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By Rose Donovan Mar 12, 2013 0
Doctor, Doctor
I read with interest a recent study finding that young adults on the autism spectrum have less access to health care transition services than do other special needs populations. The study found that young people with ASD need better services in transitioning from a pediatrician to an adult doctor. Their health needs get much less attention in adulthood than in childhood. This caught my eye because we're navigating that transition now with Reilly.
I suspect other parents of ASD children share my frequent frustration with our health care system. When Reilly was a toddler, I heard about a pediatrician in our area with a reputation for working well with special needs children. I moved all three kids to that practice, with mixed results. It was a large, well-regarded practice, and although we had one primary doctor, it was next to impossible to get an appointment with her when one of the kids was sick. When we did get in to see her, she seemed hurried and frazzled and I never felt like we got enough of her time and attention.
Like most ASD children, Reilly had a host of "comorbidities" (what an awful word!). Frequent ear infections, strep infections, gastrointestinal issues, debilitating migraines, allergies, learning disabilities … What we really needed was a medical team, yet I had trouble keeping the attention of one doctor. Sadly, it is pretty much up to parents to search out the services and treatments for our children, with little or no guidance. At least, that was my experience. I often thought the right doctor, or treatment, or drug, or school, or therapist was out there—I just hadn't found it yet.
The truth, I think, is that what I needed for Reilly didn't exist. Maybe it still doesn't. And now he's an adult and refuses to go to the "little kid doctor." I have recently switched to a new general practitioner myself, a woman that I like a lot. There is a young-ish male doctor in her practice who I thought might be a good fit for Reilly. I made an appointment during his winter break from school, two appointments, actually. The first was sort of a meet-and-greet session, for the doctor to get to know Reilly, and for Reilly to get a little more comfortable before the actual physical exam. I sat in, giving the doctor Reilly's somewhat complicated history. Reilly didn't engage in the process, and didn't like us talking about him as if he weren't there. Maybe I should have met with the doctor privately to go over the history. On the other hand, I thought it was time Reilly started to own his body, his health, his "disorder." He needed to hear it all.
The physical was a few days later. Reilly went, grudgingly. Going to the doctor, twice, during his winter vacation definitely was not on his agenda. I sat in again, thinking that at some point the doctor would kick me out so he could talk to Reilly privately. He didn't, but maybe that's for another appointment. Again, Reilly remained passive, as if this didn't have much to do with him.
I liked the doctor. He's a believer in a holistic approach and stressed the importance of nutrition and nutritional supplements in treating many issues. He sent us home with magnesium capsules, and recommended B vitamins, Omega 3 and probiotics, for starters. He ordered blood tests and said he might have more recommendations when the results came back.
Reilly refused to take the handful of capsules we ended up with. He couldn't really explain why. He simply didn't want to. He's never been happy about taking vitamins, and I don't push—gotta pick my battles wisely! He's not very compliant about taking his medication at school and I realized he likely wouldn't be any better with vitamins. I explained that these supplements could help him feel better and more energetic; they could help his tics and his ability to pay attention in school.
I packaged each day's pills together in little bags, to make it easier for him. He said he would take them, mostly to get me off his back, I think. When we talk now, I always ask, "Are you taking your vitamins?" He gives me an exasperated "yes." I have my doubts. In September, I sent him a 90-day supply of his tic medicine. Much of it came back home with him at Christmas. I could give his medication to the school nurse to dispense, but that makes him feel like a baby.
The issue, I suspect, is that taking his medicine, or even the vitamins, is a reminder to him that he isn't "normal." I don't know how to fix that. And the bigger, more long-term problem, as the study suggests, is getting Reilly to own his health care—to learn to take care of himself, to eat well, take his medicine, get some exercise, go to the dentist and doctor regularly. I won't be here to coordinate all of that forever.
The University of Missouri study suggests that pediatricians begin to talk about the transition to adult services when their patients are about 12 years old. It also recommends that young ASD patients, their parents, pediatricians and adult primary care doctors meet to discuss the young person's needs when it is time to transition. Do busy doctors today really do this? Maybe it happens more often for kids who are more impaired than my son. Our pediatrician offered no help in making the move to an adult doctor. I did ask for a recommendation, and she scrawled a couple of names on her prescription pad on her way out the door.
The author of the study concludes that "most people with ASD are younger than age 18 right now, so in the next decade we're going to get an influx of adults with ASD. Our health care system is currently unprepared to treat their needs."
I would agree.


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If rumors of the upcoming HTC One X+ are enough to get your blood pumping, we're positive that a handset sporting a 5-inch 1794 x 1080 pixel resolution display, Qualcomm's MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 SoC paired with an Adreno 320 GPU could actually make your heart skip a beat.
According to DigiTimes, industry sources claim that HTC's 5-inch device could be ready between September and October. Since DigiTimes is known for missing the mark, we're happy to see that the rumor actually matches up with benchmark scores for the mysterious HTC 6435LVW which showed up on GLBenchmark a few weeks ago.
The HTC 6435LVW profile claims that the phone is running on a 1.5GHz Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 SoC with Android 4.0.4 and shows multiple references to Verizon. At first, many speculated that the HTC 6435LVW would be HTC's re-entry into the tablet market, but it looks like HTC is actually poised to enter the phablet space and go head-to-head with Samsung's Galaxy Note.
Is this the right move for HTC? Would you rather see a Galaxy Note competitor or a new Android tablet from HTC?

subset: commoncrawl


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We had a family reunion in June of 2012. My husband and I drove from Washington State to Uniontown, PA. Long, long trip but worth it to rekindle old memories and see my cousins again.
One of the highlights of the reunion was a tractor-pulled hayride to my grandparents old farm in German Township, Fayette, PA. Thanks to cousin Andrea Janson for arranging it. All of the cousins had fond memories of this old place - carefree summers picking berries, playing in the fort formed by a huge lilac bush, greeting all the animals. And we all remembered Christmas Eve suppers on January 6 in the big farmhouse kitchen.
The picture above is of my cousin Andrea running to let the owners know we were there.
And here we all are:


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Enter Our Photo Contest »
It's time to show off your garden filled with American Meadows products!
Show meShowing plants & seeds that grow in my area:
Growing Clematis: If you're already a clematis grower, you know all this. But if you're not, here's all you need to know.
First of all, there are several kinds of clematis, but most people want to grow the large-flowered types. For some info on the others, go to the bottom of this page.
Basic Requirements: First of all, clematis vines always want their roots shaded, and the plant growing up into full sun. That means you can put some shallow-rooted groundcover around the roots, or simply some mulch--just something to keep the hot sun off the root run, and promote moisture retention in that spot. But be sure your vine grows into plenty of sunlight, which promotes heavy flowering.
Soil is important. Clematis do best in neutral or slightly alkaline soils, but they are somewhat adaptable. If you have very acid soil, try to add some calcium when you plant. Also, be sure to dig the hole deep. Remember you're planning to have this plant in place for decades.
Where to plant is important. These incredible vines are some of the most beautiful flowering plants, and we've all seen them blooming lavishly on fences, porches and trellises. They're not really hard to grow, and they get larger and stronger every year. Sometimes they take their time getting going, so be patient. It usually takes about two years for a newly-planted vine to come into its own. The large-flowered types are hardy into the very cold north, so almost everyone can use them. Be sure to place yours so it has something to climb---fence, trellis, or post.
Winter and spring care are important. In very cold places (like Vermont, where I grew them for years), the winter kills the whole vine right down to the dirt. They actually disappear. Then in the spring, they are somewhat slow to emerge, so you must protect the spot, and watch for the shoots. Once they pop up, they grow fast, but beware--they are brittle! If you happen to break off the young spring shoots, it sets the vine back terribly, so it's important to watch and care for the new shoots until they really get going up your post or trellis.
Once that happens, it helps to gently guide the vining shoots as they find their way upward. You can actually arrange your vine as it grows, but again, be gentle; the stems remain brittle. Soon you'll see buds, and then suddenly one day, they begin to open. Most popular clematis varieties open incredibly large flowers, often as large as 5 to 8 across. They face the sunniest side of your trellis, and well, just take a look at the photo (That's Clematis Nelly Moser vining up a lamp post.). Nothing makes a lovelier display.
Bloom Season: In Vermont, most large-flowered clematis bloom from early July all summer long into September. But the varieties vary; check the individual information on each clematis page. Always deadhead the flowers as they fade, and you'll have a magnificent display for months.
Other types: The wild North American clematis, commonly called Virgins Bower has small white flowers that cover the large vine. The Montana types have smaller flowers than the large-flowered ones, but they create a much larger mass of vine. Montana clematis are wonderful for covering a roof or large area of fence. Unfortunately, both Virgins Bower and Montana clematis are limited to central and southern zones, not hardy in the far north like the large-flowered favorites.
The Viticella Group, sometimes called the Italian Clematis, has vines similar to the Large-Flowered group, but usually forms a larger mass and has very heavy bloom of somewhat smaller flowers.
For more info: take a look at the fantastic All-about-Clematis site, Clematis.com.
|Botanical Name
|4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
|Light Requirements
|Full Sun, Half Sun / Half Shade
|Flower Color
|Orange, Purple
|Mature Height
|12-15' tall
|Estimated Mature Spread
|20-24" wide
|Bloom Time
|Mid to late summer
|Planting Depth
|Crown of plant should rest just at or above the soil surface after watering in.
|Ships As
|Potted Plant
|Planting Time
|Spring / Summer
|Soil Type
|Loamy Soil
|Soil Moisture
|Average, Well Draining
|Ships to Hawaii, Alaska & Canada
Shipping begins in late March based on ground temperatures, warmest zones first.
As soon as your order is placed you will receive an order confirmation email that will include your shipping information. We ship perennials and spring-planted bulbs at the proper planting time for your hardiness zone. Perennials and spring-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you need express shipping or have any questions, please call Customer Service toll-free at (877) 309-7333 or contact us by email.
You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Your order is scheduled to arrive at your door, fresh and ready to plant, usually within 3-5 days of leaving our warehouse, depending on your shipping address. We pack our plants to withstand up to 10 days in transit, in the event transit is delayed. We cannot guarantee arrival on a specific day. Please make sure to open your package upon receipt and follow the instructions included.
To determine if a plant is sufficiently cold hardy, the USDA created numbered zones indicating winter low temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter.
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We're at the 2013 halfway point. Are you sticking to the health and fitness goals you set back in January? If not, consider this your nudge to get back on track and join #LATFit Nation.
All you have to do is find fun, creative ways to make time for fitness each day, then use social media — Twitter and Instagram — to share it using the hashtag #LATFit. And if you're enjoying a healthful meal or recipe, share that too.
The community support could be just what you need to keep you going with workouts of your choice. Many members of #LATFit Nation enjoy walking, and post a picture of the daily pedometer count. Others like hiking, and post an image of a breathtaking vista they snapped along the way. Swimmers post a lap count.
And then there's Xuan Ryan Klevecka, 37, of Oxnard. She gets in her bursts of fitness by doing something she loves: working in her backyard garden. That is, when she's not running around after her 2-year-old son, Nicholas.
"I hate the gym," she said. "If it doesn't look like exercise, or sound like exercise, then I'm happy. ... We have a very large yard, and I dug up half the garden and planted grass. Now, we're working on another part of the yard.... It's great exercise."
It also allows her to spend quality time with her son and model an active lifestyle for him. "That's important to us," she said, adding that she also looks for opportunities to explore Southern California on foot and bike with the tyke.
She posts images of her spruced-up yard on Instagram, using the handle @FriedRiceandEggs, as well as images from her fitness tracker, healthy home-cooked meals, and more.
Thank you, Xuan, for showing #LATFit Nation that fitness, family and fun go hand in hand.
Let us know what unconventional ways you're using to stick to your 2013 health and fitness goals. E-mail me at email@example.com and join us on Twitter and Instagram using the #LATFit hashtag. We can all use your inspiration.


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Pets, Pets, Pets
Move over, Petfinder. You [Petfinder] are still the greatest online entity when it comes to increasing adoptions. Just leave some wiggle room for Facebook which is rapidly becoming a friend to man's best friend (and kitties too). Now that the popular social network site has over 500 million active users, animal advocates are coming up with creative ways to implement Facebook to promote causes and seek homes for pets.
Petfinder.com remains the best way to search nationwide for the dog or cat of your dreams. For example, once you do the broad search for "Saint Bernard", you can narrow your choices by gender or distance. It is also an excellent tool for shelters listing all their current pets or for purebred rescues monitoring when and where their breed surfaces in a shelter.
Presently, Petfinder shows 350,000 pets (split about half dog, half cat) belonging to over 13,000 groups. Since 1995, Petfinder has helped with more than 13 million adoptions. Last week as soon as a curly Wheaten was posted on the Babylon Shelter Petfinder, a Doodle Rescue in NJ inquired about fostering her. They faxed literature about their operation and came for her later in the week.
Facebook is a useful adoption vehicle too for several reasons. Many rescue groups and shelters have their own Facebook page. Last Hope Animal Rescue has two- one for the whole organization and another just for the Dog Center. Photos can be posted and then updated so progress is easily chronicled. Last Hope displayed the West Hills hoarders' dogs leaving the SPCA van and then with their foster families. Pixie, a Mama dog that Last Hope took from Brookhaven Shelter was adopted Saturday. One day later, a video of Pixie playing with her new K-9 siblings was on the Last Hope Facebook page.
With Facebook you can fine tune your "captive" adopter audience to your followers, who in turn can post the same appeals on their wall. This way, you reach people with at least a peripheral connection to your rescue. Others prefer to open the pet posts to the universe. Viewers can ask questions about available pets, and the Facebook administrator can answer publicly or privately. Then other people besides the administrator can chime in with additional information about the dog or cat; whereas Petfinder inquirers have the ability to correspond with the shelter site manager but not to establish a public, ongoing dialogue about a dog or cat. Volunteers or shelter staff can display needy dogs/cats on their Facebook wall too. Rescues can publicize events or fundraisers, and send personalized invitations to followers.
In contrast, Craig's List is a dangerous place to offer a pet for adoption, especially when responders are not screened. On Craig's List, people of questionable character can hide behind anonymity and say whatever they want. Too often online bashers, brave because they are nameless, post false messages to ruin the reputation of others. I realize there are exceptions, but Craig's List may be a helpful place to advertise a lost or found pet, yet not a safe site to re-home one. There is a big difference between placing a Poodle and selling a ping pong table.
Celebrity dogs or cats have their own Facebook pages. Take a look at the page for Nora the Piano Playing Cat or Rufus the Colored Bull Terrier. (Rufus, Best In Show at Westminster in 2006, is a therapy dog.) . Now rescue pets or animals in distress can have their own Facebook pages too.
This summer, carelessness at the airlines lost two more dogs. In August, Daisy, a Shepherd mix flying home to California, bolted during a lay-over in Newark when a Continental handler decided to take her for a walk and clipped the leash wrong. Team Vivi and Rescue Ink helped organize a massive search.
The dog's Facebook page entitled Bring Daisy Home brought joy to over 1,000 followers a month later when Daisy was recovered and reunited with her family. By the way, the handler was fired.
Then on Sept. 7th, British Airways lost Ramsay, a five pound Yorkie when his crate fell off the conveyor belt at JFK and burst open. He ran out onto the runway. Ramsay's owner is a Connecticut native living in London, and the dog needed vaccines so he was delayed going overseas with her. That's why he wasn't in the cabin. This search has included tracking dogs and some of the same dedicated people. There is a $4,000 reward yielding a few possible sightings near the Conduit and Valley Stream, but so far no Ramsay. His Facebook page Yorky Ramsay Lost at JFK Airport….REWARD has a smaller following than Daisy's. Awareness is the key to recovery of a lost pet so as more people join, the word spreads. Ramsay is a tiny Yorkie with a tail and a European microchip. Please check Ramsay's Facebook page which archives the media coverage, and then be observant of anyone in New York carrying around a "new" Yorkie. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Facebook were responsible for Ramsay's safe return?
For Adoption at Babylon Town Shelter (643- 9270) Lamar St. W. Babylon: The Babylon pets do not have their own Facebook page yet…Hint, hint. This week's poster pets include "No Name" in C-7 a sweet 3 year old abandoned, declawed, cinnamon cat. "Katie" # 93562 is a young Terrier mix about 15 lbs. found at K-Mart in W. Babylon.
Male: "Blue" #93487 the quiet Shep/Lab; hefty Clumber Spaniel mix # 93531; a "Porky" (aka Yorkie/ Pug mix)
Female: the pretty Pits-"Lydia, Jinni, Star, Brownie, Asia"; thin Husky- fly-bitten ears in Cage 39.
Special Events: * Town of Babylon Pet Fair to benefit the shelter's Buddy Cares wellness fund on Sat. Sept. 25th from 11 am to 4 pm at Tanner Park in Copiague. Vendors, Frisbee dog demos, plus low cost rabies vaccines and microchips courtesy of Aldrich Animal Hospital. Well- behaved, leashed dogs are invited. Meet adoptables from the shelter.
•Also, this Sat., the 12th annual Grateful Greyhounds Fall Ball at Belmont Lake State Park from 11 to 3…fun and everything you need to know about adopting a retired, racing Greyhound. Lunch. $10 per person donation. All bipeds are invited, but only Greyhounds are permitted. www.gratefulgreys.com or call 516- 735-5070.


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You can book without logging in and will continue to earn points as normal.
Feel the excitement of Bangkok at your very doorstep. Amari Watergate Bangkok puts you in the heart of the vibrant Pratunam neighbourhood in downtown Petchburi, known for its bustling landscape of shopping bazaars and lifestyle malls. At the Amari Watergate hotel, you are just steps away from all it has to offer.
Step into the hotel's lobby and immerse yourself in its relaxed ambience. Your spacious room or suite, overlooking views of the city centre, offers all the comforts of a luxury hotel that will put your body and mind immediately at ease.
Enjoy a laid-back afternoon at one of the hotel's various lifestyle outlets. Unwind to the pampering touch of a Thai massage by trained therapists at the luxury Breeze Spa, or take in the Bangkok sunset at the outdoor garden terrace, housing a Jacuzzi pool and sundeck. Discover world cuisine at at excellent dining venues including authentic Middle Eastern cooking prepared by our award winning Master Chef Yasser Darwich. Finish off by lazing away to the sounds of Thai classical music in the lobby lounge.
Whether you're in town for business or leisure, romance or family fun, let Amari Watergate delight you with the best that Bangkok has to offer.


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South Dakota State's Zach Zenner and Bryan Witzmann, South Dakota's Tyler Starr are Pre-Season All-Americans
A trio of players local players have achieved pre-season status from The Sports Network.
SDSU running back Zach Zenner, offensive lineman Bryan Witzmann, and South Dakota linebacker Tyler Starr are on The Sports Network FCS Preseason All-America Team. Zenner and Witzmann are first team selections, Starr is on the second team.
Zenner led FCS in rushing last season with 2,044 yards, while Witzmann has started at left tackle each of the Jackrabbits' 35 games over the past three seasons, earning first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference last season.
Starr was an All-MVC honoree last season with 74 tackles and four sacks.


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KLM is currently offering "special offer" fares to the Dutch Caribbean. These special offers are for immediate purchase and can disappear in the time it takes to refresh your browser.
However, in some cases, they save as much as £270 on a standard economy rerun ticket.
Bewareof companies offering these special offer fares as part of a holiday quote. They are extremely short lived and may not be valid when you come to book your holiday.
We take flight options to give you time to consider the holiday proposal.
This fixes the fare and full payment is 10 weeks before departure.
This is a big advantage to customers considering a holiday in the Caribbean.
In the case of the special offers we can still take short term options, so the special fares do not disappear quite so quickly, giving you a little more time. Special air fares have a short shelf life but not nearly as short as having to buy them as soon as you see them - as you do on booking websites or the airline's website.
Prices will be confirmed in our holiday proposal and we will advise of any ticketing deadline that applies. If you are thinking about a trip - contact us now. Flight fares are always subject to availability - but we are uniquely placed to be able to get the best flight fares for you. If we do issue your tickets for you - as part of your holiday plan - your holiday
is covered by our ATOL guarantee. Please note we do not sell flight only
We will always be able to get the best air fare - no matter how or where you buy your flight tickets. However, you may wish to purchase your own flight tickets. If you do, please contact us to organise the "holiday" part of the itinerary for you. We can prepare a detailed itinerary for your consideration including: accommodation, meals, vehicle hire, diving etc. We can tailor each element to suit you. We are a Dutch Caribbean specialist and we can discuss your preferences and requirements and find the accommodation and services that suit you best. We'll revise and amend any itinerary until we get it right.


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Promoting Legalized Dope PushersWednesday, September 5, 2012
The HPV (human papillomavirus) sham continues to get fresh water and grow roots. In spite of the deaths and the illness caused by Merck's Gardasil and GlaxoSmithKline's Cervarix (I cover much of it here), the call for mandatory vaccines keeps on keeping on.
The CDC of Europe, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, is taking a page from the CDC playbook. The ECDC is pushing the HPV vaccine, citing the death toll as if cervical cancer deaths are the next black plague.
What kind of government promotes and persuades people to vaccinate their nine-year-old child against a potential cancer that it admits is mostly sexually transmitted? Meet just a few of the children who never recover from the tyranny of the government-pharmaceutical-corporate state complex. Then listen to the doctor who helped to create this monstrous vaccine, as he says (to paraphrase), The CDC has decided none of these cases are attributable to the vaccine. As the news bobblehead notes at the end of the spot, "The medical community believes that vaccinating the populace serves the greater good." These people are all criminals, and we can only hope that, at some point, those who have been lied to will get their day of justice.
One Response to Promoting Legalized Dope Pushers
September 7th, 2012 at 10:33 pm
Fuck. Goddam criminals.


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Columbia Gorge Community College officials hope the last hurdle has been cleared to achieve independent status after five years of a rigorous self-examination process.
In about two weeks, Karen Carter, chief student services officer, said the college will receive a draft report from evaluators who spent three days at The Dalles and Hood River campuses last week.
She said the report presented by the Northwest Commission on College and Universities, based in Seattle, will then be reviewed for areas of concern or factual errors that need to be addressed.
Once that is done, Dr. Frank Toda, president of the college, Brian Greene, interim chief academic officer, Dr. Ernie Keller, a member of the board, and Carter will travel to Seattle in June to answer final questions from the panel.
The commission is comprised of educators from community colleges not within the state of Oregon.
If all goes well, said Carter, the college will be able to maintain its own transcripts and make its own decisions about curriculum issues by fall 2013.
Currently, CGCC operates under the umbrella of Portland Community College and associate degrees or certification received by students bears the name of the metro school. Student records are also stored at the parent college so accessing data involves additional steps that can result in time delays.
"I felt it was a very good visit; that we were prepared to answer the questions they asked and each group told its story of the college," Carter said. "As a result of this process, we've matured as an institution because each time they've (evaluators) given us a recommendation, they've given us a pathway to achieve that recommendation."
Carter said the fourth and final visit by the evaluation team April 22-24 included interviews with students, staff, faculty, board of education members. Also questioned were representatives from the steering committee appointed to address accreditation issues, which is co-chaired by Carter and Greene.
"The NWCCU accreditation standards have provided us with a clear road map for improving our ability to deliver critical 21st century knowledge, attitudes and skills for new 21st century challenges," stated Dr. Frank Toda, president of the college in an April 22 press release.
"Furthermore, because of the processes inherent in the standards, we now have a common definition of quality and continuous process improvement."
Toda said achieving accreditation will be formal recognition that the educational programs at CGCC are equivalent to other top-rated institutes across the nation.
Two years ago, CGCC earned the right by seeking accreditation to process its own financial aid applications for students instead of PCC handling that task. The college was also granted the ability to have a registrar working as a liaison with PCC so that student records could be accessed much faster.
The college has long handled its own budget issues so Carter said not a lot will change on that front.
She said a program to assist veterans with educational benefits is expected to be fully operational by fall, about the time the college hopes to step out on its own.
"It's an exciting time to be here," Carter said.
The CGCC board decided to pursue accreditation in 2006 and the process began about 18 months later. Since that time, administrators have been working to get policies and procedures in place to provide oversight of a fully-functioning, independent institution.
In April 2011, evaluators visited the gorge and provided a list of areas that needed improvement before a final review of CGCC operations took place.
One of the recommendations made by the commission was that CGCC perform a more in-depth assessment of earning outcomes at the course, program and degree levels and incorporate that analysis into the instructional process. The commission felt that a program needed to be put in place to evaluate the effectiveness of faculty in educating students within their chosen fields of study.
The assessment process was in place by spring 2012 and involves gathering input wherever possible from community partners. For example, students seeking careers in nursing, one of the college's signature programs, now work with professionals in supervised internships who can gauge areas of weakness and strength. Feedback from these partners is then used to make determination about where programs need to be adjustments to increase student understanding of lessons.
Instructors are now also using different tools to measure whether students have internalized the teaching from the course and are not just relying on test scores and grades. These tools include practical application of lessons and development of a portfolio that can be appraised, as well as research projects.
The goal of faculty is to help students increase their deductive reasoning and decision-making skills, which will enable them to be more competitive in a global economy. The 127 full-time and part-time educators are now evaluated at least once every five years to determine if they are staying abreast of current learning needs. In addition, the college is looking for areas where more support can be provided to professors, or changes made to policies and procedures, that will enable them to send lifelong learners out into the world.
"It's been a lot of work to get these processes in place and everyone at the college has pitched in to make them a success," said Carter.
In 2010, the college was one of only two in the state to receive a $2 million U.S. Department of Education "Title III" grant to help with the accreditation process and make improvements in technology and other areas of focus.
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Interactions between Microbes and Dissolved Organic Matter at Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents
Elizabeth Kujawinski Behn, Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry
Stefan Sievert, Biology
*Funded through the DOEI and the Ocean Ridge Initiative
AbstractDeep‐sea hydrothermal vents are extreme environments characterized by high temperatures, high metal concentrations and strong redox gradients that support chemosynthesis. The resident microbial communities, consequently, exhibit rare metabolisms that are the subject of significant biological studies. Yet the composition and fate of organic compounds produced by hydrothermal microorganisms as well as the composition and fate of DOM more generally remains unexplored in these environments.
We plan to compare the composition of DOM in high‐ and low‐temperature vent fluids, as a function of temperature and microbial activity, to the composition of background seawater DOM and intracellular microbial metabolites. Our characterization techniques focus on the polar constituents of DOM, which have not been studied in this environment to date. These results will be combined with genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics data from complementary NSF‐funded activities. Together, these integrated data will elucidate new connections between microbial activity and DOM at deep‐sea hydrothermal vents.


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IOC reprimands athletes for commemorating the dead
SOCHI, Russia (AP) The International Olympic Committee is reprimanding athletes for wearing items commemorating the dead.
IOC spokesman Mark Adams said Monday the Olympic body sent a letter to the Norwegian Olympic Committee after its female cross-country skiers wore black armbands Saturday in honor of a teammate's brother, who died on the eve of the Sochi Games.
Adams did not give details of the IOC letter, saying that was "the end of the matter."
In other disciplines, the IOC banned helmet stickers in tribute to Canadian halfpipe skier Sarah Burke, who died after a crash in training two years ago. Adams said athletes should find "a better place" to express their grief.
Australian snowboarder Torah Bright said in an Instagram post on Friday that the IOC has banned competitors from wearing stickers on their gear. The IOC considered it to be a "political protest," Bright wrote.
The IOC has strict rules against protests or propaganda during competitions, outlawing any demonstrations in Olympic venues. Although a commemoration of a dead athlete can hardly be considered a political protest, the IOC's tough stance is often explained by fears that allowing someone to display non-Games-related messages on the gear would encourage others to use the games for their own gain.


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Scribo wrote:I've always disliked Tragedy. From a scholarly perspective we have very little of the good ones anyway, what we have is due to luck or Roman/Byzantine interests so I find them sort of...bleh.
Which prompts me to ask, which do you consider to be the good ones and given that they are lost what is the evidence that they were good.
(The Romans and Byzantines have indeed got a lot to answer for - the sketchy nature of what we know of Hellenistic history to name but one)
This a carry on from a Learning Greek thread http://www.textkit.com/greek-latin-forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=60276as my question is more on topic here


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ADW, GO, and so on never floated my boat - too many features and bells and whistles, and they had this odd tendency to be slower and laggier than TouchWiz itself, which kind of defeated the whole point of switching launchers. FTL Launcher takes a different approach - if a feature has the potential to bring the speed down, it won't be added.
The launcher is based on the source code of the stock Gingerbread launcher, but altered and optimised for speed. It has relatively few configuration options - beyond setting the transition speed, homescreen rotation support, opting for a bounce-snap effect or endless looping, there's nothing much else here (well, backgrounds, of course). For the rest, it does all the things you expect - hold icons, folders, and widgets. You can opt for 3, 5, 7 or 9 homescreens.
The launcher isn't for everyone, though, if only because it currently only supports HDPI devices, so a resolution of 800×480. Lower and higher resolutions are currently not supported, but because this is only a first release, the developer will gauge interest in this launcher to see if it warrants adding support for different resolutions. Note that the Android Market should filter out non-compatible devices.
The only thing I personally need to figure out now is if it's okay and safe to freeze TouchWiz in Titanium Backup.
In any case, there's both a free lite version as well as the full-featured version which costs €1.99 - a small price to pay for such a fast launcher. Like I said, this surely won't float everyone's boat by virtue of being so sparse, but it's right up my personal alley, and I figured there'd me more among you who value speed and simplicity.
Yes, I know this sounds an awful lot like a glorified ad (it really isn't), so to give it some air of legitimacy: what launcher do you use, and why?


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Toxicology Brief: Cycad toxicosis in dogs
Often referred to as sago palms, cycads are hardy evergreen yard plants that grow in warm states, such as Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia, and are also used as ornamental houseplants.1 Lately, their increased use as houseplants has made them available all over the world.2 Cycads, such as Zamia floridana, Cycas revoluta, and Cycas circinalis, arose from vegetation that dominated in the Mesozoic era.
Cycad toxicosis has been described in people and many animals, including dogs, sheep, and cattle. In this article, I focus on the clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of cycad toxicosis in dogs.TOXICITY AND MECHANISM OF ACTION
Cycad palms produce three toxins: cycasin, beta-methylamino-L-alanine, and an unidentified toxin.3-6
Cycasin, which is converted to its aglycone, methylazoxymethanol, may cause centrilobular and midzonal coagulative hepatic necrosis and gastrointestinal irritation. In addition, cycasin is carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic.3,5,6
Beta-methylamino-L-alanine, a neurotoxic amino acid, causes ataxia in rats and is implicated in Guam disease in people. Guam disease is characterized by symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer, Parkinson, and Lou Gehrig (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) diseases.3,5,6
The unidentified toxin, a high-molecular-weight compound, may cause hindlimb paralysis in cattle because of axonal degeneration in the central nervous system.3,5,6
All parts of the plant are toxic, but the seeds contain higher amounts of cycasin than do other parts of the plant. Dogs usually ingest the seeds. Although toxic, the young leaves are palatable.7-9
In one study, the most common signs in dogs ingesting cycad plants were gastrointestinal, hepatic, and neurologic.10 In cases reported to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center and recorded in the AnTox database between 1988 and 1998, the most common signs of cycad toxicosis in dogs were vomiting (with or without blood), depression, diarrhea (with or without blood), and anorexia.11 AnTox data from 2000 through 2007 show the same common signs of cycad toxicosis in dogs as mentioned above.
Gastrointestinal signs may develop within 24 hours, but bilirubin concentrations and serum alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities may not become elevated for 24 to 48 hours.10 Signs may last from 24 hours to nine days.11
Gastrointestinal abnormalities in dogs with cycad poisoning include hemorrhage and mucosal necrosis. Histologic abnormalities in the livers of these dogs include cirrhosis with marked focal centrilobular and midzonal coagulation necrosis.2
Cycad toxicosis is diagnosed based on a history of known exposure (e.g. observed ingestion, identification of chewed plants, identification of plant material in vomitus) and compatible clinical signs. Although cycasin and beta-methylamino-L-alanine can be found in the livers of animals that ingest cycad palms, no diagnostic laboratories routinely test for these compounds.2


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Image: Chaim Putterman, MD, basic science investigator and chief of the division. more info
In addition to the faculty in the Division of Rheumatology who direct active basic science research laboratories, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine has a large group of faculty with primary appointments in the basic science departments who are ready to accept rheumatology fellows as trainees in their laboratories. The College of Medicine has been awarded a NIH-funded program grant in autoimmunity and has training grants in geriatrics and immuno-oncology.
Rheumatology Basic Science Faculty
Dr. Chaim Putterman, Division Chief
Dr. Vyacheslav Adarichev
Dr. John Hardin
Dr. Kui Liu
Dr. Steven Porcelli
Additional Basic Science Faculty
Some of the faculty members in the basic science departments who have interests related to the rheumatic diseases are as follows:
Dr. Joan W. Berman (Pathology)
Dr. Barbara K. Birshtein (Cell Biology)
Dr. Harris Goldstein (Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology)
Dr. Fernando Macian Juan (Pathology)
Dr. Stanley G. Nathenson (Microbiology & Immunology)
Dr. David L. Rosenstreich (Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology)
Dr. Laura Santambrogio (Pathology)
Dr. Matthew D. Scharff (Medicine and Cell Biology)
2009-2015 Grand Rounds
Division of Rheumatology
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus
1300 Morris Park Avenue
Forchheimer Bldg., Rm 701N
Bronx, NY 10461
(718) 430-2078
Fax: (718) 430-8789


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After the first hard frosts of fall had told most other gardens it was time to hunker down for the winter, Marie and Jean-Pierre Hamel's vertical outdoor garden was still a riot of visual interest, even as its hardy alpine plants entered dormancy.
In the coming years, as the plants get more established, the Hamels hope their new vertical garden will be a source of delight all year 'round, with the plants' varied textures standing out when their growing season is done and their bright summer colours have faded.
Vertical gardens like the Hamels' are becoming increasingly popular.
Outdoors, they are sculptural and in some ways easier to take care of than a flat garden: No bending or crouching, says Jean-Pierre Hamel.
Indoors, they are a hallmark of the green movement and a boon to air quality, says Dave Cherry of Ottawa's Job Done Construction, a construction company with a green bent that has installed indoor vertical gardens for several clients.
But while they look great, they are not always simple to install and maintain.
Because the concept is relatively new, there has been a "Wild West" element to the companies that offer them, says Cherry. Vertical gardens are an immature market with new companies and products coming along regularly, he says.
The Hamels, for example, saw a vertical garden in France and wanted to replicate the idea at their Or-léans home. But they had to do a lot of research to find a suitable system. They eventually decided on a vertical planter system created by an American company, BrightGreen (brightgreenusa.com).
Called the GroVert Living Wall Planter, it looks sort of like a shoe rack: Each planter consists of 10 cells, five vertically by two horizontally, that you mount on a fence or supporting structure. Each cell is 10 centimetres deep and slopes down on a 45-degree angle from front to back so the soil and water don't slide out. Each planter is about 45 cm tall and 20 cm across. The Hamels bought 340 planters (at $30 a pop), enough to cover about 18 metres of fencing.
The planters can be mounted beside, below and above each other so they can cover a large surface and come with holes and channels for watering and aeration.
(Hamel was so impressed with the system he has become the Bright-Green distributor for Ontario and Quebec; he can be reached at jp_ email@example.com.)
There are similar systems for indoors, says Cherry.
Sedum Master (sedummaster. com), a company near Woodstock in southern Ontario, sells indoor systems, including a free-standing unit on wheels that comes in aluminum or stainless steel and can also be used outdoors. The free-standing units can cost about $5,000.
Fixed installations can be small, to accommodate a few plants, or can cover an entire wall. They can be quite heavy, what with soil, plants and water, so the supporting structure has to be sturdy.
"It's hard to manage people's expectations," says Cherry of indoor vertical gardens. "People see nice pictures in a magazine. But they forget it's plants and there's a certain messiness to plants. Leaves fall off and little blobs of dirt fall onto your floor. Your fingers are going to get dirty."
Cherry also says watering can be an issue.
"It's not easy to water a vertical wall manually," he says, explaining that water has to reach each of those cells and excess water has to be able to leak out at the bottom. An indoor vertical garden of any size needs some sort of watering system, he says, and that involves plumbing.
Managing watering with an outdoor system is somewhat easier, since excess can drain into the ground.
Then there's the matter of what plants to choose.
Sedum Master says its free-standing plant wall is often used for urban agriculture, and plants such as tomatoes, herbs and lettuce will grow in it. Fixed structures can support ornamental as well as edible plants.
To fill their planter, the Hamels enlisted the help of Estelle and Jean Laporte of J.A. Laporte Flowers and Nursery in Orléans (laportegardens.com). Jean Laporte was intrigued by the idea of a living wall and worked closely with the Hamels to pick the plants.
"We did a lot of research to see what varieties of plants to use to make the vertical wall work in the winter," says Laporte, adding that they settled on seven hardy alpine varieties that don't need a lot of soil and are resistant to hard freezing in the winter - for example plants like hens-and-chicks from the semper-vivum and sedum families.
They didn't stick the plants just anywhere; the Laportes also created designs by arranging the plants in a visually appealing way. (Imagine, says Hamel, that each cell is a pixel.)
Then they numbered all the planters and laid them all down on the ground.
Working from the plan, they planted 3,400 individual plants - perennials, because they didn't want to have to do this every year - and left them on the ground for several months to allow them to develop their root systems.
When the plants were strong enough, the planters were hung on the fence. Having the planters numbered helped make sure they didn't mess up the design.
As the summer progressed, the Hamels were more and more pleased.
"It's like a mural!" says Marie Hamel. "It's art!"
Living walls
After the first hard frosts of fall had told most other gardens it was time to hunker down for the winter, Marie and Jean-Pierre Hamel's vertical outdoor garden was still a riot of visual interest, even as its hardy alpine plants entered dormancy.


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The financial fallout due to the recent outbreak of EHV-1 at the HITS showgrounds in February continues, though most of the quarantines are over.
The financial fallout due to the recent outbreak of equine herpes virus (EHV-1) at the HITS showgrounds in February continues, though most of the quarantines are over.
Not only was the HITS showgrounds at Post Time Farm in Blitchton quarantined, nine other farms in Marion County got caught up in the outbreak when horses that were at HITS later tested positive for the illness at the individual farms.
Betsy Calder, owner of Calder Farms in Morristion, said she has lost more than $10,000 in business because of the quarantine that affected part of her facility. She said one horse that went to HITS and was boarded at the farm tested positive for EHV-1, though the horse did not show any of the potentially fatal neurological symptoms associated with the mutant strain of the virus.
All the cases from the HITS outbreak were of the wild strain, which is a more benign form of the illness that causes flu-like symptoms in horses.
"They read herpes in the headline and they stop reading," Calder said. "The horse that tested positive (at the farm) never had a fever, it never had a cough. If you test any horse in Ocala, there's an 80 percent chance they will test positive. Most horses carry the virus."
Dr. Mike Short, a veterinarian with the Department of Agriculture, says Calder's assertions are not correct.
"That statistic has been used on many occasions, but it's wrong. Studies have shown that 60 to 80 percent of horses have been exposed to the herpes virus and are carriers of the virus, which remains dormant. Of those horses, less than one percent will test positive," he said.
The vast majority of horses that test positive for EHV-1 are going through an active infection.
Calder Farms is an import and export quarantine facility. Horses are housed there for a predetermined number of days before they can legally leave or enter the country. The quarantine did not include the import and export barns on the farm, but customers still continue to cancel.
"I had a Kentucky veterinarian tell me they weren't sending their horses because of the horse that died of herpes," Calder said. "I told her no horse died. And this is coming from a veterinarian. There's no explaining to them. People want to maintain their ignorance."
None of the horses affected by the illness died. Two were sent to the University of Florida for treatment and have since recovered, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Division of Animal Industry.
Calder said she understands why the state tested so aggressively, but thinks they should have done a better job of explaining the situation.
"It wasn't mentioned that our positive test was on an asymptomatic horse. I know it could have been a very serious situation, but we're the ones getting caught in the middle here," she said.
As of Thursday, all but two quarantines — one at Montera Farm in Ocala and one at Black Forest Farm in St. Augustine — were lifted.
The farms released from quarantine include Up Country Farm, Ocala; Redfield Farm, Ocala; Flutterby Farm, Ocala; Kings Ridge Farm, Reddick; Calder Farm, Ocala; Hard Ford Farm, Reddick; Wisconsin-based Chestnut Hill (temporarily in Ocala for HITS); Brookmore Farm, Oviedo; Foxwood Farms, Pinellas Park; Littlewood Farm, Wellington; and Miles Away Farm, Loxahatchee.


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St.Paul, TX, Allen TX, Community TX, Copeville TX, Dallas TX, Fairview TX, Farmersville TX, Fate TX, Garland TX, Highland Park TX, Josephine TX, Lavon TX, Lucas TX, Murphy TX, Nevada TX, Parker TX, Plano TX,Richardson TX, Rockwall TX, Rowlett TX, Royse City TX, Sachse TX, University Parks TX
75002, 75023, 75024, 75025, 75040, 75041, 75042, 75043, 75044, 75048, 75074, 75075, 75080, 75081,75082, 75087, 75088, 75089, 75093, 75094, 75098, 75121, 75164, 75166, 75173, 75189, 75218, 75225, 75230,75231, 75238, 75240, 75243, 75248, 75251, 75252, 75254, 75442
Flower Facts & FAQ
"Let us share some flower facts as well as answer a few questions."
I want to send flowers to a friend. What flowers are best for friendship?
One of the best-kept secrets is that a gift of flowers from one friend to another is the perfect fit, and the flower power can be immense. Pick a flower or flowers that remind you of your friend's unique spirit, and include a note linking the flower to them. One of the greatest gifts you can give a person is the gift of really seeing them, especially at the times that matter most. There is something magical about sharing your life's path with a friend for those important milestones... marking special times with flowers will keep you in their memories forever. Congratulate them on a professional achievement, a baby or anything new, or send a big dose of love when they really need it most, after a break-up or a spell of bad news. The time to build a friendship is when it's strong, so one of my favorite times to express my appreciation is when they're least expecting it.
Is it still appropriate to send flowers if the death notice mentions a charitable donation?
Yes. Because flowers help say what is often difficult to express, they are always appropriate and in good taste. Flowers also play a functional role, adding warmth to the service and providing the visible emotional support that the family needs during this time.
Earliest Mother's Day Celebration
The earliest celebration of mother's in recorded history comes from ancient Greece, when there was a spring festival dedicated to Rhea, the mother of the gods.
I need to send flowers to a hospital. What do I need to do?
If you order flowers to be delivered to a hospital, it's helpful to have the following ready when you call your florist: The name of the hospital, the patient's name, the room number (if possible), when you want the flowers delivered. It is also good to know if the hospital has a policy regarding flowers. For instance, most urgent care and intensive care units do not allow flowers. Sometimes hospital rooms have certain display areas for flowers, but they must be a specified size. We know all about the hospitals in our area so feel free to leave that up to us.
What is appropriate to send for a cremation?
A tastefully designed floral tribute adds beauty to any type of memorial service. It is common for the family to have an arrangement designed for display with the urn. Because cremation is quite common in an increasing number of regions, many florists will have specific suggestions.
Some General Information about Sending Get Well Flowers to a Hospital
Patients in certain areas of hospitals, such as Intensive Care Units, are not allowed to receive cut flowers or plants. Some such patients can receive Mylar balloons and stuffed animals. If you are in doubt about what you are allowed to send to a particular patient in a particular hospital, call the information center of that hospital.
Due to possible latex allergies in hospital patients most hospitals do not allow patients to receive latex balloons. However, most hospitals allow patients who are not in restricted areas to receive Mylar balloons. Mylar balloons often last a lot longer and come in many cheerful styles and colors.
If you are sending flowers to the hospital and feel things are a bit too uncertain to sign the card 'ÄúGet well soon!'ÄĚ or if, in fact, you know the patient won'Äôt be getting well it is always appropriate to say, 'ÄúI'Äôm thinking of you'ÄĚ or 'ÄúWe'Äôre thinking of you.'ÄĚ
How do I take care of loose or boxed flowers?
Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don't forget how important it is to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet. Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower food from your florist. Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial growth that may limit water uptake by the flower. Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Place the flowers in the vase solution you've prepared.
Mother's Day Histrory
Although it may seem like Mother's Day has been around forever, that's not the case. In fact, it's been an official observance for just 98 years. Congress designated Mother's Day as the second Sunday in May in 1914 at the request of Anna Jarvis, who first held similar observances in Philadelphia and West Virginia in 1908.
How do I know what is appropriate when ordering flowers for a funeral?
Sympathy tributes vary region to region, so it is best to ask your florist what he or she recommends. Sometimes a florist will know what the family has ordered or what other tributes are being sent, and can create something for you that will be a nice complement to the other flowers.
The florist should also be familiar with any restrictions the funeral home or cemetery might have. Additionally, if a family has any special requests, the local florists are usually notified and can pass that information on to you.
Where did the tradition of sending funeral flowers come from?
Flowers have always played an important role in burial traditions because of their soothing qualities. In ancient cultures, floral and herb essences were used to anoint the bodies of the deceased and aromatic flowers and greens were displayed.
Mother's Day Color Tradition
Carnations are a popular symbol of Mother's Day. The tradition is to honor mothers who are living with colored flowers, and those who are deceased with white ones. Most of the flowers given for Mother's Day come from California.
Need help with sending flowers to a man?
Men love to get flowers for the same reason they send them - to be recognized. Everyone likes to feel special. A good indicator of when it might be appropriate to send flowers would be to consider his favorite occasions for sending them. Does he send flowers for birthdays, or perhaps as a thank you? Don't forget that no reason is often the best reason! Just as women love receiving flowers for no reason at all, a surprise floral gift will surely catch his attention too.
Scientific Fact!
Moms are awesome.
What are some creative flower ideas for my wedding reception?
Garland the center of the head table with flowers, foliage and votive candles. Use the bridesmaids' bouquets to create lavish buffet table decorations or to surround the cake. Have us create guest table centerpieces with 4-5 separate clusters of flowers so that each couple can take a part of the centerpiece home. Float large fragrant flowers, such as open roses or gardenias, in crystal containers with votive candles. Sprinkle rose petals on the cake table and walkways. Have the toss bouquet double as a cake top. Decorate goblets and cake knives with flowers. Use a cake plate with a mound of flowers on it as a centerpiece. Use roses to make a dome at the top of a glass bowl filled with pretty rocks, and place a wreath around the bowl to highlight it. Toss rose petals instead of rice as the bride and groom leave.
I have a rose that is droopy at the neck. Is it possible to revive it?
Believe it or not, yes! If a rose wilts prematurely, remove it from the arrangement and try the following easy tip to perk it up. Fill a sink with warm water. Lay the rose horizontally in the water bath and cut the stem (about 1 ) with a sharp knife under the warm water. Leave the rose in the bath for about two hours and let the water cool. This process can work wonders, but if the rose is already past its vase life it will not revive.
Rose Color Trends: Pretty Pink Roses
A rose is a rose is a rose. Or is it? Unbeknownst to most of us, the 1990s spawned a virtual baby boom of rose varieties. Brought on by a fertile production period, today there are close to 120 rose varieties commercially available - up from the few dozen choices found in flower shops in the 1980s. These new rose varieties have not only expanded the color palette - from extreme lights to bright brights - but have enhanced characteristics such as bloom size, shape, stem length and strength of fragrance. Choose roses from the family of traditional bridal pinks or adopted siblings of hip hot pinks. Cousins on this family tree include peaches, apricots, corals and lavenders.
If several of us want to go in together for funeral flowers, how do we sign our names so the family knows how to thank us?
When groups go in together on flowers, the arrangements can be very special and make a larger showing. There should be room on the floral enclosure card for several names, but if there's not enough space it is best to sign as a group, such as "The Girls in Accounting" or "The Smith Family." Include a contact name and address on the card so the family knows who to thank.
I want to send flowers to Mom. What should I send?
Let's face it. Moms deserve a floral reward just about every day of the year. And, what moms want more than anything is to feel their kids' love. So, how easy is this? Pick a day, any day, and send her the kind of flowers that express your love. Choose flowers that say something about her. Does she love purple? Does her favorite painting have daisies? Did she carry roses at her wedding? On her birthday, tuck an old photo of her and you into the card with a note saying another year younger. Or, send her flowers you grew in your garden growing up. For many of us, an aunt, a godmother, in-law or even a family friend has been a mom to us. Return the love with a gift of flowers saying, Thank you for the impact you've made on my life.
If I want to place a tribute in or on the casket, what should I do?
This tradition is usually reserved for family members or special loved ones. Ask the family before ordering anything for the casket. We can offer suggestions for other special tributes.
Will you, as my wedding florist, work within my flower budget?
Absolutely! Be honest with us about your budget on the initial consultation so we know what to recommend. By taking your budget into consideration from the very beginning of the planning process, we can give you the best advice on how to place the flowers for maximum effect and what types of flowers will be the best value to achieve your desired look.
Is it ok to wait for someone to get home from the hospital before sending the flowers?
Absolutely. While patients can look forward to home's familiar, comfortable environment to help ease pain and speed recovery, recovering at home can be lonely. Flowers are a great way to let someone know you're thinking of him, even if you can't visit him in person.
Mother's Day Celebrated
Mother's Day is not celebrated on the same day throughout the world. In the UK, Mothering Sunday has been celebrated since the 16th century on the 4th Sunday in Lent. In other parts of the world, celebrations of motherhood can take place in other months, with some taking place in fall or winter.
What are some creative flower ideas for my wedding?
Welcome gifts for out-of-town guests and members of the bridal parties. Thank you gifts for those people who make the bride and groom's day special. Rehearsal dinner and wedding brunch d√ącor. Decorations for the wedding transportation. Floating arrangements for ponds or pools. Accessories for the bride's hair, in some cases replacing the more traditional veil.
Rose Color Trends: Rage for Red Roses
A rose is a rose is a rose. Or is it? Unbeknownst to most of us, the 1990s spawned a virtual baby boom of rose varieties. Brought on by a fertile production period, today there are close to 120 rose varieties commercially available - up from the few dozen choices found in flower shops in the 1980s. These new rose varieties have not only expanded the color palette - from extreme lights to bright brights - but have enhanced characteristics such as bloom size, shape, stem length and strength of fragrance. The new reds for roses range from shades of bright raspberry to majestic scarlet to velvety-dark red to orange-kissed hues.
When can I expect my delivery to arrive?
Typically, local deliveries to businesses, schools, or timed morning delivery, go out first thing in the morning and are made throughout the day as needed. Deliveries to residences are usually made shortly thereafter. Out of Town deliveries usually go out late morning till early afternoon. We make every effort to get your order out with next available delivery trip. If you have a specific request, please let us know.
What causes Valentine's Day rose prices to be different than everyday rose prices?
A simple case of supply and demand affects the price of Valentine's Day roses: Valentine's Day inspires the heaviest demand for long-stemmed roses, and several rosebuds must be sacrificed to create a single long-stemmed rose. After the Christmas season demand for red roses is filled, growers need 50-70 days to produce enough roses for Valentine's Day. Winter's shorter daylight hours and higher energy costs hamper efforts to grow large rose crops. Inclement weather often requires extreme measures to ensure that flowers are delivered in time. To fulfill the tremendous number of orders for Valentine's Day flowers, we have to hire additional help, work longer hours and acquire extra delivery vehicles and drivers.
Is it ok to send sympathy flowers to a family's home? If so, when is it appropriate to send them?
Absolutely. This is a wonderful way to express your sympathy and is a common trend. Some people choose to send flowers to the home immediately while others prefer to wait a week or more. There are no rules.
Flowers can be a very comforting reminder during the grieving process that friends haven't forgotten.
Impact of Flowers in the Workplace Study
Conducted in partnership with Texas A&M University, the Workplace Study demonstrates that idea generation, creative performance and problem-solving skills improve substantially in workplace environments that include flowers and plants.
Roses in Unique Colors
A dozen red roses remains the classic Valentine's Day favorite. However, many women report that they adore roses in other colors just as much. There are hundreds of colors to choose from. The choices are endless and it is easier than ever to select a rose that is as unique as your sweetheart. Be sure to ask us for our available colors or have us pick the nicest available rose color!
Administrative Professionals Day is always observed on the Wednesday of Administrative Professionals Week (April 22-28 in 2013).
Administrative Professionals Day recognizes and celebrates the work of secretaries, administrative assistants, and other office professionals for their contributions to the workplace.
More than 4 million secretaries/administrative assistants are part of the U.S. workforce. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor, 2010)
Why are some items local delivery only?
Items that are marked "Local Delivery Only" are those items where the vase may be unique and another flower shop in our network is unlikely to carry that vase and instead of disappointing you with a substitute, we will only deliver locally. There are also instances where the item is priced less than the minimum order for other florists in our network, thus we can only offer the item within our delivery area.
I heard that flowers are good for your health. Is that true?
According to recent behavioral research conducted at Rutgers University, the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed. "Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy," said Dr. Jeanette Haviland-Jones, lead researcher on the study. "Now, science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well being.
Do you deliver worldwide?
Absolutely! Wylie Flower & Gift Shop offers flower delivery not only anywhere in the country but also worldwide. Our floral experts are always available to help you with your order, no matter where it is going!
Fun Facts #2
Almost 60 percent of fresh-cut flowers grown in the U.S. come from California.
Should I put my floral arrangement in the sun? Will that help it last longer?
No. Growing flowers require sunshine for maturation, but cut flowers will fade much faster if exposed to heat and direct sunlight. To keep flowers fresh longer, place them in a location away from sun and drafts.
How long should balloons stay afloat?
There are 2 main types of balloons that we typically deliver. Mylar balloons(the silver shiny ones with sayings and pictures on the side) and latex balloons(the colorful, rubbery ones that are common for water balloons!) Mylar balloons filled properly with helium should typically last a week or longer. Latex balloons filled properly with helium should last about 18-24 hours.
How can I make my fresh flower arrangement last?
Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods make flowers last longer but it is important to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet. Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart of water. Flower foods should not be diluted with more water than is specified on the packet. If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with properly mixed flower food solution. If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Be sure to use a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into solution. Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, which causes flowers to dehydrate.) Most flowers will last longer under cool conditions.
What type of flower arrangement should I send for someone who is considered Natural?
People who are casual, earthy and prefer the outdoors. Flowering or green plants, meadow flowers and woodsy accents suit this personality best.
What are some creative flower ideas for my wedding ceremony?
Adorn the ceremony entrance with flower-filled urns that can later be moved to the reception. Use flowers and candlelight at different levels to give dimension to design. Use a single rose to mark the seats of both the groom's and the bride's mothers. Attach flower petals to a large ribbon for an elegant decoration piece.
Tips about get well flowers:
Flowers are a great way to let someone who is ill, or just feeling blue, know you're thinking of them, even if you can't visit them in person. They're not only a terrific way to brighten up a hospital room, but can ease the loneliness of recovering at home. They are a simple, sincere and unobtrusive way to lift spirits, bring a smile to a tired face or brighten up a room for someone who is under the weather. In fact, they might be just the trick to cheer someone up.
I need to send sympathy flowers. What should I send?
It is never easy comforting a relative, friend or associate who has lost a loved one. People are often uncertain as to the best way to show their sympathy. Adding to this uncertainty are changing trends in how Americans commemorate the death of a loved one. Services are simpler and shorter. Viewing periods are now typically limited to one day, if they occur at all. A greater number of cremations have resulted in shorter or no memorial services. Flowers have traditionally been sent to the funeral home for display during the viewing and service. However, this does not mean that there should be no show of sympathy if no service is held. Grief therapists agree that the rituals surrounding death are an aid in the grieving process. In instances where there is no service, experts recommend sending condolences to the bereaved person or family's home.
Mother's Day Date
Mother's Day is officially designated the 2nd Sunday in May, rather than on a fixed calendar day.
What are Romantic Flowers?
A sensation of intimacy, nostalgia and comfort is captured in this color palette, a blend of delicate warm and cool colors with lavenders and pinks at its heart. Romantic arrangements express loving sentiments and admiration to mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, best friends, significant others and brides-to-be.
What are the different meanings for the different rose colors?
Red- Love and Affection, Dark Red- Deep Passion, Light Pink- Gentleness, Pink- Grace & Elegance, Bright Pink- Appreciation & Recognition, Lavender- Love & Enchantment, Purple- Enchantment & Magnetism, Dark Purple- Enchantment & Magnetism, Blue- Mystery & Ambiguity, Turquoise- Calm & Fertility, White- Purity & Innocence, Yellow- Friendship, Gold- Joy & Gladness, Peach- Modesty, Orange- Fascination, Black- Farewell & Sorrow.
Is it appropriate to send a plant to the funeral home? If so, will the funeral home send it to the family after the service?
Yes, it is appropriate to send a green or flowering plant. Some funeral homes will deliver plants or flowers to the home if specified. In some cases, we may make arrangements to pick up the plant after the services and deliver it to the family. Otherwise, the funeral director will simply notify the family members that they may take the plants with them after the service.
I have seen a lot of different styles of floral arrangements at funeral services lately. What is best? How do I order a "special" design?
Highly personalized sympathy tributes that depict an aspect of a person's essence are a growing trend. If the deceased was a man who loved the outdoors, perhaps a tribute incorporating branches and natural materials would be ideal. If the deceased was an avid gardener, a tribute with a collection of garden flowers may be a perfect choice.
Be prepared to give the florist a few hints about the person you want to memorialize. If you prefer to send a design that is more a reflection of your style, be sure to communicate that to the florist.
Most flower shops will have photos of traditional sympathy styles for you to peruse.
What type of flower arrangement should I send for someone who is considered Romantic?
People who are generous, spontaneous and extravagant. Bouquets of soft colors, light fragrances and accents of lace or ribbon might suit romantics.
Fun Facts #1
Roses are related to apples, raspberries, cherries, peaches, plums, nectarines, pears and almonds.
Is it appropriate to send flowers for the casket?
The tradition of adorning the casket with fresh flowers is typically reserved for the closest family members, often the deceased's children or those making the funeral arrangements. For that reason, it is recommended that you inquire with the family before ordering a gift of flowers for the casket.
Does someone who is ill have to have been in the hospital to get flowers? What if he or she is sick in bed or just feeling blue?
Flowers are a heartwarming and appreciated gesture any time. They are a simple, sincere and unobtrusive way to lift spirits, bring a smile to a tired face or brighten up a room for someone who is under the weather. In fact, they might be just the trick to cheer someone up.
Is it acceptable to send roses or flowers in a glass vase to the funeral home?
From an etiquette standpoint this is perfectly acceptable; however, some funeral homes have rules about certain types of arrangements. Your florist will be familiar with what each funeral home allows.
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5 things that dominated the Charbonneau commission this week
Giuseppe Borsellino, a construction entrepreneur from the Montreal area, occupied the lion's share of the commission's time this week.
Borsellino, the head of Laval-based Garnier Construction, has worked in Montreal since the 1980s and has won public infrastructure contracts worth millions during the years he's been in business.EVIDENCE FILE: The commission's profile of Giuseppe "Joe" Borsellino.
Borsellino admitted to taking part in a collusion scheme over city of Montreal public works contracts that saw bids rigged in exchange for kickbacks and false extras approved for additional profit. Contrary to earlier testimony from previous witnesses, Borsellino says it was actually former city engineer Gilles Surprenant who initiated the scheme.
Here's what you need to know about Borsellino's testimony:
1.Vague responses
Borsellino was one of the few witnesses who refused to meet with investigators before taking the stand. As a result, the witness gave vague answers when presented with specific evidence for the first time, including wiretapped conversations and phone records.
That led to some tense exchanges between Borsellino, commission prosecutor Simon Tremblay, and commission chair France Charbonneau. Justice Charbonneau frequently stepped in and pressed the witness for answers that went beyond "I don't recall," or "To the best of my memory."
WATCH: Heated exchange over $10,000 donation
IN HIS WORDS: "I think I was invited to one of the weddings. But I'm still not sure. And I knew it coming here, that maybe if we get to that, I wouldn't be able to confirm. But probably was invited to one wedding. And it's probably because the bride, I knew the parents of the bride. But I'm still not sure. And I'm not sure if I went. Okay." (On his invitation to the wedding of Vito Rizzuto's son.)
2. Contradictions
The commission heard several examples of what the prosecutor claimed were contradictions between Borsellino's account of events and the evidence collected by law enforcement, previous witnesses, and commission investigators.
That included a $50,000 Italian vacation he said he paid for and organized. The guest list included the former head of FTQ-Construction, Jocelyn Dupuis, and the then-head of the city's public works department, Robert Marcil.
Borsellino claimed that he arranged the trip to improve his company's standing with the city after several of his company's projects were cancelled.
However, the prosecutor suggested that the trip was more closely linked to one particular contract than Borsellino's overall reputation with the city. The final approval for a $5 million emergency infrastructure project was signed by Marcil just two weeks after the Italian vacation reservations were finalized.
Tremblay proposed the trip was actually compensation for the contract. Borsellino denied that claim.
IN HIS WORDS: "Sir, yes. I'm telling you that [Marcil] signed, I never saw this letter. I might have seen it now, okay. It's not something that I look at the date. The work was done way before, the position was taken way before, and it had nothing to do, absolutely nothing. And it's twice you mention I'm, you know, I'm under oath, and I understand that. And that's why I could answer comfortably that it had nothing to do [with it.]"
3. Links to powerful people
Borsellino admitted to having friends in powerful places, but denies using those relationships for his own financially benefit or that of his company.
Those relationships include:
Former Liberal MNA Tony Tomassi: Borsellino said Tomassi was a friend before he was appointed family minister. In a recorded conversation played before the inquiry, Borsellino describes partying with the MNA for three days after he was appointed to Jean Charest's cabinet in 2008. The witness said he was happy for his friend's success and nothing more. Tomassi resigned his MNA post last year after he was charged with fraud and breach of trust.
LISTEN: Borsellino's recorded conversation on Tomassi [in French]
Jocelyn Dupuis, former head of FTQ-Construction: Borsellino said he had been friends with Dupuis for years and called to consult with him on projects after Dupuis resigned from the union federation's construction arm in 2008. Recorded conversations showed they discussed at least two projects: A Club Med renovation in Florida and a land deal in Montreal. Dupuis was later charged with fraud in connection with expenses claimed to the union. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
The Rizzuto clan: Borsellino denied having a close relationship with members of the Rizzuto family, who reportedly held the top positions in the Montreal Mafia. His parents come from the same small village in Sicily, Cattolica Eraclea, where the Rizzutos trace their roots. He denied attending any Rizzuto family events, but said he may have been invited to one wedding, through the bride's side. Borsellino could not confirm either the invitation or his attendance for the commission.
IN HIS WORDS: (On the infiltration of organized crime in the construction industry)
"Mr. Tremblay, for me, since I've been in business, I've tried to keep my business with my people, as close as possible. So meaning that if I know that there is businesses that are infiltrated, if I... If I know, I wouldn't work with them. But that's only assumptions. I cannot say, and I said this before, I can't say that including any business, if it's infiltrated or not. I don't know."
4. Violence and intimidation in the industry
Borsellino referred to it as "my accident," but the 2009 incident was actually a beating that left Borsellino so severely injured, he required seven hours of facial reconstruction surgery. While he would not conclusively link the motive to his work in the industry, Borsellino implied that it might have been connected to a job he had done or outstanding debts. He did not report the beating to police.
Borsellino also denied playing a role in intimidating another contractor, Michel Leclerc, who previously testified before the commission, and said Borsellino tried to scare him off a bid by calling and threatening him.
WATCH: Michel Leclerc was threatened, inquiry hears
IN HIS WORDS: "Moi, l'histoire it's a bit distorted but, you know, a little bit distorted, I'll tell you my version of the facts.. . The fact was it's true I called [Leclerc] . And I wanted him to put a bid "de complaisance" or not,whatever, and I didn't look for him and it's true I placed a truck there just to see if they were putting in the bid but there was no intimidation. And I knew he was putting in the bid and I didn't harass him."WATCH: Borsellino on intimidation allegations
5. Political donations
Borsellino made donations to the three major provincial political parties, but insisted those donations were all above board. They came primarily in the form of tickets to cocktails which Borsellino said he attended to raise the profile of his company and to network.
He told the commission that he was actively solicited to attend the events by party fundraisers, who pitched them as a networking opportunity. Borsellino said he eventually stopped attending the events, because he deemed the donations 'unethical.'
He also admitted to writing a $10,000 company cheque, which was handed over to Union Montréal organizer Martin Dumont. Borsellino was vague about his intentions for that donation, but suggested it was to support the de-amalgamation campaign.


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Ning is the world's largest platform for creating social websites. Customers use its solutions to quickly create social websites for everything from popular books and movies (such as The Twilight Saga), to sports communities (such as Shred or Die), to musicians (such as Linkin Park).
The Challenge
Ning is the world's largest platform for creating social websites. Customers use its solutions to quickly create social websites for everything from popular books and movies (such as The Twilight Saga), to sports communities (such as Shred or Die), to musicians (such as Linkin Park).
Over the past year, Ning's platform has seen a rapid growth in popularity, which has made innovating scalable platforms of paramount importance. In addition to the growth of its customer-base, unpredictable and volatile traffic required significant performance headroom to deliver on its promise of best-in-class customer service.
Ning's existing solution faced several challenges across different I/O constrained systems:
The Solution
Stopping Leaderboard Lag
Ning's Engagement application allows its customers to show site member activity in real-time. This helps customers create a live community where end users can see who is making the most posts, what mp3 or video is the most popular, and so forth. Database I/O loads could see huge spikes when, for example, an artist posted a new song, and site members began downloading, chatting, and commenting on it.
Chris Schneider, Ning's MySQL architect, was tasked with updating Ning's database to a system that could handle multiple volatile workloads and high throughput for very large queries, as well as scale to increasing performance needs and support a viable business model. The following table shows average replication lag of a disk- based system compared to a SanDisk powered system.
|Replication Lag (in sec.)
|Query Size (MB)
|I/O Wait (Master)
|I/O Wait (Slave)
|Hard Disk
Chris told us, "Our leaderboard server aggregates a lot of data from many content store database clusters. Fusion ioMemory's performance allows us to assure our customers a seamless experience where they would always see the most accurate information, no matter how many active users are accessing the site. We can run this level of performance through one database on one cluster."
Of equal importance, the SanDisk powered system delivered this performance affordably. "Using SanDisk was a great choice for Ning, given that we only needed one SanDisk powered cluster to run the entire Engagement system, and could scale easily," Chris said. "Ning supports about 100,000 custom social networks with membership on each network running from less than 10 to over one million. Needless to say, there is a lot of data being added on a daily basis."
Chris noted, with less hardware, the system was less complex and more stable. "I used to stay awake at night wondering what server failure email I would get. Now I don't even think about it. It just runs."
Chris Schneider,
MySQL Architect, Ning
Keeping Hot Media Files Hopping
Ning tasked David Stryker, a veteran software engineer at Ning, with designing its blob store. The purpose of this repository was to store all videos, mp3s, images, and so forth for all the sites it hosted.
"The blob store was a brand new system, and we had no idea what the eventual load would be," David told us. "We did know that file access would be volatile, and that slow downloads would not be acceptable to our users."
As buzz spreads throughout the social web communities that Ning hosts, its very common for the same file, say a new music video, to see huge spikes in access. The blob metastore, which serves essentially as an address book for files, is often flooded with thousands of simultaneous requests as users search for and download data.
David knew that the ultra-low latency of Fusion ioMemoryTM ioDrive® devices was ideal for enabling its high-end servers to process huge spikes in requests.
"We had to spec the system for a maximum expected load of 10,000 queries per second," David said. "I designed the system initially for rotating disk media, but we wanted it to be much more scalable than what we could achieve with rotating disks. The fact that you can run 100 or 200 times more operations per second on a single ioDrive device just changes everything."
The following chart illustrates the results of a benchmark Chris's team ran using a custom internal suite that generated a 90:10 mixed read/write workload. The SanDisk powered system ran 12 times the queries per second.
Analyzing More Data, Much Faster
Ning's analytics team, headed by Pierre-Alexandre Meyer, Analytics Architect, provides intelligence that Ning uses in many ways, from customer-facing dashboards to proactive monitoring and internal troubleshooting. The closer Pierre's team can analyze data in real-time, the more powerful the intelligence is.
"We first gather the data. We then analyze it in our data warehouse where we run our algorithms. We then push it back to the user and make it visually appealing to them," Pierre said. "This three-step process was taking eight to nine hours to do a full round-trip."
Adding Fusion ioMemory devices to Ning's MySQL analytics servers solved the problem.
Pierre told us, "We were able to change a process without any code change and optimize it—make it scale—by simply doing a hardware change. Instead of dumping data to our master-slave MySQL servers, we changed it to run SanDisk. This dropped the extract process from eight hours to less than an hour."
Pierre added, "Externally, the performance gains ensured our customers would see information much faster. Internally, this was a huge win because we could crunch and present much more data without rethinking our analytics process or spending development cycles creating something new. Ning moves very fast and it was good to know that we could spend time on other tasks instead."
System Overviews
Changes to Engagement System
Data Server
Changes to Metastore system
Changes to Analytics system
Implementing Fusion ioMemory solutions delivered Ning the following benefits:
"When I came in, the companies I'd worked for previously were already using Fusion ioMemory," Chris said. "When you run into an I/O problem, you need something like Fusion ioMemory to scale vertically and quickly with your current hardware. We said, 'Hey, SanDisk—let's put it into production, and we know it's going to work.'"
About the Company
Ning is the world's largest platform for creating social websites. Top organizers, marketers, influencers, and activists use Ning to create an online destination that weaves social conversations in content and inspire action. Based in Palo Alto, California, Ning makes it easy for brands of all shapes and sizes to build custom and powerful social websites.


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About Vernum
Vernum is a project of the spring, joyful one page website. It is modern and clean, very easy to edit. It's prepared to use with jquery parallax efect. There are flat and simple graphics. It's multipurpose, so you can use it as portfolio, or personal page, whatever you wannt…
Fully Responsive DesignVernum can automatically adapt to many screen sizes thanks to its responsive capabilities. Try resizing your browser window or click on given link to see the adaptation. Even better is that Vernum's sliders is also fully responsive. Every element has been tweaked for different screen sizes to make sure it looks great no matter what the device. Now people can easily browse your site using smartphones, tablets, laptops or desktop computers.
- Built with Spyropress Drag & Drop Page Builder
- Bulit with Bootstrap
- Clean and Modern Flat Design
- You can quickly add/remove any section
- One Page Design
- Tested on mobile devices Responsive Design
- Retina Ready Graphics
- Parallax Effect
- CSS3 Animations
- Multipurpose
- Filtered Portfolio
- Working Contact Form with unique design
- Working Twitter API 1.1
- Pricing Tables if you wannt to use as landing page.
10th Release – Version 3.0 – 15th Apr 2015
- Enhancement: Update the framework8th Release – Version 2.8.2 – 25th Nov 2013
- Enhancement: Update the framework- Enhancement: MultiSite supports added- Enhancement: New custom css option in ThemeOptions7th Release – Version 1.8.1 – 17th Oct 2013
- Bug Fixed: Spyropress Builder installation6th Release – Version 1.8 – 20th Sep 2013
- Bug Fixed: has_shortcode redeclare5th Release – Version 1.7 – 8th Aug 2013
- Bug Fixed: custom post type helper4th Release – Version 1.6 – 13th July 2013
- Bug Fixed: Wordpress SEO Yoast conflicting with custom post meta3rd Release – Version 1.5 – 10th July 2013
- Bug Fixed: Home menu highlight on blog page2nd Release – Version 1.4 – 9th July 2013
- Enhancement: Blog posts module added- Enhancement: Slider added into teaser module- Enhancement: Skin creator for unlimited colors.- Enhancement: Mailchimp integration, now you can use mailchimp plugin for newsletter section- Bug Fixed: Bucket module fixed for fatal_error()- Bug Fixed: Swipe box updated for bugs- Bug Fixed: Home menu enable/disable option, translation added- Bug Fixed: Home menu highlight issue- Bug Fixed: Roungh corners in contact formInitial Release – Version 1.0 – 1st June 2013
- Initial Release.


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The Directory
Sister Libraries Search Page
The American Library Association encourages Sister Library relationships at all levels. Below you may search for libraries all over the world who are either looking for a Sister Library relationship, or have a story to tell about their successful Sister Library relationship. Please contact the library directly if you are interested in setting up a Sister Library relationship.
If you would like to add your institution's information to this directory, please follow the directions on the Post Your Information page. In an effort to keep this site up-to-date, we have removed all listings with invalid email addresses. If your library was listed here and you would like it re-posted, please email your most current contact information to firstname.lastname@example.com.
- Including: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- Including: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
East Asia and the Pacific
- Including: Australia, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.
Eurasia and Central Asia
- Including: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
- Including: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
Near East and South Asia
- Including: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Maldives, Morocco, Oman, Nepal, Pakistan, Quatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.
United States
For More Information:
American Library Association
International Relations Office
Telephone: 800-545-2433, ext. 3201
Fax: 312-280-4392