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Tub overfloweth: Water conservers change tactics
Most people won't soon forget the fall of 2002. After a blisteringly hot and dry summer, wells dried up, car washes closed, and upscale restaurants served food on paper plates. The Hook's cover story on September 26 that year found a bunch of locals struggling with parched conditions. This year, we checked back in with some of those folks to see what a difference a little or a lot of water makes.
Last year, Shane Foster of Foster Well & Pump Company was working around the clock drilling new wells for people whose homes were without water. This year, the company's still busy, but for a different reason: too much rain. "We're working on wells because of cloudy, dingy water, sediment, and grit problems," Foster explains. Where last year the wait for a well was a mind-boggling eight to 10 weeks, now, Foster says, customers can expect a speedy reply. "We're steady," he says, "drilling, weather permitting, every day."
Even with a rain surplus in the double digits, activist Kevin Cox keeps on doing his part to conserve water. "I still have a bunch of barrels in my back yard," says Cox, "and a couple have water in them."
Cox, who lives in the Woolen Mills neighborhood, says he may soon have a new tool for his hydrophilic friends: He's hard at work devising a way to flush his toilets using rain water.
Last year, Garnett Mellen came up with an ingenious way to keep her fig trees and lettuce alive through the hot, dry days of the drought: She siphoned her children's used bath water out the second story window. This year, such measures haven't been necessary; her bath water goes down the drain like most everyone else's. But she hasn't given up on all water conserving measures. Her two rain barrels still collect water by the gallon, which she uses to water her lush downtown garden.
Drought or flood? Either one adversely affects Henry Weinschenk's Express Car Wash. But if he has to pick his poison, he knows which he'll choose. "I'll take Mother Nature," he laughs, referring to this year's above-average rainfall. Last year, he wasn't laughing. When water levels fell below 55 percent, the City of Charlottesville shut down Express and other car washes for six weeks in a move that Weinschenk called "patently unfair and un-American." The Rutherford Institute agreed, and in June filed a lawsuit against the City on behalf of Weinshchenk.
Despite his beef with the city, Weinschenk says Express continues to follow water conserving measures, which include special nozzles purchased in 1999, when another drought struck. "We reduced consumption permanently by 30 percent," says Weinschenk. "That's why it felt like a kick in the teeth when we were shut down."
"You'd hardly even know we had a drought," says Mike DeCanio, owner of Gordonsville's Toliver House restaurant. But the memories of paper plates and plastic utensils remain vivid for DeCanio and his patrons.
"It's funny how people come in here still talk about it," he says. "They tell me, 'We're so glad you're using plates!'" The china's back out, DeCanio reports, and business is "wonderful." Apparently, the restaurant's luck has changed: Even Hurricane Isabel couldn't shut Toliver House down. "We didn't lose electricity even for a moment," says DeCanio. "We were able to feed all the people who had lost power."
Drought or no drought, Marlene Condon says she's a convert to conservation. "Since I got into the habit of collecting the water while my shower heats up, I still do that to keep my ponds filled," she explains. "Once you get into the habit of doing something, it doesn't seem like a chore; it becomes second nature."
As for the surplus of rain, Condon says it's not just a good thing. "Too much rain affects plants," she says. "That's why there wasn't a lot of fall color." Butterflies also suffered in the deluge: "We had so much rain that plants grew fast and petered out earlier than usual," Condon explains.
"Usually," she says, "there are goldenrods blooming in October, and they help sustain Monarchs late leaving for Mexico. That is not the case this year."


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May 11, 2010 | ISBN 9780375857508 | 6-9 years
Starred Review, The Horn Book Magazine, September/October 2009:
"Readers can only hope that Alvin continues to describe in such wonderful detail his many allergic reactions."
Kirkus Reviews, May 19, 2009
"While Look certainly embellishes at times for comedic effect, she has created in Alvin a character that is as real as he is irascible, and the tender relationships among the members of the Ho family provide a sturdy backbone for all the silliness. Pham's simple but vibrant line drawings leap off the page. Another triumph for Alvin Ho."

subset: commoncrawl


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Thanks, physics! Babies CD a keeper
Some albums take their time growing on you, requiring many listens for their final grandeur and worth to shine through. Some hit you right away, akin to being hit in the throat by a gold brick.
Of course, albums that fall into either of these categories are in the minority most are worthless scraps of plastic, doomed to bear a rap/metal band's recording ventures for all eternity. On the other hand, CDs that have come to bear VHS and the Babies' debut, Don't Hurt Em, should be proud- they have fulfilled their mission in life, succeeded where many have failed, and are now forever imprinted with something that possesses great intrinsic value.
Don't Hurt Em begins with bassist Wendy Korwin's words "Let's do/Let's do/Let's do everything again" before the guitar, bass, and drums launch into a simple three-chord riff. Nostalgia seems to rule the lyrical body of this track. The first words out of Korwin's mouth are seemingly an ode to the past– "Bownies and cross-stitch and late night kung-fu movies/I wanna be your little sister" are reminiscent of Blast Off Country Style's Evelyn Hurley, fairly cool and removed (She's not quite performing vocal gymnastics, but really, how many Careys/Agulieras/Houstons do we need?).
The second track on the album, "Scully's Baby," is a huge crowd favorite at the group's shows, and from the recording, it's easy to see why. The song's huge chorus, with keyboardist Andy Miller (who's also in the on-again off-again indie-group Gulf Coast Army) providing syncopated backup vocals (as well a classic "strings" sound on his keys) that seem to punctuate the spaces between Korwin's words is just phenomenal, as is the song's lyrical topic (Scully, the redheaded FBI agent from the X-Files, was supposedly impregnated by aliens in one of the show's later seasons).
"Who Let the Dogs Out and Put Them Back In & Neutered Them?" sports not only the best title I've ever heard, but also a healthy dose of some fine indie-rock. Guitarist Sam Turner takes over the lead vocals for this track- he has a voice slightly reminiscent of a higher-pitched J. Mascis from Dinosaur Jr.- and drummer Mike Powell really shines, letting loose more than he has done on the previous tracks (the multi-instrumentalist also plays in Gulf Coast Army, and local feel-fest Richard, Your Postman).
Don't Hurt Em is one great track after the other, with titles like "Welcome to the Sweet Valley School of Hard Knocks" and "Baby Jesus' Microphone" giving only hints of the erudite (or at least thought-provoking) lyrics contained within.
Even if you don't want to dissect the words, there's always the music– bubbling up from the CD, through your player's digital/analog converter, carried along the speaker or headphone cord, and finally reproduced by creating vibrations of air molecules. With Don't Hurt Em, physics is truly your friend.


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Cat Flea and Tick Control is critical for every cat. With infestation quickly spreading, Flea and Ticks can get out of hand within a few days. Taking proper precautions to prevent an outburst of Fleas and Ticks is extremely important. Cats are naturally curious and like to explore other yards which could be infested with countless fleas and ticks. Don't let your cat bring unwanted guess home. Our select line of Flea and Tick control will prevent the outburst of fleas while keeping your cat comfortable for months.
Fleas and Ticks survive and feed off the blood of your pet. Fleas can lay over an average of 500 eggs in their life span which can lead to an outbreak if not addressed. Some cats that are bitten by Fleas and Ticks will cause inflammation, Lyme disease and more sever issues. Protect your cat from fleas and ticks today with products like Frontline and Advantage. We also carry household Flea and Tick Control Products that will kill these parasites and their eggs.
Flea and Tick Control will keep your cat comfortable, itch-free, and healthy. Fleas and Ticks will cause your cat to scratch, lose hair, and get tapeworms which leads to inflammation and more serve infections. Our Flea and Tick Control Products are easy to administer and is tested safe for your pet. Keep your cat healthy with our Flea and Tick Control Products.
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Parasites have many identities such as heartworms, fleas, ticks and mites. Protect your cat today with veterinarian approved solutions that will promote health and provide comfort to your cat. Flea and Tick Control will help prevent illnesses that are associated with parasites such as fleas and ticks. Cats love affection but more importantly they love feeling clean, itch-free, and healthy. Browse through our Flea and Tick Control Products and find the perfect solution for your cat.


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2 locations provide DNA Testing Services in Saline County, Arkansas.
Seeking a DNA test lab in Saline County? Along with providing DNA tests, these Saline County locations may also test for paternity, ancestry, heritage, and ethnicity. Select a test center below to find out what services they provide, where they are located in Arkansas, and how to schedule a lab appointment.


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CONCORD - The 3rd Annual Mini-Golf Tournament featuring nursing home and assisted living residents and other supporters was a great success.
Foursomes with names like PHA Lovelies, The Veterans Home Golfers, Mighty Women, Rough Necks, PVC Jokers, PVC Laugh Ins,The Rockets, The Angels, Mighty Maplewood, and others enjoyed a day out at Chuckster's in Chichester and the Hilltop Fun Center in Somersworth on September 12th.
The "PHA Lovelies" from the Portsmouth Housing Authority were this year's champions at the Hilltop Fun Center. The Veterans Home Golfers were the Champions at Chuckster's.
The winner of this year's quiz and a $25.00 gift certificate is a resident Peabody Home in Franklin.
The annual tournament is sponsored by the Friends of the New Hampshire Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman. Proceeds are used to support the work of the volunteer ombudsmen who advocate for and serve as problem solvers for people living in long term care facilities.
This year's sponsors were NH Health Care Association, Peabody Home in Tilton, Lori Tetreault and the Board of Nursing, and Butenhof & Bomster, PC, Attorneys at Law.
Participants and our sponsors are very much appreciated.
For information about next year's tournament, contact Roger Vachon at email@example.com or 603-223-6903.
PHA Lovelies best among nursing home, assisted living mini-golfers
CONCORD - The 3rd Annual Mini-Golf Tournament featuring nursing home and assisted living residents and other supporters was a great success.


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LITTLETON, Colo. (AP) — It was little surprise when freshman Rep. Mike Coffman in 2010 voted against a bill to grant citizenship to some young undocumented immigrants. After all, the Republican Marine Corps veteran had just won the seat in Congress formerly held by firebrand Rep. Tom Tancredo, who had pushed the party to take a harder stance against illegal immigration.
The bill, known as the DREAM Act, died in the Senate.
Now Coffman has changed course. He has introduced legislation to let unauthorized immigrants brought into the country as children to earn citizenship if they serve in the military. And he spoke hopefully about an immigration overhaul that a bipartisan group of senators outlined last week.
Since the November elections, many other Republicans nationwide have tempered their tone on immigration – if not reversed course completely – after years of tacking right to appeal to grass-roots activists who dominate GOP primaries. On Tuesday, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor became the latest high-profile Republican to shift gears. A leader of the conservative caucus and previous opponent of the DREAM Act, Cantor called for allowing undocumented immigrants brought here as children to become citizens.
All this suggests that the Republican Party seems to have gotten the message after its shellacking last fall. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney won only 27 percent support from Hispanics and even less from Asians. And an AP-GFK poll last month showed 62 percent of voters wanted to let otherwise law-abiding undocumented immigrants eventually become citizens, up 12 percentage points from 2010.
RELATED: Immigration reform, good or bad for the economy?
During the GOP presidential primaries, Romney wooed the party's right flank by echoing their rhetoric on immigration and advocating "self-deportation," or making life in the U.S. so miserable for undocumented immigrants they would voluntarily return home. His campaign staff later said they regretted the sharp turn because it alienated minority voters. Now Republicans are trying to get them back.
"All of their campaign consultants are telling them that the end is near if they don't change," said Mark Krikorian of the Center for Immigration Studies in Washington, which advocates tighter immigration restrictions. He added that Republicans have long-favored a narrower version of the DREAM Act – formally, the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act – which would legalize the status of people brought here illegally as children who graduate from college or serve in the military.
It's far from clear, however, whether softer stances will translate into Republican support broad enough to overhaul the immigration system, including a pathway to citizenship for the country's estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants.
The shift has been particularly dramatic in the West, where the most recent wave of illegal immigration began in the 1990s and the GOP's tough response helped drive Hispanic votes to newly ascendant Democrats. In California, a handful of GOP state legislators joined Democratic colleagues at a news conference last week to back a pathway to citizenship in any immigration overhaul. In Nevada, where immigrant votes have given Democrats a lopsided edge in recent elections, the state Republican Party last week endorsed legalizing the status of unauthorized immigrants.
Colorado, where Hispanics comprised 14 percent of the electorate in November, was solidly red at the beginning of the past decade, when Republicans pushed aggressive measures against illegal immigrants and some Democrats joined them. Since then, it has twice helped elect President Barack Obama. Democrats have controlled the state Legislature for three of the last four elections. Hispanics also helped defeat tea party favorite Ken Buck in his 2010 challenge to Sen. Michael Bennet.
Now Buck, well-known for his aggressive enforcement of immigration laws as Weld County district attorney, has joined The Colorado Compact, a coalition of politicians, business and community groups that backs a "sensible path forward" for some undocumented immigrants.
After years of blocking in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants at state colleges and universities, some Republican state lawmakers have decided to support the measure. And congressmen like Coffman are taking a warmer stance toward the idea of a broader immigration overhaul – even though it remains unclear whether they will ultimately vote for the goal of immigration rights activists and Obama – citizenship.
Colorado State Sen. Greg Brophy has kept quiet as he's voted against in-state tuition in recent years. He's been thinking of the high school students he meets in his rural district who are bright, ambitious and here without authorization. Now he supports the bill.
"It tugs at your heart," Brophy said. "I'm positive I'm not alone in it, given the emails I've gotten."
Immigration advocates are heartened.
"There's a sea change that's happening in our politics," Bennet, one of the senators who worked on the latest bipartisan immigration proposal, told backers in Denver last week. "This was an issue that was litigated during this presidential campaign. Republicans and Democrats alike believe that big numbers of people in this country want to get this finished."
But it's unclear whether that will translate into enough Republicans supporting a pathway to citizenship. Colorado Rep. Cory Gardner who is seen as one of the state's few GOP stars, spoke forcefully after the election about the need to appeal more to minorities. "The tone is catching up to where Republicans have been for the last couple of years," Gardner said in an interview. But he, too, still balks at the idea of citizenship.
He said Congress must first secure the border before discussing citizenship. "If you address that first, we can have a conversation down the road."
Brophy said many Republicans are honestly wrestling with a difficult personal issue. He noted that one newly elected state senator who voted for the in-state tuition bill in committee last week has already been targeted for a possible primary challenge.


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Peter Mark Hair Stylist Rathfarnham
Peter Mark
Rathfarnham , Dublin
Peter Mark has been Ireland's premier hairstyling Company for over 50 years, along with training, countless national and international award- winning Stylists. Please read our company profile. Do you want to be part of the most exciting hairdressing group in Ireland? We are currently recruiting a Qualified Stylist to join our team at Peter Mark Rathfarnham. This is an excellent opportunity to progress your career within the industry with an award winning company. Peter Mark Stylists are regular winners in hairdressing competitions and events both at home and abroad, and many of our leading Stylists began their careers with the group and now style some of the biggest names in Irish show business as well as mentoring others within the group. Please note that you do not need to have completed your training with Peter Mark to apply for this role. Requirements. Only the best work for Peter Mark, which is why we are so successful. If you are talented and enjoy being creative, you could not work for a better Company. Candidates must have the following skills. A training qualification - 4 year Apprenticeship or equivalent. Experience working on the salon floor as a qualified Stylist, carrying out qualified Stylist duties. Trained using L`Oreal is preferred but we offer up skill training if you have used alternative professional ranges. An excellent level of English. Why work with us? Peter Mark offer you plenty of benefits to build your career including: Competitive salary plus commission. Exceptional training and development. Opportunities to attend seminars delivered by world renowned hairdressers. Participation in the Peter Mark Hairdressing competition along with many others. Opportunities for progression into management/senior management positions. Group Pension Scheme. Group Health Insurance. Management Training Programme. Fithub which offers corporate discounts on nationwide gyms and classes. Company Social events and lots of fun along the way. Peter Mark are equal opportunity employers. For further information please contact Sinead Bradley at Peter Mark Human Resource Department, 13 South William Street, Dublin 2 at 01 4722400 or alternatively Freephone 1800 738376. This job originally appeared on RecruitIreland.com.
386 days ago


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The artwork on this note card was created by 5768 WRJ Art Calendar artist Césan d'Ornellas Levine.
Search URJ.org and the other Reform websites:
Search URJ.org and the other Reform websites:
Rabbi Saperstein: "We look forward to the day we can encourage our congregations to return to their historical rolein hosting BSA troops; indeed, we hope that day may be soon."
Contact: Sean Thibault or Benny Witkovsky
202.387.2800 | email@example.com
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 5th, 2013 -- As the Boy Scouts of America considers ending its ban on gay scouts and scout leaders, this afternoon Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, sent the following leader to BSA president Wayne Perry. The full text of the letter follows:
Dear President Perry,
On behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism whose 900 congregations across North America encompass 1.5 million Reform Jews, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, with membership of more than 2000 Reform rabbis, I write to urge you and the Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors to end the discriminatory ban prohibiting gay scouts and scout leaders into the Boy Scouts of America.
There was widespread excitement in our movement across North America when we learned that you were reconsidering your policy, yet disappointment at the announcement to postpone the decision. That delay extends the time that the current discriminatory policy is in place. We recognize that deliberate and assiduous review is a part of any policy change; but we urge you to take up the question as swiftly as possible. The ca use of equality and justice is an urgent one. Justice delayed is justice denied.
The promise of the Boy Scouts has always been to develop leadership, foster a sense of responsibility toward others, and strengthen the bonds of community. However, by continuing the exclusion of gay scouts and scout leaders these very goals are undermined. What does it say about leadership to discriminate against our neighbors, loved ones and friends? What does it teach about community to prevent those who may be different from participating in and sharing the values we espouse?
It is perhaps most concerning when the cost of persistent prejudice against LGBT youth - bullying, discrimination, harassment, and tragically the high rate of suicide to which these too often lead - is taken into account. These young people, so frequently facing isolation in schools and in their family, need more outlets to build community, not fewer. The BSA's policy of excluding gay scouts denies a population that has a lot to benefit from the Boy Scouts promise.
That is why, in 1992, the Central Conference of American Rabbis called upon the Boy Scouts to end its discriminatory policy, and the North American Federation of Temple Youth called upon all Reform Jewish youth to divest from and refuse participation in the Boy Scouts of America so long as such discrimination continues. It is also why, in 2001, we recommended that Reform synagogues refrain from sponsoring or housing Boy Scout troops and packs that do discriminate. We look forward to the day we can encourage our congregations to return to their historical role in hosting BSA troops; indeed, we hope that day may be soon.
Lifting the ban on gay scouts and scout leader would be a major step forward for the Boy Scouts. All people, regardless of their sexuality, are created B'tselem Elohim, in the divine image, and thus have a place in our communities. It would be troubling, however, if the national ban on gay scouts is lifted yet individual troops are permitted to discriminate. At this moment of reflection I urge you and your organization to consider not only ending this nationwide ban but also adopting a national non-discrimination policy. That is the only way that we can ensure that no child is prevented from joining the troop of his choice.
Thank you for your openness and your consideration,
Rabbi David Saperstein
Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
Search URJ.org and the other Reform websites:
The artwork on this note card was created by 5768 WRJ Art Calendar artist Césan d'Ornellas Levine.


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Well, Yankees fans. Here we are again. The curtain has dropped on another season and unfortunately things didn't end up going our way. Mission 28 will have to wait another year.
As I was getting condolences today from friends and family members on the loss, I tried to explain that it actually wasn't that bad. Sure the loss hurts but it's a manageable pain. I think it's easy for me to get past the pain of the season ending because we've been here so many times before and we've been fortunate enough to walk away on top. I think winning has made the sting of losing easier to deal with, if that makes sense. Either way, it still sucks. I definitely wasn't ready for the season to end last night.
I spent much of last night and today digesting the loss. I read through a ton of Twitter comments and listened to a good amount of sports talk radio. I've come to a conclusion: There are a great deal of smart Yankees fans out there but Good Lord there are a lot of dumb ones. I have to wonder if I'm watching the same games as everyone else.
For starters, I saw and heard a lot of blame being thrown on Joe Girardi for over-managing last night, specifically with the use of the pitching staff. That couldn't be further from the truth. Let's take a look at his moves. Ivan Nova gets hurt and gets replaced by Phil Hughes. Logical move in my opinion. The team needed to eat some innings and who better to use than a starter turned reliever to do that. Hughes following Nova was the right call. Girardi lifted Hughes after throwing 21 pitches. That made sense to me as Hughes had only pitched a total of 3.2 innings since September 12th. Phil wasn't stretched out to throw much more. Boone Logan came in to face the lefty and lasted for 2 hitters, which is about what he normally does. I think here is where it got interesting. In came CC.
Using CC in that spot made perfect sense. Continuing with Logan made no sense and in an elimination game you want your best pitchers pitching, right? Other than Mariano Rivera, who's better than CC? Nobody. I understand the confusion because he was pitching on 2 days rest. I think a lot of people didn't get or didn't know that starting pitchers normally throw a bullpen session at this point during their rest. The bullpen sessions, as I understand them, usually lasts for about 40 pitches. It makes perfect sense to have CC get the preparation for his next start in during the game rather than before it, like the Tigers did with Verlander. CC's outing lasted 37 pitches by the way. He wasn't overused. I think many people also thought that since he pitched in game 5 of the ALDS he couldn't pitch in game 1 of the ALCS. I'm pretty sure had the Yankees won last night that we'd have seen CC start game 1. Like I said, it's not uncommon for a SP to throw 40 or so pitches at that point during his rest. It's actually the opposite. It's part of the prep work. What surprised me the most is that there were a lot of people that are supposed to be "in the know" (beat writers, Ken Rosenthal) who were pointing out that the move to CC would prevent him from starting. CC pitching in relief last night was the right call. Who else did you want to pitch there? I'll take CC all day.
There was no reason whatsoever to blame Girardi's management of the pitching staff for last night's loss. That's just dumb. The pitching staff had absolutely nothing to do with losing last night. That blame lies strictly with the offense. I can kind of blame Girardi for that.
Girardi should have recognized that certain people in the lineup were struggling and he should have done something about it. The 4-5-6 hitters in the Yankees lineup (A-Rod, Teixeira, and Swisher) were absolutely brutal. Beyond brutal even. That trio combined to go 9-for-55 (.164). You can't expect to win when you get that from your 4-5-6 hitters. Girardi should have recognized the struggles and made an adjustment. Personally, I would have moved Teixeira to the 3rd spot, Cano to the 4th, A-Rod to the 5th, Posada to the 6th, and Swisher to the 7th. The lineup would have looked something like this: Jeter, Granderson, Teixeira, Cano, A-Rod, Posada, Swisher, Martin, Gardner. That in my opinion, is a much better lineup.
I like Cano in the 4-hole for several reasons. One he's the best hitter on the team. Just like it did last night the game often comes down to A-Rod. A-Rod usually hits 4th. If the game often comes down to that spot in the order who do you want hitting there? Your best hitter, right? If you weren't aware, that is without a doubt Robbie Cano. He's the guy I want up with the game on the line. And let's face it, Robinson Cano doesn't need protection in the lineup. He's better at giving protection that getting it. Mark Teixeira could have used better protection. If you hit in front of Cano you're going to see better pitches compared to what you'll see hitting in front of Swisher.
Girardi should have also moved Jorge Posada up a spot in the order. Girardi should have recognized he was swinging a hot bat and moved him up ahead of Swisher. I'm not sure why Joe stuck with that lineup. Not changing it is the biggest criticism of how he managed that series. But it's not his fault that those guys didn't hit.
So why didn't they hit? I have a theory on why Teixeira and Swisher didn't. I'm not going to try and dig through numbers to validate it either. I don't have that kind of time. But here's my theory: good pitching shuts them down. There's no doubt that Swisher and Teix put up good numbers throughout the season. Over the course of 162 games you're going to come across quite a few subpar pitchers. Those guys feast on that. But I think they struggle against the cream of the crop. How else can you explain their postseason struggles at the plate? Wouldn't you agree that the teams that make the playoffs have better pitching than those that don't? I think those guys don't do well against good pitching. I don't know how else to explain it. If anyone has theories my ears are open.
After Girardi, A-Rod was receiving his fair share of criticism. While I think he deserves it to an extent, it's evident that Alex isn't 100%. I think I heard today that he was hitting .190 after coming of the DL in August. Alex was hitting .299 right before going on the DL. He finished the season with a .276 average. He definitely wasn't himself and I'm inclined to think that was a big reason why did so poorly at the plate. To his credit, he played outstanding defense the whole series. He made several great plays and I don't think you can begin to measure exactly how valuable his glove was in the ALDS. I'm not going to crush the guy over his ALDS performance.
Wow, I've been at this blog post for about an hour. I've got a little bit more to say and I'm just going to bullet point it out. Enjoy!
- I'm pretty sure Jorge Posada's time with the Yankees is over. I don't think it makes much baseball sense to bring him back. It's obvious he's not going to catch. The only role he fills is as DH or maybe even at 1B. The plan should be to have Jesus Montero DH full-time. I don't see a spot for Jorge. I'll miss Jorge. He was a gamer and he always, as he put it, just grinded it. Thanks for everything.
- I love Nick Swisher. I do. I think he's a great clubhouse guy but let's face it, he's not a clutch performer. I don't call him "The Rally Killer" for nothing. The Yankees will have a decision to make when it comes to whether or not they should pick up his option. My gut says I hope they don't but he does ring value to the team. My main concern is how he fades in October. I'm indifferent on Swish. Would be fine if he stays. Would be fine if he goes.
- I fully expect CC to exercise his opt-out clause. He'd be dumb not to. Having said that, I fully expect him to resign with the Yankees. He's made it known several times that he loves pitching in New York. He's done very well here and he has to know that the club is committed to putting a winner on the field. He should op-out and renegotiate the next 4 years of his deal. The Big Man deserved more dough. The only way he gets it is to opt-out.
Speaking of reaching the end of the road I'm not 100% sure what the future holds for this blog. I really enjoy doing it but it's becoming harder and harder to keep up with. When you have 3 kids aged 4 and under it's tough to free up the time for blogging. I want to keep it going but I'm not sure what commitment level I can make to it. If this ends up being my last post (I doubt it will be) the blog will kind-of live on through my Twitter account. If you're not on Twitter you're missing out. It's a great place to connect with people that share your passion. I'll always be on there talking Yankees. That you can count on.
Until next time......
Peace, love and Pinstripes,


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The Puslinch Historical Society invites you to a Walking Tour in Morriston on Sunday May 27 2012 at 2 pm.
Exploring the history and architectural features of certain houses in the village of Morriston, Ontario. They point out that interiors not included in the tour. You are to meet everyone at the stoplight in the centre of the village.
There will also be a Spirit Walk in Crown Cemetery this fall. You can tour the cemetery, and hear the life stories - the words of people who are buried here. The tour is Monday September 17, 2012 at 7 pm.
Take Nicholas Beaver Rd (at Tim Hortons south of Aberfoyle) to the cemetery side entrance.
Both of these events are sponsored by Puslinch Historical Society, and The Wellington County Historical Society.
For info call 519-658-9923, or contact Betty Anderson at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Take a minute to look at the Puslinch Township site at http://www.puslinch.net/index.html.


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With over 100 offices and nearly 5,000 associates in major metropolitan areas and suburban cities throughout the U.S. CBIZ (NYSE: CBZ) delivers top-level financial and employee business services to organizations of all sizes, as well as individual clients, by providing national-caliber expertise combined with highly personalized service delivered at the local level. CBIZ has been honored to be the recipient of several national recognitions: 2019 America's Best Mid-Size Employers by Forbes, 2019 Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services by Great Place to Work® and FORTUNE, 2019 Workplace Excellence Seal of Approval by the Alliance for Workplace Excellence, and one of the Top 101 highest scoring companies in the country for Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation by the National Association for Business Resources. CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services is a division of CBIZ, Inc., providing benefits consulting, HRIS technology, payroll, human capital management, property and casualty, talent and compensation solutions, and retirement plan services to organizations of all sizes. By offering this range of services, we are able to help clients eliminate the inefficiencies associated with the use of multiple vendors. Ranked as a Top 20 Largest Broker of U.S. Business (Business Insurance Magazine) and a Top 100 Retirement Plan Adviser (PLANADVISER), we have approximately 1,500 professionals in 75 offices nationwide. Clients in a wide array of industries rely on us for national-caliber expertise and technical depth combined with high personalized, local service.
Essential Functions and Primary Duties
Preferred Qualifications
Qualifications Required
Joining our Talent Network will enhance your job search and application process. Whether you choose to apply or just leave your information, we look forward to staying connected with you.


text:
Joan-Gardy Artigas | the artist
The artist Joan-Gardy Artigas
Born 1938, Boulogne, near Paris, France.
Style and technique of the artist: Art Deco, Printmakers, Sculpture Objects,
Joan-Gardy Artigasartworks on eBay
Original artworks, prints, exhibition posters, monographs, books, collectibles.
Biography and art, auction, artworks, interview, statement, website:
joan gardy artigas
JOAN GARDY ARTIGAS (b. 1938) is a living embodiment of the modernist art movement. The son of Joseph Llorens Artigas, Picassos and Mirós favorite ceramicist, Artigas grew up surrounded by both the art and the artists who revolutionized twentieth-century art. Impressed into service as Mirós assistant as a teenager, he left Spain several years later both to escape the oppressive Franco regime and to try and establish an independent artistic identity…
joan gardy artigas
Jaume Aragall, the tenor from the Ribera of Barcelona admires the work of Joan Gardy Artigas, the potter who covered Joan Mirós naked structure Dona y Ocell with colour. On his part, the creator of the golden and ochre drop visible in front of La Caixas black building on the Diagonal, professes admiration for one of the worlds most beautiful voices. In this meeting, they join talents to paint the Gran Teatre del Liceu, starting with the orchestra pit. The demanding public of Barcelona, which has seen him in over one hundred performances, adores this crystal-voiced tenor from the moment he stepped on the stage in 1964 with an unforgettable Bohème. A deluge of pamphlets were thrown the day he was passed over for an award: They have the Asturias; you have our hearts…
joan gardy artigas interview
El secret de Miró era la llibertat, la capacitat de trobar noves perspectives


text:
| Home
What is Factsfor Life?
Using Factsfor Life
Timing Births
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Emergencies:Preparedness and Response
PDF and Word versionsResources
Facts for Life saves lives!
Each year, around 9 million children die from preventable and treatable illnesses before reaching their fifth birthday. Many die during their first year of life. Countless more children live in precarious situations and face diminished futures. The handbook, Facts for Life, provides vital messages and information for mothers, fathers, other family members and caregivers and communities to use in changing behaviours and practices that can save and protect the lives of children and help them grow and develop to their full potential.
This version of Facts for Life builds on the three previous editions, which have been helping families and communities around the world since 1989. Newborn Health has been added to the Safe Motherhood chapter, giving attention to child survival from the first stage of life. A new chapter, Child Protection, has been included, focusing attention on the actions needed to ensure children grow up in protective environments.
Facts for Life is a trusted resource that is written in easy-to-understand language. Previous versions were translated into 215 languages. Users of this fourth edition are encouraged to be innovative in finding ways to extend the reach of the Facts for Life messages to help families and communities realize the rights of children and women everywhere. If you translate all or part of the book, or know of translations into other languages, share them with us and we will post them on this site!
Share facts for life far and wide to help ensure children's and women's rights!
Click here to access supplementary resources ...go ahead and delve deeper into the topics!
Click here to view short video clips ...see how putting FFL messages into practice can help make a difference in the lives of children and their families and communities!


text:
- Find Training
- Online Training
- In-Person Training
- Programs
- Resources
- Vendor
- About
Making and Keeping Work-at-Home Operations Safe and Productive
By John Pescatore
Using Zero Trust to Enable Secure Remote Access
By Dave Shackleford
Natural Language Processing for the Security Analyst
By Daniel Severance
SANS@MIC Talks are special bonus sessions open to everyone a [...]
July 14, 2020 - 10:25 PM
Professors from UC Berkeley's Center for Long-Term Cybersecu [...]
July 14, 2020 - 10:06 PM
How do you know if cybersecurity is the right career choice [...]
July 14, 2020 - 9:25 PM
Mon-Fri: 9am-8pm ET (phone/email)
Sat-Sun: 9am-5pm ET (email only) 301-654-SANS(7267)
"It has really been an eye opener concerning the depth of security training and awareness that SANS has to offer."
- Michael Hall, Drivesavers
"Because of the use of real-world examples it's easier to apply what you learn."
- Danny Hill, Friedkin Companies, Inc.
"SANS is a great place to enhance your technical and hands-on skills and tools. I thoroughly recommend it."
- Aaron Waugh, Datacom NZ Ltd


text:
Page One
Car Crashes into Berkeley Store
An Albany man was arrested after crashing a car into a Berkeley liquor store on Tuesday night, a Berkeley police spokeswoman said.
Police and firefighters responded to a report of a vehicle into a store at 3045 San Pablo Ave. around 9:30 p.m., Berkeley police Officer Jennifer Coats said.
A four-door Chevrolet Cavalier had driven into the store, damaging the front-door area and striking a female patron, Coats said.
The victim suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital, Coats said.
Meanwhile, police arrested the car's driver, 36-year-old Keith Kelly, on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, Coats said.
Store employees had to detain Kelly, who allegedly tried to run away after the crash, Coats said.
Once police arrived, he was arrested and booked into jail, where he remained in custody this morning, Coats said.
A front-seat passenger in the Chevy fled the scene after the crash and has not been found, Coats said.
It does not appear drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident, according to Coats.
The store, Easy Liquor, was partially open this morning, according to a man answering the phone there.
He said employees were escorting customers through the damaged entryway.
He said the store has been operating for 52 years.


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I would like to add a few image icons just to the left of the expand/collapse icon (on the far right) of a content panel inside a panel with an accordian layout. Is this possible? If so, could someone give me a hint as to how this could be done? Thank you very much.
Joe Hudson


text:
Maple and Spud
Weighted Blanket (Hound Dog Ochre)
A weighted blanket designed to be approximately 10% of your body weight to naturally reduce stress and increase relaxation. The pressure of the blanket provides proprioceptive input to the brain and releases a hormone called serotonin which is a calming chemical in the body.
Sizing: Please keep in mind that this blanket is designed to fit the person and NOT the bed! If you are unsure then measure the childs height. The weight of the blanket should be 10% of the person's weight plus 1-2 lbs.
Small: 36"x50" This size should work for most children up to about age 10
Medium: 42"x60" Pre-Teens and Teens should be fine with this size.
Large: Adult 42"x72"
Used by Adults, Teens and Children these blankets can provide much needed relief in a non medical way.
What conditions can be helped with a weighted blanket?
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Asbergers
- Autims
- ADD/ADHD Spectrum disorder
- Fibromyalgia
- Sensory Processing Disorders
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Some symptoms from Alzhiemers/Parkinsons can be relieved with the calming therapy of a weighted blanket.
Just because something is functional doesn't mean it can't be beautiful too!
Handmade in Ireland using the highest quality fabrics. Filled with non-toxic / Hypoallergenic plastic pellets. A synthetic polyfill layer within the blanket provides added cushioning and more even weight distribution.
Machine washable and full care instructions provided.
Don't hesitate to contact us should you have a question or require a quote for a larger size.
Shipping: Please note that we are currently happy to ship to Ireland, United Kingdom and to the USA. Outside of those locations please contact us beforeordering and we will provide you with a shipping quote.
Please allow 2-3 weeks for your order to be processed.
Safety Warning: Not designed for children under the age of 3 yrs or anyone who us unable to remove the blanket without assistance.Please consut a doctor before using on small children or the infirm. Never use a weighted blanket as a restraint or punishment.


text:
Randolph Center, Vermont -- On the campus of Vermont Tech, The Maine-Presque Isle women defeated #23 ranked SUNY-Canton 47-44 Wednesday afternoon.
Playing on a neutral court to split travel distance, both SUNY-Canton and UMPI had difficulties shaking the effects of a combined 600 miles traveled. The road weary squads had trouble finding the basket, connecting for only 35 field goals between the two teams.
The difference in the ball game was senior co-captain Olivia McNally who filled the stat sheet with a game-high 20 points, 5 assists and 5 steals. McNally was the only Owl in double figures and was a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. Darby Toth added 7 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Rebecca Campbell helped the Owl cause with 6 points and 5 boards.
SUNY-Canton post Karyss Terrance led the Roos with 15 points and 8 rebounds.
The Owls are now 10-3 and ranked #11 in the latest USCAA Division I National Rankings. The Blue & Gold will next travel to Rutland, Vermont to play the College of St. Joseph Thursday at 5pm.


text:
You are not logged in.
Working on a new Investment/Loan Graph
Does it make sense? Does it do the calcs correctly? Any suggestions?
"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..." - Leon M. Lederman
Hi MIF;
Very nice looking interface. So far it is doing everything correct.
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
hi MathsIsFun,
I'm confused. Raw? PV NPV etc ?
I looked at your interest and compound interest pages and so I think PV means 'present value'.
But you used FV for 'future value', so what is NPV ?
And why is the 2000 negative ? Does that mean it is a loan rather than an investment ?
Maybe a key to the terminology is needed. (Well, it is for dummies like me )
Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you! …………….Bob Bundy
MIF,nice graph.But you might need to put more info,Like what Bob said.Anyway great job
The integral of hope is reality.
May bobbym have a wonderful time in the pearly gates of heaven.
He will be sorely missed.
Thanks guys, will add explanations and links to relevant pages.
"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..." - Leon M. Lederman


text:
Photo: Getty Images
When ex-government contractor Edward Snowden exposed the NSA's widespread efforts to eavesdrop on the internet, encryption was the one thing that gave us comfort. Even Snowden touted encryption as a saving grace in the face of the spy agency's snooping. "Encryption works," the whistleblower said last June. "Properly implemented strong crypto systems are one of the few things that you can rely on."
But Snowden also warned that crypto systems aren't always properly implemented. "Unfortunately," he said, "endpoint security is so terrifically weak that NSA can frequently find ways around it."
Since the Heartbleed bug has existed for two years, it raises obvious questions about whether the NSA or other spy agencies were exploiting it before its discovery.
This week, that caveat hit home — in a big way — when researchers revealed Heartbleed, a two-year-old security hole involving the OpenSSL software many websites use to encrypt traffic. The vulnerability doesn't lie in the encryption itself, but in how the encrypted connection between a website and your computer is handled. On a scale of one to ten, cryptographer Bruce Schneier ranks the flaw an eleven.
Though security vulnerabilities come and go, this one is deemed catastrophic because it's at the core of SSL, the encryption protocol so many have trusted to protect their data. "It really is the worst and most widespread vulnerability in SSL that has come out," says Matt Blaze, cryptographer and computer security professor at the University of Pennsylvania. But the bug is also unusually worrisome because it could possibly be used by hackers to steal your usernames and passwords — for sensitive services like banking, ecommerce, and web-based email — and by spy agencies to steal the private keys that vulnerable web sites use to encrypt your traffic to them.
A Google employee was among those who discovered the hole, and the company said it had already patched any of its vulnerable systems prior to the announcement. But other services may still be vulnerable, and since the Heartbleed bug has existed for two years, it raises obvious questions about whether the NSA or other spy agencies were exploiting it before its discovery to conduct spying on a mass scale.
"It would not at all surprise me if the NSA had discovered this long before the rest of us had," Blaze says. "It's certainly something that the NSA would find extremely useful in their arsenal."
Although the NSA could use the Heartbleed vulnerability to obtain usernames and passwords (as well as so-called session cookies to access your online accounts), this would only allow them to hijack specific accounts whose data they obtained. For the NSA and other spies, the real value in the vulnerability lies in the private keys used for SSL that it may allow attackers to obtain.
Cracking SSL to decrypt internet traffic has long been on the NSA's wish list. Last September, the Guardian reported that the NSA and Britain's GCHQ had "successfully cracked" much of the online encryption we rely on to secure email and other sensitive transactions and data.
According to documents the paper obtained from Snowden, GCHQ had specifically been working to develop ways into the encrypted traffic of Google, Yahoo, Facebook, and Hotmail to decrypt traffic in near-real time, and there were suggestions that they might have succeeded. "Vast amounts of encrypted internet data which have up till now been discarded are now exploitable," GCHQ reported in one top-secret 2010 document. Although this was dated two years before the Heartbleed vulnerability existed, it highlights the agency's efforts to get at encrypted traffic.
The Snowden documents cite a number of methods the spy agencies have used under a program codenamed "Project Bullrun" to undermine encryption or do end-runs around it — including efforts to compromise encryption standards and work with companies to install backdoors in their products. But at least one part of the program focused on undermining SSL. Under Bullrun, the Guardian noted, the NSA "has capabilities against widely used online protocols, such as HTTPS, voice-over-IP and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), used to protect online shopping and banking."
Security experts have speculated about whether the NSA cracked SSL communications and if so how the agency might have accomplished the feat. Now, Heartbleed raises the possibility that in some cases the NSA might not have needed to crack SSL. Instead, it's possible the agency used the vulnerability to obtain the private keys of companies to decrypt their traffic.
So far, though, there's no evidence to suggest this is the case. And there are reasons why this method wouldn't be very efficient for the NSA.
First, the vulnerability didn't exist on every site. And even on sites that were vulnerable, using the Heartbleed bug to find and grab the private keys stored on a server's memory isn't without problems. Heartbleed allows an attacker to siphon up to 64kb of data from a system's memory by sending a query. But the data that's returned is random — whatever is in the memory at the time — and requires an attacker to query multiple times to collect a lot of data. Though there's no limit to the number of queries an attacker can make, no one has yet produced a proof-of-concept exploit for reliably and consistently extracting a server's persistent key from memory using Heartbleed.
"It is very likely that it is possible in at least some cases, but it hasn't been demonstrated to work all the time. So even if a site is vulnerable, there's no guarantee you're going to be able to use [Heartbleed] to actually get keys," Blaze says. "Then you've got the problem that it's an active attack rather than a passive attack, which means they need to be able to do multiple round trips with the server. This is potentially detectable if they get too greedy doing it."
The vulnerability didn't exist on every site. And even on sites that were vulnerable, using the Heartbleed bug to find and grab the private keys stored on a server's memory isn't without problems.
The security firm CloudFlare, which has spent the last three days testing various configurations to determine if, and under what conditions, it's possible to extract private keys using the Heartbleed vulnerability, says it hasn't been able to do so successfully yet, though its tests have been limited to configurations that include the Linux operating system on Nginx web servers.
Nick Sullivan, a Cloudflare systems engineer, says he has "high confidence" that a private key can't be extracted in most ordinary scenarios. Though it may be possible to obtain the key under certain conditions, he doubts it has occurred.
"I think it is extremely unlikely that a malicious attacker has obtained a private key from an Nginx server of a busy website," he says.
So far, they believe private keys can't be extracted from Apache servers either, though they don't have the same level of confidence in that yet. "If it is possible with Apache, it's going to be difficult," he says.
A few other researchers have claimed on Twitter and on online forums that they have retrieved private keys under various circumstances, though there doesn't appear to be a uniform method that works across the board.
Either way, there are now signatures available to detect exploits against Heartbleed, as Dutch security firm Fox-IT points out on its website, and depending on how much logging companies do with their intrusion-detection systems, it may be possible to review activity retroactively to uncover any attacks going back over the last two years.
"I suspect there are many people doing exactly that right now," Blaze says.
So what might the world's spy agencies say about all this? The GCHQ has a standard response for anyone who might wonder if the spooks used this or any other vulnerability to undermine SSL for their BULLRUN program. In a PowerPoint presentation the British spy agency prepared about BULLRUN for fellow spies, they warned: "Do not ask about or speculate on source or methods underpinning BULLRUN successes." In other words, they'll never say.


text:
Adam Dunn homered and drove in three to help the Chicago White Sox to another 7-6 win over the Kansas City Royals in the second matchup of a three-game set.
The White Sox erased a five-run deficit on Monday in the opener en route to a 7-6 victory.
Chicago has won three straight over the Royals and remained perfect in Andre Rienzo's last seven appearances on the hill.
Rienzo (4-0) earned the win after striking out eight over six innings, allowing two runs on five hits with two walks.
Tyler Flowers also homered for the White Sox, while Gordon Beckham and Dayan Viciedo contributed an RBI apiece in the win.
Alex Gordon and Danny Valencia each knocked in two for Kansas City, which saw starter Yordano Ventura (2-4) take the loss after surrendering four runs on seven hits over six innings.


text:
culled frrom:http://www.thegloss.com
I think, if you are a remotely offbeat ladymag, it has become a journalistic staple to make fun of the sex tips in Cosmopolitan. I think this because we do it all the time. Nerve is also doing it, and has a list of Cosmopolitan's 44 most ridiculous tips!
Since we hate it when publications that are not us do anything, ever,
we decided to make fun of the way they were making fun of it by having
our man panel talk about how great some of these are. I don't know that
we're actually making fun of anything, though. It's all gotten a bit
meta. Here's the full list of ridiculous tips:
1. "To achieve sex-goddess status, you have to truly master his man bits."
2. "Hold his penis in one hand and lightly slap it with the other… you
can tap it back and forth like you're volleying a tennis ball and
lightly pinch the skin on his shaft and testicles. Many women make the
mistake of being too gentle."
3. "Think of his shaft… like the outer curve of your breast. …Take his
shaft between your open palms and tap it back and forth, almost like
you're volleying a tennis ball. The quick movements are a fun way to
wake up his nerves."
4."Firmly hold the bottom of his shaft in one hand and slowly push it
towards the base. (Imagine you're pushing his penis into his body)."
5. "Alternate between swiveling both wrists in opposite directions and
stroking your hands upward, twisting your wrists when you reach his head
as though you are turning a doorknob. Rub your thumb in a tiny
figure-eight pattern over his frenulum… Or try the windshield-wiper
move; glide your thumb from side to side along the rim where his head
begins, then move your thumb up and over the top of the head several
6. "34 percent of guys say they wish a girl would surprise them with oral when they walk in the door."
7. "Fifty-six percent of unmarried men prefer receiving head while lying
down as opposed to standing up, while the numbers are exactly reversed
for married men."
8. "Chew a small piece of mango… then take him in your mouth. You can
use whatever fruit you have, just don't try anything too acidic, as it
can burn him."
9. "Go hot and cold. During oral, suck in air as you go down and blow it out as you go up."
10. "As you're going down on him, shake your head from side to side,
letting your tongue follow the same pattern on the extra sensitive
underside of his penis."
11. "As you move your mouth up and down his shaft, rotate your hand in a
corkscrew motion while spiraling your tongue in the opposite
12. "Tickle his feet with your nipples: climb on top of him in reverse
cowgirl position, then bend over until your nipples reach the tops of
his feet. …Yowzah."
13. "Receive a butterfly kiss… on your breasts. To do: he bats his
eyelids against the supersensitive underside of your breasts."
14. "It's time to introduce your breasts to your favorite vibrator… (how rude of your vadge to have hogged it all these years)."
15. "Dip your breasts in edible body paint, and use them to 'sponge paint' his entire body. Then lick it off."
16. "Draw an attention-grabbing circle around your nipples using rhinestones and body glue for a special night in."
17. "Cook dinner topless, apply a little tomato sauce to your nipple, and ask your man to lick it off."
18. "Take a few of your favorite erotically appealing flavor
combinations, like peanut butter and honey or whipped cream and
chocolate sauce, and mix up yummy treats all over his body."
19. "Keep a spray bottle filled with ice water next to the bed, and give
each other a strategic spritz to extend the encounter… Aim for the
nerve-packed, thin-skinned areas on each other's body, such as the
20. "Mix a few flavors [of lube] to create new combos, like strawberry-banana."
21. "Use silicone-based lube to give each other pre-nooky rubdowns."
22. "Mix one tablespoon of saliva (the kind deep in your throat works
best — its viscosity makes it a good substitute for lube) with one
tablespoon of water to stretch the spit."
23. "Feed each other ice cream [in the dark]. Not being able to see means more spilling, which means more licking up the mess."
24. "Dab some peppermint oil on your neck and between your breasts.
Studies found that the smell of mint has a revitalizing effect. Bonus:
your boobs will smell extra fresh."
25. "Wear a cinnamony lotion or perfume. The smell of cinnamon buns increases men's blood flow 'down there.'"
26. Use "your electric toothbrush" or "your iPhone [when your vibrator is out of batteries]."
27. [When you've got an annoying roommate] "Rent a horror movie and play
it while you have sex. If they hear any screams, they'll assume it's
the movie."
28. [On film selection] "Avoid anything that'll cause hearty belly
laughs, like Superbad — a jiggly tummy won't make you feel good."
29. "When he's least expecting it, tell your man you need some change.
Then stick your hand in his pocket and touch his penis through the
fabric, pretending that you're really digging around for that coinage
you need. When he's good and hard, whisper something in his ear like,
"Is that a roll of quarters in your pocket or are you just glad to see
30. "Slide your hands down the front of his pants and graze his goods
when you can tell he's had a hellish day… He really doesn't want to
answer questions like, 'Are you okay?'… but your caress still sends the
message that you're picking up his vibe."
31. "Slip your hand into his back pocket and lightly stroke his ass…
since it's totally private and hidden from everyone else, it conveys
that you're feeling especially attracted to him."
33. "When he's on his way home from work, start giving yourself some
solo pleasure and 'accidentally' dial him up. All those breathy ooohs
and aaahs will be motivation for him to get to you in time to join in on
the action."
34. "Record your voice on your cell the next time you have a solo
session. Then, send him the audio file in the middle of the day, with
just the text, 'Wanna hear me do this tonight?'"
35. "As you're eating dinner together, say something X-rated like, 'See
how I'm devouring this piece of meat? That's how I'm going to devour
36. "Hide your turned-on vibrator in his sock drawer. When he figures
out where the buzzing is coming from, tell him he gets to experience its
pleasure power."
37. "Give him a beer facial — the combination of the egg white and the
yeast in the hops hydrates and improves skin elasticity… but you can
just tell him that your lips can't resist his delicious, beer-flavored
38. "If your guy is suddenly going around all happy and whistling, then you need to find out why."
39. "Be especially careful if he is neat, well-groomed or spending more time at the gym."
40. "If his wardrobe is constantly changing, watch out!"
41. "Not ecofriendly? It could be a sign that he'll trash your relationship too."
42. "Keep your eye on a guy who loves to social network — he may need constant attention."
43. "Reach over and grab his knee while you're both sitting."
44. "Grasp his hands and coax them into a prayer position, then position
hands over his… Your words [will] become more persuasive to him, though
he won't know why."


text:
Volunteers help hurricane cleanup in Fairfield
FAIRFIELD (AP) -- Virginia Pecor Moore, 90, watched as men and young boys in orange shirts worked to find the asphalt buried under several feet of sand on the patio of her beachfront cottage that sits near the tip of Fairfield Beach Road.
"They are wonderful. All of them. They've been working like they were getting paid double," Moore said of the volunteers who showed up at her door to help on the morning of Nov. 11.
From 10 a.m. to dusk, 1,036 registered volunteers joined homeowners and renters along a three-mile stretch along the Fairfield shoreline and also along South Pine Creek to try and undo some of the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy less than two weeks earlier.
Both United Illuminating and Connecticut Light and Power reported Nov. 11 that all Sandy-related outages have been repaired for homes that are still habitable. Temperatures on Nov. 11 also reached into the 60s, providing the perfect setting for some cleanup.
Organized by three women who grew up in Fairfield -- Lindsey Morton, Katie Boland and Kelly Niznansky -- the event attracted an army of support from residents, Boy Scouts, civic groups, Fairfield University students and alumni, and others who simply heard about the effort on Facebook or through the media.
Morton said with power restored to most homes, it was time to move in and help out.
A staging area in the Jennings Beach parking lot also served as a collection point for cleaning supplies and nonperishable food items. Dozens of local businesses and restaurants donated food for volunteers.
Boland, a Trumbull High School teacher, used skills she honed organizing Habitat for Humanity projects to deploy the army of volunteers. Neighborhoods were broken into divisions and had team captains.
Everyone had cell numbers to report problems or call for additional help. Some 70 teams of volunteers were sent out in groups of 15 to more than 150 homeowners who had requested assistance -- not only those directly on the water, but others on nearby streets as well who needed help clearing their yards of debris.
They brought with them rakes, shovels, gloves, large plastic bags and wheelbarrows.
Joe and Jeanine Puma, who live farther up on Pine Creek Road, came with a backhoe.
"We bought it about six years ago for a project we needed done and had it up in Vermont," Jeanine Puma said. Her husband drove up to get it Thursday when their neighbor asked them to help clean up some properties. The couple heard about the Fairfield beach cleans up and decided to volunteer.
"This is just unimaginable. Totally unimaginable. You see pictures and aerial views. Seeing it first hand is just tremendous," said Jeanine Puma, working a shovel, while her husband zipped back and forth on the John Deere frontloader.
Farther up at 1187 Fairfield Beach Road, a team of Fairfield University alumni worked to unearth the grass lawn that used to be behind Justin Galletti's parents' house.
"I came here this morning and they were already at work. They have been at it all morning," said Galletti.
Alex Hsiao, his next-door neighbor, said she wished she had a before and after picture of the house, since everything looked so different.
"I thought it was going to be like Irene," she said, unprepared for all the water and sand that got inside.
Matt Murphy, a Fairfield University alum from the Class of 2010, came from his home on City Island, N.Y., to help. He didn't live on the beach as a senior, but many of his friends did. Some 300 Fairfield University students were displaced by the storm.
Murphy said the docks where he lives now in New York were washed away in the storm, but surveying the damage around him, declared Fairfield Beach to be in much worse shape.
"It makes me feel sad. I loved being here senior year," added Michaela Chatel, another Fairfield alum who spent most of her time hauling furniture and carpeting out of houses so that contractors could get to work.
Daniel Bass-Lawrence, along with his kids, Emma, 9, and Jonah, 6, were assigned to help out at the home of Paige Herman, who lives in the middle of Lantern Point.
"She had a bunch of sand in her yard," said Jonah. Something like 4 feet of it.
Herman, 66, who grew up in the house, said this, was the worst. She said she was grateful for the help.
"I always heard people say '38 was bad, '55 was bad," she said. "This was, I think, the worst."
In back of 1691 Fairfield Beach Road, Carla Strobel laid out photographs and record albums across flat surfaces, hoping a gentle ocean breeze would dry them out. She had just moved into the house in August. Also airing out was an antique baby stroller that Strobel said her grandfather had as an infant.
"I have -- had --a picture of him riding in it," Strobel said. Despite what she lost, Strobel said she felt really very lucky.
Most every house along the way had tall piles at the curb of wet mattresses, cushions, broken furniture and tree limbs. Toward the end of Fairfield Beach Road, there were several houses completely broken by the storm, with walls ripped away or pushed off foundations.
Though all that separated Moore's summer house from Long Island Sound was a wooden wall that is no longer there, the one-story structure built by her father in 1945, was wet but still in one piece.
"There used to be six beautiful rose bushes here," she said, trying to describe the sand-covered patio as it was two weeks ago. "It all washed it all away."


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To compose and send an SMS message, click the Compose
button in the toolbar, which is in the header of the Management Console.
After clicking it, the Compose a text message panel will show up.
Here, select the message type and the service provider connection in the
respective dropdown menus.
Then, enter the recipient phone number in international format (starting
with +) in the To (phone number) edit box.
Compose the message in the Message text edit box.
Click OK when you are finished (Figure 1).
Figure 1 - How to send the first SMS message
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Steve Watson
March 25, 2011
The commander of anti Gaddafi rebels forces in Libya has admitted that among the ranks of those fighting against the government are islamic militants who have fought and killed US troops in Iraq, otherwise known as "al qaeda" fighters.
Abdel-Hakim al-Hasidi, who made the remarks in an interview with Il Sole 24 Ore, an Italian newspaper, admitted that he had previously recruited fundamentalists to fight in Iraq, and said that the fighters are "today are on the front lines in Adjabiya".
al-Hasidi described the fighters as "patriots and good Muslims, not terrorists," adding that "members of al-Qaeda are also good Muslims and are fighting against the invader".
al-Hasidi himself was captured in Pakistan in 2002 and handed over to US forces after fighting against US troops in Afghanistan. He was held in Libya and eventually released in 2008.
The admission serves to highlight the hypocrisy of the US government's so called war on terror, and exposes the reality behind the UN sanctioned military action in Libya.
The US, Britain and France launched airstrikes last week in support of the so-called "protesters" who commandeered fighter jets and tanks to attack the regime of tinpot dictator Colonel Gaddafi.
The rebels have been armed with weapons delivered by US allies via Egypt. There have been open calls from elite think tanks, such as RAND, to directly arm the fighters.
The US military is seriously considering doing so and is "considering the legality" of such a move, according to Mark Kornblau, spokesman for US Ambassador Dr Susan Rice.
It is therefore now beyond doubt that the rebels our governments are arming and supporting militarily are in fact at least in part Islamic fundamentalist Al-Qaeda cells who have fought and killed our own troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The fighters violently oppose the by comparison moderate and modernising regime of Gaddafi and wish to see it destroyed and replaced with sharia law in Libya.
Of course, When Gaddafi pointed out that Al Qaeda fighters were instigating a revolution in Libya, our castrated corporate media reacted by branding the man crazy and declaring him deluded.
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This would not be the first time that our governments have equipped Al Qaeda against Gaddafi.
In 2002 French intelligence experts revealed how western intelligence agencies bankrolled a Libyan Al-Qaeda cell controlled directly by Bin Laden to hatch a plot to kill Gaddafi that was foiled in March 1996. The cell was led by Anas al-Liby, who was with Bin Laden in Sudan before Bin Laden returned to Afghanistan.
Indeed, it was Gaddafi's Libya who put out the first Interpol warrant for Bin Laden's arrest in 1998. Western intelligence agencies blocked the warrant from being pursued, and allowed Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda to go on and kill more than 200 people in the truck bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.
Some of the very rebels now being funded and trained by western forces were part of the Al-Qaeda cell that tried to kill Gaddafi on behalf of the United States and Britain 15 years ago.
As the London Telegraph reported last week, "The West and al-Qaeda on the same side." Libyan Al-Qaeda leaders have offered their unanimous support for the ousting of Gaddafi.
"An al-Qaeda leader of Libyan origin, Abu Yahya al-Libi, released a statement backing the insurrection a week ago, while Yusuf Qaradawi, the Qatar-based, Muslim Brotherhood-linked theologian issued a fatwa authorising Col Gaddafi's military entourage to assassinate him," writes Richard Spencer, highlighting how the "rebels" are in fact religious extremists hell bent on imposing sharia law in Libya.
All of this serves to highlight the fact that our governments' contentions that they are in Libya to "protect" the Libyan people are beyond the pale.
Arming and aiding hardcore religious extremists in an effort to overthrow the government of Libya merely serves to provide for a situation somewhere down the line where our globalist controlled militaries will once again be provided an excuse to occupy the country and plunder its resources, just as they have in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Steve Watson is the London based writer and editor for Alex Jones' Infowars.net, and Prisonplanet.com. He has a Masters Degree in International Relations from the School of Politics at The University of Nottingham in England.
This article was posted: Friday, March 25, 2011 at 11:48 am


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I just recently purchased a used Klaus Wiese's Soma cd for $43.97....the most money Ive ever spent on a single cd. A perfect copy it is but thats crazy or I am. Tomas are you listening. Digital editions of Klaus Wiese out of print music as Castleview suggested.
Any chances of an el culto Bandcamp happening?


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With John Wall's return, many out there in the fantasy world were worried that Bradley Beal would lose time. Well, come January, with Wall back on the Court, Beal is seeing both his highest minutes per game and his greatest points per game (11.2 in November, 13.4 in December, 18.8 in January). In fact, last time out, Wall and Beal played together. I've maintained that Beal losing time was a foolish fear, and if anyone still has that concern, now is the time to help them out by taking Beal off their hands. Here are some other guys for your Buy/Sell consideration:
Mario Chalmers – Over the past week, he is averaging 4 threes per game which is translating into 16 points per game. His production has improved tremendously over the past few weeks, and he's worth riding while his wave is highest.
Randy Foye – Copy and paste the first sentence in the Chalmers blurb, then change the 16 to a 17.
Elton Brand – He just crept over 50% ownership, so act fast if you want a guy producing 11 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks every night.
Tiago Splitter – In addition to averaging 11/6/2 over the past 7 days, he's also shooting at a crazy .700 clip. He's the starting Center, so his stats should continue to reflect his increased role.
Al-Farouq Aminu – Averaging a double double per night over the past week, maintaining double digit rebound average for the month of January, that is how you become an Al-Fa dog.
Dwight Howard – He is averaging 18/13 with nearly 3 blocks per night for the season. So why sell? 1) That FT%. You knew about it when you drafted him, but now that he's shown he is still an outstanding Center, if you can upgrade another position by moving him while also salvaging your FT%, it's a win. 2) The Lakers. The situation in L.A. seems contentious and confusing. Rumors already say D'Antoni is losing the team, Kobe isn't getting along with anyone, and there's a very good chance the Lakers won't even be in contention by the time your playoffs roll around. Don't sell him for a child's handmade ash tray. Dwight demands very good value in return. If you can find that, then make it happen.
Ricky Rubio – Last night, he had 4 points on 2 of 9 shooting, plus 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and a steal. We all know what he did last season, but despite increased minutes over the past five games, he is still shooting miserably (.200), averaging 3.4 points, 1.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists. He's now been back for a month. Many fantasy owners would still love to have him based on his assists potential, and he may very well come around in February. Do you need to wait for that to happen? Trade him and get a piece you can use now. Don't sell him for a loaf of moldy bread, but use him to upgrade.


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Yi-Zhou Multi Beaded Necklace
Yi-Zhou opted for a major bauble with this oversized beaded necklace.
Yi-Zhou Cocktail Dress
Yi-Zhou glammed up her Paris Fashion Week look with a white cocktail dress with gold trim and matching gold belt.
Yi-Zhou Wool Coat
Yi-Zhou paired her white and gold dress with a cool off-white wool coat for the Chanel runway show in Paris.
Browse: Yi-Zhou | Multi Beaded Necklace | Cocktail Dress | Wool Coat
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text: As in my previous posts examining psychological constructs in movies, I'll proceed by describing what happens in a film--roughly from my own memory--and then I will link those events to a construct studied now in psychological research. There may be some spoilers, so don't say I didn't warn you! ONWARD!


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The KAB is a foldable working and climbing platform. It is delivered to the site folded and pre-assembled. It easily adapts to every building geometry and is ready for use after unfolding.
When used as a safety-catch scaffold beneath an eave the working platform is supplemented with a height adjustment 100
Platform lengths of 350 cm and 225 cm as well as corner platforms
Each platform is provided with an integrated rail with 4 Dywidag-threads for push-pull props
Fold up the guard-railing, attach the platform to the crane and lift it − the locking mechanism on the bracket engages automatically
No on-site assembly, ready-to-use right from the stack
No bolts or wedges required
Platform width 1.90 m
Loop suspension for working loads up to 3 kN/m²
Cone suspension for working loads up to 3 kN/m²
Construction height of platform (folded) only 25 cm
MEVA Formwork Systems: With the new Hall 10, the Stuttgart trade fair centre is expanding its exhibition space by 14,600 m² to 120,000 m².
A railway tunnel with high demands: MEVA formwork is used to pour the retaining walls, concrete beams and tunnel portals at both tunnel entries, plus bridge abutments and piers close to the southern tunnnel entry.
Architecturally challenging East Side Tower on 16 levels in Berlin with MEVA formwork.
A technical and logistical masterpiece
MEVA's heavy duty Mammut 350 wall formwork with its 100 kN/m² load capacity proved ideal for the high walls.
Safety is top priority on the site: all-around fall-down protection plus safe ladder access on MEP shoring towers as well as column formwork with integrated working platform and a fixed ladder with safety cage.
Three tieing methods in one system. The sytem's integrated Combi tie of using any of the following tieing methods and flexibly changing from one to another:
Heavy-duty wall formwork. Large panel size 3.50 high, 2.50 width footprint. 100 kN/m² concrete load capacity throughout the system.
AluStarTec is a true multi-purpose formwork system comprising a light-weight aluminium panel family and a large-format panel range.


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In the previous post of our seven-part series on practice management, which we're calling the ActiFi Practice Management Primer, we discussed the importance of key performance indicators and measuring results as it relates to your overall practice management plan. With that information in mind, along with the other points we've discussed, in this blog we're covering the next step in the process: benchmarking.
The most important benchmarking you can do is against your own goals and objectives to determine what is working and what is not. Once you are clear on your performance against your goals it is useful to take a broader perspective and determine where you stand in relation to your peers and competitors. By comparing your results and stats to those of other practices, you'll be able to see where you're coming out ahead and where you're falling behind.
To get started, you'll need to identify the appropriate benchmarking studies related to your firm's goals. Several broker/dealers and custodians have very good benchmarking data. In addition, studies by FA Insight and InvestmentNews/Moss Adams are a good place to get independent benchmarking data. We are beginning to see portfolio management software providers share powerful business statistics as well. For example, Orion Advisor Services has a very cool Business Metrics report that they offer to their advisors.
Having the data and knowing how to use it, however, are two different things. Rather than getting lost in a thicket of statistics and numbers, review data with specifics in mind. When you're looking at benchmarking data in aggregate, it will ultimately be less useful to you than if you look at a specific metric as it relates to one of your specific goals. Specific data will be more meaningful to you and also easier to understand.
It is possible that you may have achieved a particular goal but as you look at industry benchmarking data you might realize that while you are on the right track, there is still significant opportunity for improvement. By understanding how you rank against your peers, benchmarking can provide the motivation to improve specific aspects of your business to make your practice more competitive and efficient.
One caveat: the industry benchmarking studies are typically done across a range of different advisory business models and, therefore, certain metrics may be less or more relevant to you based on the specific type of business model you have. For example, if you are a pure asset manager comparing yourself to a family office the benchmarks may not provide meaningful data.
Whether you find successes or deficiencies, you can start building new goals and tasks into your business plan. If, for example, you've made strong advancements towards your goal of adding new clients, and are benchmarking well against your peers, you need to consider the impact that will have on your business. Is the added business maxing out your existing staff? If so, the next step is to find out how to solve that problem, whether it's adding new employees or embarking on a plan to increase efficiency. What's appropriate will vary, as all practices are different.
The skills required to be a great advisor is different than the skills needed to run a great advisory business. To put your practice on the fast track to success, benchmark against your peers and use that information to build your business plan with added insight and knowledge.
In our next post, the last of the series, we'll take a high-level view of everything we've covered thus far and share some final tips that will help you to continue building a better practice well into the future.


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In Late 1975 – There Were Two Shows And A Hit Pop Single Called, "Saturday Night"
We Loved Our Saturday Nights Back In 1975
NBC-TV's "Saturday Night Live" debuted in October of 1975. Originally, it was suppose to air Saturdays (after) the first week of each month. The original title of the show was simply, "Saturday Night" because – ABC-TV had just debuted "Saturday Night Live" with Howard Cosell – a week prior.
The Cosell show ran earlier in prime time and was the sports announcer's shot at becoming a mainstream talkshow host. He'd been associated with ABC Sports and Monday Night Football – and somehow, convinced ABC – he should get a shot. He did. The debut "Saturday Night Live" with Howard Cosell featured hot pop artists, "The Bay City Rollers" who, interestingly, were about to have a hit titled, "Saturday Night." The ratings for Cosell's show were OK at first – then trailed off quickly.
In November, 1975, Cosell was quoted as saying, "The Saturday night time slot that ABC placed my variety show in has a deathly history. I inherited a cemetery." By, the end of the 1975-1976 season, the show would be canceled.
First ads for NBC's "Saturday Night" were few and far in-between. They usually came from record artists/record labels – who promoted upcoming appearances on the program. The first such ad for "Saturday Night" was from Art Garfunkel – who was making an appearance on the program – its second airing – on October 18, 1975. Also on that program, Paul Simon. "Saturday Night" made an immediate star out of sketch cast member Chevy Chase – the first to bolt for bigger and better things such as TV specials and movies. It quickly became a breeding ground for future movie stars such as Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy, among many others. Bolting actors almost became the bane of producer Lorne Michaels – although he wished them well, he really wasn't happy when one of his stars left for other pastures.
So, in 1975, you have not one, but two, "Saturday Night" TV shows – but wait… The Bay City Rollers just released, "Saturday Night" – a top-10 record later in the year:


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Glendale Community CollegeHome Menu
The Benefits of Using The Learning Center
When representatives from the Learning Center visit classrooms to talk about our services, we have a simple mantra: Be more successful in your classes. We usually write this on a white board on three lines. The first line reads, "Be More." And we are confident that you will be more when you visit the Learning Center. You will be more informed, more prepared, more capable, more confident, and, of course, more successful in your classes.
Why do we think so?
We talk to our students and ask for their feedback, and they share inspiring stories of how a tutoring session helped them through a difficult assignment or how a single workshop helped them see their writing in a whole new way. In addition to these qualitative evaluations of our services, we ask students and tutors to evaluate their tutoring sessions, and we assess students in writing workshops and ask them to evaluate their workshops.Tutoring in Writing, Math, and Other Subjects
We are very proud of our tutors. They have been highly recommended by professors on campus, and we have trained them to make sure they are able to help students who seek our services. We are also happy to have faculty tutors from the English and ESL divisions.
In the fall of 2012, we conducted a study with 3 sections of English 191 taught by Professor Lara Kartalian. Students in the first section did not attend tutoring sessions or any workshops, students in the second section attended 5 tutoring sessions, and students in the third section attended 5 workshops. In the first section, where students did not attend tutoring sessions or workshops, 66% of students passed. However, 91% of students who attended 5 tutoring sessions passed English 191. (We controlled for instructor bias by having other qualified instructors grade the final examinations for each section, and they were not told about the experiment.)
Here is what our students have to say about tutoring:
"Overall, my tutor, helped me out very well. I came in thinking I was going to drop the class before the deadline and before I came up with the decision, I figure get tutored first and then see how I feel about music. I made an appointment with him and when we had the session, I am more confident in continuing with the course. I would highly suggest him to another student in my class."
"The session was really helpful and I received a lot of great advice. Thank you!"
"I just wanted to thank the Learning Center for having nice and well educated tutors. I just worked with my tutor & she helped me a lot. She was really nice and helpful. Thank you for having these great tutors and giving us the opportunity to get help from them."
"I feel more confident going into my 1st exam now!"
At the end of each tutoring session, students complete a brief, anonymous survey in which they rate their tutoring sessions. We are very happy with the results from last semester.
Item 1 Overall, were your needs addressed in this tutoring session?
Item 2 Are you now able to recognize areas in need of improvement?
Item 3 Are you now able to solve errors for which you were referred?
Item 4 Will you now be able to complete future assignments independently?
Item 5 Can you apply successful student habits you learned in this session?
Item 6 Can you now better organize large assignments into manageable tasks?
Item 7 Has this session helped you develop your verbal or computational skills?
The table above shows average responses on a scale of 1 to 5.
1. No, not at all
2. No, not very well
3. Somewhat
4. Yes, adequately
5. Yes, very well
The Workshop Series
Every semester, the Learning Center offers 50 workshops on a variety of writing-related topics. Each 60-minute workshop provides instruction on a specific topic in an active learning environment.
Our writing workshops have also been very successful. In the same study cited above with Lara Kartalian's English 191 classes, 90% of students who attended five workshops passed the class. In the first section, where students did not attend tutoring sessions or workshops, 66% of students passed. (Again, final exams were graded by other qualified instructors who were not told about the experiment in order to eliminate instructor bias.)
Here is what our students have to say about the Workshop Series:
"Actually fun! It went by very quickly :)"
"I didn't think I could learn this much in one hour."
"I didn't realize how easily fragments could be fixed."
"This workshop on logical fallacies RULED!"
We ask students to complete pre- and post-tests anonymously, so we can assess how much students have learned in our workshops. The chart below shows the average scores on both pre-tests and post-tests. As you can see, post-tests were over 51.6% higher!
We also solicit feedback from students after every workshop. Below, you will find a chart that shows just how well we are doing!
Response Key
1. The presentation started and ended on time.
2. The presentation was clear and easy to understand.
3. The instructor used resources or technology effectively.
4. The presentation was creative and engaging.
5. I feel more confident about my understanding of this topic.
6. I learned something I consider valuable.
7. I feel this workshop will help me improve as a writer.
8. I would take another workshop taught this way on another topic.
9. I would recommend this or any workshop to a friend.
The table above shows average responses on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree).
We look forward to helping you be more successful in your classes. Make an appointment for a tutoring session or sign up for a workshop today!


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VANCOUVER — It's hardly a scientific poll, but Kevin Bieksa senses that this time things are different.
The feedback he has been receiving in these very early days of the National Hockey League lockout — at the coffee shops he frequents, from the fans he meets on the streets and the messages he gets on his Twitter account — has been largely positive and Bieksa feels support for the players. Lots of it.
"I think 75 per cent of the fans have been very supportive," the Canucks' defenceman said Monday after skating with some of his teammates at UBC. "I have been getting a lot of messages saying we support you guys, the players. There is a lot of information out there this time, it's not like the last lockout where unless you were really paying attention you didn't know what was going on.
"Now there is a lot of information out there. There are stats, numbers are being thrown around, people are informed and they know what is going on here. They know it is a $3-billion business, they know the owners had record revenues last year. Just look at the numbers, like I said, the dedicated fans, 75 per cent of them, are behind us."
Unfortunately, that and about $4 will buy you a latte at Starbucks. It's not likely to influence NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and the 29 team owners who despite a summer-long spending spree are now pleading poverty.
But Bieksa thinks the fans, most of them anyway, are beginning to see through the hypocrisy of the owners, who spent upwards of $200 million on beat-the-clock deals in the days leading up to this weekend's lockout.
"It's ridiculous and I think everybody sees that," Bieksa said. "If you don't see that, you are blind. Obviously, the problem is with them, the problem isn't with us making too much. It's them overpaying guys and creating their own problems so to speak. They could fix themselves without asking for rollbacks or concessions from us."
Disappointment and frustration were the words used to describe the emotions of the Canucks who skated Monday for the first time since the lockout took effect at midnight eastern time on Saturday night.
"I'm not angry, it's just that a lot of these owners are giving guys new contracts left and right and telling you that you are worth every penny and they want you there and (now) they want 20 per cent of it back," said goalie Cory Schneider. "It's a little contradictory and it is hard to take them at their word when they say things and a month later they don't mean it any more. It's tough for us."
The players have spent the past weeks hoping for the best, but fearing the worst. They saw the lockout coming and had considerable time to prepare for it. Still, when it officially happened it was like a kick in the gut.
"It's not a good feeling," Bieksa said. "Most of us knew this would probably happen. Right now, we're in limbo, we're coming to the rink, we're skating, we're training, but it's not the same feeling. We should be in training camp, fall is coming, the weather has been great, which helps, but once it starts raining and stuff it's going to feel a little bit weird.
"The only thing we can do is keep our bodies ready right now and once we get a deal done things are going to happen quickly, so we have to be ready to go."
And when might a deal get done? Bieksa suggested that's the million-dollar — or perhaps we should say $3.3 billion — question.
"That is what the fans ask every day on the street," he said. "When's it going to end, what do you think. It's tough to get one guys' opinion because you don't know how the NHL is going to react to our next proposal, you don't know how we are going to react to their next one. It could change daily so right now it's not fair to predict."
But in the back of everyone's mind — even players like Bieksa and Schneider who weren't directly affected by it — is the 2004-05 season which was lost in its entirety to a lockout.
"It wouldn't be fair to a lot of people," Bieksa, who played in the AHL during the last lockout, said of the prospect of losing another season. "It wouldn't be fair to the fans, I'd feel for a lot of people who work in the arenas, the vendors, employees, the (Canucks) staff that have all taken pay cuts. It sucks for a lot of people.
"Obviously, the owners want to make a little more money, but it's not just the players they are coming after. They think we make too much and they think we could probably weather the storm, but there are a lot of other people who are suffering that maybe they are not considering."
Schneider, one of the Canuck player reps in negotiations, hopes the frustration he senses from fans will help convince both sides to reach an agreement.
"The fans are frustrated and rightfully so," Schneider said. "They want to watch hockey just as badly as we want to play hockey ... there's that sense of here we go again. We went through this a few years ago and fans went through a lot by losing hockey that year. I think a lot of them are fed up. They are tired of every seven or eight years there is no hockey to start the year.
"They speak loudest, they are the ones who shell out their hard-earned money to come and watch us and pay our salaries and we would love to be out there playing for them doing what we do. But I think for us to not have an agreement yet speaks volumes to what we believe and how strongly we feel about the quality of the owners' proposal. The fact we are not accepting it should tell you everything."
On Twitter: Twitter.com/bradziemer