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Senior Vice President - Branch Director, Senior Portfolio Manager - Portfolio Focus
I received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Marshall University 1984. I began my career on my 25th birthday in 1986 with E.F. Hutton and I moved to Ferris Baker Watts in 1994. I joined RBC Wealth Management when they acquired Ferris Baker Watts in 2008. I have been a President's / Director's Council member for seven years at RBC Wealth Management and previously qualified for Ferris Baker Watts Professional Development Symposium. Occasionally I am a guest host on WCHS radio's Daily Market Report at 8:35 a.m. daily.
I was born and raised in Huntington, West Virginia. I have been married to Loretta for 28 years and we have two sons Matthew and Brandon. I contribute annually to the local Make a Wish Foundation and have served on numerous local youth sports boards donating both time and resources. Outside of the office I am a sports enthusiast, enjoying both Marshall and West Virginia University sports programs. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends and playing golf.
Financial Advisor - ABD
I have been in the financial services industry since 1994. I spent seven years with City National Bank as a Business Development Officer, Call Center Manager and Vice President of Specialty Finance Division. After that, I joined with Ferris, Baker Watts, Inc. as a financial advisor and branch manager. RBC Wealth Management acquired Ferris Baker Watts in 2008. I continued my role as branch director and financial advisor in the Huntington, WV office until recently when I moved to the Charleston office as assistant branch director and financial advisor with the Goolsby Group. I received my degree from Marshall University and also completed a two year program in the West Virginia School of Banking where I represented the students as a Student Representative on the Board of Directors. I was inducted into the Marshall University Sports Hall of Fame after a successful career as a Quarterback. I continue to stay involved in athletics as a College TV Football and Baseball analyst for ESPN.
I live in the Teays Valley, West Virginia area with my wife Karen. I contribute annually to the local Make a Wish Foundation.
Senior Registered Client Associate
I have over 25 years experience in the financial industry. I joined RBC Wealth Management in 2009 through their merger with Ferris, Baker Watts. I am responsible for all operational and administrative functions of the team, using my extensive experience to ensure our clients always receive excellent service. I hold the Series 7, 63 and 65 securities licenses. My husband Dave and I have been married for 45 years and currently live in Charleston, West Virginia.


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Media Press – My books, Interviews, and Guest Posts
D.G. Kaye is a Canadian nonfiction/memoir author. She was born, raised, and resides in Toronto, Canada. Kaye writes about her life experiences, matters of the heart and women's issues.
D.G. writes to inspire others. Her writing encompasses stories taken from events she encountered in her own life, and the lessons she learned from them. Her sunny outlook on life developed from learning to overcome some of the many obstacles that challenged her. From an emotionally neglected childhood, to growing up with a narcissistic mother, leaving her with a severely deflated self-esteem, D.G. began seeking a path to rise above her issues.
When Kaye isn't writing intimate memoirs, she'll bring her natural sense of humor into her other works.
At a young age, D.G. began keeping journals to take notes about her turbulent childhood while growing up as an emotionally neglected child. Tormented with guilt, as she grew older, D.G. was conflicted with the question of whether or not she was to remain obligated to being a faithful daughter, in debt to her narcissistic mother for giving birth to her. Her first book, Conflicted Hearts is a memoir, written about her journey to seek solace from living with guilt.
D.G.'s writing relates to her experiences in life, and shares her lessons and ideas she acquired along the way. Kaye's second book, Meno-What? A Memoir, was written based on her passage through menopause. In that book, she shares her humor and wisdom on what women can expect at that time, adding some of her helpful hints for relief.
D.G.'s book, Words We Carry focuses around women's self-esteem issues. She talks about how and why the issues evolve, how she recognized her own shortcomings, and how she overcame her insecurities.
D.G's little travel memoir, Have Bags, Will Travel, is a short, fun read on the perils of traveling with too much luggage. D.G. shares some of her more memorable trips and escapades, and her humorous attempts to get back home, through Canada customs unscathed.
P.S. I Forgive You was written as a sequel to Conflicted Hearts, although it's a standalone book in its own right. Both books involve the author's life, tormented by living with a narcissistic mother. In this book, it is a journey seeking understanding a dysfunctional mother and finding a place of forgiveness for her before she died.
Kaye writes for the woman of all ages. Her writing is easily relatable and her insights about the complexities of being a woman are expressed in her writing.
Kaye's – P.S. I Forgive You is a stand alone sequel to Conflicted Hearts. This book is a completion to the cycle of finally finding forgiveness for herself and letting go of the guilt she carried for half a decade from her narcissistic mother.
D.G. Kaye's most recent release – Twenty Years: After "I Do" is a memoir about loving and aging, marriage in a May/December relationship, and how to keep a marriage thriving despite changes.
"Live Laugh Love . . . And Don't Forget to Breathe!"
"For every kindness, there should be kindness in return. Wouldn't that
just make the world right?"
BOOKS by D.G. Kaye
"D.G. Kaye writes with an emotional, powerful voice. Her inspirational stories captivate with a unique blend of style and substance."–J. Thorn, Author of The Portal Arcane series
Available at Amazon ISBN: 978-0-9920974-2-4
"D.G. Kaye rips back the curtain on menopause, exposing the humor and honesty required to survive one of the most important life-altering stages of a woman's life." – Jeannie M. Bushnell, author of Manual Exposure –
Available at Amazon ISBN: 978-0-9920974-3-1
"D.G. Kaye offers hope to those of us imprisoned by the negative words and scripts engrained in our minds. WORDS WE CARRY, her own true story, tells us how to re-establish our self-esteem and attract the positive relationships we all deserve!"–Deborah A. Bowman, Author, Publisher, and Advanced Clinical Psychological Hypnotherapist (ACPH)
Available at Amazon ISBN: 978-0-9929974-6-2
"Travel, shopping, fabulous locations—and an insider tip on where to buy
the best-priced designer shoes. What more could a girl want?"—Deborah Jay,
author of the epic fantasy The Prince's Man and Desprite Measures, a
Caledonian Sprite urban fantasy –
Available at Amazon ISBN: 978-0-9947938-0-5
"It is challenging to write about emotional pain and to revisit events, times when you felt powerless. Not everyone is courageous enough to undertake such a task. D.G. Kaye bravely faces her childhood and her relationship with her mother, sharing this complex experience with us in her memoir P.S. I Forgive You: A Broken Legacy. Kaye writes from a place of maturity and strength, bringing hope to others who need to find forgiveness to heal." –Sally Cronin, Turning Back the Clock
Available at Amazon ISBN: 978-0-9947938-3-6
"Twenty Years: After "I Do" shows not only newly married couples but also those in the middle of their lives how to navigate companionship challenges and show love and kindness to their partners, handling life together gracefully and in harmony.
Multibook self-help author D.G. Kaye demonstrates, using examples from her own marriage, how to really commit to a relationship – till death do us part."
– Doris-Maria Heilmann, 111 Publishing
Available at Amazon ISBN: 978-0-9947938-6-7
2015 Christoph Fischer Best Non Fiction Award
Featured Interviews and Guest Posts by D.G. Kaye
First edition of my new column at Smorgasbord Invitation Blog Magazine – Realms of Relationships
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – D. G. Kaye Explores the Realms of Relationships
My last edition of the Travel Column at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Travel Column Finale – With D.G. Kaye – Winter Snow Vacations for all the family.
I'm over at Sue Vincent's Daily Echo with some Christmas fun with Ani
Ani's Advent 2019! Love, a soggy tennis ball…. and D. G. Kaye
Monthly Travel Column at Smorgasbord Invitation Blog Magazine
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Travel Column with D.G. Kaye – Three Winter Sun Destinations – Kauai, Hawaii, Malta and Martinique
A most beautiful 'thank you' and appreciation post for my contributions to the Smorgasbord Invitation with Sally Cronin
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – A Time to be Grateful for Friends and Collaborators -D.G. Kaye, Debby Gies
Streets Ahead Author Promo group featured book – Words We Carry by D.G. Kaye
Writing on Memoir – Guest post at the Smorgasbord Christmas Bookfair
Sally's Cafe and Bookstore – Christmas Book Fair – Guest Post – D.G. Kaye – Writing in Memoir
November 2019 Edition of Travel Column at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Travel Column with D.G. Kaye – #Mexico – Puerto Penasco
Blogtour featured on Valentina Cirasola's Blog
My monthly Travel Column at Sally Cronin's Smorgasbord
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Travel Column with D.G. Kaye – The Bahamas – 14 Islands Up and Running and Waiting for Tourists.
Thrilled to be interviewed at author James IV Cudney's blog
Opening new series at the Smorgasbord – The Sunday Author Interview, featuring D.G. Kaye
Sally's Cafe and Bookstore New Series – Sunday Author Interview – #Non-Fiction #Memoir – D.G. Kaye
September edition of my Travel Column at the Smorgasbord – St. Barth's
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Travel Column with D.G. Kaye – #Caribbean – St. Barts.
Twelve questions for 12 Nonfiction Authors at International Book Promotions
Human in Every Sense of the Word
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Human in Every Sense of the Word – My Sixth Sense – IAS (Inner Alert System) D.G. Kaye
This month at the Smorgasbord, we're going to Cuba
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The #Travel Column with D.G. Kaye – The Island of #Cuba #Caribbean
This month at the Smorgasbord, I'm taking you to Puerto Rico
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Travel Column with D.G. Kaye – San Juan, Puerto Rico
Guest author at Norah Colvin's – Reminiscences of Schooldays
School Days, Reminiscences of Debby Gies (D.G. Kaye)
Guest author Feature at author/poet Leslie Tate's blog
Guest author at the CarrotRanch – On Self-Publishing
I've been featured in the 'Getting to Know You' series at Smorgasbord Invitation
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Sunday Interview – Getting to Know author D.G. Kaye
This Month at the Smorgasbord Travel Magazine -Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The #Travel Column with D.G. Kaye – Puerto Vallarta, #Mexico Part One.
I've been featured at Romanceaholic's Monthly Magazine
Featured interview of the month of December at the blog of Rob Goldstein
This month at the Smorgasbord Travel Column with D.G. Kaye – Curacao
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Travel Column with D. G. Kaye – Welcome to #Curacao #Lesser Antilles
This month at the Smorgasbord Travel Column with D.G. Kaye – St.Thomas US Virgin Island
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Travel Column – St. Thomas #VirginIslands by D.G. Kaye
I'm guest posting today at Sue Vincent's Daily Echo
Guest author: D. G. Kaye ~ Mercury Retrograde 101
I was honored to find this post from author Chuck Jackson, written for me after reviewing his book
I'm Colleen Chesebro's featured guest author this week at the Fairy Whisperer blog
Conversations With Colleen: Meet Author, D. G. Kaye, (aka Debby Gies)
My monthly Travel Column at the Smorgasbord Invitation – Welcome to St. Kitts!
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Travel Column with D.G. Kaye – Welcome to Saint Kitts #Caribbean
Invited to speak on my experience with Digestive Issues and how to handle them at The Smorgasbord Invitation Health Column
Smorgasbord Health Column – Guest D. G. Kaye – Dietary Restrictions, Consequences and the Eye-Rollers
September edition of my Travel Column at the Smorgasbord with Sally Cronin
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Travel Column with D.G. Kaye – Welcome to St. Martin – Two Countries – One Island
I'm Janice Spina's guest featured author today
Interview with Author D.G. Kaye!
My August Issue Travel Column – Mexico
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Travel Column with D.G. Kaye – Traveling to #Mexico
I'm over at No Wasted Ink talking about Writer's Block
How to Deal with Writer's Block by DG Kaye
Part 3 of my Travel Tips on Cruising at the Smorgasbord Invitation
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Travel Column with D.G. Kaye – Part Three – Preparing for a Safe Trip.
I was invited over to Charli Mills' Carrot Ranch to write an article about Self-Publishing
My Travel column over at Sally Cronin's Smorgasbord Invitation
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The #Travel Column with D. G. Kaye – #Cruises – Part Two – Ship Tips
Guest Author Interview with Sally Cronin at the Smorgasbord Invitation
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Getting to Know You #Interview with D. G. Kaye
My guest visit over at Hugh Robert's Time Machine at Hughsviewsandnews.com
49 Days In 1988: Week 23 – Friends In Need
My new Travel Column over at The Smorgasbord Invitation with Sally Cronin
I've been quoted! My tagline for my book Conflicted Hearts was quoted by psycologist – Dr. Perry
I'm over at the Daily Echo, posting on Sue Vincent's blog
Guest author: D. G. Kaye – Aging and Changes: Maintaining the Privilege to Drive
My latest book is featured today at The Write Stuff with Marcia Meara
#ShareAReviewDay – Twenty Years After "I Do" by D. G. Kaye
Thrilled to be invited for interview at Esme's Salon
I was thrilled to have Kathleen Aherne of Blogger's Lifestyle re-feature this wonderful interview with her on Memoir Writing:
A lovely feature over at Robin's blog –
Spring Showcase of authors at the Smorgasbord Bookstore and Cafe
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Open House Sunday Interview – Author – Non-Fiction – Memoirs – D.G. Kaye
Sue Vincent from the Daily Echo is promoting me and my latest book today
Guest author: D. G. Kaye – Twenty years after "I do".
Book Study Sheet written by Marsha Ingrao for Twenty Years: After "I Do",
Guest Posting on Tina Frisco's blog – Online Friendships
#Guest Author #D.G.Kaye: Friendships – Online and Otherwise
Ani's Advent Christmas with Sue Vincent
Ani's Advent Invitation: Christmas Reflections with D. G. Kaye
Booklaunch feature for Twenty Years: After "I Do" TinaFrisco.com
#Booklaunch – Twenty Years: After "I Do" by D.G. Kaye
Booklaunch feature for Twenty Years: After "I Do" – SmorgasbordInvitation.wordpress.com
Sally's Cafe and Bookstore – New Book for Christmas – Twenty Years: After "I Do" – Reflections on Love and Changes Through Aging by D.G.Kaye
Guest appearance by D.G. Kaye at ADD Coach and Mentor, Madelyn Griffith-Haynie's blog Addandsomuchmore.com
D.G. Kaye on growing self-esteem
Fairies, Myths and Magic with Colleen Chesebro – The Ouija Board by D.G. Kaye
#Fairies, #Myths, & #Magic October Spooktacular Author Spotlight Guest Post – "The Ouija Board," by Author, D. G. Kaye
From the Archives, guest post by D.G. Kaye at Smorgasbord Invitation
Posts From Your Archives – 5 Indicators Your Partner May Feel Insecure with Your #Success and How to Rectify by D.G.Kaye
Holiday Recipes with Sally Cronin at the Smorgasbord Invitation
Cook from Scratch 2017 – Holiday Stuffing (D.G. Kaye Style)
The Daily Echo with Sue Vincent
Guest author: D. G. Kaye – The Lady…
The Daily Echo with Sue Vincent
Guest author: D. G. Kaye – A visit to Heaven
The Daily Echo with Sue Vincent
Guest author: D. G. Kaye – Messages from Beyond
Recipes with D.G. Kaye at Cook and Enjoy-the Recipe Hunter https://cookandenjoyrecipes.wordpress.com/2017/08/19/%EF%BB%BFaugust-guest-11-glutenfree-baking-with-d-g-kaye-delicious-biscotti/
Author spotlight with Tina Frisco
#ExcerptWeek – Words We Carry by D. G. Kaye
Author spotlight at the blog of Vashti Vega
Guest author spotlight at Sally Cronin's Smorgasbord Invitation with D.G. Kaye
D.G, Kaye, guest author at Hugh Roberts' blog : https://hughsviewsandnews.com/2017/04/01/book-of-the-month-p-s-i-forgive-you-by-d-g-kaye-pokercubster/comment-page-1/#comment-34941
Book of the Month February 2017 P.S. I Forgive You
Live Webinar interview with Divorce Coach, Heather Debreceni: Subject – Children of Divorce.
Guest Interviews:
Tell Me A Story with Annette Rochelle Aben on Blog Talk Radio
I've been featured in the Quarterly Eagle Peak Press Ezine
Featured Blogger in Blog to Follow: https://hughsviewsandnews.com/2017/01/26/39-weeks-39-blogs-everyone-should-follow-in-2017-week-3-debby-gies-d-g-kaye/comment-page-1/#comment-31946
Guest Author D.G. Kaye – Words We Carry -#Selfesteem / Uvi Poznansky
Featured blog on Mostlyblogging.com with Social Media Guru Janice Wald http://www.mostlyblogging.com/bloggers-pit-stop-51/
How to #Write Your Memoir | Savvy Book Writers Interviews author D.G. Kaye
2015 Christoph Fischer Best Non Fiction Award
Sally's Cafe and Bookstore – Book of the Week – P.S. I Forgive You – A Broken Legacy by D.G. Kaye
Sally's Bookstore and Cafe – Book of the Week – Words We Carry by D.G. Kaye
Contact D.G. at firstname.lastname@example.com
D.G. can be found at her website: dgkayewriter.com as well as her social media sites:
Quotes by Kaye:
"Live Laugh Love . . . And Don't Forget to Breathe!"

subset: commoncrawl


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Dolce and Gabbana are my personal favorite fashion designers. Their style is extraordinary. I was watching their latest collection for men debut on TV and was astounded.
I find this collection, as well as the others before, appropriate to the more 'rebel' type of people, as the items seem to be created with a chaotic design that is overall congruent with the personality of those wearing it.
Their collections for women are also extraordinary. And although they are designed for women of ages from 16 to 50, the younger clientele is the one that's more inclined to purchase D&G fashion items.
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are united by the desire to express and communicate an unusual and extremely personal taste, much of it being inspired by Dolce's Sicilian origins.
Dolce & Gabbana have become two of Madonna's favorite fashion designers, something that certainly didn't hurt them. They created numerous costumes exclusively for her to wear in her world tours.
Today, the Dolce & Gabbana firm is one with the fastest grow rate in the Italian fashion industry and the future looks bright.
Click here to see some of Dolce and Gabbana's fashion accessories.


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On October 16, 2019, the Plan Participants filed a Request for Exemptive Relief from Certain Provisions of the CAT NMS Plan and SEC Rule 613. This letter requested exemptions related to Customer and Account Information.
On September 2, 2015, the SROs filed a second Supplement to the Exemptive Request Letter. This supplement clarified the use of Account Effective Date proposed under the Customer ID exemptive request.
- Supplement #2 to Exemptive Request Letter: Account Effective Date
- Approval Order of Exemptive Request Letter
On April 3, 2015, the SROs filed the supplement to the Exemptive Request Letter ("Supplement"). The Supplement provides clarification related to the allocation reports proposed under the Linking Allocations to Executions exemptive request.
On January 30, 2015, the SROs filed a Request for Exemptive Relief from Certain Provisions of SEC Rule 613 of Regulation NMS under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exemptive Request Letter"). This letter requested exemptions related to the following:
- 1. Options market maker quotes
- 2. Customer IDs
- 3. CAT Reporter IDs
- 4. Linking allocation to executions
- 5. Timestamp granularity
- Notice of Filing of Exemptive Request Letter


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Tokyo RPG Factory masterpiece I Am Setsuna is available since last year on PSVita/PS4 and just released on Nintendo Switch. So the first question that might pop in your head when you consider buying it is "What's new in this version?". This is why Square-Enix just released a video to present the Temporal Battle Arena DLC.
This exclusive free DLC for Nintendo Switch version is a party-on-party colosseum battle mode. The idea of the PvP mode will be to confront your three best characters versus an opponent's champions team. It will be released in April for all regions and here's a first glimpse in a video shared by Square-Enix during the PAX East.
These first minutes of gameplay seem a little light. It really looks like Tokyo RPG Factory rushed the development of this DLC, so we hope that when in hands we'll really have a better experience than our first impression of it.
I Am Setsuna is available now on Nintendo Switch from the Nintendo eShop.


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(Re)-Constructing Māori Children as Achieving Learners.
Permanent Linkhttp://hdl.handle.net/10092/1062
Thesis DisciplineEducation
Degree GrantorUniversity of Canterbury
Degree LevelDoctoral
Degree NameDoctor of Philosophy
Since early European settlement of Aotearoa New Zealand Māori children have been constructed as deficient learners in the education system, and this construction continues to undermine their learning at school today (Butchers, 1930; Macfarlane, 2005; Ministry of Education, 1998, 2005). Educational assessment practices have largely contributed to this discourse, because they reflect western ideologies regarding the reasons for testing, who does the testing, what counts as important to test, how results are interpreted and so on (Bishop & Glynn, 1999). Further, the tests used have been developed with monolingual and monocultural European children. Reading acquisition and language development have been implicated as major learning deficits for Māori children (Crooks & Flockton, 2005; Ministry of Education, 2006; Wagemaker, 1992). And a body of research signals that the reading related language skills for phonological awareness and narrative ability are linked to reading acquisition for English (Adams, 1990; Botting, 2002; Rollins, McCabe & Bliss, 2000). My research is an enquiry into how Māori children respond to reading related language assessments for narratives and phonological awareness, taking into account their lived experiences and cultural practices. My aim is to create possibilities for alternative discourses to the deficit discourse. With support from a local Kaumātua and school whānau I worked as a participant-observer in two classrooms in two schools for one year, following 17 Māori children. Critical theory, socio cultural theory and Kaupapa Māori theory informed my position. The techniques I used to approach my research practice and analyse my data reflect the influence of these frames as I understand and interpret them. Throughout the year of field work, I undertook a range of activities, including conversations with parents, children and school personnel, observations of class 'lessons' and the teaching strategies used by the teacher, visits to the children's homes, collection of school records, and administration of assessments related to reading, narrative tasks, and phonological awareness according to a standardized English test, the Preschool and Primary Inventory of Phonological Awareness (PIPA) (Dodd, Crosbie, MacIntosh, Teitzel & Ozanne, 2000) and a specifically designed set of Māori language tasks. I used video and audio recording for some activities, and wrote my observation notes while observing or immediately following an event or session. My findings showed that the home and school contexts for the children were largely bicultural and bilingual. The children were living their lives in ways vastly different to monolingual and moncultural Pākehā (European) children. Those who had been at school for approximately five years were reading at or above their age, in line with traditional reading norms, despite showing relatively poor phonological awareness skills determined by the 'standard' test procedures. The 'standard' testing process for both phonological awareness and narrative ability presented most of the children as language deficient and in need of intervention, or at least in need of ongoing monitoring. However, my analyses driven from the theoretical frames mentioned above presented the children with language strengths and difference. These children were clearly able, achieving learners. My study highlighted the fact that the bilingual and bicultural knowledge and skills of Māori children are not valued in the predominantly monolingual and mono-cultural education system, and this has serious implications for their learning and for perpetuating the cycle of deficiency construction because the children are seen not to meet the requirements of the system and its assessment protocols. Further, regardless of phonological awareness and narrative 'ability', by the time Māori children have been at school for a period of time, approximately five years, they are able to read English and understand the written text. This finding questions the relevance of the salience generally attributed to phonological awareness as a crucial building block for bilingual children who are proficient in or exposed to a non-alphabetic language, such as te reo Māori. I argue that the assessments used in schools are inappropriate for bilingual and bicultural Māori children. When the children's language skills were analysed using alternative systems to the 'standard' methods prevalent in schools, they were able and achieving learners. They were not learners 'at-risk' but learners 'at-promise', to use Tabachnick and Bloch's terms (1995). This study provides empirical evidence that bilingual and bicultural Māori children's learning needs are not met by the current school system. Continued research in this area will strengthen the necessity for changes to be made in the education system, changes that are sensitive to, and value, linguistic and cultural difference in the classroom. In the areas of pre-service teacher and speech-language therapist education, and ongoing professional development for educationalists, linguistic and cultural differences need to be presented afresh. Educational assessment practices must change to recognise learning strengths of Māori children and to stop the perpetuation of deficiency constructions. Schools have to be willing to understand more fully the home contexts of their students and to engage in teaching practices that are cognizant of their cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Without such fundamental changes in our view of the cultural and linguistic strengths of Māori children, very little real change can occur despite lofty words and plethora of strategies and policies.


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Washington's war on Islam supported by media scoundrels.
By Stephen Lendman, opednews.com, Sep 21, 2012
America never treated Muslims respectfully. US media and Hollywood play lead roles. Jack Shaheen's book "Reel Bad Arabs : How Hollywood Vilifies a People" documented how American filmmakers slander them.
For decades, they've been fair game. From silent to more recent films, prejudicial attitudes were fostered. They still are regularly. They disparage Islam in contrast to manufactured notions of Western values, high-mindedness, and moral superiority.
Islamic tenets are ignored. The Koran teaches love, not hate; peace, not violence; charity, not selfishness; and tolerance, not terrorism.
Its five pillars include profession of faith, prayer five times daily, fasting during Ramadan, charity, and performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime for those able to afford it.
Nonetheless, Muslims are stereotypically portrayed as dangerous gun-toting terrorists. Hate messages repeat regularly. Fear is stoked. Imperial wars of aggression are called justifiable ones.


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Waiting to Inhale
"What's striking from the social stand point is how much more harshly we deal with marijuana than alcohol. Clearly alcohol causes more deaths, it causes more injuries, it makes peoples' judgment impaired more than marijuana." –Barney Frank, U.S. Congressman, Massachusetts
Waiting to Inhale examines the heated debate over marijuana and its use as medicine in the United States. Twelve states have passed legislation to protect patients who use medical marijuana. Yet opponents claim the medical argument is just a smokescreen for a different agenda– to legalize marijuana for recreation and profit. What claims are being made, and what are the stakes?
Waiting to Inhale takes viewers inside the lives of patients who have been forever changed by illness—and parents who lost their children to addiction. Is marijuana really a gateway drug? What evidence is there to support the claim that marijuana can alleviate some of the devastating symptoms of AIDS, cancer and multiple sclerosis? Waiting to Inhale sheds new light on this controversy and presents shocking new evidence that marijuana could hold a big stake in the future of medicine. (Excerpt from main website)


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Sponsored post: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.
Blurb (from Goodreads):
Love and Other Theories is a fast-paced twist on the coming-of-age novel . . . and the romantic comedy.
Aubrey and her best friends made a pact to play by the guys' rules when it comes to dating. They're hoping the rules will keep them from experiencing high school heartbreak--they don't realize that these rules could just as easily keep them from opening their hearts and minds. And when new boy Nathan Diggs moves to town, Aubrey starts to think that some rules are meant to be broken.
With equal parts bite and romance, topped off with an irresistibly engaging voice, Alexis Bass's debut novel is one you won't want to miss.
Love and Other Theories by Alexis Bass
My rating: 4.25 of 5 stars
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
I'm crying, my kindle battery is dead, I've eaten a whole packet of jaffa cakes, and I'm slightly tipsy, and all because of this book!
I really liked the characters in this book. Aubrey was such a normal girl, with the normal sort of feelings that girls have, and Nathan was super sweet. How this pair went so wrong I don't know, but it was seriously sad.
The storyline in this was pretty gripping, while it was in part about the 'rules' that Aubrey and her friends were supposed to follow, it was also a love story, and Aubrey and Nathan just seemed so right for each other! I spent the whole book hoping and praying that love would win through, and that this pair would admit that they were right for one another, but after a while it seemed evident that Aubrey wouldn't be the only one with a broken heart at the end of this story.
The romance in this was super sweet while it was happening, and absolutely crushingly heart-breaking when it wasn't. Every bump in the road that this pair faced I felt so deeply, and I could not put this book down without knowing what would happen! You know one of those books where what is happening is so painful that you can't breathe? That's how this book made me feel, and I was so, so upset as the storyline developed and things went wrong for Aubrey and Nathan.
The ending to this was really sad, and even though Aubrey was looking on the bright side, I just felt so sad! I totally felt like I was going through the events in this story with the characters, and I really felt the heartbreak with poor Aubrey. I really hate that this is the ending for these two – I want more!
Overall; heart-breaking YA contemporary romance,
8.5 out of 10


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Peace to YouJune 24th, 2015 by MMiller
Rev. Dr. Melanie Miller
June 21, 2015
Biblical Testimony: Mark 4:35-41
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"
Contemporary Testimony: Blessing in the Storm by Jan Richardson
I cannot claim to still the storm that has seized you,
cannot calm the waves that wash through your soul,
that break against your fierce and aching heart.
But I will wade into these waters,
will stand with you in this storm,
will say peace to you in the waves,
peace to you in the winds,
peace to you in every moment that finds you still within the storm.


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Home › Classroom Resources › Lesson Plans
Lesson Plan
She Did What? Revising for Connotation
|6 – 8
|Lesson Plan Type
|Estimated Time
|50 minutes
|Lesson Author
Blacksburg, Virginia
Student Assessment/Reflections
Students will
- define and explore the concept of connotation.
- examine how word choice affects meaning.
- revise a passage for vivid, connotative language.
Instruction & Activities
- Write the following sentence on the board or overhead projector, "She walked into the room."
- Discuss the meaning of the sentence. What can we really tell about what the student did? Point out to students that the sentence is rather bland, because we cannot visualize anything about the action.
- Send the three students you've prepared into the hallway, and ask them to enter one at a time, following your instructions.
- Think aloud as you revise the sentencewrite your new version under the original as each student enters so that you have four sentences on the board once all the students have entered:
How could we replace the verb, so that we get a better understanding of the person entering the room? If I change the sentence to "She rushed into the room," how do the verb's connotations help to see not only what she looked like, but also what type of person she is? Or maybe I should say that "She hurried into the room"? I'm not sure. Maybe I'll write both.
Okay, here comes another student. "She walked into the room" doesn't really capture what she's doing either. Hmm. What about "She bounced into the room." Or instead of just the verb, maybe I should add an adverb that tells the reader more: "She bounced happily into the room." Okay. That's better.
Last student. Wow. She's walking very slowly. Looks like she doesn't even want to be here. I wonder if I should revise the sentence to say "She meandered into the room." Or maybe add an adverb and leave the verb alone: "She walked slowly into the room."
- Once you've created three revised sentences, ask students to think about the differences between the original sentence and the new versions. Pay particular attention to the way connotation and word choice changed the meaning.
- Ask students to suggest other verbs for the sentence and discuss the related connotations. Possible words include the following: strutted, slithered, pranced, oozed, and marched. Ask students to consider how the verb choice affects the mental image that we form of this person and how effective word choice can affect writing. If time allows, students might dramatize some of these word options as well.
- When you are confident that students are prepared to consider the word choice in their own writing, ask students to choose a paragraph in their writer's journals or a paper that they are working on to revise, paying particular attention to connotation.
More Practice
If students need more examples before revising their own writing, work as a whole class or in small groups to revise several paragraphs for more vivid detail. You can either use the Connotation Revision Passage handout, or ask a student to volunteer a passage from his or her writing for the class to consider.
- Ask students to rewrite the paragraph to create a vivid effect, so that the reader can see what is happening and see the setting where the action occurs.
- Monitor student progress to ensure that writers are comfortable with the task.
- Once the minilesson is complete, ask students to explore the pieces that they are writing for additional places where they can add more vivid details. Students may work during their in-class writing time or complete the revisions as homework.
- Monitor student progress during the minilesson and as students work independently through anecdotal notetaking and kidwatching.
- Ask students to share their revised writing with the class and comment on the details they've added. You might ask students to share "before" and "after" passages to make the revisions more dramatic.
- Comment on the changes to student passages by responding in writing or during individual or group conferences.


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November 25, 2016
Getting started with VoIP services offered by Net-Tell LLC is a swift and simple process. Choose between two calling plans, either $19.25 for Basic or $27.99 for Plus, then complete the sign-up form that is easily available via Net-Tell's website. Following approval, little more is necessary to begin VoIP service other than internet access and hardware -- available from Net-Tell or able to be purchased by self (BYOD, Bring Your Own Device, according to the company). Whether using a previously selected phone number transferred to Net-Tell or a new phone, VoIP service is hooked up and ready to go shortly after approval. The Plus subscription service comes with a 30-day free trial, allowing potential customers to test VoIP before committing to monthly costs.


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Gainward's Golden Sample 9600GT spotted
With dual-heatpipe cooler
By: Steve Dougherty from Feb 21, 2008 @ 17:17 CST
Gainward are quick to jump on the 9600GT bandwagon today with the launch of two 9600GT cards; a reference based plain jane version, and more interestingly a "Golden Sample OC" edition.
The reference model promises to come in at 157, but for just 20 more you can go for the superior Golden Sample variant with higher than stock clockspeeds of 700MHz on the GPU and 2000 MHz on the GDDR3 memory. The shader clock also takes a bump up to 1750 MHz on this card as well; this all thanks to the beefy dual-heatpipe cooler used for the job.
Expreview have taken several pictures of the Golden Sample card here; also dismantling the cooler from the card so you can clearly see how well it's made.


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As the Mind is limited by the framework created by the time,space, matter,energy which are all part of gross sense data – One should try to raise above this framework to realize the true self which is beyond this framework.
This is a the fundamental disease called AVIDYA (darkness) due to which everyone is bonded and afraid and sinking in the misery.
1. Most of the people never accept that we have this disease (as a mad man never admits it)
2. Most of the people accept, will not try to cure this disease and blame fate or make some unknown thing responsible for that darkness
3. Some more of the accepted lot will keep dwelling on the best doctor/cure (look out for the best religion/belief)
4. Some will keep studying about the cure and never take the medicine
5. Some try to pretend that they are taking medicine – This will not help cure the disease.
6. Only when one approach the doctor with faith, and use the medicine will have the cure for this disease
Hence, the way out is to start taking the cure (medicine) with faith. The medicine prescribed by a realized guru to be taken in and practiced as prescribed with full devotion to get the realization.
Understanding that the darkness is negation of light and bringing in the light will remove darkness and darkness by itself never exists is the first pill of the cure to this darkness.


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This week in CampusWell
The keto diet has been a major topic of conversation and controversy over the past few years. Learn the risks and benefits of this low-carb trend.
PSA: Don't be a phone zombie. Here's one student's take on what happens when phone use goes too far.
When making it to the gym is just not happening, get pumped with these no-equipment workouts you can do at home.


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Hot on the heels of this week's newly-launched Australian Kindle eBook store, Amazon has registered a trade mark for the Amazon.com.au logo.
For years the Amazon.com.au domain redirected to the US Amazon website, but this week's launch of an Australian Kindle and App store finally put a use to the .com.au address.
The trade mark for the logo was registered on November 11, and covers hundreds of goods and services, offering hope that the Australian website will expand beyond eBooks and apps in the future.
In summary, those classes are:
Class 9: Portable and handheld electronic devices for transmitting, storing, manipulating, recording, and reviewing text, images, audio, video and data, including via global computer networks, wireless networks, and electronic communications networks; computers, audio and video players Computer software; computer hardware
Class 35: Advertising; retail online services; retail on-line convenience stores; computerised on-line ordering featuring general merchandise and general consumer goods; retail store services featuring electronic games, computer games, video games, electronic game software, computer game software, and video game software; online retail store services featuring streamed and downloadable pre-recorded electronic games
Class 38: Telecommunications services, including electronic transmission of streamed and downloadable audio and video files via computer and other communications networks
Class 39: Transport, including expedited delivery services; packaging and storage of goods; delivery of goods, in the nature of distribution of general consumer goods, including books, music, video tapes, audio cassettes, compact discs, floppy discs, and CD-ROMS
Class 41: Entertainment; sporting and cultural activities
Class 42: Providing temporary use of on-line non-downloadable cloud computing software for use in electronic storage of data; computer software development in the field of mobile applications
Class 45: Personal and social services rendered by others to meet the needs of individuals
The trade mark was filed by the Las Vegas office of Amazon Technologies Inc. and an Australian legal representative, Gilbert + Tobin Lawyers.
It remains at the status of 'Indexing Approved', meaning it has not been seen by an IP examiner yet.
Amazon currently has online stores in the USA, UK, China, Japan, India, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada, Mexico and Brazil.
Click to view a screenshot of Amazon's .com.au trade mark application.


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Redirect the customer to same page after logging in Magento 2. Prevent Magento 2 customers from redirecting to account dashboard page after logging in.
Tag: php
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Sometimes you install a Magento theme and discover that you are not able to create new customer accounts on frontend. New account register form just reloads the registration page. It is possible that you face a problem while customer login.
This problem can occur when you upgrade from Magento 184.108.40.206 to 1.9.2.x. But here is the simple fix for this problem It occurs because the account registration/login template of your theme does not have a valid
form_key field. Each form in Magento should have a hidden
form_key field to prevent malicious requests.
Magento® Add Order Total in Invoice PDF
Sometimes you need to add custom order totals to your Magento store. For exmple you may have added new attribute 'total_surcharge' as custom order total attribute. This new order total will be visible in admin sales order view and invoice view generally. But when you generate the PDF from invoice, the new order total is not visible there.


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We provide rewarding career opportunities to help our employees reach their personal and professional goals – your success is our success.
A career with us offers:
- Quick upgrades
- B1900/CRJ type ratings
- Training department opportunities
- Management opportunities
- Tuition assistance
- Paid educational leaves
Our Pilot Mobility Agreement with Air Canada ensures a guaranteed interview with Air Canada once you meet the minimum hiring requirements. We will provide the training and experience Air Canada requires to get you there.
Air Canada's Pilot Mobility Arrangement
Through our partnership with Air Canada, we are a part of the Air Canada Pilot Mobility Arrangement. The PMA in place at all Air Canada Express partners guarantees all pilots an interview at Air Canada upon reaching certain experience and seniority requirements. It provides Air Canada with a substantial amount of their new hires while providing Express partners predictable and controlled attrition. This path remains the best way to progress to a pilot career with Air Canada.
In 2018, Air Georgian will supply up to 100 pilots to Air Canada via the Pilot Mobility Agreement.
Employee Tuition Assistance
We recognize the importance of investing in the learning and development of our employees. To support this we provide all employees with the opportunity for tuition assistance. Employees can apply to receive financial assistance for educational courses and programs as well as paid time off to pursue the personal and professional educational goals. Employees' tuition costs are reimbursed for approved degree programs and certifications and professional memberships.
Paid Educational Leave
We understand that the demands of education can be difficult while working full-time. We permit paid time off to pursue approved programs and/or provide accommodations for a reduced work schedule so our employees can meet their personal and professional goals.
Already affiliated with one of our partners?
Complete your SOAR application by clicking here.
Not affiliated with any of our partners?
Visit our careers portal to view and apply for one of our open positions.
View our SOAR Partners
Click here to view a list of our SOAR partner flight schools, colleges, and operators.


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Sweeping changes to the benefits system have hit many people hard – but perhaps none more so than people with mental health problems.
That's according to the Bo'ness and Grangemouth Citizen's Advice Bureau.
So concerned at soaring levels of stress, CAB decided to take advice and information straight to those who needed it most.
Since the welfare reforms were introduced, the CAB workload has increased to nearly 50 per cent being about benefit issues – that's compared to 30 per cent three years ago.
It's also worth noting, said CAB mangager Bill Palumbo, that three years ago, it referred two people to food banks; last year it was 138.
"It's doubled in the past year alone," he said. "That isn't just to do with the changes though – it's the administration of benefits and cutbacks in DWP staff. It holds everything up."
In order to help, CAB applied for – and received – a grant from the Scottish Government's People and Communities fund.
That allowed it to set up a partnership with two local charities; FDAMH and the Caledonia Day Service, formerly known as the Caledonia Clubhouse .
The CAB has set up weekly surgeries on its respective premises, which means the bureau is taking its specialist knowledge of the welfare system directly to people with mental health issues.
"It's a very good project," said Bill. "It's letting us help vulnerable people we would otherwise struggle to provide a service to.
"People with mental health issues can be a difficult group to reach.
"The Calendonia Clubhouse and FDAMH are specialists in their field.
"They already have a membership that feel comfortable there and, by working with them, we can address the issues we know about and they can deal with other issues.
"One of the problems is that people with mental health issues find it difficult to see an issue through – when they get a knockback, they give up. Or sometimes the forms just seem too daunting so we can help them to persevere."
The welfare reforms have been criticised not only for cutting the money that people receive but also for being complicated and difficult to understand.
People who were receiving Disability Living Allowance must now apply for a new benefit, known as the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Said Bill: "The problem is that the system is so difficult – it isn't set up well to deal with people who have mental health problems, who are in a fragile state anyway.
"The project aims to provide help at as early a stage as possible and give the appropriate level of help.
"This reduces the stress for the client and helps them see it through – often to a successful conclusion."
The partnership began last year and it recently received a grant to continue.
Bill is in no doubt that it is working – the CAB intervention helped 336 clients last year.
Between them they received an incredible £254,000, thanks to the advice of CAB – not a bad return for last year's £50,000 grant, said Bill, and he's hoping for similar results from £38,000 this year.
Support includes benefit checks, form filling, one-to-one case work and representation at appeal.
They also provide a full CAB service and deal with other enquiries, including referrals e.g. CAB legal clinic, debt adviser etc.
Margaret Thom, acting manager of the Caledonia Day Service, said the CAB visits were invaluable. She said: "A lot of our guys just panic when they see a letter or a lot of paperwork.
"Katie from CAB comes every week. It makes such a difference that they know Katie and are comfortable talking to her here.
"All they have to do is make an appointment and bring all their paperwork.
"The levels of anxiety are very high and it's making people unwell.
"Often rather than address issues, they panic and ignore them but knowing there is someone here who can help them fill out a form accurately is an amazing help to them. It's made a big difference."
The Grangemouth and Bo'ness CAB has also contributed to the national organisation, Citizens Advice Scotland, as it tries to build a picture of the imact welfare reform has had.
"We have been able to provide significant examples of the impact it has had, and continues to have, on those suffering from mental health issues," added Bill.


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When I was in Houston in October, I was invited to do a 3 minute interview, telling about my quilt, Sweetwater Gap Bloodroot, hanging in the quilt show.
According to Quilt Alliance, Go Tell It! is a project "designed to capture the stories of quilts where quiltmakers and quilt lovers gather. The protocol for Go Tell It! is brief and personal: one person talking about one quilt in front of one video camera for three minutes, recording the most essential and compelling details of the quilt according to the "teller."
You can tell I was nervous! Behind the camera, lots of people are crowding around to see what's going on. After the interview, I was asked lots of questions about my quilt. That part was fun! You can find other videos from the International Quilt Festival, on the Quilt Alliance YouTube channel here.


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Talks & Lectures
Peter Crawford gives talks and lectures about his work as a film director and author - and about his special interests and projects that have taken him to some of the most impressive parts of the planet.
Illustrated with clips from his films and with location photographs, Peter describes his encounters with native peoples and wildlife around the world - and gives an insight into his enlightening discussions with leading environmentalists and anthropologists such as Jacques Cousteau and Thor Heyerdahl.
Peter Crawford
His principle talks, lectures and presentations include the following:
Peter Crawford's Pacific talks feature the native people and wildlife of Tahiti, the Marquesas Islands, Hawaii and Easter Island, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand - and tell of his collaboration with the legendary Thor Heyerdahl and Bengt Danielsson of Kontiki fame - as well as his own Pacific voyages of discovery in the wake of his hero, Captain Cook.
Peter Crawford takes his audience on a photographic journey around the world in search of the most impressive natural wonders of our planet.
From the awesome canyons of the American 'Wild West' to the mighty rivers and mountains of South America, from the fiery deserts and volcanoes of Africa to the ancient outback of Australia, we discover the wealth of natural landscapes that makes our world so visually stunning and inspiring.
MOON POWER - a celebration of the influence of our nearest neighbour in space
With stunning images and unique film footage, Peter Crawford reveals the powerful influence of the moon on life on Earth. From the irresistible rise and fall of tides to the biological rhythms of life, including ourselves, it is our moon that has made our planet so unique in the universe. Where on Earth would we be without it ?
Peter Crawford's other lecture subjects include :
- Alfred Russel Wallace - travels of the 19th Century amateur naturalist.
- The landscapes and wildlife of the British Isles.
- The natural history of the domestic cat.
- Global Sunrise - a dawn in the life of the world.


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Quickies Nail Polish Remover Pads present a simple solution to quickly remove nail varnish from the nails with utmost ease. The handy pack is small enough to carry on your travels, or put in your bag, to let you remove your nail polish anywhere and everywhere. Shop for Quickies products, here at Chemist Direct.
Are you looking for a fast and effective solution to remove nail polish from your nails? Quickies Nail Polish Remover Pads are thick and soft to remove all types of nail varnish. The pads come with hydrating Vitamin B5 to leave your nails feeling soft and nourished. Ease your makeup removal process with Quickies.


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Luxury Freedom Comfort Adventure
1.400 islands | 13.500 km of coastline
yachts | motor boats | sailing
Sail to your Villa!
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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Summer (the season) (07/09/09)
- TITLE: Scarifyingly Not Unpleasant
By Catrina Bradley
<I>A nibble. I've got a nibble. Dare I claim a catch at this early stage? 'Tis a most promising nibble, to be sure.</I>
Gentle rays from a distant sun caress and flush his skin, seeping into wrinkles, folds, and pores, working with the coating of sunscreen to burnish him oh so slightly. An occasional breaker produces a mist of cool refreshment and a contented sigh.
<I>Ahh, I smell victory's sweet aroma blowing in on the ocean breeze. </I>
The prey wiggles his saggy hind-end and his soft shoulders, digging a more comfortable nest in the sand. His hand reaches to his face, removes his imitation Ray Bans, and pulls his cap down, concealing his thinning gray pate and shading his eyes. Another peaceful sigh escapes as he drops his mottled hand back to the ground at his side.
<I>Yes, this one finally belongs to me. He simply needed a convincing demonstration of my charms. </I>
"George? Georgieee!!" A diminutive woman donning a wide-brimmed hat and a sheer jacket over her modest bathing suit rounds the protective rock and invades the solitude. "Oh, there you are! What on earth are you doing?"
<I>No, woman! Quiet your shrieking. He is as good as caught in the claws of my clutch. Go away. </I>
"Laying in the sun." The prey reaches for the brim of his cap and tugs it down further over his eyes. A satisfied murmur leaves his lips as his arthritic frame absorbs summer's heat from the sun-soaked sand.
<I>Yes! Now leave him alone. </I>
"I can see that. I mean why are you laying on the beach? You hate sand."
<I>Busybody. Mind your own beeswax. </I>
"And you're not too fond of summer, either, George. Thirty-five years I've been trying to get you leave the air conditioning and get out here with me. So what gives?" Her bony fists poke her hipbones and her elbows stick out like stork's knees as she stares down her husband.
<I>Woman! Are you not on my side? Leave him be. I will not let this one get away again. </I>
A lonely cloud seeks out the sun like iron to a magnet, affording the prey a few minutes of cool respite. He props himself on his elbows and removes his cap, allowing the breeze to drift across his sweaty scalp
The phrase 'scarifyingly not unpleasant' harkens to his tongue, but he refrains from such blatant transparency.
"Everyone out here looks always looks so relaxed, like they're having so much fun. And you love summer so much you plan our only vacation around it. I thought maybe I ought to give it a go. Maybe I might have been wrong all these years, who's to say? Maybe I ought at least give it a try."
<I>He's on the hook now... </I>
The prey lay back down, resettling into his nest and shading his face with his cap just as the sun reappeared.
<I>Could it be? He doesn't seem to be retreating. Is it possible? </I>
"Well, then, what's your verdict?"
<I>Yes, what is your verdict? </I>
From underneath the brim of his cap, the prey's smile bespoke his surrender.
Summer claims another victim.
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I am often amazed when the sun tries so hard to peek through the clouds or the morning fog. The pictures I capture often create quite beautiful scenes. This picture is early morning on a very foggy day.
I see such beauty in spider webs. When the rain or dew covers these delicate webs the beauty is enhanced. This photo was taken on a rainy morning.
The garden is covered with squash, cucumber, and melon blooms. The bumble bees love to venture to each bloom for nectar.
I have no idea what the name of this insect happens to be. It seems to like garlic blooms. I have never seen this creature in my yard before. Perhaps one of my blogger friends can name this unique insect for me.
I will leave you with the sunrise from my back yard that spread across the sky this very morning. Each sunrise contains a beauty of its own. This sunrise had an unusual array of clouds and colors, which I have never viewed in any other sunrise before. Do you suppose God did this just for my enjoyment? I will pretend that He did.


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Do you want to align your teeth to achieve a better smile but you're not sure you want to go through the trouble? If so, our Solis Dental Group team would like to encourage you to consider orthodontic treatment because it can benefit you in more ways than you might realize! In fact, there are many advantages when straightening your teeth with orthodontics.
First, the treatment successfully aligns your chompers and corrects your bite. This is extremely beneficial because having an aligned jaw and straight teeth can help you properly chew food as well as talk and eat.
Second, having an aligned smile can also advance your oral health. If your teeth are straight, it's easier to clean them. If your teeth are crooked, there are spaces in your smile that can trap plaque and bacteria. If these substances aren't washed away regularly, there is a chance you could suffer cavities and periodontal disease.
Third, having a straight smile can boost your self-confidence. If your teeth are straight, there is a chance you will no longer feel embarrassed by your appearance! This is one of the best benefits of orthodontic treatment because it can give you the smile you've always dreamed of.
Are you interested in aligning your smile with orthodontic treatment in Moline, Illinois? If so, don't be afraid to call our office at 309-764-4944 and schedule an appointment. We offer both ClearCorrect and Invisalign for our patients seeking straighter smiles.
The sooner you meet with one of our experienced dentists, Dr. Kevin Solis and Dr. John Solis, the sooner you'll begin the journey toward your perfect smile. We look forward to helping you!


text: tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621010905575249095.post5975636608645859416..comments2019-12-16T23:27:49.062-08:00Comments on The Farmer's Nest: Junebug {first bites}The Farmers Nesthttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621010905575249095.post-83063274516184031632014-01-08T16:12:09.632-08:002014-01-08T16:12:09.632-08:00I love it. So cute. She looks like she is getting ...I love it. So cute. She looks like she is getting all the nutrients she needs right now. Love, NonnieNancyhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2621010905575249095.post-9518293010124738922014-01-08T14:34:02.796-08:002014-01-08T14:34:02.796-08:00I have a friend who's best eater of her 3 kids...I have a friend who's best eater of her 3 kids is her middle, her only girl, and she said she went straight from breast milk to table food. I might try it this 3rd time around just to not put so much emphasis on when and what to feed the baby. REALLY CUTE PICTURES! …OF A REALLY ADORABLE BABY GIRL! :)Carrie email@example.com


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Asheville's complete plastic surgery & aesthetics center
James M. McDonough, M.D.
Donald R. Conway, M.D.
Colette A. Stern, M.D.
Eric G. Halvorson, M.D.
In Memoriam – David H. Humphreys, M.D.
James M. McDonough, M.D.
Dr. James M. McDonough was born and raised in rural central Illinois. He received his bachelor's degree at MacMurray College, then received his M.D. degree from Northwestern University Medical School.
Following internship and a general surgery residency at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut, Dr. McDonough became a diplomate of the American Board of Surgery. He studied plastic surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital in Houston, Texas, with Dr. Thomas Cronin, one of the pioneers of plastic surgery in the United States. He then returned to the midwest as a plastic surgeon with the United States Air Force, serving at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.
Dr. McDonough has practiced in Asheville since 1976. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and a past president of the North Carolina Society of Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Reconstructive Surgeons.
He has been board certified in plastic surgery since 1975 with expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive breast, facial, and body contouring procedures. He takes special pride in cleft lip and palate repair and follows these patients from infancy into adulthood. His surgical skills are enhanced through continuing medical education, as well as his ongoing participation in many aspects of the art field including sketching, painting, sculpting, and ceramics. Art has played an important part in his education, and he continues to be an art student at UNCA. He also enjoys fishing, and will listen to your fish stories, if you will listen to his. Website: www.avlplasticsurgery.com
Donald R. Conway, M.D.
Dr. Donald R. Conway graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree as an art major and received a Master of Science degree in Medical Illustration from the Medical College of Georgia. He held the position as medical illustrator at Eastern Virginia Medical School and then continued his education toward a medical degree at the Medical University of South Carolina.
After an internship at Charity Hospital at L.S.U. Medical School in New Orleans, he completed a five-year residency in general surgery in Pennsylvania prior to receiving plastic surgery training at the University of Louisville.
Dr. Conway was board certified by the American Board of Surgery prior to current certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
He takes great pleasure in the dedication of his artistic background and surgical technical expertise in providing care in reconstructive and cosmetic breast surgery, facial plastic surgery, and body contouring. His contributions to medical care in Western North Carolina include the introduction of many applications of microvascular free tissue transplantation. He also has an interest in recent advances in plastic surgery, including minimally invasive endoscopic cosmetic surgery. Please visit my website to see before and after images: www.donaldconwaymd.com/gallery/
Colette A. Stern, M.D.
Dr. Colette Stern is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. She was raised in Atlanta, Georgia and received her Bachelors degree from The University of Virginia. Her Medical Degree was obtained from The Medical College of Georgia, from which she graduated in the national medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. After graduation, she completed her General Surgery and Plastic Surgery training at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center. More recently, she has had the privilege of training under Dr. Daniel Marchac, a world-renowned plastic surgeon in Paris, France. Throughout her training and education, Dr. Stern has received multiple awards, co-authored chapters in plastic surgery textbooks, published in leading plastic surgery journals, and presented at several national plastic surgery conferences.
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Dr. Stern believes in philanthropy and helping those who are less fortunate. She has volunteered her time traveling to India where she helped many underprivileged children and adults by performing reconstructive procedures. Website: www.sternplasticsurgery.com
Eric G. Halvorson, M.D.
Dr. Eric Halvorson came to the Plastic Surgery Center from Boston, where he worked at Brigham & Women's Hospital and was an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. He obtained an MD from Duke University School of Medicine and completed a residency in general surgery at Brown University. He then completed a residency in plastic surgery at Lahey Clinic and a fellowship in microsurgery and breast reconstruction at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
After his training, Dr. Halvorson started his professional career at UNC Chapel Hill, where he developed a comprehensive cancer reconstruction program and became Residency Program Director. He was subsequently recruited to Brigham & Women's Hospital, where he became Site Director for the Harvard Combined Plastic Surgery Residency and Director of the Stepping Strong Trauma Reconstruction Fellowship. A desire to focus on patient care, spend more time with his family, and explore the mountains of WNC brought Dr. Halvorson and his family to Asheville.
Dr. Halvorson's research has focused on improving outcomes in cancer reconstruction and plastic surgery of the breast. He has authored numerous journal articles and chapters, and has presented his research at national and international conferences. An engaged educator, he won 3 teaching awards during his 10 years in academics. Dr. Halvorson is certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Website: https://halvorsonmd.com
David H. Humphreys, M.D. – In Memoriam
Dr. David H. Humphreys joined the Plastic Surgery Center in 1986 and retired December 31, 2015. On May 22, 2016, Dr. Humphreys passed away and is greatly missed by his associates and staff at the Plastic Surgery Center, as well as the community, colleagues, and patients.


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The B2B and B2C universe has shifted to a multichannel mix of communications, with communications software platforms and data centers in the cloud rather than hosted on-site.
Companies offering services and solutions in these areas love to promote their product as "best of breed," but once the layers of marketing hype are peeled away, businesses and consumers grasp the real-world performance (and limitations) of technologies driving organizational communication and collaboration.
At the Enterprise Connect conference and expo in Orlando, Florida this month, enterprise communications SaaS provider 8×8 surveyed approximately 200 show attendees about the current state of video conferencing, cloud communications and call centers.
Respondents, representing a wide swath of industry professionals (including end users, equipment manufacturers, system integrators and IT decision makers), shared their thoughts and concerns.
In regard to video conferencing, 35% said poor sound or visual quality was their top grievance. About a quarter (24%) complained about difficulty connecting conference participants, and 20% disliked having to download an app to engage in a video conference.
On the topic of communication and collaboration relying on cloud computing and storage, the top concern was security (35%), followed by quality of service (21%).
Call center services were also placed in the spotlight through the survey. As anyone who has had a poor experience with a call center might expect, the top complaint was "having to say who I am over and over" (27%). That response paralleled with the annoying experience of "getting transferred from agent to agent" (24%). "Spending too much time on hold", at 16%, rounded out the Top 3 call center complaints.
The researchers say that the responses echo "much of what is being discussed in the industry today."
"But more importantly highlights areas where vendors need to focus their efforts in delivering higher quality customer experiences–security, quality of service, and feature across unified communications and contact center, that deliver instant, continuous communications across devices and platforms, all integrated into a single application," the study authors wrote.


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Terms Of Use
By registering to use FlexiTime whether as a Trial User or a Subscriber you agree to be bound by the terms set out below. If you do not agree to these terms do not register to use FlexiTime.
By registering to use FlexiTime whether as a Trial User or a Subscriber you agree to be bound by the terms set out below. If you do not agree to these terms do not register to use FlexiTime.
In these Terms
"Administrator" means the person that has access to and use of the Profile created at registration of the Licensee which Profile will be linked to that Licensee and able to authorise access by Operators and set limits on the rights of Operators (to the extent this is permitted in the Software);
"Commencement Date" means the date on which the Licensee agrees to these terms;
"Data" means any data entered by the Licensee into the Software;
"Documentation" means all instruction manuals, user guides and other information relating to the Software made available with the Software or through the Website;
"End User" means an Operator or an Administrator;
"Fees" means the amounts payable by the Licensee for the right to use the Software, as published from time to time by FlexiTime Ltd. in the Fees Schedule;
"Fees Schedule" means the schedule set out at http://www.flexitime.co.nz/pricing as this may be updated from time to time;
"Intellectual Property Rights" means all patents, licences, trade marks, service marks, trade names, inventions, trade secrets, copyright, moral rights, design rights, know-how, confidential information and any other intellectual property rights whether registered or unregistered and the right to register the same;
"Licence" means the licence granted under clause 3.1;
"Licensee" means either a Subscriber or a Trial User;
"Operator" means any person who has access to and use of a Profile that is linked to the Licensee and that is added by the Administrator;
"Password" means a unique password which if the Licensee is a Trial User is provided by FlexiTime or is selected by Licensee's Administrator and / or Operator and used to access the Software;
"Profile" means the identity given to a user of the Software which identity is linked to a Licensee and also linked to the rights that identity has in relation to use of the Software and access to the relevant Licensee's Data;
"Register" shall mean register as a Trial User or a Subscriber, registering and registration shall have equivalent meanings;
"Software" means the Flexitime Software, which is an Employee Time Management System;
"Subscriber" means an individual company or partnership who has completed FlexiTime's registration process and is using or intends to use the Software in its day to day business;
"Trial User" means an individual Company or partnership who has applied to FlexiTime Ltd. to assess the Software and has been given access on a trial basis using a name and password provided by FlexiTime Ltd.;
"PAYE intermediary" means a person who has been accredited as a PAYE Intermediary by the commissioner of Inland Revenue and whose obligations are set out under subpart RP 1 of the Income Tax Act 2007.
and "Website" means www.flexitime.co.nz;
2.1. The Software will be hosted on FlexiTime Ltd. servers and will be accessible through the Website by registering to become a Licensee.
2.2. Notwithstanding any other clause in this Agreement where the Licensee is a Trial User they acknowledge that:
a) Their access to the Software is intended to be to assess whether the Software is able to meet their requirements;
b) They will not be able to use and will not try to use the Software to process live data or information of their business;
c) Where advised by FlexiTime Ltd. their access to the Software may be for a limited time only;
d) If they wish to use the Software in their day to day business they will need to cease being a Trial User and register to become a Subscriber.
2.3. Notwithstanding any other clause in this Agreement where the Licensee is a Subscriber they acknowledge that:
a) By registering, the Licensee agrees to provide FlexiTime Ltd. with current, complete and accurate information as prompted by the registration form and Licensee agrees to maintain and update this registration data as required to keep it current, complete and accurate.
b) to keep the Passwords secure and confidential and not reveal it to any persons not authorised by it;
c) it is entirely responsible for any and all activities that occur under or through the use of their Passwords; and
d) to notify FlexiTime Ltd. immediately if it believes the Password is no longer secret so that FlexiTime Ltd. can cease relying on their Password.
2.4. The Licensee will not:
a) use the Software for any purpose that is unlawful;
b) where they are a Subscriber use the Software for any purpose other than the Licensee's own internal business purposes;
c) do any act or thing that will or is reasonably likely to interfere with the Software or any other users use of the Software;
d) do any act or thing that will or is reasonably likely to result in the transmission or upload of harmful or deleterious software (including, without limitation, viruses, trojan horses, worms or time bombs);
e) attempt to gain unauthorised access to the Software, other users information or computer systems or networks connected to the Software or;
f) transmit or upload any materials that are in breach of any intellectual property laws, rights of privacy or any other third party rights.
2.5. FlexiTime Ltd. may amend these Terms from time to time. FlexiTime Ltd. will set out the date that the terms were last updated next to the hyper link to the terms on the login page. By continuing to login and use the Software the Licensee will be deemed to have agreed to the new terms.
3.1. With effect from the Commencement Date until such time as these Terms are terminated in accordance with their terms FlexiTime Ltd. grants:
a) to the Trial User a non-exclusive, non-transferable Licence to use the Software to assess whether it will meet the Trial User's requirements; and
b) to a the Subscriber a non-exclusive, non-transferable Licence to access and use the Software for the Subscriber's own internal business purposes.
3.2. FlexiTime Ltd. will provide access to Documentation that is intended to assist the Licensee in using the Software.
3.3. Upon registering to be a Licensee the Licensee will be able to appoint one person to be an Administrator. The Administrator will be an End User who is given rights by the Software to create access for Operators. All Operators given access to by an Administrator will be able to use the Software and input, access and export relevant Licensee's Data in the manner prescribed by the Administrator.
3.4. FlexiTime Ltd. may deem any act carried out or omission permitted by the Administrator or any Operator or any instruction given by the Administrator as being carried out, permitted or given by the Licensee.
4.1. The Fees payable for access and use of the Software are set out in the Fees Schedule on the FlexiTime website.
4.2. The Fees Schedule may set out various levels of usage and link these to differing fees that are to be paid.
4.3. The Fee payable will be calculated based on usage level selected by the Licensee at the date of subscribing or monthly thereafter.
4.4. On the date of subscription and monthly thereafter FlexiTime Ltd. will issue the Licensee an invoice in advance for the Fees payable in the following invoice period.
4.5. Invoice periods are for one month. The date range of the invoice period is determined by the subscription date of the Licensee.
4.6. The date that payment of the invoice is due will be shown on the invoice.
4.7. If the Licensee defaults in payment of any Fees, FlexiTime Ltd. may, without prejudice to any of its other rights or remedies and without liability to Licensee:
a) suspend the Licensee's (including all its End User's) access to the Software; and
b) charge interest on any unpaid amount from the due date until the date of the actual payment at 2% per annum over the base overdraft facility charged by FlexiTime Ltd's bankers from time to time.
4.8. Licensee acknowledges that where FlexiTime Ltd. suspends Licensee's access to the Software, FlexiTime Ltd. is not liable for any loss cost damages or expenses suffered by the Licensee or any other party as a result of that loss of access.
5.1. The Licensee acknowledges that:
a) the Licensee is solely responsible for acquiring, servicing, maintaining and updating all equipment, computers, software and communication services that allow a user to access and use the Software;
b) the operation and availability of the software and systems used for accessing the Software, including public telephone services, computer networks and the Internet, can be unpredictable and may from time to time interfere with or prevent access to the Software; and
c) FlexiTime Ltd. is not in any way responsible for any interference with or prevention of the Licensee's access and/or use of the Software.
6.1. The Licensee acknowledges that the Intellectual Property Rights in the Software, the Website and any documentation relating to the Software remain the property of FlexiTime Ltd. (or its licensors).
6.2. FlexiTime Ltd. acknowledges that the Intellectual Property Rights in the Data remain the property of the Licensee. Licensee agrees to maintain copies of all Data entered into the Software and FlexiTime Ltd. will not be liable for any loss cost or expense suffered by the Licensee or any other party as a result of the Data being lost.
6.3. All information relating to the Software and the Documentation will be treated by the Licensee as confidential unless it is in the public domain otherwise than by a breach of these Terms.
6.4. All information relating to the Licensee that could reasonably be considered by its nature to be confidential will be treated by FlexiTime Ltd. as confidential unless the Licensee gives permission for FlexiTime Ltd. to use the information or the information is in the public domain otherwise than by a breach of these Terms.
6.5. Nothing in clauses 6.3 or 6.4 shall prevent either party from disclosing confidential information to the extent that it is required to by law. Where either party is required by law to disclose any confidential information it will first advise the other party of this obligation, will allow the other party reasonable time to avoid the disclosure having to be made and will give the other party such assistance (at the other party's cost) as the other party reasonably requests in doing this.
6.6. The Licensee undertakes:
a) not to copy any Documentation except to the extent that copying is necessary for the Licensee's own back-up purposes;
b) not to transfer or otherwise deal in the Documentation or the Licensee's rights under the Licence;
c) to maintain all copyright notices on the Documentation;
d) to notify FlexiTime Ltd. immediately it becomes aware that any person may have unauthorised knowledge, access to or use of the Software or the Documentation.
6.7. The Licensee's obligations under this clause will survive termination of the Licence.
6.8. FlexiTime Ltd. may use and treat any personal information it receives from the Licensee in accordance with the Privacy Terms.
6.9 Portions of this software are based in part on the work of Adobe Systems Incorporated. Because FlexiTime Ltd. has included the Adobe Systems Incorporated software in this product, FlexiTime Ltd. is required to include the following text that accompanied such software:
Copyright (c) 2006 Adobe Systems Incorporated.
7.1 FlexiTime wishes to ensure that all licensees are able to access the FlexiTime Software and Services. For this reason, and to ensure FlexiTime is able to continue to provide high quality Software and Services, this Fair Use Policy applies.
7.2 For services that are subject to our Fair Use Policy, we may apply our Fair Use Policy where, in our reasonable opinion, your usage of our Services and/or Software is excessive and/or unreasonable as detailed in this paragraph.
7.3 We have developed our Fair Use Policy by reference to average customer profiles and estimated usage of our Software and Services.
7.4 If your usage materially exceeds normal usage patterns over any month, or is inconsistent with normal usage patterns by Flexitime licensees, then your usage will be excessive and/or unreasonable.
7.5 If your usage of the Software and/or Services is excessive and/or unreasonable we may contact you to advise you that your usage is in breach of our Fair Use Policy. We may then request that you stop or alter your usage to come within our Fair Use Policy.
7.6 If your excessive or unreasonable usage continues after receipt of a request to stop or alter the nature of such usage, we may without further notice, apply charges to your account for the excessive and/or unreasonable element of your usage; suspend, modify or restrict your use of the Software and/or Services or withdraw your access to the Software and/or Services.
7.7 The usage of Software and/or Services is dependent on the level of usage selected by the licensee at the date of subscription or monthly thereafter. Estimated maximum usage of Services is four (4) support issues per month.
8.1 FlexiTime may provide, at an additional fee, services to assist the licensee migrating its payroll information from third party payroll software into FlexiTime.
8.2 The licensee agrees to provide all information required by FlexiTime to enable accurate payroll processing in the FlexiTime system.
8.3 By finalising a pay run in FlexiTime, the licensee warrants that all information loaded into FlexiTime from third party software as part of the Employee Conversion Service is accurate and complete.
8.4 The licensee indemnifies FlexiTime for any loss or damage resulting from incorrect information being entered into the FlexiTIme payroll system.


text: I've been on a couple of online dating sites, and I notice that many of the people's profiles indicate they prefer a date who has "Never been married" over a divorced person, even when they list that they are okay with the idea of a date who has a kid or kids. Do you guys out there think this is true, generally? And if so, why?


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The Junior Saints Mums met on 22 February 2018 for a discussion on how to make learning effective and fun for our kids.
The session began with a paired sharing for mums:
Share with your friend one thing you that appreciate about your son for, since we met last month. What was the occasion? How did it make your feel? Did you let him know?
The exercise helped to remind us that our children, who may be sometimes be a challenge to look after, often have strengths and mindfulness that can both surprise and delight us.
The Learning Process
After a quick run-through about the agenda points, our facilitator, Brenda Tan, asked the 16 mums to discuss the following questions in their groups:
What do you remember about your own learning strategies in primary school? What seemed to work for you?
The groups reported that their own learning strategies consisted of:
- copying notes and mind-maps
- practicing 10 year series
- participative learning (doing the exercises)
- repeated writing/intensive ?? (copywork)
- self-revision (homework/assessment book)
- tuition (doing assessment)
- memorise (recite repeatedly)
- repetition and memory work
The group agreed that while the strategies were effective for them, they do not appear to be fun activities for learning.
The groups also noted that there are strategies that were limited in the time when they were in school:
- technology
- school outing (limited), and exclusively for upper primary
- no overseas trips
The mums shared that these strategies not only gave our kids a learning opportunity that went beyond the curriculum, but made the learning fun too.
The Neuroscience of Learning
Brenda briefly shared about new learnings from neuroscience and how learning at middle childhood may differ from teenage years and adult learners simply because the brain is changing as the child is growing.
A process called myelination occurs a fetus is about 16 weeks and continues into adulthood. A substance called myelin, made up of fatty lipids and proteins, surrounds around the neurons. These myelinated cells become more efficient in the way they carry messages throughout the brain; information travels much more quickly than in cells that have not been myelinated.
When myelination completes at about the age of 25, the brain becomes efficient and effective in its functioning. Some neurons are fully-myelinated at birth, eg. those that control the ability of an infant to suck. Other neurons become myelinated in early life, and provide increasing efficiency for toddlers as they fine-tune their vision, hearing, language, emotions, and physical capabilities.
The frontal lobes, where the brain plans for the future, more accurately assess risk, makes sound judgement, reasons, controls impulses, sets goals and priorities, plans and organises multiple tasks, and exhibits emotional control, is the last to be myelinated.
Myelination also aids cognitive development.
This myelination of the frontal lobe starts occuring at tweens (10 to 12 years old) and continue through their teen years to adulthood. Myelination also helps tweens inhibit their impulses more efficiently and to demonstrate greater self-discipline, although many will continue to have impulse control problems until the myelination process is complete in adulthood.
Limbic System
The limbic system triggers our "fight or flight" response for survival. Thus, in less than 0.1 second, the nerve endings sends signals via our spinal cord to the amygdala in the brain so that the body can react to it. eg. touching an open flame triggers the brain to remove the hand from the source of heat.
The limbic system also controls our emotions and memory, so when confronted with anxiety, stress, or threats, the amygdala becomes over-activated, and cut off access to memory storage, reasoning, and association circuits. Therefore, when our children are in a distressed emotional state their learning ability is directly negatively impacted.
On the other hand, when in a positive emotion, the neural pathways to memory storage, judgement, and connections open up, and new information can be processed, associated, and stored for later retrieval and use.
Therefore, there is a scientific fact behind ensuring that the learning environment for our children is a safe, happy, and fun one!
Yet, why do the learning strategies that the mums say work for them as student work, even though they do not appear to be much fun?
Practice Testing and Distributed Testing
Interesting, the strategies that the groups cited as effective are also cited by many research on meta-learning (how people learn) as the top two effective learning strategies: Practice Testing and Distributed Testing.
Both these strategies are effective because while they may not be "fun", they train the brain in memory retrieval. Memory isn't stored in the brain as a unit or in one part of the brain, but are widely distributed throughout the brain, with duplicated neural pathways so that the memory can be retrieved if any of the neural pathways should be wiped out. Memory retrieval therefore, has to do with training the brain to associate retrieving the information from different elements stored in different parts of the brain, and this requires re-visiting the neural pathways the brain formed when creating the memory, and strengthening these pathways results in how quickly the memory can be recalled.
Therefore, perfect practice makes perfect.
Practice Testing:
any form of testing for learning which a student is able to do on their own.
- flash cards
- completing practice problems or tests
- copywork/"xi-zhi"
However, one-off heavy practice or cramming does not increase the memory retrieval process. This is due to the increase in cortisol levels which triggers the stress level to the brain (remember the "fight or flight" situation regarding the emotions?), blocking the amygdala from opening the neural pathways to cognition and association.
Therefore, there is a need for these practice testings to occur over a distributed period of time.
- Distributed testing:
distributing the learning over time.
- revisit and review materials periodically
- allow for time lag between learning episodes for brain to consolidate learning (aka sleep on it!)
Brain health requires good nutrition and rest!
Brenda reminded the group of when their children were babies learning to walk and the mums' reactions to that process:
- Encouraging in tone and emotion that it's a positive process.
- Celebrating for every strengthening step.
- Discounting the "pain" of falling.
- Placing the baby near the sofa to support them cruising.
- Ensuring the distance isn't too great so that the goals are achievable.
- Ensuring the space is safe to walk.
- Ensuring the space "grows" with the walking — self-exploration is safe.
- Creating walking boundaries.
If learning to walk were a metaphor for learning in school, have we reacted the same way to our children failing, like the way we react to our babies falling?
The Fall And I Learn process is part and parcel of the learning process, and our reactions to how our children fail impacts the limbic system's memory and emotion regulation. If failing in school is constantly a negative memory and emotion, it creates a downward spiral towards any formal learning setting.
The brain is a learning organ in any situation, and association with new information is connected with prior experience about what to do with that new data.
Therefore, a positive framing of failure is key to helping the brain understand how to deal with the natural negative associations with failure — a topic to look into more deeply for another JSM session.
How then do we make learning fun?
Knowing that effective learning is as fun as hitting the gym for hours on repetitive exercises and bland chicken breast meals, the fun in learning is actually in a few key strategies, which allows the learner to feel motivated and getting a dopamine hit:
- Keeping track of progress: recording the number of times and results of each practice testing (how often correct, how short a time to get it correct, etc.)
- Celebrating milestones with a positive memory, eg. ice cream cone for achieving a school goal.
- Noticing the progress: Articulate to our kids the progress that they've made and our emotions to that. Help them see the changes that they can't see.
- Provide learning support: (see our previous JSM meeting on Strategies in motivating our kids to do their homework well.)
The motherhood journey in supporting our children to grow and thrive is an immensely satisfying and rewarding one. Thankfully, it's also a journey of friends, who can help us be better mothers in their sharing of strategies and perspectives that work for them.
The Junior Saints Mums ended their February meeting with a delicious lohei, and shouts of blessings upon our school community: staff, families, and children.


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DAVID Hussey, Cameron White and Glenn Maxwell have all departed Sri Lanka with their reputations dented.
The three Victorians played a part in Australia's suspect middle-order, though in Hussey's case it was an inglorious last-minute cameo. He was entitled to feel disgruntled at being left out of the side despite his wealth of Twenty20 experience, but didn't make the selectors regret their call with his performance in the semi-final against the West Indies.
Chris Gayle was on the lash when Hussey bowled, returning figures of 0-22 from two overs, but to be bounced on a slow pitch by Ravi Rampaul, no one's idea of a menacing fast bowler, was not a good look. Nor did an awkward misfield off Brad Hogg's bowling help his cause.
Hussey has been a dangerous and successful limited-overs batsman for Australia, and he's come back from selection setbacks before, but at the age of 35 his international future looks uncertain, at best.
Maxwell was encouraged to bat with the audaciousness that is his trademark, and captain George Bailey defended the shot that hastened Australia's unravelling against Pakistan's spinners in the last Super Eight game.
Still, he finished the event out of the team after an awful game that included dropping the batsman who mounted the match-winning partnership. There is plenty of time for the 23-year-old to come back, and no one doubt's Maxwell's talent or his unwavering self-belief, but a campaign that yielded eight runs in two innings and 1-53 in seven overs amounts to a reality check for the emerging all-rounder.
There are mitigating factors; the middle-order was sheltered for the first four games by the broad bat of Shane Watson and the big winning margins in those games left them short of exposure in pressure moments.
White presents the most perplexing case of the three Victorians. He batted Australia to victory against Ireland and South Africa with 21 not out and 22 not out, but on both occasions the top three had set a formidable platform. Still, this was not a triumphant return to Australian colours for the ex-captain.
Dropped after a dismal season in January, White fought his way back into the team through the Indian Premier League, but he couldn't transfer that explosive form onto the international stage.
When the pressure was on in Colombo, against Pakistan and the West Indies, he made 12 and five. The 29-year-old has some further rebuilding to do if he is to get there.
This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on 苏州美甲美睫培训.