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Never a dull boy
hardy24 January 26th, 2007
The sight is a familiar one for "24" fans: Counterterrorist agent Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) sits panting, handcuffed to a chair as he's tortured by non-descript Middle-Eastern men. How will he get out of it this time? After a phone call prevents the leader from cutting off Jack's fingers, only one guard is left. With a vicious plunge and menacing eyes, Bauer digs his teeth into the guard's neck. The guard falls, and Jack spits out a chunk of flesh, blood dripping down his chin. So ends the first hour of Season 6 of Fox's painfully addictive terrorism drama.
After five seasons and 136 deaths by Bauer's hand alone … there are few ways to end a life that haven't already been employed. At this point, Jack ranks somewhere between God and Mike Tyson on the list of people you don't want to piss off. But the show hasn't worn out its welcome: Season 5 of "24" was the strongest season ratings-wise …
… The show's principal appeal — the sense that anything can happen, a precedent established with the murder of Jack's wife by his closest colleague and ex-lover in the closing moments of the first season — remains intact …
… Season 6 is a story about Jack, a character study about coping with extreme sacrifices, … The choices he is forced to make, between friends and enemies, family and national security, are more poignant than ever. Although each season chronicles a single day, the writers never forsake insight for action; for example, they daringly ended the third season with a prolonged scene of Jack sobbing in his car. Sutherland shows he's up for the challenge, as his performance in the premiere was his best to date.
From a thoughtful review of the first five hours.
Source : yaledailynews.com – plot details from the first six episodes


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Saturday, August 09, 2008
Stick a Fork in It
My Italian Market Bag is finished. I am so thrilled with how it turned out. The only problem now is keeping the girls from taking it! I love this yarn, soft, pliable with just enough sparkle to add some interest. The ending kicked by bu** though as I had to frog it several times. I thought I would end with seed stitch but after 4 rows I decided it didn't look very good so I had to tink it all. I hate taking things out so it was a struggle for me. I decided to use stockinette instead and was hapy with how that turned out.
Then I bound off and had a big, huge floppy opening. I didn't like that so had to take that all out. I decided to pretty much k2tog all the way around and then bind off again. For awhile I was nervous that it would then be too small of an opening but it turned out just right.
I looked all round for white rope handles but couldn't find any. I couldn't even find any good rope to try to fashion in to handles. I did find some white drape tie backs and got all excited over those, but when I got them home (of course I didn't have the bag with me at the time) they didn't look good with it. Too fancy. So I decided to knit the handles. After that I tried a few different things and pulled them all out, I finally landed on making it in to a strap with "blocks" of stockinette followed by a purl row.
I will type up the pattern and post it in case anyone is interested. I have seen links on people's blogs to patterns that open up to nice PDF files of the pattern. Does anyone know how to do that? If so I'd love to hear.
The joining bug has bit me again so I joined two KAL's this week! Luckily both are small. One is Dish Rag Tag through the Yarn Miracle. I did it last year and it was a lot of fun (even though our team - Lucky 13 - lost solely based on where the mailman placed our box! - I'm still bitter.) I figure a dish rag is a pretty quick knit so that's not too much of a commitment. Also check out the Fashionably Late in 2008 KAL and join me to knit a smoke ring. I've never made one before but I think it will be fast and easy and make really impressive gifts.
4 comments:
- km said...
I'm heading up to the bay area tomorrow. So, I'm packing and I'll make this quick. I have photoshop and in that program, you can save as a pdf. As for how the link works...I've not tried that yet. The bag looks great. I'm still working on my BYOB. I think I'll really like it...and I see more of these bags in my future.
- monica said...
Your bag looks fantastic!!
- hakucho said...
I love your bag :)
There are some free paces (google them) where you can upload your PDF files for hosting purposes but the one I had used ...can't remember the name...didn't work out...they ended up dumping my files so I ended up uploading them to our comcast webpage. Work great and I don't have to pay any more and no worries that they will get dumped. Many people use Box.net. Not familar with it.
- smariek said...
I have the full version of Adobe Acrobat which allows me to create PDF files. If I didn't have this, I would probably do a Google search for those websites that convert files to PDF for free.
I used to use the Quicksharing.com site which Hakucho also used. But then one day they had a melt down or something cuz it just stopped working, all our files had been deleted, and even though the site was still up we were unable to re-upload files.
Right now I put my files on Box.net. The free service is fine, I haven't even made a dent on my quotas (whatever they may be) with all the files I've put there.
I like the reusable bag. Reusable and washable.

subset: commoncrawl


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Staging has become a prevalent and necessary part of selling your home. In Orange County, buyers have become so accustomed to staging that they are even complaining about homes that aren't staged. Where staging used to give your home an edge, it is now a requirement. Let's face it - the most important part of marketing your home are the online photos. A professional photographer can do amazing things, but if the home isn't staged, a wide angle lens, good lighting and professional processing are just "lipstick on a pig". The key to captivating online photos is a home that has been well designed and staged. Beware of bad staging. A lot of agents don't want to take on the expense of staging so they are trying to do it themselves. You need a qualified and experienced stager that has a proven track record of success. See below for our testimonials and incredible results.
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Publication Date
Publication Details
Tofari, P. J, Opar, D., Kemp, J. G, Billaut, F. & Cormack, SJ. (2016). Reliability of measures of quadriceps muscle function using magnetic stimulation. Muscle & Nerve, United States of America: John Wiley & Sons Inc.. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.24926
Introduction: Magnetic stimulation can be used to assess muscle function by calculating voluntary activation using an interpolated twitch during maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) and control twitches to potentiated muscle. In this study we assessed the reliability of torque, electromyography (EMG), and voluntary activation variables. Methods: Fifteen men completed 5 testing sessions (2 familiarization and 3 reliability trials) to assess quadriceps femoris muscle function. Intra- and interday reliability levels of torque and EMG variables were estimated using typical error ± 90% confidence limits, expressed as percentage [coefficient of variation (CV)] and intraclass correlation coefficient. The smallest worthwhile change was calculated as 0.2 × between-participant standard deviation. Results: Intra- and interday torque variables for MVC were reliable (CV < 4%, ICC 0.98, and CV < 5%, ICC 0.99, respectively). EMG variables were less reliable than torque variables, with CVs ranging from 7% to 18%. Conclusion: Magnetic stimulation of the femoral nerve is a reliable method for assessing muscle function.
Document Type
Journal Article
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Or Retzkin
CEO, Co-founder
Major in the Navy (res). Graduated from Tel Aviv University with B.Sc. in Physics and Accounting and holds a M.Sc. in Finance. Or teaches in the Accounting department at Tel Aviv University and has worked for PwC in the high-tech and industry audit department.
Linked In
Itai Kornberg
CTO, Co-founder
Graduated with honors from Ben Gurion University with a B.Sc. in Software Engineering. Itai has worked for HP (QC/ALM and AGM groups) and NetApp Innovation Lab.
Tania Suares
VP of Operations and Product
B.A. Psychology, California State University, Long Beach
Yelena Gafarov Chebotaev
Algorithm Developer
B.Sc. in Physics from Technion
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B.Sc. Computer Science,University of Haifa
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BS.c. Computer Science, The Academic College of Tel-Aviv, Yaffo
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Content Writer
Studying towards B.A. in Government at IDC Herzliya (expected 2019)
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MA Business Law, Aix-Marseille University
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CEO of Algo LtdB.Sc. Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University
Zohar Hadad
Co-founder of Algo Ltd.B.Sc. Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Ben Gurion University
Almog Karmani
Embedded & Low-Level Software Developer in Algo Ltd.
B.Sc. Computer Science, Holon Institute of Technology (HIT)
Itsik Danziger
Board of Directors
Dr. Yossi Rubner
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Prof. Vivian Drory
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text:
The Economics and Political Economy of Transportation Security
Kenneth Button
Chapter 4: Links between market structure and security
Kenneth Button
Shop for security over happiness and we buy it at that price Richard Bach. Adopting the neoclassical microeconomic reasoning that underlies the thinking of people like Gary Becker, security can be seen as a service that can be bought and sold like most other goods or services. It may also be considered from a slightly different economic perspective, following the broad ideas of Kelvin Lancaster (1966), as an attribute of a good or service, whereby individuals treat a service as bundles of attributes, selecting services to consume according to the bundles that maximize their relative utilities including the security that they bring. But from either perspective, there is a cost attached to providing security, as well as benefits from its purchase, and thus people can bargain with suppliers over the nature, the amount and the cost of the security to be provided. Put simply, the shotgun guard on the stagecoach in the old west was a clear cost to the traveler, but as a deterrent to a hold-up it provided a benefit. In turn, the guard's pay reflected the minimum net benefit to the stagecoach company of employing him or her, with this, in turn, being a reflection of the travelers' willingness-to-pay for protection. In this sense, security is an input into the value chain just like any other input, and the users of security services, as with any other input, want to ensure that they get value for their money; why buy it otherwise?
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11 Moms On Why Co-Sleeping Worked For Them
Co-sleeping is one of those personal choices moms make once their little one arrives. There are various ways to do it, too. You can simply decide that your child will sleep in the same room, but in their crib. You can buy a co-sleeping bassinet that you keep beside your bed, so you can roll your baby over next to you if you need to nurse. You can opt for the family bed and let your infant snuggle up warmly beside you. Just as there are numerous ways to co-sleep, there are numerous reasons why co-sleeping works for some moms.
When it came time for me to decide where my son would sleep, I knew I couldn't bear to have him stay in a separate room. For one, after losing my first child, I was terrified of things like SIDS. I also knew it would be easier for me to reach over to my son's bassinet and care for him immediately, rather than having to walk to the next room in the middle of the night, half asleep and probably delirious. When I realized that my son slept much better if I had him in my bed, well, the choice was obvious. While getting him out of my bed has been an interesting challenge now that's he's over 30 months, I really love snuggling with my kiddo and know this time is precious so, even a few painstaking transitions from our family bed to his toddler bed.
I have a feeling that my reasons for co-sleeping are shared with many other co-sleeping mothers, so I spoke with several other moms who ended up either sharing their bed, or their room, with their little one. The one question on my mind? Why did you feel like co-sleeping was the right sleeping situation for your family? Here's what they had to say:
Shannon, 29
"Well, with each baby we co-slept until at least six months and then they went into the crib. For (our daughter) Penny, we have the arms reach co-sleeper attached to our bed. I choose to co-sleep because it is a lot more convenient at night for the late night feedings. During my last c-section, it was also helpful because I was in a lot of pain."
Vivian, 30
"The decision to co-sleep was carefully considered because I work in healthcare and co-sleeping is a huge 'no-no.' I wouldn't even put bumpers in my child's crib because of the risk. With my first it became something that seemed more out of 'necessity.' I went back to work at seven weeks [postpartum] and I felt safer sitting up in bed with her on me, than risking falling asleep in a chair and risking injury to her. With my second I wasn't going to, but because of ease we did. It seems more natural that the baby can search nurse when she wants instead of having to cry to alert me. It also allows for me to be able to be connected to my husband instead of pulling out of the room any time the baby needs."
Jessica, 29
"Our daughter slept in a bassinet in our room for the first five months. I also occasionally slept with her in our bed for a few hours. Having her close for feeding was convenient, and I found it very comforting to hear her breathing, or know when she was stirring a little. I had a fair bit of, 'Is the baby okay?' anxiety, so it was reassuring to be able to prop myself up and see her whenever I wanted."
Nicola, 35
"I recently read somewhere that co-sleeping also includes the baby being in a cot but in your room, in which case we did that for the first ten months or so without even realizing it was a thing. It just made more sense to not have to go as far to feed him in the night. And when my partner was away, I would often have him in the bed all or half the night before he really started rolling around."
Jamie, 33
"The subject of bed sharing has probably been the most dramatic 180 I've done between child-free life and parenthood. I was super against it pre-kids. Our first slept in our room, but always in his bassinet. One night, when he was about a month old, I was delirious with exhaustion and I just pulled him into bed with us... and we all slept THE REST OF THE NIGHT. Turns out, everyone slept better when we all cozied up together. So while my partner and I would always put him down in his crib initially, his first wake-up after we got in bed he came in with us. It facilitated breastfeeding, minimized wake-ups, and was super comfy. We kept this up until the annoyances of bed sharing outweighed the positives. For my first, that was about 10 months. For my second, we started bed sharing right away and kept it up until she was about 14 months. (What can I say: she was a more considerate bedfellow than her brother.)"
Sarah, 29
"I've been co-sleeping with my son since day one and he's nearly three now. We don't do it every single night, but that's because he's become more independent. We're very big about talking about our feelings and respecting boundaries and choices, so whenever he says he wants to sleep in his own bed, we encourage it. But on nights when he's sick, scared, or just wants to cuddle, I'm more than happy to share my bed with my little dude because I know I'll blink and he'll be a teenager in a minute."
Ambreia, 24
"Co-sleeping mom here, eight months and soon to end! (Our son) sleeps in our bed. We only have one child, he's our first. It worked because it gave me the ability to nurse so we could all sleep during the night. I do enjoy the closeness, (and) when he takes naps in his room it just doesn't feel right."
Emily, 37
"I've co-slept with all three (of my daughters), (had a) family bed with all three — one at a time, though. I nursed them and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have ever gotten any sleep if we hadn't co-slept. Plus the snuggles are nice. But I just nurse them to sleep and leave them in bed and then go to bed later and am right there if they woke up, although we did buy a king size bed to fit everyone."
Pilar, 31
"We co-slept! (Our daughter) Sophia came home on a monitor since she was a micropreemie. It was a strap that would go off if it didn't sense her breathing. Well, it wasn't so stable and it would sometimes go off at night and freak us out. The only way I slept calmly was if she slept with us in bed."
Bryony, 42
"I co-slept with my son [until he was] nine months. Then he went briefly into a crib, but eventually came back into bed with us, where he remains to this day, age 6 1/2, with no end in sight. I loved it when he was an infant as it assured I got sleep and he had ready-access to nursing. As he has gotten older, we have been fortunate that he doesn't thrash around. I have heard some kids do. We were also assured by a parent educator at his preschool that it was OK to co-sleep as long as we were all comfortable with it. My husband loves it as much as I do, even though it has reduced 'certain' activity between us. I just think this is time we cannot get back, and eventually our son will decide he is ready to sleep on his own."
Nikki, 28
"I have co-slept with both children, but (with our son) Tyler more than (our daughter) Averie. It was never a conscious decision. I kind of parent based on the kid and what I feel they need at the time. For Tyler, he still sometimes ends up in our bed, but he is also an awesome sleeper and transitioned to a toddler bed just a littler after [one year of age], and was kicking me out of his room to sleep by 18 months. Averie is also a great sleeper, and now sleeps in her own room and falls asleep on her own at just a little past [a year]. She sometimes makes it into our bed still if the night calls for it, but she gets heat rash and the body heat can be too uncomfortable for her sometimes."


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The Bellagio is a high-luxury resort located on the Las Vegas Strip. It was constructed on the site of the old Dunes Casino and helped mark the age of modern mega-resorts in Las Vegas. This particular resort is home to a casino, a hotel, and many different entertainment venues, all of which are widely acclaimed for their elegance. Bellagio is also famous for its 8-acre artificial lake that houses its music-synchronized fountain displays.
As one of the most luxurious resorts in the USA, you can probably imagine that the prices here are relatively high. When you arrive in the hotel, you will definitely be struck by how classy this establishment is. Not only that, but everything is kept in tip top shape through thorough cleaning and maintenance. You'll probably have plenty of time to take it all in though, because most people end up waiting in line for a while at check in, especially if you are traveling in the busier times of year (learn more here). There are no economy-styled rooms in the Bellagio. With this in mind, you should feel comfortable spending some money before you look any further.
This also means that everything is really of top-notch quality. The rooms are spacious, and the bathrooms have great marble details (including his/hers sinks). While you may feel like royalty, be aware that this place, as with most modern resorts, will try to 'nickel and dime' you to the poor house. Getting extra shampoo, bath robes, and other 'little extras' can add up over the course of a long weekend. By now, almost everyone has seen the jaw-dropping fountain display that takes place in the man-made lake in front of the building. This performance has even been featured in the movie Ocean's 11, and is practically iconic of the modern Las Vegas resort. This isn't the only body of water in the resort though. On the other side of the building, you can find the Bellagio's six guest-exclusive swimming pools.
Even though these attract many of the guests, they are spread out and separated by foliage/gardens so that you never feel crowded. If you are sensitive to the smell from cigarette smoke, this casino is just the place for you. They must have one of the best ventilation systems in Las Vegas, if not the whole world! When it comes to 'things to do', the Bellagio gives you no shortage of choices. It's home to fourteen restaurants, several bars and lounges, a spa, and even Cirque de Soleil's aquatic show 'O'. They have specialty shops in Via Bellagio, four Jacuzzis, high speed internet, and even same-day laundry! While you could probably burn a whole weekend without leaving the property, you should really make an effort to cruise the strip, and even go downtown for a day.
This casino, at 116,000 square feet, is one of the largest ever constructed. It holds all of the popular table games and slots, and there is also a full poker room available. The casino is kept in perfect condition and the employees are held to the highest of standards. And while the twelve craps tables might just blow you away, they are not the best deals in town. In fact, with their 3-4-5x odds, they are totally average. The maximum wager is $5000, and the minimum can range from $5 to $25. Overall, the casino is worth a visit, and an amazing place to stay, but for craps players, it is 'no dice'. From here, the best place to play craps would be Casino Royale, which is right next to Harrah's. Also, you should only seriously consider staying here if you are willing to shell out some serious cash.Share on:


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4,415 Bucknellians made gifts during the 2016 Trustee Giving Challenge on April 28. The grand total of gifts, including challenge funds, was $1,776,780.*
Top designations* are listed in the chart at right. Initially, the plan was for all designations to share in $150,000 in challenge funds, but the success of the challenge resulted in $186,550 to be shared! | Details
Plus, by reaching the participation goal of 4,000 donors, we unlocked the $100,000 challenge for financial aid!
We are grateful for your loyalty and support. Thank you for making the day so magical for our students!
Read more about the challenge results.
*Final results of gifts by designation as of June 30.


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Rules for Parents in the Stands
It sometimes happens that our musical and sporting worlds collide. This past weekend our family had both a violin recital and multiple games. Something struck me about the different events: the differences between the audience in the seats and the parents in the stands.
This is Henry's second year playing Little League, and by and large, we've escaped the curse of the ugly parent in the stand – you know the stereotype, I don't have to describe it. We had a great team last year and we all – kids, coaches, parents and sibs – enjoyed spending time together…a lot of time…really so much time…at the ballpark.
However, that doesn't stop me from pointing out that at the recital every single member of the audience clapped for every kid…twice. Once as they bravely mounted the stage, and once as they completed their performance, whether that performance was error-free or not. At the game, lots of us in the stands are just clapping for members of our own team. At the recital, none of the parents shouted advice to the performers. We trusted in their teachers, and in their own preparation. At baseball games, I hear advice shouted at each kid as he or she comes up to bat or when the ball comes careening toward them. At the recital, no one groaned when a kid made a mistake…at least not audibly. I've heard plenty of groans at the ballfield…when a kid drops a pop fly…or can't field a grounder…or strikes out.
Here's the thing, parents…and I include myself in this lecture since I am by nature a terrible sport, competitive to a fault. (I held myself to one shouted, "Wake up out there Henry!" at tonight's game. But I had to work tonight, meaning I only saw an inning and a half, so I don't have too much to brag about.) We're not setting a good example by that kind of behavior in the stands, that much is obvious. But we're also not accomplishing anything by it. Our players on the field? Half the time they can't hear us. They certainly SHOULDN'T be paying any attention to us. That's what the coaches are for. You know who can hear us though? The parents and grandparents and brothers and sisters of the kids on the other team. So let's put a lid on it. Take a note from the recital parents and be happy for everybody just getting out there and doing their thing. They're all awesome.
1 Comment
MaryAnne Mullaney said,
That. was. A W E S O M E !!


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Once again, gathered at the Manege square detained by the police
The police arrested nine people
The October parade in Moscow, which gathered approximately 20 thousand participants
Posted On Sunday, September 17, 2017 By Russian Opinion. Under RUSSIA Tags: Approximately, gathered, Moscow, October, Parade, participants, thousand
The autumn parade in the capital has about 20 thousand participants, the event was held on Sunday and the launch of the European week of mobility
The campaign for free Internet in Moscow, gathered tens of thousands of people
The protection of the public order and safety police and Regardie
"Immortal regiment" in Moscow, which gathered more than 750 thousand people
Earlier it was reported more than 600 thousand participants of the action "Immortal regiment" in the capital
Opposition rally in Marino four gathered 8000 people
Posted On Sunday, September 20, 2015 By Russian Opinion. Under IMPORTANT Tags: 8000, four, gathered, Marino, opposition, people, rally
Rally in support of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, which took place completed in the Moscow region Marino. According to the Interior Ministry in Moscow, at the height of the event was attended by about four thousand people. In return, according to the organizers, the per share were nearly eight thousand ...
Dozens of activists again gathered in central Yerevan
They communicate with each other and to the situation in the discuss the country further actions. Some activists hung the flags of Armenia and sitting between them in the ...
Quiz "intelligent and wise people" gathered to turn the All-Russian Olympiad
Posted On Wednesday, May 27, 2015 By Russian Opinion. Under IMPORTANT Tags: AllRussian, gathered, intelligent, people, QUIZ, Turn, wise
Proposed rector of Moscow State University Viktor Sadovnichy, broadcast "good and wise" belong to the federal list of Olympiads. According to him, the winners have conditional access to services. The initiative was Deputy Minister Olga Golodets support.
The suppression of protesters gathered in Konstantinovka "Right Sector"
Posted On Tuesday, March 17, 2015 By Russian Opinion. Under IMPORTANT Tags: gathered, protesters, right, sector, suppression
In Konstantinovka Donetsk region, if not the unrest, profit Adventure "Right sector." Stop As representatives of the national teams of the town are the remains come to the position of the protesters, but the locals keep the defense. According to him, in the streets heard gunshots.
In Egypt's Tahrir Square, thousands of demonstrators gathered
Posted On Sunday, June 30, 2013 By Russian Opinion. Under Middle East Tags: demonstrators, Egypt's, gathered, square, Tahrir, Thousands
Thousands of demonstrators gathered today, July 30, in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt - there is now a demonstration demanding the resignation of President Mohamed Mursi. Today marks a year ago, the Islamist Mohammed Mursi took over as head of state.


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FLSmidthWithdrawable Motor Control Centre
Withdrawable Motor Control Centre
High Voltage Upgrade
Client: FL Smidth
Site: Middle East
Sector: Raw material production
Value: £25K
When FL Smidth needed a withdrawable Motor Control Centre for a middle eastern ore drying application they knew where to come. With removable starters and fixed pattern variable speed drives this was integrated with their software company's backplate and intrinsically safe barrier assembly in a design we produced enabling the 3.6 metre Panel to be lifted, crated and shipped to its destination and installed all in one piece without the need for us to go to site and reconnect it, saving the client cost accordingly. We hear it is performing flawlessly somewhere east of Suez and will shortly complete a second MCC for phase 2.


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They promised they would be friends forever…
No one messes with Whitney Blaire or her friends, which is why she can't help but let it slip that someone spotted Tara's boyfriend making out with one of the guy cheerleaders.
Even after spending hours training for her marathon, down-to-earth Tara can't outrun the rumors about the boyfriend she thought was perfect.
Pinkie, the rock and "Big Sister" of their inseparable group, just wants things to stay exactly the way they are…
…but that's not possible when new-girl Riley arrives in school and changes everything.
Suddenly Tara starts to feel things she's never felt before—for anyone—while Whitney Blaire tries to convince her that this new girl is Trouble. Meanwhile, Pinkie's world begins to crumble as she begins to suspect that the friends she depends on are not the girls she thought she knew.
Can friendship survive when all the rules are broken?
About the Author:
Alexandra Diaz grew up bilingual in Puerto Rico and various U.S. states. Thanks to an over-active imagination, she's always loved creating stories and "what-if" scenarios. She got her MA in Writing for Young People from Bath Spa University in Bath, England and is the author of five young adult and middle grade novels. When she is not writing, she gets paid to walk dogs, teach creative writing, web edit, and parade in costume on stilts; sadly, other things she enjoys—traveling, eating ice cream, and circus aerials—don't pay. Yet. Visit her on Twitter @alexandratdiaz, on Facebook, or at: www.alexandra-diaz.com.
My Review:
The book is written in the alternating viewpoints of three high school friends: the rich, but lonely, Whitney Blaire, the smart "mother hen" Pinkie and athlete Tara. Each girl has her own distinct personality and voice. At the beginning of the book, Whitney Blaire shows Tara a photo she was texted that appears to show Tara's boyfriend making out with Chris Sanchez, a male cheerleader. Tara tries to get past it, but they end up breaking up. When a new girl named Riley moves to town it disrupts all three of their lives and their friendship. I think the author handled the situation in a realistic way. Pinkie's reaction is probably how some people really feel when they find out that their female best friend likes girls. "Does she like me like that? Will things be different now?" etc.
Each character has her own issues that she's dealing with outside of the main issue of the book. Whitney Blaire may have everything, but her parents barely acknowledge her.
Pinkie really finds herself and realizes that she can't let people use her and rely on her for everything. She needs to be her own person.
Tara is trying to figure out her new relationship with Riley and see where she stands with her friends when she encounters some family issues. I felt bad for her.
The supporting characters are well written too. David is a great, supportive friend to all three of them during everything since he grew up with them. He's a great guy and seemed like someone I would be friends with. He didn't even freak out over Tara's new relationship. He was like "Ok. Our friend's dating a girl. So what?" I love Tara's mom! She's very understanding and accepting. I wish more gay teens had parents like her. She just wants her daughter to be happy.
I like how everything leads up to the big marathon that Tara will be running. I think the ending was nice, but it was a little abrupt. I'm hoping there will be a second book but, if there isn't that's ok too.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


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|Referring to the third verse of this poem, the Pall Mall Gazette of February 1, 1890, said: "One evening, just before his death-illness, the poet was reading this from a proof to his daughter-in-law and sister. He said: 'It almost looks like bragging to say this, and as if I ought to cancel it; but it's the simple truth; and as it's truth, it shall stand."'
AT the midnight in the silence of the sleep-time,
When you set your fancies free,
Will they pass to where—by death, fools think, imprisoned—
Low he lies who once so loved you, whom you loved so,
—Pity me?
Oh to love so, be so loved, yet so mistaken!
One who never turned his back but marched breast forward,
No, at noonday in the bustle of man's work-time


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- June 7th - When Jesus Wept by Bodie and Brock Thoene
- July 12th - Here If You Need Me by Kate Baistrup
- Aug 2nd - Heavenly Man by Brother Yun and Paul Hattaway
Available at the Metropolitan Library, or for purchase at Amazon, or Barnes & Noble. (If you need help, contact Leslie Parks 405-760-0266 or email@example.com). Childcare is available; RSVP to Jen Might at 405-562-3207.


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Archer Daniels Midland Company ADM is an appropriate investment option as the Illinois-based company's shares have outperformed the industry and the overall Consumer Staples sector in the past month. This Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stock has rallied approximately 15.6% compared with the industry's growth of 6.8% and against the sector's decline of 5%.
That said, let's delve into the factors that make Archer Daniels a promising bet.
Focus on Portfolio Management
Archer Daniels is making efforts to improve its portfolio in the Nutrition space. In this regard, the company has agreed to buy Rodelle Inc. to widen its range of vanilla supplies. Earlier, it agreed to acquire France-based Neovia, which provides value-added animal nutrition solutions for the feed industry. Also, the company has signed a joint development agreement with Chinese biotech company — Qingdao Vland Biotech Group Co., Ltd. — earlier this year. Management also remains focused on five major platforms — animal nutrition, health & wellness, carbohydrates, human nutrition and taste. The company also depends on its access to various geographic regions to drive growth.
Moreover, to streamline its portfolio, the company has undertaken few divestitures including offloading the Crop Risk Services insurance operations to Validus; the sale of its stake in Australian grain handler, Graincorp, and the sale of its chocolate business to Cargill, among others. Management has also completed the divestiture of its Oilseeds operations in Bolivia to Inversiones Piuranas S.A.
Cost-Savings Initiatives Bodes Well
Archer Daniels remains focused on strengthening its business through increased cost savings. The company targets additional run rate cost savings of $550 million over the next five years, including cost savings of $350 million from operational excellence and process enhancements, and about $200 million in incremental purchasing savings. In the first six months of 2018, the company generated operational cost savings of more than $150 million on a run rate basis and is on track to exceed the targeted $200-million savings for 2018.
Project Readiness
Archer Daniels has long been enhancing operational efficiency of its production and supply-chain networks to curtail costs. Also, the company has been on track with its business transformation under its 1ADM program, which forms an integral part of Project Readiness. The company expects Readiness to help management have a more coordinated approach toward driving the business, standardizing functions and enriching consumers' experience. Further, as part of this plan, the company intends to allocate resources efficiently to more mature businesses and make prudent business investments. The company has rolled out the 1ADM program to ocean freight and European corporate finance operations. Going forward, it remains on track with further 1ADM rollouts to cover the entire enterprise in 2018.
Impressive Q2 Results
Archer Daniels has an impressive surprise history. Second-quarter fiscal 2018 marked the company's third straight positive earnings surprise and second consecutive sales beat. While the top line gained from solid sales witnessed across all segments, the bottom line was aided by higher sales and adjusted segment operating profit along with lower tax rate. Also, Archer Daniels' strategic initiatives and cost-saving efforts boosted performance.
Additionally, the company remains confident about delivering impressive results in the second half of 2018, backed by improving market conditions, higher global demand, gains from U.S. tax reform, product innovations and Project Readiness. Going by segments, management expects Origination, Oilseeds and Nutrition results to improve in the third quarter on a year-over-year basis.
Bottom Line
All said, we are optimistic that Archer Daniels' growth plans will sustain the company's stellar show.
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Sunday, January 11, 2009
One of Those Weekends
I've been under the weather all weekend so it's been one of those stay at home, stay in and mostly stay-in-bed weekends with cocktail of choice, NyQuil. I've missed church and my grandson's birthday party for his third birthday. Ugh...
I did walk out this afternoon to see Buddy with his new toy. This log splitter is a dream. This will certainly make the job of cutting up 100 trees much easier.
Since my voice is just about gone, I've gone back and forth from the bed to sitting at my computer reading everyone's blog. I can't imagine living in the freezing cold like Alyson from Canada. She had to go out in temps of -25C to take care of her chickens. That's dedication. I even put in my two cents worth on voting for a farm name at Dream Farm. Thanks to everyone for keeping me entertained today. I love reading all your blogs.
Happy Trails...
Posted by TxFarmhouse at 5:39 PM
Labels: being sick, log splitter
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Ashley Soft can be somewhat of a misleading name. Not only does it make me think of the actress Ashley Scott every time I see it (She was the star of the short-lived series "Birds of Prey") but it also has the word "soft" in it and this is anything but soft. The title also makes me think that this might be a cassingle but that is also wrong so everything you know about this on the surface is rather deceptive.
"Take Heart / Give Heart" begins with a garage sort of rock n roll feel that makes me think of Coyote Shivers and little else because my experience with garage rock has been limited to mostly Burger Records and I don't like most of that so it's hard to find a comparison when I do hear something I like. Some of these songs are instrumental and that gives them this sort of western rock n roll vibe which I can't quite explain but you'll know it when you hear it.
The lo-fi sound of this rock makes me think it would sound killer on vinyl, but you know that I will always prefer cassettes over everything else. Through the distorted fuzz bits of punk come out and I can even hear remnants of The Clash at one point. It's The Strokes with an edge and just all around good.
You might be surprised by how often people tell me that cassettes are primarily noise, electronic or beats these days and no one in 2014 wants to hear rock music on them. I grew up listening to rock music (and most music for that matter) on cassette so it will never bother me like, "Oh, the quality isn't good" or something because I'm more offended by media in which you do not have to change from Side A to Side B.


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April 3, 2017
District 11
IAMAW comments on Alain Bellemare's comments
The IAMAW welcomes the openness and flexibility in the readjustment of salary increases for Bombardier senior executives.
"We can only welcome the initiative. It shows that the people of Quebec can have an influence when they mobilize. Whether this is enough as an approach, I can not speak for the citizens of Quebec, but for our part this proof of openness is reassuring even if the wage increases remain in time. At the same time, Bombardier should not hide the reality of compensation given out to senior executives in large companies. In this country, a business owner receives an average of 193 times the average wage of $ 49,510. From the first days of the year, leaders exceed the annual salary of the vast majority of workers in their factories. We must fight for a better distribution of wealth and this story is another example that demonstrates the magnitude of the problem and the importance of union struggles", explains the IAMAW Quebec coordinator David Chartrand.
We must also remember the role of the government in the matter, which did not take care to include specific clauses when it took the decision to help Bombardier.
"We should have seen elements that required guaranteed employment and guarantees that this money was not going to be used for anything other than advancing Bombardier's operations in Quebec. Offshoring is an economic bullet that hurts our workers, our economy and our industry. Bombardier did not spare us with relocation. It would have been interesting to see the Government of Quebec being proactive on this issue when it negotiated its agreement with Bombardier. Once this storm behind us, we must now fall into solution mode to avoid this kind of situation do not happen anywhere. In this regard, we will appeal to our elected representatives in favor of the implementation of a vast industrial policy in which, among other things, there would be a section devoted to aerospace. In this policy we could set clear and transparent guidelines to better regulate corporate financing and avoid agreements negotiated entirely on a case-by-case basis", said the IAMAW representative.
Finally, the union pays particular attention to statements made to the media by Alain Bellemare, the CEO of Bombardier.
"Alain Bellemare said in an interview this morning in various media outlets that his compensation and that of other senior executives were dependent on the company's performance. He added that if the results of Bombardier were there, the workers of the company would benefit, that jobs would be created here and that the benefits would benefit all of Quebec. We are pleased to see that Mr. Bellemare and the management of Bombardier intend to reward all players for the success of the company if the results are there. We take note of this statement", concluded Mr. Chartrand.


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الســــــــــ عليكم ورØÂمه الله وبركاته ــــــــــــــــــلام
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: أ¢â'¬إ"The Qurأ¢â'¬â"¢aan will come on the Day of Resurrection and will say, أ¢â'¬ثœO Lord, adorn him.أ¢â'¬â"¢ So he will be given a crown of honour to wear. Then it will say, أ¢â'¬ثœO Lord, give him more.أ¢â'¬â"¢ So he will be given a garment of honour.أ¢â'¬â"¢ Then it will say, أ¢â'¬ثœO Lord, be pleased with him.أ¢â'¬â"¢ So Allaah will be pleased with him. Then it will be said to him, أ¢â'¬ثœRecite and advance in status, and for each verse you will gain one more hasanah (reward for good deed).أ¢â'¬?
(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2915. He said, this is a saheeh hasan hadeeth. Al-Albaani said in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 2328, this is hasan).
It was narrated that Buraydah said: أ¢â'¬إ"The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: أ¢â'¬ثœWhoever reads the Qurأ¢â'¬â"¢aan, learns it and acts in accordance with it, on the Day of Resurrection his parents will be given a crown to wear whose light will be like the light of the sun, and his parents will be given garments which far surpass everything to be found in this world. They will say, أ¢â'¬إ"Why have we been given this to wear?أ¢â'¬? It will be said, أ¢â'¬إ"Because your child learned the Qurأ¢â'¬â"¢aan.أ¢â'¬?أ¢â'¬â"¢أ¢â'¬?
(Narrated by al-Haakim, 1/756)
Wa Billaahi Towfiiq


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Why Save the Planet?
Copyright 2013 – Eco-Justice Ministries
Copyright 2013 – Eco-Justice Ministries
"What good is it to save the planet if humanity suffers?"
That question was asked by the CEO of ExxonMobil at the company's shareholder meeting 10 days ago. The article where I saw the quote called it "a rhetorical question" — I guess because he didn't bother to answer it.
Mr. Tillerson's question deserves a response. It deserves to be dismantled and rebutted. The question is wrong, on so many levels. So today, let's think about why it is good to save the planet.
+ + + + +
Implicit in the question is the notion that, if we don't "save the planet" — if we don't make the big changes needed to address environmental crisis like climate change — then humanity won't suffer. Tillerson's question is designed to highlight any the risks and changes that come with climate action, and to hide the dangers of business as usual (and in this case it really is "business" as usual).
But the facts are clear about the suffering that is on the way if we don't act to save the planet. A consensus statement from more than 500 global scientists, released this spring, highlights five environmental crises, including climate change, and summarizes:
Earth is rapidly approaching a tipping point. Human impacts are causing alarming levels of harm to our planet. … we agree that the evidence that humans are damaging their ecological life-support systems is overwhelming. …By the time today's children reach middle age, it is extremely likely that Earth's life-support systems, critical for human prosperity and existence, will be irretrievably damaged by the magnitude, global extent, and combination of these human-caused environmental stressors, unless we take concrete, immediate actions to ensure a sustainable, high-quality future.
So, on the most surface level, we can respond to the question, "What good is it to save the planet if humanity suffers?", by stating that humanity will suffer far more if we don't take action.
(You, as a "concerned citizen", are invited to endorse the scientists' statement of facts and possible actions.)
+ + + + +
For several years, I worked closely with a pastor who refused to deal with grumbling in the congregation if he only heard reports that "people are saying …". He'd generally reply, "Tell me who is saying it, or I'll assume that you're the one who is upset and that you're afraid to speak up."
Mr. Tillerson doesn't see why we should "save the planet" if "humanity suffers." Let's get more specific — who is it who might suffer if we take action on climate, and how?
Ryan Koronowski and Joe Romm heard the real question to shareholders as, "What good is it to save humanity if profits suffer?" I'm sure that the aspect of self-interest was a part of what he expected his audience to hear.
But he also reassured the shareholders that "an economy that runs on oil is here to stay." If you assume that fossil fuels are the essential basis of the global economy and our way of life, then forcing a dramatic cut-back of those inherently polluting fuels will cause suffering for those who are most tied to that economy.
It is not humanity as a whole that will suffer. It is the relatively small segment of humanity that lives in the "developed" world which would feel the greatest impacts if our consumption of oil were greatly reduced. There will be impacts in turning away from oil, but those need to be seen in relation to the impacts on creation from continuing on the path of devastating the biosphere.
From the perspective of Christian ethics, which often is described as having a "preference for the poor", our moral focus should be on those parts of the human community who don't have big investment portfolios and are not highly privileged. When we talk of "humanity", the poor of the world and future generations must be given priority in evaluating potential suffering.
It is also important to state that our utter dependence on fossil fuels is not necessary, and thus suffering from change is not inevitable. There are many initiatives that direct us toward other energy sources, and other viable ways of living.
We get some very different conversations if the question is re-framed: "How can we make a rapid transition away from fossil fuels, so that humanity does not suffer as we save the planet?" Mr. Tillerson apparently does not want to deal with that question.
+ + + + +
The limits of Mr. Tillerson's moral universe are made clear by his question. He sees a fairly sharp division between "the planet" and humanity, and — for him — it is the people who have moral significance.
I'm not going to say that "the planet" would be better off if humanity disappeared. But I will say that the other-than-human, and the health of the whole creation including humans, are real moral considerations.
Ethicists speak of "the integrity of creation", meaning that all species and habitats and life systems have worth in their own right. The way that humans benefit from their presence is not the only, or even the primary, moral consideration. From that ethical perspective, there are very good reasons to save the planet for its own sake.
We should save the planet because it is not ours to destroy, and because the creation has a right to exist.
+ + + + +
Mr. Tillerson — the CEO of the US's most profitable oil company — is not somebody that I look to for sophisticated ethical and philosophical reflection. He is the guy who, in an interview with BusinessWeek a few months ago, said, "My philosophy is to make money. If I can drill and make money, then that's what I want to do."
He's not a moral giant, but he is very good at framing public conversations. With a short, rhetorical question, he defined a deeply flawed but seductive perspective: that business-as-usual won't bring suffering; that the oil-based economy is essential; that those with power and privilege are the ones who matter; that the health of "the planet" does not matter.
If we don't challenge that sort of flawed morality, then simplistic sound bites will define our public ethics. I've touched on just three of the reasons Mr. Tillerson is wrong. There are many moral reasons why we should save the planet.
I urge you to deepen this moral conversation — in your church, your community, your family. Speak up! Denounce the sort of distortions voiced by Rex Tillerson. Proclaim hopeful and valid ethical perspectives that honor the whole Earth community and that affirm creative possibilities for the future.
Rev. Peter Sawtell
Executive Director, Eco-Justice Ministries
45.046381 -87.297050


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Slater police officer charged with statutory sodomy of teen he described as his girlfriend
SLATER, Mo. — Prosecutors filed charged on Thursday against a Slater, Mo., police officer, who is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a teen girl.
Benjamin Thomas, 29, was charged with one count of second-degree statutory sodomy in connection with the case.
According to the probable cause statement, the Saline County Sheriff reached out to the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Jan. 3 for assistance in the case involving Thomas, who is a Slater police officer, and his relationship with the 16-year-old girl.
Court documents say in an interview, Thomas said he considered them to be boyfriend and girlfriend.The officer also told investigators that he has allowed the 16-year-old to spend the night at his home on four separate occasions. He claims during the second time she spent the night she had nightmares, and in order to console her he needed to sleep in the same hide-a-bed with her for the rest of the night. He also noted that during the two most recent times she stayed the night, she slept in his bed in the master bedroom.
The probable cause statement also says during a later interview Thomas said he had received nude photos of the 16-year-old. He also said in early to mid-November he and the young girl drove to Slater Lake where they engaged in deviant sexual intercourse.
Thomas' bond has been set at $15,000 cash only.
In September 2015, the Slater, Mo., fire chief was arrested and charged in connection to a sexual abuse and child porn investigation.


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These four great performers dedicate themselves with heart to their music and perform with great passion... The reason to live. They have Rock in the skin and obey a single rule : Live completely with no regrets. Angle of Attack already has a strong influence on Canada music scene, and this is only the beginning! With the recording of their second album entitled "Live My Way" and launching soon their third Album "Do or Die". Angle of Attack has demonstrated that the spirit of rock is more present than ever.
Disciplined and motivated, these four guys know how to find the perfect angle to thrill their fans again and again. With an attitude of the coolest, energetic and creative, this group is one of the most original and unique in Canada. You will ask for more!
Montreal, May 14, 2013.
Angle of Attack Music (Montreal English rock band) performs on the roof of the building at 1600 De Lorimier Avenue, facing the Jacques Cartier Bridge, throwing 7000 watts of sound to motorists on the scene. The group, being...
Today we recommend a medium of communication in its rawest emotion…to shout from the rooftops. Here we are using a communication tool increasingly rare. A direct contact with individuals to get our message acros...
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Stay tuned for some cool upcoming news from AOAM and subscribe to our Newsletter. Thank you all for the great support for buying our merchandise, our CDs...
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Off Campus Programs: Idealist Grad Fairs
Come visit USC Graduate Admission at this year's Idealist Grad Fairs in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The fairs are free and open to anyone considering graduate school.
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Location: Los Angeles Convention Center
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Monday 15th December had been in my diary for quite a long while as an important date and the launch of NEYTCO on that day was something that I fully intended to attend.
When the event was first mentioned, I thought that I would need cover for my childminded children, and so had my childminding colleague on standby – however as it turned out I did not have any childminded children booked in for 15th December, and so I was free to attend without having to ensure alternative care was in place for my minded children (or feel any guilt at disrupting plans of parents or my colleague at this busy time of year)
For a change I did not have to catch the just after 6am train and had the luxury of catching the later train – direct to London Marylebone which left Kidderminster at 8.09 am and arrived (slightly late) at about 10.44 am.
The journey was uneventful apart from doing a few tweets about the forthcoming event and texting a couple of people that I hoped to speak to at the event.
OH AND – a text to me!
My friend and colleague Bea Heath who is a director of the Independent Childminders Social Enterprise (ICM-SE) and a board member of NEYTCO text to say her morning meeting had been cancelled and was I free to join her for lunch?
As it happens I was, because despite my attempts to use my time in London wisely none of my friends or colleagues were able to meet with me that morning.
If you have not heard of ICM-SE take a look at their website Link to ICM-SE website
I am a member of ICM-SE and they are one of the organisations that I work closely with – however as I say, Bea is now also a personal friend. I have found that over the last couple of years, several of my professional relationships with those I engaged with have turned into personal relationships as well – which is great, but not really that surprising as I have found that many of those who I engage with professionally, share a very similar ethos to myself – and share my passion for ensuring that the children of this country are provided with the best possible life experiences and opportunities – and when they are not – do something about it, by representing the voice of the child (and their family) – and of course the voice of those professionals who provide the hands on childcare and indirect support for those children.
Indeed it was this shared passion and commitment that first connected me to Laura Henry – who is the person behind the idea of NEYTCO – and Laura is now another person who I consider a friend. I will come back to Laura and the NEYTCO launch in a little while – but as is my way, I shall continue with my recall of my day in London.
As I was not in any hurry, I stopped at Marylebone for coffee (and cake) before heading off on the underground. The underground still terrifies me and I still get lost on occasion – but I am getting much better not only of coping but also of getting off at the right station. I decide that my best route was to get on at Marylebone and stay on the Bakerloo line until I get to the Embankment (mainly because it is the changes of line within the underground system that usually throws me). So I arrive at the Embankment and set off for a leisurely walk towards Portcullis House (the modern bit of the House of Commons) not because it is time for the NEYTCO launch but because I know where that building is and will be able to use it as a reference point to find the hotel where Bea wants to meet me. I pause and look around several times during the walk – especially when I pass Whitehall and the gardens with the statues.
I decide to go in a couple of shops – including the House of Commons gift shop – some lovely things are for sale including a pop up book of London that I think my foster child would like – but I resist temptation – one because of the price and two because I don't want to carry it around all day (Glad I didn't give into temptation, as I have ordered a copy online and saved £3 – plus I did not have to carry it around all day).
By now I need to find a ladies loo – and this is where my 'getting better' knowledge of London came in – I now know where there are some loo's – both those to avoid and those that acceptable in the area near the House of Commons. As I have time, I cross the river and head towards the London Eye (been on it once – never again as don't like heights and don't like going round – even if as slow as the London Eye) but I digress – the loo's in the building there are acceptable – clean and free.
As I come out of the building, I get another text from Bea – telling me she has arrived and is sat by the Christmas tree in the Marriott Hotel . Off I set – and I can't find it! Turns out it is set back and difficult to see from the road (despite the signs)
I eventually find my way to the 'front door' – and I realise that it is a rather grand building – complete with doormen (I should mention here that usually if I am getting a quick lunch before a meeting – I tend to go to McDonald's! Not because I particularly like McDonald's but because I know a) I can afford it, b) they sell stuff I can eat as I am VERY fussy).
If you want to take a look – here is the Link To Marriott hotel website
So the Marriott is a bit of a culture shock for me – but there is no time to think, or chicken out of going – as Bea is already inside and waiting for me. And there she was – as promised by the Christmas Tree. (Funnily enough last time I was in London – I met a friend by a Christmas Tree – goodness knows how I will cope when it is not the season for Christmas Trees!) We hug warmly – and exchange greetings, then Bea says – I hope you don't mind but I have booked a table for lunch here – and its my treat. I object and I am over ruled by Bea who reminds me that we are friends and that I always help her whenever I can with advice, looking at documents and so on – so she will treat me. END OF!
Of course being me – I freak out (quietly and within my head – because as friends and regular readers know – I don't'do' posh)
We are shown to 'our table' by a window overlooking the Thames – and on the other side of the river Portcullis House, where we shall be heading after lunch. It is a beautiful venue – and posh. We order some water and are left to look at the menu – and the ipad type thing which has all the drinks available on it. Luckily Bea puts me at ease and we chat freely about our families, about childminding, about childminding agencies, about my campaigning, about NEYTCO, and about mutual friends and colleagues – and more.
We are given a complementary starter to sample – it is delicious! Yorkshire Pudding with melted cheese inside. We order our mains, move on to dessert – and before we know it we need to pay and get a move on as time has just disappeared. During lunch another colleague and friend – Sue Allingham has text to say she has arrived and is already in Portcullis House.
There is just about time to visit the very nice Ladies Restroom (note Restroom not loo) before we cross the river and enter Portcullis House. I am pleased that my bag passes through security without any issues. We are directed upstairs and make our way to the large room where the NEYTCO launch is being held.
Personal recall of NEYTCO Launch
We join a short line to get our name badges and to sign in – straight away I realise that I recognise / know many who are already in the room – but that there are also others that I don't recognise. I spot Liz Roberts from Nursery World and Neil Henty from EYE magazine, and James Hempstall – then I realise that behind me is a lady whose name I recognise – from the Ofsted Big Conversation emails – and the NEYTCO ones – Kate Peach. We say hello – it is good to put a face to a name.
I then put a face to another name – Catriona Nason who has worked so hard to get this up and running with Laura – we have emailed lots – and even spoken once on the phone – so we have a short chat – short because Catriona has lots to do, and lots of people want to talk her.
I can see Neil Leitch over the other side of the room – and Sue Alligham, Simona McKenzie, Nancy Stewart . Bea stops to talk to a chap called Neil (that's THREE Neil's in the space of seconds!) Bea introduces me to this Neil – I forgot his surname as soon as it is said, but I think he may be on the NEYTCO board – with Bea, the other two Neil's and others.
We go over to where Neil Leitch and Nancy Stewart are chatting – Nancy smiles and says hello to me – as we have met several times. Neil hugs and air kisses both myself and Bea – we all know each other well.
After that things become a bit of a blur for a while – so many people coming up and saying hello. I know I will forget some – and to be honest I can't remember who I spoke to before the official launch presentations and who I spoke to afterwards. So I will mention as many names as I can – after my recall of the official presentations ………. apart from one person, who I will mention now – Laura Henry.
Laura comes over to me – looking stunning in a lovely blue dress – and with a huge smile on her face. We hug – she says something on the lines of 'So pleased you could make it' I say something on the lines of ' So glad I could come' – and congratulate her achieving her dream and her goal. Then she is gone – being the perfect hostess chatting to everyone, checking everything is going smoothly. (As I noted so was Catriona and Sarka Juric (who takes care of a lot of the operational side of things), and the apprentices from London Early Years Foundation)
We were all asked to come closer for the presentations – so we did – I ended up stood next to Liz Roberts, behind Neil Henty and Neil Leitch, and just to the side was Beatrice Merrick – and just to the other side Nancy Stewart. I felt humbled by their presence but in good company.
A lady called Ali Hendry Ballard from The Garnett Foundation (who I don't know) started the proceedings off – telling us about why we were there, how NEYTCO came about and what NEYTCO hopes to achieve.
If you want to know more about Ali / the Garnett Foundation Link to Garnett foundation
If you have not sure what NEYTCO is all about a good place to start is their website Link to NEYTCO website
As with all good presentations / launches there were several inspiration speakers;
Catriona Nason – Daycare Doctor
Catriona is the chair of NEYTCO – and a co founder with Laura Henry
CLINK FOR LINK to the Daycare Doctor Website
Dr Jools Page – Director MA in Early Childhood Education (UK & Malta) – The University of Sheffield
Jools is the academic representative on the NEYTCO board
For further information about Jools – CLINK HERE
Swati Popat Vats – President Podar Education Network, India
Swati is the lead person for NEYTCO in India
For those interested here is a link to an article about Swati and her work Link to article
and here is the link to Jumbo Kids in India
Neil Leitch – Chief Executive Officer of Pre school Learning Alliance
Neil is the voluntary sector representative on the NEYTCO Board
Link to Pre school Learning Alliance website
Laura Henry – Laura Henry Consultancy
Laura is the Chief Executive Officer for NEYTCO
Link to Laura Henry Consultancy website
As always I am not going to repeat word for word what the speakers said, but I will give my personal overview.
All the speakers were passionate about why they do the things they do (and why we were all in the room together); all made us laugh; and several mentioned LOVE – which I was personally very pleased about as I think it is not mentioned enough and some people are a little scared of the word – and don't realise that love has many meanings.
However in my opinion love is essential in the early years sector to ensure that children are at the heart of everything we do – not making money, or personal fame, or career ladder climbing (although those things sometimes happen as a result of being so passionate about the well being of children). Those who know me well, know that it is my passion and my ethos – and yes my love, that drives me to do what I do – including writing this blog and all the volunteering that I do, and the campaigning that I do – not to mention the day job as a registered childminder.
I recently delivered my first ever keynote speech on funded two year olds in a childminder setting – and it was called 'What has LOVE got to do with it'. So you will see that love aspect of working with children (both hands on and indirect) is very important to me.
I digress – again – but it is important to me that people understand why the early years sector is slightly different to other sectors within education – and very different to many other professionals, who are driven more by money, fame and career ladders. I am not suggesting that all within the early years sector are driven by passion for what they do – but a huge number are.
All the speakers were very clear about why an organisation is needed for trainers and consultants – and how we can all support each other through NEYTCO. Personally I think it is important that NEYTCO is a community interest company, that it has Board Members, and that it involves volunteers – as this will help ensure the right people with the right ethos are involved.
Swati has to have a special mention – as her passion – which was very evident in her speech – had driven her to travel from India to London to attend – which makes my journey and effort seem rather insignificant!
Once the official speeches were over and heartfelt appreciation expressed, the serious business of networking commenced – along with drinks and nibbles – personally I did not have any nibbles (still full from lunch) but I really appreciated the cold fruit juice – thirsty work this networking, all that chatting, exchanging opinions and information – and laughing! Over the next hour, I had 3 glasses of apple juice.
As promised – here is the list of people that I recall talking to – as I say – I know I will have missed some, I know I will have not spelt everyone's name correctly – so bear with me – and if I did talk to you – but you are not mentioned – or I have spelt your name wrong – a) please forgive me, b) why not use the comments to put me right!
Nancy Stewart
Neil Leitch
Neil Henty (Briefly)
Beatrice Merrick
Lois Notts
Sandra Brouet
Jacqui Burke
Kate Peach
Nathan Archer
Simona McKenzie
Sue Allingham
Jenny Barber
Jane Evans
Kathy Brodie
Kathy Hammond
Sue Overton
A chap whose name I can't remember but who might be called Lloyd, (we chatted about business models and cost of current EY policies in future)
Catriona Nason
Laura Henry
June O'Sullivan
Bea Heath
James Hempstall (briefly, as in 'hello')
Liz Roberts (more of a nod of acknowledgement)
Tracey Seed
Those whose names I have now forgotten (sorry folks, not intentional – just poor memory)
I know there were others in the room that I hoped to speak to – but did not manage to – so apologies – I just ran out of time.
If anyone is wondering why I had been invited to the launch – and it was a invite only event – take a look at the NEYTCO website ON THIS PAGE – I am listed as Lead person for the West Midlands area which is a voluntary role.
I had several interesting chats with others who are lead people or co lead people about how we will network and share information – including one with Lois Notts, who I met for the first time, and who is lead person for East Midlands area.
Time had once again just disappeared and people were starting to make their farewells before dashing for trains. Hugs abounded as old friends said goodbye and handshakes and nice to have met you comments made, as new friends parted.
I (and those leaving at the same time) looked for Laura but could not see her, but as we made our way to the restroom – we saw her on the stairs and said our goodbyes and thanks.
Myself and a couple of others made our way to the restroom – passing within inches of Nick Clegg (who was in conversation with others – so I did not interrupt – shame though as a few things I wanted to say to him)
My colleagues followed me – saying 'Do you know where you are going Penny? Well yes I did – as this was my third visit to Portcullis House and each time I had used the rather nice restroom facilities.
I parted company with my colleagues at Westminster underground station – then retraced my steps to the Embankment, onto the Bakerloo line and to Marylebone – where I was very pleased to note, I just had time to buy a drink and make the 18.15 train back to Kidderminster.
I arrived home very tired, but so very pleased – and honoured to have attended the NEYTCO launch.
Huge congratulations to everyone involve – a truly fantastic event – and the start of what promises to be a new era in support for the early years sector through NEYTCO
If any trainers or consultants are reading this – who are not already members – please take a look at the NEYTCO website – and if you are West Midlands based, do get in touch with myself – Penny Webb, or the West Midlands Co leads, Anita Sonia and Anne Gladstone – our contact details are on the NEYTCO website.


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The other day I thought about inventing a "toy DDD problem" to try and practice DDD a little.
So I came up with this contrived/silly idea of a Zoo in need of a system to plan annual maintenance. Please read it with a big grain of salt on business value and realistics/scope of the rules 🙂
The idea is to try and come up with a domain model based on the following problem. If you make a design of it, please share in the comments!
DDD toy problem: The Zoo
We are developing a system to help a Zoo plan annual maintenance. E.g. doing annual cleaning of a fenced garden is something you want to do without having a rhino chasing you, or changing the broken light bulb is a job done best without a monkey picking your tools from you.
In the first iteration of the software, we agree with the zoo owners that just being able to decide whether or not a specific animal can be safely moved from one enclosement to another is the most important task the system has to help out with. Later on we might extend the system to include automatic computation of the "best" plan possible based on some idea of what is best – e.g. minimizing number of movements, or similar criteria. But that is later on.
We need to understand how to move animals around safely, so that we can setup a schedule of movements to clear out one enclosement at a time. Here are the rules governing movement of animals.
Rule 1. Carnivors and herbivors cannot live together.
For example, moving a lion to an enclosement with a zebra is not good, since the zebra will be eaten.
Rule 2: Herbivors can live side-by-side.
Moving a giraffe to the enclosement of an elephant is OK, since both species are herbivors and wont kill each other.
Rule 3: Carnivors of differing species cannot live together.
Moving a tiger to the enclosement of a lion is not good. Only predators of the same species can safely reside in the same enclosement.
Rule 4: Multiple carnivors of same species can live together.
Moving a lion to another lions enclosement is OK.
Rule 5: Flying animals needs to be in cages.
Moving a bird from a cage to a fenced enclosement is not OK, since the bird will simply fly away.
Rule 6: Strong animals needs to be in walled enclosements.
Moving a rhino from a walled enclosement to a fenced enclosement is not OK, since it will just run through the fences.
Rule 7: Midsize animals can live in both walled and fenced enclosements.
Moving a zebra from a walled enclosement to a fenced enclosement is OK, since it won't run down the fences.


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Cards are definitely good to have, but I like punching my opponent in the face, too!
So is my review that good that everyone agrees or that bad that no one cares?
The utility of a unit is in large part affected by the scenario and the terrain. Last week I took the lizzies in a battle where nearly half the map was unusable due to a lake, and in those close quarters--where my opponent had no room to run and little to maneuver--my T-Rex rocked. It quickly ate spearmen and centaurs and was about to flank and eat a treant when my opponent conceded.I plan to take a 2000-pt army of 2 T-Rexes, 1 ancients, and 4 swarmling warriors in the near future just to see how it works.
In general, Fury sounds like something I am much more prone to mark than you are; but I also think +1 courage for a command action isn't so bad, given how much failing rout checks sucks. Another thing to remember about Fury is that it can help you get the frenzy bonus; if you do two damage to someone with three green hits, say, then you are better off burning Fury because it gives you a net of +1 courage for the Blood Frenzy. It is also significantly safer to use the Fury for extra damage on the opponent's turn, because you'll already have seen the results of the opponent's attack. This means I'm prone to favoring using red cards on my own turn with lizards that have Fury marked.
I also think you're selling the Trogs a little short as tanks; I'm generally pretty happy putting them up against the line units of other factions given their effective 13 courage and the fact that it goes to effectively 15 base once they knock them into the yellow. That's as good as a Hawk unit at that point. Sure, Orc Marauders will do a number on them, but most tank units can't tank everything. They'll still do a good job of countering reasonable threats for a fair number of turns. Obviously not on the level of Tyrants, but they also aren't anywhere near the cost; I find Tyrants are definitely not something I want to use to fill my cores except at high points levels because they are just too expensive and pay for a lot of generalist type stats that they might not use at what they're doing at the time.
The utility of a unit is in large part affected by the scenario and the terrain. Last week I took the lizzies in a battle where nearly half the map was unusable due to a lake, and in those close quarters--where my opponent had no room to run and little to maneuver--my T-Rex rocked.....
The T Rex can be fun to play and even a very powerful and threatening unit at times but with the release of M&M there are better choices.
I think they should be at least 2 stars
I see a 4 star rating being more for a unit that is perfectly costed for the job and any 5 star rating representing a unit is undercosted.I also don't see 2/3 stats on a heavy hitter being a useless stat as it means you can bash through a decent unit and still maintain green health and thus not lose attack dice. It's when you start getting into the 4 def stat category that I see it being overkill.Perhaps for tank they should only be a 3 star as you pay a lot for the offensive stats but I just don't see that doing justice for what this unit can do.I would not go as far as to say tyrants are undercosted but you defiantly get the full value of every single point you spend on them. This with the fact they are core I believe earns them that 4 star rating.
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Rules of operation in the territories of traditional IMN residence
Prior to development, each field is studied by archeologists who run mandatory historic/cultural research. It is obligatory to obtain the consent of the indigenous population for planned development sites and geological exploration in order to avoid future conflicts at the planning stage and take into account the interests of all parties. G4-14
LUKOIL Group entities take steps to inform their employees and the employees of their contractors of the rules of conduct in the territories of traditional lifestyles and activities of the indigenous people so as to avoid conflict situations. At OOO LUKOIL West Siberia such activities are governed by Order No. 262 "On the measures limiting access to the territories of communal family lands". The rules outline limitations of access to the territories of communal family lands for the purposes of wild crops harvesting, hunting, fishing and visits to nomad camps. It is also prohibited to keep dogs and to tame dogs. Air transportation over nomad camps, deer calving locations and pasture is to be avoided.


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Lincoln Center Plaza
New York City
The world's iconic image of Lincoln Center is its plaza, an ersatz Campidoglio bounded by three temples to high culture. My image is a bus shelter at 65th and Broadway.
It sat in an odd and unlovely eddy: the plaza's back side, formed by a blank travertine wall at the base of Avery Fisher Hall and the Juilliard School. Their pedestrian plaza covered a monstrous underpass at the sidewalk below.
When I lived on Manhattan's East Side, this was my spot to catch the crosstown bus. Arriving at 9:30 or 10:00pm meant the company of sixty-something couples, playbills in hand, to wait in the dark.
The yawning maw of that cave (big enough for tractor trailer trucks) was the moment when Lincoln Center's confident midcentury urbanity gave way to the facts of its creation. A 14-block terrain — home to over 6,000 families and 700 businesses — had been swept away, with no little protest, for this artistic acropolis. In 1960, scenes from West Side Story were filmed in the condemned blocks. By the time the film reached theaters, the neighborhood existed only on screen.
The underpass is gone now, replaced by a grand staircase and a destination restaurant covered by lawn for public lounging. There will be a new bridge, a tendon of glass and steel designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, whose remaking of Alice Tully Hall was the first, much welcomed salvo against the superblock. The past few years have also brought redesigned plazas and strikingly renovated performance halls. Across from my old bus stop is an upturned wedge with seating.
The recent interventions are a worthy example of the way great urban neighborhoods improve upon their past indiscretions. But I miss the link to the place's underlying contradiction, the literal dark underbelly of the shimmering city.


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PDF printable version of Australia Funds UN Action on Illicit Drugs (PDF 398 KB)
21 April 2016
Australia has pledged $200,000 to two United Nations initiatives which aim to reduce the human toll caused by the global trade in illicit drugs.
Assistant Minister for Health, Ken Wyatt, announced two separate pledges of $100,000 in New York today. Mr Wyatt is leading the Australian delegation to the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem (UNGASS).
The pledges are for very different programs – one to help catch illicit drug traders and the other to allow controlled legal use of opiate-based painkilling medicines.
The first is to the UN's Global SMART program, which is helping countries to improve their capacity to gather, analyse and report information on synthetic drugs.
Global SMART – Synthetics Monitoring: Analyses, Reporting and Trends – is run by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and currently operates in 11 countries in East and South-East Asia and Latin America.
Since 2011, Global SMART has highlighted the emergence of new psychoactive substances, including crystal methamphetamine or Ice.
The second pledge of $100,000 will go to the UNODC to further its work on increasing access to opiate-based medicines, such as morphine, for patients in severe pain and other cases of extreme need.
"While the illicit use of drugs is of great concern to all UN Member States, it is also a matter of great concern to Australia that so many people around the world still have limited or no access to the pain relief provided by narcotic-based medicines," Minister Wyatt told the UN General Assembly.
"We urge other countries to join us in supporting the UNODC's Global Program on access to controlled drugs to ensure more of the world's citizens have respite from acute and chronic pain."
During the past year, Australia has also provided funding to Ghana and Timor-Leste for pilot programs of regulatory and legislative control regimes for narcotic based medicines.
"These pilot programs, part funded by Australia, have shown that it is possible to overcome the complex set of barriers to accessing controlled drugs," Mr Wyatt said.
Prior to the UNGASS plenary session, Mr Wyatt chaired a side event hosted by Australia on access to controlled medications.
"Data from the 2014 International Narcotics Control Board annual report tells us that approximately three quarters of the world's population live in countries with inadequate access to treatment for pain," Mr Wyatt said.
"The report also states that 92 per cent of the world's morphine is consumed by 17 per cent of the world's population.
"Australia believes that the fundamental basis of the international drug control treaties is a recognition that the medical use of narcotic drugs continues to be critical for the relief of pain and suffering and that adequate provision must be made to ensure the availability of narcotic drugs for such purposes."
Mr Wyatt also used Australia's country statement to the UNGASS meeting to reiterate the Government's strong opposition to the use of the death penalty, including for drug-related crimes.
For media enquiries:
Jamila Savoy-Soubotian, Minister Wyatt's office on 0447 680 444
PDF printable version of Australia Funds UN Action on Illicit Drugs (PDF 398 KB)


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Autumn Statement 2014: tax recommendations
Mr Osborne said during his Autumn Statement that the government would be accepting "almost all of the recommendations" put forward by the Office of Tax Simplification.
So it's really disappointing to read that the government has decided not to proceed with the concept of the "marketable security" and the "new employee shareholding vehicle".
The marketable security might have removed the so-called dry tax charge that arises when employees acquire shares in a private company, but then – because of the lack of a ready market – cannot sell some of those shares to cover off any tax charge that might arise.
The new employee shareholding vehicle, similarly, might have been a really helpful way for companies to establish a "safe harbour" Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) – with the intention of broadening share ownership for their employees without the many complications associated with setting up EBTs.
In addition, the government has also confirmed that there will be no changes on the loans to participators tax charge – another hurdle for close companies introducing share schemes.
Only the other day, Patrick Lewis of John Lewis Partnership remarked that setting up employee owned companies was too complex. It looks like the OTS's attempts to help smooth the way have been severely curtailed.


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not feeling like an all star, especially with this nasty weather we're having tonight.
6 thoughts on "day 330 – all star"
Isn't it nasty? I'd feel like a star if I could stay home till April!
Oh Val, same here! Today I had to go grocery shopping to get some stuff before Thursday, and even though I had an umbrella, I still got wet because the wind was blowing the rain sideways. I'm now sitting by cozy little apartment with the radiators on and feeling quite toasty 🙂
I don't mind the cold, but mixed with rain, it's YUCKY!
Fabulous photo, btw! Love your focus!
Stay warm, girl!
fab foto! And yes, the weather has been awful lately!


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Band Night for Second Harvest
Second Harvest, the Tokyo food bank does tremendous work all year feeding the hungry in Kanto. In support of the organization, three bands – Jonny Barefoot and the Shoehorns, The Moonshots, and Instant Karma (pictured) – will be getting together at What the Dickens for a holiday musical benefit. There will be raffles and prizes and other activities, and proceeds will go to Second Harvest. The event is free, but cash donations for the food bank are encouraged.


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1. No complaining. I'm changing this to just finding one thing about today was the best part.
2. No spending money on unnecessary things
3. Exercise, exercise, exercise. I've been so focused on every single day that I've changed it to five days a week.
4. Eat healthy five days a week
5. Follow a strict routine during the work week
Today's Outcome:
1. My one good thing today was talking to my BFF for about two hours.
2. No spending – Check.
3. Exercise – Check. I did an hour and five minutes.
4. Eat healthy – Check however I did eat a cookie but I'm ok with that. It was just one.
5. Follow a routine – Check.
Today, I'm in a bit of a strange mood. I was perfectly fine after work but then I talked with my BFF about what's going on in her life. I feel bad that I can't fix the bad parts for her. I guess if I'm not perfect I'll try my hardest to fix everyone else around me. I know I can't do that either.
Some days I feel like Dorthy who needs to take all my friends to the wizard to get "fixed". I'd take my BFF to get healthy. I'd take my GBF to get a normal relationship of equal love and care. Lastly, I'd take THE friend to get courage. I'm not sure what I'd ask for… love, a soulmate, maybe nothing. Right now the only thing that I want is a rainy day, someone to cuddle with and someone that asks me how my day was and actually wants me to answer that.
Actually, I think right now, I just want a secret relationship. My friends would probably say that I have those a lot but I haven't had one in a while. I want to be with someone that's with me when they're with me and when we're not it doesn't matter. What we'd have is just ours for those moments we're together. Why is that so intriguing to me? I do love my secrets. There's some sort of intimacy about something being between just two people and no one else knowing… I like that. Call me crazy.
So I guess that's what I'd ask for from the wizard right now. That would bring me some happiness. What would you ask for? Where would your yellow brick road lead you?