text: My Creole is improving. I know just enough to communicate most of what I need, in cryptic directives. I've figured out a pretty decent system, between searching for things on google translations, and reading out full phrases from my handbook for adoptive parents. The problem is, Kembe now thinks that I can fully speak Creole. When he first came home, I was impressed with his understanding of the language barrier, and at his attempts to communicate with me through signals and gestures. Now, though, he's abandoned those efforts and just talks back to me in rapid-fire Creole, and then looks at me with annoyance when I don't know what the heck he's saying. It seems like our previous system might have frustrated him less. But, we keep trying. Jafta seems to really enjoy talking in Creole, and also enjoys making up words and then asking me what they mean in Creole. i.e. "Mommy, what does comapekapesa mean in Creole?" Also lost in translation. I was also made aware of an interesting fact by the good folks at the church nursery. Apparently, a ration of 3:1 (three children to one adult caretaker) is what the government considers to be acceptable standard for the care of children under age 3. Most of my day I spend alone with four children, which is would be an illegal ratio in many settings. I'm not gonna lie. It feels that way. Just yesterday, I looked down at Karis and she was crawling up on all fours. I thought to myself, "Huh. When did she start doing that?" And I realized that Karis made the transition sometime in the past three weeks without me even taking notice of it. Her babyhood is very different from Jafta 's, who got so much undivided attention, and actually had this thing called a "baby book" devoted to recording his milestones. But . . . Karis seems to be having a blast with her big siblings, and especially with her new brother. They have forged an interesting bond, where he basically roars like a lion in her face, and she cracks up laughing. I spent the first week asking him to be trankil and janti with the baby, and then realized that she loves it and he loves it, and who am I to keep him from screaming in her face if it makes her so happy? Our house is loud. We have a baseline of chaos. I am still not sure when I will feel like I am getting in a groove. This morning e realized we were out of groceries and had nothing to serve the kids for breakfast, that we'd forgotten to make valentines for the class party, I can't seem to find the time to return emails (or shower) and that we had skipped our turn to take snacks to preschool. Our house is a mess, our finances are a mess, and we still don't own a car that can hold all of our children. I'm having doubts that I will ever be on time for anything again. But as I'm typing this, I just heard Kembe scream in Karis's face, and then say, in perfect English, I love you, baby. And that just makes all this chaos worth it, doesn't it?


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hehhe we do that too but I call it "get Dizzy" Samurai and Steel are also really good at doing 360s in the air as wellPurple wrote:We have all of ours doing a donut at the same time. Like trained dolphins, they will all turn in a circle at the same time.
We taught them this by holding a treat above them, slightly, and towards their back end so they would have to turn to get the treat.
Jaime wrote:i like "sneeze" i sneeze and then so does she . also every night me and my dogs all howl together
SisMorphine wrote:WAVE!! Wally's trainer (also my new daytime roommate and the trainer I will be apprenticing with in a few weeks) taught her Rotties how to wave. This way when people would cross the street when she was walking them she would have them sit and wave at the person, who immediately felt like an idiot.
I think she taught "high five" first, but I'll have to check with her when she gets here tomorrow.
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If they're doing it right, pro cyclists lead regimented lives that make monks look like college kids on spring break. During his time as a pro for the Cervélo TestTeam, João embodied the spartan lifestyle. He lived and trained just outside of Siena in the Chianti region of Tuscany, an area known as one of the best places anywhere to ride a bike.
Chianti also happens to be the epicenter of the food and wine world. João being João, with his heart and mind never far from the table, he whiled away all those long training hours on the bike dreaming of the ultimate bike trip — one that would cover the roads he was on but not keep him from the epicurean bounty surrounding him. Finally, at the end of a late-season training ride, he sent out a tweet: "Thinking of doing a ride, eat, drink EOY bash here in Chianti October 12-18th. Share my favorite things about this place. Who's interested?"
There were no security deposits, no liability waivers, and, as one guest put it, "a huge amount of trust." Bicycling Magazine would end up calling João's trip, "the best ride on earth."
We're still committed to the spirit and sense of enjoyment that embodied that original adventure. We'll stay in Lecchi, roll through picturesque Tuscan villages, descend through vineyards and olive groves, linger over coffee stops, ride the famous white roads, and climb our way to a hearty appetite.
About the eating: It is often said that it's hard to find a bad meal in Tuscany. That's true enough, but also doesn't go far enough for inGamba. We want only the sublime meals — the best of the best, and, what's more, the ones still hidden from guidebooks. We dine in the region's top-secret restaurants, and at friends' homes for a taste of incredible local cuisine.
And this is Chianti, after all: We're just a few pedal strokes away from where the famous wine was first produced by Barone Ricasoli in the late 19th Century. On a recent trip, we went through 23 different types of wines. No, that's not bottle numbers.
When off the bike and away from the table, we'll be taking insider tours of Siena — a few local wineries as well as some surprises, like a private sampling at renowned Sienese baker Il Magnifico.


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A few weeks ago I showed you some of my favorite houses in my neighborhood along the route I take each morning to Starbucks. These houses weren't my only favorites in West University, just the ones I drive by each day. I could have shown you a lot more homes than I did. Most, if not all, were new builds - stuccos mainly, French inspired, clean lined with beautiful windows. The houses were as a whole very attractive, but be clear, not all the homes in my neighborhood are. Lately, I've noticed a trend in the speculative new house market. A trend where the builder plays architect and the house's curb appeal suffers immensely from this.
In my small world that I travel each day, I drive through a few different neighborhoods: mine - West University; River Oaks - the best that Houston has to offer, classic homes, and gorgeous mansions from the 30s and the 40s; and Bellaire, another small town nearby, encircled , like West U, completely by Houston. And just like my small town, Bellaire has undergone a resurgence , fueled by young professionals moving in and tearing down the small ranch houses that once populated it. Bellaire has large lots and more custom houses than West U does, giving it a diverse appearance and less of a Georgian cookie cutter look. But lately, this diversity has come with a price.
Each year, Bellaire builders compete in a Showcase of Homes where they try to out build each other with more and better amenities, more square footage, more details, more windows - more of everything and anything to win the Best of Show. The builder is the star here, architects are rarely if ever mentioned. I don't blame them, I wouldn't want to claim one of these "show" houses myself. Is it truly harder to design an attractive house? Is it more difficult to design a home with inviting curb appeal? I don't think so. I think it actually must be harder to design one of these detailed overloaded showcase style houses. Does anyone find these showcase homes attractive? I know they do sell, but to whom? Only to people with no design sense at all, or to people who believe that more is better?
Below are a few speculative homes on the market in Bellaire today. Each is contrasted with a similar home in another neighborhood. Make no mistake, these houses are creeping with increased frequency into every neighborhood at an alarming rate. It's just that there seems to be an abundant crop of them in this particular neighborhood.
Spec House #1: Stucco and stone, I'm not sure exactly what style this is. Is it Mediterranean or French, contemporary or Tuscan? Take your pick, there are elements here of each style. The front loading garage is the focal point. Can someone please explain the two windows lowered on the stone at the front of the garage? Are they lowered for children or dogs to peer out of them? And why are there two faux windows on each side of them? I count FIVE lanterns on the garage alone. The house itself is barely noticeable, it's so pushed to the back of the garage. The front door is encased in a square stone facade, again, why? Two turrets of different heights flank the front door. The stone work is placed with no regard to design. The left turret has a stone base, the right turret has a stone facade with bands of colored stucco at its base. The windows are contemporary, while the house is not. And why are there three faux windows with a small gable above the right turret on the second floor? There is nothing, absolutely nothing attractive about this house. If someone buys it, it will be a miracle.
Contrast Spec House #1 with this home. Both are large stucco homes with front loading garages. This house is accented with brick instead of stone. Notice how the garage is placed far back - so far back it is barely noticeable as opposed to House #1 where the garage is the focal point. The windows above this garage are simple and balance out the arched drive through. Here, windows flank the chimney in a symmetrically pleasing pattern. The gable highlights the arched front door and the charming small window next to it. This home has a cozy, European feel to it. It's facade is simple without any superfluous detailing. Which would you prefer? Where would you be happier, here or House #1?
Spec House #2: In Bellaire, many of the old houses have significant foundation problems caused by its shifting soil. To remedy this, care must be taken with how the foundation is built. Instead of going to the extra expense of adequate foundations, spec builders elevate the houses to avoid the soil problems. But, since the garage doesn't need to be elevated, the houses become bi level. Here, you can see the actual house is higher than the garage which causes a strange, uneven appearance to houses constructed this way. Unfortunately, this way is becoming the norm in the spec housing market here. This house, again, has a questionable style. Is it Tuscan? Again, there is no symmetry. The two turrets are of different sizes. The plethora of windows are unsettling. There is no rhythm to their placement. Does any house need so many differently sized windows? On the right turret a small window in encased in travertine for some reason. Above it is a balcony leading to nowhere. The color of the stucco is unappealing. There's too much going on with this design, there's no obvious focal point. It's actually an unpleasant experience for me looking at this home - it's over stimulating. Is it unpleasant for you too?
By contrast this French styled home has a turret that is barely noticeable. It serves as an accent rather than the in-your-face turrets of the above Bellaire houses. The straight facade of this house is pleasing to the eye. The creamy stucco lends an elegant appearance as opposed to the deep khaki colored stucco house #2. Here the windows are simple and symmetrical. There are no windows added that are not needed. The wood shutters lend just a touch of texture to the smooth stucco. The single lantern is more effective than a multitude of them. This architect chose one style and stuck with it, therefore the house appears more honest in its design. This house is beautiful and it's curb appeal is undeniable.
Spec House #3: Is this a Beaux Arts styled home? The house itself looks like an after thought stuck onto the prominent garage. Rustic wood garage doors belong on another home, not this dressy stuccoed one. While there is no real turret, the builder could not resist adding the top of a turret here. It looks the top of a percolator coffeepot stuck on the roof, giving the home a comical appearance. The windows are a mix of traditional and modern. The three odd shaped windows to the left of the door are not lined up with each other. The left one appears to be floating on its own. The front stairs lead to the grass instead of a walkway. And, lastly, the iron balconies are typical of showcase homes where the more swirled the wrought iron, the better. I call this the Coffeepot House.
Similar to House #3, this is a far more beautiful version. The turret is substantial, yet elegant due to the proper placement of its windows and its proportion to the rest of the house. The top band of small windows are traditional in keeping with the style of house. The large window above the garage balances the turret on the left. The arches of the porte cochere repeat the arch of the front door. Elegant in its white stucco, with black framed windows, this home shows that a front loading garage, designed correctly, can actually be an asset. I love the stuccoed fence creating a front courtyard. Very pretty, very simple, less is more - indeed!
Spec House #4: Stucco home with, again, a mishmash of windows. Instead of a tall turret, this builder settled for a short one. This house could have been saved with a little architectural direction. If the two balconies were the same instead of dissimilar, if they flanked the front door, instead of were side by side, there would be some symmetry to this house. Instead, it's a mess. Is it too much effort to design something with symmetry? Is it easier to just stick windows wherever the builder wants rather than where they are needed? Why would there be two balconies side by side that are different? And please tell me what are those stucco squares on each side of the balcony above the garage?????
This home, similar to House #4, shows again, how pleasing white stucco is over tan or muddy colored stucco. Again, the windows are purposeful and simple. Here the single balcony over the front window balances each other. The iron railing is simple, not over designed. The arched door is set inside a stucco arch with a single, effective lantern. Gray painted wood detailing adds an accent touch keeping the house from being plain. Again, simple elegance over excess wins every time.
Spec House #5: This house is a total mess. Again, I am not sure what style this is supposed to represent. Any clues? The white louvered garage door is a nice touch, which is totally wasted on this house. And its white color makes no sense - it appears unpainted. Again, there is no symmetry to the window placement. Look for instance at the unmatched windows on either side of the front door, second floor. And why is there a cinderblock looking fence between the door and the garage? What IS that? Most confounding of all are the dark stuccoed shapes next to the front door and over the garage. What are THOSE? What are they supposed to do? Add more detail, as if this mess needed more detail?
By contrast, this similar home in white stucco with gray wood trim, again highlights how important color choices are. Simple elegance, again proving less is more. Instead of stucco accents like on House #5, this architect placed a pergola atop the garage where vines will one day soften it. The garage door is wooden and arched and mimics the arch of the front door and the front window. The simple balcony over the garage is arched, it's iron railings are plain, yet pleasing to the eye. Compare this balcony to the one above the garage of House #5. Is there any comparison? And again, it proves with the deft hand of a competent architect, a front loading garage doesn't have to be an eyesore. Is it really harder to design something pretty? I particularly like this home and can envision it filled with Belgian styled furniture painted in tones of grays and whites.
Spec House #6: Finally a style I recognize: Country French. This home has the potential to be passably attractive, but the details stop it short. The stucco is a nice color and the stone is an authentic touch, but why would the builder put a section of stone over the right garage in a pie shape? Mystifying. Again, the turret is too much. The windows in the turret are contemporary rather than traditional. There are too many gables and roof pitches here. So, while the house has some curb appeal, it's just too too much: too many windows, too many gables, not enough symmetry, no obvious focal point.
By contrast, this is a country home well designed by an accomplished architect, Houstonian Kurt Aichler. The windows are symmetrically placed. The small charming window next to the front door is repeated above it. The facade has a pleasing movement to it that allows the eye to move from one end to the next. A brick section is on the left side, followed by a wood plank section, followed by another brick section, and ending with another wood plank section with a screened-in porch above it. This house exudes country home charm. Attention was placed to the smallest of detail without any overload. Notice the charming fence to the left of house with its wooden gate. Which country house do you prefer, the French styled spec house #6 or this one, designed by a thoughtful architect?
Spec House #7: Close, but not quite enough to give this house curb appeal. The builder added a third garage to this house, but no turret! At least we can thank him for that! But the garage to the right looks like an after thought, a tower with its own gable that is uneven. Squeezed in next to the garage tower is a balcony that looks like it was added so that the builder could advertise: "iron balcony!" The other garage also has an uneven gable and an odd assortment of windows on the second floor. The driveway is attractive, but the poorly thought out details overweigh what is good here.
By contrast, note how perfectly placed these gables on this French styled home are. And also, note the straight roof line behind the right gable. This minor details gives the gables an appearance of depth. Drawn perfectly by an architect and executed by the builder, the gables are meaningful and architecturally correct, not added just for effect. Notice too, how perfectly the balcony fits over the front door. It's delicate iron railing is beautiful. The shape of the small arched window next to the front door is repeated in the larger front window. Wood shutters are in light green - a nice touch against the white stucco. Notice too this thoughtful detail: the gables are white stucco while the straight facade behind the gables is a darker shade that further highlights the perception of depth in the gables. A section of white stucco comes up a third of the way on the left side of the house. This house is beautiful and elegant. Not a single detail or accent is wrong. Notably this house underscores the importance an qualified architect plays in a house's design. This is a lesson that builders who build just to compete in a Showcase need to learn and learn quickly before they destroy the beauty of our neighborhoods.
Things to ponder: Do you live in a neighborhood or are you lucky enough to live in a house where architects rather than builders played a significant role? Is your house a builder's spec version or an architectural gem? Is it really harder to design a beautiful house than an ugly one? Do you agree that simplicity in a home's exterior is preferable to an abundance of details and windows? Is less really more?


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Brake Caliper Front L/h (with Slider) for
Isuzu - Pickup
DescriptionJuly 2003 Onwards
An Aftermarket part made to original equipment specification.
A brake calipers operation is squeeze the brake pads against the surface of the brake disc/rotor to slow or stop the vehicle.
Nb. Make sure on fitment that great care is taken not to damage any rubber dust seal around the pistons and if you have a sliding caliper that there is plenty of grease on the sliders.
In Stock(if collection required please contact us first)
Ex VAT £90.00 Inc VAT £108.00
OEM part number / MPN
- 8973570000


text: Shop for WHL Hockey fan gear at the WHL Shop at lids.ca! Browse a great selection of WHL apparel, hats & gear to rep your WHL team mascot. Shop the latest & greatest Hockey merchandise from great brands, featuring authentic, official WHL league logos & markings. The WHL store at Lids is your one-stop shop for Hockey gear this season!


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Two People Injured After Gunshots Fired at Tyga's Tour Bus
Tyga had a rough Monday night. Following a concert in Omaha, Neb., the rapper's tour bus was fired upon by gunmen as it left the venue, reports ABC news affiliate KETV-7. Two members of Tyga's crew were injured but only suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
According to a police report, Honey Cocaine, real name Sochitta Sal, was shot in the arm and was treated at Creighton University Medical Center. The second victim, identified as Derrick Lowe, was grazed in the hip but refused medical care at the scene.
Honey Cocaine went on Twitter early this morning (March 20) and reported that she is fine and well. She tweeted, "Got shot and I'm not dead. #LoveLifeAndGod." After an outpouring of support from well-wishers, she later wrote, "It's a great f---ing feeling to know people care about me."
The entire incident might have been a result of what happened at Tyga's show Monday night. A YouTube clip shows an irate Tyga getting into a heated argument with rowdy concertgoers after garbage was thrown onstage.
Police have no suspects and the investigation is still ongoing.
We are glad that Tyga and his entourage were not seriously hurt in this crazy incident. We wish them a peaceful journey on their Careless World tour.
Stop the Violence!
Watch the Tyga Fight at Omaha Concert (NSFW)


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Incivek (Telaprevir) in HIV/HCV-Coinfected Patients: A Look at Recent Research
By Barbara McGovern, M.D.
February 6, 2012
What a great year 2011 was for news about hepatitis C virus treatment! The last major meeting of the year featuring hepatitis research, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) meeting (referred to as the "Liver Meeting"), was filled with breathtaking data on what promises to be an amazing pipeline of new HCV drugs.
When I think back to the development of drugs for HIV, several years would pass between the release of one drug and the next. Also, in the beginning of the HIV treatment era, we had several drugs for HIV, but they were all within the same class (like the nucleoside analogs) until other drug classes came along. That is why it is truly stunning to see so many new drugs being developed for HCV -- and multiple new drugs within a variety of classes, such as polymerase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, cyclophillin inhibitors and others. More than two dozen drugs are in various stages of development.
These new developments deserve some special attention. I'll present new data on these medications, as well as other research and important developments in hepatitis, in this blog. Each time I post a new blog entry, I'll also explain some of the clinical terms researchers use when discussing these new treatments and developments.
I'll start in this blog entry with the latest data on Incivek (telaprevir), one of two new drugs which were approved in 2011 by U.S. and European agencies for the treatment of patients with HCV alone. (The other is Victrelis, or boceprevir; I'll discuss that in my next blog entry.) Incivek is a protease inhibitor that specifically targets one part of the virus's life cycle. Incivek is used in combination with pegylated interferon (PEG) and ribavirin (RBV), the current "backbone" of HCV treatment.
Incivek is not used by itself because HCV rapidly becomes resistant to it. However, triple-class therapy is very effective against HCV. Does this concept sound familiar to you? HIV has very striking similarities to HCV: We must always use combination therapy, or else HIV becomes resistant, and a similar story is true for HCV as well.
Incivek plus PEG/RBV is much more effective than PEG/RBV dual therapy in patients with HCV infection. In the large treatment trials involving Incivek, about 75 percent of the patients were cured of their HCV infection, which is a great improvement over PEG/RBV dual therapy, which only led to cure in about 44 percent of patients. In addition, those patients who had no detectable virus in their blood as early as 4 weeks after starting treatment were cured of their HCV infection about 90 percent of the time.
The big question is whether Incivek can also improve cure rates of HCV infection in patients with HIV and HCV coinfection. The 24-week results from an Incivek phase 2 trial in HIV/HCV coinfected patients were presented at the Liver Meeting, and the results are very encouraging.
"Phase 2 trials" are early studies to determine the safety and efficacy of a particular drug in a small population of patients. If the results look promising, then a larger, phase 3 trial follows.
These experimental trials compare the experimental drug to a placebo. A placebo is similar to a sugar pill, which will obviously have no effect on HCV. When patients are taking a placebo, no one knows who is getting the real drug. This strategy can help determine the true benefit of a new drug.
In this phase 2 trial, 60 HIV-infected patients with HCV genotype 1 infection were randomly assigned to Incivek plus PEG/RBV (the triple-therapy arm) or to placebo plus PEG/RBV (the control arm). Patients took Incivek (or placebo) for the first 12 weeks. Once the drug (or placebo) was discontinued, the patient continued PEG/RBV for an additional 36 weeks of therapy to complete a total of 48 weeks of treatment.
Thirteen of the patients participating in this trial were not taking HIV medications, but the rest were. The patients who were taking HIV medications were either taking tenofovir/emtricitabine/efavirenz (Atripla) or tenofovir/emtricitabine/boosted atazanavir (Truvada plus boosted Reyataz).
After four weeks of treatment, the proportion of patients who had suppression of their HCV virus on the triple-therapy arm was 70 percent, while none of the patients on the control arm had viral suppression. At 24 weeks, the proportion of persons with viral suppression was higher among the patients in the Incivek arm compared to the placebo arm (74 percent versus 55 percent).
These results are encouraging because we know that the faster your virus is suppressed to non-detectable levels, the higher your chance of cure. What is more encouraging is that the level of suppression has been maintained for most patients through 24 weeks of treatment.
Side effects were similar to those seen among HCV-infected patients. They included rash, itching (pruritis), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Many have also developed anemia, a side effect of ribavirin and Incivek. However, most patients continued on without stopping their HCV medications.
This small trial is not yet completed; the final results will be available in 2012. Let's hope they continue to be as good as they look today. A larger, phase 3 trial is already being planned, which will try to determine whether the optimal duration of treatment is 24 weeks or 48 weeks.
It is important to know that Incivek has drug interactions with certain HIV medications, so patients will need to take Incivek with the HIV medications studied in the trial -- or with Isentress (raltegravir)-containing HIV regimens, since this drug doesn't seem to interact with Incivek. In addition, Incivek must be taken three times a day with a fatty snack, like mixed nuts, cheese or peanut butter. As with HIV treatment, adherence really counts!
In my next blog, I'll provide a similar summary of exciting new research on the other protease inhibitor approved in 2011 for HCV treatment, Victrelis (boceprevir).
If you have questions about treating HIV/hepatitis C coinfection, Dr. McGovern is available to answer them! Visit our "Ask the Experts" forum on Hepatitis & HIV Coinfection to ask Dr. McGovern your question or browse her archive of answers.
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Making Progress on HCV Treatment in HIV-Infected Patients
Barbara McGovern, M.D., is an associate professor of medicine at the Tufts University School of Medicine and an attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in Boston. She is a widely published researcher and frequent lecturer on issues pertaining to HIV and coinfections with hepatitis B and hepatitis C. More information about Dr. McGovern is available on her bio page.
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Recent Posts:
May 17, 2012 - Incivek Rash Reports: What HIV/Hepatitis C-Coinfected People Need to Know -- A Blog Entry by Barbara McGovern, M.D.
April 3, 2012 - More News on HIV Drug Interactions With New HCV Drugs -- This Time With Daclatasvir: A Blog Entry by Barbara McGovern, M.D.
March 28, 2012 - Incivek Triple Therapy Looks Simply Great in HIV/HCV-Coinfected Patients: A Blog Entry by Barbara McGovern, M.D.
March 26, 2012 - Victrelis in the Spotlight for HIV/HCV-Coinfected Patients: A Blog Entry by Barbara McGovern, M.D.
February 28, 2012 - Making Sense of the Drug Interaction Warning for HIV/HCV-Coinfected Patients Taking Victrelis: A Blog Entry by Barbara McGovern, M.D.
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The opinions expressed by TheBody.com's bloggers are entirely their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of TheBody.com itself.


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Recommended Patterns
OK, you got the yarn ... your bag is filled with all your notions ... and now your fingers are ready for some fun! Kraemer has the pattern for your next project, matched perfectly with Tatamy Tweed DK Yarn. If you don't see what you want here, check out our Complete Catalog of patterns.
Kraemer Yarns is proud to distribute our patterns to our wholesale customers. Our yarns are featured in these patterns. Visit a Kraemer Yarns retailer or Contact us for additional information.
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Tijuana Travel Guide
Tijuana sunset © David Ludwig
Tijuana is the largest city on the Baja California Peninsula and an important metropolitan centre in Mexico. A sprawling border town, Tijuana is not suited to everyone's holiday taste, with plenty of noise and frenetic activity. Its location on the American border and proximity to San Diego and other southern Californian cities ensures a steady stream of curious day-trippers and souvenir hunters from up north.
Tijuana's notorious image has now taken a back seat; the sleazy element, the drugs and violence that seems to be the lot of a border town, is still there but the focus has shifted in an effort to clean the town up a bit, and Tijuana has become something of a shopper's delight, along with the intense nightlife and non-stop entertainment.
This is the place to shop and dance the night away; there are souvenir stalls, numerous duty-free shopping malls, and markets selling goods from all over Mexico, as well as countless bars, restaurants, and dance clubs. The centre of the activity is the bustling Revolution Boulevard, crowded with shops, bars and restaurants and their pushy touts, who do their best to get you into their establishments. Female tourists should avoid entering bars alone, as safety can occasionally be an issue.
Tijuana has some more traditional Mexican attractions as well, including bullfighting and Jai Alai (a Spanish ball court game), but travellers to the city are generally not looking for an authentic Mexican experience so much as a playground south of the border.
Tijuana does, however, make a fun starting point for a holiday aimed at exploring the Baja California peninsula, and the beaches and resorts to the south. While Tijuana has been a popular and safe place in the past, in recent years violence between law enforcement authorities and drug cartels has escalated, particularly along the US-Mexican border. Visitors who still wish to travel to Tijuana are advised to exercise extreme caution and check the safety situation with local authorities and those of their home country.


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All types of federal and state aid are restricted to students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non citizens. If you are applying as an eligible non citizen (i.e. permanent resident, U.S. national, refugee, etc.) you must submit evidence of your status from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. If you are a foreign student (F-1 visa) you are not eligible for federal or state funds and cannot be employed off campus without special permission. You may, however, apply for scholarship consideration if you meet all applicable requirements and deadlines.
International students needing special assistance, financial or otherwise, may contact the Director of Campus International Programs, or visit the Campus International website for more information.
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides undergraduate and graduate students with resources about types of financial aid and student employment.
FAFSA School Code: 003863
Questions or for more information, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid


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Many school districts do provide some mental health services for their students. Guidance counselors, social workers and psychologists comprise a support network for them to rely on. But as things stand now, those services are seldom mandated, and they are not protected from cuts that keep school budgets under the 2 percent tax cap that is now the law in New York state.
So, when it comes time to make budget cuts, mental health services too often end up on the chopping block, along with sports, music and art. But when was the last time you heard parents and students protesting the elimination of a psychologist? When it comes down to a stark choice, a community is more likely to fight to keep a football program than mental health professionals, and that's a shame.
Creating a state mandate for mental health programs would make them safe from cuts. But the state and federal governments have imposed enough unfunded mandates as it is. If mental health services are to be mandated, the mandate should come with state or federal money to help pay for and expand these programs.
It's time our school communities started focusing as much on students' psychological preparation for adulthood as we do on their physical health. Making sure that our children are properly equipped to cope with the stresses life will throw at them should be a priority for every one of us.


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Back in 2003, when we were writing the 2004 World Development Report, Making Services Work for Poor People, we had no idea that it would spawn so much research, innovation, debate and changes in the delivery of basic services. Last week, we had a fascinating conference, in collaboration with the Overseas Development Institute, to review this work, and chart the agenda for the coming decade. Being a blogger, I wanted to speak about what WDR2004 got wrong, but some of my teammates suggested I should start by describing what we got right. So here are three ways WDR2004 changed the conversation about service delivery (what we got wrong will be the next post).
Services are particularly failing poor people. Outcomes—child mortality, educational attainment, access to clean water, etc.—are significantly worse for the poorest 20 percent compared with the richest 20 percent. And service delivery fails where poor people live—in rural Uganda, public-school teachers are absent about 30 percent of the time; in Bihar (India's poorest state), doctors are absent from public clinics 67 percent of the time. While this point was even in the title of the report, it has taken on particular salience in light of the discussions about inequality today.
Poor people may be stuck in a low-level political equilibrium because political support for improving services is weak. The middle- and upper-classes have opted out of the system: they send their children to private schools, pay for high-quality medical care, and have their own electricity generators and wells. Even the poor may not lobby for change because they have found ways of coping: they buy water from water vendors (at 5-16 times the meter rate); they organize private schools that charge "a dime a day." Champaben, the Gujarati woman I lived and worked with as part of my Village Immersion Program, took her sick child to an unqualified, private doctor because the doctor in the free public clinic "was never there." When I asked why he was never there, she replied, "Because the rains didn't come this year." If poor people think that absentee doctors are due to a failure of the weather rather than of public policy, politicians have little incentive to campaign for improved public services, and the system perpetuates itself.
Money is not the solution. Almost all cross-country studies that control for per-capita income find no relationship between public spending on health and education, and health and education outcomes, such as child mortality and primary completion rates. Within-country studies explain why. These subsidies accrue mainly to the non-poor: the lion's share of public health spending, for instance, goes for hospitals, which are located in urban areas. Even the small share that goes towards primary clinics or schools often "leaks" (in Chad, the leakage rate for non-wage public health spending is 99 percent). The wage spending goes to teachers and doctors who are absent about 20-40 percent of the time. When present, doctors in Tanzania and Senegal spend a total of 29 and 39 minutes a day seeing patients; in Delhi, unqualified private doctors (sometimes referred to as "quacks") give better quality service than the qualified public doctors. In light of this evidence, if someone suggests that with, say, an additional $57 billion in aid, we can reach the Millennium Development Goals—don't believe them!
"The solution" is not the solution. The traditional view, not just of service delivery but development more generally, can be described as, "When you see a problem, fix it." If there are 67 million children out of school, get them into school. Build schools, give scholarships, make schooling mandatory. If teachers aren't teaching, pay them more (even though public school teachers in Punjab, Pakistan are paid more and absenteeism increases with teacher salaries); if they aren't qualified, give them training; and give them bonuses to be present. If doctors aren't showing up in clinics, give them better equipment, medicines (and stop them from migrating). If poor people aren't getting water, fix the pipes or increase the supply of water.
The 2004 WDR was part of a different view, namely, that the problem is with the system. We need to ask: why are the children not in school, the doctors not in the clinic, the pipes never fixed? The answer typically is that incentives throughout the system are misaligned. Doctors are paid whether they are present in the clinic or not, and there are huge rents to be earned in private practice (people are desperate when their kid is sick). Furthermore, doctors' and teachers' unions are politically powerful, and have been known to resist efforts that increase their members' accountability.
The implication is that solving the proximate problem ("the solution") may not actually address the systemic issues. Higher pay for teachers will increase the rents that absentee teachers already earn. There is plenty of evidence that teacher training doesn't improve performance—because better performance is not rewarded.
In fact, "the solution" may make matters worse. It is now widely recognized that, even in countries with high levels of primary enrolment, learning outcomes are very poor. Yet, calls for universal enrolment (to get the out-of-school children into school) are widely embraced, whereas calls for universal learning (all children must be able to read by age 7, say) are sometimes resisted. One reason is that enrolment is much easier to achieve than learning. Another could be that universal enrolment means more public-sector jobs, whereas a universal learning goal could mean more resources for private schools. Hence, the focus on enrolment may be detracting from achieving what education is all about, namely, learning.
If poor people are stuck in a low-level equilibrium of poor service delivery, if money is not the solution, and even the proximate solution is not the solution, what can be done? That was what the conference was about, so stay tuned. Also, for the three things the 2004 WDR got wrong.
Thanks, Shanta. I am staying
Thanks, Shanta. I am staying tuned!!! Meanwhile, are the presentations at the Conference available online?
Olu: The materials will be
Olu: The materials will be posted on the conference website: http://www.odi.org.uk/events/wdr-conference-making-services-work-for-poor-people
Excellent post. Incentives do
Excellent post. Incentives do matter, always.
It seems glaringly obvious
It seems glaringly obvious what the problems are as well as any solutions. The crux is implimenting the right solutions. If teachers or doctors or whomever are absent AND still getting paid, it is doubtful that the "public" entities know what the right solutions are. "No work-No pay" is a better incentive. Free markets tend to work when given the chance.
Thank you Shanta. Excellent
Thank you Shanta. Excellent post. It is so easy to forget for anyone, including us, our partners and Government counterparts that throwing money at a problem is not the solution. Yet it is so tempting and quickly demonstrates that leadership cares and is trying to do something: "Look, we increased education / health expenditure!". It proves again that with structural adjustment alone or macroeconomic stability, not much will change. Instead, we need to work on improving institutions and better understanding why the micro fundamentals of an economy do not work. And the best of the findings you posted: they do not only apply to developing countries, but also middle- and high-income countries. So we are all together in the same boat to search for better solutions.
Thanks, Birgit for those
Thanks, Birgit for those comments. You're right. These accountability failures occur at all levels of income, as I'm finding out in the Middle East and North Africa. The problem, though, is that in low-income settings, the costs are unimaginable--you could lose your child, or your child may never learn to read and write. We have to fix this! Shanta
There is an urgent need to
There is an urgent need to view all development from the outcomes angle. For too long, it has been about how much money has been spent, i.e. inputs, and processes. The fact that water is not delivered, sanitation is poor, kids don't learn or people are still sick, is a result of this lopsided emphasis. The resistance to focussing on results is not only from the public sector providers (one can understand their incentives), but, perhaps not so surprising, also from non-government development practitioners, donors and civil society. Demanding or writing a cheque is the easiest option, and the least complicated!
Ajith: You're right. The
Ajith: You're right. The problem is that outcomes are harder to measure than inputs and you don't have as much control over them. It's much easier, as a policymaker or development practitioner, to talk about how much money you've spent than how many more kids can read and write. But we have to resist the temptation to take the easy way out. We could start by insisting that any statement about money should be accompanied by a statement about precisely what outcomes that money is supposed to achieve--and then hold the people concerned accountable for those outcomes. For instance, whenever the World Bank's board approves a loan, we issue a press release. It includes some language about outcomes, but rarely is it precise. Nor is there a mechanism by which the readers of the press release can check whether those outcomes were achieved. We can change this! Shanta
What is the future of Africa,
What is the future of Africa, thank you Shanta. I will be happy to learn on any possible strategies that Africa can do to improve on employment especially for the youth. Case in hand, Kenya.
Peter: We just released a
Peter: We just released a report on Youth Employment in Africa (http://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/publication/new-report-outlines-priorities-to-address-africa-s-youth-employment-challenge). Best, Shanta
Thanks Shanta for the sum-up
Thanks Shanta for the sum-up and selected highlight. One thing that struck me is that the WDR and your breakdown above, only looks at the issues of lacking or poor service delivery from the perspective of hard incentives and completely ignores how important soft incentives can be. Pay and promotion are not the only motivators in ensuring performance. How people feel associated to the job and public opinion can also play important roles in motivating teachers and doctors to show up and do their job. If you are the subject of national shaming and constant blame for poor outcomes, higher pay or a different title, won't help you to mentally set yourself up for the job. Nobody wants to be told that they are horrible at what they do and be blamed for poor performance.
I would also argue that problems regarding lacking performance of public servants are not confined to developing countries, they are also present in developed countries albeit in different form and scope. Extending the scope of the argument; I am sad that so little is being "learnt" from how developed countries tackle or tackled these problems. These experiences are usually only taken into consideration on the margin. Instead, the literature always, only, present cases from developing countries, furthering "South-South" exchange. Why is it that only experiences from places where systems barely function are utilized to show other countries with equally defunct systems how to overcome their challenges?
I recently read that behavioural economics is making its way back into the Bank, very good. I should like to see some of the tenants of the discipline be utilised in explaining why public servants do not do their job, looking beyond the wage paradigm. Service delivery remains one of the central functions of government (regardless of how effectuated or organised) and its improvement is crucial to tackling some of the global challenges our species still face.
Jakob: Thanks for your
Jakob: Thanks for your thoughtful comments. There are two parts to what you call "soft incentives." One is intrinsic motivation: people show up and do their job because they believe in it, sometimes because of deeply held religious beliefs. We discussed this in the 2004 WDR and some of the evidence is captured in Ritva Reinikka's and Jakob Svensson's paper, "Working for God" (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1542-4774.2010.tb00551.x/abstract). But there is a second aspect, which has to do with professional norms. You go to work because, if you don't, your peers will not respect you (and vice-versa). As I mention in my next post, I think this is what differentiates much of service delivery in developed and developing countries. The question is: how to you get from one set of professional norms (where people don't abhor absenteeism among their peers)to another? The forthcoming WDR on "Mind and Culture" will, I hope, have some answers. Regards, Shanta
Dear Shanta,
Dear Shanta,
Thank you for your reply! I will wait for the forthcoming WDR with anticipation and excitement. I do however feel that you only partly answered my question. Intrinsic motivation and professional norms develop over time, but they do not do so in a vacuum; public opinion (especially in key demographic groups) matter as well, as does the country context.
In the early 90's a combination of events (where decreased learning outcomes was but one) led to a sharp decrease in public opinion of teachers in my own country (Denmark). Colleges had great difficulty in attracting would be teachers, so much that demand by far outweighed supply; gloomy forecasts from the national statistics office questioned whether sustainable supply was even possible. Responding to the crisis the Socialdemocratic government tried to manipulate hard incentives to attract more young people into teacher colleges to no avail. It was only, when an investigation amongst teachers themselves (conducted by the unions and municipal governments association) uncovered that the seriously bad PR status of the teacher profession was the main obstacle to boosting supply, that the issue could be addressed. Via a combination of public awareness campaigns, increased dialogue with parents and other key demographics, as well as reformation of hard incentives, the situation was remedied (of course looking at PISA scores and accompanying surveys there is strong evidence that the crisis put Denmark in the other ditch).
Let me be clear though, I am not at all neither advocating a direct comparison of 90's Denmark and '14s developing world nor am I advocating a cold shift towards looking at soft incentives. I guess I am questioning whether the dialogue being conducted between the World Bank (as well as other development partners in client countries) contains the correct blend of issues or is there an over-emphasis on looking at problems from a single perspective? it seems, the solutions discussed (at least according to the experience I have) centres around wage bill management, teacher qualifications and availability of teaching materials. Usually side issues are: public investment management as well as governance issues. Of course, looking at the institutional set-up in client countries all those issues make a lot of sense. Yet I can't help escape the feeling that this has been the mantra for a long time, and there seems comparatively little to show for it.
Kind Regards,
I visited one village in
I visited one village in tamil nadu streets and roads had lights but not houses as they could not afford to pay bill. School were there with one or two teachers. Is this not eye wash by political structure? Poor's first priority is source for survival, as long as this is missing no impact of the services. Many villages do no have hospitals and doctors are scarce. Why can't have mobile low cost hospitals with Bsc nurses with training to serve villages. I have experienced myself visiting many villages and described in my wesite. We need will and accountability to fulfil
You are saying no more aid
You are saying no more aid for MDG Then could you tell me how it will work with out money ?
Very interesting analysis and
Very interesting analysis and observations. I agree that addressing the proximate problem does not completely provide the long term solution. the challenge among practitioners is addressing the systemic problems, many if not all of them involve governance and political issues which require long term transformation and mobilization of multi-stakeholders support. and since most donor support is short term, the focus tend to be on those areas which are visible and more manageable within the timeline. it would be useful to present good examples of how some countries have address some of these systemic issues and the lessons we can draw from these experiences. Regards.


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As the holiday season approached, Kristy Myers sent a message on Twitter to see if anyone minded that she wasn't planning on mailing cards.
When no one responded, Myers joined other environmentally conscious people and skipped the paper. It's one of many steps her family took to make this Christmas especially green - a trend that seems to be catching on locally and nationally as people begin applying their year-round ethos to the holidays.
The economy surely is contributing to the cause, and may even be driving it, as many Earth-saving measures are also less costly. But Myers says it's all helping reduce waste.
"This truly can be about cutting down on spending, simplifying things," she said. "I know other people are cutting back, too, and I'm not sure if they're doing it for environmental or economic reasons, but either way it's a good thing."
The Myers family, from Leonardtown, decided to donate the money they would have spent on buying and mailing holiday cards to Heifer International, a nonprofit that works to end hunger and poverty with gifts of livestock and training. The Christmas tree, which they debated even getting, will go in the backyard as a snag tree, which provides habitat for wildlife as it degrades.
Other people appear to be changing their spending and sending habits this season. Michael P. Woods, spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service, says first-class mail was down 11 percent in the first two weeks of December, when most cards are mailed. The Postal Service estimates 16.6 billion cards, letters and packages will be mailed over the holidays, down from 19 billion last year.
Woods believes that's mainly because of the economy, and the numbers might have been even lower, but, "When it matters, it's mailed, and you can't put an e-card on the refrigerator [or] on top of the mantel."
Barbara Miller, spokeswoman for the Greeting Card Association, says e-cards, many of which are free on the Internet, are way up, with about 500 million now sent annually, according to the group's research. However, she said paper cards still are faring well.
As for wrapping, gift bags are now the No. 1 way to present gifts, no doubt because they are reusable, says Deidre Mize of Hallmark Cards Inc., one of the largest suppliers of cards and wrapping.
Myers and husband Jon decided not to wrap gifts this year, or to wrap them in packing paper they had on hand. Their kids, 6-year-old Aidan and 3-year-old Caitlin, had fun decorating them.
But for those who still like paper, most of Hallmark's roll wrap and tissue paper comes from sustainably managed forests and the roll cores are 100 percent recycled fiber, Mize said.
Many postal boxes and envelopes are also recyclable, according to the Postal Service. And postal officials note other green stats: About a fifth of their 195,000 vehicles use alternative fuel; 10,000 workers deliver mail on foot; and there are recycling bins in thousands of locations.
Baltimore's Department of Public Works says recycling in general is up more than 50 percent since the city started once-a-week pickup this year, and paper is just over three-quarters of the haul. Christmas trees will be collected for mulching and recycling next month.
Still, all that holiday waste has many people, businesses and organizations rethinking their roles.
Nevins & Associates, a Baltimore communications and marketing company, sent e-cards for the second year to be more environmentally friendly. Of course, several environmental groups did the same, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The Nature Conservancy offers picturesque e-cards onits site.
Profiles Inc., another area communications company, discussed the issue and decided to continue sending paper cards because officials wanted to personalize them with notes and a signature. They also wanted recipients to enjoy the cards longer than it takes to delete an e-mail.
They might be onto something, says Tamlyn L. Franklin, president of the Etiquette Consulting Group LLC. She says times are changing, but paper cards still "show caring" and shouldn't be replaced entirely by e-cards. Cards should be handwritten and signed, and sent early with a return address and proper postage. Photo cards of the kids and pets are nice to send to friends and family but not to business associates.
"It is true that many people are trying to go green and save paper, and others like saving money and hassle," she said. "But when it comes to holiday cards, don't save time, paper and money and risk offending someone or lose a friend or business associate in the process by neglecting small details and taking extra effort. Remember, a little goes a long way."
For many people, gift giving is a necessity. But some make their own gifts or buy something from a local crafter, vendor or farmer.
The Myers family bought some gifts off Craigslist, an online classifieds site, to give them a second life. They've bought locally made scarves for winter and locally produced oysters and cabbage for holiday meals.
Others go to eco-conscious stores, such as bluehouse in Towson.
Owner David Buscher says he thinks that cost now is trumping everything, but after a slow year, holiday sales have been good. Everything in the store has an eco-feature. For example, the LED Christmas lights use less energy. The bamboo flooring comes from sustainable crops, the bottle openers use recycled bicycle parts. One of the most popular holiday gifts is a $15 ornament made from reclaimed oxygen tanks left on Mount Everest; sales help support cleanup on the mountain.
Through the downturn, Buscher said, "The really hard-core people try to be economical and environmental."
Dave Eske of Owings Mills agreed that being green wasn't the only concern people have when they shop, during the holidays or year-round. He does buy food at the local farmers' market, plans to redo his floor with eco-friendly cork and has sent some e-cards.
But shopping at bluehouse Tuesday, he simply wanted a big plate for a party. It happened to be made of recycled glass.
"It's not my No. 1 concern, but it's important," he said. "If there is an environmental alternative, I'll use it."
Leslie Mooney said the environment has been on her mind a little more lately because her son Patrick, a sixth-grader, has been learning about it in class. The family recently bought new recycling bins for their Towson home, and Patrick is working on a rain garden at school.
And the Christmas tree? Mooney said, "We'll recycle it through the Boy Scouts."


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Mandrake Root (Podophyllum peltatum)
The Mandrake Root, or Podophyllum peltatum, is an herb native to the New World.
Podophyllum peltatum is found growing in parts of northeastern North America and has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Mandrake Root is sometimes called the umbrella plant, because of its similar appearance to a closed umbrella when it first appears each spring. The plant itself grows to about a foot in height and then spreads out. Mandrake Root will produce a fruit, however it is rather unsavory, and not very tasty to consume. Mandrake Root Cut and Sifted, consists of the dried rhizome and connected roots. As with all herbal remedies, be sure to consult with doctor before beginning a regime of use.
Warning: Not to be used during pregnancy. Not for use except under the supervision of an expert qualified in the appropriate use of this substance.
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Evening classes canceled Feb. 7, 2018. Learn more.
Home | Academics | Our Schools | Conservatory of Performing Arts | Conservatory News & Features
Academy Award-winning actor and Pittsburgh native F. Murray Abraham led a master class for Conservatory of Performing Arts students at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in October.
Abraham participated in a question-and-answer session, and worked with acting students on scenes and monologues. He told stories from his career discussing what it takes to set yourself apart from the competition.
"During an audition, what you're using is yourself," said Abraham. "Show them who you are — you have to find that first and have a very strong ego to trust that you will become someone else — find that aspect of that character in yourself."
He also shared one of his biggest struggles he encountered as an aspiring actor in his 20s.
"One of the hardest things for me was believing that I could make it as an actor," remarked Abraham. "When I auditioned for my first job, I was so scared and afraid of rejection ... but I just kept going."
Marissa Bucheit, a junior acting major from Bradford, Pa., was one of the COPA students in attendance.
"These master classes provide us an outside perspective of what it's really like to work as an actor," said Bucheit. "It's important to be as knowledgeable about the business as possible and these classes provide that for us."
Abraham encouraged his audience that working in the business is a lot of fun.
"Don't forget that it's just acting," he said. "I do take it seriously, but it should always be fun."
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The Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton will celebrate the contribution of women in the community at the first Hope & Opportunity Luncheon at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff on Jan. 11.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the club's SMART Girls Program, a health, fitness, prevention, education and self-esteem program for girls ages 8 to 17, which encourages healthy attitudes and lifestyles that enable girls to reach their full potential.
Helen Ryan will be honored at the event for her professional achievements, her active service in the Bluffton community and her direct support of Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton. As Community Outreach Manager for Bluffton-based CareCore National, Ryan has supported the Boys & Girls Club's Torch Club, a leadership and service program which builds character and leadership skills for younger adolescents during a critical period in their lives. In addition, Ryan has supported numerous Club events and identified the Club as a destination for volunteers from CareCore National.
Her community involvement is extensive, including United Way of the Lowcountry, Volunteers in Medicine, American Heart Association and Together for Beaufort. She is an active member of Women in Philanthropy. Her commitment to education is legendary and she is a leading force in the creation of the John Paul II Catholic School, which will open in the fall of 2013.
The Hope & Opportunity Luncheon was created to shed light on the important contributions women make to our society and to build those skills in young women, according to Anne Caywood and Lorrie Taylor, event co-chairs.
"With females now making up more than 50 percent of the U.S. population, providing a positive environment and encouraging healthy lifestyles and decision-making for young women will benefit society as a whole in the future," Caywood said. "That's what the Boys & Girls Club SMART Girls Program is all about."
Molly Smith, unit director at Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton, said she sees the positive impact the SMART Girls Program makes in her members' lives.
"The girls in the program have reached a critical developmental point in their lives. Providing positive reinforcement and mentoring, and encouraging them to make healthy decisions, gives young women the tools they need to navigate those tough teenage years," Smith said. "Our hope is that they'll continue to use these tools as they move into a successful adulthood and become tomorrow's women leaders."
In addition to honoring Ryan, the luncheon will feature a wine tasting event overlooking the May River and the beautiful surroundings at Palmetto Bluff. Tickets are $75 for an individual and $600 for a table of eight. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information, contact Liz Vallino at 379-5430, Ext. 2, or at email@example.com.


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For those of you who think Kim Kardashian isn't anything more than a harmless reality TV star famous for doing nothing (except maybe being a savvy self-promoter), think again. Turns out Kardashian is at the center of a political clash in Bahrain, where yesterday, riot police had to fire tear gas to disperse people near where Kardashian was set to make an appearance at the opening of her Millions of Milkshakes shop.
Unlike, say, a Kardashian event in the United States, where fans are hoping for a glimpse, a touch, an autograph of Kim K, the group in Bahrain was protesting Kardashian's very presence. This angry group of very religious Islamic protesters wanted Kim out of their country. Instead of screaming "Kim! Kim! I Love you, Kim!" these protesters were chanting "God is great." And holding signs that read: "None of our customs and traditions allow us to receive stars of porn movies."
Just hours before showing up at the event Kim K had tweeted:
I just got to Bahrain! OMG can I move here please? Prettiest place on earth!
I'm in love with the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Bahrain's foreign minister Khalid Alkhalifa re-tweeted her remark with a note of thanks, but the rest of the twitterverse went crazy taking clueless Kim to task for wanting to live in an anti-Democratic country known for its systemic torture by an opressive monarchy.
Kim deleted the tweet.
And just 2 weeks ago, Kim got in political hot water first tweeting prayers for Israel, and then Palestine, causing a backlash from her fans.
She has vowed to learn more about the Middle East. (Or maybe she should just stop tweeting?)
So apparently there are a few places where people have not yet drunk the Kardashian Kool-Aid. But maybe they'll all come around and try a milkshake.
Do you think Kim Kardashian should be opening milkshake shops in the Middle East?


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DescriptionModular panel made with:
elements with central decoration in grey lamellar cast iron compliant with UNI EN 1561 standards.
Posts, frame, with handrail included, made in hot galvanized steel to UNI EN 1461 standards.
Panels are completely assemblied and painted in grey standard colour.
Steel shaped posts for end of railing.
Pinapple and ovolo decorations
Panel dimensions: H = mm 975 L = on demande


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Britain has invaded all but 22 countries in the world in its long and colourful history, new research has found.
This is a great map to show the historical impact of colonialism on the world map. The map is based on the work in the new book All the Countries We've Ever Invaded: And the Few We Never Got Round To.
Tags: book reviews, colonialism, war, historical, UK.
Via Seth Dixon


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Tuesday, 8 December 2015
Prominent @radiobiafralive Supporter @adeyinkagradson remanded In UK Prison for allegedly battering his wife.
Kayode Ogundamisi is a commentator on Nigerian and international affairs, he was involved in the Nigerian pro-democracy struggle, Ogundamisi survived a trumped-up charge of treasonable offence against the military government of General Babangida, he was detained in Jos prison in 1991 and released after intensive local and international campaigns against the government charging him and 12 other students before a military tribunal. Ogundamisi was a frontline member of the National Association of Nigerian Student and a former secretary general of the University of Jos Students Union in Nigeria and the O'dua People's Congress.
Ogundamisi currently shuttles between his base in The United Kingdom and his Country of Birth Nigeria where he runs a programme on self-empowerment. He is the convener of the Liberty Forum UK and his involved in engaging local communities and community and social empowerment.
He graduated with a B.SC in Political Science from University of Jos. The Nigerian Institute of Journalism and a Master's in Public Administration from the Ogun State University and Masters in International Relations from the London Metropolitan University. He is a volunteer campaigns fellow for the German human rights group IMRV Bremen.
Ogundamisi was appointed by the UK government as a board member of the United Kingdom Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) a position he held for 3 years. Ogundamisi is very active on the social media, with his commentary blog "The Canary" under the twitter handle @ogundamisi and he writes sporadic independent op-ed articles for major Nigerian media outlets.
Ogundamisi is the host of the diaspora community socio political programme "PolitricsWithKO" on Europe's first ethnic oriented television Channel BEN-TV broadcasting on BSKYB 238 and Startime Africa/Freeview Channel 244.


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New Balance Running Shoes Navy Blue Womens Candy Classics Sneakers 574
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Evening classes canceled Feb. 7, 2018. Learn more.
Home | Academics | Our Schools | Conservatory of Performing Arts | Conservatory News & Features
Point Park students make up the cast and crew of Perception, on stage at New Hazlett Theater.
Point Park Conservatory of Performing Arts and School of Communication students are using what they learned in class to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation by holding a dance production at a theater on Pittsburgh's North Side.
Alyson Laury, senior dance major, received a grant from the Puffin Foundation to put on her own dance production and teamed up with Jessica Heinrichs, senior advertising and public relations major and volunteer at Make-A-Wish, to plan and choreograph Perception. The show will be held at New Hazlett Theater on May 4. The production features a cast and crew consisting of 22 Point Park students majoring in dance, cinema, musical theater, acting, stage management, broadcasting, advertising or public relations. "My preparation from my instructors at Point Park has given me the confidence to put on this show," said Laury. "I have been given opportunities to showcase my choreography under the supervision of wonderful dance instructors and I am excited to branch out and take the guidance they've given me to do this on my own."
Heinrichs said the group would like to donate $3,900 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation because that is approximately how much one wish costs. "We have been so blessed with donors to help us cover the costs of production, however we do need an audience to allow us to meet our goal and change a child's life."The performance will be held Friday, May 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at www.newhazletttheater.org. All proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
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Ill Will (Feat. Count / L.E.P / Bogus Boys) - Get It How Ya Live [Unsigned Hype]
O reports "myspace.com/illwillywatkins big ups to Ms hip hop Boston!""
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- New
Rose Petals and Flowers Curtain
Rose Petals and Flowers Curtain
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Product Details :
- The set includes two panels. Measurements are the total of the 2 curtain panels together.
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- 90 INCHES LONG x 108 INCHES WIDE
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Author Notes: It took me a solid 5-6 years of cooking before I was brave enough to tweak recipes. Now, I tweak with abandon, but am anxious about creating a recipe from the ground up. Blame it on a persistent fear of failure.
Yesterday, I had some things in abundance or that I needed to use up. Trader Joe's arugula Parmesan ravioli, corn, and heavy cream. I did a quick search for "Corn Pasta Sauce" that did not yield exactly what I was looking for.
So, I took the plunge into kitchen improvisation.
I served with simply prepared Jade green beans (quick boil drizzled with good olive oil and salt and pepper). I think fresh sage could be substituted for the basil. Also, box pasta could be substituted for the ravioli. For a pound, double the sauce recipe and use something like orrechiette or penne or maybe fettuccine. —AngelaR
Serves: 4
tablespoon olive oil
scallions thinly sliced
garlic clove minced
kernels from one ear of sweet corn
cups heavy cream
small Roma tomato seeded and diced
tablespoon fresh basil
salt and pepper
pound prepared cheese ravioli - I used Trader Joe's Parmesan arugula
freshly grated parmesan for the table
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil.
- Saute the sliced scallions in the olive oil over medium high heat in a large frying pan until wilted. Season with a bit of salt. (I used to watch Sarah Moulton on Food Network back in the day and she always said season as you go, which I do and it makes all the difference in the world.) Add the garlic and corn. Saute for 2-3 minutes being careful not to brown the garlic and leaving the corn crisp.
- Boil the ravioli according to package directions.
- Lower heat to low and add the cream to the corn mixture. Heat the cream until it thickens slightly. Taste and add salt and pepper to your liking.
- Toss the ravioli into the sauce, gently mix everything together and cook over low heat for a few minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Put tomatoes and basil on top with a sprinkle of salt. Pass the cheese at the table.
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Corn off the Cob
More Great Recipes:
Pasta|Italian|Green Onion/Scallion|Milk/Cream|Vegetable|Corn|Make Ahead|Summer|Vegetarian|Entree


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Jeep Wrangler YJ Dana 44 Axle - Rubicon YJPosted in How To on August 1, 2008
The word is out. Mopar is selling JK Wrangler Rubicon Dana 44 complete axle assemblies, and they're a very good deal. For a total of approximately $3,000, both front and rear Rubicon Dana 44s that come complete with disc brakes, electric lockers, and 4.10 gears will be delivered to your home or dealer ready for installation. These Dana 44s are direct bolt-ins in JK Wranglers, so owners of X or Sahara trim levels can easily upgrade their front and rearends to the Rubicon level and will even be able to use their locking differentials at any speed, in two-wheel drive, four-wheel high, or four-wheel low range. This is something Rubicon owners can't do as they're limited to using their lockers in low range. Mopar/Jeep JK Rubicon Dana 44s are available from any Mopar/Jeep Performance dealer.
These axle assemblies will also work in any other vehicle you choose to install them in with some modification. We followed our friend Eric Maughan as he ordered Mopar JK Rubicon Dana 44 axle assemblies and proceeded to put them under his '91 YJ Wrangler. 4 Wheel Drive Hardware has everything needed for a successful axle swap, such as a Mopar wiring harness that has the correct electrical plugs needed for the electric lockers. While doing the swap, Eric decided to install an Atlas transfer case from Advance Adapters too. Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts built new front and rear CV driveshafts that work with the Rubicon axle assemblies. Follow along, and we'll show you how easy this swap is to perform.
4PhotosView Slideshow


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Bring out the beauty of your Christmas tree with these delicious Chocolate Ornaments wrapped in festive holiday foils. Each case comes with 28 hollow chocolate ornaments in assorted colors and prints. These tasty decorations come complete with metal caps for hanging on the tree. Imagine the delight of plucking an ornament from the tree on Christmas morning and enjoying the rich, creamy milk chocolate within. These novelty chocolates are also perfect as stocking stuffers!
The more you buy, the more you save with our "Mix and Match" quantity discounts. Discounts are automatically calculated for you in our shopping cart based upon the table below:
Choose from several different items or combine case purchases for additional savings. Discounts only available for online purchases on a per order basis and exclude shipping costs.


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ANT1001 Introductory Anthropology
|Semester 3, 2012 External Toowoomba
|Units :
|Faculty or Section :
|Faculty of Arts
|School or Department :
|School of Humanities and Communication
Examiner: Bryce Barker
Moderator: Celmara Pocock
Other requisites
Students will require access to e-mail and have internet access to UConnect for this course.
Anthropology is the study of human beings, their cultures, behaviour and products. As a professional discipline it originated in the 19th century and has developed continuously into a number of very active sub-disciplines. Although it initially concentrated its studies in ancient or non-industrial peoples, more recently it has expanded its interest to incorporate people wherever they may exist. By emphasizing the use of intensive and extensive fieldwork it is the only one of the social sciences to claim to attempt to represent humans and their ways of life holistically. By studying this subject students will begin to appreciate the richness, creativity, ingenuity, diversity and intelligence of humans everywhere. Through the production of uncommon knowledge, anthropology addresses some of the world's most compelling, intriguing, fraught and difficult questions, including those that have arisen around war, gender discrimination, racism and other unequal divisions of power. This course will explore the ways in which anthropological knowledge can offer new and useful insights into a range of contexts in which human social life is conducted.
The study of human communities, their societies and cultures, is approached through the perspectives of Cultural Anthropology and students are presented with the major theories, concepts and debates of this field of study. Students will also read a variety of material representing the current diverse interests and concerns of anthropologists.
On completion of this course students will be able to:
- demonstrate an appreciation of the extent of cultural variation and social difference in the contemporary world;
- demonstrate an appreciation of the interpretive strengths of anthropology in the study of the contemporary world;
- demonstrate a capacity for an interest in continuing to explore the diversity of cultures including their own;
- demonstrate a knowledge of the value and importance of specific anthropological knowledge;
- demonstrate an emergent ability to critically assess representations made of other cultures including popular and ethnographic representations;
- have an appreciation of the importance of difference and of seeing that difference in cultural relativist terms in the modern world system and a sense of respect for the multiply of cultures inside Australia and beyond;
- demonstrate a sense of the ways in which anthropology constitutes its objects and generates and presents knowledge;
- demonstrate and use the following graduate attributes: essay writing skills, discussion skills gained from participation in tutorial/online situations, critical response skills gained from tutorial/online participation, skills in critical reading and theoretically informed writing within set parameters.
|The Dimensions of Anthropology
|Theory and Methods
|Cultural Diversity
|The Changing World
Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed
ALL textbooks and materials available to be purchased can be sourced from USQ's Online Bookshop (unless otherwise stated). (https://bookshop.usq.edu.au/bookweb/subject.cgi?year=2012&sem=03&subject1=ANT1001)
Please contact us for alternative purchase options from USQ Bookshop. (https://bookshop.usq.edu.au/contact/)
Kottak, CP 2012, Anthropology: appreciating Human Diversity, 15th edn, McGraw Hill, New York.
ANT1001 Introductory anthropology: introductory book and selected readings, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba.
Reference materials
Basham, R 1978, Urban anthropology: the cross-cultural study of complex, Mayfield, Palo Alto, Calif.
Bates, D & Plog, F 1990, Cultural anthropology, 3rd edn, McGraw Hill, New York.
Bates, D 1996, Cultural anthropology, Allyn and Bacon, Boston.
Bodley, J 1988, Tribal peoples and development issues: a global overview, Mayfield, Mountain View, Calif.
Bodley, J 1999, Victims of progress, 4th edn, Mayfield, Mountain View, Calif.
Student workload requirements
|Directed Study
|Online Discussion Groups
|Private Study
|Project Work
Assessment details
|Marks out of
|Wtg (%)
|Due Date
|10 Dec 2012
|21 Jan 2013
|25 Jan 2013
|(see note 1)
|End S3
|(see note 2)
- Online discussion is graded weekly on evidence of preparation and quality of written contributions and responses to online presentations.
- Students will be advised of the official exam date after timetable has been finalised.
Important assessment information
Attendance requirements:
There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students? responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. Students must attend and complete the requirements of the Workplace Health and Safety training program for this course where required.
Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
To satisfactorily complete an individual assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks.
Penalties for late submission of required work:
If students submit assignments after the due date without (prior) approval of the examiner then a penalty of 5% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment may apply for each working day late up to ten working days at which time a mark of zero may be recorded.
Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
Examination information:
Candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the Closed examination.
Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
University Student Policies:
Students should read the USQ policies: Definitions, Assessment and Student Academic Misconduct to avoid actions which might contravene University policies and practices. These policies can be found at http://policy.usq.edu.au.
Assessment notes
The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner.
Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be despatched to USQ within 24 hours if required by the Examiner.
In accordance with University Policy, the Examiner may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances.
If electronic submission of assessments is specified for the course, students will be notified of this in the course Introductory Book and on the USQ Study Desk. All required electronic submission must be made through the Assignment Drop Box located on the USQ Study Desk for the course, unless directed otherwise by the examiner of the course. The due date for an electronically submitted assessment is the date by which a student must electronically submit the assignment. The assignment files must be submitted by 11.55pm on the due date using USQ time (as displayed on the clock on the course home page; that is, Australian Eastern Standard Time).
If the method of assessment submission is by written, typed or printed paper-based media students should (i) submit to the Faculty Office for students enrolled in the course in the on-campus mode, or (ii) mail to the USQ for students enrolled in the course in the external mode. The due date for the assessment is the date by which a student must (i) submit the assessment for students enrolled in the on-campus mode, or (ii) mail the assessment for students enrolled in the external mode.
The Faculty will NOT normally accept submission of assessments by facsimile or email.
Students who do not have regular access to postal services for the submission of paper-based assessments, or regular access to Internet services for electronic submission, or are otherwise disadvantaged by these regulations may be given special consideration. They should contact the examiner of the course to negotiate such special arrangements prior to the submission date.
Students who have undertaken all of the required assessments in a course but who have failed to meet some of the specified objectives of a course within the normally prescribed time may be awarded one of the temporary grades: IM (Incomplete - Make up), IS (Incomplete - Supplementary Examination) or ISM (Incomplete -Supplementary Examination and Make up). A temporary grade will only be awarded when, in the opinion of the examiner, a student will be able to achieve the remaining objectives of the course after a period of non directed personal study.
Students who, for medical, family/personal, or employment-related reasons, are unable to complete an assignment or to sit for an examination at the scheduled time may apply to defer an assessment in a course. Such a request must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. One of the following temporary grades may be awarded IDS (Incomplete - Deferred Examination; IDM (Incomplete Deferred Make-up); IDB (Incomplete - Both Deferred Examination and Deferred Make-up).
Students may be assigned an ?Incomplete? grade to signify that all the requirements of the course have not yet been met. Students who are graded ?I? can pass the course by successfully completing such additional work as prescribed by the examiner by a given date. Students who have been awarded an IM, ISM, IDM or IDB grade must access information regarding further work to be completed, in the Student Centre of U Connect. The Grades Page in the Student Centre contains information about further work to be completed. Students who have not completed the additional work to the satisfaction of the examiner by the given date will receive the appropriate Failing grade.
Other requirements
Students can expect that questions in assessment items in this course may draw upon knowledge and skills that they can reasonably be expected to have acquired before enrolling in the course. This includes knowledge contained in pre-requisite courses and appropriate communication, information literacy, analytical, critical thinking, problem solving or numeracy skills. Students who do not possess such knowledge and skills should not expect to achieve the same grades as those students who do possess them.


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I know what I currently pay in rates:
I know what my Council provides from rates:
I understand how rates are calculated and what causes them to increase:
I don't like having to pay rates but I can understand why they are needed:
I would prefer to pay lower rates and accept there will be fewer services, facilities and maintenance:
I think rate increases should be capped, even if that means cuts to services, facilities and maintenance:
I would be happier if my council better explained how it set rate increases:
I would feel happier if I had more of a say on how Council spends the rates:
I think the current level of rates I pay is too high:
Average Residential rates (adjusted incl. refuse charge) for the last 4 years
Local Governments employ varying methodologies to determine the components of their rates calculations. Providing a just comparison for the community to use as a benchmark for their circumstances is not a simple straightforward calculation and requires some degree of interpretation of the data in the public documents of local governments. To this end the rates and charges information presented for each Local Government has been compiled by independent financial analysis firm RJ Back and Associates. The information has been collated from a number of sources including annual budgets, annual reports, annual returns, public websites, industry reports and rating comparisons and direct checks with Local Government officers.
The methodology for the calculation of average residential rates as presented in the website for each Local Government has been determined as follows. The average value (GRV) is determined by adding values for assessments levied at the adopted rate in the $; multiplying the threshold minimum value (minimum rate divided by the rate in the $) by the number of assessments on the minimum; then adding the two values above and dividing by the total number of assessment in the first two parts. This value is used for each year until a revaluation occurs and a new value is calculated. Generally the financial year 2013/14 provides the base year. The average rate is then determined by applying the rate in the $ against the value and adding the refuse charge. The increase in this average value is then presented for each Local Government.
Information for 56 Local Governments, as listed below, is based on total gross rental values as residential values were not defined in the Local Governments' publications. As is demonstrated, these Local Government for the most part are small to medium operations whereby non-residential GRV contributions would have a negligible impact compared on presented results compared with the contribution of residential values. The Local Governments to which this applies are: Albany, Bassendean, Beverley, Boddington, Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Bruce Rock, Carnamah, Carnarvon, Chapman Valley, Chittering, Coolgardie, Coorow, Corrigin, Cranbrook, Cuballing, Cunderdin, Dalwallinu, Dandaragan, Donnybrook-Balingup, Goomalling, Halls Creek, Jerramungup, Katanning, Kondinin, Lake Grace, Laverton, Meekatharra, Menzies, Merredin, Morawa, Mount Marshall, Mukinbudin, Murray, Narembeen, Narrogin, Northampton, Nungarin, Perenjori, Plantagenet, Ravensthorpe, Sandstone, Tammin, Three Springs, Toodyay, Upper Gascoyne, Victoria Plains, Wagin, Wandering, Waroona, Westonia, Wickepin, Wiluna, Woodanilling, Wyalkatchem, Yalgoo, York.
In should be noted that results are confined to GRV assessments and not UV assessments and in consideration of the result presented for Chittering that the large increase in assessments for 2015/16 results from previous UV rated to GRV rated. The Council introduced a concession limiting the rate increase for those properties to $300 which distorts the results for 2015/16. In the result for Ngaanyatjarraku, data is yet provided for 2014/15 and 2015/16.