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Arizona Debt Relief Company
When you find yourself facing a substantial amount of debt, whether from credit cards, car loans, utilities, or other burdensome obligations, know that help is always available to you.
Having helped clients settle more than $1 billion of outstanding debt, our team of debt negotiation and consolidation professionals understands how to get you back on sound financial footing. We are known for our customized Arizona debt relief plans that are built to suit your budgetary limitations, overall goals, and existing amounts due. Lower your obligations and reclaim authority over your own life by taking advantage of Optimal Debt Solutions's programs.
Living with a sizable debt burden in Arizona can make you extremely anxious. In addition to working hard to meet your routine obligations, you may find yourself fielding constant calls from aggressive creditors. Collection agency harassment adds a whole new layer of stress to your life when things are already difficult.
On top of our efforts to lower your debt, we also work to halt the excessive contacts from collection staff by working directly with them on your behalf. We believe that you deserve fair, respectful treatment, particularly when you have taken the initiative to get your finances back on track.
The work we do starts when you initiate a no-cost, no-obligation debt review. The Arizona debt relief specialists we employ will examine your finances closely and present the options available to get your debt consolidated, reduced, or eliminated.
Call Optimal Debt Solutions at (602) 641-5573 for your Free Evaluation with an Arizona Debt Relief specialist!
Dramatically Reduce Your Debt
The accumulation of unmanageable debt doesn't mean that you have failed as an adult or that you are too irresponsible to manage your own life. Overwhelming debt loads can occur for various reasons, occurring more often than people know.
Some frequent common causes of burdensome debt include things such as unexpected job loss, medical emergencies, investment failures, mental health crises, and more.
Arizona residents have credit card debt burdens greater than the national average. The debt settlement and negotiation programs we offer can go a long way toward alleviating those problems.
The debt settlement professionals we have can work to lower your financial obligations, including your credit card debts, department store accounts, medical bills, unsecured loans, payday loan accounts, repossessions, and more.
Whenever debt collectors' tactics become too much to bear, it is important to have a committed professional working on your behalf. Optimal Debt Solutions will conduct a comprehensive review of your circumstances at no cost, ultimately formulating a plan to get your debt load to a level you can successfully manage.
We are committed to lowering your debt by up to 60% by engaging in strategic creditor negotiations. The result could relieve you from stress and lead you to a brighter financial future.
Debt Settlement Vs. Debt Consolidation
It is worth noting that not every debt management firm is the same. Debt loads can be handled in a number of different ways, and it is our belief that the best way to get out from under a debt problem is to engage in settlement negotiations.
The process of debt consolidation and subsequent credit counseling in Arizona is highly successful in drastically lowering the payments required on a range of accounts. Consolidation strategies involve blending outstanding obligations into a single loan that features more favorable terms, including the rate of interest to be charged. The proceeds of the new loan are used to repay the prior credit accounts. The problem, however, is that borrowers still have a large, outstanding obligation that may not be tremendously more affordable than their previous debts.
Credit counseling is a method of offering enhanced financial education to Arizona residents. This way, borrowers can learn how to engage in effective budgeting so that their debt burdens are more manageable than before.
The process of debt settlement, though, is one that can lower the outstanding amounts owed to creditors, sometimes by up to half. It can also cut the number of individual payments that must be made each month and shrink the repayment period to a degree not always achievable through other strategies. That way, debt settlement can help borrowers realize savings of money and time by repaying creditors more quickly, getting on a firm financial footing, and a more affordable lifestyle much faster.
Effective Debt Relief Negotiation
If you are among those seeking a smart way to get long-lasting Arizona debt relief, we are the ones to call. Our program seeks to lower your overall amount of unsecured debt through direct talks with your existing creditors. We employ a team of highly skilled professionals in obtaining reductions in balances from a range of creditor types.
Our track record includes effectively aiding more than 100,000 individuals with our debt reduction process. We hope you will put your faith in our ability to help you as well. Every financial story is different, which is why we adopt a customized approach to each client we serve.
The amounts we are paid are incorporated into your routine program payments, and even with that factored into your obligation, you may well notice significant savings when it comes to your debt load. We pride ourselves on offering top-notch customer service to everyone and pledge to develop a debt solution that suits your precise parameters and needs.
Arizona Debt Relief Company
Given that you are juggling your career, family obligations, and financial burdens, we understand just how stressful life can be. As such, it does pay to engage the services of Arizona debt relief professionals who can bring high-level negotiation and debt reduction skills to bear on your behalf.
Call Optimal Debt Solutions at (602) 641-5573 for your Free Evaluation with an Arizona Debt Relief specialist!


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Cecile Chong
Encaustic and mixed media on long boards
50 x 54 x 1 in (4 panels)
To address the process of cultural encounter and entanglement, encaustic on wood panels are used to create cross-cultural narratives by juxtaposing appropriated images from vintage children's books and other found images. Mixed Media include pigments from Morocco and India, volcanic ash from Ecuador, Asian paper, metallic leaf, beads and circuit board components. Each material becomes a cultural signifier. Each painting contains 25 to 30 layers of encaustic, metaphorically representing layering of cultures, identity and places.
ICFAC is a 501c3 non-profit organization. 50% of your purchase is tax deductible and will go to ICFAC and directly fund the continuation of our arts programming. We are a 100% volunteer non-profit organization, so every dollar counts!
top of page
bottom of page

subset: commoncrawl


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Is your mouse uncomfortable to use, but you can't switch to using your laptop's trackpad instead because it's even more cumbersome for you? Then it's time for you to buy a new mouse. But with so many brands and models out there for you to choose from, you may find it difficult and overwhelming to choose the right mouse for you. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind before you buy a new mouse.
Cable or wireless?
When planning to purchase a new mouse, it's important to consider whether to get a wired or a wireless mouse. A wireless mouse is generally more comfortable to use since your range of movement isn't limited by a cable, and it's usually travel friendly. However, a wireless mouse can be less responsive, making it frustrating to use at times. Sometimes, a wireless mouse can also interfere with other wireless devices nearby. Using it requires batteries, which can create problems when they run out of juice. And if you use the same mouse for both work and home, you run the risk of losing the tiny USB receiver for your wireless mouse when you travel.
On the other hand, a wired mouse is cheaper and easy to plug and play. The only problem you'll have to worry about is dealing with tangled wires. So when you're deciding on a new mouse, think about whether you're looking for comfort or convenience.
Ergonomics matters
You're going to be using the new mouse for a while, so it's important to choose one that feels comfortable in your hands. When deciding on the right mouse, focus on the size and the grip of the device. The size of the mouse usually comes down to hand size. For example, someone with smaller hands will find a larger mouse quite unwieldy.
Certain mice can also accommodate different types of grips — fingertip grip, palm grip, and claw grip. Users who want high-precision control of their cursor should opt for a mouse with fingertip grip, those needing comfort should get a palm grip mouse, and if you want both control and comfort, the claw grip mouse is the way to go.
DPI (dots per inch)
Higher sensitivity is necessary for precise mouse movements, especially if you're editing images, videos, or audio files. A mouse with 1200 DPI or greater guarantees finer, sharper control.
Although mouse specifications like DPI might be the last thing on your mind when it comes to buying new hardware, your comfort is important. A good mouse with the right fit can make you more efficient and reduce the risk of injury.
If you need assistance setting up the best hardware for your company, don't hesitate to give us a call. We'll be happy to help.


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Author : Susan Kaiser Greenland
Contributor : Annaka Harris
Language : English
55 Fun Ways to Share Mindfulness with Kids and Teens
Playing games is a great way for kids to develop their focusing and attention skills and to become more mindful. This card deck helps parents, caregivers, and teachers cultivate these qualities at home or in a school setting. The games develop what Susan Kaiser Greenland calls the "new A, B, C's" for learning and for a happy and successful life: Attention, Balance, and Compassion. In a playful way, the games introduce kids to breathing practices and techniques for developing focus, concentration, and sensory awareness, and identifying and self-regulating emotions, among other skills. They include "anchor" games that develop concentration; visualization games that encourage kindness and focus; analytical games that cultivate clear thinking; and awareness games that develop all of these qualities and give greater insight into ourselves, others, and relationships. The deck contains 55 5X7 illustrated cards, each devoted to one game or activity, and comes in a sturdy, beautifully designed box.


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So when Julie from Natural Transition kindly offered to help me get to Blogopolis I thought it was a really good fit since her site is a resource for all things natural pregnancy and birth related. I actually offered to get a Natural Transition tattoo on my forehead for the conference yet strangely enough Julie declined. Can you believe it? Weird.
Julie is a Sydney based naturopath, breastfeeding counsellor and natural fertility consultant and her Natural Transition website is an amazing resource full of information on everything baby related; from fertility, pregnancy, birth to breastfeeding and more... and it's all FREE! And we know how much I like free things.
Julie is obviously doing something right because she's a finalist in the Bio-Oil Ausmumpreneur awards in the Eco Friendly Business category for her Natural Transition shop and in the People's Choice Best Blog category. The first one is judged by a panel interview (aargh!!) but the second one is a vote, so if you've got a tick, you can go here and click the pink like button down the bottom.
I checked out the shop and here are a few things that I wanna get my hands on:
I used reusable nursing pads when Tricky was feeding round the clock and I was on Dairy Duties, but they were plain and boring pastel colours. I wish I had these! Hooters for your hooters! Huzzah!
Cheeky Bits Boutique Nursing Pads $8.00 |
Black Hug-A-Bub $125.00 |
Pure Bamboo Nappy Bucket Deodorizer $7.95 |
I was a skeptic of baby legwarmers until I was given a pair recently and now I love them. They're really funky and a great way of showing off Tricky's awesome cloth nappies too! These are so freakin cool but I can't choose between skull and cross bones and stripey. Hrm bad ass or rainbow child?.
Hugalugs Leg Huggers $10.00 or FREE with a GlowJob! |
If you need anything fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding or mamahood related, be it advice, information or a product, then head over and check out Natural Transition. Right now she's offering a FREE pair of Hugalugs legwarmers with any purchase if you mention GLOWJOB at the checkout. You even get to choose what design you want, how cool is that?
So head over now and grab something for yourself or for a friend.


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49°53' / 22°06'
Translation of Blazowa chapter from
Pinkas Hakehillot Polin
Published by Yad Vashem Published in Jerusalem
Project Coordinator
Our sincere appreciation to Yad Vashem
This is a translation from: Pinkas Hakehillot:
Encyclopedia of Jewish Communities, Poland, Volume III, pages 90-92,
edited by Shmuel Spector, published by Yad Vashem, Jerusalem
JewishGen, Inc. makes no representations regarding the accuracy of
the translation. The reader may wish to refer to the original material
for verification.
JewishGen is not responsible for inaccuracies or omissions in the original work and cannot rewrite or edit the text to correct inaccuracies and/or omissions.
Our mission is to produce a translation of the original work and we cannot verify the accuracy of statements or alter facts cited.
[Page 90]
(District of Rzeszów, Region of Lwow)
Translated by Jerrold Landau
Year | General Population | Jews |
1880 | 4,449 | 893 |
1890 | 4,760 | 942 |
1900 | 4,848 | 631 |
1919 | 5,040 | 933 |
1921 | 5,123 | 930 |
[Page 91]
The beginning of the settlement of Błaźowa was in the 15th century. In 1441, it was under private ownership, and was primarily based on agriculture and home-based manufacturing of cloth and textiles.
A Jewish settlement already existed in Błaźowa in the 18th and 19th centuries. The vast majority of people were occupied in small-scale commerce, labor and peddling in the villages. The court of the well-known Admor of Błaźowa[1] served as an additional source of livelihood at the end of the century.
At first, the community of Błaźowa was dependent on the community of Rzeszów. The name of Jewish Błaźowa was tied to the well-known dynasty of Admorim founded by Rabbi Tzvi-Elimelech Spira, the author of Dvar Latzadik, the grandson of Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech of Dynow, the author of Bnei Yissachar and student of the Chozeh of Lublin[2]. Until 1974, Rabbi Tzvi-Elimelech served as the rabbi of Rybotycze. From there, he moved to Błaźowa. During the time he lived in Błaźowa, it became a well-known Hassidic center, to which thousands of Hassidim flocked, especially on the Jewish holidays. Later, Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech moved his court to Lubraniec (Polski), and then to Przemyśl, to Budapest (during the First World War), and then again to Rzeszów, where he died in 1924.
His grandson, Rabbi Meir the son of Yehoshua Spira, took his place and served as the Admor in Błaźowa until he perished in the Holocaust. Prior to his death, he took the manuscript of his grandfather, the Admor of Błaźowa, and gave it over to his Christian neighbor to guard until someone would ask for it. The neighbor kept his promise and guarded the package. After the war, the writings were brought to New York, where they were published. The booklet Zichron Meir by Rabbi Meir the grandson of Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech, was added to the book. Aside from the Admorim who also served as rabbis, there were other rabbis in Błaźowa who also served as heads of the rabbinical court. The following are the names of several of them: Rabbi Pinchas Rafael Mett, rabbinical judge in 1875; Rabbi Pinchas Daniel the son of Rabbi Yosef Med (Mett) who was appointed as rabbinical judge in Błaźowa in 1881 and apparently served in that position until 1894; Rabbi David who was the head of the rabbinical court in Błaźowa, and later the head of the rabbinical court of Sanz (Nowy Sącz); Rabbi Aryeh Horowitz, a rabbi in Błaźowa who perished in the Holocaust in 1943.
Zionist activity began in Błaźowa already in 1912. A committee of the Zionist organization of Western Galicia was active locally until close to the Second World War. In 1933 a chapter of Akiva was founded, which apparently existed until 1936. That year, a local chapter of Young WIZO was founded. Very close to the Second World War in 1939, Hanoar Hatzioni operated at a Hachsharah Kibbutz in the estate of Asher Silber.
In the elections for the Zionist Congress of 1931, the General Zionists received 28 votes, and the union of Revisionist Zionists received 11 votes. For the 1935 Congress, the General Zionists received 102 votes, Mizrachi 59, and Working Land of Israel Bloc 6. From 1924 to 1925, a government appointed commissar ran the communal council. Elections to the communal council took place in 1928, but the outgoing council refused to give up its power, and declared a ban on the new council.
In the city council elections that took place in May 1926, the Polish representatives abrogated their previous agreement, according to which the Jewish representatives would receive a set number of mandates from the outset. The Jews protested the results of the elections, and elections took place once again in December of that year. 21 Jewish delegates were elected out of the 48 council members, including 3 as members of the city leadership.
During the late 1920s, Błaźowa was set at load level 4 rather than load level 3[3]. This was due no in no small part to the activities of the Jewish chairman of the local merchants' and tradesmen's organization, which worked to lessen the stress on the members of the community.
A Talmud Torah was set up in Błaźowa in 1914. In 1923, it had 38 students and six teachers. The Talmud Torah was supported by the Ezrat Torah organization of the United States. From 1925 and onward, Hebrew courses were given by the Tarbut network, with approximately 100 students. There were two Jewish libraries in Błaźowa: one Tarbut the second one affiliated with the Kadima organization[4].
Open anti-Semitism afflicted the Jews of Błaźowa from 1918 until close to the Second World War. The pogroms against the Jews in November 1918 began in the nearby villages and the roads that led to the city. Several Jews were beaten and robbed. When the first news of tribulation arrived, the Jews of Błaźowa advised the heads of the city to set up a militia in which the Jews would also participate, but the suggestion was rejected. Masses of armed farmers and local riffraff including women from the villages of the area began to stream toward the city wildly, using loaded weapons. Two-hundred Jewish families were plundered and left without anything. The police stood aside and did not chase the pogrom perpetrators away. During these disturbances, there were incidents of rape and even murder.
In 1919, bands of farmers organized again in order to foment a pogrom upon the Jews, but this time, they were dispersed by the police. They sufficed themselves with perpetrating destruction in the Jewish cemetery and plundering the Jews of the area. The farmers imposed a boycott on the Jewish population, and did not sell any food provisions to the Jews. The situation reached the point where the Jews of Błaźowa began to suffer the disgrace of hunger. A decision was taken at a gathering of the farmers to refrain from working in the lands of the Jew Silber. Attacks upon the Jews were daily occurrences on the road leading from Rzeszów to Błaźowa.
The Sejm [Polish Parliament] representative of the district accused the Jewish communal leaders of fixing the price of food. He called for a boycott of the Jews, and advised not to physically beat them for they raise up a large outcry throughout the world. However, they should be forced to forgo their few rights that were promised to them in the peace agreement of 1918, for if not, they would still be upset about this.
The wave of anti-Semitism did not abate, and it returned in 1924, under the leadership of the Ruzuj Endek[5] organization that as located in Rzeszów. Leaflets and pamphlets with strong anti-Semitic content were distributed. As the attacks grew and increased, the Jewish community in Błaźowa began to feel an increasing lack of security.
[Page 92]
At that time, the hooligans murdered a Jewish husband and wife while searching for a treasure that they had apparently hidden. Ruzuj continued to conduct anti-Semitic publicity. From a different angle, the government imposed unbearably heavy taxes upon the local Jews, to the point that it destroyed the sources of livelihood. The government also confiscated the property of small-scale merchants.
In 1939, news spread about a Jew who was accused of attempting to kill a Christian maid who served in his house, and use her blood for the baking of matzos for Passover. The rumor even spread that for twenty cents it would be possible to see the victim at the local police station. However, the police quashed the libel.
It is known that a Judenrat was set up in Błaźowa. We have some information about the assistance activities in the community conducted by the Judenrat and the chapter of the J.S.S.[7] during the years 1941-1942. The communal kitchen was closed at the end of May 1941 due to a lack of means. However, it later reopened and continued its existence until March 1942. At around that time, during the months of February and March 1942, the number of those requiring support in Błaźowa reached approximately 300.
In June or July 1941, more than 20 local Jews were arrested. They were transferred to a prison in Rzeszów, where Jews from nearby Kolbuszowa were also imprisoned. Their family members as well as the Judenrat members of Błaźowa concerned themselves with them, travelled to Rzeszów, and gave the prisoners food packages by bribing the prison guards. Finally, the prisoners of Błaźowa were released for a large ransom sum.
The liquidation of the Jewish community of Błaźowa began in June 1942, when the residents were deported to the Rzeszów Ghetto. It is possible that some elderly and sick people were murdered during the aktion. It also seems that the local Admor Rabbi Meir Spira was among these victims. The vast majority of the Jews of Błaźowa who had been transferred to Rzeszów were deported to the Belzec Death Camp in July 1942, along with the Jews of that city as well as other deportees from the district.
Yad Vashem Archives 021/15, 021/16, 021/19.
ATz'M Z-1/414, Z-3/178, Z-3/179,Z-3/820, Z-4/222-23, Z-4 226-24 B, Z-4/234-13
AJDC Archives: Countries Poland, Medical Report 377; Cult. Rel. 344a.
Yizkor Book Project JewishGen Home Page
Copyright © 1999-2024 by JewishGen, Inc.
Updated 4 May 2011 by MGH


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ARCAD helps facilities create safer working environments for individuals who service electrical systems by providing online, PC based software, mobile apps and technical guidelines for Short Circuit and Arc Flash Hazard Analysis. ARCAD is manufacturing high-quality, dependable workplace, fire safety, facility signs and posters you can trust to keep employees and work sites safe. Check our store online at http://store.arcadvisor.com for complete product offering. ARCAD INC. is also offering many options of customized vinyl printed labels.
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Copyright © 2019 ARCAD INC. All rights reserved.


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Explore the show
Vibrant and vivacious, this season's collection is a celebration of Latin American femininity and tribute to the stylish legacy of La Doña, the beloved Maria Felix, her empowered persona, daring sensuality and spirit of fashion beyond fear.
Unravelled and reinterpreted, the collection is a rich samba a la Mexicana of sixties pop colours, layered tassels, decadent tulle pom-pom fringed skirts and wide brimmed sun hats; at once playful, alluring and reminiscent of the unparalleled glamour portrayed by Felix and the stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood Cinema.
Embroideries are reptilian, taking the form of coiled serpents and crocodile scales in lieu of Felix's famous bejewelled choker, whilst graphic 'pop' cut-out hearts and beaded bananas adorn ballgowns in tribute to cinematic icons, Carmen Miranda and Josephine Baker.
Tailored safari suits are reimagined in bubble-gum pink and acid green, featured alongside bare-shouldered ballgowns juxtaposed in light floating chiffon and structured double duchesse, embellished with traditional French embroidery but bonded with neoprene.


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Having just completed and submitted my Masters Thesis, I thought I would share some of the tools and techniques I used in this task.
I know that some of this is not really Web 2.0 and definitely not Enterprise 2.0 mainly because they are not "User-generated-content", but none-the-less, many of these technologies didn't exist five years ago, so I thought it would be worth sharing.
I discovered these through the course of my study, but you can steal my ideas. If you are studying now, about to start a course, or are just interested in how things have changed, something here might give you the hint you needed to move forward.
Yes, my thesis subject was Wiki use in SMEs, but what better way to manage the thesis project than a wiki?
I used a personal copy of Confluence hosted on a friend's server. This is free and comes with two user licenses. The guys at Atlassian were fantastic (possibly because I implemented a corporate Confluence wiki at work) and I set us one user for myself and another for my research supervisor so she could log in and keep tabs on the progress.
I set out top level pages for each of the project stages and used todo-list macros liberally to capture what I had to achieve for each section.
Until that point I have been tracking the project charter and scope development as a diary in Microsoft Word, so I transferred these entries in to the news section of the wiki which became my study blog - more on that later.
Further through the project, I brought in help in the form of a wiki expert in Sydney to help with the interview of a Sydney company. Once again, the wiki came in handy collaborating with him as we organised the details and recorded the results.
Best of all, the automatic versioning of wiki pages has helped preserve a record of how the pages, thoughts and ideas developed. This was critical for me as qualitative research tends to be quite organic different aspects move forward in spurts as new knowledge is gathered and assimilated.
Apple iTunes U Podcasts
During the study it became apparent that I needed more background information, especially on the psychological issues behind cognition as a basis for the model of culture-as-schema that I used.
With a tonne of reading already on my plate, the only extra time I had was driving to and from work. This is where iTunes U comes in.
iTunesU is a place in the iTunes Store where universities all around the world post entire lecture series and make them available for download, often for free. The concept was started by MIT making their entire university open for public download claiming that it is the style of delivery, not the content that makes MIT special.
I chose an MIT course "Introduction to Psychology" and listened to the whole thing over a 3 month period. A year of knowledge downloaded in "dead" driving time. Amazing. Next I chose courses in Neuroscience & Behaviour (MIT), Technology & Society (ENTC), Human Computer Interaction (Stanford) and Socio-cultural Anthropology (Arizona State) and chose the individual lectures that I thought were relevant to my study.
I can't tell you how much these podcasts help shape my world view and grounded many of my assumptions about the underlying theories. Looking back I have no idea how people in the past were able to go near the boundaries of their fields without this type of trans-disciplinary knowledge. Thank you iTunes U!
There is still a lot of suspicion about using Wikipedia in an academic context. This often arises from two sources:
1) A misunderstanding of the power of community. Often criticisms of Wikipedia begin with the following "Because anyone can add or change content, there is an inherent lack of reliability..." Looked at in a single case, this is true, any article can be vandalised, either intentionally or through lack of knowledge in the topic on the part of the author. However it can also be said that 50,000 of our cells mutate on a daily basis due to solar radiation. The reason the human race is not extinct from cancer is the self-monitoring and healing mechanisms within each human cell, not because we have really good medicine. Likewise, the communities that build up around Wikipedia topics perform a similar self-healing function without the need - in most cases - for moderation.
2) Saying that, Wikipedia is not guaranteed to be perfect or thorough at any given point in time (in fact it doesn't claim to be), so use of it without guidelines is not suggested. There is a great page about this here at the Gould Library.
The key for me was to use Wikipedia in two ways:
1) to get a quick overview of a topic related to the one I am studying. If I was studying Distributed Cognition and a text mentions the philosophy of determinism, then I quickly look this up on Wikipedia before continuing reading on the main topic.
2) to quickly determine the scope of a topic and what other sources are important. Often academic texts only talk about a simple aspect of a topic. Wikipedia entries are usually developed by a community of people with different interests, so a broader treatment and a list of external links often helped me gain a broader perspective on a topic and be able to better question the logic of the paper I was reading.
I did not cite Wikipedia directly. If I couldn't find a published source, than I discarded the Wikipedia information.
As I mentioned above, I converted my study diary from Word to individual news items in my wiki. This basically functions as a blog and I treated it as such. Some of these blog entries were about problems I was having, new information or people I had found, a review of a paper or a philosophical discussion about the merits of one methodology over another.
Later in the study, these entries also included records of communication with participants and even some analytic memos.
Around 12 months ago I was being asked a lot of KM questions by people and realised that much of what i was emailing people was already written down in my study blog. It was then that I launched the Delta Knowledge blog. I wanted to walk-the-talk and share my knowledge as a Knowledge Manager and Masters student.
I started by copying across all entries from my study blog that did not contain personal or confidential information. It turned out there were quite a few. Since then, I have posted more than half of my blog posts on this blog and have received several emails and phone calls that people have benefited from my writing. It cost me nothing (well, $10 for the domain name) and helps people a lot more than all these thoughts just sitting on my hard drive.
actKM Listserve
actKM runs a list server for knowledge management professionals around the world. While this is old technology, it suits the bill and the quality of people who regularly contribute is outstanding. I have been able to participate in conversations that I would never be exposed to in my occupation, and ask questions of experts with many more years experience than myself.
The community of actKM is a tough one. I learned quickly not to make throw away comments as there is little suffering of fools, however this comes from a passionate belief that rigorous debate and critical questioning can lead to better understanding and it pushed me to do a lot more reading of philosophy so I can make my point without being immediately shot down. I grew to trust these people and be able to understand the viewpoints they were coming from and take away the best from each. While critical in their writing, they are warm and supportive of your efforts when you are sincere in your efforts to learn and grow in understanding and knowledge. Socrates in an email :-)
If you are interested in knowledge management, then you need to be on this list. I suggest "lurking" (reading the posts without participating) for around 6-9 months like I did so you can gain a feel for the rules and norms of the list.
My final addition around 6 months before I finished my thesis was to take a dip in the synchronous world of Twitter. Twitter is an online messaging site that allow you to post small messages (140 characters or less) answering the question "what am I doing right now". Sounds simple, in fact sounds stupid right? Why not a Facebook wall, or the presence status on your IM tool?
But Twitter is more than this. On Twitter you subscribe to the people who's posts you want to follow, and others choose to follow yours. It is not automatically two way. This gives you the ability to get to know the people you choose or to subscribe to official twitterers like the NASA news or CNN. It also allows you to send a message to people by adding an @ to their twitter name. This builds up a tight little community around you of like minded people, all sharing little bits of information, interesting web-sites, who they talked to in their job that day, and even what they had for dinner. You gain an insight into your colleagues lives that you cannot get any other way, but the impact on my study came from the almost instantaneous feedback to ideas from those following me. I could share ideas with specific people or just float them publicly for comment.
I also followed @WestPeter from Canada who tweets about the latest papers published in the areas of communities, information design, innovation, knowledge management and trust. This led me to several papers that had an impact on my research that I had not previously come across in the lit review.
My twitter login is @Kurokaze204 if you want to join in the fun!
All in all, these tools and services made my study time so much broader than I would have experienced just reading a few papers and books.
The interactive process underlying many of these allowed others to sharpen my thoughts and show me were I needed more knowledge.
I hope these services and others like them are embraced by the universities of the future to allow faster feedback, broader, more trans-disciplinary learning and allowing the student to join and build communities of experts in their field before they even step in to their first job.


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Fate (Trinity Series #5)
Release Date: 22nd August
Buy Today:
Fate: https://audreycarlan.com/fate
Fate (Trinity Series #5)
Not many can say they were burned by fate. I'm the exception.
Scalded figuratively, emotionally, and physically… I have the scars running down my arm, ribs, and side to prove it.
The doctors have done what they can to heal me by smoothing the abraded skin using other parts of my body. But they can only do so much. Sometimes, what can't be seen can't be healed.
The fire that night took more than a pound of flesh. It obliterated my talent, beauty, and most importantly, seared the connection I had with the man I loved. Sure, it was me who pushed him away, but I had my reasons. I did what any woman would do in my situation. I gave up everything so that one day he'd find happiness and peace.
Now I've healed a bit on the outside, and on the inside, but I still crave the one I let go. To this day he looks at me with fire in his eyes, a heat so bright in his being he glows with it. I fear the light, the flames that could consume me whole. The problem now is, he's not mine anymore. I just may have waited too long to fight for him, for us, for a future together.
There's only one thing I can do. Let fate decide.
Audrey Carlan is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She writes wicked hot love stories that are designed to give the reader a romantic experience that's sexy, sweet, and so hot your ereader might melt. Some of her works include the wildly successful Calendar Girl Serial, Falling Series, and the Trinity Trilogy.
She lives in the California Valley where she enjoys her two children and the love of her life. When she's not writing, you can find her teaching yoga, sipping wine with her "soul sisters" or with her nose stuck in a wicked hot romance novel.


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Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Fish & Sweet Potato Dinner with Garden Vegetables Canned Dog Food
When it comes to making tails wag, nothing does it better than BLUE Homestyle Recipes. Made with real fish as the first ingredient, plus sweet potatoes, this recipe is packed with the finest natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins and minerals.
Plus, it's formulated to support the nutritional needs of adult dogs. This recipe contains high-quality protein from real meat to help your dog maintain lean muscle mass, plus healthy carbohydrates to provide energy for an active life.
Why We Love It
- REAL FISH FIRST: This paté style wet dog food features high-quality protein from real whitefish to support healthy muscle maintenance
- FEED THREE WAYS: BLUE Homestyle Recipe adult dog food makes a delicious treat, adds interest mixed into their favorite dry foods or can be fed as a meal on its own
- NATURAL DOG FOOD: All BLUE canned dog foods are made with the finest natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins and minerals
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: BLUE wet dog food contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, NO corn, wheat (a common thickening agent used by other brands) or soy, and NO artificial flavors or preservatives
About Blue Buffalo
BLUE Buffalo's True Blue promise is the pillar of their business, straight to every customer; the finest natural ingredients, and no chicken/poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives, colors or flavors. BLUE Buffalo is the only food made with unique Lifesource Bits; a precise blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants created by veterinarians and animal nutritionists. With recipes for all tastes and diets, including limited ingredient diets, high protein, grain-free, wholesome grains, and exotic proteins, BLUE Buffalo always starts with real meat, and ends with good health.
Whitefish, Turkey, Chicken, Fish Broth, Water, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Peas, Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Carrageenan, Potassium Chloride, Blueberries, Cranberries, Flaxseed, Salt, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9).Guaranteed Analysis
Nutrient | Guaranteed Units |
Crude Protein | 8.0% min |
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Crude Fiber | 1.3% max |
Moisture | 78.0% max |


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Please visit our Open House at 2407 Rooke PL in Regina.
Open House on Saturday, September 5, 2020 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Welcome to 2407 Rooke Place in Wood Meadows. This home is located in East end of Regina with easy access to all conveniences and amenities. This 1,114 square foot home offers 3 bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, dining room and a 4 piece bathroom on the main level. The kitchen offers plenty of cupboards and counter space with pull out drawers on the lower cabinets for easy access. The basement offers an additional bedroom, 3 piece bathroom, storage area, work area, and a living room. The double attached garage is heated, and also offers plenty of storage and work area. The rear yard has raised garden beds, a BBQ patio and a 3 season enclosed entertainment porch. Please call the listing agent for any questions you may have, or to book your private showing.


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For the past three years, Iraq has been held together by one common goal: the defeat of the Islamic State. In pursuit of this objective, the United States provided air support to Iranian proxies; Baghdad made concessions to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) over disputed oil exports; and political parties contained protests against rampant corruption to preserve a sense of unity. This balancing of tensions, a consensus of sorts, saved Iraq. Then, on December 9, Haider al-Abadi, the country's prime minister, gave a televised address in which he declared "final victory" over ISIS—effectively ending the consensus. Now, the question is whether he can tackle the myriad challenges rushing to greet him.
Pessimism would seem appropriate. The KRG has already made one bid for independence. Splinter groups from ISIS and local militias are conducting attacksand assassinations in Diyala province. Insurgency is flaring across the disputed territories, a strip of land running from Khanaqin on the Iranian border through Kirkuk which is contested between the KRG and Baghdad. Organized crime is strangling Basra, and Iraq's anti-corruption commission is struggling to enforce its writ. Then there is the matter of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a coalition of volunteer formations and militias, some of which are beholden to Iran. In 2015, Abadi ordered that all of its units be placed under his office's command in the fight against ISIS. The PMF's existence stands as a pointed reminder that Abadi's government is a long way from establishing unqualified control of Iraq. And yet his decision to declare the end of the war against ISIS must be seen as a sign of confidence.
Such confidence was difficult to imagine when Abadi was appointed as Nouri al-Maliki's replacement following the rout of Iraqi forces from Mosul in 2014. Abadi was a compromise candidate, respected for his competence but viewed as unthreatening to Baghdad's political factions. As the former British diplomat Gerard Russell put it, Abadi "would probably not have been put forward without the approval of the Americans and the Iranians."
But Abadi has shown a knack for getting things done. In the summer of 2014, for instance, after Iraqi forces evacuated the area around Kirkuk in their retreat from Mosul, Kurdish peshmerga occupied the disputed territories and laid claim to the country's largest oil field. Baghdad had no choice but to accept the situation, and came to an agreement with the KRG to divide oil revenues. The subsequent Kurdish defense of these territories against ISIS allowed the Iraqi army to regroup and eventually turn the tide.
When the KRG announced its intention to hold an independence referendum this past summer, the oil-sharing agreement unraveled. For the cash-starved KRG, independence would be financially viable only with the oil revenues. Abadi, meanwhile, needed every dollar available to finance reconstruction. Hardliners in Baghdad and the KRG agitated for military action over what both deemed their sovereign wealth. War seemed likely.
While Abadi did resort to military force, he did so with restraint, targeting key oil installations and strategic military positions. It proved a success. After the operation, Kurdish leaders came to the negotiating table—an outcome thanks largely to Abadi's deal making. In Baghdad, he convinced hardliners that Kurdish independence could be halted with limited military action, because of the KRG's reliance on the Kirkuk oil field. Abadi also won the acquiescence of Iraq's Shia clerical establishment by arguing that the campaign was a defensive one, aimed narrowly at recovering the country's sovereign assets and upholding the constitution after the Supreme Court declared the Kurdish referendum unconstitutional. The crucial element, however, was Abadi's outreach to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), one of the two main Kurdish parties that make up the KRG, whose forces were defending Kirkuk. Faced with superior Iraqi forces and trusting in Abadi's assurances that the operation would be a limited one, the PUK made a tactical withdrawal.
Abadi took a serious risk in allowing Iran-aligned PMF units to play a central rolein the operation. One unit, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, conducted over 6,000 attacks on coalition forces during the U.S. occupation of Iraq. According to Human Rights Watch, it has since been responsible for massacres of Sunnis. The KRG was quick to point to these PMF units as proof that Abadi was giving Iran free reign, potentially provoking U.S. objections. The following month, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson demandedthat these units "go home." If Abadi avoided blowback for the role these units played, it was because he was perceived as powerless to prevent it.
But Abadi's control over the PMF is frequently underestimated. His handling of the PMF in Kirkuk may well portend a longer-term plan to strengthen his hold on the organization. During the fight for Mosul, he assigned specific PMF units to specific sectors—for instance, using units close to the government to block units like Asaib Ahl al-Haq from entering sensitive areas. But in Kirkuk, Abadi appeared to have enhanced, rather than restrained, the role of the Iranian proxies. In the 48 hours before the retaking of Kirkuk, several PMF units closely aligned with the Iraqi government were moved from their positions just south of Kirkuk to the front lines against ISIS on the country's western border.
In this way, Abadi divided the supposedly "good" PMF—those valiant Iraqis fighting ISIS—from the "bad"—the rogue militias with foreign connections. While such a characterization is crude and simplistic, it presents Abadi as a leader able to confront the PMF. Many of his opponents have criticized him precisely because of the limited control he has previously exercised over the PMF.
"Disarming the PMF is the prime minister's job; it is an institution that is controlled by him," Hannan Fatlawi, an Iraqi parliamentarian and an Abadi critic, told me. "When Abadi gives a clear instruction for the PMF, it must obey. Otherwise the government should take measures against them."
However Abadi chooses to confront Iran's proxies, Tehran's response will be critical. There is a widespread assumption that Iran is determined to replicate the successes of Hezbollah in Lebanon across the Middle East. In Iraq, however, Iran's involvement has likely peaked, increasing the odds that Abadi will come to an arrangement with Tehran. "Tehran's objectives are divided," the Royal United Services Institute's Aniseh Tabrizi told me. "They want to mobilize forces to support the Syrian government, but they also want to defeat ISIS, and secure their border."
As the fight against ISIS moves into a counter-insurgency phase, strengthening the Iraqi government advances Iran's interests. Conversely, funding expensive militias in Iraq, at a time of budget constraints in Tehran, with protests against foreign intervention and widespread anger at the government's poor relief effort after a recent earthquake, may not be seen as the best use of limited resources. "Ultimately Iran is interested in having a stable ally and neighbor," Tabrizi said.
One plausible outcome is that Iran could move members of its Iraqi units to Syria, where they desperately need manpower, avoiding a clash with Abadi. Iraq, meanwhile, is charting a course friendly to but independent of Tehran; attempting to re-forge diplomatic and economic ties with Saudi Arabia, with the blessings of King Salman, the Iraqi government, and Iraq's Shiite authorities.
This rapprochement provides an opening for Abadi's opponents. In Iraq, many believe that Saudi Arabia supported ISIS, and there is considerable sympathy for the plight of the kingdom's Shiite minority. And yet Fatlawi held her fire. "If Saudi Arabia has real good will towards Iraq, I will be happy to have a good relationship," she said.
The biggest challenge facing Abadi, however, is internal. Taha al Tamimi, a former advisor to the governor of Basra and political advisor to the British government, said that corruption in Iraq extends to its senior-most politicians. Anti-corruption institutions have proved unable to confront senior political figures, but al Tamimi predicted this will change, and that there would be little opposition to serious corruption charges against former Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki, and some of his allies. Anti-corruption protests are expanding, and have led to the resignation of several local officials. "I will admit that I didn't have much faith in Abadi in the beginning but he is dealing with sensitive issues very wisely."
None of this will be easy. A settlement with the KRG remains uncertain. The diminution of rogue PMF units will not end militias, or the egregious treatment of civilians in liberated territories. High-profile anti-corruption cases will not eliminate the problem. Progress towards peace will be gradual and difficult. But after decades of relentless violence, peace remains possible.
Source pulitzercenter.org


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[April 2018] Lead2pass 500-052 Dumps PDF Free Download 91q
Lead2pass Cisco 500-052 Exam Dumps Free Download:
Which three of the following tasks can be performed using Cisco Unified Real-Time Monitoring Tool? (Choose three.)
A. collect trace files
B. stop and start Cisco Unified CCX services
C. view syslog messages
D. perform backup and restore functions
E. monitor the health of the Cisco Unified CCX system
Answer: ACE
Which tool is used to size Cisco Unified CCX?
A. Analysis Manager
B. Cisco Unified Communications Sizing Tool
C. Expert Advisor
D. Cisco Unified Real-Time Monitoring Tool
Answer: B
Which two releases require physical media to be ordered and received prior to patching or upgrading Cisco Unified Contact Center Express? (Choose two.)
A. minor release
B. major release
C. service update
D. engineering special
Answer: AB
Which statement is true about the default script field when adding an application?
A. When a caller does not enter a choice in a Menu step, it will execute the default script.
B. Any problems running the configured script will cause the default script to be executed.
C. When the caller enters a digit in the Menu step that is not defined, the default script will be executed.
D. When the caller enters a digit that is not checked in the filter of the Get Digit String step, the default script will be executed.
Answer: B
Which step can be used to trap runtime script errors and recover gracefully?
A. Set
B. Call Subflow
C. On Exception Goto
D. Get Reporting Statistic
Answer: C
Which two Cisco Unified CCX steps would make an HTTP request? (Choose two.)
A. Create URL Document
B. Write Document
C. Cache Document
D. Send Http Response
Answer: CD
In a Cisco Unified CCX application script, a number is read from an external database.
The number must then be played out as part of a prompt.
Which Cisco Unified CCX Editor step creates a new prompt that can play out the number?
A. Create Container Prompt
B. Create Generated Prompt
C. Create Language Prompt
D. Create Conditional Prompt
Answer: B
Which three tasks can an agent perform on the Cisco Agent Desktop? (Choose three.)
A. chat with an SME
B. send an email to an SME
C. send enterprise data to an SME
D. transfer a call to an SME
E. start a Cisco WebEx session with an SME
Answer: ACD
Which Cisco Unified Contact Center Express platform set supports the use of an embedded Internet browser within the Cisco Agent Desktop?
A. Premium only
B. Enhanced and Premium only
C. Standard, Enhanced, and Premium
D. Cisco Unified Contact Center Express does not support an embedded Internet browser
Answer: A
Which two steps check out a database connection from the connection pool? (Choose two.)
A. DB Get
B. DB Read
C. DB Write
D. DB Release
Answer: BC
500-052 dumps full version (PDF&VCE): https://www.lead2pass.com/500-052.html
Large amount of free 500-052 exam questions on Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B3Syig5i8gpDRXBqaUFmU1RjbEE


text: Two dimensional modelling is a far more complex operation than one dimensional modelling. Drawing devices in 2D is often a challenge and the noding process is far more difficult. Finally, 2D modelling needs computers with a larger amount of memory space. The requirements for 2D modelling is now being met by personal comuputers as memory costs have fallen and memory sizes approaching a 1 GByte or more are possible. Historically 2D and 3D programs have been on Unix but they may move to PCs.


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Audiologist Medical Billing in Tallahassee, FL
Quickly compare Tallahassee's top audiologist medical billing companies.
Answer a few questions about the services you need.
Within seconds, get matched with top-rated Tallahassee providers for FREE.
Compare quotes and choose the best fit for your needs & budget.
As an audiologist, you identify, assess, and manage disorders related to hearing and balance, offering clear solutions for patients. If you own an independent audiologist practice in Tallahassee, you have probably experienced a number of challenges when facing your medical billing services. Many practices in Tallahassee decide to outsource their audiologist medical billings for assurance and convenience. Different audiologist medical billing systems can be adjusted to the size and budget of your practice, providing an affordable solution for any size practice.
- Outsourced medical billing for audiologists in Tallahassee, FL
- Collection service for audiologists in Tallahassee, FL
- Tallahassee audiologist direct claim processing
How much does it cost to outsource audiologist medical billing?
While hiring an audiologist medical billing service in Tallahassee poses numerous additional costs, those added costs can often be exceeded by an increase in total billing collections. A sizable portion of audiologist medical billing service providers charge a percentage of the collected claim amount, meaning they make money when you get paid.
- Expand medical billing collections in Tallahassee, FL
- Electronic medical records (EMR) software
- Best audiologist billing software in Tallahassee, FL
Convenience is a major factor in considering to outsource your medical billing, and savings are a substantial added benefit. Instead of staffing your own billing department, hire a provider to take care of all the data entries and claim submissions on behalf of the audiologist practice. They will look into unpaid customers, rejected claims, and handle all of the taxing work associated with medical billing so you can focus on caring for your patients.
To find a reliable and affordable medical billing service in Tallahassee for your audiologist practice, get in touch with us today!
Audiologist Medical Billing in Tallahassee, FL
Quickly compare Tallahassee's top audiologist medical billing companies.


text:
AppyLand is a fluid responsive app landing page with and light and dark theme as well as 6 colour schemes – Green, Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow and Purple. However you can easily change the colour scheme to suit as required. It also uses high resolution images and font icons for retina screens.
AppyLand also integrates jQuery Waypoints and CSS animations to add subtle fade in effect when scrolling. It also uses Google Fonts so you can easily change the font type if required.
Thank you.


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You're ready to check out at the supermarket. There are only eight items in your cart, so you look for the express lane.
The sign above says "10 items or less."
Do you:
-- Head for the register without a second thought?
-- Rue the decline of the English language because you were taught that the sign should say "10 items or fewer?"
This week's "Word Matters" conversation with Weekend Edition host Scott Simon explores the "less vs. fewer" debate.
We also discuss the Christmas-time crush of holiday cliches. Editors at NPR and other news organizations tell correspondents to go easy on the "jing-a-ling-lings" and the "ho-ho-hos," but seem to lose that battle every year.
On a much more serious note, we talk about a key word that comes up in stories about the death of Eric Garner — the Staten Island man who died after being put in a chokehold and restrained during an arrest by New York City police. Our dictionaries tells us that the word — chokehold — describes what happened. Some listeners and commentators have questioned whether chokehold is the right word to use. Like other news outlets, NPR is going with the dictionary definition.
But let's get back to those checkout signs and the "less vs. fewer" discussion. We asked during the last "Word Matters" conversation for listeners to email email@example.com about the misused words or phrases that bother them the most. We heard from several about those express lane signs.
The topic even divided this correspondent's family. There were the descriptivists, who argued that "or less" has become common, isn't confusing and therefore is fine. There were the prescriptivists, who argued that "fewer" is to be used when objects such as grocery items can be counted, while "less" is to be used when referring to mass amounts.
An admittedly unscientific question we posed online indicates that the "or less" crowd outnumbers the "or fewer" folks. Of the 8,390 people who responded:
-- 59.4 percent agreed that a sign saying "10 items or less" is something "only the fussiest of fussbudgets would worry about."
-- 40.6 percent felt that such a sign is a "grammatical error that shouldn't be tolerated and makes you want to shop elsewhere." (We suspect they realized our line about wanting to shop elsewhere was an exaggeration.)
Should the majority rule?
William Safire, the "On Language" columnist for The New York Times, came down firmly against signs that say "or less." In 1988, he cheered when Safeway Stores joined the "or fewer" side.
"The most power-intensive moment in the history of this column came when Safeway Stores was criticized here for 'Express Lane — Ten Items or Less' and promptly rectified the mistake," Safire wrote.
It's hard to argue against the legendary Safire (who died in 2009).
British comedian and actor Stephen Fry, however, has taken on those who bristle at signs saying "or less." A video version of a podcast he made in 2008 has been viewed nearly 2.4 million times. He says:
"When asked to join in a 'let's persuade this supermarket chain to get rid of their 5 items or less sign,' I never join in. Yes, I am aware of the technical distinction between less and fewer and between uninterested and disinterested and infer and imply and all the rest of them. But none of these are of importance to me. None of these are ... of importance I said there, you'll notice. The old pedantic me would have insisted on 'none of them is' of importance. But i'm glad to say I've outgrown that silly approach to language."
Signs that say "or less": Egregious error or a silly subject? The firstname.lastname@example.com inbox is open and ready to hear more about that and other grammatical gripes.
In fact, we would welcome nominations for "most misused word or phrase of the year." We'll report on the results in an upcoming "Word Matters" conversation with Scott Simon.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


text:
Previous Lesson
Complete and Continue
2023 Figure Skating Season Planner Annual Edition From Coach Aimée Ricca
Why I Created This Planner
Before You Begin: How to Use This Planner
* For Parents * - Please be sure to read!
Step 1: Getting Started
Buying Skates for Beginning Skaters
Buying Skates for Adults & Teens
Buying Figure Skating Boots
Buying Figure Skating Blades
Skate Maintenance
2022-2023 Rule Changes
U.S Figure Skating Rule Changes!
ISU and IJS Rule Changes!
New Program Components (PCS)!
ISI Rule Revisions Effective September 1. 2022
Adaptive Skating: Skate United, Special Accommodation Memos (S.A.M.), and ISI Test Level Reviews
Compete USA: 2022-2023 Season
2023-2024 Skater Toolbox
U.S Figure Skating Competitive Opportunities
General Information
Eligibility Restructure (Decoupling Tests from Competition Levels
Singles Skating
Pairs Skating
Ice Dance
Planning & Goal Setting
Step 2: Setting SMARTER Goals
Step 3:Periodization
Step 4: Getting Organized!
Step 5: Planning Your Training
Step 6: Nutrition & Hydration
Step 7: Tracking Your Progress!
Skating Progress
Competitions & Testing
USFSA: Minimum Scores for Test Credit
Step 8: Monthly Planner & Worksheets
BONUS! October 2022
BONUS! November 2022
BONUS! December 2022
January 2023
February 2023
March 2023
April 2023
May 2023
June 2023
July 2023
August 2023
September 2023
October 2023
November 2023
December 2023
Blade Sharpening Tracker!
2023 Goal Setting for Parents & Adult Skaters
Discount Dance
Save 10% at the Figure Skating Store
Understanding IJS
Guide to Finding an Off-Ice Coach
Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field / Adult Pre-Bronze Checklist
Preliminary / Adult Bronze Moves in the Field Checklist
Meal Prep Guide
Easy One Dish Meals!
Protein Packed Breakfasts!
Teach online with
USFSA: Minimum Scores for Test Credit
Lesson content locked
If you're already enrolled,
you'll need to login
Enroll in Course to Unlock


text:
A road rage incident reported in Saanich Thursday afternoon resulted in a 90-day suspension for the offending driver found to be impaired by alcohol.
On April 15, Saanich police received numerous calls about a driver allegedly exhibiting road rage on the Pat Bay Highway. A school officer heard the reports come in and intercepted the driver on Blanshard Street at Saanich Road.
READ ALSO: Victoria bylaw staff encampment work to include police escort through April
Police discovered the driver was operating without an ignition interlock – a breathalyzer device that tests for impairment before allowing the vehicle to start – despite a license restriction that required it. The vehicle was also damaged.
The driver failed a breathalyzer test on scene and received a 90-day driving prohibition and a 30-day vehicle impound. Southbound traffic was impacted in the area for about an hour with officers clearing the area before 4 p.m.
The driver, who had a licence restriction requiring an ignition interlock due to a previous incident of impaired driving, was also driving a vehicle damaged from a prior collision. They provided a 'fail' breath sample today and were served a 90-day prohibition / 30-day impound.
— Saanich Police Traffic Safety Unit (@SPD_Traffic) April 15, 2021
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text:
Tartan fabric door stop.
Size 12cm x 10cm x 15cm
Size 12cm x 10cm x 15cm
We hope you love everything you purchase from us, but we understand there are certain circumstances where you may want to return a product.
Changed your mind?
Please let us know within a day of receiving your parcel so that we can coordinate a return, and organise an exchange or store credit. Please note: Return postage is not covered on change of mind returns.
Faults or other queries
If you believe you have received a product with a fault, or it has been wrongly described, we're here to help. Please contact us by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com with your order or receipt number, and a member of our team will get in touch with you directly. Where possible, please include a photograph of the item to help us resolve this for you as quickly as possible.
For more information please see our full returns policy.
We do everything we can to get your packages out the door as soon as possible. Our team works hard to ensure the majority of our orders are packed and shipped within 1-2 business days. Should anything delay your order leaving us, a member of our team will be in touch.
FREE SHIPPING is available for most orders* over $200 going to select Metro areas.
The cost of shipping is calculated based on the cubic weight of your item and their destination.
As soon as your package has been collected from us you will receive tracking information that allows you to follow its progress.
*Free shipping does not apply to sale items and bulky pieces including furniture and some rugs. Selected other items may not be eligible for free shipping. In this case it will be noted in the product description.
We use a number of courier networks to ensure your parcel gets to you as soon as possible.
There can sometimes be delays on these networks due to couriers staff shortages. To ensure your parcel arrives on time we do recommend allowing plenty of time to account for possible delays, especially during busy periods such as Christmas and Mother's Day.


text:
Small business owners from across New Hampshire will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one in two weeks with large government contractors, which, even at a time of budget cutbacks, still need goods and services provided to them.
The 2014 New Hampshire Small Business Matchmaker will run from 8:30 am to 4 pm, March 13, and is hosted by Rivier University in Nashua, with contributing support from BAE Systems, which is also an exhibitor. Over 30 prime contractors are expected, including the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the New Hampshire National Guard and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
"For businesses that have products and services the government needs and wants, it is always a good time to pursue a contract," said David Pease, program manager for the New Hampshire Procurement Technical Assistance Program. "It is a particularly good time now if you have a product or service that can save money, while meeting an established need."
Government purchasing is a $2 billion market in the state and the NH-PTAP assists about 900 companies, of all sizes, doing business with the government and agencies that are prime contractors for government.
"Matchmakers are very important to us," said Susan King, the executive administrator of supplier diversity for BAE Systems, Electronic Systems, headquartered in Nashua, which sponsors more than 25 small business events around the country and spends about $400 million buying goods and services from small businesses. "It lets us meet face-to-face with small businesses and to talk with them about what they offer."
The New Hampshire Small Business Matchmaker is the only one scheduled this year and Pease said it is a rare opportunity for businesses to meet with decision makers in one place, rather than spend time trying to connect with the right person. Government agencies need to purchase the same kinds of goods and services as private businesses do, Pease said. With its own set of goals, statutes and procedures that must be followed, government procurement can be an intimidating process to those who are new to it.
In addition to meeting with the prime contractors, businesses attending can network with others, meet with and get advice from a business mentor and attend information sessions.
Those interested in attending can register online at www.NHSBDC.org. The cost is $50 and includes lunch. For more information, call Heidi Edwards Dunn at the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center at 603-271-0417.
The 2014 Matchmaker is sponsored by NH-PTAP, the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center, the US Small Business Administration, SCORE and the Center for Women's Business Advancement and hosted by Rivier University.
Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
NH Division of Economic Development


text:
#8 Planes, Trains and Automobiles
We're back! Apologies for the delay – we've been getting our live show up and running again. In this episode, we make our escape, talking planes, trains, automobiles, and all else in between. Pack your bags and get moving with….
2:07 Slapdash theme
5:14 Blake Erickson
22:47 Cover Me, Bro!
28:34 Special secret guest
35:21 Fiona Pearson
43:02 Songwriting Battle intro
45:21 Pete's song
50:18 Keira's song
58:40 Audience vote
59:41 Joanna Weinberg
1:15:31 Closer


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COVID-19 is affecting many industries, including design. Because of social distancing rules, many companies have made the move to working with distributed teams, where remote management becomes essential.
Establishing effective communication and collaboration processes are some of the most challenging parts of remote work. With traditional in-person work, people can see each other face to face. As a result, communication is fast and easy. Remote communication doesn't automatically create this feeling of shared context, and it can be hard to maintain open and quick communication.
In this article, we'll discuss practical recommendations for design team managers. You'll learn how to collaborate effectively if your team is remote. By establishing solid routines and processes, and by employing digital collaboration and communication tools following our three key strategies, you can mitigate the difficulties of remote work while helping your team produce exceptional results.
Table of contents
Key Strategy #1: Plan and maintain project transparency
People often underestimate the amount of planning that is required for effective remote management, which leads to delayed launches, confusion, and frustration. Here are some tips for making sure your project runs smoothly.
Manage the product backlog
One of the first decisions a project manager should make is to put all of the team's tasks into project management software.
If the task is not in that software, it does not exist.
When it comes to project planning, my key recommendation is to use 'chunking'—break down large tasks, like requests to implement specific features (which designers and developers call 'user stories') for example, into smaller tasks. Then, prioritize them and set a deadline for each one.
By doing that, you break down your whole product design journey into a number of steps that you can evaluate and measure, instead of having one, large, intimidating task. This also makes it easier for the human brain to process the information without becoming overloaded, which can lead to procrastination on the larger task.
Create a clear roadmap
Product teams produce excellent work when every team member knows what they are supposed to do and by when. This is the key to remote management. So, it's essential that the product roadmap is crystal clear to everyone, and team members should understand each other's roles and responsibilities.
"Product teams produce excellent work when every team member knows what they are supposed to do and by when. This is the key to remote management."
I recommend using a Gantt chart to keep everyone on the same page. Gantt charts make it easier for team members to see and understand priorities and dependencies, which can help identify roadblocks and move projects forward.


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SAMJ: South African Medical Journal
On-line version ISSN 2078-5135
Print version ISSN 0256-9574
SAMJ, S. Afr. med. j. vol.98 n.5 Pretoria May. 2008
Multiple sclerosis in South Africa
Girish ModiI; Andre MochanII; Madelein du ToitIII; Ivan StanderIII
IPhD, FCP (SA), FRCP; Division of Neurology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
IIFCP (SA); Division of Neurology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
IIIMultiple Sclerosis Society of South Africa
Since there are no well-documented epidemiological studies on multiple sclerosis (MS) in South Africa, we devised a questionnaire to determine qualitative data. Responses were obtained from 430 patients: 91% had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, 64% had lumbar punctures and 49% had evoked potentials to establish the diagnosis of MS. A total of 71% of the respondents were aged 30 - 59 years, 73% were female, and 89% were white. In terms of MS type, 46% had relapsing-remitting MS, 13 % secondary progressive MS, 12% primary progressive MS, 12% benign MS, and 17% not known. Disease-modifying treatment was not used by 32% of respondents, and 30% were treated with methotrexate and 22% with interferon beta. These findings are similar to those in the literature, except for the under-utilisation of interferons as disease-modifying treatment.
Three geographical zones based on worldwide prevalence are distinguishable for MS.1 High-incidence regions have a prevalence of >30 sufferers per 100 000 of the population, and include most of Europe, Israel, Canada, northern USA, south-eastern Australia, New Zealand and eastern Russia. Medium-frequency regions (5 - 30 per 100 000) include the southern USA, the rest of Australia, South Africa (SA), the southern Mediterranean basin, Russia (including Siberia), the Ukraine and parts of Latin America. Prevalence rates of <5 per 100 000 include the rest of Asia, Africa and northern South America.1 Regional categorisation of MS is based on extrapolations of known or documented prevalence and incidence statistics on MS from the USA, the UK, and parts of Europe.2 In the USA, the prevalence rate for MS is approximately 1 in 700 (0.14%). An extrapolated SA prevalence rate of 1 in 700 is described -63 497 MS sufferers. These figures, while inaccurate,2 also indicate a scarcity of literature on the prevalence and incidence of MS worldwide, including SA; we found only four such articles concerning SA.3-6 These discuss MS in the white population, differences in prevalence rates between immigrant and non-immigrant white populations, and the possibility of an increased MS prevalence in Afrikaans-speaking white people.6 There are no reported nationwide epidemiological studies, and qualitative demographic data are also not available.
Design and methods
A patient-orientated questionnaire was distributed in a countrywide survey. It was made available on the website of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of South Africa (MSSA) (www.multiplesclerosis.co.za), which has 1 760 members, and also distributed by email to 269 members and by post to 853 members.
Data from 430 patients, who responded over a period of 18 months, were categorised as follows:
Regional distribution: Gauteng - 40%, Western Cape - 28%, KwaZulu-Natal - 12%, Eastern Cape - 7%, Free State - 5%, Mpumalanga - 3%, Northern Cape - 1%, North-West Province - 1%, Limpopo - 1%, not disclosed - 2%.
Age (in years): 0 - 29 - 4%, 30 - 39 - 19%, 40 - 49 - 28%, 50 - 59 - 24%, 60 - 69 - 14%, 70 - 79 - 5%, not disclosed - 6%.
Gender: Female - 73%, male - 26%, not disclosed - 1%.
Ethnicity: White - 89%, mixed ancestry - 3%, Indian - 3%, black - <1%, not disclosed - 5%.
Type of MS: Remitting and relapsing (RRMS) - 46%, secondary progressive (SPMS) - 13%, primary progressive (PPMS) - 12%, benign (BMS) - 12%, not known - 17%.
Diagnosis ascertainment: We established the diagnostic methods used to determine a diagnosis of MS: 7% had no tests, 1% had a lumbar puncture only, 1% had a lumbar puncture and evoked potential tests, 11% had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and evoked potential tests, 18% had MRI scans only, 25% had MRI scans and a lumbar puncture, and 37% had MRI scans, a lumbar puncture and evoked potential tests. The diagnosis of MS was made in 91% of respondents by a neurologist.
Current treatment: Low-dose naltrexone - 1%, imuran - 2%, alternative homeopathic medication - 15%, interferon - 22%, methotrexate - 30%, no medication - 32%.
The MSSA estimate that there are 5 000 MS sufferers in SA.8 Our survey sample size of 430 respondents is therefore adequate for appropriate conclusions to be drawn. To obtain qualitative epidemiological information on MS in SA, we determined the categories identified and presented to be most pertinent.
Diagnosis statistics are important in our setting because of the few neurologists and limited availability of MRI. In 7% of our respondents, MS was diagnosed purely on clinical grounds or by excluding other illnesses through laboratory tests. No specific MS-related tests were done. A further 1% of patients had a lumbar puncture as the only MS-confirming test. In 18% of cases, the only investigation was an MRI scan. In the remainder, a combination of tests was performed to assist in diagnosing. In total, 91% had MRI scans, 64% had lumbar punctures, and 49% had evoked potentials. Diagnoses of MS were originally based on the Poser criteria,9 but more recently are influenced by the McDonald criteria10 that are more biased by MRI use. Seven per cent were diagnosed without the use of MRI or laboratory evaluations. It is not known whether these respondents were diagnosed by neurologists who did not have MRI equipment available or were comfortable using Poser's clinical criteria. Our survey trend towards MRI to diagnose MS, consistent with international trends, also allows more meaningful interpretations. The surprisingly high use of lumbar punctures and evoked potentials to help in establishing the diagnosis will probably change as public sector MRI availability increases and costs become less prohibitive. Data were not available on gadolinium enhancement and multiple-region MRI scans.
Despite the small number of neurologists in SA (60 estimated in active practice - unpublished Neurological Association of South Africa statistics), the diagnosis of MS was made by a neurologist in 91% of respondents.
Most respondents were from Gauteng and Western Cape, although these provinces only account for 19.2 and 9.9% of the total population respectively,11 which is not surprising as they are the major centres of activity of support groups such as the MSSA. The low response rate from KwaZulu-Natal (20.6% of the country's total population) corresponds with its small number of MSSA members.
Most respondents were in the 40 - 49-year category (28%), followed by 50 - 59 years (24%), 30 - 39 years (19%), 60 - 69 years (14%), 70 - 79 years (5%), and 0 - 29 years (4%); 6% did not disclose their ages. The 30 - 59-year group comprised 71%. Our survey is consistent with MS literature which shows that two-thirds of patients have their disease onset between the ages of 20 and 40 years;12 the remaining one-third develop the disease before the age of 20 years.12 The respondents could not accurately recall either date of diagnosis or date of disease onset, and we therefore only recorded their current ages. The largest group was in the 40 - 49-year age category, which would be consistent with age of onset of between 20 and 40 years.
Respondents were predominantly female (73%). The female-to-male ratio of approximately 3:1 is consistent with the literature.12 The ethnicity of our respondents was predominantly white (89%), reflecting the demography of the respondents, and is a point-of-entry bias. The disease is considered rare in African blacks,1-6 with only 12 reported black patients from South Africa and Zimbabwe with possible MS.13 It has been postulated that the phenotypic expression of MS in black African patients is different to that of whites/Caucasians, and this possibly explains the lack of cases.14,15 The traditional myth among our clinicians that MS does not occur in the black population may also contribute to the paucity of described MS cases in blacks. Our experience is that black patients with an apparent phenotype of MS are actively investigated for possible alternative explanations and left with a diagnosis of 'uncertainty' or idiopathic/nonspecific CNS demyelination. MS in patients with mixed ancestry and of Indian descent represented 3% of our respondents.
Remitting-relapsing MS constituted the predominant MS type (46%); 17% were not aware of their respective MS type; 12% were categorised as benign MS, and 12% as PPMS. Our data are similar to those from New York and the New York State MS consortium.16,17
Concerning treatment, most respondents used no disease-modifying therapy (DMT); 39% used methotrexate as their DMT; only 22% used a beta-interferon for disease modulation, although 59% would be candidates for this treatment option (46% with RRMS and 13% with SPMS); and 15% used alternative treatments. Funding issues largely determine the treatment of MS in SA in the public and private sectors. Beta-interferons have only recently been accepted as DMT in RRMS and SPMS. In other forms of MS, beta-interferon therapy is not subscribed to. Glatiramer acetate has only very recently become available in SA. Methotrexate is more readily used because of easier access from funding agencies and lower cost.
Our data indicate that MS in SA is widely described in the white population but only rarely in the black community; most people with the disease fall into the 40 - 49-year age group; it predominantly afflicts females (F:M = 3:1); there is a spread of disease types, with RRMS being the most common; and DMTs, in particular the beta-interferons, are not advocated or used as extensively in treatment as elsewhere.
Biases in our study include website availability, and postal services and telecommunications as the central point of data entry is determined by respondents. This limitation probably explains the skewed distribution of more respondents from Gauteng and Western Cape. Our survey cannot provide accurate prevalence and incidence data, but provides qualitative epidemiological data on MS in this country. The under-utilisation of beta-interferons as DMT is disturbing and a cause for concern among public and private health care funders, health care providers and patients.
1. Kurtzke JF. Multiple sclerosis in time and space - geographic clues to cause. J Neurovirol 2000; 6 Suppl 2: S134-140. [ Links ]
2. Statistics by country for Multiple Sclerosis - Wrong Diagnosis.com. http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/m/multiple_sclerosis/stats-country.htm (accessed 14 November 2006). [ Links ]
3. Dean G. Annual incidence, prevalence, and mortality of multiple sclerosis in white South African-born and in white immigrants to South Africa. BMJ 1967; 2: 724-730. [ Links ]
4. Bird AV, Kerrich JE. Multiple sclerosis in South Africa. S Afr Med J 1969; 43: 1031-1033. [ Links ]
5. Bird AV, Satoyoshi E. Comparative epidemiological studies of multiple sclerosis in South Africa and Japan. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1975; 38: 911-918. [ Links ]
6. Rosman KD, Jacobs HA, Van der Merwe CA. A new multiple sclerosis epidemic? S Afr Med J 1985; 68: 162-163. [ Links ]
7. Multiple Sclerosis Advisory Committee of the Neurological Association of South Africa (NASA). Guideline for the use of beta-interferons in patients with multiple sclerosis - a South African proposal. S Afr Med J 2004; 94: 917-921. [ Links ]
8. du Toit F. Multiple sclerosis in South Africa. SA Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.multiplesclerosis.co.za ( accessed 14 November 2006). [ Links ]
9. Poser C, Paty D, Scheinberg L, et al. New diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis: guidelines for research protocols. Ann Neurol 1983; 13: 227-231. [ Links ]
10. McDonald WI, Compston A, Edan G, et al. Recommended diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis: guidelines from the International Panel on the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Ann Neurol 2001; 50: 121-127. [ Links ]
11. Statistical Release P0302. Mid-year Population Estimates, South Africa 2005. Pretoria: Statistics South Africa, 2005. [ Links ]
12. Victor M, Ropper AH. Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology, 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001: 958. [ Links ]
13. Dean G, Bhigjee AIG, Bill PLA, et al. Multiple sclerosis in black South Africans and Zimbabweans. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1994; 57: 1064-1069. [ Links ]
14. Modi G, Mochan A, Modi M, Saffer D. Demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system occurring in black South Africans. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2001; 70: 500-505. [ Links ]
15. Compston A. "The marvelous harmony of the nervous parts": the origins of multiple sclerosis. Clin Med 2004; 4: 346-354. [ Links ]
16. Oshinsky RJ, Elfont RM, Lublin FD. Incidence and clinical characteristics of the progressive relapsing form of MS. Neurology 1998; 50: A209. [ Links ]
17. Jacobs LD, Wende KE, Brownscheidle CM, et al. A profile of multiple sclerosis: the New York State Multiple Sclerosis Consortium. Multiple Sclerosis 1999; 5: 369-372. [ Links ]
18. Lublin FD. Clinical features and diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Neurol Clin 2005; 23: 1-15. [ Links ]
G Modi
Accepted 17 March 2008.