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I've been updating Quickshots again. Just a little bit here and there.
I'm using the Facebook Page as my host since I'm not sure anyone on SmackJeeves even remembers me.
So... hey. :-)
|Welcome To Quickshots
About Quickshots
Single-panel jokes featuring box-headed guys with one eye. It's absurd. It's fun. It's updated regularly. :D All the cool people are reading it. They told me so. Visit Us At: http://qs-labs.com
NEWS» Hiatus from Hiatus - October 11th, 2015, 2:40 pm
» Little Blue Flair - April 9th, 2012, 7:47 pm
» I might be back soon. - January 17th, 2012, 8:03 pm
» Got my Queue messed up. - September 5th, 2010, 1:08 pm
» No more guest comments. - December 25th, 2009, 3:20 pm
Latest Comic
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Follow @JimmyDabomb
Little Blue Flair - April 9th, 2012, 7:47 pm
Quickshots is out of hiatus. YES!
I might be back soon. - January 17th, 2012, 8:03 pm
I've been pondering returning to quickshots on a semi-regular basis, but am holding off until I'm sure I have time. It's amazingly fun, but we'll just have to see.


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Wildflowers are one of the many reasons people visit Albany during Spring. Grab your camera, take a hike through the many National Parks and find some awesome coloured flora. Although the peak flowering time is from September to November, there is always something in flower throughout the year
There are more than 1,500 species of plants and more than a hundred types off birds found in the popular Australian National Park, Stirling National Park near Albany. In season, wildflowers bring abundant colour to walk trails and picnic areas. The nearby Porongurup National Park is also a great place for birdwatchers.
At the end of the day come back to your luxurious room and download your photos. Using our Free WiFi share your photos with your friends and family.

subset: commoncrawl


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Destination UE
Finding your way to the future
"UE is a place that encourages, and propels you to be your best"
Will Knights
Major: Marketing and Finance
Local Internship with a Global Reach
When Will Knights started participating in a ChangeLab Program at UE, he thought it would be good to have some real world experience in an academic capacity. "It was great to gain some insight as to how a large corporation operates and try to offer some consulting advice from a student's perspective," he said.
His ChangeLab project team worked with Berry Plastics, a global plastics manufacturer headquartered right here in Evansville, just a few miles from campus. He said it was a lot of work, "but the more I immersed myself in the class, the more I learned and was able to take away from it."
Opportunities Grow into other Opportunities
The final project in the class was a presentation in front of a few vice presidents and other employees from Berry Plastics, as well as executive faculty members from UE. "It was my first real presentation to people who held this much importance in their jobs," said Will. The presentation was a huge success, and soon after they had finished, Berry's vice president of marketing offered Will an internship in the Global Marketing division. During his time there, he worked on projects including focus groups, blog posts, presentation reconstruction, research, and preparation for conventions. His experience has shown him the ins and outs of an extremely large corporation, and he knows that the first-hand experience he received will prove invaluable in the future.
"This was exactly the internship I was looking for to help me prepare for the real world, and it all started because I took a class."
Preparation for Your Best Success
Between opportunities for internships and leadership positions in student organizations, opportunities for growth and development are everywhere. "UE is a place that encourages, and propels you to be your best," said Will.
He came to UE with the goals of getting good grades and working toward being a leader on campus, knowing that those goals would lead to good things after graduation. "I want to have influence and know that at the end of the day, I made a difference," he said.
"UE has helped me see that I have a lot of potential, and I am going to be able to do great things after I get my diploma."
More Profiles
Office Phone:
800-423-8633, ext. 2468
Office Email:
Office Location:
1800 Lincoln Ave. Evansville Indiana 47722


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After three years or so of overspending, the Minneapolis Public Schools have a problem.
It's a $33 million problem that has district leaders scrambling for good china to sell, jewelry to hock, and useless programs to cut.
Guess what might not survive?
Insiders say the Office of Black Male Student Achievement could quietly shut down.
It's been three years now and Michael Walker, the OBMSA's Director, and his staff have failed to wipe out the racial disparities it took the district a century of neglect to create.
With a budget Armageddon pending, programs that don't work must go. Or, so the internal narrative says.
MPS Superintendent Ed Graff practicing a trite brand of confessional and practiced transparency sent a public letter back in February to announce the problem:
….for the past five years, MPS has routinely spent significantly more money than it has – resulting in mid-year budget shortfalls that jeopardize the stability of our schools and their management. You may recall seeing the audit of last year's finances which found a $21 million shortfall mid-way through last year. Unfortunately, this wasn't an isolated incident. During each of the past five years, auditors uncovered similar mid-year shortfalls totaling anywhere from approximately $326,000 to $38 million.
Don't worry though, Graff has a plan for resolving the budget problem.
A 10% reduction in costs from central administration, 2.5% skimming from school budgets, and a squandering of the district's reserves for the rest.
Of course, the incessant whispers about a certain MPS' Board Chair who got far too cozy with the previous Chief Financial Officer (to the point of acting like a paid employee rather than an elected board member), which resulted in the district being broker than broke, isn't the worst of it.
The real problem, the one that justified establishing the OBSA, remains the same.
Black kids in MPS are drowning academically and socially.
The MPS is a district of "schools," and as such you expect them to be teaching, and for students to be learning, and by any measure that isn't happening – especially for the high-potential students Walker is nurturing to health.
Just look at this nonsense:
One in five black students proficient. Even fewer prepared to be scientific.
It's hard to imagine the Minneapolis Board of Education has time to discuss anything other than [black] student achievement, but this isn't really a "black" or "achievement" oriented board.
Ok, so it's not all bad news.
Looking at overall suspensions the trend is going in the right direction with fewer suspensions, out-of-school removals, expulsions, referral to law enforcement, and administrative transfers.
See the good trends for yourself:
That's something to celebrate.
We can't be sure that Walker's (all-black) team of professionals made that happen, but it's progress.
Back when Walker's office started MPS black students had an average 1.9 GPA, a 36% 4-year graduation rate, 5,701 days of missed because of suspensions, and 20,893 referrals for discipline.
Since then the OBSA has engaged the black community – elders, parents, leaders, barbers, you name it- and internal stakeholders. They have trained 1,200 teachers with strategies for reducing bias against black males.
But, happy stats aside, real problems remain.
For instance, 2017-18 looks bad for Washburn High School. Their suspension, removals, and calls for law enforcement point upward:
Southwest High School seems to have obliterated suspensions by punting kids into police paddy wagons and waving them adieu.
And, North High, the really tiny school with small class sizes and more funding than any school in the district?
A damn trainwreck.
Here are their suspensions:
And, their academic outcomes?
To that we say….
This looks like a district that needs Walker and his office more than the other way around.
Listen, it's obvious MPS has a problem with black students, and those problems won't be solved by starting and stopping programs that improve the culture of schools and provide critical mentoring and support.
In the past, BAE raised holy hell to get a realistic budget for Walker and the OBMSA. We feared the district was treating this work like a vanity project only to give the illusion of equity.
We won't stand for that now.
Every city with a black male achievement program says the same thing: the work takes time and district leadership has to be in it for real.
Walker and his team are doing their work, building something that is essential, and they deserve to keep their little $1.2 million budget to continue.
This board, this superintendent, and all their careerists need to find a way to fix the budget mess they created without robbing the OBMSA to do it.
We're watching.


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San Juan Islands
Imagine yourself on a quiet island, just an hour away (via sea plane) from Seattle. A place that you can hike, enjoy the sunshine, and watch whales! This peaceful place otherwise known as San Juan Islands will certainly make you think twice about where you want to retire.
This year is the year where I do something new, each month. So I took my first sea plane, thanks to Kenmore Air, over to San Juan Islands for a day adventure. With a stacked itinerary and gorgeous weather, I made my way through the island from one end to another, submerged in the beauty of the environment.
From the lavender fields to the Alpaca farm, I spent the day disconnected from the world. While there are quite a few places to see on the island, these are my top 3 must-see during your trip to San Juan.
1. Lime Kiln Point State Park
3. English Camp
Thank you to the visitor's bureau of San Juan Islands for showing me around. I truly loved my experience there and cannot wait to go back. Thank you!


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The Benefits of Moving Truck Rentals
If you're looking for a cost-effective, convenient and flexible solution for your do-it-yourself move, then a moving truck rental might prove to be your best option. With a host of moving services available to choose from these days, including portable moving containers and professional relocation services, only a truck rental provides you with one hundred percent complete control over your move and for many people, this fact alone makes this choice the ideal moving option. Let's take a look at some of the other benefits that come along for the ride when you rent a truck to handle your move.
National coverage
Many of the larger moving truck and van rental companies maintain pick-up and drop-off centers in most major cities across the United States. Even if you move to another state, most companies will have a service center nearby where you can return the truck once you're finished with it.
Various truck sizes
If you have a modicum of household items to transport, you can save money by renting a smaller moving truck. Most moving truck rental companies offer trucks with a range of capacities so finding one to fit your items comfortably is usually easy. By choosing the correct size truck, you'll save money and your items will be snugly packed for safer transport. Plus, choose large enough and your move can be successfully managed in one trip.
Save money with DIY moving
One of the most significant reasons why truck rentals are so popular among DIY movers is that when used properly, they can save the mover hundreds of dollars in moving and transport costs.
Vehicle transportation
With a moving truck rental, getting your vehicle to your new home is easy and it won't cost you a dime in extra costs outside of the trailer rental. All rental trucks are equipped with a ball socket that can accompany a vehicle trailer. With this feature, you can tow your vehicle to your new home while cutting costs associated with fuel, tolls and other costs related to driving in separate vehicles.
Suitable for short and long distance moves
Rental moving trucks are a great choice for both local and long distance moves. They cut down on repeated trips and they can save you time and energy.
Coverage options
Depending on your homeowner's and auto insurance, you and your items may be covered while in the process of moving. But if your policies don't offer this benefit, truck rental agencies offer a range of different coverage options so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Enjoy a greener move
If you're interested in doing your part for the environment, you'll be glad to know that many truck rental companies offer trucks powered by diesel. This fuel allows the truck to travel farther while using less when compared with gasoline. Rental truck companies also maintain mostly late model trucks which means cleaner- running engines with fewer emissions and improved fuel economy.
Moving accessories available
When you're managing a do-it-yourself move, there are many things that arise that can wind up costing you money you weren't aware of. This includes many of the moving accessories necessary for facilitating a safe and easy move, like a dolly and packing blankets. Moving truck rentals come with a dolly and packing blankets on board. If you choose to use these accessories, you will know beforehand how much they will cost you, but if you don't need to use them, then you can save yourself even more money. But, it's nice having them there in case you need them.


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Rose sat heavily in the chair beside the bed as she wiped the last traces of blood from her hands and forearms. "We get you cleaned up, Missy," she said, "before your man come in here. He see you like this, he liable to fall out."
Addie looked up from the head of her nuzzling baby long enough to give the older woman a wan smile. "I guess I don't exactly look fit for polite company, do I?"
"Honey, after what you just done, ain't nobody gonna expect lace and spit curls. But we don't wanna scare your man, neither. Most men can stand nearly anythin' 'cept birthin' blood. I think it must remind 'em of what it done took they mamas to get 'em here. I think they feels bad about it but can't say so."
Addie caressed the child's downy head. She was starting to get the hang of nursing now and her little mouth was pulling greedily at the nipple. Addie felt the twinge of afterpangs now and again, but compared to the ordeal of the birth, they were barely worth noting.
"Raise up a little on this side, honey." She leaned as Rose directed, feeling the sheets slide from beneath her. "Now the other side, sugar. Your nightgown don't look too bad, since we kept it up out the way. We get some clean sheets on this here bed and then we be ready for the new papa to come have a look at this here fine young 'un."
Addie peered down at the tiny profile, still nursing eagerly. The baby's eyes were open, their hue a dark blue bordering on purple, and now and again Addie thought she cut her eyes upward, trying to see. "My sweet baby," Addie murmured, stroking the still-moist cheek. "My beautiful, perfect child." She felt dizzied by the dense reality of the suckling child in her arms, by the unfamiliar, stunning fact of her presence. All during the nine months leading up to this moment, Addie had known her more as idea than actuality. But now . . . This thing that had issued from her in tides of pain and blood was a person, endowed with every perfect detail in breathtaking miniature. There now existed a living, breathing human being who had never before been! The simple wonder of it rose far beyond the reach of her mind's vision, swelling unutterable within her until she thought her heart must burst. She used a finger to heft the tiny hand with its five miniscule fingernails, and suddenly she knew: her heart wasn't bursting. It was stretching to bear her love for this child, just as her muscles and sinews and flesh had stretched and groaned to deliver such a miracle into the light of day.
Rose tossed a clean, crisp sheet into the air and it settled down over them like a gently falling cloud. She tucked the corners in and propped Addie up just so. Casting a final critical glance at the tableau, she went to the door and called out to Zeb. "Well? You ready to see your new baby?"
Addie heard his steps slowly traverse the parlor. He stepped into the doorway, his face as drawn and void as an empty poke. He looked at her, then down at the tiny head bobbing at her breast, and his eyes flared open. The sight breathed life back into him; his whole body bloomed and stretched and widened with joy, and a grin clasped his face. "Why, Addie," he breathed, "it's … it's beautiful!"
"Not an 'it.' It's a 'she,"' Addie beamed.
"A girl?"
"Yeah. Is that all right?"
"Why—why, I imagine so! I imagine so!"
"What you doin', standin' in that door like you's company?" Rose said. "Get on over there and hold that baby!"
Nervously rubbing his hands on his wrinkled shirt front, Zeb sidled toward the bed. He reached forward to receive the wrapped bundle.
"Don't worry, you ain't fixin' to break her," came Rose's voice, soft at his elbow. "Just let her head rest in the crook o' your arm; there–just like that. Looky there, she cuttin' her eyes at you. You see your daddy, li'l Missy? This here your papa, honey."
Zeb peered into his daughter's face, hardly daring to breathe.
"Her … her mouth looks like yours," he told Addie in a stage whisper.
"Yeah, but she got your eyes, that's for sure," Rose said.
"You really think so?"
"Mmm-hmm. I expect they be green this time next year, just like yours. What you gonna name her?"
Zeb and Addie stared at each other. "I thought we'd name her Mary Alice," Addie said, "after both our mothers. If … that'd be–all right."
Zeb's eyes were drawn back to the tiny, red face peering from the blankets. "Well, Miss Mary Alice Douglas. How do you do?"
In the days that followed, Zeb became more practiced at holding his daughter, but he never quite felt comfortable doing it. Addie or Rose would place the baby in his arms, and he would struggle manfully to relax—mostly to no effect. But Mary Alice didn't seem to mind; she seemed fully as contented to be in one set of arms as another. Unless, of course, she was hungry or soiled. Then Zeb yielded gratefully to the experts.
He couldn't talk about the way he felt toward the child because he didn't understand it himself. Looking at her, he felt an odd mixture of awe, delight, confusion, pride, fear, and pleasure. Protective zeal surged through him, and on its heels came intense bouts of anxiety. It was at once a wonder and a worry to him that he must now portion his consciousness, not in halves, but in thirds. "Daughter" became an exotic taste for him, a new sensation that he caressed in his mind, standing back and watching himself admire its novelty—and fret over its ramifications.
Sometimes, as he sat, he would catch one of the women watching him. Addie's eyes were always soft and cherishing, loving him from where she sat, glowing with an adoration that seemed to radiate to him from the baby when he held her. These days, he basked in a reflected light.
Rose, on the other hand, used a more veiled look. Sometimes she would smile at him a little and nod her head, but her eyes never dropped their guarded assessment. She reminded Zeb of an insurance prospect, listening patiently to the sales pitch and constantly wondering how much the payments will be.
He sometimes thought he was outside the fence, looking in at Rose and Addie. The two women shared something he couldn't calculate or understand. It was the same when callers came, the women all aflutter and the men—when they couldn't avoid coming—with hats in hand, smiling gravely down at Mary Alice, who appeared completely indifferent to all the attention. The women had so much to say about the whole matter; the men seemed more intent on failing to notice it. They would talk to Zeb about the weather, about automobiles, about dogs and guns and Congress. They would have discussed business, he guessed, but for their knowledge of the line Zeb was in. Maintaining a proper distance was the thing.
A few days after Mary Alice's birth, a delivery boy came bearing a stylishly wrapped package with a card from the men at the home office. "Congratulations, Zeb and Addie," it read. Along with the package, the boy handed Zeb a small note in a separate envelope. "So pleased to hear of your new arrival," it read in Mr. Griffs' back-slanted hand, "and looking forward to your return to the field. Little Rock needs your steady hand on the tiller."
Reading the note again, Zeb—to his surprise—felt an odd sense of relief. In the back of his mind, he had been wondering how to broach the subject of his return to work, but there hadn't seemed to be a right time to mention it. Now, Mr. Griffs had handled it for him. After all, the bosses were plainly ready to have him back in action. Surely no one could fault him for that! And, with the new responsibility of a child to feed and clothe, it was only right that he return to the serious business of making a living. Addie would understand.
"Oh, Zeb, look!" Addie cried, holding up from the ruin of the decorated box a shining silver cup and saucer. "It's got her name engraved on it, and her date of birth!" Addie turned the set this way and that.
"Sure is pretty," said Rose, cradling Mary in one meaty arm.
"Zeb, you must tell Mr. Griffs and the others how delightful this is!"
"Well, now that you mention it," he said in his most carefully casual voice, "I had thought about checking in at the office here in the next day or so."
"Yes, I suppose it's about time for you to think about getting back," Addie said. The dip in her voice was so slight, Zeb would never have noticed it, had he not been looking for it.
The next morning he rose and quietly washed and dressed in the halflight that trickled through the closed window shades. His eyes felt gritty, and there was a dull pressure in his forehead. He figured he'd slept perhaps three hours all night.
Sleeping with an infant in the tiny bedroom was a mounting frustration. Each time Mary would gurgle or stir, Addie would sit up or rise from the bed to stand over her and peer intently at her in the dimness. And then, every three hours or so, the baby would get hungry and begin the clucking and chirping that would eventually erupt into a full-blown demand to be fed. Usually, before she could get up a full head of steam, Addie would reach into the crib and gather her up, murmuring sleepily to her and bringing her to the breast.
Amid such a commotion and bouncing of mattresses and rustling of bedclothes, slumber would have been impossible to any but a dead man, Zeb surmised. He had always been a light sleeper in the first place, and the nightly program was certainly not geared to his rest patterns. Addie could catnap during the day when Mary was asleep, but he had never been able to doze when the sun was up.
As he fastened the cuffs on his shirt, he looked over at the tangled bundle on the bed sighing deeply in rhythmic, slow breaths. Best not to disturb Addie, he thought. Lifting his coat from the bedpost, he tiptoed from the room. He took one last glance at the two sleepers and backed quietly through the door, latching it behind him.
In the kitchen was Rose, who had slept on the settee. She sat at the small table, blowing softly on a steaming cup of coffee. She looked tired, crumpled. As he came in, she got up to get the coffeepot. She poured a cup and set it in front of him.
She seated herself again without replying. They both sipped gingerly at the black, near-boiling brew.
"They's toast in the skillet," she said, a few moments later.
He went over to the stove and carefully plucked a crisp slice of buttered bread from the flat iron skillet. He took a bite, then another.
"How come you didn't go back to your cousin's last night?" he asked around his second mouthful.
Rose sipped, then shrugged. "Got too late. Thought y' all might need some help."
"Sure was a short night," he admitted.
She tilted her cup and allowed a little coffee to dribble down its side into her saucer to cool. In a bit, she picked up the saucer and slurped. Setting it down slowly, she glanced at him. ''Ain't nobody's fault, though."
He looked at her. "Do what?"
"Ain't the baby's fault. She don't know no better. And Miz Addie bound to be restless with her for a little while, till she get used to it."
"I know that."
She looked down at her saucer. "Yessuh. I'm just sayin' … "
He took a few more sips of his coffee, then poured the remainder down the sink. He crossed the parlor and took his hat from the lamp table, pulled on his coat, and walked out the front door.
Rose watched him leave, then studied the tabletop for a long while. "Lord, tell me I'm wrong about that man," she prayed softly.
Perhaps forty-five minutes later, Addie stumbled into the kitchen.
"Mornin'," said Rose.
"Good morning. I don't know why I'm up, the baby's still asleep."
"You better get your rest while you can," Rose said. "You want some coffee?"
"Oh, nothing right now, Rose, thanks." She peered around. "Where's Zeb?"
"He gone, honey. He left before you got up."
"Oh. Well, I … I guess he needed to get an early start."
"Mmm-hmm. I guess so."
This post is a chapter from the novel Sunday Clothes, by Thom Lemmons. Sunday Clothes will soon be available for purchase as an e-book at www.homingpigeonpublishing.com


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Apple Disputes Browser Speed-Test Methodology
Apple is understandably a little upset with the smartphone browser speed test results that came out earlier today. Blaze Software ran an iPhone 4 through a battery of tests up against a Nexus S and found the Apple device to take around 50% longer to load pages. Apple's fired back, attacking the way Blaze ran its tests, claiming they don't accurately reflect the phone's performance due to the roundabout way Blaze conducted its study.
Apple seems to think that this difference, once corrected for, will put the iPhone on top of browser speed ranking. The company pointed out that, even with this handicap, it still only lagged behind Android by a second or so. We'd be very interested to see a new round of tests, one giving us some more useful figures to reveal who's really the fastest game in town.
Source: Ars Technica


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CEO and Co-founder, Generate Capital
Scott Jacobs is the CEO and Co-Founder of Generate Capital. Scott's long-standing emphasis on innovative approaches to thematic investing focus broadly on the "resource revolution." Prior to Generate, Scott served as a Managing Director and Co-Founder of EFW Partners, an investment firm focused on the world's critical resources: energy, food, and water. In 2007, Scott co-founded McKinsey & Company's global CleanTech practice, advising companies, institutional investors, NGOs and governments around the world. Prior to that, Scott spent over a decade in technology and venture capital, helping start and grow a number of companies, including PolyServe (acquired by HP) and Alliance Data Systems (acquired by FiServ). Scott earned his MBA with high distinction from Harvard Business School, where he was named a George F. Baker Scholar, and his BA cum laude from Dartmouth College. Scott also serves on the Board of Rare, a leading global conservation non-profit.


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Higher summer school attendance creates funding concerns
COLUMBIA — Missouri public schools are expected to have higher summer school attendance rates this year, yet some officials worry these higher numbers could mean less funding later down the road.
"We are anticipating this year's growth will exceed what we've had in the last six or seven years," said Dr. Ronald Lankford, Deputy Commissioner for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
DESE reports Columbia's School District has seen the highest attendance rates since 2011.
Each year school districts will report their total number of hours students attended summer school to DESE to calculate the total hours of enrollment.
Under current statutes, the average daily attendance calculation is equal to number of hours in attendance, divided by the number of hours in the school district's calendar year.
Lankford said higher attendance rates can result in disproportionate education funding across the state.
"The funding per student, is you take the amount of money divided by average daily attendance, so the larger the ADA, the less that can be paid per student."
Lankford said the current funding structure can result in some districts getting less money.
"If you have a school district that doesn't have a summer school because they might be in a rural area, and they can't afford to have a summer school program for efficiency sake, they will get less money because of summer school thats provided in other districts."
Some state lawmakers think the focus should be on finding a solution with the current funding problem for education.
"We have to make those tough decisions and we have to prioritize the body what's more important, and if education turns up on the list, somebody's going to have to lose," said Rep. David Wood, R-Versailles.
Wood said he supports summer school, but wants to re-configure how it is funded.
DESE officials said another solution to the problem could be an extended calendar year.
"If all students don't go to summer school, we're not bridging the gap for all kids, maybe we need to look at a longer school year with intervals during the year, rather than focusing on some of the students rather than all of the students," Lankford said.
Lankford said he is hopeful this issue will be addressed in the next legislative session.


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Gold Stocks in a Failing Fiat Currency
By David Galland, Managing Director, Casey Research
As the U.S. dollar takes a nosedive and precious metals gain more and more attention from individual investors, the number of questions and concerns is increasing as well. The following reader email addressed to Casey Research is representative of so many inquiries that we decided to provide an in-depth response that may prove instructional to others as well.
I have been agonizing about getting metal after dumping paper metal I held and was reading the Daily Dispatch looking for investment clues. I was pondering the ratios of thirds that you mentioned in a recent Dispatch and the pursuing of metal stocks when an issue occurred to me that was not mentioned.
On the one hand, you discuss the dollar trap of investors running from one currency to another, away from the dollar and back to it. I fear that the dollar is doomed as are other fiat currencies, and time is getting short. So the question that came to mind is, what happens if one is invested in metal stocks or any vehicle that is denominated in a fiat currency, and that currency goes bust, blotto?
What value does that investment retain? Does it become a total loss? Redefined into the currency of the locality that operations are in? Converted into some other New World Order monetary unit, SDR's or nationalization of any regional assets by the locals? Is this impossible to plan for?
I realize I am probably speculating on a subject that can only be determined by psychics and crystal balls, or those with a sixth sense on the subject, but it is an issue I have not heard anyone ponder, except those who only beat the drum for physical metals.
If I allocate away from physical into speculative investments denominated in fiat in the ratios you suggest, it might provide an additional boost if one's timing is impeccable. But weighing that against being trapped in a depreciating currency unit, along with the possibility of physical metal becoming unobtainium, it does not seem to be a prudent decision.
I would appreciate a further explanation for your ratios, and does the ratio vary with total personal asset amount? Is your ratio determined by finances or politics?
Here at Casey Research, our current rule of thumb suggests a portfolio allocation of approximately one-third in precious metals and related investments; one-third in cash (spread among several currencies), and one-third in "other" – namely deep-value stocks, energy, emerging market investments, etc. These ratios are meant entirely as a general guideline, as everyone's circumstances will be different.
The concept is that the one-third dedicated to a mix of physical precious metals and stocks (the mix determined by risk tolerance) will offer you "insurance" against further currency debasement as well as some very attractive upside potential… with the amount of the upside determined by the amount of risk you are willing to take on
Which is to say, with the true Mania Phase of the precious metals markets still ahead of us, the micro-cap junior resource explorers still hold the potential for explosive profits. But they require being able to hang in there through periods of extreme volatility. Moving down the risk/reward scale, the larger producers will provide very handsome upside, but without the risk of being "trapped" in a thinly traded junior. And finally, for the precious metals component of the portfolio, the amount you hold in physical metals should be viewed as a core holding of "good" money.
The one-third dedicated to cash reduces overall volatility and gives you ammo to jump on new opportunities. By spreading the money across a number of better-managed currencies, as well as your native currency for general expenses and liquidity, your currency portfolio can preserve value better than a "red or black" bet on a single currency such as the U.S. dollar or euro.
Our subscribers have done well with the "resource" currencies of the Canadian dollar and the Norwegian krone. In time, as the purchasing power of the fiat currencies begin to decline, we'll be looking to reduce this segment of the portfolio.
The final one-third is something of a catch-all, where we opportunistically follow some key themes such as energy, food, inverse interest rates, foreign real estate, and so forth.
Again, that particular allocation is necessarily general – with some focusing more heavily on the precious metals, others on the cash component, and others on more traditional stocks.
Now, as to the part of Chet's question dealing with "what happens if one is invested in metal stocks or any vehicle that is denominated in a fiat currency, and that currency goes bust, blotto?"
To answer that, I adroitly hand the baton over to Terry Coxon, one of our Casey economists and editors.
Here's Terry…
Not to worry. You may be confusing "denominated in" with "quoted in."
Every bond and every CD is denominated in a particular currency, which means that what it promises to pay you is a certain number of units of the currency. A U.S. Treasury bond, for example, promises you a certain number of U.S. dollars. An investment's denomination is part of the investment's character.
In most cases, an investment is quoted in a particular currency. Prices of U.S. Treasury bonds, to use the same example, are customarily quoted in U.S. dollars. But that is only a matter of customary practice. You could, if you found it convenient, quote the price of a U.S. Treasury bond in Swiss francs. For all I know, there are people in Zurich who do just that.
That's the difference between denominated in and quoted in. The denomination is inherent in the investment. The currency used for price quotes is a matter of convention and can change.
By convention, stocks trading in New York are quoted in U.S. dollars, stocks trading in London are quoted in pence, and stocks trading in Tokyo are quoted in yen. Notably, some stocks are quoted in more than one currency, such as Canadian stocks that trade both in Canada and in the U.S. – a demonstration that the currency used for quoting a stock's price is a matter of choice and not something inherent in the investment.
So in what currency is a common stock denominated? No currency at all. A share of common stock doesn't promise to pay you a certain number of units of a particular currency. Instead, it promises to pay you a pro-rata portion of whatever money or other property the company distributes as a dividend. If all paper currencies lose all value, successful gold mining companies will still own their properties and can still operate profitably. But when they pay dividends, they won't be paying out dollars or any other paper currency. They will be paying out whatever has replaced the paper currencies – perhaps gold itself.
Carefully chosen gold stocks won't evaporate when paper currencies do. They will rise in value.
And no one chooses gold stocks more carefully than BIG GOLD editor Jeff Clark. Picked for asset protection as well as outstanding profit potential, his medium- to large-cap gold and silver producers are generating steady returns of 56.8%... 46%... even 187.9% for subscribers. And right now, if you give it a try, you can kill two resource birds with one stone: Pay just $79 per year for BIG GOLD, plus receive 12 monthly issues of Casey's Energy Opportunities FREE. More here.
Over in the options trading pit, we now have 59 winners out of 61 trades, or a 96.72% success rate and have opened 3 new positions.
The above progress chart is being updated constantly. However, to see exactly how it is going, please click this link.
So, the question is: Are you going to make the decision to join us today, before we decide to cap membership.
Stay on your toes and have a good one.
Got a comment then please add it to this article, all opinions are welcome and very much appreciated by both our readership and the team here.
To stay updated on our market commentary, which gold stocks we are buying and why, please subscribe to The Gold Prices Newsletter, completely FREE of charge. Simply click here and enter your email address. (Winners of the GoldDrivers Stock Picking Competition 2007)
For those readers who are also interested in the silver bull market that is currently unfolding, you may want to subscribe to our Free Silver Prices Newsletter.
For those readers who are also interested in the nuclear power sector you may want to subscribe to our Free Uranium Stocks Newsletter, just click here.


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SDPP's has released their annual review for 2016. As you will see from the review, 2016 saw Team SDPP support thousands or disabled and other vulnerable people with a range of services.
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Join Pajaro Valley Pride at the Appleton Grill in an effort to raise funds for this years pride celebration! Happy hour will go on throughout the event. Lotteria starts at 7pm. Each card will cost $2.00 per game the winner will get HALF of the money collected from each game!!! Open Mic kicks off at 8pm bring your talent and dazzling personalities to the stage! We hope to see you all there make sure to bring your friends!
To visit this event's Facebook page click here: www.facebook.com/pajarovalleypride/
To visit this event's website click here: www.pajarovalleypride.org


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This Thursday marks a milestone event for Startup Edmonton and the startup community: DemoCamp 30!
DemoCamp brings together developers, creatives, entrepreneurs and investors to share what they've been working on and to find others in the community interested in similar topics. For presenters, it's a great way to get feedback on what you're building from peers and the community, all in an informal setting.
The rules for DemoCamp are simple: 7 minutes to demo real, working products, followed by a few minutes for questions, and no slides allowed.
- Time: 6:30 pm doors open, 6:45 pm program starts
- Location: CCIS L1-160, University of Alberta
- Drinks and networking to follow at RATT (Room At The Top) - 7th floor of the Students Union Building
- #democampyeg
This edition of DemoCamp features three student teams from the recent HackED Hackathon hosted at Startup Edmonton as part of ECE Week 2016. the 2016 HackED saw 100 students form 20 teams to create software and hardware projects in just 24 hours. We look forward to welcoming these student teams to DemoCamp to share their projects with the community.


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This seems like a significant announcement. As we move towards a more dynamic user interface, the ability to rely on proven web-based technologies like Flex will be key to Sakai's success. Does the fact that Flex will become open source "grease the skids" for further adoption within open source projects like Sakai?
This includes not only the source to the ActionScript components from the Flex SDK, which have been available in source code form with the SDK since Flex 2 was released, but also includes the Java source code for the ActionScript and MXML compilers, the ActionScript debugger and the core ActionScript libraries from the SDK. The Flex SDK includes all of the components needed to create Flex applications that run in any browser – on Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux and on now on the desktop using "Apollo."
Announcement: http://labs.adobe.com/wiki/index.php/Flex:Open_Source


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This chapter provides information about how to provide feedback and contact support for the Sun Ray Software product.
To provide feedback or to ask a general question, you can post to the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and Sun Ray Clients Community. Posting to the Community does not guarantee a response from Oracle. If you need to report an issue and have an Oracle Premier Support Agreement, you should open a case with Oracle Support at https://support.oracle.com.
If you are reporting an issue, please provide the following information where applicable:
Description of the problem, including the situation where the problem occurs, and its impact on your operation.
Machine type, operating system version, browser type and version, locale and product version, including any patches you have applied, and other software that might be affecting the problem.
Detailed steps on the method you have used, to reproduce the problem.
Any error logs or core dumps.
If you have an Oracle Customer Support Identifier (CSI), first try to resolve your issue by using My Oracle Support at https://support.oracle.com. Your Oracle Premier Support CSI does not cover customization support, third-party software support, or third-party hardware support.
If you cannot resolve your issue, open a case with the Oracle specialist support team for technical assistance on break/fix production issues. The responding support engineer will need the following information to get started:
Your Oracle Customer Support Identifier.
The product you are calling about.
For Sun Ray Operating Software, specify Sun Ray HW for the Product and Firmware for the component.
A brief description of the problem you would like assistance with.
If your CSI is unknown, find the correct Service Center for your country (http://www.oracle.com/us/support/contact-068555.html), then contact Oracle Services to open a non-technical service request (SR) to get your CSI sorted. Once you have your CSI, you can proceed to open your case through My Oracle Support.
Available support for the Sun Ray products is as follows:
If you need Sun Ray Software (SW) support, you must have an Oracle Premier Support for Software (SPS) contract with Sun Ray Software as an asset.
If you need Sun Ray Hardware (HW) support you must have a Hardware Warranty (HWW) or Premier Support for Systems (PSS) contract for parts replacement of Sun Ray Clients, keyboards, mice, and monitors.
If you need Sun Ray Operating Software support, you must have a Premier Support for Systems (PSS) or Premier Support for Operating Systems (PSoS) contract with Sun Ray as an asset.


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|Credit: ECHORD experiments 2009-2013
ECHORD++, has received 19,75 million EURO to create new opportunities for European robotics researchers to work directly with SME/start-ups and new users/customers to create innovative products. The 60 months ECHORD++ project coordinated by Prof. Alois Knoll, TU Munch, will continue ECHORD's two pillars, "experiments" and "structured dialogue", taking advantage of experience and investment in the infrastructure. In addition, robot system customers and users will be involved through pilots for potential pre-commercial procurement, connecting suppliers directly with the market. Also, ECHORD++ will provide open experimental facilities, allowing new robot customers and users to interact with roboticists with no entrance barrier and at very low cost so that new communities can form.


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Gifted and Talented Team Leader – Mrs N Winwill
The NACE Award –www.nace.co.uk
On the 12th of July 2013 St. Crispin's School was awarded the prestigious NACE award recognising the high quality provision given to our Able, Gifted and Talented pupils. The Award is given by NACE: the National Association for Able Children in Education, a leading national education organisation and registered charity. Assessors judged the quality of the school's work by observing lessons, interviewing the pupils, teachers, parents and governors and by looking at the pupils' work. Assessors, who spent a day in the school, were impressed by strong leadership and management of provision which keeps the needs of more able learners at the forefront of the school's work and the good support and challenge provided by the Governors. Out of 3,360 schools, we are the 283rd school to receive this award, a fantastic achievement for the community of St Crispin's School.
What is Gifted and Talented?
A 'Gifted' learner describes a student who is of exceptionally high ability and is capable of excelling in one or more subject, generally the top 2% nationally and the top 5- 10 % of St Crispin's cohort, each year.
A 'Talented' learner describes a student who has the ability to excel in practical skills such as sport, art, music and drama.
How do we identify a pupil as Gifted and Talented?
- Information given to us at transition from KS2
- Results of Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT) at the start of Year 7
- Performance and assessment in their subjects at St Crispin's School
What happens to a pupil who's been identified as Gifted and Talented?
- They are placed on our Gifted and Talented Register
- They are tracked to ensure they are making the right levels of progress
- Extra stretch and challenge will be given to them in lessons
- Extra-curricular provision in the form of clubs, events, trips and competitions
What is the Gifted and Talented Register?
The register is used by all teachers to track progress and ensure that pupils nominated are reaching their targets. Upon entry to KS4, G&T pupils should make 4+ levels of progress. Pupils can be added at any time during their schooling at St Crispin's School.
Follow all the Gifted and Talented news and updates on Twitter @GANDTCrispins – click here
For any more information on Gifted and Talented, please email – firstname.lastname@example.com


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Glaciers and remote wilderness
There's 600km of rugged coastline running down the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. This was our pioneer frontier and it's still a pretty wild place, a kind of time capsule that's teeming with wildlife and the stuff of legends, including glaciers advancing through the rainforest.
Recommended tours:


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How many of you have heard of the latest trend that we know as GLUTEN FREE? Everything now seems to be gluten free and people automatically reach for that in the grocery store or on a food menu. Hey, we are guilty of doing it too! Why is it that we are leaning towards the gluten free option? Well a lot of you would answer with "because we all know that gluten is a horrible destructive substance to put into our bodies, and consuming even a little will make us overweight right?" No, WRONG! Gluten has become synonymous with being unhealthy when that isn't the case, besides do you even know what gluten is? It's time to learn the truth about gluten!
First check out this video from Jimmy Kimmel proving to us how funny this gluten craze really is! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdJFE1sp4Fw&feature=kp
For those of you that were as clueless about Gluten as the people in the video, here is your textbook definition of gluten!
"Gluten refers to the proteins found in wheat endosperm (a type of tissue produced in seeds that's ground to make flour). Gluten both nourishes plant embryos during germination and later affects the elasticity of dough, which in turn affects the chewiness of baked wheat products. Gluten is composed of two different proteins: gliadin (a prolamin protein) and glutenin (a glutelin protein)."
Now that we have that covered we can move on. So, gluten isn't necessarily bad for you unless you have an intolerance to it like people with Celiac's disease. A condition, caused by an abnormal immune response to gluten, which causes damage to the lining of the small intestine. That, in turn, can prevent important nutrients from being absorbed. It has been estimated that only 1% of the population suffer from this disease. However, funny enough most of the people who reach for gluten-free products don't have celiac disease and or even sensitivity to wheat, Peter H.R. Green, MD, says, "The market for gluten-free products is exploding. Why exactly we don't know. Many people may just perceive that a gluten-free diet is healthier." This preconceived idea that gluten free is the healthier option for us may not be the best way to think.
For starters, going gluten-free means saying no to many common and nutritious foods. Since gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, it also shows up in many whole grain foods related to wheat. These include bulgur, farro, kamut, spelt, and triticale (a hybrid of wheat and rye). Gluten itself doesn't offer special nutritional benefits. But the many whole grains that contain gluten do. They're rich in an array of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and iron, as well as fiber.
Studies show that whole grain foods, as part of a healthy diet, may help lower risk of heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer. This means that we still need to be eating our carbohydrates, and swearing off gluten may not be the best idea for you! Gluten free diets can be low in fiber, iron, folate, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, calcium, vitamins, B12, phosphorus and zinc. So before you give up gluten try some exercise, or adding more fruits and vegetables in your diet and see if you feel a change in your body that way.
What do you think about the gluten free craze, thoughts, opinions, share them with us!


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Bubbly Long Island Country Escape by Celerie Kemble/
Beautiful, classic, and a teeny bit quirky is the perfect recipe for a country house. Celerie Kemble's creation of a country retreat on the North Shore of Long Island (ie: Gatsby-ville) for a childhood friend is a lovely example of a bucolic escape for a busy, city-based family. Light-hearted, and yet informed by the past, this charming weekend home is comfortable and stylish.
The expansive foyer of the home is an eye-catching mix of natural textures in neutral colors. The grasscloth walls, the rattan chair, the antique Latvian armoire (which is awesome, btw), the taupe and cream painted floor, the grey-brown millwork, are all subtle enough on their own (ok maybe the armoire isn't quite that subtle), but together they hum with nature-inspired appeal.
This shot provides a better look at the painted floors, and the whimsical rattan console adds even more natural texture to the space.
The family room is clad in horizontal clapboards, painted a fresh shade of pale green. The gentle vault of the ceiling is papered in an old school floral print with a contemporary navy-grounded color palette. Mixing burgundy and tan upholstery with the fresh green walls and papered ceiling brings a layer of richness to the space. And I'm never going to say no to a Brunschwig "Les Touches" upholstered settee.
I love that the fireplace surround was also painted the same color as the wall, all the way to the firebox.
The vaulted living room is cozy and chic in a marine blue grasscloth wallpaper. The red and blue color scheme of the space is basic and yet it reads as so sophisticated with shots of burgundy, aqua, and natural wood texture from the mantel, side table, and coffee table. Obviously I love those turquoise pagodas adorning the mantel, the slick red floor mirror, and, Holy Moly, that woven grass chandelier with tiny blue shades and swoops of red beads is killer.
A framed, vintage, skating sweater from a relative who competed in the Olympics adds a personal, Americana touch. And I stalked that red pagoda (from Meg Braff's shop, pretty close to this house in Locust Valley, NY) online forever - I'm glad to see it's found a good home. Me love you long time, red pagoda.
More pale green abounds in the bright and happy kitchen. The taupe and cream painted floor from the foyer as makes a cameo underneath a striped, woven rug. It's fun that Kemble and Co went with a colorful kitchen (plus dark soapstone countertops and metalic penny-round backsplash) as opposed to the more predictable white country kitchen. Love the coral seersucker lining in the upper cabinets as well! And while we're here, those built-in cabinets to either side of the arch are adorable.
Yes to the vintage style amazing wallpaper, yes to the coral seersucker built-in bench cushion, yes to the painted floors, BUT GUYS -- the turquoise and white Dutch door?!?! I die.
The floral wallpaper from the mudroom, with it's cheeky mid-century appeal, appears again here in the dining room. The bamboo chairs with their loopy detail, the plank-y wooden table, and the grass wrapped chandelier all give this space a relaxed, natural feel. And the coral seersucker present in both the kitchen and the mudroom bench makes for absolutely charming dining room curtains panels.
A baby boy's room is a classic space in blue and white. The quirky, printed wallpaper adds interest and its business contrasts wonderfully with the solid light blue eaves and ceiling. But, the triumph of this room is that roman shade with the oversized ric-rac trim. RIC-RAC TRIM, PEOPLE. I would put it on everything. Also, those gold pulls on the window are a perfect splash of metallic, campaign-inspired masculinity.
Big brother's bedroom is also classic and simple, but eschews little boy blue-and-white for vivid grass green and sunny yellow. Horizontal stripes add some off-beat fun, but many, many snaps for photographing this room with stickers on the bed. I totally put stickers on my bed as a little kid, and if you were born after 1980, I'm sure you did too. That's real.
Man, OH MAN, this master bedroom is straight of my monogrammed, pattern mixing, preppy , blue and green dreams! Leontine Linens with a sassy chartreuse trim coordinate with a gorgeous pair of Christopher Spitzmiller lamps. The scalloped heaboard clad in navy velvet also gets a citron splash with a contrasting welt. The mix of floral pillows and the b-e-a-u-tiful hydrangea blue and white wallpaper add the perfect amount of peppy contrast. Also, I see you little pleated shade swing-arm sconces.
The gorgeous striped paper continues on into a desk space between the bedroom and the bathroom. And anenomies and thistles (perfect for a Scot-ophile like me) in a julep cup are lovely.
I adore the petite and fuzzy (yes, its tiny fringe if you look closely) chartreuse trim on the otherwise simple, white drapes - such a charming touch. The clean-lined bedside chest in a bold oxblood color with with leather-wrapped handles and metallic legs adds a welcome, grounding presence, especially against the wonderful lightness of the painted white floors. A really masterful mix.
A lot of people who get country houses in this part of Long Island really insist on an aggressively elegant look (like, yeeesh, I get, you're fancy, leave poor Gwen at DeGournay alone for five minutes), but this house really nails a relaxed, comfortable, weekend environment that still nods to the genteel history of the area. It's so clear that this energetic home reflects the personalities of the owners. Who seem really cute and fun. Let's hang out.


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Organization History
The major events that compose the history of railways in Greece are:
Inauguration of railway services between Thision - Piraeus.
The stock company "Athens Railways - Piraeus - Peloponnese" (SPAP) is founded, based in Athens.
Official inauguration of the Thessalian Railway and first train journey from Volos to Larissa.
The Northwestern Greece Railway Company (SBDE) is founded and begins operating in the Messolonghi - Agrinio line.
The "Greek State Railways" (SEK) is founded as a public corporation with a view to consolidating and restructuring all hitherto operated regional railways of the Greek State; it is completed in 1965.
The "Hellenic Railways Organization" (OSE) is founded aiming at the unified organization, operation and development of railway transport.
The operation of the first electrified railway line between Thessaloniki – Idomeni is inaugurated.
The EDISY SA and TRAINOSE SA companies are created, to mark the newly stated separation of Infrastructure and Utilization. In 2008, infrastructure development is completely separated from the Group and directly assigned to the Greek State.
Absorption of the former subsidiary EDISY SA by OSE SA is completed and the immediate implementation of the new institutional framework starts, aiming at the restructuring and modernization of OSE SA.
-Streamlining the Organization's costs and human resources.
-The balance sheet (EBITDA) of OSE SA turns positive for the first time in years.
-Radical restructuring of the organizational structure.
-The balance sheet of OSE SA (EBITDA) remains positive for a second consecutive year.
-Implementation of the new organizational structure.
The following legislation acts are introduced:
- Separation of the rolling stock maintenance industry and its absorption by the newly established "Greek Railway Rolling Stock Maintenance Company" (EESSTY SA)
- Transfer of GAIAOSE SA shares to the Greek State
- Transfer of GAIAOSE shares to the Greek State is completed (Government Gazette 759 / vol. B '/ 03.04.2013).
-Separation of the Rolling Stock Maintenance Industry from OSE SA and its integration to EESSTY SA are completed (Government Gazette 1993 / 08.14.2013).
-Transfer of Rolling Stock Maintenance Industry human resources to EESSTY SA
-Development of Quality Management System and Environmental Management System according to International Standards ISO 9001 and 14001 respectively.
-OSE SA receives confirmation of Management Competency Type A & B - "Arrangements for the confirmation of Management Competency of beneficiaries for the period 2007 - 2013".
-The Company consolidates the above systems (Quality Management System, Environmental Management System and Management Competency System) into a Single Integrated Management System.


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Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy (FLEYA) - The FBI is partnering with Marquette University (MU) Police Department this summer to present a law enforcement youth camp to introduce high school students to municipal, state and federal law enforcement careers. The five-day, overnight camp will be hosted on the MU campus in Milwaukee and its free to all participants. The deadline to apply is March 30, 2018. Please see program flyer attachment below. If you have questions contact, Leonard Peace at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Program Flyer
CSI Camp - Space is limited, click here for more information.
Edgewood College Free Summer Math Program - Click Here for more information


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Windows are constructed of more than just wood and glass. Hardware not only makes windows functional, but it also enhances their appearance. Hardware is a bit like jewelry for your windows. However, the nomenclature for the hardware may be rather confusing at first glance. Below you will find a brief glossary of some terms that may be of interest when restoring your wooden windows back to their original splendor.
Cames: These are the lead rods that hold together the pieces of glass in a leaded or stained glass window.
Chain attachment spiral: This looks much like a small, metal spring and it is placed into a hole drilled in the window stile. This is how the chain of a weight and chain window is attached to the window sash itself.
Cremone bolt: Most often used on French and double doors, this vertical locking system consists of two separate locks which are found at the top and bottom that are operated by a single handle located at the center of the bolt rod.
Pulley: This is the small metal wheel, often made of brass, on which the chain of a weight and chain window rides.
Sash chain: This is the somewhat fine-gauged chain that connects the widow sash to the weight. This is what rides on the pulley.
Sash cord: Made of braided cotton over a nylon core, this is a less expensive alternative to a metal sash chain.
Sash lift: This is the handle, usually affixed to the bottom rail of a window. It is used to raise and lower the sash.
Sash lock: As the name implies, this is the hardware used to lock the sash to prevent it from being opened.
Sash weights: These weights are made of either iron or lead, and they can be round or square. They serve to create the counterbalance necessary to operate the window.
Spring bolts: These are most often used on single hung sashes to allow the window to allow it to be opened at any desired height. One end is installed in the sash stile via a 3/8" hole and a small hole is created in the jamb to hold the window open at any desired height.
Tape balance: This type of opening and closing system is most often used in retrofitting weight and chain windows that have had the weight chamber filled in. The tape balance functions somewhat like a metal tape measure, with the exception that the tape balance has considerably more tension.
Understanding what these terms mean will help to make the process of restoring or replacing your historic wooden windows less daunting of a prospect. Having the confidence to discuss windows in detail will ultimately yield a more satisfying result in the decision-making process. Knowing exactly what you want is the first step towards getting exactly what you want.
-Linda Childers


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Adapted from the Italian novel The Adventures Of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi
July 28th - August 12th Saturdays & Sundays @ 4pm
FREE in the John Hinkel Park Amphitheatre, Berkeley, CA
Adapted, Directed and Designed by Giulio Cesare Perrone
WHAT: Inferno Theatre brings you Pinocchio, the story of a puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy. His natural spirit of discovery and adventure lead him to explore the world and the creatures who inhabit it. The spectacular world he discovers is populated by capricious and fanciful animals, fairies, and humans. During his whirlwind encounters, he uncovers his true nature and the learns how to overcome the barriers that prevent him from becoming a boy. Pinocchio's amazing quest to become a real boy blurs the margins between physical and spiritual rites of passage. His fellow fantastical wayfarers, and we in the audience, not only witness but participate in this glorious change.
WHO: Adaptor, Director and Designer - Giulio Cesare Perrone
Amir Etemadzadeh, Ben Elie, Jane Eisner, Dominic Doctor, Duy
Truong, Natalie Farrell, Kevin Rebultan, Erin Smith, Saira Kaur, Michael
Needham. Masks by Annie Hallat.
All shows start at 4PM. The amphitheater opens at 3 p.m. for picnicking.
WHERE: John Hinkel Park Amphitheatre, 41 Somerset Place, Berkeley, CA 94707
The first few rows of the amphitheater will be reserved as a courtesy especially for those with limited mobility. Call 510-825-0449 to reserve one of those spots. The amphitheater is wheelchair accessible - access is best from Somerset Place, take Southampton from Arlington and continue straight onto Somerset Place. Bring low lawn chairs or pillows/cushions and/or blankets. Also bring layered clothing - the amphitheatre can get chilly later in the day.
QUESTIONS and /or RESERVATIONS for accessible seating: write to email@example.com or call 510-825-0449.


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How often do you check your Phone?
Technology, even for writers, is an integral part of our lives, and I wouldn't have it any other way. But, as with all good things, to truly reap the benefits you should moderate how and when you use it.
Tech addiction isn't just a problem for the "selfie generation"; the average smartphone user checks their device 150 times a day.
Wow! That means, if we're awake for 15 hours, then, on average, we might check our phone ten times an hour.
And it's the norm to think that multi-tasking means we can get more done in both our work life and private life.
But does it?
How do we create a simple life, yet still get everything done that we want to?
Tech Addiction Reduces Productivity
Studies show that doing more than one thing at the same time is actually making us slower and stupider, rather than making us more efficient.
Burying your face in a screen for a large part of your day wreaks havoc on mental and physical health, with studies showing that young adults who overuse technology show similar brain patterns to those addicted to alcohol and cocaine.
Go on a Digital Detox
While going "off the grid" and living totally without technology isn't a viable option for most of us, we can learn to cut down on our tech habits and still be functioning members of society.
It's perfectly OK to switch off sometimes without damaging your social life, or reducing your impact at work. Unplugging does not mean disconnecting.
Unplug from technology
We've put together 16 easy ways you can detach from your device on a daily basis, leaving you to get the most out of your work and your life.
And, of course, have time to write your book, and perhaps even learn how to write better.
1. Start your day right
We know that starting our day with a healthy breakfast or a nutrient-packed smoothie is good for us, so why not also nourish your mind first thing in the morning?
Instead of reaching for your phone as soon as you wake up, concentrate on you. Spend some time meditating, or boost your brain with meditation alternatives, before answering a single email. You'll have a more productive and relaxed day.
2. Go old school
Leave your smartphone behind and go back to the stock standard android of the early 2000's (Nokia 33500 anyone?) Not only does the battery power far exceed that of any modern smartphone on the market, it also severely limits what you can do while you're out.
No more emails or checking Facebook on the go. Just essential phone calls and texts. Try it and you might be surprised how much you like it.
3. Do more
If you're one of those people who spends (dare I say 'wastes'?!) time surfing the net, then fill your day so that there is no spare time in there.
Run an accountability system or arrange meetings during the day.
And pack your after-work schedule with activities that nourish you so that there is very little time for online activities between work, dinner and sleep.
Even if you just do this a few days a week, it helps detox you from the need to be online constantly.
4. Bring a book. Or write a book?
Checking emails and social media on the train or while waiting in line may seem like the ultimate time management, but all those different images, clips and emails are actually making you unfocused.
Carry a book with you instead, or at least use the Kindle app on your phone and switch of the mobile signal.
Or maybe you can put that time to even better use, switch the phone off altogether and use it to write? An extra hour or two a day could help you get to first draft in just a few months. Will you even remember the time you spent on Facebook then?
5. Download an App
Can you use technology to detach from technology?
It seems counter-intuitive to say the least but, if there's a market for it, tech companies will deliver.
Detach Apps are popping up all over the place and they work by blocking you out of certain apps (Facebook or email perhaps?), or by turning your smartphone into a 'dumb' phone for the time period you specify. (Might help you focus on that writing we were just talking about!)
6. Go on a digital diet
Just like you'd count your calories or activity steps to help you drop a few pounds, why not start counting your technology time?
Take note of how many times a day you check your emails, surf the web, or browse social media, and then try reducing it by 10%, or cutting out one or more of those sessions a day.
And, with your extra time, try adding in an exercise class, or a writing session, or just some focused family time?
7. Take a mini-break
If you're struggling with a serious technology overdose, then take the tech version of a mini-break and leave your phone at home. I know it might be painful, but the world will not end if you do not post details of your day on Facebook.
And if this is too hard, then take a real mini-break to a location without connection -- a health spa, perhaps, or a writer's retreat?
8. Streamline your work
Before you start to think that we're all about switching off, then let's talk about streamlining so that you can make technology work for you.
Have you noticed the explosion of ways that people can get in touch with you? From phone, to text, to Facebook message, Skype, Whatsapp, and more...
It's a misconception that being uber-connected is the only way to stay ahead of the game in business. In fact, the opposite is true -- it's better to limit your connectivity.
Streamline the places you need to check in when you're online by requesting certain people only contact you through a particular medium.
For example, clients may have access to your phone number, but general enquiries come by email and then have an assistant who filters them before you even see them.
Turn off messaging on your Facebook page, have 'do not disturb' as the default on Skype with a message re-directing them to that general email address. And so on.
And then switch everything else off so you're not constantly refreshing your apps on the lookout for messages that aren't coming. Or maybe even uninstall some of those many communication apps...?
9. Get active
If you find that you get into the 'tech haze' when you're on the move because you've had your face buried in your device on the way to a meeting, the office (if you have one), the shops, or a friend's house, then change your mode of transport.
Try something that means you can't be on the device, or can only be hands-free. Ride a bicycle, or put on some runners and jog to work. Or travel with a friend or colleague. Whatever works to stop you reaching into your pocket and clicking that typepad.
10. Leave work behind
When you leave work, really leave it. Activate the "out of office" on your email, have a separate number and don't divert calls to your personal phone, and don't be tempted to check emails (or use an assistant filter them and ask them to only forward ones that are essential for you to see).
Unless you're the Prime Minister, there unlikely to be anything work-related that can't wait until tomorrow!
11. Involve your friends
Make yourself accountable to your decision to unplug by telling your friends and family about it. Ask them to call you out if you duck off to write an email or keep your phone on the table during dinner.
Even just knowing they're watching out for you will help you stay unplug from technology and, if that fails, public shaming should keep your relapses to a minimum.
12. Lock up
Don't trust yourself to keep your anti-tech word? Then give your phone to your partner to hold onto for an hour or two while you do something else, or give your passwords to your assistant and him or her to lock you out until a designated time.
Or, my favourite, go and work in an environment that doesn't have wifi (like my favourite cafe) or where you are forced to be quiet (like the local library). Or head off to that spa retreat for some serious relaxation time.
13. Set a strict 'technology' bedtime
We've known for some time now that the blue light from our screens can really mess up our sleeping patterns, but I bet I'm not the only one who has a last peek at the phone before bed?
Set a bed time for your technology. And experts recommend that this should be around two hours before your actual bedtime to give you enough time to wind down.
You could even do this for the whole family and turn the wifi off at a set time giving yourselves time to talk, play games, read or catch up with Game of Thrones.
And then, easier said than done I know, you have to stick to it!
14. Schedule some 'free time'
Life isn't all about restrictions so set some 'free time' every day where you can go on any and all your devices to do what you want -- play games, chat to friends or upload your pics to Instagram.
And, when that time slot is over, just switch off again.
This gets you into a pattern of using your tech-time more wisely. If you know you only have a limited slot then you'll prioritise naturally, and you'll know when enough is enough.
15. Be more 'in the moment'
One of the biggest costs we pay for our societies' addiction to constant connection is that we are no longer living in the moment.
But you can buck that trend and still practice functioning in the here, now, and physical.
Enjoy just living in the moment: go for a walk in a suburb, or a location you don't know -- and don't take your google maps! If you live in a city, go on a random train or tube ride without scheduling the trip on your travel app. Leave a note on the kitchen table instead of texting your partner with your dinner plans.
And for writers (or anyone!), this spontaneous exploration will help spark ideas and boost your creativity.
16. Just Switch Off...
There are a hundred different tricks to get you offline, but when it comes down to it, all you have to do is switch off.
Get into the habit of turning off instead of turning on the screen saver. Don't race to answer messages or calls -- get into the habit of letting them go to voicemail and then check in from time to time.
Build a routine so that you are online for part of the day, and then strictly offline for the rest of the day, enjoying life, or focused on your work, or just relaxing.
Are you ready to unplug?
You probably know, at some level, whether your use of technology is getting out of control and impacting on your quality of life.
Perhaps it's a moan from a partner, a comment from one of your children, or a look at what someone else is doing when you go out for a meal and realising that's how you look some of the time. Take note of those signs and act on them before technology takes time and attention away from your work and loved ones.
With 16 ways to take a digital detox, you have no excuse for not trying at least one of these methods.
And, who knows, you might even enjoy being offline!
Written with love by,
Author Unlimited Editorial Team
Do you unplug from technology regularly? Maybe when writing? Or with the children? How do you make it a routine?