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Has harmonisation between Asian markets improved over the last few years? What challenges still remain?
Gordon Russell: Harmonisation has been an industry buzzword for a number of years. However, the Asian financial markets that cover multiple time zones, many different languages and complex regulatory and governmental frameworks have struggled to harmonise.
Each market, in conjunction with local regulators and government bodies, has a different view on what is needed to be competitive in order to attract multinational corporations, financial institutions—both sell- and buy-side—as well as service companies that cater for these sectors. Quite often these stances create a barrier for harmonisation, which creates a paradox due to the necessity to have a framework in place to be able to comply with global standards.
This constant balancing act between being competitive in the Asian market and being a good global citizen drives the speed of harmonisation in Asia.
Kelly Ashe: Harmonisation between Asian markets has undoubtedly improved in recent years thanks to various fund passport cooperation initiatives, and momentum towards automation continues to accelerate, with participants stepping up their efforts to motivate and incentivise service partners to embrace automation.
Alongside the improving infrastructure available with the various clearing, settlement and order routing organisations, these efforts have resulted in increased straight-through processing (STP) rates across the region. The predicted trade automation revolution is certainly well underway, but it does still have a fair way still to go.
We also see opportunities continuing to emerge from the opening up of the Chinese market and renminbi (RMB) internationalisation, alongside the continued efforts on the various cross–border fund passporting initiatives, each happening simultaneously.
These changes, however, still have significant challenges to overcome. The main challenge as we see it is the lack of real unity in a diverse region. Obviously Europe is very different because it is driven by the EU, which harmonises a lot of these things. But with no Asian equivalent union, it appears that persuading participating countries to open up to each other remains a challenge in itself.
Even with programmes expanding and continually evolving, we can identify other main areas of focus—tax and distribution rules and restrictions on foreign investment, for example. The issue of tax, specifically producing an outcome which is accepted as fair and reasonable for all concerned, will have to be addressed for the bigger, more regional Asia Region Fund Passport (ARFP) initiative.
Alex Kech: There are many initiatives aiming at harmonising Asian capital markets practices and processes, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) +3 Bond Market Forum, the Asian Funds Standardisation Forum, and the Asia Pacific Financial Forum.
SWIFT itself has been facilitating the creation of national market practice groups aiming at getting domestic practices closer to the international standards established by the Securities Market Practice Group (SMPG).
We can also highlight, in the funds space, the establishment of three UCITS-like passporting schemes. Though there has been progress, we are far from the level of harmonisation expected from a region looking at becoming the next global growth engine.
However, the public and private sectors realise this and are working on it. One area where a lot has been achieved is in the adoption of international standards such as ISO 20022 by post-trade securities infrastructures, such as the Singapore Exchange, the Japan Securities Depository Center and the Australian Securities Exchange.
This has also been adopted by some central banks for their real-time gross settlement systems, for example in India, China, Japan and Brunei, which de facto implements a harmonised layer of processes and data infrastructure that will contribute to regional harmonisation initiatives.
The adoption of the legal entity identifiers for regulatory reporting by various Asia Pacific markets is another example of harmonisation initiatives that will bear fruit in the future and improve life for everybody.
What has been the main driver of this harmonisation? Regulation? Improving cost efficiency? Or something else?
Ashe: All of the above. Obviously, cost is a driver but this is not the only one. Risk and speed are also considered a priority by market players.
Essentially, these countries know that they need to do something to make it easier for foreign investment, in order to take advantage of the interest and investment opportunities in the region. Opening up local markets to foreign investment is a popular ideology and has proved incredibly successful in other markets, but it presents practical difficulties for a region that is as politically and culturally diverse as Asia.
That said, service providers, asset managers, distributors, regulators and all industry participants, including software providers, are trying to overcome this.
The mutual recognition and fund passporting initiatives evolving throughout the Asian region pose challenges regarding the fund administrator and transfer agent's capability to operate in multiple jurisdictions, to support both local and global regulatory reporting, and to communicate with clients using local languages, all in the local time zone.
The more traditional systems that have been historically available are expensive to maintain, can be limited to one market or fund type and quickly become obsolete in such an environment of constant regulatory change and emerging new complex fund distribution strategies. Global fund administration systems and distribution platforms are a key factor in the likelihood of success, and are proving instrumental across the region.
Kech: One of the main drivers is regulation from regional groups such as ASEAN or China to further integrate their economies, banking sectors and capital markets. Efficiency gains and cost reduction are also important. The region wants to increase intra-region trade, banking and finance.
The realisation that it cannot work with the current, very domestically-focused infrastructure pushes the public and private sector to collaborate to improve the situation.
Russell: With harmonisation of regulation and accounting standards in the North American and European markets looking to drive efficiency, Asia has strived to adopt these where possible to help reduce operational risk and enable cost savings.
It is important to note that each Asian market is looking at the topic of harmonisation as it relates to the needs of local market participants compared to global market participants. Every jurisdiction needs to balance the need to remain competitive with protecting its own market participants by not reducing the barrier of entry.
Each Asian market has functioned in isolation for many years and, as a result, has already set up links with the outside markets. As such, the need for harmonisation is driven by external factors, such as the growing market competition for capital and the ability to offer local customers trade and investment opportunities in external markets.
A cost-benefit analysis is crucial for many firms looking to harmonise processes. They need to assess whether the investment is justified and would lead to increased revenue, better client offerings or reduced operational risk. However, in some cases having to deal with two or more different regulatory bodies may lead to increased cost of doing business.
How have tech developments improved harmonisation?
Kech: Richer XML-based standards such as ISO 20022, new modular technology offerings and financial technology companies coming in with innovative technology are all enabling the modernisation of payment and securities infrastructures. Instant payment infrastructures are implemented in Singapore, Australia and Hong Kong.
Post-trade securities infrastructures such as central securities depositories are renewing 20- to 25-year-old mainframe technologies, and cross-border linkages are being established, all evolutions that would not have been imaginable 10 years ago. In the funds space, robo-adviser tech is reaching Asia and alternate distribution channels are booming.
Russell: Investment in technology has been a crucial foundation that has helped financial institutions to harmonise post-trade processes. Flexible technology that can be deployed in different countries and support different post-trade processes and regulations helps firms to standardise around one common IT infrastructure, instead of managing and supporting multiple systems. It also reduces operational risk by providing a common platform with the same permissioning and data structures for internal and external reporting.
As each market decides to embrace global and regional harmonisation, a technological solution that can handle changes without the need for whole-scale upgrades or rewrites gives market participants the flexibility to implement their business strategy while being confident that the infrastructure and processes they have in place can easily scale.
What kind of innovations do you see making a difference to Asian securities services in the future? Could they lead the way to a more harmonised market?
Ashe: The introduction of standardised transactions processing systems and application of new technologies for funds distribution would undoubtedly improve and enhance transaction efficiency within the Asian market. As the funds market grows and expands across domestic borders and cultural divides, so does the need for greater standardisation of systems and automation of processes.
We talk a lot about the advantages of automation and harmonisation for the funds industry and although this might seem obvious, we have to recognise that European asset managers and distributors are in an advantageous position when it comes to embracing new technologies as they generally have the benefit of operating in a well-established cross-border environment governed by regional legislation. This is quite opposite to the situation for asset managers servicing the Asian market and their providers by default.
The most basic requirement for the successful processing of transactions across borders, whatever form those borders take—geographical, cultural or otherwise—is the adoption of a clearly understood method and language of communication. The industry is fortunate to already have a number of standardised systems to choose from that are already widely accepted.
The use of standardised messages and reference data ensures that the data exchanged between institutions is unambiguous, quickly processed and less prone to error than manual transmissions, which reduces costs and mitigates risks. Exception processing then becomes the norm.
We know that standardisation and greater automation in the Asian funds industry will come, and as a software provider we are currently focused on assisting our clients to resolve the known problems and disparities.
This can include integrating legacy single market/product platforms onto modern global applications such as our PFS-PAXUS product, keeping track of changing distribution models, the opening of new routes for payments and investments, ensuring know-your-client due diligence, and simply accommodating diverse languages and cultural practices within a global regulatory environment.
Kech: The adoption of ISO 20022 by most, if not all, domestic markets for the automation of securities post-trade, in parallel to the implementation of modular and agile technological platforms, including distributed ledger technology in Australia, will make a difference.
This will allow an enhanced domestic offering in terms of products, speed, liquidity, more cross-border linkages leading to more regional trading and settlement activities, and the creation of a virtual regional market. But it will take some more years.
Though the will for change and harmonisation is clearly present, the speed of regulatory and legal framework adaptation to enable it remains slow, with things like conflicting objectives between countries, different levels of development and protectionism issues remaining.
Russell: There have been a number of cross-border initiatives in Central and Southeast Asia but these have struggled to gain traction, as the promised common benefits to all were not well-aligned. The pressure stemming from two main areas will affect the speed of harmonisation.
The first is global standards that have been fully adopted by western markets. Implementation of these standards in Asia, however, will take some time due to market fragmentation and the varying speeds at which each country and region implements them.
Various cases of misconduct resulting from the lack of oversight, regulations or infrastructure, such as the Bangladesh Bank cyber heist, form the second compelling reason to harmonise in Asia. That said, according to some firms, with harmonisation comes a common place for people to exploit systems and thus increase systemic risk. So it may well be that in fragmented markets such as Asia, with a lack of cross-border efficiency, those risks are actually reduced.
Nevertheless, investing in a flexible, regional infrastructure remains key as it provides firms and regulators the required comfort to conduct, manage and oversee the whole of a financial institution's activities.


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Katy Perry Wardrobe Malfunction Earns Her Season Pass From Water Parkby Free Britney at . Comments
Katy Perry may have suffered an epic wardrobe malfunction at a water park, but in typical KP fashion, she's trying to turn that negative into a positive.
Perry full-on fell out of her bikini at Raging Waters in San Dimas, Calif., leading to a deluge of paparazzi photos - and a cheeky response from the star.
"Let's be fair, I really think I deserve a season pass for that ass," she joked, showing her sense of humor about it all. "Oh, and some flip-flops."
Soon enough, the peeps over at Raging Waters saw her Tweet and responded "FYI - We're sending @katyperry a Season Pass, flip flops, & a new swimsuit."
No word if Katy, who's been unwinding after her recent tour, will be back.
Hopefully that new swimsuit will stay on while traversing water slides, and only come off when Katy chooses, keeping future "shows" more private.
Sigh. We just remembered Katy Perry and John Mayer are dating.

subset: commoncrawl


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Anyone one for burnt orange gorgeousness? Milani Statement Lipstick in Orange-Gina is my new go to for Spring lips. You know how I always bitch, complain, and whine about the fact I love orange but can't pull it off on lips?
That isn't the case when orange goes metallic! I can kinda dig metallic oranges that's why Orange-Gina is my new BFF for Spring.
Do like!


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|jacket, Charlotte Russe dress, Munro boots, purse, belt: thrifted:: scarf: eBay:: tights: Target
But back to the rain. My husband and I recently had a conversation about it, and he confessed that he is sort of enamored by the rain. It soothes him. It makes things quiet and pretty. He wouldn't mind moving to a place where it constantly rains. I, however, rage against precipitation. I grew up in the Land of Typhoons, where rain was an (almost) everyday occurrence between June and March. Seriously.
I will say, though, that naps are much better when it's raining. As is soup.


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Artude - At a Glance
Artude.com, a Bangalore based creative hot shop is into advertising for many years and is passionate in doing art dominated creative designs for offline and online requirements. Our four exciting sections are Advertising, Stock Illustrations, Fine Arts and Personalized Art Gifts like Caricatures & Portraits.
Our Creative Services
Team Artude
Manoj Maani Artude, the founder & creative director of Artude has twenty years of advertising experience in India and abroad. He has worked with M&C Saatchi-Kuwait, Stark Communications-Bangalore, Mudra-Cochin and Coimbatore and MAA Bozell Communications-Bangalore and Chennai. The gold winner of Big Bang-2008 for Tata Coffee Mr.Bean campaign, while working with MAA Bozell Communications, Bangalore. Done his diploma in fine arts from Kerala University.
Susan Artude, co-founder of Artude has long time experience in advertising field. She handles the role of servicing different clients and design co ordinator as well. Well responsible for undertaking and delivering the works on time with finest quality and perfection.


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Chidambaram said the government would transfer Rs 500 crore to the defence pension account for implementing the 'one rank, one pension scheme'. (JPN/Agencies) Latest News from India News Desk
The decision, which is likely to benefit around three million defence pensioners, will come into effect from 2014-2015.
The Finance Minister said the two UPA governments had made changes in the pension rules for defence services on three occasions but some gaps remained in the ranks of 'Sepoy' and 'Naik' among non-officers and 'Major' and above among officers.
"We need a young fighting force, we need young jawans and we need young officers. We also need to take care of those who served in the defence forces only for a limited numbers of years. The government has therefore decided to walk the last mile and closed the gap for all retirees in all ranks," he announced.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had last week backed the demand and assured a delegation of ex-servicemen that he will make all efforts to ensure that it is met at the earliest.
"I am on your side. I understand your concerns. You give your life for the country, I will do all that I can to see that your demands are met," Gandhi told a gathering of 1000-odd ex-servicemen during an interaction on February 14.
Delegations of ex-servicemen from Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab had met the Congress vice-president.
'One rank, one pension' will ensure that soldiers of the same rank and the same length of service receive the same pension irrespective of their retirement date.
MPs welcome announcement of 'one rank, one pension'
Cutting across party lines, several Members of Parliament welcomed the 'one rank, one pension' announcement.
"It was a very very genuine demand," Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Singh said.
He said Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi had also spoken to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh favouring the demand.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP BJ Panda said, "I welcome the 'one rank, one pension' announcement. This is something that has been demanded for a decade."
Hailing the decision, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Raghuvansh Prasad said, "Though the budget has offered nothing for the poor, the 'one rank, one pension' announcement was a good one and we support it."
"There was a long standing demand for it and the government was not acting on it. It is good that it has been done now," he added.
Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi also welcomed the 'one rank, one pension' scheme.
"There is no question of opposing it," he said.
Chidambaram said the government would transfer Rs 500 crore to the defence pension account for implementing the 'one rank, one pension scheme'.
Latest News from India News Desk


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I've set up afp on my 12.04 headless server, and it's working well, but I can't seem to get a Time Machine backup going. It finds the two backup volumes (one for my wife, and one for me), and it has me log in, but then I get the OSStatus error 2, saying "Time Machine can't access the backup disk..."
I've already chowned the /media/raidmount/Casey's Time Machine/ folder, and set permissions from 755 to 775 to 777, and nothing is working.
Has anyone else had this issue, and if so, how did you fix it?


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Defensive complacency turns Dynamo from hot to cold
Published 7:16 pm, Wednesday, September 5, 2012
As far as Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear is concerned, it's a mistake to look back too far while in a difficult stretch. He would rather not focus on the entirety of his club's recent poor run.
Nonetheless, Kinnear gathered his players for an extensive video session Tuesday and challenged them to pick up the intensity Thursday night when they face Real Salt Lake at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Kinnear reminded his players they're getting caught in the break too much, relaxing "just enough" when the ball turns over. Few would disagree with Kinnear or leading scorer Will Bruin, who admitted the Dynamo are almost too complacent at times when the ball turns over.
"If you keep on going, 'Well, this is what happened, and this is what happened,' then the game sneaks up on you," Kinnear said. "So yeah, we had a talk, but at the end it was like, 'OK, there's an example, we can correct it, and let's go out and do it.' "
Since reaching the top of the Eastern Conference standings on Aug. 3, the Dynamo have picked up only two points while losing two games and tying a pair during a four-game winless streak.
No lock for playoffs
Just a month after some wondered if they could win the Supporters' Shield with the best regular-season record in Major League Soccer, the Dynamo are barely inside the playoff picture. With seven games to go, the tension is palpable.
More Information
Tonight: Real Salt Lake at Dynamo
When/where: 7:30 p.m.; BBVA Compass Stadium.
TV/radio: FSH Plus; 790 AM, 850 AM (Spanish).
Dynamo (11-7-9) update: On a four-game winless streak, the Dynamo's depth will be severely tested because MF Boniek Garcia (Honduras), RB Andre Hainault (Canada), CB Jermaine Taylor (Jamaica) and MF Je-Vaughn Watson (Jamaica) are away with their respective national teams. Garcia and Taylor have been two of the Dynamo's top players this season. Adding to the issues, CB/MF Warren Creavalle (ankle) and Adam Moffat (groin) are out with injury problems. RF Kofi Sarkodie, who played well Sunday after Hainault was hurt, and CB Nate Sturgis will be called upon to bolster the defense. Midfielder Ricardo Clark also could provide cover on defense if needed. "Right now we have some injuries," coach Dominic Kinnear said. "And along with international absences, it kind of hit us all at once, which is a bummer. But what can you do? If you look at some of the guys who will play in the back, fortunately Kofi stepped on the field Sunday and I thought had a pretty good second half. Nate played back there. Ricardo Clark played in the back in Germany, so you do have cover. Obviously, you're missing guys, and you do have guys injured, but that's the way it goes."
Real Salt Lake (14-10-4) update: With the second-best record in the Western Conference, Real Salt Lake will be without four key players who are with their respective national teams - MF Kyle Beckerman and GK Nick Rimando (United States), Alvaro Saborio (Costa Rica) and MF Will Johnson (Canada).
Jose de Jesus Ortiz
"Yeah, it's frustration," Brian Ching said. "We're a team that is better than the results that we're getting. We're playing well going forward, but I think … defensively is where we need to tune in a little bit more.
"I think guys are finding out that it's easier to be a good player for a five-, six- or seven-game run, but it's hard to be a player for the entire season."
The defending Eastern Conference champs were the hottest team in MLS when they extended their winning streak to five games and their unbeaten streak to eight with a victory over the New York Red Bulls on Aug. 3.
Must prove their worth
The Dynamo have played four regular-season games and two CONCACAF Champions League matches since temporarily moving atop the Eastern standings, earning only one victory in that span.
The Dynamo are now fourth in points in the Eastern standings. The top three teams in each conference earn automatic bids to the conference semifinals. The fourth seed will host the fifth for a spot in the conference semifinals.
"If you look at the standings today, we're playing in for a (conference semifinals) playoff spot," Ching said. "We look at the teams around us, (and) we feel like we're better than them. That's the difference between the entitlement feel and going out there and knowing it and proving it and putting the work in to be one of the best teams.
"I think we just kind of lost our way a little bit."
firstname.lastname@example.com twitter.com/ortizkicks


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The White Stripes
Third Man Records
Get Behind Me Satan (Colored 180g Vinyl) Vinyl 2LP (Record Store Day) - STRICT LIMIT 1 PER CUSTOMER
↳ White Stripes sought after unreleased album
Earn up to 379 Reward Points with this purchase! more info
STRICT LIMIT 1 PER CUSTOMER, orders for more than 1 copy will be cancelled.
Sign up for Stock Email Notification (Above or the Green Tab on the right) to receive a one-time notification when this item becomes available. This is a Record Store Day title, it will be available on April 18th, 2015 at our East Village Storefront. If there are any leftovers, they will be available online the following week. Please sign up a EMAIL STOCK NOTE to get first chance at these limited edition titles.
- full-size, 12'' x 12'' lenticular cover
- disc one pressed on red vinyl with disc two pressed on white vinyl
- Newly-created artwork reprising themes of the original promo-only version of the Satan LP will be exclusive to this release
- first stock will be available at our New York Shop on Saturday, April 18th, 2015
- leftovers will be available online, sign up for stock email above to get first notification
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THE European Commission has unveiled a new action plan for the fledgling renewable ocean energy sector in Europe, which could create up to 20,000 jobs in the UK in the next two decades.
The drive to harness Europe's "blue energy" potential is to be led by the establishment of an Ocean Energy Forum, and Scotland's Energy Minister, Fergus Ewing, today claimed that Scotland would have a major role to play in the Commission's renewable energy initiative.
A European Commission spokesman said: "Ocean energy has the potential to create new, high-quality jobs. Indicative job estimates show that 10,500 - 26,500 permanent jobs, and up to 14,000 temporary jobs, could be created by 2035. Other estimates suggest that it could lead to the creation of up to 20,000 jobs by 2035 in UK alone and 18,000 in France by 2026."
The proposals were outlined by Maria Damanaki, the European Fisheries Commissioner, and Günther Oettinger, the European Energy Commissioner, to help drive forward the nascent "blue energy" sector towards full industrialisation.
'Seas can generate huge growth'
The term 'ocean energy' covers all technologies to harvest renewable energy from seas and oceans, except offshore wind. The European Commission claims its exploitation will contribute to lower carbon emissions across the EU as well as providing Europe with secure and reliable energy sources.
Ms Damanaki said: "As our Blue Growth strategy highlights, seas and oceans have the potential to generate huge economic growth and much-needed jobs. By helping the ocean energy sector to fully develop we can fulfil this potential through innovation while also securing clean, renewable energy for Europe."
A Commission spokesman explained: "The ocean energy resource available globally exceeds our present and projected future energy needs. It could be harvested in many forms, for example through wave energy and tidal stream energy. Exploiting ocean energy would set the EU further on track to becoming a low-carbon economy and, by cutting EU dependence on fossil fuels, would enhance energy security.
"Moreover, ocean energy could help to balance out the output of other renewable energy sources such as wind energy and solar energy to ensure a steady aggregate supply of renewable energy to the grid."
The spokesman added: "Ocean energy is currently an infant industry. Wave and tidal stream technologies are by comparison more developed than other technologies. But with technological improvements and additional public support to be given in line with our guidance for the design of renewables support schemes for early stage development, the ocean energy sector may be able to grow to a similar scale as offshore wind."
'Positive development'
Scotland boasts ten per cent of Europe's wave power potential and 25 per cent of its tidal power, and already leads the way in the development of marine energy technologies.
In the last year consents have been granted for the world's largest wave farm – a development by Edinburgh firm Aquamarine Power – off the North west coast of Lewis, and for the largest tidal stream energy project in Europe – MeyGen's array project in the Pentland Firth.
Mr Ewing welcomed the new European initiative. He said: "The establishment of the Ocean Energy Forum is a positive development, one which the Scottish Government has lobbied for over the last year.
"Scotland possesses world-leading offshore energy expertise. Working with the European Commission and Ocean Energy Europe, we are well-placed to make a vital contribution to the forum and Europe's green energy ambitions."
He continued: "Our country is blessed with a wealth of natural resources and we have a quarter of Europe's tidal and offshore wind capacity and a tenth of its wave power. Scotland has an astounding potential for renewable energy and it is only with the full powers of independence that this potential can be fully realised."
• Dundee University unveil Renewables Test Centre
• Record number of Scots working in renewables


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"hi im 16 and having very similar symptoms. I've gotten tests done and all the doctors are attributing it to stress also. Have you gotten anywhere with your search for answers? Because I know for me it is very hard to go through everyd..."
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British arms firm paid Pinochet
Page Tools
Britain's biggest arms firm, BAE Systems, has been identified on US banking records as secretly paying more than £1 million to the former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet.
Some money was listed as being paid through a front company in the British Virgin Islands, which BAE has used to channel commission on arms deals.
Covert payments to Pinochet-linked groups are listed on documents compiled by the Chilean authorities. They record large payments from BAE as recently as last year.
The company has been the target of bribery allegations. It is under investigation by Britain's Serious Fraud Office on suspicion of money laundering and false accounting, after allegations of a £60 million Saudi "slush fund".
A Chilean judge, Sergio Muñoz, is pursuing Pinochet on allegations of tax evasion. Last month the judge made successful court applications in the US to obtain banking records. They disclosed huge sums of cash flowing into banks, including the then Miami branch of Coutts, a London private bank. Coutts operated accounts, which Chilean prosecutors say are linked to Pinochet, from 1993 to 2004.
Coutts said: "We have no reason to believe our Miami affiliate did anything inappropriate by reference to the banking requirements at the time."
The Chilean documents show BAE made payments into Coutts accounts under its own name and under that of Red Diamond Trading, an offshore entity that does not appear on BAE's published accounts. Documents show it has been used since 1998 to funnel covert commission payments for aerospace deals to Argentina.
The BAE payments went to offshore firms - also registered in the British Virgin Islands - controlled, the Chilean authorities say, by Pinochet's financial adviser, Oscar Aitkin.
BAE sought to conclude a deal in the 1990s to sell Chile a rocket system and is now trying to sell it naval electronics.
Chile's Supreme Court on Wednesday lifted Pinochet's legal immunity so he can face charges over the disappearance of regime opponents in 1975.
The Guardian, Agence France-Presse
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Well its never too early to look for boots! Why not win something in the process? Carnival Kicks has a promotion on for the month of August:
Every week Carnival Kicks will update our status via facebook and twitter with a shoe-related quote or lyrics of a song related to shoes or dancing. Fans/ Followers correctly name the person who issued the quote, or the name of the song AND singer(s) of the lyrics quoted and qualify for a chance to win 1 fabulous prize each week during the month of August.
Submit answers by commenting to the status update, Re-tweets, or posting on our wall.
Week 1: Pair of Sexy Hot Shorts
Week 2 : Pair of Nippies
Week 3: Pair of Dizzy Flip Flops
Week 4: Styling Tape
Please note , you have to 'like' their facebook page or follow them on twitter to qualify for entry. Winners will be selected at random via facebook or twitter.


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Catholic World News
German bishops offer financial support to all abuse victims
March 02, 2011
The German Catholic bishops have announced a plan to offer €5,000 ($6,900) payments to victims of clerical abuse.
The bishops' proposal would also provide for therapy for victims, and extra financial support would be available for "particularly grave" cases. These payments will be available to any victims who cannot file lawsuits because their cases go beyond the time limits specified by statutes of limitations.
Further information:
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!


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Long Sleeve Thin Striped Jersey Crop Top White
Was $17.00
Now $9.00 (50% off)
Stripes are back and better than ever. This season we bring you this simple, super cute jersey crop top with monochrome thin stripes and long sleeves - a simple style that will mix up you staples with a chic pattern. Team with boyfriend jeans, chunky boots and add a fedora to rock the look.
Approx length 41cm/16" (Based on a UK size 8 sample)
95% Polyester 5% Elastane
Joanna wears a UK size 8 and her height is 5'7"
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Fabrik Concerts
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Whether you are into rock, blues, mainstream, world music or jazz concerts, you will find it at the Fabrik! The Fabrik Hamburg has already hosted Nirvana, AC/DC, Miles Davis, Joe Jackson, B.B. King, the Blues Brothers, Chris de Burgh, Herbie Hancock, Suzanne Vega and dozens of other famous artists. The Fabrik burned down to its foundation in 1977 and was rebuilt exactly as the original structure! You have to see the Fabrik, it is a legend! Be sure to get your Fabrik concert tickets for events at the Fabrik as early as possible! The magnificent structure of the Fabrik is well worth seeing any event possible inside its walls! Do not miss your chance in getting your tickets to see any and all events at the Fabrik! Get your Fabrik concert tickets online today at Worldticketshop.com - Your Ticket to Fun!
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Creating Predictions for the Call Center Models (Intermediate Data Mining Tutorial)
Now that you have learned something about the interactions between shifts, day of week, the number of calls and orders, and service grade, you are ready to create some prediction queries that can be used in business analysis and planning. You will first create some predictions on the exploratory model to test some assumptions. Next, you will create bulk predictions using the logistic regression model.
This lesson assumes that you are already familiar with how to use the prediction query builder. For general information about how to use Prediction Query Builder, see Creating DMX Prediction Queries.
The following example demonstrates how to make a singleton prediction using the neural network model that was created for exploration. Singleton predictions are a good way to try out different values to see the effect in the model. In this scenario, you will predict the service grade for the midnight shift (no day of the week specified) if six experienced operators are on duty.
To create a singleton query using the neural network model
In Business Intelligence Development Studio, open the solution that contains the model you want to use.
In Data Mining Designer, click the Mining Model Prediction tab.
In the Mining Model pane, click Select Model.
The Select Mining Model dialog box presents a list of mining structures. Expand the mining structure to view a list of mining models associated with that structure.
Expand the mining structure Call Center, and select the mining model, Call Center - NN.
From the Mining Model menu, select Singleton Query.
The Singleton Query Input dialog box is displayed, with columns mapped to the columns in the mining model.
In the Singleton Query Input dialog box, click the row for Shift, and select midnight.
Click the row for Lvl 2 Operators, and type 6.
In the bottom half of the Mining Model Prediction tab, click the first row in the grid.
Click the Source column, and then select Prediction function. In the Field column, select PredictHistogram.
A list of arguments that you can use with this prediction function automatically appears in the Criteria/Arguments box.
Drag the ServiceGrade column from the list of columns in the Mining Model pane and drop it in the Criteria/Arguments box.
The name of the column is automatically inserted as the argument. You can drop any predictable attribute column into this text box.
Click the button Switch to query results view, in the upper corner of the Prediction Query Builder.
The expected results contain the possible predicted values for each service grade given these inputs, together with support and probability values for each prediction. You can return to design view at any time and change the inputs, or add more inputs.
Although you can create predictions by using a neural network model, more typically the neural network model is used for exploration of complex relationships. If you already know the attributes that are relevant to the business problem, you can use a logistic regression model to predict the effect of changing specific independent variables. Logistic regression is commonly used in scenarios such as financial scoring, for example, to predict customer behavior based on customer demographics or other attributes.
In this task, you will learn how to create a data source that will be used for predictions, and then make predictions to help answer several business questions.
Generating Data used for Bulk Prediction
For this scenario, you will first create an aggregated view of the source data that can be used for making bulk predictions, and then join that data to a mining model in a prediction query. There are many ways to provide input data: for example, you could import staffing levels from a spreadsheet, or provide the values programmatically. Here, for the sake of simplicity, you will use the Data Source View designer to create a named query. This named query is a custom T-SQL statement that creates aggregates for each shift, such as the maximum operators, minimum calls received, or the average number of issues generated.
To generate input data for a bulk prediction query
In Solution Explorer, right-click Data Source Views, and select New Data Source View.
In the Data Source View wizard, select AdventureWorks DW 2008 as the data source, and click Next.
On the page Select Tables and Views, click Next without selecting any tables.
On the page, Completing the Wizard, type the name, Shifts.
This name will appear in Solution Explorer as the name of the data source view.
Right-click the empty design pane, then select New Named Query.
In the Create Named Query dialog box, for Name, type Shifts for Call Center.
This name will appear in Data Source View designer only as the name of the named query.
Paste the following query statement into the SQL text pane in the lower half of the dialog box.
SELECT DISTINCT WageType, Shift, AVG(Orders) as AvgOrders, MIN(Orders) as MinOrders, MAX(Orders) as MaxOrders, AVG(Calls) as AvgCalls, MIN(Calls) as MinCalls, MAX(Calls) as MaxCalls, AVG(LevelTwoOperators) as AvgOperators, MIN(LevelTwoOperators) as MinOperators, MAX(LevelTwoOperators) as MaxOperators, AVG(IssuesRaised) as AvgIssues, MIN(IssuesRaised) as MinIssues, MAX(IssuesRaised) as MaxIssues FROM dbo.FactCallCenter GROUP BY Shift, WageType
Click OK.
In the design pane, right-click the table, Shifts for Call Center, and select Explore Data to preview the data as returned by the T-SQL query.
Right-click the tab, Shifts.dsv (Design) and then click Save to save the new data source view definition.
Predicting Service Metrics for Each Shift
Now that you have generated some values for each shift, you will use those values as input to the logistic regression model that you built, to generate multiple predictions.
To use the new DSV as input to a prediction query
In Data Mining Designer, click the Mining Model Prediction button tab.
In the Mining Model pane, click Select Model, and choose Call Center - LR from the list of available models.
From the Mining Model menu, deselect the option, Singleton Query. A warning tells you that the singleton query inputs will be lost. Click OK.
The Singleton Query Input dialog box is replaced with the Select Input Table(s) dialog box.
Click Select Case Table.
In the Select Table dialog box, selectShifts from the list of data sources. In the Table/View name list, select Shifts for Call Center (it might be automatically selected), and then click OK.
The Mining Model Prediction design surface is updated to show mappings that are created by Analysis Services based on the names and data types of columns in the input data and in the model.
Right-click one of the join lines, and select Modify Connections.
In this dialog box, you can see exactly which columns are mapped and which are not. The mining model contains columns for Calls, Orders, IssuesRaised, and LvlTwoOperators, which you can map to any of the aggregates that you created based on these columns in the source data. For this scenario, you will map to the averages.
Click the empty cell next to LevelTwoOperators, and select Shifts for Call Center.AvgOperators.
Click the empty cell next to Calls, and select Shifts for Call Center.AvgCalls. Click OK.
To create the predictions for each shift
In the grid at the bottom half of the Prediction Query Builder, click the empty cell under Source and select Shifts for Call Center.
In the empty cell under Field, select Shift.
Click the next empty line in the grid and repeat the procedure just described to add another row for WageType.
Click the next empty line in the grid. For Source, select Prediction Function. For Field, select Predict.
Drag the column ServiceGrade from the Mining Model pane down to the grid, and drop the column into the Criteria/Argument cell. In the Alias field, type Predicted Service Grade.
Click the next empty line in the grid. For Source, select Prediction Function. For Field, select PredictProbability.
Again, drag the column ServiceGrade from the Mining Model pane down to the grid, and drop the column into the Criteria/Argument cell. In the Alias field, type Probability.
Click Switch to query result view to view the predictions.
The following table shows an example of results for each shift.
Predicted Service Grade
Predicting the Effect of Call Time on Service Grade
Your original business objective was to determine ways to keep abandon rate within the target range of 0.00-0.05. The neural network model that you developed for exploration indicated that call response time strongly influences service grade. Therefore, the Operations team decides to run some predictions to assess whether reducing the average call response time might improve service grade. For example, if you cut the call response time to 90% or even 80% of the current call response time, what would happen?
It is easy to create a data source view (DSV) that calculates the average response times for each shift, and add columns that calculate some percentage of that average response time. You can then use the DSV as input to the model.
For example, the following table shows the results of a prediction query that takes as input three different response times: the average from the actual data, a value representing 90% of the actual value, and a value representing 80% of the average call response time.
In these results, the first set of predictions in each column represents the predicted service grade, and the second set of numbers (in parentheses) represents the probability of that predicted value. From these results you might conclude that the most cost-effective solution would be to attempt to reduce the response time to 90%.
Average call response time per shift
Reduce response time to 90 percent of current time
Reduce response time to 80 percent of current time
0.165 (0.366079388)
0.05 (0.457470875)
0.05 (0.610514425)
0.05 (0.341218694)
0.05 (0.475767776)
0.05 (0.60083244)
0.165 (0.337801273)
0.05 (0.413774655)
0.05 (0.545764101)
0.05 (0.378241537)
0.05 (0.471615415)
0.05 (0.545614362)
0.165 (0.457871243)
0.165 (0.376892925)
0.05 (0.359440286)
0.08 (0.299182047)
0.08 (0.363761441)
0.08 (0.40686473)
0.105 (0.325921785)
0.05 (0.392121793)
0.05 (0.521558758)
0.105 (0.436051591)
0.105 (0.342589832)
In addition to providing the input values via a data source view, as shown here, you could calculate the inputs programmatically and provide them to the model. By iterating through all possible values, you can find the smallest reduction in response time that guarantees the target service level for each shift.
There are a variety of other prediction queries that you can create on this model. For example, you could predict how many operators are needed to meet a certain service level or to respond to a certain number of incoming calls. Because you can include multiple outputs in a logistic regression model, it is easy to experiment with different independent variables and outcomes without having to create many separate models.
The Data Mining Add-Ins for Excel 2007 provide logistic regression wizards that make it easy to answer complex questions, such as how many Level Two Operators would be needed to improve service grade to a target level for a specific shift. The data mining add-ins are a free download, and include wizards that are based on the neural network and/or logistic regression algorithms. For more information, see the following links:
SQL Server 2005 Data Mining Add-Ins for Office 2007: Goal Seek and What If Scenario Analysis
SQL Server 2008 Data Mining Add-Ins for Office 2007: Goal Seek Scenario Analysis, What If Scenario Analysis, and Prediction Calculator
You have learned to create, customize, and interpret mining models that are based on the Microsoft Neural Network algorithm and the Microsoft Logistic Regression algorithm. These model types are sophisticated and permit almost infinite variety in analysis, and therefore can be complex and difficult to master. Tools such as the Excel-based charts and PivotTables provided in the Data Source View designer can provide support for the strongest trends detected by the algorithms and can help you understand the trends that were discovered. However, to fully appreciate the insights from the model, you may need to explore the analysis provided by the model and review your data in some depth, going back and forth between the custom mining model viewer and other tools to fully develop your understanding of the trends in the data.


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gray cat with yellow eyes


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Things are as they are. Looking out into the universe at night, we make no comparisons between right and wrong stars, nor between well and badly arranged constellations.
― Alan W. Watts
Things are as they are. Looking out into the universe at night, we make no comparisons between right and wrong stars, nor between well and badly arranged constellations.
― Alan W. Watts
Let me say I am fine with the 50 post limit, but I question the limitation of not counting the posts in the "Introduce Yourself" forum.
I have now observed people having, say, 35 posts, and they now write 15-20 posts the same day in other forums like "Nice trip report". "Good idea'. Whatnot. In my opinion, it just moved the problem.
I don't have a better solution to ensuring the 50 posts are 'quality' posts. And I don't envy the Mods on trying to solve this. I am thankful they are trying to watch our backs.
"Civilization is the limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities." - Mark Twain
I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. - John Burroughs
Please don't take this the wrong way but the thing is this is not ebay, nor is the site set around selling gear. We are here to talk about hammocks and all things hammock related. We just happen to have a spot for those that contribute to the community to sell used gear.
To your hypothetical point (again don't take this the wrong way)... but maybe the guy created the account 3 years ago thinking he would be able to sell gear here and never contribute to the community and the only reason he comes here is to sell gear. I'd rather buy gear from someone that I know contributes (regardless of how long he has been here) to a community that i respect and enjoy on a daily basis... at least I know him better than the guy with no post count that's here to just unload his gear. To be honest I don't like giving my money to people I don't know- I work hard for what little I have.
For all of those wanting to sell gear there are large gear re-selling sites out there that will give you even larger audiences to sell too... like http://www.geartrade.com/.
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
- Albert Einstein
Would people prefer that the for sale area was for donating members only? I would think not, but seeing as how often there are non-hammock specific items being sold (ie packs, tents, cook kits, etc) in the sub-forum. Personally I like the 50 post rule. It doesn't take long to hit the number for most people who come here enthusiastic about hammocks. Also it deters people who would probably be better served by selling on ebay anyway.
*Heaven best have trees, because I plan to lounge for eternity.
Good judgement is the result of experience and experience the result of bad judgement. - Mark Twain
Trail name: Radar
2014 Smoked Butt Hang Planning Thread | Sign up Sheet
The point is well made on both sides. The thing you have to remember, there are those people "in this community" that start to feel like the walls are moving in on them. When all they see and hear is "conform!". "We are a collective".
Like TheHangMan was saying.
Last edited by River Diver; 10-24-2012 at 23:50.


text: Last fall I bought a cheapo HSS dado set from sears and it was garbage. I took it back a week ago, and Friday I bought a 6" carbide set from rockler, I set it up Friday night after putting the finishing touches on my "TS4008". Made a couple test cuts and got smooooth flat bottom, untill I made successive passes ie, making a half lap or tennon. The outside saws are Beveled and cut a coulpe hairs deeper than the chippers. I don't see a problem with a closed tennon, but something like a half lap or others that might be seen, any suggestions, comments. I really do like the cut and could probably live with it. Its like a cadilac compared to the Sears model. I should also mention it runs so smooth and balanced. Cost was $40.


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Something to Celebrate
In May, my youngest graduated from college. Not only that, she got the job she wanted in her field. Break out the champagne — she's done and on her way. Better still, my wife and I are done with tuition payments.
In my last blog, I talked about the latest 403(b) survey from Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA) and some of the positive trends we're seeing with auto plan provisions, employee contributions and employer match. I'd like to share some more improvements from last year as they also deserve celebration — both now and, hopefully, in the future.
Number of investment options
For the last few years, I've pointed out how the number of investment options available to participants keeps going up. Along with that, the number of available options has generally been greater than what an average participant can sort through.
I've asked plan advisors to look at this opportunity to help 403(b) plan fiduciaries understand how to put together a reasonable lineup, and really start to pare down the menus.
And it looks like that's paying off.
- The average number of funds available for participants to invest their organization contributions is down to 25 from 27.
- The average number of funds available for participants to invest their own organization contributions is down to 28 from 29.
No, these aren't huge changes, but they're a step in the right direction as we typically see these numbers increase from year to year.
Investment policy statements
Several years ago, the results of the PSCA 403(b) plan survey showed too few plans with an investment policy statement. I wrote several articles at the time pointing out the advantages of having an investment policy statement and called on plan advisors to reach out to 403(b) plan fiduciaries and help them implement one.
This year's survey shows that 56.7 percent of 403(b) plans have investment policy statements. That's up 25 percent over the past seven years.
Yet another small step in what we see as the right direction.
There's still more progress to make
Yes, it's great to celebrate and recognize the progress that's been made, but there's still work to do. The number of investment options is still twice what we believe is a manageable number. And over 43 percent of 403(b) plans don't have an investment policy statement.
I anticipate celebrating milestones with my daughter as she progresses in her career. She may go to graduate school, start a family, etc. Likewise, there's room for future celebration as we continue to see 403(b) plan progress that can help more and more people work toward retirement readiness.
In addition to blogging here, I also tweet regularly about topics of interest to tax-exempt plans.
Follow me on Twitter: @1aaronfriedman1
The subject matter in this communication is provided with the understanding that Principal® is not rendering legal, accounting or tax advice. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all matters pertaining to legal, tax or accounting obligations and requirements.
t16091901jh – 10/2016


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Hi, my name is Grant Phillip Williamson. I'll thank you in advance for stumbling upon my page. Well, it all started around 2001 when my mom got fruity loops 2 on her computer. I used to just mess around with it.. Nothing special. Glad you could be here <3
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- When you have a car ready for you outside of the bank when committing a robbery and you then get in the car and drive away really fast, this is an example of a getaway.
- When you and your family go to Florida for a week to sit on the beach and relax, this is an example of a getaway.
- Jamaica or another popular vacation destination is an example of a getaway.
The definition of a getaway is an escape, or a fast start of a racing car, or a vacation, or a vacation destination.
- the act of starting, as in a race
- the act of escaping, as from the police
- a period of rest and relaxation, esp. a short one: a weekend getaway
- the place to which one goes for this: a favorite getaway in the mountains
- The act or an instance of escaping: made a quick getaway.
- The start, as of a race.
- A place appropriate for a vacation.
(plural getaways)
- A means of escape.
- The effecting of an escape.
- A vacation or holiday or the destination for one.
(not comparable)
- Pertaining to an escape, as in a vehicle or plans.
- They'd been discussing their getaway plans for weeks.


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Feb. 19, 2014MARYVILLE, Mo. | By: John Coffey
A climate scientist and distinguished professor of meteorology at Penn State University is tonight's featured speaker for Northwest Missouri State University's Distinguished Lecture Series.
Dr. Michael Mann has authored more than 160 peer-reviewed publications and has published two books on global-warming. He is also the co-founder of the science website RealClimate.org.
Mann's lecture will begin at 7:30 p.m., February 19, 2014 at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts.


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Texas Hospitals and Physicians Must Limit Elective Inductions
texas has just passed House Bill 1983 which requires hospitals and physicians to limit elective deliveries (including both inductions and cesarean sections) prior to 39 weeks gestation unless medically indicated. As of September 1, 2011, Texas Medicaid will no longer reimburse hospitals for elective deliveries occurring before 39 weeks which are not medically necessary and properly documented as such.
An elective induction occurs when labor is started, with medication or by other means, per the mother or physician's request for reasons of convenience rather than medical necessity. Elective induction reasoning examples include: mother is uncomfortable and no longer wishes to be pregnant, physician is going out of town and other scheduling conflicts.
There are instances when inductions or c-sections prior to 39 weeks gestation are necessary to protect the mother or infant's health. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) lists the following as appropriate reasons for indicated (necessary) inductions:
- Postterm pregnancy (past 41 weeks of gestation)
- High blood pressure caused by pregnancy
- Maternal health problems affecting the pregnancy
- Infection in the uterus
- Water has broken too early
- Fetal growth problems
Elective inductions and cesarean rates have dramatically increased since 1990 and the c-section rate in the US has soared to over 32%. Elective inductions prior to 39 weeks gestation increases the risk for a cesarean section and can have adverse health outcomes for the newborn.
Estimating the baby's "due date" is not an exact science and may not always be accurate. Forty weeks gestation is used to calculate the due date, however, this date can be off by ± 2 weeks. "Term" refers to a baby born between 37 to 42 weeks gestation. A baby born even a week too early (< 37 weeks) can suffer from the many problems surrounding prematurity including respiratory problems, feeding problems and neurological problems. These babies tend to have prolonged hospital stays in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). NICU stays are expensive and can cost about $50,000 per infant1. It is estimated that approximately "$1 billion dollars could be saved annually in the US if the rate of early term delivery were reduced to 1.7%.2"
During the last weeks of pregnancy, a baby is still undergoing important developmental changes. This bill not only looks to cut the financial burdens incurred by the complications of early inductions, but also to protect the health of mothers and babies.
Curious how your hospital measures up? Find out your hospital's rates of elective deliveries here.
Be sure to like, comment and share Babies 411 content with your friends to help keep babies healthy and safe.
- Texas Association of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. HOUSE BILL 1983 SIGNED BY GOVERNOR: Hospitals and Doctors Must Limit Elective Deliveries Less Than 39 weeks
- The LeapFrog Group. FACT SHEET: Early Elective Deliveries (Between 37 and 39 Completed Weeks of Gestation)
ACOG. Healthy Women 2009: Elective Inductions
Barclay, L. Elective Repeated Cesarean Delivery at Early Term Linked With Adverse Events
Clark, S., et. al. Neonatal and maternal outcomes associated with elective term delivery. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2009; 200:156.e1-156.e4
Tita, A., et. al. Timing of Elective Repeat Cesarean Delivery at Term and Neonatal Outcomes. New England Journal of Medicine 2009; 360:111-120.
Author : Diba Tillery RN, BSN, IBCLC, CPST


text:
HUD: Dallas promotes housing discrimination
Published 6:33 pm, Monday, December 2, 2013
DALLAS — Federal housing officials say Dallas officials promote discrimination against minority and disabled applicants for affordable-housing practices.
The Dallas Morning News reports an investigation by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found affordable-housing practices in Dallas violate federal civil rights laws.
In a 29-page letter, HUD officials said the discrimination involved affordable housing in northern Dallas. City Council member Scott Griggs is vice chairman of the council housing committee. He tells the newspaper the findings confirm the long-standing image of Dallas as a city divided between North Dallas affluence and restricting low- and middle-income tenants elsewhere.
In a statement to the newspaper, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings called the findings "serious and deserve the city's immediate attention." The city must respond to the Nov. 22 letter within 30 days.


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Gallery: 22 Asparagus Recipes We Love
Spring Salad of Asparagus, Ramps, Snap Peas, and Peas, with Poached Egg and Lemon Zest Vinaigrette
A delicious green salad with the classic combo of asparagus and eggs. Feel free to use whatever fresh green vegetables you can find.
Midnight Asparagus with Creamy Eggs
One of the easiest and most satisfying ways to enjoy fresh asparagus is to pair it with an egg (or four eggs, as demonstrated here).
Jim Lahey's Bird's Nest Pie
Created at Jim Lahey's pizzeria Co., this springtime pizza is made with no-knead pizza dough, topped with grated parmesan and thinly shaved asparagus stalks.
Gluten-Free Roasted Asparagus Tart
A delicious and hearty tart that also words well without cheese, if you're dairy-free.
Asparagus with Crème Fraiche Mustard Sauce and Prosciutto
The key to this dish is as simple as whole-grain mustard stirred into crème fraiche and lightened with a little lemon juice—somehow just as satisfying as hollandaise but far quicker, lighter, and simpler. The silky prosciutto and tender asparagus are the perfect vehicles for a sauce smothering.
Spring Vegetable Risotto With Asparagus, Zucchini, Fava Beans, Snap Peas, and Morels
A perfect spring time vegetarian dish. You can use any type of risotto-style rice.
Charred Asparagus Tacos with Creamy Adobo and Pickled Red Onions
This recipe puts a delicious spin on the classic vegetarian taco.
Lemony Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon
A simple and light pasta dish, with the added flavor of bacon.
Grilled Asparagus, Zucchini, and Bread Salad with Olive-Caper Dressing
A hearty vegetarian bread salad with asparagus and zucchini.
Grilled Asparagus with Almond-Parsley Gremolata
Top grilled asparagus with a complex-tasting (but easy to make) almost-pesto that's crunchy from toasted almonds, grassy from fresh parsley, punchy from raw garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and bright from lemon zest.
Whole Roast Trout with Potatoes and Asparagus
A quick and simple dish of baby new potatoes and asparagus, along with a perfectly crisp trout, perfumed with lemon and thyme.
Roasted Asparagus with Poached Eggs and Miso Butter
Here's a rich and filling way to eat your greens from chef David Chang, who incorporates miso butter and egg yolk.
Creamy Asparagus, Basil, and Crème Fraîche Velouté
Asparagus and vegetable broth spiked with sweet shallots, basil, and a touch of crème fraîche get blended together as a creamy, thick, verdant, fresh, and ever so slightly tangy soup that tastes abundantly healthful and hearty.
Asparagus Crab Soup (Sup Mang Tay Cua)
This is similar to Vietnamese egg drop soup. The crab meat and asparagus give the soup some freshness and a little sweetness, and the fish sauce and charred onion bring in some funk. It's a perfectly light warm weather meal.
Broiled Asparagus with Cotija Cheese
Olive oil, salt, and pepper, lemon, and some nice sharp grating cheese drizzled atop broiled asparagus—a simple dish with a flavorful punch.
Get the Recipe »
Braised Asparagus
By the time the stalks are tender from a good ole' brazing, the accompanying stock and butter will have emulsified into a slick, stalk-coating sauce that adds richness and sweet flavor to each bite.
Simple Grilled Asparagus
The high heat of a grill instantly starts caramelizing and charring asparagus' sugars while allowing the bulk of it to remain crisp and sweet. Smoky + sweet + crisp + easy = huge win for all backyard chefs.
Pickled Asparagus
Celebrate asparagus season by pickling up a batch of fresh stalks to reserve for those months of the year that our favorite spring veggie is no longer as abundant.
Scallops with Asparagus & Sugar Snap Peas
The combination of fresh asparagus and sugar snap peas just screams spring! Both main ingredients only need a few minutes in a hot pan, and they come out bright green and perfectly tender. The inherent sweetness of the scallops plays well with the vegetables.
Roast Asparagus with Long Pepper Gremolata
This recipe takes advantage of long pepper's sweet pungency, fleshed out by coriander, and enlivened by lemon. It's a simple—and a favorite—way to enjoy long pepper and asparagus at the same time.
Asparagus Shandong-Style
Asparagus is cooked until just crisp-tender, while the soy sauce and various oils add a touch of salt and heat without ever overwhelming the vegetable itself. This is simple cooking at its best.
Asparagus with Dijon Mustard Sauce and Chopped Hard Boiled Egg
Looking for Easter lunch inspiration? This springy salad of bright green asparagus spears and chopped hard boiled eggs in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce is just the ticket, a departure from the leafy green first course or a pleasant accompaniment to the main dish.


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IndyVRC Robot Challenge
- What
- Community Event
- When
Jan 24, 2016
from 11:30 AM to 01:00 PM
- Where
- Indiana Convention Center, Indy, IN
- Contact Name
- Calvin Hendryx-Parker
- Add event to calendar
Mark your calendars! The 4th annual Indianapolis VEX Robotics Championship is coming to the Indiana Convention Center on January 23 – 24, 2016!
There will be 180+ teams from elementary, middle, and high schools participating in the largest city-wide robotics competition in the nation. The IndyVRC provides a space for students to work alongside industry professionals to design, build, and program a robot to compete in an exciting atmosphere. IndyVRC is an expression of our community's commitment to cultivating early interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Six Feet Up will be at the event to support efforts to ignite a passion for STEM learning in Indiana students.


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Monday, January 26, 2009
picture book review: knuffle bunny too by mo willems
Knuffle Bunny Too is a sequel to 2004's delightful Knuffle Bunny. Trixie is now in pre-kindergarten, and she talks a lot. For show and tell, Trixie brings her beloved Knuffle Bunny to school, but she soon discovers Sonja also brought a knuffle bunny. Again, Mo Willems infuses the book with funny moments, but the story is still simple and touching. This books is more advanced than Knuffle Bunny, but the pictures are still incredibly captivating. I would gladly hang the two-page spread of Washington Square Park on my living room wall; it truly is a work of art.
Rating: 4 stars (out of 4) - life-changingly good (or the book everyone I know who has children will be receiving for the next holiday)
Reading Challenges: 100+ Reading Challenge, Support Your Local Library
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Who Am I ?
I am no one.. to point a finger..
My Grandpa always said... if you point a finger at someone... you have 3 pointing back at you....
I need forgiveness myself at times... I have to show it to other's...
and well if I don't have anything nice to say.. I'm going to do my best to walk away... and say nothing at all!!
Awakening 31-35, F 5 Responses 0 Apr 3, 2008
all very good advice.
A good way to live.....I hope I can be the same.


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Sourdough Starter – Day 5
January 27th, 2012 | Category: Bread
Same as yesterday. The sourdough starter dried out on top, but it doesn't look like a crust.
The rise isn't significant. Still smells acidic, but not as strong as days 3 and 4.
The starter is much thicker today, so I decide to keep the water ratio low.
[Continue reading "Sourdough Starter – Day 5" →]
Sourdough Starter – Day 4
January 27th, 2012 | Category: Bread
24 hours have passed since the first feeding. Looking at the mark it left, I can see that the sourdough starter rose and fell during the night.
In addition to that, I see that there's a bit of water trapped in the middle. See the thin line?
Still smells like stinky cheese. More bubbles when compared to previous days.
[Continue reading "Sourdough Starter – Day 4" →]


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A man opened fire at the Naval Sea Systems Command building in the Washington Navy Yard on Monday in a shooting that left 13 people dead, including the gunman, not far from the U.S. Capitol and White House, officials said.
- Washington residents post from scene of Navy Yard shooting
- Aaron Alexis suffered PTSD, father told police
Below is a timeline of the shooting according to witnesses and police:
8:20 a.m. ET: A gunman, later identified as 34-year-old Aaron Alexis of Fort Worth, Texas, enters the five-story building. He shoots at people from the fourth-floor of an atrium into the busy, first-floor cafeteria and at people fleeing their offices in the ensuing chaos.
Fire alarms sound and alternate with security announcements. Workers barricade themselves in offices and conference rooms.
8:22-8:23 a.m.: Washington city and U.S. Park Police officers arrive to join base security in fighting the gunman. There are already victims.
8:27 a.m.: SWAT police enter the building as officers and emergency personnel surround the Navy Yard. Intermittent gunfire sounds throughout the site.
8:35-8:40 a.m.: Police see a man they believe might be a second shooter, armed with a handgun. Police later say the man has been identified and is not a suspect.
Police say a third man, described as black and armed with a rifle, is a possible suspect in the rampage.
Shortly after 9 a.m.: Gunfire dies down. Police swarm Navy Yard to search buildings and remove people from shelters. Helicopters remove victims from the roof of Sea Systems Command building.
About 9:30 a.m.: Ambulances take victims to hospitals.
10 a.m.: The Federal Aviation Administration lifts brief ban on departures from Reagan National Airport because of law enforcement helicopters flying over the Navy Yard.
About 11:30 a.m.: Police say a gunman is dead.
About 3 p.m.: Senate workers ordered to shelter in place. Senate cancels session. Nationals Major League Baseball team cancels night game with Atlanta Braves.
Roads, highways and some schools were shut down during the day. Some personnel at the base will remain locked down into the evening.
About 6:30 p.m.: With the capital on high alert, a man throws firecrackers over the White House's north fence line. He is arrested.
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Born in Fairbanks on July 31, 1920, Stroecker had the rare distinction of never calling anywhere else home, leaving Fairbanks only in 1938 to attend New Mexico Military Institute and then again near the end of World War II when stationed in the Army at Grande Prairie, Canada as part of the Lend-Lease Program.
Following the war, the son and grandson of pioneer Alaskan families, became bookkeeper at First National Bank. He succeeded his brother, Ed, as president in 1967, remaining in that position until the bank was sold in 1978. Bill continued to serve as vice president of public relations at the First National successor, Key Bank, until entering the hospital. Over all the years Bill was a familiar sight to Fairbanksians trudging to and from work in his long raccoon coat and hat.
Charming to the core, the rugged Stroecker enjoyed a wide-range of activities. His musical talents are legend as he played his trumpet at local dances and functions. He played regularly in recent years with a jazz band known as the Frigid-Aires. His interest in music, particularly jazz, ran deep and he spent many relaxing hours listening to the works of great artists.
Bill took particular interest in The Salvation Army and the Alaska Goldpanners baseball team. He was a hard-working contributor to both. He is the only "life" member of the Fairbanks Salvation Army Board.
His tenure with the Goldpanners began in 1962 and for 50 seasons he contributed much time and energy. Remarkably, he served the last 46 years as president of the board of directors, winning successive one-year terms.
The list of his civic undertakings is long. They include: Greater Fairbanks Hospital Foundation; Friends of the University Museum; Fairbanks Rotary Club; State of Alaska Guide Board; Alaska Banker's Association; Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce; Fairbanks Urban Beautification Commission; and numerous other advisory posts. Additionally he received top honors from virtually all of the organizations to which he served or belonged, including mention at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
Bill joined Igloo No. 4, Pioneers of Alaska, in 1951, earning life membership in 1976.
As public as his life was, Bill saved his most enjoyable times for himself and a few friends. An avid outdoorsman he spent literally every weekend soaking up the great outdoors whether it be boating, fishing, hunting, hiking or snowshoeing. Joining Bill on such adventures would be his prized Labrador retrievers. Racey was his faithful Lab companion at the time of his passing. Bill obtained his first black Lab in 1944 and over the next 65 years had one or more at all times. He took great pains in training the dogs and was active in Fairbanks Retriever Club trials over the years.
Another passion for Bill was Alaskana. He acquired a great collection of items and had a deep knowledge of the history of the state and the Fairbanks area in particular.
Bill's grandfather, Charles N. Creamer, crossed the Chilkoot Trail in 1897. In what Bill considered one of his major accomplishments, he retraced his grandfather's footsteps in 1997, at age 77, and some 100 years later. Bill never failed to get a twinkle in his eye when talking of his parents, grandparents and others of the pioneer times. Bill admitted to being joined to the past and liking it that way." Published in Daily News-Miner on Nov. 11, 2010 – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsminer/obituary.aspx?n=william-george-stroecker-bill&pid=146552075#sthash.SrUY5Q0w.dpuf


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Change Leaders
Recently, I was asked about the difference between a good leader and a great leader.
During my many years at Social Leadership Australia, I've been asked this question over and over again, in different shapes and forms. But the question itself demonstrates the confusion we have as a society about leadership. MORE >


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Crispy Brussels Sprouts from Beef Wellington Restaurant, Wellington, Florida
. While this tucked-away restaurant in Wellington, Florida has since shut it doors, it's roasted Brussels sprouts recipe lives on in our minds as the best we ever experienced. The restaurant was well-liked among the horsey set, as it was close to the International Polo Club and the Wellington horse show complex. Make sure to visit the local tack and polo shops along this part of the Sporting Road.
- 2 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 T. vegetable oil
- 1 t. kosher salt
- 1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 T. unsalted butter
- 1 T. Emeril's Essence Cajun Seasoning
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place casserole dish inside to heat up. Quarter the Brussels sprouts and add them to the hot casserole dish along with the pecans, oil, salt and pepper. Toss vegetables to coat and then bake for 20-30 minutes, until tender and very lightly browned. Remove from oven, toss with butter and serve hot. Yield: 4-6 servings.
FOR THE TOPPINGS AND DRESSING, toss with radicchio, grana padano cheese, lemon aioli, and tomato concasse (2 large tomatoes, blanched, seeded and chopped).
ALTERNATIVE TOPPING: Warm 2 T. olive oil and 1 T. butter in a skillet, browning up 4 slices of pancetta topped, with 7 ounces of vacuum-packed roasted, peeled chestnuts, roughly chopped, a small pinch of red pepper and leaves from a sprig of fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper.


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XA351GT wrote:I find it odd that someone had the rights to MM1 but not MM2. They produced those cars and currently have another version of the MM2 car on the way. Also To my knowledge the only sedans in the XA/B/C range are XAs by Classics.
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NEW YORK — Steven Brill, the naturalist who calls himself ``The Wild Man,`` has won his war with New York City Parks Commissioner Henry Stern--and is even getting a paid peace offering.
Stern this spring sent undercover park rangers on one of the periodic nature walks during which Brill taught people to dine on various weeds, wild berries and mushrooms. The commissioner had Brill arrested on charges of aiding and abetting ``people who want to eat our parks.``


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It may come as a surprise to some, but the little image sharing site that made its name as the repository of choice for some of the most popular images on Reddit, has grown up quite a bit over the years. Imgur has attracted a decent amount of funding along the way and has done a nice job at keeping its roots planted while building out a pretty sizable image-sharing/curation platform.
With over a hundred million users, it is tough to ignore Imgur, so I recently sat down to gather some stats. Here are the more interesting Imgur statistics I was able to dig up. As always, I will be updating this post semi-regularly, so be sure to check back in the future for additional stats and updates.
Please note that some of these numbers are easier to find than others. Many of these Imgur statistics come from the company's own disclosures, but some are based on news reports and not official company tallies. Basically, this is the best I can find and I don't guarantee anything to be 100% accurate.
Imgur Statistics and Facts
How many Imgur users:
Last updated 2/3/18
Percentage of Imgur users that spend over 10 hours per week on it:
Last updated 11/11/17
Number of times Imgur images are viewed monthly:
Last updated 10/12/15
Number of Imgur monthly page views:
Last updated 11/11/17
Percentage of Imgur's users that use it daily:
Last updated 3/25/15
Number of images uploaded daily to Imgur:
Last updated 4/7/15
Number of images uploaded to Imgur monthly:
Last updated 3/25/15
Number of images uploaded to Imgur:
Last updated 4/3/14
Average length of a visit to Imgur:
Last updated 7/17/14
Percentage of Imgur users that are gamers:
Last updated 7/27/16
Percentage of Imgur users that spend more than 3 hours a week on it:
Last updated 11/11/17
Percentage of Imgur users that are male:
Last updated 11/11/17
Percentage of Imgur users that are younger than 35:
Last updated 11/11/17
Number of requests to Imgur's API:
Last updated 1/12/14
Percentage of Imgur traffic that comes from mobile:
Last updated 1/12/14
Reported amount of Imgur funding:
Last updated 11/16/17
Number of Imgur employees:
Last updated 9/22/15


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Earn National Phlebotomy Certification
A change in Western Nevada College's phlebotomy curriculum has made it possible for students to receive national certification as a laboratory assistant.
The process to achieve national certification occurs through successful completion of LTE 101: Fundamental Phlebotomy, followed by LTE 102: Applied Phlebotomy. Instruction will occur online as well as in the classroom, college laboratory, and clinical settings.
Upon successful completion of the courses, students will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination and have the opportunity for more career opportunities.
"It grants you more mobility," said Dr. Judith Cordia, WNC's Nursing & Allied Health Division chair and director. "It provides better opportunities for employment across the United States. Most states will recognize the national certification."
Students enrolled in LTE 101 will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to safely and accurately collect, identify and preserve blood samples. In addition, students will learn finger stick procedures and patient contact methodologies.
Instruction will primarily occur at the clinical settings where students, under the direction of a licensed laboratory assistant, will complete 100 hours of clinical time and 100 successful, documented blood draws on patients across the lifespan, excluding infants and toddlers.
Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to take a national certification exam offered through such organizations as the American Society for Clinical Professionals. Achievement of national certification will enable students to practice as a laboratory assistant in most states.
|For additional information, please contact:
|WNC Information and Marketing Services
2201 W. College Parkway
Carson City, NV 89703
|Phone: 775-445-3234
Fax: 775-445-3198
E-mail: email@example.com


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Anchor makes it easy for anyone to hear, share, and create interactive streams of audio called stations. It gives everyone the ability to broadcast from anywhere, and instantly reach listeners everywhere audio is heard.
Omidyar Network is a philanthropic investment firm. We create opportunity for people to improve their lives by investing in market-based efforts that catalyze economic and social change.


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It's been a hard week.
Probably the toughest of my life.
My Dad passed away on Monday night.
I am sitting on the couch on Thanksgiving afternoon, there is football on the TV and a turkey in the oven, and it just doesn't seem real that we are also picking out pictures for his memorial service on Saturday and writing his obituary.
While I cannot put into words all the thoughts and feelings I am having, I can reflect on all the things I am thankful for. . . obviously, there are so many more than I am able to list on this post, but here are a few things. . .
My family.
Yesterday, my Mom and sisters spent the whole day together planning things for Dad's memorial service on Saturday and while it wasn't fun, at the end of the day, I told them that I had really enjoyed our time together. And that is what family is all about. . .
My husband. He's pretty much taken over the house, taking care of Luke and Abby and continuing to work on house projects in between driving up to the cities to be with me and my family.
When I told him that Grandpa Tom had gone to heaven, he said "That sounds nice, I'd like to do that someday too." And I said "me too. . .me too."
Coffee. Always #necessary
BODYPUMP and my peeps at the YMCA. I taught this morning and it was nice having a little bit of normal this week.
Abby. And puppy snuggles.
This blog. And the bazillion pictures that I take because of it. And your support and nice words.
My Dad.
I know that he is in heaven now, but he will always be with me. When I make surprise plates for Luke or read "Bedtime for Francis" to him. When I'm running and trying to figure out my latest "life crisis." Whenever I eat candy corn, lorrna doones, or doughnuts. And always.
Hug your loved ones close today.


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Made some big trades, some have worked some havent.
Traded Nate Washington + Kendall Hunter for CJ Spiller and Percy Harvin
I dropped Spiller awhile back, no hes starting. Harvin has been really solid the last 2 weeks hopefully onward.
Traded Michael Bush + Aaron Hernandez for Darren Sproles + Ed Dickson
I used Sproles to package with Eric Decker to pick up MJD - Win.
I traded Michael Turner for Andre Johnson who just came back this week. FAIL trade. Stupid f**king trade. But hopefully AJ can produce come playoffs next week.
My biggest trade - Ray Rice + Jimmy Graham for Aaron Rodgers + Scott Chandler
QB: Aaron Rodgers
RB: Ryan Mathews
Flex: Percy Harvin/DeAngelo Williams/Peyton Hillis
WR: Dwayne Bowe
WR: Andre Johnson/Anotnio Brown
TE: Scott Chandler/Ed Dickson
D: Jets
K: Robbie Gould
Donald Brown RB-Indy
Damian Williams WR-Tenn
Danny Woodhead
I have made some big moves. Hopefully they lead to a championship!!!!!!!
[ Edited by Garcia on Nov 28, 2011 at 12:56 PM ]


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Personal Stories, Advice, and Support 109 People
I Love Sex In My Office...i love to have sex in my office... my office boy is young... i press his ****...and suck it.... he makes me horny..we have sex in my cabin ,....
So HottI work at an office it would be so sexy for a when of the men in there sexy suit to come up to me and kiss me hard then pick me up while i wrap my legs around him and take me to his desk. Then us ******* hard on the desk. That would be sexy.
eyeslikestars 26-30, F 1 Oct 16, 2010
So Bad!I want to have sex inside an office so bad. The thrill of being walked in, and caught, is enough to make my ***** throb! I'd Love to have sex in the office. Any offers?
The Coffeeshop Moved...Having always been attracted to older women during the 1980s with the added help of Mr.Hefner and Mr Guccione.Standing behind a busty brunette in her dress and asking her if her leggings are pantyhose or tights.Hopefully, they are my favorite;sheer seamless pantyhose.With the...
dragon9246 46-50, M 1 Oct 30, 2011
I'm Ready ... If You AreAlways! Full time executive secretary, fully trained. Particularly interested in the gentleman Boss who has secretary sex fantasies. Willing to ensure that the Boss's needs are met in his office.
Josie06 56-60, F 4 Responses 1 Oct 11, 2010
*** In My OfficeDefinitely ricky and probably just plain dumb, but what a blast to **** the very cute hottie in my department right on my desk. Although that happened only once, we have hooked up several times since...yummy!
hotelhobbies 41-45, M 0 Jul 7, 2010


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From Badittude to Gratitude
One of my early blog posts in 2011, which asked, Can you be grateful for what you don't have? focused on a difficult time in my life – when I was stuck in the aftermath of a divorce, and struggling to see the good in my life. I wanted to turn my frown upside down, zap it away with intention, but I couldn't. I had a badittude I couldn't shake, even though I said that I could.
I've come a long way since then, but in order to arrive at a place of authentic thankfulness and gratitude, I had to start with its opposite. I had to confront the pain and hardships. The reality of the situation, rather than whitewashing it or pretending that I was fine or happy and grateful. Had I pretended, I would have robbed myself of finding the real thing. I wouldn't recognize the positive things in my life – that life has given me along the way – with any kind of real appreciation. Some studies have shown that "choosing gratitude can bring out the best in us and those around us." But I don't know if I believe that flipping a mental switch – that professing ones gratitude aloud can actually cultivate it on the inside. I think that gratitude – and its resulting easing of anxiety, release of stress, and sometimes, a true feeling of happiness – appears as a slow and cumulative result of tiny little experiences, revelations, and achievements in your life. The achievements – the physical results of gratitude, sometimes come first, as tangible manifestions of the interior growth and hard work you've done.
For example, a few of the things I am grateful for:
- My husband. This gratitude was hard won. Meeting him and marrying him was an outgrowth of years of whining and wallowing and work and therapy and badittudeness and revelations.
- My home. My grownup Manhattan apartment, replete with a dining room (in Manhattan!) comes after being a wandering Jew and moving ten times in a decade, without knowing what was to come next.
- My family. My parents. My two sisters. While I've always appreciated them, only recently have I unearthed an unshakeable love and gratitude, which is evident when we talk. When we make an effort to visit each other. When I surprise my mother for a random brunch and she screams like I'm a celebrity just stepped off a plane. When we share old photographs of our dorky adolescent selves in braces and bowl cuts and laugh over a private joke. When we are struggling with something that no one else can understand, and a phone call, followed by "Do you have five minutes?" always seems to bring about a resolution.
- Work. My job, which with time, investment, and loyalty only gets better.
- Writing. For having finally found my calling in writing. For writing because it sooths my soul, regardless of the outcome or accolades. For craving it instead of wrestling with it.
- Gemma. Last but certainly not least, that old bag of sweet bones who has been my sidekick for eleven years is alive and well, and sometimes even puppyish enough to throw her kong in the air and knock over my wine glass.
[Health and peace and security… the deep thanks I have for those, and the awareness of how fleeting they are, would take up another blog post. And I'm a bit superstitious too].
It's been ten years since I lost my gratitude, and perhaps it has taken ten years to get it back.
Or redefine it.
I can't wait until Thursday, when my husband and I get to host our first Thanksgiving ever (in my…Dining Room!). For my parents, my sister and her husband and their three children, and for my in-laws (cue gratitude item #7. I have in-laws!). I can't wait to set the table and make things pretty and attempt to cook the dishes I Googled (Mom's bringing the kosher turkey though). I can't wait for my in-laws to arrive tomorrow night and offer them an actual guest room.
I can't wait until we go around the table and say thank you, and thank God for bringing us together. And reflect on what we are each grateful for, now, in this moment, because you never know what next year may bring.
Wishing you all a joyful Thanksgiving.


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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) – The Purdue University building where authorities say one student fatally shot another has reopened.
The Electrical Engineering Building reopened at noon Wednesday.
Purdue police say they haven't determined why 23-year-old Cody Cousin shot 21-year-old Andrew Boldt of West Bend, Wis., inside a basement classroom Tuesday.
University spokeswoman Liz declined to say whether any other students were in the room at the time, but no other injuries were reported.
Purdue Police Chief John Cox says witnesses believed the shooting was an intentional act but that investigators didn't have immediate indication of past troubles between Cousins and Boldt.
Cousins is being held at the Tippecanoe County Jail on a preliminary charge of murder.
(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)