. Once students have decided on a plan, have them type in a sentence or two explaining why they are focusing on those states or regions. Then, have them click the "Choose Your Campaign Strategy" button.
5. The next step in the game invites students to allocate campaign resources. Have students think about on which states and regions they should spend the most time and money, emphasizing that this should reflect the decision they made earlier about important states. Explain that with just a few weeks until Election Day, every day and dollar counts. To help students understand the concept of a campaign budget, talk about some of the ways candidates spend their money (travel arrangements, TV ads, staff, brochures, etc.).
You might also discuss how candidates get money to spend. Explain that candidates may spend their own money and can also accept donations from supporters. Once students have decided where to spend their time and money, have them click the "And the Winner Is" button.
6. Now it's time to discover whether each candidate's campaign strategy was effective. In the last step, the game will generate a newspaper article about the outcome of the general election. Have students read the article to see if they won the election. The article will incorporate the comments the students typed in earlier.
7. To demonstrate the different ways a candidate can accumulate electoral votes and win the presidency, distribute the "Electoral Votes" PDF, grades 3-5 or "Electoral Votes" PDF, grades 6-8. Have students do the math to come up with scenarios that would give each candidate the necessary 270 electoral votes.
Supporting All Learners
Support struggling- and English-language learners by previewing some of the election-related vocabulary introduced in this game and lesson. Write the words platform, campaign, budget, electoral vote, swing state, and inauguration on the board, and have students work in small groups to define these terms and use them in sentences.
Lesson Extensions
Encourage students to search for signs that candidates are campaigning in their state. Students may bring in or describe examples of ads, lawn signs, bumper stickers, flyers, or news articles they have seen. Challenge students to use those campaign artifacts to identify issues that are part of each candidate's platform.
Assess Students: Have each student hand in his or her election-outcome article and completed PDF to assess whether students understand the role of electoral votes in determining a candidate's success in campaigning for President.
Home Connection: If students do not complete the "Electoral Votes" PDF in class, have them finish the page for homework.
Find more resources for teaching election skills on here!special report.
Why Do We Have an Electoral College?
The Electoral College system is laid out in the U.S. Constitution, the highest law in our land. The lawmakers who wrote the Constitution wanted to find the best way to choose a President. Some of them said that everyday citizens should pick the President in a national election. Others argued that members of the U.S. Congress should pick the President. They were worried that ordinary citizens would not have the knowledge or education to make smart choices if they voted directly for President. The Electoral College system was a compromise between the two ideas.