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2016 Personal Tax Changes
On October 19, 2015 Canada held its 42nd general election. As a result, Canadians now have a new Liberal government and Prime Minister. With the change in government also came changes to the Canadian personal taxation system.
Personal Tax Rates and Brackets
Perhaps the most significant change to Canada's tax system was the changes to the marginal tax brackets. Aptly named the "Middle Class Tax Cut" the changes have reduced the tax rates on the middle tax brackets. That is, tax rates for individuals making between $45,282 and $90,563 have dropped by 1.50%.
Unfortunately, not everyone gets the benefit of paying less tax. In order to account for the reduction of the middle rates, the highest income tax bracket rates were increased. Those making between $200,000 and $220,000 will experience a tax rate hike of 2.44%. Additionally, a new income bracket has been created, the new highest bracket will apply to individuals earning over $220,000 and will be taxed at 53.53%.
Tuition and Education
Another significant change affects tuition credits. Starting in January 2017, the federal textbook and education credits will be eliminated. Subsequently, in September 2017, the Ontario tuition and textbook and education credits will also be removed. Carry forward amounts will continue to exist until utilized by the taxpayer. Note that the federal portion of the tuition tax credit will still remain.
Tuition and textbook credits were often a significant tax benefit for those who utilized them. In order to avoid affecting students too harshly, the government has provided a 50% increase to the Canada Student Grants program and has given newly graduated students additional time to begin repaying any government funded student loans.
In an attempt to give students of lower income families a break when it comes to tuition costs, the Government of Ontario plans to offer grants to cover the cost of post-secondary tuition, beginning in 2017. Students with family income less than $50,000 may receive a grant large enough to cover their entire tuition fee!
This strict threshold provides opportunity for a considerable amount of savings with smart income and tax planning. Plan an appointment with you RLB advisor to discuss whether you can take advantage of these planning strategies.
For the Whole Family
Many of the changes have affected credits and benefits that families have been using for multiple years. Most of these tax changes are removing credits that families previously enjoyed. Below is a brief listing of the changes:
1) Canada Child Care Benefit:
The newly revamped tax-free Canada Child Care Benefit will provide money to families based on family income and number of children. These payments will be disbursed on a monthly basis and will not need to be included as income on your tax return. This benefit replaces the current Canada Child Tax Benefit and Universal Child Care benefit. Most families will continue to receive similar amounts under the new program. However, families with income greater than $65,000 may receive less of a benefit.
2) Family Tax Cut:
Ironically, the Family Tax Cut didn't make the cut. Starting in 2016 this income-splitting measure has been eliminated. Previously, the higher income earner in a family could shift income to their spouse for a credit of up to $2000.
3) Fitness and Art Tax Credits:
Whether it is hockey, soccer, football, dance, piano, or singing, your children's fitness and arts related activities will no longer provide as much of a benefit come tax time.
Specifically, these credits have been cut in half in 2016, with the fitness credit being changed to a refundable tax credit. A refundable credit means that if you have zero taxes payable prior to receiving any benefit from the credit, you will receive the amount of the credit as a refund.
These credits have been proposed for complete elimination in 2017.
4) Child Care Expenses:
Families may now claim additional child care expenses on their tax returns. Allowable expenses have increased by $1,000 per child up to $8,000 for a child under the age of 6 and $5,000 for a child between 7 and 16 years old. Expenses that qualify include daycare, nanny services, and more, discuss with your RLB Advisor on what other expenses apply.
5) Teacher Supply Credit
Teachers and early childhood educators are now eligible to claim a 15% refundable tax credit on up to $1,000 spent on school supplies. This is in recognition of the fact that many educators were paying out of pocket for classroom expenses.
6) Benefits for Seniors
The Guaranteed Income Supplement benefit received by low income seniors has increased. Amounts for Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement will eventually be indexed against cost of living, providing for further increases in future years to these benefits.
Tax changes will affect everyone differently, contact your local RLB Advisor to find out how they can affect you at 1-866-822-9992, or visit rlb.ca for more information.
Peter Niemeier
Latest posts by Peter Niemeier (see all)
- Caution: Schemes Claiming You Don't Have to Pay Taxes - September 13, 2017
- Tax Deadline Reminder - April 4, 2017
- What are the 2016 Personal Tax Changes? - January 18, 2017


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Jermaine Beckford believes David Moyes can help him bridge the gap between League One and the Premier League after joining Everton on a free transfer from Leeds United.
The 26-year-old signed a four-year contract with Everton today having rejected a new deal at Leeds, where 85 goals in 150 appearances caught the attention of several Premier League clubs.
It is only four years since Beckford was playing non-league football at Wealdstone but, after 31 goals last season including one against Manchester United and two against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup, the London-born forward has few reservations about stepping into the top flight.
"It's going to be a test, I know that, but I am looking forward to it," Beckford said. "I want to test myself at the highest level and luckily for me, David Moyes showed an interest in me, showed some faith in me and hopefully I can repay that.
"I've been impressed a lot by him. He seems like the type of guy who will sit down and tell you where you're going wrong, what you're doing right and what you might need to work on. I'm excited by the prospect of working with him."

subset: commoncrawl


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CAL J. Zgraggen (2) (K. Helgesen, B. Hurley) 11:42
|CAL B. Brassart (15) (C. Sylvester) 14:42
|M.J T. Bell (2) (C. Hansen) 17:08
CAL B. Macek (22) (A. Roach) 0:06
|M.J J. Messier (7) (J. Kirsch, T. Brown) 4:46 (PP)
|M.J J. Kirsch (14) (B. Point) 5:22 (PP)
|CAL A. Roach (10) (B. Macek) 11:11
Mack Shields 13/16
Chris Driedger 15/16
Moose Jaw
Daniel Wapple 27/33
1. Brady Brassart C - The line of Sylvester-Brassart-Macek feasted on the Warriors tonght. They were on the ice for 5 of the 6 goals. Brassart tallied twice with strong, quick wrist shots that beat Wapple clean. Brassart is a good blend of offense, defense and agitation. He's always in the battle but can also make plays with the puck. Had an impressive +5 stat line on this night. A player that can play in any type of game.
2. Alex Roach D - Roach had a goal and an assist tonight. Made conscious effort to make offensive plays. Often pinching in from the points and attacking off the edges. Roach has taken the reigns of the offense from the backend, leading his team in defenseman points. Doesn't seem like the most explosive skater but always finds a way to get where he needs to be. Has a gawdy +/- this season with a +30.
Moose Jaw
1. Justin Kirsch LW - The stick of Justin Kirsch was the reason why the Warriors hung around this game. Scored once and notched an assist. His goal was a smooth one-timer off a faceoff that caught the goaltender off guard. Kirsch's shot is the thing that stood out most tonight in this game. Didn't really notice him until he had the puck on his stick and started unloading. Kirsch was biggest contributor to the Warriors offense on this night.
2. Travis Brown D - Brown played the role of puckmoving Dman with Morgan Rielly still absent from the Warriors backend. Brown did an admirable job of puck distributing and skating with the puck. Tallied one assist on this night as he setup Kirsch for one of his one-timer goals. Played a lot tonight and in all situations. If Rielly sticks with the Leafs, Brown will likely get the bulk of the work for the Warriors.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Game Report: Calgary 6 Moose Jaw 4
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particularly indebted and wishes to express its thanks. This year, during the 64th edition of the festival, producer and distributor Karl "Baumi" Baumgartner will be awarded the prestigious Berlinale
is one of Germany's leading producers and independent distributors. In his capacity as producer, he has brought world cinema to German audiences expanding their horizons in terms of what cinema from abroad can provide.
In 1982, together with Reinhard Brundig, he launched Pandora Film Distribution and it developed into one of the most important companies in the field of art house cinema. Pandora Film discovered filmmakers such as Andrej Tarkovsky, Jim Jarmusch, Sally Potter, Kim Ki Duk, and Aki Kaurismäki, as well as many
others. With Jane Campion's The Piano in 1993, Karl Baumgartner celebrated his first great success as distributor. It was followed by Emir
Kusturica's Palme d'Or winning Underground (1995), executively produced by Pandora Film.
As a producer, Karl Baumgartner has participated several times in the Berlin International Film Festival – in the Competition with the films
Super 8 Stories
by Emir Kusturica (out of competition, 2001),
My Sweet Home
by Filippos Tsitos (2001), Sam Garbarski's
Irina Palm
(2007), and Jasmila Žbanić's
Na putu
(On the Path, 2010). His most recent contribution to the Berlinale Competition was as co-producer of
Kebun binatang
(Postcards from the Zoo, 2012) by Edwin and
Layla Fourie
(2013) by Pia Marais.
(La vie de bohème, 1992) by Aki Kaurismäki who, together with Festival Director Dieter Kosslick, will give a speech in Karl Baumgartner's honor.
Hornemann Objects, a Dusseldorf-based atelier, sponsored the trophy, which goldsmith Hornemann redesigned for the Berlinale in 2008: Modelled on a real
camera, the Berlinale Camera now has 128 finely crafted components. Many of these silver and titanium parts, such as the swivel head and tripod, are
Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.


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Diabré Zéphirin
Former UNDP Associate Administrator, Zéphirin Diabré is a politician and businessman from Burkina Faso. He has been Chairman of the Africa and Middle East Regions, International and Marketing Department of Areva since February 2006. His mission is to conceive, develop, implement and monitor the group's expansion strategy, working in close collaboration with the group companies that are active in these regions. Before he enters UNDP in 1998, he was the economic adviser of the President of Burkina Faso. He is currently deputy and has occupied several ministerial positions in his country. Former student of the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Bordeaux and the Faculty of Economics and Management of Bordeaux, he holds a PhD in Management.


text: LITHA NEWTON, 90, 1014 Brothers Ave., Melbourne, died Tuesday. Born in South Carolina, she was a homemaker. Survivors: husband, Leroy; daughters, Thelma Mathis, Estherlena, both of Melbourne; sister, Mattie Cohen, New York City; four grandchildren. Visiting hours: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today, Macedonia Baptist Church, Melbourne. Funeral: 1 p.m. today at the church. Stone Funeral Home, Cocoa.


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Slowly, step by step a new rhythm is starting to find its way in my life. After a couple of months sitting, and since 2 weeks starting to learn how to walk again, I'm finally able to walk without crutches again. So, even though it is going terribly slow, I can go out for a walk with Fleur, which is such a joy. I just can't tell you how much I missed this.
So, you would think that 3 months of sitting, would give me the opportunity to make lots and lots of thinks, but well, I hardly did anything but read. More than 20 novels have found their way to my bookcase. Some by authors I already knew (Gioconda Belli, Evely Waugh, Virginia Woolf and Gabriel Garcia Marquez) , but also quite a few new discoveries (James Salter, Siri Hustvedt and Romain Puertolas).
Because I was asked to show someone the things I made with crochet , I made this mosaic, and I think it pretty much shows what I'm about with crochet, doesn't it?
Something which is going to change, is that I probably will spend less time on crafting, because I'm going back to school. Well,…., sort of. I've enlisted for a study in Cultural Sciences at university. It's something I've always wanted, and in fact already started over 20 years ago, but unfortunately had to quit. New chance.
So at the moment, I'm looking and trying to find a new way of spending my time, to find a new balance between all activities. Guess it will take some time.
Last but not least a little preview of what is going to be my new cardigan.
It's the first time I'm knitting top-down, and it really is a nice technique. When it's finished I'll give more details about yarn and pattern.
Groetjes, Dorien


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While colouring Rick St Dennis's Werewolf I couldn't stop thinking of that movie from the 80's
An American Werewolf in London, and the song by Warren Zevon. So I guess this created a bit of a time warp for me. To make this card I printed out the werewolf and coloured him with copic markers I then fussy cut him out. I used a red base card then matted with a gold mirri card followed by a starry paper from a paper pad from creative. I die cut a circle out of gold mirri card and the embossed it to look like a moon. I then stuck the werewolf to the moon with double sided foam tape. I made the star sentiment myself on the computer. to finish off I added some star confetti.
The Copic Markers that I used are:
Heres the link to the image: Howling Werewolf
For more inspiration you may want to check out the Airless Chambers Blog


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The Moon Woman, 1942 Oil on canvas, 175.2 x 109.3 cm Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice 76.2553 PG 141 © Jackson Pollock, by SIAE 2008
Like other members of the New York School, Jackson Pollock was influenced in his early work by Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso, and seized on the Surrealists' concept of the unconscious as the source of art. In the late 1930s Pollock introduced imagery based on totemic or mythic figures, ideographic signs, and ritualistic events. The Moon Woman recalls Picasso, particularly in its palette and composition. The subject of the moon woman, which Pollock treated in several drawings and paintings of the early 1940s, could have been available to him from various sources. At this time many artists, among them Pollock's friends William Baziotes and Robert Motherwell, were influenced by the fugitive, hallucinatory imagery of Charles Baudelaire and the French Symbolists. In his prose poem "Favors of the Moon" Baudelaire addresses the "image of the fearful goddess, the fateful godmother, the poisonous nurse of all the moonstruck of the world." Although it is possible that Pollock knew the poem, it is likelier that he was affected in a more general way by the interest in Baudelaire and the Symbolists that was pervasive during the period.


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Razor Pocket Mod Betty Electric Ride-On
Buy Now
The Hottest Ride On The Block
The Pocket Mod™ Betty gives young girls with a passion for fashion a stylish set of wheels that is sure to turn heads.
Vintage styling meets high performance with the classic Italian scooter design.
- Vintage-inspired Mod design and high performance electric motor provide the perfect mix of utility and style
- Speeds up to 24kmph!
- Can travel up to 16km on a single charge
- Up to 30 minutes of continuous use
- Twist-grip acceleration control
- Large 30cm pneumatic tyres for a smooth ride
- Retractable center mount kickstand
- Scaled down classic scooter design carries riders up to 77kg
- Under seat storage compartment
Colors: Betty (Purple)
Product Weight: 26.76kg
Assembled Product Dimensions: 127cm x 46cm x 76cm
24V (Two 12V) sealed lead acid battery system
Rechargeable UL approved battery and charger included
Tools included
Ages: 13+
Maximum Rider Weight: 77kg
Check local laws and regulations to see where and how you may use your Razor Electric Scooter
* Comes in manufacturer's original package that may reveal what's inside
|Product Length
|Product Width
|Product Height
|Weight Restrictions (kgs)
|Minimum/Recommended Age
|13+ years
Delivery & Refunds
Funtastic ships Australia wide. Our estimated delivery times are:
VIC, NSW, SA - 3-5 Business Days
QLD - 5-8 Business Days
WA, NT, TAS - 8-12 Business Days
If you are unhappy with your product for whatever reason, simply request an exchange (full price and sale items) or refund (full price items only) within 14 days from the date of delivery and return the product to us in the condition that you received it (including packaging), and we will exchange it or refund you the purchase price.


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The Sunshine Award is for bloggers who brighten people's lives.
Now, only people with blogs can be nominated for the Sunshine Award, but if there are a few poets without blogs who deserve an honorary nomination for their hard work and bravery, they will be mentioned as well.
Thank you to my Nominator…
My Answer To The Questions
My Favorite Color: Purple
My Favorite Animal: Right now it's a Rat Terrier dog named Daisy
My Favorite Number: 7 (the number of kids in my family growing up)
My Favorite Non-Alcoholic Beverage: water (I don't sugar drinks)
My Favorite Alcoholic Beverage: Wine
Facebook or Twitter: Facebook
My Passions: Writing & taking pictures
Giving or Receiving Gifts: Giving
Favorite City: Hmmm. Probably Denver since I lived there for 20 years
Favorite TV Shows: Star Trek
My Nominations of Ten Blogs
1) http://www.conleycorner.blogspot.com/
2) http://www.marilynslagel.wordpress.com/
3) http://www.ontheprecipice-
4) http://jbienvenue.webs.com/interviews.htm
5) http://robertasdreamworld.wordpress.com/
6) http://bookdaily.com/authorresource/blog
7) http://ilovetoreadblog.com/support-for-the-author-community/
8) http://www.lovelustandlipstickstains.co.uk/p/author-of-month.html
9) http://www.ontheprecipice-leslief.blogspot.com/
10) http://sandralinthwaitebooks.weebly.com/blog.html
There are a few rules for to follow to make your nominations an actuality:
1) Post the Sunshine Award logo.
2) Accept the nomination and link back to the nominator.
3) Nominate ten other blogs and inform them of the nomination.
4) Answer the questions.


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The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial features numerous water elements that help to create an atmosphere where a visitor can concentrate on what he or she is seeing and reading. The water falls and pools also have deep symbolic meanings tied to President Roosevelt's life and career.
By solving this fun puzzle, you'll discover why the memorial designers used so much water. When you are finished, check here to see how well you did!


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Another day of immense drama in the Indonesian capital has culminated in a widely expected presidential election victory for the popular Jakarta governor Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo Tuesday, and a not so expected "withdrawal" from the contest by his rival Prabowo Subianto – a former military strongman well known for his abysmal human rights record.
As per the final tallies of Indonesia's National Elections Commission (KPU), Jokowi took 53.15% of the popular vote, whilst Prabowo lagged behind with 46.85%.
The official results are thus very much in line with those projected by the eight reputable pollsters who called the election in Jokowi's favour earlier this month, on the basis of unofficial, private quick counts. Conversely – and perhaps somewhat predictably – the quick count data produced by the four (now disgraced) pollsters who called the election for Prabowo has been shown to be wildly inaccurate and potentially bogus.
Many observers of this year's presidential contest had been expecting trouble in the likely event of a defeat for Prabowo Subianto, but few – if any – predicted that he would duck out of the race completely just hours before the grand unveiling of the KPU's official vote count.
As he announced his "withdrawal from the ongoing process", Prabowo desperately levelled charges against the country's electoral commission, claiming that the KPU had failed to identify and act against widespread "cheating". With an air of petulance hardly befitting an aspiring statesman, Prabowo alleged that there has been a "massive, structured and systematic fraud in this election", and thus refused to recognise the validity of his own defeat.
Prabowo's shocking rejection of the KPU's impending verdict quickly precipitated an embarrassing desertion of numerous high-profile figures from within his own camp. The earliest and most explicit abandonment came from Prabowo's campaign manager, Mahfud MD, who acted swiftly to disassociate himself from the sour grapes theatrics of his very own candidate. "The election has been completed and my job is complete. I've failed the Prabowo-Hatta ticket," he said in a televised interview with Metro TV, shortly before declaring rather unceremoniously that, "I don't care about the politics surrounding the election."
As the day went on it also became clear that Prabowo had been deserted by his own vice-presidential running mate, Hatta Rajasa, who refused to be present for the cameras at Prabowo's grand pre-empting of the KPU vote count, and later declared through an intermediary that he would "continue to respect the KPU's [tabulation] process regardless of the final result".
Rumours also circulated that another of Prabowo's close allies, Amien Rais, would abandon his adopted frontrunner and distance he and Rajasa's National Mandate Party from the "Red and White Coalition" of naysayers. He later rebutted such hearsay, however, after voicing his unequivocal support for Prabowo's withdrawal and reiterating – in his own equally emphatic verbiage – Prabowo's charges of "extraordinary, systematic, structured, massive [electoral fraud], for which there is already overwhelming evidence".
Prior to yesterday's tragicomic turn of events at "Red and White Coalition" HQ, most observers had expected a defeated Prabowo to take his grievances straight to the Constitutional Court in order to appeal against an unfavourable vote count – a legal recourse which is of course guaranteed to any losing party in a presidential election. However, in one of yesterday's most intriguing plot twists, it soon became apparent that an officially withdrawn Prabowo wouldn't be able to challenge the KPU's verdict at the courts, as the termination of his candidature also forfeits his constitutional right of appeal.
For a brief period, this appeared to be a controversial point; up until team Prabowo's chief legal representative, a lawyer named Mahendra Datta, went on record with Kompas.com to clarify the situation. "Why won't we go to the Constitutional Court?", he asked rhetorically, "[Because] only those who have legal standing can go to the constitutional court, that is to say, those who are registered as presidential and vice-presidential candidates. [However], by withdrawing [from the election] we are no longer…candidates nor do we have any legal standing."
Given the judicial limbo now faced by Prabowo and his retainers, it is particularly difficult to see how they will be able to launch a legitimate challenge to the outcome of the election. A few fanciful ideas have been floated – such as immediate repeat elections in allegedly fraud-ridden localities, or even a one-year extension of SBY's presidency to allow for a KPU investigation and ultimately a wholesale repeat election – but such proposals are both ludicrously infeasible and completely unconstitutional, not to mention deeply unpopular among most ordinary voters. Prabowo is perhaps unaware that a staggering 93% of respondents to a recent survey indicated that they would prefer for this year's losing party to simply step aside and accept defeat, rather than launch an appeal – let alone have their votes annulled in preparation for an all-out rematch in 2015.
Perhaps even more embarrassing than Prabowo's ill-conceived counter-strategy is the likelihood that he himself could well face prosecution for ducking out of the election prior to the announcement of the result. Yesterday a number of Indonesian jurists – including former Minister of Justice Yusril Ihza Mahendra – condemned Prabowo's withdrawal from the competition as "unconstitutional", and also pointed out that electoral malpractice of this sort is in fact a serious offence – and one which carries heavy penalties.
The relevant statute – images of which have quickly gone viral on social media – is Article 246 of Indonesia's 2008 Presidential Election Laws (Pasal 246 Undang-Undang Pilpres 2008), which stipulates that:
Any candidate for President or Vice President who deliberately withdraws after the first round of voting and before the implementation of the second round of voting, will be punished with a minimum of 36 months to a maximum of 72 months imprisonment, and a fine of between Rp50,000,000,000.00 [$4.3m] to Rp100,000,000,000.00. [$8.7m].
As the wording of the article suggests, presidential elections in Indonesia can sometimes lead to two rounds of voting if the first round of the vote does not produce a clear winner with a sizeable margin. In contrast, however, this year's election had to be settled in just one round of voting, due to there only being two pairs of competing candidates. This peculiarity therefore calls into question whether or not the use of Article 246 would be valid in the context of Prabowo's sudden bail-out during this year's first and only round of voting.
The situation is so confusing that it appears many of Indonesia's politicians have not yet grasped the legal ramifications of Prabowo's withdrawal – including Prabowo himself and the remnants of his campaign team. In an article comically entitled "Did Prabowo know about Article 246?", for example, Golkar MP Poempida Hidayatulloh expressed surprise that Prabowo had chosen to withdraw from the election instead of waiting to challenge the result through the established legal channels. Poempida remarked that he was "a little bit shocked by the behaviour of Prabowo-Hatta, because [their] withdrawal from the candidature [means that] they will be hit by criminal sanctions".
Whether or not Prabowo will be made to feel the wrath of Article 246 remains to be seen, but what we do know for sure is that Jokowi has been declared the winner of this year's presidential election, the result will stand and the streets of Jakarta have not erupted into widespread rioting as was previously feared by the nation's security forces.
In this battle between a former furniture salesman and a former special forces commander, we have witnessed a triumph of democracy, reformism and rule of law – over creeping authoritarianism, military pomp and Suharto era impunity. A Jokowi presidency will no doubt consolidate democratic gains made by Indonesia since the fall of the New Order regime, and will hopefully begin to chip away at the ageing political monopoly of Indonesia's so-called "blue-blooded elites", who have long enjoyed an almost total subjugation of Indonesia's electoral landscape. For once a man who came from outside the system has risen to the top, and this is a major achievement for Indonesia and Joko Widodo.
Business & Investment Opportunities
Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd (SBC) is incorporated in Singapore since 1994.


text:
Alabama-Tennessee Natural Gas Company
Second Revised Volume No. 1
Contents / Previous / Next / Main Tariff Index
Effective Date: 09/01/1993, Docket: RS92- 27-005, Status: Effective
Original Sheet No. 140A Original Sheet No. 140A : Superseded
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS (Continued)
(b) Each Affected Shipper will have allocated to it an
amount of the total Unrecovered Purchased Gas Cost
Account demand balance, including any amounts
subsequently billed or refunded during the period
the PGA was in effect, according to the following
( X / Y )times( Z ) =
Affected Shipper's allocated share of Unrecovered
Purchased Gas Costs Account demand balance;
X= the Affected Shipper's effective sales


text: Section 12(1)(c) within the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 ( RTE) mandates that 25 percent of entering class seats be opened up for children from weak and disadvantaged groups in all non-minority unaided private schools. This progressive policy has the potential to put roughly 1 crore children across India on a different life path in the next 5 years, making it the single largest opportunity seat scheme in the world. When we juxtapose this with data from UNICEF report which states that 8 crores Indian children, of the 20 crores enrolled, are likely to drop out of school before completing elementary education, it poses a grave concern. Research reveals that ingrained discrimination in schools can be a major factor for children dropping out. This report developed by INDUS ACTION, and supported by CSF assesses the current reality of Section 12(1)(c), the benefits of socially inclusive classrooms, case studies and recommendations to make social inclusion a reality in private schools.


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It's typical of me to forget something as important and trivial at the same time as the World Book Day. Especially since my blog is called Universe in Words which would suggest I keep an eye on international books it was pretty awful of me to forget!
This day even has its own website: http://www.worldbookday.com/
So a late CONGRATULATIONS to everyone!!!


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Poker players from all over are contending to be the next poker Champion! He or She will be crowned on November 8th at 4pm EST.
Bodog Flickr Photostream
The road to poker stardom is underway at Bodog.com with the first three days of the Bodog Poker Open IV in the books and lots of prize money already awarded, including $25,000 in added money from Bodog.com. Both the lower-stakes "Contender Series" and higher-stakes "Championship Series" have seen impressive numbers each day, and the action is only just heating up as players contend for seats in the Bodog Poker Open IV Championship Event on Sunday, Nov. 8, when one player will be crowned champion and receive international media exposure.
"The chance to become a poker superstar and pocket some serious cash is why so many online poker players have turned out for the Bodog Poker Open IV this week, and there's still time to get in on the action," said Bodog Poker Pro Justin Bonomo. "Every poker player wants to make a name for themselves by winning a major tournament, and the Bodog Poker Open IV Championship Event this Sunday guarantees this and more with the winner receiving major exposure in an international poker publication and extensive coverage on Bodog.com."
The Championship Series of the Bodog Poker Open IV continues tonight with Event No. 4 ($50 + $5 with Rebuys – No Limit Holdem). The series runs for the next two nights at 8:30pm with Pot Limit and Limit Holdem events, both featuring a $150 + $12 buy-in. Winners of these events will receive an automatic T$500 buy-in to the Bodog Poker Open IV Championship Event, held on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 4pm EST. Bodog.com is adding $25,000 in cash to the prize pool of the $470 + $30 buy-in Championship Event.
Running concurrently with the Championship Series, the lower-stakes Contender Series carries the same opportunity for winners to receive a T$500 buy-in to the Bodog Poker Open IV Championship Event. So far three "Contenders" have moved up to the ranks of potential champions and by the end of the week, a total of seven players from the Contender Series will have earned a shot at poker stardom by winning seats to the Bodog Poker Open IV Championship Event.
While it is the top spot that players are gunning for in each Contender Series tournament, the remaining eight final table players from each event earns an automatic seat to the Contender Series Championship Event, held on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 5pm EST. The $46 + $4 buy-in tournament features $2,500 in added prize money from Bodog.com.
Accepts all Players
Finally, those not lucky enough to win a seat to the Championship Event in either series can still win their way in on the cheap when Bodog.com hosts a full day of satellite qualifiers on Saturday, Nov. 7.
Good luck to all of you in this and may the poker rain down on all of your cards!!


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There's a strange feeling that happens when you lose someone you never knew. When an artist who inspired you passes away whether they were a painter, actor, musician, fashion designer, architect, etc. you feel as though you're losing a bit of yourself.
When I tend to fall in love with an artist's work, that artist is typically dead by the time I discover them. I'm usually inspired by old literature where the author has been gone for sometime and so I never think much about how they aren't around any longer to create. Still, they inspire me even through words that were written decades or centuries ago.
David Bowie was different to me. I discovered him when most people my age did which was through watching the Labyrinth. I first time I saw it was in high school and the one part that stood out from all the rest was the ballroom scene. It entranced me. The song was beautiful, the set was fantastical, the lyrics hit me, and I remember going home and trying to find the scene on Youtube because I couldn't get enough. I wished the entire movie was just that one scene because it was so hauntingly beautiful to me.
It wasn't until college that I started to really listen to his music and I was captivated by it. His lyrics were fascinating to me because they were different than anything I'd heard before. I was drawn in by the surrealism of them and how each told this almost mythical story. I was inspired without realizing it which I think is the best way to be inspired. It's that moment when you become lost in your own ideas and the world stands still for a moment.
When I first started writing my novel about two years ago, I had a ballroom scene near the beginning and I always play music when I write to act as a score. I listened to "As the World Falls Down" over and over again as I wrote this scene out because it fit perfectly and captured the fantasy/surreal tone I was aiming for. Even though I'm currently on the second draft which has had some major changes, that scene is still there because it was one of the better ones I wrote.
Hearing that he's gone, I feel like I've lost something. Knowing that someone you admired won't be creating anymore or standing on the same earth as you is jarring. These people do become a part of your life and to know they've passed is a little painful. You feel speechless and hurt, but that means they made an impression on you and a good one at that.
I could say much more like how I got so excited seeing him in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me or how I love that Flight of the Concords sketch where one of the guys keeps returning as different versions of David Bowie. I could keep going, but I would just be rambling and fangirling a bit. So instead I'll leave it like this:
"Look at that sky, life's begun
Nights are warm and the days are young" – David Bowie (Golden Years)
RIP David Bowie.
Thank you for everything.


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This museum is open to the public and located in Manila. You should check it out during your stay in Manila. The Malacanang palace and museum is architecturally astounding from the street. You can set up a guided tour if you call in advance. The museum is open daily to the public.
It is inexpensive and a great way to spend a part of your day on vacation. The exhibits are protected and you cannot take photos of the exhibits. However, there are some amazing places around the palace and museum outside to get some great shots. Add these two places to your itinerary.


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Cats want new ground with League hat trick
Records have tumbled in record time with Kilkenny in recent years, and the Cats will be hoping to reach another new milestone in the National Hurling League final on Sunday.
Brian Cody's reshaped team will be chasing the county's first three in-a-row in the League in the decider in Thurles against Tipperary.
The last time the county appeared in three consecutive finals was in 1975/76, 1976/77 and 1977/78 when the League started late one year and ran into the following one. However, after beating Clare in the first decider after a replay, the Cats lost the two following finals against the same opposition.
Tipperary were the last county to achieve the treble (1959, 1960 and 1961) so Eamonn O'Shea's squad will be determined to prevent Kilkenny emulating the Tipp men of a previous generation.
It is interesting to note that Limerick have enjoyed the best back-to-back run of wins in the League. They put five together in 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937 and 1938.
Tipperary are seeking their first League title win since 2008. They reached last year's final but lost to Kilkenny in a great battle in Nowlan Park.
The Noresiders have already scored a win over Tipperary in this year's Allianz League, winning by six points in Nowlan Park last month.
Sunday's will be Kilkenny's 10th appearance in the final since Brian Cody took over the reins in 1999. There have been seven victories.
Throw in 12 appearances in All-Ireland finals in the same period, which returned nine successes, and the county has enjoyed unprecedented success.
Yet the drive for hurling supremacy continues unabated. The selectors have tried 39 players during the League as they build a new team for the championship.
See League final preview pages 82 and 84 to 87.


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Carnival Valor
by Chris Gerblick
Eastern Caribbean
August 27, 2006
Carnival Valor - Deck 6 - Cabin 6458 - August 27th, to September 3rd. Eastern Caribbean Itinerary: Leaving out of Miami, Nassau, St Thomas, St Martin, and back to Miami.
Our kitty cat sitter arrived, our bags were packed and we were ready for our dream vacation! After arriving at the Milwaukee International airport we checked in, swept through security quickly, and were flying to Ft. Lauderdale, without all the hassle and drama of flying out of O'Hare. We booked a roundtrip ticket on Midwest (under $200.00) the cushy blue carpet carried us to out 1st class leather seating (all seats on the plane are 1st class). We watched movies and ate delicious fresh foods before our arrival in Florida. We took a Yellow Taxi to our hotel - The Royal Palm in South beach, Miami. We had to wait until 4:30pm for our room to be ready, so we looked about the city/beach and restaurants and we finally checked in. The hotel was ok, the service was slow, and there was a $15.00 resort fee all guests pay for dry towels at the pool regardless if you swim or not. I got the giggles when they ran out of towels and just ran up to our room and grabbed our own. The hotel manager explained that dry towels are only offered up until 5pm. (I then remembered that we could not check in until 4:30pm). The architecture was Art Deco and the colors were pastel, and our room was overall satisfactory (a dirty old room with a nice view of the ocean & city…not a terrible trade off). We shopped and ate dinner at a Cuban restaurant, and crashed out for the night.
Quick Tips: If your taking a Yellow Cab from Ft Lauderdale to Miami it will be about $100.00 including 10% to 15% tip, Shuttle bus about $25.00 including $5.00 tip. If you are bringing children on your dream cruise vacation, Carnival is TOPS. Children of all ages are seen running and playing all over the ship (even in the adults only hot tub!). Camp Carnival is also available to drop off the little darling angles for the day. Your children will meet other kids their age and have a great time running and playing all over the entire ship. For those of you that are thinking of a cruise as a way to get some quality time…or a slice of time away from the sweet, darling angles….think again……….think really hard about making other plans. When it comes to Carnival, they know how to make sure your children have an excellent time and your children will just know that on a Carnival Fun Ship…Cruising is for KIDS!
What I found out / what happened to me on my first cruise years ago…. A short time in the Caribbean sun with out the protection of a t-shirt or sunblock can cause blistering, sunburn, and a week of great pain.
Embarkation - In the morning we took a yellow cab to the ship and the baggage porters were arguing over baggage turf and tips, when the argument ended we handed a porter our luggage, tipped him and walked into the terminal building. We were very pleased overall with Carnivals check in process and were on board within 45 minutes!
We ate lunch at Rosie's and our room was ready by 1:30pm so we ventured to our cabin with the excitement of opening a present at Christmas. Our room was a Balcony at the back of the ship, the bathroom was clean with crisp white towels, it was very nice with a few complimentary product samples. The bed was two twins that could be pushed together to make a King and finally the balcony, all filthy and stained (one table and two chairs), the glass on the balcony wall facing out was coated with layers of dirt, that will need some serious elbow grease if anyone ever cleans it, and finally no privacy as your neighbors above and to both sides can see you (so I needed to remember …no running out there in my underwear).
The look and feel of the ship: The ship had a hero theme, gaudy, amateurish, juvenile, tacky, & clumsy with gold pennies, and eagles all over. Carnival's Fun Vision video announced that the eagles are covered in gold leaf and then people started ripping them off the walls in the elevators. A picture of Rosie the Riveter was nice and the closest thing I could find resembling a hero.
Breakfast at Rosies Restaurant Lido, the food was basic, with yogurt, hash browns, scrambled eggs, toast and bagels, bacon, cream cheese, butter, French toast, and the three fruits that would haunt me for the rest of the cruise (bananas honeydew, cantaloupe) there was always plenty of these. I would search out and rarely find prunes, oranges, & grapefruits. There was an omelet station where the nice gentleman behind the pans makes each omelet in a little pan starting with a Ľ cup ladle of grease that soaked into my two scrambled eggs very nicely… I thought of another option, threw mine away and stuck to the fresh fruits, croissants, and yogurt.
Typical lunch at the Lido - I was standing in line and wondering why the line was not moving….was the food so good that people could not choose what they wanted? I finally came upon the problem. There was fresh cut water melon, coleslaw, potato salad, and a very large steel bin of burnt fried chicken. People were picking through, digging and digging for that one piece that may not be burnt. Out of curiosity I grabbed a piece and some coleslaw and potato salad, found a table and ate. The chicken had the burnt breading on the outside and a bit of dark burnt gristle underneath, overall the vegetarian lunch was not bad as I love coleslaw and potato salad. The beverage stations were mostly missing cups or had juice cups for coffee (ouch that can burn your hands) and the coffee cups were by the juice machines. All of the cups were cheap plastic cups you would find at a day care or nursery school cafeteria. The beverage stations were mostly out of service and empty however after finding my 3rd beverage station I grabbed a refreshing plastic cup of water with crushed ice.
Dinner at the Lincoln Dinning Room - The food was "average" at best. The steak on the first night was the thickness of a mouse pad, I had no idea why they would ask how I wanted it done…they all were prepared the same. I sat with my steak and realized that when you keep pinching pennies for bigger profits eventually you can really screw up a cruise. Another night I had chilled mango soup, pasta with mushroom soup mixed in, two tablespoon size pieces of chicken, and for desert oh yeah….we scampered out early to the Java Java for hot chocolate ($5.15 each including the mandatory tip). Every dinner at the Lincoln Dinning Room had live entertainment as Carnival is after all a fun ship! Waiters and Waitresses in single file walking about the place singing a Caribbean them song "feeling HOT! HOT! HOT!" as your food not yet served sits on the waiter table getting cold, cold, cold! However the waitresses and waiters are dressed in snappy smart uniforms, are very polite and give you their recommendations (with an accent so thick you cant understand them) from the menu.
Additional Dinning options - There is a sushi bar that is never crowded, good sushi (a delicious and healthy alternative) and open for 2 hours every evening. On the lido there is a hamburger, French fry and hotdog stand (long lines) , fish & chips stand hidden on another deck away from the Lido, and finally there is also a pizzeria often without any pizza so you wait.
Shore Excursions- St Thomas - Captain Nautica's Ultimate Snorkel Expedition- This was in fact Ultimate. We took a short ride to a nature-protected island on a Navy Seals type boat. Once the safety lecture was over I jumped in and saw a Barracuda the size of well… as big as I am. I snorkeled up to about 7 squid, each lined up in perfect uniform manner, big black eyes. I took their picture and as I swam away they followed me, kind of creeping me out but then maybe they were curious also. Beautiful stingrays, and schools of colorful fish swimming in circles. I also saw sea turtles grazing on the sea grass, coming up for air every now and then. The coral was fantastic, and the water was warm and clear. All in all the $79.00 per person was well worth it. I cruise about 3 times per year and love to snorkel, this was in fact the best experience I have ever had. The guides name was Steve and he and his assistant did a fantastic job, they also took us to a sunken ship.
St Martin Power Snorkel Adventure -$75.00- St Martin (The French Side) - We took a very long and bumpy ride to the French side of the island, and then we sat on a banana boat that was pulled by fishing boat to a separate island. The banana boat was pulled by a damaged rope that looked like it could snap and hit you in the face at any moment. This boat had to make multiple trips to get everyone and then we all received our power snorkel engines that pull you through the water. It's a great idea to look down at the fish but also look ahead so you do not crash into anyone by accident. The water was murky, the coral was of poor quality and there were few fish to be seen. The French guide ran ahead quickly without the clumsy & slow moving power snorkel machine while telling everyone to keep up with her. Long story short, two of the tourist's machines broke down in the water and the poor souls had to haul the machines back about a quarter mile to the beach. When they explained what happened to the French guide she suddenly forgot all her English Speaking Skills and stood terrified that they might ask for a refund. While at the beach I tried to eat at a French beachside place (something like "Kitaki") to stay in the shade, a hamburger and fries costs about 20 euro but 1 hour was not enough time to be served. After waiting about 30 minutes we did not get our order taken, "got a clue", and had to leave. We all baked in the sun for an hour feeling hot, feeling hot, feeling hot, hot, hot!, And went back to the ship.
Entertainment - The entertainment lounge experience was what it was. I sat down and there seats were so crammed together that my legs and feet tingled. Since the comedy show was so boring I left. On another night it was the Adult comedy show (same entertainer)…not funny just a few swear words and the best part was walking out and going to bed. (uummm not so fast as we will learn more about that later) The Casino was excellent, fantastic variety of craps, slots, blackjack, poker, & a bar that had my favorite beer..Amstel Lite! They could improve on the beer by serving it in a bottle so you could avoid the tinny tast from the can however in Carnivals defense the less amount of glass onboard the better…there were too many people dancing barefoot, getting drunk, dropping their glass's and accidentally stepping in the broken glass. (Feeling HOT, HOT, HOT, on the Carnival Fun Ship!) An unexpected event that was entertaining was getting from one place to another like a mouse through a maze. Only Decks 4 & 8 go from front to back and Deck 4 is often blocked with huge steel doors when you get to the dinning area. You need to come up with a strategy on getting to your destination like going to the Lido, cutting across and taking an elevator down to get to the casino. Take an elevator bank too far or too short and you fail…try try again on your fun ship! Trying to navigate from one part of the ship to another is also a great source of exercise.
Cruise Director: The cruise director had her responsibilities to do, announcing the days events, sales, hosting shows, special offerings, & tours ETC. Putting all of that aside, she was like your neighbor….down to earth and an ego that was not so huge it might sink the ship. I actually liked her and her assistant from Brazil was adorable with his "kissy kissy bye bye" at the end of his announcements. The cruise director and her asst compliment each other very nicely.
Carnival Vacation Club (CVC)- this is a seminar I watched on TV and in the beginning of the cruise I attended a one on one meeting with a Carnival Vacation Club representative. I crunched the numbers and found it to be a very expensive hassle of cash to points conversions, restrictions, contracts, finance charges, and I could only go to properties owned and ran by Carnival Corporation, a poor value at best. By not joining I can continue to be free to make my own vacation decisions and choices, spend less money, and save hundreds and thousands in finance charges. For me CVC was and forever will be a mess on the floor that I can step over.
Evening /Early Morning on the Fun Ship:
Teatime: Carnival actually got this one right, nailed it on the head, and scored a home run! Excellent live classical music with a fantastic pianist, & two very talented violinists. Finger sandwiches, a variety of hot teas, real deserts that would make a professional baker blush, a variety of seating arrangements to choose from, and a room cut off from the outside with leather seating, ornate furniture, and beautiful carpet. (Not much wiggle room here for improvement!)
Debarkation - After calling our color tags leaving the ship took about 30 minutes and went very smoothly.
In Conclusion & Overall Impression: Saturday afternoon…the last day of the cruise I lay on my Carnival Comfort Bed reflecting on the past weeks events knowing each one had a unique meaning and value to me, the cruise director came on the intercom encouraging everyone to fill out their comment cards and in return they might win a Fabulous Carnival FUN SHIP 3, 5, or 7 day vacation, I was then suddenly overcome with a feeling of anger, disgust and fear so I did the only thing that could make me feel better. I packed!


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Zarganar is widely considered to be Myanmar's most popular comedian, as well as being a prolific writer, poet and filmmaker. An outspoken critic of the former military junta, the four-time political prisoner whose real name is U Maung Thura spent a total of 11 years behind bars. He was released in 2013 during a presidential amnesty granted to prisoners of conscience. In an exclusive interview with Mizzima Business Weekly's Jessica Mudditt, Zarganar spoke about his campaign to secure the release of remaining political prisoners and military intelligence officers, as well as his unlikely friendship with a murderer known as Buffalo, who helped him find the path to forgiveness.
What are you working on?
I have so many plans, but my focus at the moment is on securing the release of every remaining political prisoner. I'm on a committee which is trying to formally clarify the status of 32 people who were excluded from last year's presidential amnesty. The government classifies these individuals as criminals and terrorists and therefore refuses to recognise them as political prisoners. They were found guilty of bombing and setting fire to a village in Shan State, as well as murder and rape. None were provided with a fair trial and I strongly believe the rape and murder charges are false. As members of the Shan State Army, their objective was political: they attacked an area where government troops were living – it was a battlefield at the time. No one was killed when the village was destroyed. Most have been in prison for at least a decade and we feel that enough is enough.
Our committee has called on the government many times to have these 32 people reclassified as political prisoners and to set them free. Unfortunately, it seems that the government has no intention of carrying on with the process of releasing all political prisoners. No further amnesties have been granted since January 1 despite the fact that President U Thein Sein pledged last year that there would be no more political prisoners left in Myanmar.
What progress is being made towards having those prisoners released?
Last March, an important meeting took place between the government and civil society groups, but I wasn't able to attend because I had kidney stones and needed an operation to remove them. In previous meetings, I've always taken the role of moderator and facilitator – I am the only bridge that exists between the two sides. During that meeting there were a lot of disputes, with both sides blaming the other – and now most committee members want to resign. But if we disband the committee, those 32 people will die in prison. We cannot destroy their hope. So my goal is to try to persuade members of the government and civil society to return to the table for discussions.
You are also working to obtain the release of former military intelligence officers jailed in the aftermath of the purge of Military Intelligence in 2004. What motivated you to take up their cause?
Some of the former military intelligence officers who remain behind bars were actually the ones who sent me to prison and tortured me. But I have forgiven them. I think it's important to bear in mind the context of the country's past political situation. These people are human beings and my fellow Burmese citizens, so I feel I must support their release. And every member of the committee agrees and has signed a petition in support.
This evening [August 25] I will meet with U Soe Thein, Minister of the President's Office, to discuss the possibility of arranging a meeting to review their cases. I have also requested a meeting with the Minister of Home Affairs, Lieutenant-General Ko Ko. And last weekend I had the chance to discuss the release of both political prisoners and military intelligence officers with President U Thein Sein and House Speaker [Thura] U Shwe Mann. All so far have expressed their agreement.
Was it your first meeting with the President?
No, I've met the President several times but it was my first visit to his farmhouse in Nay Pyi Taw. It has a very nice view. The purpose of me being there was to get footage of him on the farm, which will be shown as part of a youth festival and exhibition on International Peace Day on September 21.
I got some great shots of him sowing rice in a paddy field and preparing food for his cows while dressed in a cotton western-style shirt, rather than traditional Burmese dress. People will see him as a normal man rather than the president of the country and they will hear him say that he is creating programs to support the youth and farmers and that he will keep up the momentum of the peace process. In the film he says, "Farmers are the fathers of our country - and I am the son of the farmers."
The President himself is a keen farmer; before joining the military he'd had a lot of farming experience. Nowadays he's very interested in planting crops and breeding cows.
However, the project also gave me the opportunity to discuss the release of political prisoners and military intelligence officers in more detail after our meeting in the President's office on Saturday [August 23]. This was very timely, because my aim is to have every prisoner released on International Peace Day. President U Thein Sein said he agrees with my position and will discuss the matter with the special security and defence committee, of which he serves as chairman.
How much public support is there for the release of former military intelligence officers? Could there be a public backlash if they are released?
Possibly, because some Burmese still fear the military intelligence and would feel angry about it. I can understand their point of view – I have Burmese friends in Singapore and the United States who also totally disagree with me on this. But I tell them that I was the one imprisoned and tortured, not them. I lost so much in my life as a result of military rule. Both my parents died while I was in prison and I didn't get the chance to see their dead bodies. My wife and two children left Myanmar about eight years ago and are now US citizens. My wife refuses to return to Myanmar because she doesn't trust the government. You could say our marriage has broken down. But although the junta ripped my family apart, I don't want revenge. I just want to see my country improve.
Is your ability to move forward without bitterness something you attribute to being a practicing Buddhist?
No, it's not concerned with Buddhism. While in prison I read Nelson Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom. In it he writes about why it's important to forgive and forget. As for me, I have "edited" his sentiment: I can forgive but I'll never forget [laughs].
Your ability to forgive those responsible for the suffering you endured goes beyond abstract forgiveness.
As you know, I was sent to prison four times. The second time was before the elections in 1990, when I received a five-year sentence and was sent to Insein prison. At the time, the prison was extremely crowded and political prisoners shared cells with criminals. They often stole my food and were generally very rude people.
I was sharing a cell with a murderer called Buffalo. During the uprising of '88 he killed at least 20 people; mostly police. He told me he slit their throats. Yet he was very smart and I came to love him because he supported all the political prisoners. If we didn't get food, he would do something about it. He had many connections with the warders and was able to get things we couldn't. We were roommates and friends for two years, from 1990 until 1992.
Then, when I was transferred to Myiktyina prison in 2008 I was reunited with a lot of my friends – including Buffalo. He'd been released in 2005 and had promised me he'd never kill anyone again. 'Why did you do it?' I asked him. His reply was that the person he murdered was a member of the Special Branch. He'd got the death penalty but it's been commuted to a life sentence. I think he has 13 years left to serve.
Anyhow, he supported me in prison once again – he even got me a mobile phone so that I could call my friends and relatives outside Myanmar! Buffalo was a very popular inmate and he was powerful too, amongst both inmates and warders. He had many privileges and often did repairs at the warders' homes. And whenever he re-entered the prison compound, he was never searched. He also had his own small business – and a corrupt one, yes. Some of the inmates were very wealthy jade or human smugglers and he'd ask them if they wanted a "comfortable stay" when they arrived – in return for cash payments, of course. He'd then use the money to obtain mobile phones and other things from the warders. Everyone was dependent on him.
One day Buffalo told me that a member of military intelligence was being held in a separate compound from ours. That person, it turned out, had tortured me very badly. He once buried me up to my neck and drove a jeep very fast towards me while shouting that he was going to crush my skull. He terrified me. When I told Buffalo this, he offered to have him killed, saying that no one would ever find out. I refused and said I wanted to meet him instead.
Buffalo agreed and when I saw him, I said, "Uncle Colonel, do you remember me?"
He did and we shook hands. He used to be such a big man but had grown very skinny – and very depressed. His family was also in prison so he could only eat prison food, which was totally inadequate.
I'll never forget what he said to me next. He begged me to forgive him for what he did to me and he wept. I think it was from that time on that I was able to forgive.
But I did say to him that day: "Are you insane or were you following orders from your superiors?" He cried a lot and said it was all his fault; that all the blame was his. I wasn't sure whether to believe that though.
Afterwards I got Buffalo to give him my coffee every morning, as well as some vegetables and dried fish. On the day I left prison I bid him farewell him and promised to work to secure his release. That made him cry. I still send him food parcels and books every month.
Is your focus on the release of certain prisoners or a broader range of issues?
My focus isn't only on the prisoners. I want to move our country forward and I believe that introducing a federalist system of governance is very important, as well as changing the constitution so that the military aren't allocated 25 percent of parliamentary seats.
Are you confident these changes will occur before the general elections due late next year?
No, I'm not. The general elections of 2015 are not my heartbeat, you could say. My vision is 2020. But civil society groups need to start working together with the government, the opposition, the military and the ethnic minority parties in order to achieve these long term goals, such as power sharing between the states and union level government. One positive development is that during meetings last week that involved the military and ethnic minority groups, it was agreed that members of the military will start taking part in classes on federalism.
With so much going on in your life, do you have any time left to tell jokes?
I do still perform, and as a comedian, I often use humour to get my point across. For example, when I met with senior members of the military quite recently, I said to them, "Do you know how you can get 100 percent of the peoples' love?"
"How? How?" they asked me.
"Well, if you completely withdraw from parliament you will get all of their love: every single person will applaud you and want to kiss you."
They laughed at that. But I don't believe the military will withdraw before 2015.
Would you like to become a politician?
I've always been interested in politics and since I was a young man I've read many books on the subject. My mother stood as an independent candidate – which at the time was something I tried to discourage because I thought that as a literary person, she lacked knowledge about politics. Ultimately, she didn't listen to me and she didn't win.
As for me personally, I didn't try to enter politics despite my interest in it because the only route available was through the ruling party at the time, which didn't appeal.
Nonetheless, politics has been at the centre of my career as a comedian. Nowadays a lot of people are asking me, "What do you want to do now – arts or politics?"
My answer is that I want to be free. I want to sing songs, dance, make films and write articles, novels and poems. I'm so happy doing those things. And although I would like to dedicate 100 percent of my life to politics, the time isn't right. I want to focus on moving our country onto the right path and encouraging people – especially young people – to participate in the process. I want to be like Arsenal's coach Arsene Wenger – he's very good at scouting for new blood in football. I want to keep searching for new blood to serve my country.
This Article first appeared in the September 04, 2014 edition of Mizzima Business Weekly.
Burmese comedian Zarganar on his time in prison, securing the release of political prisoners
'My focus at the moment is on securing the release of every remaining political prisoner.'
Zarganar is widely considered to be Myanmar's most popular comedian, as well as being a prolific writer, poet and filmmaker. An outspoken critic of the former military junta, the four-time political prisoner whose real name is U Maung Thura spent a total of 11 years behind bars. He was released in 2013 during a presidential amnesty granted to prisoners of conscience. In an exclusive interview with Mizzima Business Weekly's Jessica Mudditt, Zarganar spoke about his campaign to secure the release of remaining political prisoners and military intelligence officers, as well as his unlikely friendship with a murderer known as Buffalo, who helped him find the path to forgiveness.


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Symbian admits trojan slipped through screening
Last week there were multiple articles on the Internet claiming that somehow a virus had managed to find its way into the install on a Symbian Based smartphone.
Now we hear that Symbian is admitting that a certain application called "Sexy Space" was actually a bot building Trojan. Of course with a name like Sexy Space I am not overly surprised, after all one of the quickest ways to get malware out is with porn.
The funny part (well not so funny for people that got infected) is that the apps was discovered to have malicious code two weeks ago and the signature for it was pulled. However, due to an error the App was still being downloaded until last week.
Symbian is working to improve its application scanning process as it obviously needs a lot more work to get things right. Of course as smartphones become more powerful and more applications are being written the likely hood of malware for your phone grows as well. It will probably not be long before we will need antivirus for our phones.


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Tom Durbin
Research Engineer
Thomas Durbin is a Research Engineer in the emissions from advanced vehicles and fuels research group of CE-CERT and an adjunct professor in the Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department. He is conducting research in the area of vehicle emissions with an emphasis on studying fuels, advanced technology vehicles, and particle and in-use emissions. This research includes programs to understand the emissions impacts of various alcohol fuels, including ethanol and butanol, biodiesel, natural gas, as well as specific fuel properties, such as sulfur content, ethanol, content, aromatics content, and olefin content, in gasoline. Dr. Durbin served as the lead researcher in a collaborative study of biodiesel emissions with the California Air Resources Board that is one of the largest studies in this area to date. Dr. Durbin is also studying the emissions rates, physical nature, composition and potential health impacts of particle emissions, as well as different methods to measure particles including low level mass methods, methods being used in Europe, and methods based on particle size. Dr. Durbin has also done extensive research in understanding ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions and has participated in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Dr. Durbin has also been involved in research to characterize in-use emissions and activity from construction equipment, small off-road diesel engines, marine engines, and heavy-duty trucks with laboratory grade measurements, portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS), as well as instruments that might be applicable in Inspection and Maintenance programs. More recently, this work has focused more on characterizing the performance of advanced zero/near-zero emission vehicles and technologies, including NZEV refuse haulers, ZEV yard tractors, and other vehicles and equipment.
Prior to joining the vehicle emissions group, Dr. Durbin was involved in several other areas of research at CE-CERT including renewable energy and fuel sources and advanced vehicle technologies. Tom Durbin received his doctorate degree in Physics from the University of California, Riverside, in 1994 where the primary focus of his dissertation was the study of Si films and solid lubricants.


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He believes in the tag line "Whatever you give; comes backs to you in thousand folds". He hails from a rural township in the tribal belt of the state of Odisha. Did his schooling and then graduated in Law, he pursued further studies and successfully completed MBA. For more than 15 years, he toiled in various corporate companies/firms, in different roles and capacities. He was tagged as a 'Go Getter' at his work places, amongst all circles. This alone throws light on his never say die attitude. After a successful career, he decided to spend his accumulated knowledge and experience for the betterment of the society and country. Payback time, and the first priority for him was none else but, Rural and tribal India, stemming from his childhood memories. Sunil believes in channelizing the youth and their energies for development of Tribal and Rural children of India. He travels to remote parts of rural and tribal regions of India to understand the specific areas which need assistance. He is an efficient administrator and has a knack of building perfect teams. Role creation and assigning them to suitable, chosen individuals, is his forte. He believes that the rural youth in India, are hugely untapped, and their potential is being wasted due to lack of opportunities. He believes that effective basic counseling and motivation will make them do marvels. He is an excellent motivator. His dream project is to route the multinationals, to identify the hidden potential and talent of rural and tribal India, and thereby providing them, a wider pool, at the same time, the youth in these areas with more opportunities.
"I am ready to take on anything, any task", this phrase defines Mr. Rajendra Pathak. He is known for his unlimited energy and untiring efforts to see the culmination of any task undertaken. His childhood was spent in the rural areas of Jharkhand and West Bengal states. He is an Engineer, (BE in Mechanical) and a MBA holder. At an early age, he was witness to the hardships faced by the poor and weaker sections of the erstwhile states. He understands the need of extra efforts by the society for the upliftment of the downtrodden. He believes, education alone can make them realize their rights and only then can they tread on the roads of prosperity. So he emphasizes on building newer and strengthening the existing infrastructure for education in the rural areas. At the same time, realizes the need of proper livelihood opportunities for the families, in order to successfully implement the much needed education drives. He puts in use, his vast and rich experience gained during his 15 years of serving in various corporate companies. His dream project is to design a unique "Sustainable livelihood program" for every village, and implement phase wise, based on the available skills and resources.
With over 19 Years of Corporate experience; he provides the team of Child Help Foundation with strategies and ideas and works closely with Management team in implementing the Programs. Coming from a rural background has helped him easily understand the need of educatingthe deprived section of society. He is Graduate with Master in Business Administration. An ardent follower of ethics & well versed with "donor management mantras"; believes than change can happen speedily with active involvement of the rich. He works towards bridging the gap between the "well to doers" & the "needy" by creating social engagement programs which will help in creating a "social ecosystem" ideal for the growth of any nation. His dream project is to adopt 100 villages under the banner of Child Help Foundation & give free access to basic education for the needy.


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Men and women both look for different shaving creams. For men, they mostly need a beard shaving cream. For women, they mainly need a shaving cream for their armpits. However, some require a shaving cream to shave the over growing hair on their legs and other body parts. If you are trying to find that perfect shaving cream for you, fast, you should understand your needs precisely. Here are some tips to consider when buying a shaving cream.
It is advisable that you select that shaving cream that you can always find. However, with the internet and online stores, it is not difficult to get any shaving cream that you need. The internet has made the availability of items less stressing. The other advantage that the internet possesses is that you can always narrow down your searches to your area or a specific product. With the internet, it has also become easy to purchase a shaving cream online and have it delivered to your doorstep.
Product ingredients
You should always go through the ingredients that are making up your ideal shaving cream. Some companies have been known to use harmful chemicals that end up irritating your skin and may lead to skin conditions. It is also necessary that you talk to your dermatologist if you have any skin conditions. This is very important as the dermatologist will be able to guide you on the ideal shaving cream to use to avoid skin reactions.
Natural ingredients
Whenever you are looking for that shaving cream, you should make sure that the shaving cream you choose has more contents of natural ingredients. Natural ingredients typically have no side effect. These ingredients do not clog the poles of your skin. Therefore, they make your skin smooth healthy and well hydrated. Some of this natural ingredients may include olive oil and Aloe Vera extracts.
It is also of importance that you pick shaving creams that do not have a strong scent. Strong scents are usually irritating and can cause discomfort to you and the people around you. Strong odors are also likely to trigger allergies for those people who are allergic. Especially for the person who is going to use that shaving cream you should make sure you are not allergic to the scent.
Shaving creams come at different prices. Most refined shaving creams may set you back a significant amount of money. However, it is essential that you choose that quality product that will not damage your skin. Your skin care should always come fast when purchasing a shaving cream.


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Best Seen in 2014
So working my way through classics has given me the opportunity to see a whole lot of awesome movies. How do I pick just ten? To qualify, the film must be seen for the first time. Repeats don't count. Leggoo....
30. Body Heat (1981)
Lawrence Kasdan's directorial debut is a sexy thriller. The best of its kind.
29. Four Lions (2010)
The worst kind of comedy and the best kind of comedy. What other movie can joke about suicide bombers?
28. Incendies (2010)
A nasty war movie; but beautiful in its calmer spots.
27. No Man's Land (2001)
Another war movie, unlike any others. About the pointless system that breeds violence.
26. Videodrome (1983)
David Cronenberg with a torture meets sexual fantasy, apocalypse movie. It's just as screwed up and glorious as it sounds.
25. The Devil's Backbone (2001)
Guillermo del Toro's best movie. End of story.
24. The Big Chill (1983)
Lawrence Kasdan again with a different genre; but still original, still magnificent.
23. 8½ (1963)
Ah, Fellini. You knew it had to happen. But why so soon? Who knows? Is that a cow?
22. Vampyr (1932)
Vampire movie? Surreal death scenes? Yes please!
21. Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975)
So what's so special about watching a woman making housework for three house plus? Well, Akerman gives her audience power of observation. It's amazing!
20. Dead Man (1995)
I'm not a big fan of Jim Jarmusch; but Johnny Depp and the insane antics of cross-dressing meeting rock-n-roll is hugely successful.
19. The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Claustrophobia, governmental control, hilariously awesome. Frank Sinatra? Yeah, why not?
18. Night of the Shooting Stars (1982)
The most original WWII movie you'll see.
17. Mean Streets (1973)
Martin Scorsese's breakthrough movie is his most haunting. Religious imagery, Robert de Niro being young, and the origin of everything Scorsese.
16. High Plains Drifter (1973)
Clint Eastwood is the only one who could have turned a western into a ghost story.
15. Gallipoli (1981)
Peter Weir is a genius and his war movie makes Mel Gibson relatable and brings the tears.
14. Chungking Express (1994)
A Tarantino-like thriller/meets romance.
13. The Times of Harvey Milk (1984)
Perhaps the movie that had the most influence on me this year; but a great documentary past that.
12. The Last Wave (1977)
Peter Weir again and with the most bizarre apocalypse movie.
11. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
So it's not just because I watched this like five bazillion times this year; but I really love the quirky, self-aware, sci-fi mockery that is this movie.
10. Weekend (2011)
The most heart-breaking and romantic gay movie in a billion years.
9. City of God (2002)
Just watch it.
8. The Lives of Others (2006)
Just watch it 2.0.
7. In the Mood for Love (2000)
Romantic and reserved.
6. La Dolce Vita (1960)
Fellini again. Is that a cow?
5. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Wes Anderson and claymation go together like...well, Wes Anderson and claymation.
4. Paradise Now (2005)
Here we get the darkest with the antithesis to "Four Lions".
3. The Exorcist (1973)
William Friedkin's movie about doubt and religion...not exactly about demons.
2. Papillon (1973)
Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman being insane prisoners? Yes please!
1. All That Jazz (1979)
So Bob Fosse's scathing love/hate relationship with theater and film is far and beyond the best thing I've seen all year. And now for a musical number...
Honorable Mentions:
Brokeback Mountain
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Rebels lose to Oil Kings via fluke goal with mere seconds remaining
Oil Kings 4 Rebels 3
EDMONTON — A fluke goal sealed the Red Deer Rebels' fate Saturday afternoon, but Brent Sutter wasn't buying the notion that the unfortunate incident was the most glaring factor in a 4-3 WHL loss to the Edmonton Oil Kings.
The Rebels GM/head coach agreed that Trey-Fix Wolansky's goal with 7.6 seconds remaining in the game was a stroke of bad fortune for his club, however . . .
"We did a lot of things today that we haven't been doing and that hurt us," he said. "Just the type of goals we gave up, the mistakes we made . . . we did enough things here today to cost us."
The Rebels' fate appeared to be decided when forward Alex Morozoff was assessed a tripping penalty with 2:09 remaining and the Oil Kings up 3-2.
But just 30 seconds after Morozoff stepped into the penalty box, Reese Johnson potted a short-handed goal when he rushed down the right wing and placed a shot over the glove of Edmonton netminder Josh Dechaine.
But with the infraction just freshly served, Colton Kehler directed a shot toward the Red Deer net that deflected off the skate of Fix-Wolansky and past goalie Ethan Anders.
"You'd hope to get a point out of this anyway, but we lost coverage in our zone," said Sutter, who felt the deciding goal could have been prevented if a defenceman had tied up Fix-Wolansky just outside the crease.
"It was a bang-bang play. We just lost our focus."
Anders suffered from a lack of concentration on Edmonton's first goal, the first of the game at 3:45 of the second period. The rookie goaltender wandered into the corner to play the puck, then passed it up the ice and directly on to the stick of Liam Keeler, who fired it into an empty net.
"That was a bad play by Andy," said Sutter. "A goalie never skates into the corner to get the puck, then he throws it up the middle of the ice.
"It was just a loss of focus, not a smart play on his part at all."
The short-handed tally held up until Rebels rookie forward Austin Schellenberg notched his second goal of the season 3:34 into the final frame.
Just 23 seconds after Schellenberg connected from a scramble, Brandon Cutler pushed the Rebels in front with his second of the season. After failing to cash a rebound, the second-year winger retrieved the puck in the left faceoff circle, whirled around and beat Dechaine top shelf.
David Kope got that one back for the Oil Kings at 6:40 when he skated through the top of the crease and redirected a point shot by Conner McDonald past Anders.
Kehler then restored the hosts' lead with a power-play goal just over two minutes later, connecting on a one-timer of a cross-crease feed from Fix-Wolansky and setting up a wild finish.
While the Oil Kings were able to score once during their three power plays, the Rebels were zero-for-five with a man advantage while surrendering a short-handed goal.
That Red Deer's power play struggled mightily less than 24 hours after potting three goals in a 7-2 win over Edmonton, was on the shoulders of the club's top players, Sutter suggested.
"Our power play was a reflection of the way those guys played five-on-five," said Sutter, in reference to the likes of Grayson Pawlenchuk, Kristian Reichel, Mason McCarty and Brandon Hagel.
"I wasn't happy with our top players tonight. They didn't play well. Your best players have to be your best and we didn't have enough good players here today."
Notable: Anders made 18 saves while suffering his 15th regulation-time loss of the season. Dechaine posted his seventh win with a 29-save effort . . . The loss snapped a streak of nine games in which Red Deer recorded points . . . Attendance at Rogers Place was 11,317 . . . The Rebels remain four points in arrears of the Kootenay Ice for what will almost certainly be the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. The Ice fell 6-0 to the host Moose Jaw Warriors Saturday . . . The Rebels open a four-game B.C. Division trip Monday afternoon in Prince George. Red Deer also plays Wednesday at Kelowna, Friday at Victoria and Saturday in Vancouver. The Rebels' next home game is Feb. 21 versus the Calgary Hitmen.


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My sister is adorable.
Celebrating 100 days of school as an old lady.
When she came over to my Mom's house after work one day I just had to get some photos.
Judy is in her first year of teaching and loving it.
Ella doesn't understand why Aunt Judy can't teach her for Kindergarten next year.
Who wouldn't want Judy for their kindergarten teacher?
Isn't she the cutest!?
Reminds me of when William dressed up for the 100 days of school.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Just because...
My sister is adorable.
3 comments:
- Meredith {My Magic Mom} said...
Your sister is cute dressing up like that. I bet she makes learning fun and her students love her!
- February 27, 2011 at 8:36 PM
- BConky said...
Judy is a cutie
- February 28, 2011 at 7:40 AM
- Anonymous said...
at least the white hair made me look tan :)
- March 4, 2011 at 6:17 PM
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This is the first lesson in the unit "Rocks, Minerals, and Soil" which aligns to Essential Standard 1.E.2 - Understand the physical properties of Earth materials that make them useful in different ways. This standard contains two objectives, 1.E.2.1, "Summarize the physical properties of Earth materials, including rocks, minerals, soils and water that make them useful in different ways", and 1.E.2.2 which focuses on soil. This lesson aims to introduce students to the different physical properties of rocks only - we will move on to minerals and soils later in the unit. The reason for this is because it is often difficult to distinguish between rocks and minerals when both are presented simultaneously, so to alleviate confusion we are going to take them one at a time.
I also post an essential question for each lesson. Today's question is "What are the three types of rocks and how are they formed?" Click here to listen to my Explanation of Essential Standards and Essential Question.
Teacher background:
Before teaching this unit, I read a few different websites to make sure I can answer lots of questions that will come my way about rocks and minerals. Check these out!
Difference between rocks and minerals
Rocks, Minerals, and the Properties of Both
Scientific explanation of the Rock Cycle
NC teachers click HERE for your rock kit!
*Rock Introduction Journal Page 1 per student
*Variety of rocks
*Magnifying glasses to share
*Printed picture of the three rock types, in color, to add to anchor chart (3 Types of Rocks
and/or Rock types)
*Anchor chart paper/markers
*Access to YouTube videos
I want my students to become really excited about this unit, so I start this lesson at their desks. Each group of 4-5 desks has a paper plate with some rock samples and magnifying glasses. I say to the class,
"Today we are starting to learn about rocks! First, I want to know everything you already know about them! You will have 5 minutes to look at and touch the rocks at your tables. Write down what you already know and what you see and feel in your journals on the recording page for today. Then, we'll meet on the carpet".
Then, I give pretty detailed directions about the recording sheet the students have. This will serve as a preassessment for me, in addition to listening to their conversations. Listen as I give directions.
As the students begin to explore, write, and draw about the rocks and their background knowledge, I set a 5 minute timer on the Smart Board. This activity could easily take up the whole class time today, but we have to stay on track! While the students work, I walk around and mainly listen to their conversations to clue in on what they already know and what they have questions about. The process of the students writing and drawing their thoughts and ideas, as well as talking to their friends about them, supports Science and Engineering Practice 4.
When the timer ends, I say,
"Bring your journals and pencils to the carpet, but leave the rocks at your tables".
On the carpet, I start a "What we think we know & what we want to learn" chart. This is a great way for my students to share their knowledge and to ask questions like real scientists! This supports Science and Engineering Practice 1 as they ask their own questions that will be answered through observation and instruction throughout the unit and also Practice 8 as they communicate about their thoughts and ideas.
When I introduce a new unit or concept, I love using songs to get my students involved. It is also a great way to introduce vocabulary with lots of repetition - especially when they start singing the songs on the playground! For this lesson, we watch this song first to serve as the introduction to rocks which tells students there are three types of rocks. This will also give us a way to start thinking about different kinds of rocks as we examine their physical properties throughout the unit.
After the video, I start an anchor chart with the three types of rocks: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. This anchor chart will serve as a reminder for students throughout the lesson, so I make sure it is really clear and easy to understand.
Then to extend the activity and to really focus in on the properties of rocks being partially determined by how they were formed, I use the Powerpoint to show the three types of rocks. I use pictures instead of real rocks for this activity so that everyone can see all three at the same time. I ask,
"What do you notice about the way these three rocks look?"
The three rocks represent the three types we just learned about. I want students to be able to both describe the physical properties but also to understand that the physical characteristics are due to how the rock was formed. So, after we talk about all three, I say,
"One of these rocks is igneous, one is metamorphic, and one is sedimentary. The igneous rock was formed from lava. Does anyone want to guess which one it is? That's right! The sedimentary rock was formed by pressure and lots of different materials coming together, causing layers...who knows which one that is? And of course, the last one is metamorphic, which means it was changed by pressure and heat inside the Earth.
To end this lesson, we watch this video which reviews the three types of rocks. I chose this video because it is fast paced and it gives lots of images of the different kinds of rocks, which is all building up background knowledge for my students.
At the end of the lesson, I end by asking the essential question for today - "What are the three types of rocks and how are they formed?" This provides a quick review and refocusing on the objective.


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When I needed to prepare a salad to accommodate unexpected guests one afternoon, this artichoke and olive pasta salad recipe came about. I made it from some of my favorite things that I always keep at home. It has become one of my most requested potluck items, and a favorite of mine and friends.
Simple and very tasty--tastes even better the longer it sits.
12 servings
In a large pot of salted boiling water, drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil. Slowly add contents of boxes of pasta, and cook per box instructions.
While pasta is cooking, prepare the rest of the salad. Drain liquid from the artichoke hearts and green and black olives. Place the vegetables in a large stainless steel, or glass, bowl. Slice the onions into strips and add to bowl. Cut cherry tomatoes in half and add to bowl. Toss all ingredients in the bowl. Set aside.
To make the dressing, in a small bowl, combine the mustard, vinegar and lemon juice. Add the Italian seasoning and black pepper, and stir. Drizzle the olive oil in slowly, while vigorously whisking to incorporate it into the mixture. Set aside.
Drain the pasta and run under cold water to stop cooking. Add pasta to the bowl of vegetables and mix. Add the dressing to the salad and mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Lastly, toss in parmesan cheese and mix. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Let salad come to room temperature before serving.
Add smoked, or summer sausage, to this salad for a stand alone meal. Serve it with crusty bread and fruity red wine.
This recipe was provided by William E from Chicago


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Clue: Grid parts
We have 1 answer for the clue Grid parts. See the results below.
Possible Answers:
Related Clues:
- Paddles
- Propels a dinghy
- Sets of pews
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- Columns' counterparts
- Minds the cox
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Last Seen In:
- New York Times - February 20, 2000
Found an answer for the clue Grid parts that we don't have? Then please submit it to us so we can make the clue database even better!


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Blog Update
Morning all, it's been ages since I updated my blog, I've had a lot going on in life lately but I think things have all settled down now so onwards and upwards. The two cards I am showing on this blog are from the Imagine Design Create range of stamps. I am not really a stamper but with the help of my daughter Claire Newcombe who has designed some of these stamps I have used in these 2 cards, I am getting into it more. I love doing it but am not terribly good at it but hope to get better. I love all crafts but am better at some than others. I am very lucky that my family are all interested in crafts, Eddie my husband is a talented photographer and dabbles in drawing which is amazing. I have 2 very talented daughters Claire with card making, scrapbooking and sewing, Helen makes Jewellery and mosaic and lots of projects made with wire and 3 sisters that make cards knit and make jewellery we all have different styles but that is what makes crafting so interesting. The stamps I have used are from the Imagin Design Create range which you can get at the following link. Imagine Design Create. They are also on Hochanda on the 17th of May at 4pm.
I have shown some of the items I have used for these two cards. Thank you for passing by and looking and I hope to keep my blog updated from now.
Joan x


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- Description
3 Phase 85KW Energy Saver/85KW Power Saver for Industry
1) Load Limit: 85, 000W
Plug this device into a wall socket, not an extension cord or multiple socket and switch on the unit. When you see green LED lights turn on, the unit has started saving electricity.
How it works:
The power saver pionee controls and actively improves the power factor of your personal and professional devices.
intelliworks enery saver use a state-of-the-art electrical technology to actively monitor and improve the power factor of your household,office or industrial appliances. in addition, the intelligent technology optimizes the voltage and current demands thus reducing the active power/KwH demands and can achieve up to 50% savings on your electricity bill ,it also acts as a voltage stabilizer by storing energy for up to 10 seconds and therefore supplies the load with constant voitage during momentary power surges.this in turn results in a longer lifespan of your electrical appliances.
-plug this device into a wall socket,not an extension cord or multiple socket and switch on the unit.
-when you see 2 LED lights turn on,the unit has started saving electricity
-install one power saver to each phase
1. is it safe to use inerlliworks energy saver?
intelliworks energy saver have passed many tests and verifications at various certification levels,and has demonstrated its capability to engender savings up to 10% or more on electrincal power usage , it has been inspected under strict conditions and is almost a zero defect product with high safety,non heat generating and non electrincal enery consumption.it stabilizes voltage, reduces current,enhances PF of appliances,and extends the life of appliances.
2.if plug in more than 1 intelliworks energy saver will i save more?
no.one device is sufficient per phase, any additional units piugged in,will not increase savings.
3.why se interlliworks energy saver?
all electrical epuipment/appliances efficiency reduces with time,as appliances age,it will consume more power without being realized,ence higher electricity bills.
due to many appliances in one household each with different power and current requirements affects voltage and current consumption.unstable supply voltages increase in resistance due to wire size and poor power supply which may result in power loss.
extra electrincal power can also be lost naturally (wire loss) or at the instant of turning on the power equipmen.
4.what is the lifespan of an intelliworks Energy saver?
intellwoeks energy saver are expected to last about 80000 hours of continued usage.
5.Do i need a qualified technician/electrinian to install the intelliworks energy savers?
you do not require any help in installing the devices,just plug them into any wall socket and let tham start saving.once the green lights light up you can be sure savings have stared.
notes:plug into a direct wall socket only and as close to the electricity meter as possible.
6.can intelliworks energy savers be used in other countries that have an electrinity supply of 110 to 130 vac or 220 to 240 vac,50-60Hz.kindly confirmed your pin requirements before placing an order with us for compatibility with your local sockets.


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News from Niagara's Regional Government
Posted February 16th, 2017 on Niagara At Large
Niagara, Ontario – Regional Council is pursuing up to $6.6 million in federal funding to improve access to high-speed Internet in rural Niagara.
Introduced late last year, the Government of Canada's Connect To Innovate (CTI) program will invest up to $500 million to bring broadband internet to 300 rural and remote communities across Canada. The program has identified 33 eligible locations in Niagara as potential candidates for funding.
If successful, Niagara Region's application will result in up to $10 million of direct infrastructure investment in Niagara by 2022, divided between the federal government, Niagara Region, and the Niagara Region Broadband Network (NRBN).
This funding complements federal and provincial investments being made to invest in rural broadband Internet access through the South Western Internet Fibre Technology (SWIFT) project, of which Niagara Region is a partner.
Niagara's $1 million commitment to SWIFT leverages $14.7 million in federal, provincial and private funding. Combined with its contribution of up to $1.4 million to the CTI program, Niagara Region's investment could bring nearly $25 million to improve high-speed Internet infrastructure to rural Niagara by 2022.
Niagara Region expects the results of its funding application to be known by late 2017.
NIAGARA AT LARGE encourages you to join the conversation by sharing your views on this post in the space below the Bernie quote.
A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.
For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater binational Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at www.niagaraatlarge.com .