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Welcome, Make Readers!
Pat Delany's Open Source Machine Tools project is featured in Make Magazine #37!
To learn more about the project, scroll through the projects below or check out the essential links to the right. Get involved! Join the 7000+ members of the Open Source Machine Tools Yahoo Group.
Open-Source Tools for Artisans, Trade Schools and Local Manufacturing Worldwide
Make anything? Just about: even complex parts like these.
Our goal, simply stated: to help anyone, anywhere, build almost anything, using the stuff that's already around them.
We make essential machine tools — what people use to create essentially every manufactured item in our world — affordable to build with materials available in villages and urban slums everywhere, using open-source plans. This project is bottom-up rather than top-down: we want to help local artisans change their lives, their communities and their local economies.
Learn more about our history and the idea of do-it-yourself global development, read the key documents behind our plans, get involved in this open source project, or click on any of the specific projects listed below.
Concrete Lathe
A re-discovered way to quickly make inexpensive but accurate machine tools for use in developing countries and in trade schools and shops everywhere. We made modern construction practical by replacing the original poured, non shrinking metal with cement grout.
The original Open Source Machine Tools project, the MultiMachine works as a metalworking lathe and milling machine. Like the Concrete Lathe, it can be built by artisans and mechanics using materials (like junked cars) available throughout the world. Designed to help spark village- and neighborhood-level manufacturing and equipment repair in the developing world.
Treadle-Powered Generator
The world needs power! This design (Project Genny, or Africa Power and Light) is the first to turn an automobile alternator (from any junked car) into a practical, human-powered electrical generator. By operating a foot-powered treadle, people can use the generator to charge cell phones, power LED lighting or to run other open source machine tools.
The Open Source Drill
A common problem for artisans and mechanics in the Developing World: how to drill through hard steel, for instance to attach steel plowpoints to a wooden plow, without an expensive industrial-strength drill. This new tool (based on an old idea) uses pressure and slow rotation to cut into hard metal. And, it can be built with wood and other materials available almost everywhere.
Universal Hub ("The Device")
We're not sure what else to say about this, but it's revolutionary: the "The Device" attaches wooden parts to a steel shaft. Vital for working with agricultural equipment and for improvising tools.
A huge array of resources, including many DIY how-to articles from publications long out of print. Also includes instructional films on lathe and milling machine operation, basic shop techniques and specific metalworking skills.


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How to use the 50/30/20 budget rule
Balance your personal spending and saving with the 50/30/20 budget rule.
If you've ever wondered how much of your take-home pay (after taxes) you should be spending on housing versus entertainment versus saving, one of the popular budgeting rules is the 50/30/20 financial plan.
While there's no best way to split up income that fits 100% of us, balancing your personal spending and saving can add comfort and confidence to your financial picture. And the 50/30/20 rule is a pretty straightforward way to manage your personal finances.
What is the 50/30/20 budget rule?
Spend no more than 50% of your monthly take-home pay on needs. Things like:
- Mortgage/rent
- Utilities
- Insurance
- Groceries/food
- Minimum debt payment
Spend about 30% on your wants. Things like:
- Dining out
- Entertainment
- Ride-sharing services
- Shopping on luxury items
Add at least 20% to your savings. Things like:
- Extra payments on your debts
- Begin or grow your emergency fund
- Additional towards your retirement or an individual retirement account
- A down payment for a future home purchase
Here's a 50/30/20 budget example for someone who takes home $2,000 a month:
50% Needs = $1,000
30% Wants = $600
20% Savings = $400
Important reminder: The 50/30/20 budget rule only considers your take-home pay for the month, so anything automatically deducted from your paycheck — like your work health insurance premium or 401k retirement contribution — doesn't count in the equation.
Keep in mind, living in major cities like New York or San Francisco may require you to budget more than 50% in your needs category primarily due to the high cost of rent or housing.
How to set up a 50/30/20 rule budget
- Take an inventory of all your expenses. This monthly budget worksheet is a great resource for getting started.
- Classify each expense on your worksheet as either needs, wants or savings.
- Keep in mind that these terms don't exactly correspond with the definitions of fixed, variable and non-monthly expenses. You might pay the same amount every month for a TV streaming service, which means it's a fixed expense, but it is clearly a want — not a need.
- Add up your needs, your wants and your savings.
- Add up your expenses for the month.
- Divide the total of your needs by your total expenses. Multiply the decimal by 100 to see the percentage you spend on needs.
- Do the same for your wants and your savings.
- Compare your needs, wants and savings percentages to the 50/30/20 rule to see how balanced your budget is.
- Set small, realistic goals to reduce spending on needs and wants, so you can increase your savings. Start small and go from there!
Small changes can deliver big results
Even if you can't achieve the 50/30/20 budgeting plan right now, working to make small changes can get you closer to financial balance. Small actions starting today can lead to big changes over time, so don't let budget perfection discourage you from making progress.

subset: commoncrawl


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Delaware Norway Rats
Also called the brown rat, house rat, barn rat sewer rat, gray rat or wharf rat, it is a slightly larger animal than the roof rat. Adult Norway rats weigh an average of 1 pound. Their fur is coarse and usually brownish or reddish-gray above and whitish gray on the belly. Blackish individuals occur in some locations. Although they can climb, Norway rats tend to inhabit the lower floors of multistory buildings.
Range and Habitat
The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) lives in close association with people. In urban or suburban areas they live in and around residences, in cellars, warehouses, stores, slaughterhouses, docks and in sewers. On farms they may inhabit barns, granaries, livestock buildings, silos, and kennels. They may burrow to make nests under buildings and other structures, beneath concrete slabs, along stream banks, around ponds, in garbage dumps and at other locations where suitable food, water and shelter are present.
Fun Facts
First introduced into the United States around 1775, the Norway rat has now spread throughout the contiguous 48 states.
Norway rats are primarily nocturnal. They usually become active about dusk, when they begin to seek food and water. Some individuals may be active during daylight hours when rat populations are high.
Rats have poor eyesight, relying more on their hearing and their excellent senses of smell, taste and touch. They are considered color-blind.
Rats use their keen sense of smell to locate food items and to recognize other rats. Their sense of taste is excellent, and they can detect some contaminants in their food at levels as low as 0.5 parts per million.
Norway rats usually construct nests in below-ground burrows or at ground level. Nests may be lined with shredded paper, cloth, or other fibrous material.
Litters of 6 to 12 young are born 21 to 23 days after mating. Newborn rats are hairless and their eyes are closed, but they grow rapidly. They can eat solid food at 2 1/2 to 3 weeks. They become completely independent at about 3 to 4 weeks and reach reproductive maturity at 3 months of age.
Norway rats have physical capabilities that enable them to gain entry to structures by gnawing, climbing, jumping, swimming, and other tactics.
Rats will at first avoid novel food items placed in their environment. They may eat very small amounts, and subsequent feeding will depend on the flavor of the food and its physiological effect.
During it's daily activities, a rat normally travels an area averaging 100 to 150 feet (30 to 45 m) in diameter. Rats seldom travel farther than 300 feet (100 m) from their burrows to obtain food or water.
Rats constantly explore and learn about their environment, memorizing the locations of pathways, obstacles, food and water, shelter, and other elements in their domain. They quickly detect and tend to avoid new objects placed into a familiar environment. Thus, objects such as traps and bait stations often are avoided for several days or more following their initial placement. Place baits and bait stations near, but not on, rat runways. Rats will quickly find them and after a short period of avoidance, will cautiously investigate them.
Damage Identification
Norway rats consume and contaminate foodstuffs and animal feed. They may damage crops in fields prior to and during harvest, and during processing and storage. Rats also damage containers and packaging materials in which foods and feed are stored.
Rats cause structural damage to buildings by burrowing and gnawing. They undermine building foundations and slabs, cause settling in roads and railroad track beds, and damage the banks of irrigation canals and levees. Rats also may gnaw on electrical wires or water pipes, either in structures or below ground. They damage structures further by gnawing openings through doors, window sills, walls, ceilings, and floors. Considerable damage to insulated structures can occur as a result of rat burrowing and nesting in walls and attics.
Public Health
Among the diseases rats may transmit to humans or livestock are murine typhus, leptospirosis, trichinosis, salmonellosis (food poisoning), and ratbite fever. Plague is a disease that can be carried by a variety of rodents, but it is more commonly associated with roof rats (Rattus rattus) than with Norway rats.
Rat Signs
The presence of rats can be determined by a number of signs described below:
Droppings may be found along runways, in feeding areas, and near shelter. They may be as large as 3/4 inch (2 cm) long and 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) in diameter. Fresh droppings are soft in texture.
Tracks, including footprints or tail marks, may be seen on dusty surfaces or in mud. A tracking patch made of flour can be placed in pathways overnight to determine if rodents are present.
Urine, both wet and dry, will fluoresce under ultraviolet light. Urine stains may occur along travelways or in feeding areas.
Runs or burrows may be found next to walls, along fences, next to buildings, or under bushes and debris. Rats memorize pathways and use the same routes habitually.
Smudge marks (rub marks) may occur on beams, rafters, pipes, and walls as a result of oil and dirt rubbing off rats' fur along frequently traveled routes.
Gnawing may be visible on doors, ledges, in corners, in wall material, on stored materials, or other surfaces wherever rats are present. Fresh accumulations of wood shavings, insulation, and other gnawed material indicate active infestations. Size of entry holes (often 1 1/2 inches [4 cm] in diameter or less for mice, 2 inches [5 cm] or larger for rats) or tooth marks can be used to distinguish rat from mouse gnawing. Rats keep their paired incisor teeth, which grow continuously at the rate of about 5 inches (13 cm) per year, worn down by gnawing on hard surfaces and by working them against each other.
Sounds such as gnawing, climbing in walls, clawing, various squeaks, and fighting noises are common where rats are present, particularly at times of the day when they are most active.
Legal Status
Norway rats are not protected by law. They may be controlled with any pesticide registered by federal or state authorities for this purpose or they may be controlled by use of mechanical methods such as traps.
Damage Prevention and Control Methods
Seal all openings larger than 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) wide.
Rats are wary animals and can be frightened easily by unfamiliar sounds or sounds coming from new locations. Most rodents, however, can quickly become accustomed to new sounds heard repeatedly. For years, devices that produce ultrasonic sound that is claimed to control rodents have come and gone on the market. There is little evidence to suggest that rodents' responses to nonspecific, high-frequency sound is any different from their response to sound within the range human of hearing.
Habitat Modification
Good sanitation practices reduce sources of food, water, and shelter. Store foodstuffs in rodent-proof structures or containers. Store and dispose of refuse and garbage properly. Control weeds and remove debris from around structures.
Rats find some types of tastes and odors objectionable, but chemical repellents are seldom a practical solution to rat infestations. Substances such as moth balls (naphthalene) or household ammonia, in sufficient concentration, may have at least temporary effects in keeping rats out of certain enclosed areas. The above materials, however, are not registered by the EPA as rat repellents. Ro-pel® is registered for use in repelling Norway rats and other rodents from gnawing on trees, poles, fences, shrubs, garbage, and other objects. Little information is currently available on its effectiveness against rats. Other solutions to rat problems, including rodent-proof construction and methods of population reduction, are usually more permanent and cost-effective.
Anticoagulant rodenticides (slowacting chronic-type toxicants) Brodifacoum (Talon®). Bromadiolone (Maki®, Contrac®). Chlorophacinone (RoZol®). Diphacinone (Ramik®, Ditrac®). Pindone(Pival®, Pivalyn®) Warfarin (Final® and others). Toxicants other than anticoagulants (may be acute or chronic toxicants) Bromethalin (Assault®, Vengeance®). Cholecalciferol (Quintox®). Red Squill. Zinc phosphide (Ridall Zinc®, ZP® rodent bait).
In some situations, outdoor burrow fumigation may be effective. Aluminum phosphide (Phostoxin® and others). Chloropicrin. Gas cartridges. Methyl bromide.
Snap traps. Live traps. Glue boards.
The above information was adapted from PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF WILDLIFE DAMAGE with permission of the editors, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Robert M. Timm, and Gary E. Larson (Cooperative Extension Division, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Nebraska-Lincoln, United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Damage Control, Great Plains Agricultural Council Wildlife Committee).


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Center for Mathematics Education
The Center for Mathematics Education was created in Fall 2004, and it is designed to enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics for all children, youth, and adults. To accomplish this purpose, the Center has engaged in three simultaneous and interrelated activities. First, the Center directly impacts the teacher development continuum from pre-service preparation to beginning teacher induction and socialization into teaching and on through continued professional development. Second, the Center promotes and sustains an agenda of research designed to enhance the knowledge base of teaching and learning in mathematics education and to address problems of practice in teaching mathematics. Third, the Center, through its activities, promotes and enhances the learning of mathematics of all persons from preschool through graduate school by engaging in a coordinated outreach program touching students, schools, and school districts throughout Indiana.
Co-Directors |
Dr. Elizabeth Brown is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. She earned a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from San Diego State University, an M.S. in Mathematics from the University of Utah, and a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning with an emphasis in Mathematics Education from the University of Utah. She has been a faculty member at ISU since 2000. She is interested in mathematics teacher preparation and professional development as well as mathematics curriculum development. Dr. Brown is a 2011 recipient of the Caleb Mills Distinguished Teaching Award and serves on the Board of the Indiana Council of Teachers of Mathematics. | |
Dr. Marylin Leinenbach is an associate professor in the Department of Elementary, Early, and Special Education. She has a bachelor of arts in mathematics from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Indiana State University. She taught mathematics to children in grades 5-8 for 28 years and currently prepares elementary pre-service teachers in mathematics methods. Leinenbach is a National Board Certified Teacher, the recipient of the Disney American Teacher Award in Mathematics, is a 2012 recipient of the Caleb Mills Distinguished Teaching Award and has presented at numerous national, regional, and state workshops for teachers. She has been active in local schools for many years, is well versed in mathematics curricula, and has a vast knowledge of mathematics teaching methods. She can be reached at 812-237-2847 or by e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com | |
CME Faculty |
Dr. Jodi Frost received her Ph.D. From University of Idaho in 2012 in Mathematics, with an emphasis in Mathematics Education. She also has an MS in mathematics from University of Idaho. She graduated from Pitzer College with a BA in 1995 with a dual major in mathematics and science, technology & society (STS). Before she started graduate school, Dr. Frost spent about 9 years working in the human resource and payroll fields. | |
Dr. Yi-Yin (Winnie) Ko is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. She has a bachelor of science in mathematics from Tunghai University in Taiwan, a master of science in mathematics from National Changhua University of Education in Taiwan, and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in mathematics education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her primary research interests concern the teaching and learning of fundamental mathematical practices in both school and university settings, particularly as they relate to mathematical reasoning, representation, generalization, justification, and proof. Her other research interest includes the development of pre-service and in-service teachers' mathematical knowledge for teaching using video-based cases of students' thinking and teaching practices. She can be reached at 812-237-7649 or by email at email@example.com. | |
CME Advisor |
Patricia (Patty) Butwin, a graduate of Indiana State University and a resident of Avon, IN, is a results-oriented professional manager, educator, and consultant. Her professional credentials include: "7 years in 7th grade" as a Junior High School Mathematics teacher; a variety of management positions with AT&T in locations across the US from New Jersey to California; and two long-term consulting assignments during which she provided project/program management, process management, contract negotiations and contract management support, legal research, and regulatory compliance support. In addition to her "for-profit ventures", she has used her talents, skills, and business acumen in a variety of volunteer activities for several organizations including: Hendricks Regional Health (2005-2007), Providence Cristo Rey High School (2006-2007), the Money Bus- Financial Literacy Program sponsored by ISU Networks Financial Institute ( 2006-2008) , the ISU Center for Mathematics Education, St Susanna Church (Plainfield, IN) Religious Education Program, the Indiana State University Foundation and the Terre Haute Children's Museum. Currently Patty is working with the Co-Directors of the ISU Center for Mathematics Education to develop a Financial Fitness Outreach Program targeted to residents of the Wabash Valley and sponsored by a grant to the Indiana State University from Old National Bank. |


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Maximum performance.
Sophisticated performance enhancing features deliver the speed you need for demanding applications like photo and video editing and Internet gaming.
No compromises.
High performance, high capacity, high reliability, and cutting-edge technology make up WD Black, the ideal drive for those who demand only the best.
Industry-leading warranty.
WD Black carries the highest available warranty protection on the market, a 5-year limited warranty.
Inspiring performance and capacity.
For the creators, the gamers and those that demand the best, we delivered the next generation of hard drives to enlarge your PC playground. The latest WD Black desktop hard drives offer enhanced features that maximize system performance, allowing you to spend more time doing what you love most and less time waiting. WD Black is designed to intensify your PC experience with generous capacity and incredible performance, pushing the boundaries of personalization.
For the Gamer… Smarter than the average drive.
Performance and workstation PCs equipped with high-end components often omit vibrations and acoustics that can reduce the precision and performance of your hard drive. Even the best chassis on the market cannot always compensate against this. The new generation of WD Black hard drives feature Vibration Control Technology (VCT) which allows the disks inside the drive to adapt to any mounting problems or vibration conditions that are inside your case, resulting in increased data accuracy, performance and reliability over time. Put simply, this means you can game harder, faster and longer.
For the Enthusiast… Action meets stable traction.
In addition to Vibration Control Technology (VCT), WD Black is also equipped with StableTrac Technology, which secures the motor shaft inside the drive at both ends to help reduce additional system-induced vibrations. StableTrac confidently stabilizes the platters inside, resulting in more accurate tracking in a particular sector during read and write operations and delivers increased performance. (2 TB models and above).
For the Creative Pro… High resolution for a high definition world
Underlying its athletic stance of performance and capacity, WD Black features a new High Resolution Controller (HRC) with an improved architectural design, resulting in increased data precision across the hard drive. This translates to superior responsiveness evolving your high definition world to the next level.
Protecting your moments.
The worst thing that can happen during a rendering process is losing data due to power fluctuation or power failure. The new generation of WD Black hard drives is equipped with Corruption Protection Technology (CPT), which helps to protect and limit the potential problem of data loss during power failure or power loss to the hard drive. Overall, Corruption Protection Technology can save you time and money on your project.
Upgrading your drive is easy.
WD Acronis True Image, available as a free download on the WD Support site, enables you to copy all your data to a new drive so you don't have to reinstall your operating system to get all the benefits of a new drive.
Dynamic Cache.
WD's dynamic caching algorithm improves performance in real time by optimizing cache allocation between reads and writes. For example, if there's an overwhelming percentage of read traffic as opposed to write traffic, the drive automatically allocates more cache for read data, which reduces congestion and improves overall drive performance.
NoTouch Ramp Load technology.
The recording head never touches the disk media ensuring significantly less wear to the recording head and media as well as better drive protection in transit.
Easy upgrade.
Acronis True Image, available as a download on the WD Support website, enables you to copy all your data to a new drive so you don't have to reinstall your operating system to get all the benefits of a new drive.
The WD advantage.
WD puts our products through extensive Functional Integrity Testing (F.I.T.) prior to any product launch. This testing ensures our products consistently meet the highest quality and reliability standards of the WD brand. WD also has a detailed Knowledge Base with more than 1,000 helpful articles as well as helpful software and utilities. Our customer support lines have longer operational hours to ensure you get the help you need when you need it. Our toll-free customer support lines are here to help or you can access our WD Support site for additional details.
Recommended use.
TWD Black hard drives are tested and recommended for use in PCs, high-performance workstations, all-in-one PCs, gaming PCs, game consoles, home media PCs and notebook computers.*
*Desktop drives are not recommended for use in RAID environments, please consider using WD Red hard drives for home and small office, 1 to 5 bay NAS systems and WD datacenter hard drives for 6 bay and greater NAS systems.


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Intuitive navigation for users Create common user scenarios, get "in character," then try working through your site. For example, if your site is about basketball, imagine being a visitor (in this case a "baller" :) trying to learn the best dribbling technique. Starting at the homepage, if the user doesn't use the search box on your site or a pulldown menu, can they easily find the desired information (ball handling like a superstar) from the navigation links? Let's say a user found your site through an external link, but they didn't land on the homepage. Starting from any (sub-/child) page on your site, make sure they can easily find their way to the homepage and/or other relevant sections. In other words, make sure users aren't trapped or stuck. Was the "best dribbling technique" easy for your imaginary user to find? Often breadcrumbs such as "Home > Techniques > Dribbling" help users to understand where they are. Crawlable links for search engines Text links are easily discovered by search engines and are often the safest bet if your priority is having your content crawled. While you're welcome to try the latest technologies, keep-in-mind that when text-based links are available and easily navigable for users, chances are that search engines can crawl your site as well.This text link is easy for search engines to find. Sitemap submission is also helpful for major search engines, though it shouldn't be a substitute for crawlable link architecture. If your site utilizes newer techniques, such as AJAX, see "Verify that Googlebot finds your internal links" below.
A: It's not something we, as webmasters who also work at Google, would really spend time or energy on. In other words, if your site already has strong link architecture, it's far more productive to work on keeping users happy with fresh and compelling content rather than to worry about PageRank sculpting. Matt Cutts answered more questions about "appropriate uses of nofollow" in our webmaster discussion group.
A: We haven't found a case where a webmaster would benefit by intentionally "theming" their link architecture for search engines. And, keep-in-mind, if a visitor to one part of your site can't easily reach other parts of your site, that may be a problem for search engines as well.
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text: Noise Patterns digs into the primitive particles of digital 1-bit audio that has become Perich's signature sound. As with his previous circuit albums, Noise Patterns is not released as a CD or record. Noise Patterns comes as a minimalist matte-black circuit board with a headphone jack in the side. Plug in and switch it on to listen to Perich's music unfold. The 6-track album explores how digital noise can be shaped and stressed, from glittering static into the mesmerizing electronic thump of a nightclub. On a technical level, the sonic raw material in Noise Patterns is digital 1-bit noise: a probabilistic density of random oscillations that Perich sequences into rhythmic patterns and layers into textures, pulses, rumbles and beats. These sounds are Perich's very own, programmed by the artist and synthesized in real-time as the circuit plays. The physical format of Noise Patterns reveals how Perich engages music at all levels, from sound all the way down to the binary instructions of the hardware.


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Dramaten Spoken Word
Since 2013, Dramaten Spoken Word brings Swedens most vibrant spoken word poets and musicians together on the most prestigeous stage of the country. From its small start it has since come to huge popularity and critical acclaim with four sold out evenings each year.
From the begining, Pråmfilm has been working closely with Dramaten in documenting the evenings and bringing them to a broader audience on the internet. We produce short films of the performances that aim to capture the magical atmosphere that emerges when the poets take over the theater stage. Pråmfilm are also involved in the set design by creating films and graphics that visually frame the production.
Production facts
Film: Kalle Jansson & Nils Bucher
Editing and post-production: Kalle Jansson
Produced for Dramaten


text: Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Today is Sunday, Dec. 8, the 342nd day of 2013 with 23 to follow. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury and Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus and Venus. Advertisement Those born on this date are under the sign of Sagittarius. They include Mary Queen of Scots in 1542; Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin, in 1765; General Motors founder William Durant and French movie pioneer Georges Melies, both in 1861; Finnish composer Jean Sibelius in 1865; Mexican muralist Diego Rivera in 1886; humorist and artist James Thurber in 1894; actor Lee J. Cobb in 1911; entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. in 1925; actor Maximilian Schell in 1930 (age 83); comedian Flip Wilson in 1933; actors David Carradine in 1936 and James MacArthur in 1937; Irish flutist James Galway in 1939 (age 74); Rock and Roll Hall of fame members Jim Morrison in 1943 and Gregg Allman in 1947 (age 66); writer Bill Bryson in 1951 (age 62); actors Kim Basinger in 1953 (age 60) and Teri Hatcher in 1964 (age 49); political commentator Ann Coulter in 1961 (age 52); Irish singer/songwriter Sinead O'Connor in 1966 (age 47); actor Dominic Monaghan in 1976 (age 37); and rap artist Nicki Minaj in 1982 (age 31). Advertisement On this date in history: In 1886, delegates from 25 unions founded the American Federation of Labor, forerunner of the modern AFL-CIO, in Columbus, Ohio. In 1941, the United States, Britain and Australia declared war on Japan. In 1949, the Chinese Nationalist government, defeated by the Communists, retreated from the mainland to the island of Taiwan. In 1980, former Beatle John Lennon was shot to death outside his apartment building in New York City. He was 40. In 1986, U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz told the House Foreign Affairs Committee the transfer of Iran arms money to the Nicaraguan Contras was illegal. In 1987, U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev signed the first treaty between the two superpowers to reduce their massive nuclear arsenals. In 1991, the Soviet Union ceased to exist when the republics of Russia, Byelorussia (now known as Belarus) and Ukraine signed an agreement creating the Commonwealth of Independent States. In 1993, U.S. President Bill Clinton signed the North American Free Trade Agreement. In 1997, Jenny Shipley was sworn in as the first woman prime minister of New Zealand. Advertisement In 2004, the International Business Machines Corp. reported it was selling its personal computer business to Chinese rival Lenovo Group for $1.25 billion in cash and stock. In 2005, a Southwest Airlines jetliner overshot a runway at Chicago's Midway International Airport in a snowstorm, crashing through a fence into a city street. A 6-year-old boy in a car hit by the plane was killed and at least 11 other people were hurt. In 2007, Afghanistan was in official mourning after a suicide bombing at a school in the north killed at least 52 people and injured 102 others. The dead included 18 children. In 2008, the suspected mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and four co-defendants told a military judge at Guantanamo Bay that they wanted to confess to all charges of murder and war crimes. In 2009, an apparently coordinated series of car bombs destroyed several government buildings in Baghdad, killing at least 121 people and wounding 499. In 2010, a prison fire south of Santiago, Chile, that apparently broke out after a fight between inmates killed at least 81 people and injured a dozen others. Advertisement In 2012, Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti announced his resignation. A thought for the day: "It's better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone." -- Marilyn Monroe


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Information Possibly Outdated
The information presented on this page was originally released on September 9, 2014. It may not be outdated, but please search our site for more current information. If you plan to quote or reference this information in a publication, please check with the Extension specialist or author before proceeding.
Bugfest offers buggy good time for all
PICAYUNE -- Families and school groups can learn about some of Mississippi's insects and their plant companions during the annual Bugfest Sept. 26 and 27 at the Mississippi State University Crosby Arboretum in Picayune.
The two-day, hands-on event offers children and families an opportunity to collect and identify insects found throughout the arboretum grounds. Special events are an in-depth lesson on beekeeping Sept. 26 by Extension Bee Specialist Jeff Harris and a video presentation on fun facts about insects and other arthropods on Sept. 27 by Extension Entomology Specialist John Guyton and Bug Camp attendees.
Other educational experiences include tree identification hikes and visits to the pitcher plant bog.
"This is one of our most popular events every year," said Pat Drackett, arboretum director. "Last year we had more than 1,000 people attend. It is a lot of fun for kids of all ages."
A staffed insect identification and mounting station will be available during the entire event. Participants can make entomology-based crafts and play games on The Buggy Midway.
Insect collecting activities will be open to school and homeschool groups on Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Groups with more than 20 people should schedule an arrival time by calling the arboretum at 601-799-2311. On Sept. 26, admission is $2 for students and free for teachers, chaperones and bus drivers until 6 p.m.
The general public can participate in night collecting and the Buggy Midway from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 26. Bring a flashlight or headlamp.
Bugfest is again open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 27. The Buggy Midway will be open until noon. The New Orleans Audubon Institute's Bugmobile will be on hand in the afternoon. Attendees can see insect demonstrations and collections, pet bugs, exhibits and more.
Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children after 6 p.m. on Sept. 26 and all day Sept. 27.
For more information and to download an insect collecting manual, visit the arboretum's website at http://www.crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu.


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JF Noridian Administrative Services: Alaska Medicare
Noridian Administrative Services LLC (NAS) administers Medicare health insurance for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for Jurisdiction F. If you are a provider located in Jurisdiction F and need to become an electronic submitter for your Medicare A/B Claims, please follow the enrollment instructions below.
All providers must first register for Noridian's EDISS Connect site.
The provider guide for this process can be found here: http://www.edissweb.com/docs/shared/connect-provider-manual.pdf
The vendor (billing services) guide for this process can be found here: http://www.edissweb.com/docs/shared/connect-vendor_manual.pdf
Once you have established your EDISS Connect account, please log in.
You must download and submit the required forms
Once done, click on "Manage Transactions" and you will see "testing required" next to the transactions that require testing
Please Note: The box under "Who Will Perform Transactions?" that says "I Will" should be checked indicating you will be sending transactions as a direct Submitter. Axiom/SolAce is NOT a "Vendor". The term "Vendor" in EDISS refers to a Billing Service or Clearinghouse and SolAce is a billing software that uses the ClaimShuttle Network Service Vendor connection.
Once you have submitted the required forms and can successfully log in to EDISS Connect, please call the SolAce Support team at 602-439-2525 option 1 to schedule the Mailbox setup and Test transmission.
Once you have submitted the required forms and can successfully log in to EDISS Connect, please call the SolAce Support team at 602-439-2525 option 1.
Noridian's contact information: Jurisdiction F (JF) Part A and B: 877-908-8431
We can now process 276/277 requests (claim status). If this is a transaction you would like to utilize please make sure to enroll with the payer.
Our Vendor Information
Vendor Name - AXIOM Systems, Inc. |
Contact - EDI Team |
Phone - 602-439-2525 |
Fax - 602-439-0808 |
Address - 241 East 4th Street, Suite 200 Frederick, MD 21701 |
Software Name - SolAce EMC |
Email - firstname.lastname@example.com |
When you have your Submitter ID and login information for the EDISS Connect account and have submitted the required forms, please call the SolAce Support team. We will help you with creating the test batch and submitting it to Noridian. We must create 10 test claims in order to pass and get approved for production status.
customer Testimonial
From our customers
I am very pleased with our SolAce billing software and how easy it is to navigate. They have a great team who can train you to do billing even if you don't have billing experience. Special thanks to Cathy, Gigi, and Skyler who always helps me out every time I have issues.
SolAce is awesome software. I absolutely LOVE it. For over three years I have used this software daily for multiple long term care facilities to submit claims to various MACs, Medicaid, and Medicare Advantage and Supplemental Insurance carriers. It is convenient, simple to use and far less costly than any Clearing House software I had explored. The ability to import from my Practice Management Software and Therapy Providers has reduced any RTP claims edits and denials are a thing of the past. Customer Support is "Johnny on the spot", but terrific as they may be, it gets better - RARELY do I need to call. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, AND LOVE IT.
I think our medical office was one of the first to use SolAce in the mid 1990's and we are still using it today for all of our electronic billing because it works ! It was simple for our staff to learn and it integrated easily with our accounting/billing program. It has been especially nice to know that the Axiom staff is there when Medicare changes something and they are right on it. They made the 5010 change a simple process plus made educational seminars available to us. Thank you to all the Axiom/ Ivertex professionals who have helped us for the last 15+ years.
SolAce has been a valuable tool that has been a life saver for my billing service for years. It has allowed me to bill professional and institutional claims with ease. Customer service @ SolAce is top rated in my opinion. The SolAce product is very user friendly and affordable. Thank you SolAce team for a great product.
Easy to use, Customer support has always been excellent, Thanks SolAce Team.
I am a new client and was having a tough time getting everything set up just right. I had to make calls to CEDI and when I called back the rep I spoke with prior even helped the 2nd rep to make sure I got all the info I needed. They definitely work as a team. Within a short period of time they had my system up and running. I never could've done it without them.
Awesome customer service every time!
I can't tell you how wonderful it is to work with your agency. They are courteous, knowledgeable,friendly, and a joy to work with - I can't say enough. Thank you!!
The service was very good. Phone answered promptly even though it was around 6 p.m. my time. Very courteous and helpful. So far I have had really good experiences with your support team.
The follow-up is outstanding - whenever there is an issue I am contacted to be sure that all is working well and to my satisfaction.
Everyone in your company is very helpful and pleasant, and they always have the quickest response time on fixing the situation.
Tech was very helpful, very patient and very professional. She knew of the issue quickly and stayed at hand until issue was resolved. Very satisifed with the service.


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GameFi is a new concept after the fire of DeFi, NFT, and the Metaverse. Like DeFi, it is a word created with the development of the industry, and can also be understood as Game+DeFi. It aims to promote the financial attributes of games through the game economy. While improving the game economy through financial attributes, the notable feature is that the financial element (Finance) is integrated into the game (Game), and the decentralized financial products are presented in the form of games. DeFi's Gamification of rules, fusion and sublimation. The special feature of GameFi is the play to earn part in GameFi. Users can earn income or rewards in the process of participating in the game and make money. In addition, rich Defi gameplay, such as game prop assets NFT, game economy combined with liquidity mining, etc., are all available in GameFi.
At the same time, thanks to the distributed structure of blockchain technology, the "metaverse" perfectly mirrors the real world at the relatively general level of "system". The next block chain with huge economic value and investment value is GameFi.
The value of GameFi is the IP attribute of the game itself. Based on the foundation of Finance, the core game can be played. In terms of game content and IP creation, many projects have begun to stand alone and take the lead.
Global GameFi games are developing rapidly, but they lack in-depth thinking and hard work in the direction of Game. But there are also many potential emerging projects worthy of attention. As one of them, Super War Pet is a classic and unique SLG chain game based on Binance Smart Chain (BSC), which integrates "elimination, competition, simulation, mining, Staking, SWAP, DEFI, NFT, DAO" in one, in which you will lead your pet team on adventures and achieve personal and team honor.
How to play the new world
In Super War Pet, NFT pets are your mounts, and incredible new worlds and life forms are waiting for you. To get NFT pets, you can use tokens to draw blind boxes, or use summoning and breeding skills to strengthen your pet lineup to get more resources and rewards.
Super War Pet is a metaverse full of adventure and war, we have
A complete economic system, from NFT exchange to pet summoning, synthesis, duplication, exchange, to land auction and store rental, the whole process is Play-to-Earn.
Perfect social system. From the moment you join the game, you are a member of Super War PetDAO, and you can share the dividends of ecological development by participating in the ecological governance of Super War Pet Metaverse.
Set up a pet level system, upgrade to get more power and resources, and become the best Super War Pet fighter.
An epic war is waiting for you to join, and the supremacy of pet camps in the elven castle awaits.
Bringing the game back to the essence of fun has always been the original intention of Super War Pet. As a top GameFi production from game graphics to war scenes, as well as combat missions and level design. Coupled with rich and interesting gameplay, "Super War Pet" allows you to appreciate what it means to be completely immersive.
Play-to-Earn as a new concept economic model, we call it earning while playing. The economics of Play-to-Earn are at the heart of the GameFi space. Gamefi is an inevitable result of the development of DeFi and NFT. Its value lies in enabling participants to enjoy the fun of games while also getting real benefits from them. Compared with the "Free-to-Play" of traditional games, Gamefi is "Play to Earn". The former is to spend money to recharge and then play the game, while the latter game players can earn real money through encrypted assets and participate in the virtual economy. Players who build and play can earn rewards for their participation, sell them on the market and earn money. This is a revolutionary difference. It is different from the Free-to-Play model in the traditional game industry,
Since blockchain games are not owned by a certain company, the development team of Chain Games has changed from the service role of the traditional game development team to a company-like architect, and the player has changed from the player who pays to play the game to a player. Employees who contribute to the development and expansion of the company, players and developers jointly maintain the game, which is completely driven by the market, the higher the popularity, the better the experience, and the higher the level of gamers. The transformation of the identities of both parties has transformed the original player's behavior of spending money to play the game into a behavior similar to work and making money. They can obtain returns from the market through the game, and each player can participate in the improvement and upgrade of the overall game. This is also an epic change to the long-ruling era of game kryptonite.
Super War Pet NFT is also known as SW-NFT. Each SW-NFT represents a pet, first obtain a SW-NFT, join the Super War Pet game, and then be eligible to summon a pet, and then experience the incubation, upgrade, exchange and other gameplay of advanced SW-NFT.
Different from the traditional game centralized mode, Super War Pet gives players enough game rights. All SW-NFTs purchased and incubated in the game universe belong to the players themselves, and players have the right to exchange them freely.
2021 is called the first year of the metaverse. The metaverse maps the reality into the virtual world, and the concept of ultimately affecting the real world from the activities of the virtual world has become the main direction of the future development of the Internet. Under the epidemic, some resource-exporting countries in Southeast Asia have encountered an economic crisis. To solve the economic crisis, it is necessary to seek new economic growth points in addition to resource exports. The economic system mapped by GameFi just provides such a possibility, so that ordinary people can In the reality of high consumption and low income, certain benefits are earned through the virtual world.
The trend of 2022 is gradually blowing to GameFi, and more and more newcomers are pouring into the game world of "Paly to Earn". Let's lead the pets of war in the chain game Super War Pet, and adventure together. Run on the road of Play-to-Earn and achieve each other. Build your own new kingdom on the blockchain, summon, collect, copy, exchange pets, appreciate game rewards and govern digital assets. Follow the pace of Super War Pet, seize GameFi, seize the opportunity, and dominate the wealth!


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Adobe Stock
JOHNSTOWN, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's largest-ever economic development project comes with a big employment challenge: how to find 7,000 construction workers in an already booming building environment when there's also a national shortage of people working in the trades.
At hand is the $20 billion semiconductor manufacturing operation near the state's capital, announced by Intel earlier this year. When the two factories, known as fabs, open in 2025, the facility will employ 3,000 people with an average salary of around $135,000.
Before that happens, the 1,000-acre site must be leveled and the semiconductor factories built.
"This project reverberated nationwide," said Michael Engbert, an Ohio-based official with the Laborers' International Union of North America.
"We don't field calls every day from members hundreds or thousands of miles away asking about transferring into Columbus, Ohio," he said. "It's because they know Intel is coming."
To win the project, Ohio offered Intel roughly $2 billion in incentives, including a 30-year tax break. Intel has outlined $150 million in educational funding aimed at growing the semiconductor industry regionally and nationally.
Construction is expected to accelerate following Congress' approval last month of a package boosting the semiconductor industry and scientific research in a bid to create more high-tech jobs in the United States and help it better compete with international rivals. It includes more than $52 billion in grants and other incentives for the semiconductor industry as well as a 25% tax credit for those companies that invest in chip plants in the U.S.
For the central Ohio project, all 7,000 workers aren't required right away. They're also only a portion of what will be needed as the Intel project transforms hundreds of largely rural acres about 30 minutes east of Columbus.
Just six months after Intel revealed the Ohio operation, for example, Missouri-based VanTrust Real Estate announced it was building a 500-acre (200-hectare) business park next door to house Intel suppliers. The site's 5 million square feet (464,515 square meters) is equivalent to nearly nine football fields. Other projects for additional suppliers are expected.
California-based Intel will rely on lessons learned in building previous semiconductor sites nationally and globally to ensure enough construction workers, the company said in a statement.
"One of Intel's top reasons for choosing Ohio is access to the region's robust workforce," the company said. "It will not be without its challenges, but we are confident there is enough demand that these jobs will be filled."
Labor leaders and state officials acknowledge there's not currently a pool of 7,000 extra workers in central Ohio, where other current projects include a 28-story Hilton near downtown Columbus, a $2 billion addition to The Ohio State University's medical center, and a $365 million Amgen biomanufacturing plant not far from the Intel plant.
And that's not counting at least three new Google and Amazon data centers, plans for a new $200 million municipal courthouse south of downtown Columbus and solar array projects that could require nearly 6,000 construction jobs by themselves.
Federal data shows about 45,000 home and commercial construction workers in central Ohio. That number increased by 1,800 from May 2021 to May 2022, meaning a future deficit given current and future demands.
"I don't know of a single commercial construction company that's not hiring," said Mary Tebeau, executive director of the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio, a construction industry trade association.
Offsetting the imbalance are training programs, a push to encourage more high school students to enter the trades, and pure economics. Including overtime, pay for skilled tradespeople could hit $125,000 annually, said Dorsey Hager, executive secretary-treasurer of the Columbus Building Trades Council.
Or as Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, the state's economic development point person, puts it, the Intel project is so big and lucrative it will create opportunities for people who didn't see construction jobs in their future.
"When you're willing to pay people more to do something, you will find the talent," he said.
In addition to new and out-of-state workers, some will likely be pulled from the residential construction industry, thinning out an already short supply of homebuilders, said Ed Brady, CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based Home Builders Institute.
That creates a housing shortage risk that could slow the very type of economic development that Intel is sparking, said Ed Dietz of the National Association of Home Builders.
"How do you attract those business investments if you can't also provide additional housing available for the growth in the labor force?" he said.
Central Ohio is expected to reach 3 million residents by 2050, a rate that would require 11,000 to 14,000 housing units a year. That was before Intel was announced, said Jennifer Noll, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission's associate director for community development. Meanwhile, the closest the region came to hitting that goal was in 2020 with 11,000 units.
"We know we've got some work to do as a region," Noll said.
Shortage or not, work is underway at and near the Intel site, where parades of trucks rumbled down country roads on a recent August morning as the beeping of multiple construction vehicles sounded in the distance.
It was just another day for pipe layer Taylor Purdy, who made his regular 30-minute drive from Bangs, Ohio, to his construction job helping widen a road running alongside the Intel plant.
Purdy, 28, spends his days in trenches helping position storm and sanitary sewers and waterlines. Overtime is plentiful as deadlines approach. The Intel construction work is in its earliest phases as earthmovers reshape the 1,000 acres (400 hectares) of former farm and residential land being transformed into an industrial site.
Purdy said he likes the job security of being involved on such a big project. He's also noticed that, unlike other jobs he has worked, he does not need to explain to people what he is up to.
"They all know what I'm talking about," he said.


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Welcome to Dixonary
Dixonary, for those who don't know, is an online version of the parlour game otherwise called Balderdash! or Fictionary. This game began in the Tapcis forum on CompuServe in 1989. It is still going strong, and is now to be found on Google Groups, where its couple of dozen formidably well-read, clever and witty players are always happy to welcome kindred spirits. (But you will have to apply to join.)
The game is primarily one of exchanged messages in Google Groups. But it also needs a support site for the rules of the game, archives of past rounds, and so forth. This site makes those available.


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The American-born al Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki may have been targeted for a deadly drone strike by a Danish intelligence agent who has now spoken publicly on his role for the first time. The operation to eliminate the Yemeni terror threat to America apparently was an example of good cooperation between intelligence services of several countries to fight al Qaeda.
Awlaki died on Sept. 30, 2011, in a drone mission in a remote desert of Yemen. The New Mexico–born terrorist had established himself as both a key propagandist for al Qaeda and a key operational figure in its Yemeni franchise, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Awlaki was a master of explaining al Qaeda's narrative and ideology to potential recruits, especially those whose native language was not Arabic. He was the guiding hand behind AQAP's English-language Web magazine, Inspire, which was full of his writings and interviews, as well as helpful tips such as how to make a bomb in your mother's kitchen.
But Awlaki also was an operational leader. He persuaded the Nigerian terrorist Omar Farouk Abdulmuttalab to hide a bomb in his underwear, book a flight to America, and try to blow up himself and the plane. Al Qaeda's Dec. 25, 2009, attack on Detroit, which failed only because the suicide bomber misfired his bomb, also was intended by Awlaki to provoke America into another Middle East war, this time in Yemen. Al Qaeda proudly said its goal was to snare America into "the final trap." Awlaki tried again with two parcel bombs in October 2010 sent to addresses in Chicago. After the bombs were discovered, thanks to Saudi intelligence help, al Qaeda announced that the plot cost only $4,200 to pull off, and promised more to come to "hemorrhage" the American economy.
Now Danish television has broadcast an interview with a 36-year-old Danish citizen, Morten Storm, who says he provided the critical intelligence on Awlaki's movements that set up the drone attack.
Storm grew up in Denmark with a troubled childhood, drifting into drugs and crime. In 1997, he says, he converted in jail to Islam, and then moved to Yemen to study the Quran. In 2000 he married a Yemeni who bore him a son two years later. They named him Osama. Storm adopted a nom de guerre, Murad Storm, and joined jihadist circles.
According to his story, in 2006 he changed his mind and approached the Danish intelligence service, PET, offering to spy on al Qaeda in Yemen. Five years later he had worked his way into AQAP's top circles and to Awlaki. European and American converts to Islam are very valuable to al Qaeda, since they bring passports that allow them easy access to the West. This Dane claims he really was working as an informant for the Scandinavian country's small but very effective intelligence service.
The interview has ignited a controversy in Denmark about whether the country's intelligence service should be involved in helping with drone attacks. Awlaki's death is, of course, controversial in the U.S. as well, since he was an American citizen.
The saga of Mr. Storm is important in another respect, however, because it shows that the war against al Qaeda is fought by a coalition of intelligence services pooling information to infiltrate the terror network's ranks and target its leadership. Eleven years after 9/11, such international intelligence cooperation is more important than ever.


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- The schedule has been selected. [Talks] [Tutorials]
- Registration is open.
- Hotel reservations are open.
It is set to be an excellent event with a packed OSGi Program of 17 talks, 2 tutorials, a BOF and a Workshop over the 4 days. All attendees also get access to all of the EclipseCon 2013 sessions.
With a 40% reduction in registration fees compared with last year there has never been a better time to feast on the huge Smörgåsbord of content for learning new things and brushing up your skills. Not to forget the opportunity to network with your peers and many of the OSGi experts from around the world.
There are only a few days left to secure the best price for attending as the Early Bird price of $800 expires on New Years Eve. And if you are an OSGi member you can benefit from an additional $100 saving.
So why delay? Sign up today and secure you place to join us for one of the key OSGi events of next year.
If you have any questions you can reach the Program Committee by email.
Happy Holidays.
OSGi DevCon 2013 Program Committee
BJ Hargrave & Mike Francis


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Card to share for the Runway Inspired Challenge #44. It's been too long since I played over there and this photo spoke to me with its wispy branches and natural makeup.
This translated to this card.
Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink with a hint of a moon in Shaded Lilac. A portion of a Crafter's Workshop mask. And the serenity of the scene spoke sympathy to me. On vellum in a nod to the sheer layers of the gown.
Thanks for visiting.
Supplies with sympathy:
Paper: cardbase TPC, vellum
Stamps: sentiment PTI
Ink: Distress, StazOn
Tools: mask TCW


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The Sun Bliss face is cast in dyed cement then hand painted. Metal sun rays is cut out of 14 gauge steel. Comes with hole in back for wall hanging on nail or screw head.
Small 9" by 9"
Large 16" by 16"
About the artist:
The majority of the "elizabeth keith designs" consists of "whimsical garden suns". they describes their company this way. " A unique vision for your garden, that is our mission here at "elizabeth keith designs". We want your garden to inspire, to calm and to delight. We offer you an abundance of personalities in the form of a sun. Whether you choose a large face, a happy face or a peaceful face, each face is meant to enhance your garden and to inspire you!"All of their "Gardens Suns " and "Metal Signs and Rays" are made in their studio and they are delighted to put "Hand Crafted in Cary, North Carolina" on all of their hangtags. The sun and the moon are constants in our lives, radiating light and life, always with us but ever changing. Artist Michael Markham has been drawn to these celestial symbols throughout his artistic career, rendering sun and moon faces in silver, in fine woodwork and in clay. "The sun is always rising" says the artist. "Perhaps that's why it's such a potent symbol for me. It's reborn every morning."


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All great companies have a Visionary with a strong "second in command" (also known as the Noise Killers). These key people run the day to day of the business, implement the strategy of the company, assure the profitability and keep the "noise" of the daily functions from the Visionary so they can move the company forward.
The "Noise Killer" peer groups are designed to support these key people in their operational, process and personal challenges. A group of like minded key people, sharing best practices, insights, experiences and support to help them accomplish their company objectives.
The positions are often referred to as President, General Manager, Chief Operations Officer, Director of Operations, Integrator or other key positions that direct the day to day business.
All sessions meet once per month and are lead by an experienced facilitator with strong business operations background. A monthly 1:1 session is also included for each member.
Meet, greet, good news personal/professional
Update accountability reports (5 minutes each)
Leadership Challenge/Training
Boardroom issues challenged
Summary, rate, 30 day objective


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Subscribe to our Newsletter!
Get our latest news, specials and updates.
for purchasing Anthem!
Anthem by Superfly was designed and developed in partnership with Artillery Media. For installation instructions, please visit our support portal at http://help.besuperfly.com. In this page you will find customization tips, tricks & tutorials to take your Divi experience to the next level. Anthem was built specifically for use with Divi by Elegant Themes. In order to install this child theme, you must first purchase a membership to Elegant Themes and download the Divi theme package. If you've not yet purchased a membership, visit http://elegantthemes.com.
Tips & Tricks
Modifying The Footer Widgets:
Anthem makes use of the Page Builder Everywhere plugin natively, to easily customize the look of your footer section (among others). To modify the content and/or layout, go to the Divi Library. In this list you'll the Footer layout (that contains your widgets). Simply open up this section and modify as necessary. It uses the standard Divi Builder to achieve the layout you see in the Anthem demo.
Anthem Overview Video
Anthem Animations
Anthem Blog Styles
Anthem Blurb Styles
Anthem Features Grid
Anthem Full Height Slider
Anthem Gradient Background
Anthem Gradient Text
Anthem Half Color Sections
Anthem Hover Up Animations
Anthem Ken Burns Header Effect
Anthem Custom Menu
Anthem Team Sections
Anthem Toggle Styles
Anthem Two Column Switch
Anthem Unique Layouts
Have Divi Questions?
For assistance with using the Divi theme framework, Elegant Themes offers free technical support to all their members. Login to your account at http://elegantthemes.com and click "Support".
Questions About Anthem?
For questions or support regarding Anthem, visit our support portal and/or shoot us a ticket! We can help you with basic questions related to installing your child theme or provide premium support or advanced customization for an additional fee. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of Anthem updates or other premium child themes and add-ons coming soon!
Plugins Used in Anthem:
The following plugins are used (or recommended for use) in Anthem:
- WP Instagram Widget by Scott Evans
- Worth the Read by Well Done Marketing
- On-Click Demo Install by Epic Web Solutions & Monterey Premier
- Divi Login by Divi.space
- Page Builder Everywhere by Divi.space
- Migrate Divi Theme Settings by Divi.space
Terms & Conditions:
All designs are the intellectual property of Superfly and may not be sold, redistributed or given away. We ask that you respect the hard work we've put into this custom design and not send this file to others. Due to the nature of this product, refunds are not available. If you have additional questions, please visit us at http://besuperfly.com. Basic support is available free of charge to help with installation of your theme and replicating the theme demo. However, we simply cannot support everyone's customizations of Anthem. If you are new to the Divi Framework or have general questions related to customizing your child theme, we recommend joining one of the many Facebook groups available, specifically tailored for help & support with Divi. Disclaimer: Anthem is a child theme created by Superfly in partnership with Artillery Media. Anthem is not a licensed product of Elegant Themes and Superfly is not affiliated with or sponsored by Elegant Themes.


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As Halloween nears, NBC turns Friday, October 26 into Fright Night when it premieres the pilot of the much-anticipated "Mockingbird Lane" (8-9 p.m. ET) — based on executive producer Bryan Fuller's ("Pushing Daisies," "Heroes") script and directed by executive producer Bryan Singer ("X-Men" film series, "House").
"Mockingbird Lane" is a new reimagined version of the classic 1960s comedy "The Munsters," now as a visually spectacular one-hour drama with a darker edge and tone. The cast includes Jerry O'Connell ("The Defenders") as Herman Munster, Portia de Rossi ("Arrested Development") as his wife Lily, Eddie Izzard ("United States of Tara," "The Riches") as Grandpa, Mason Cook ('Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D") as Eddie and Charity Wakefield ("The Raven") as Marilyn.
"This exciting new take on a memorable series will definitely blow out conventional wisdom and create its own legacy," said Jennifer Salke, President, NBC Entertainment. "Teaming this new show with a terrifying episode of 'Grimm' makes the perfect pre-Halloween fright-fest."
In the original 1964-66 series "The Munsters," the odd but lovable family lived on 1313 Mockingbird Lane.
In "Mockingbird Lane," sweet little Eddie Munster (Cook) is a normal kid about to enter the horrors of puberty. Truth is, he's about to discover that for him becoming a teenager means growing hair in truly unexpected places — as in all over his body — every time the moon is full! Eddie's got it pretty good though. His loving, supportive, run-of-the-mill family includes his mom Lily (de Rossi), the daughter of Dracula; his dad Herman (O'Connell), who brings new meaning to "Frankenstein"; and Grandpa (Izzard), who would give Dracula a run for his money if he weren't actually Dracula! Of course then there's creepy cousin Marilyn (Wakefield), who's really the odd one because she's so completely normal.
Buying a house these days is a nightmare, so Herman and Lily are shocked that no one scooped up the rambling Victorian mansion at 1313 Mockingbird Lane that was the site of a series of grisly hobo murders. Settling into their new place, they're quickly onto the mission at hand: to gently ease Eddie into the reality of his werewolf adolescence. But it's not always so easy to accept that your child is a little "different" from the rest of the kids. Meanwhile, Herman, who works as a funeral director, is suffering from a heart condition. Since he's made up mostly of spare parts, he knew his makeshift heart would eventually give out. No worries though, because Grandpa, who is pretty good at procuring body parts, is on the case. All Herman cares about is finding a new heart with the same capacity to love Lily as much as he has for so many decades.


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Professor Emeritus
Office: PAB 3-929
Phone: (310) 825-9338
E-Mail: email@example.com
Educational Background
S.B., Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1963
S.M., Aeronautics & Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1963
Ph.D., Astronomy, Harvard University, 1968
Environmental Interests: Professor Zuckerman believes that if astronomy is to have a viable future then people must confront the declining environmental health of the world. Unfortunately, major U.S. environmental organizations too often react to symptoms of environmental decline rather than to underlying causes. To illustrate one astronomy-related aspect of a world "civilization" seriously out of whack, consider a peopled mission to Mars, a wonderful project that would enlighten the spirit and knowledge of all mankind. According to leaders of the Mars Society, such a mission would cost of order 30 billion dollars. This may sound expensive, but when one realizes that in a typical year the USA spends 20 times this amount on its military budget, and such military expenditures go on year after year after year, by comparison $30 billion is not much money. Yet, a peopled mission to Mars is very unlikely in the foreseeable future. This huge imbalance in spending between something so fundamentally negative as the military and something so positive as exploration of Mars, is a sad and ultimately dangerous commentary on our country and the world. Current annual U.S. expenditure on astronomy is significantly less than the cost of a Mars mission. But if the U.S. and world environments become stressed too severely, then support of astronomy at anything like current levels may one day be regarded as an unaffordable luxury.
The primary focus of Dr. Zuckerman's recent research is the origin and evolution of planetary systems. Along with his students and other research colleague he has been investigating material in planetary systems that orbit around stars in a wide variety of evolutionary states and with ages that range from as young as 8 million years to as old as billions of years. In particular, the systems under investigation include some that are pre-main sequence, some on the main sequence, some post-main sequence giant stars, and some white dwarfs. The planetary systems under investigation include some types never before seen in astronomy.
The observational techniques utilized in the various programs include optical spectroscopy, infrared photometry, infrared and microwave imaging and X-ray photometry. Discoveries include the first images of extrasolar planets orbiting around brown dwarfs and around stars (other than the Sun) and the first reasonably good evidence for rocky planets orbiting an old extrasolar star. The evidence for the latter is somewhat indirect and consists of detection of the huge quantities of dusty debris resulting from collision of two old rocky planets, much as if Mercury should wander out of its orbit and collide with Venus or Earth. As part of a different research project, the bulk elemental composition of ancient extrasolar asteroids was measured using the photospheres of "polluted white dwarfs as detectors for material that previously resided inside of asteroids. There exists no other technique in astronomy capable of measuring the composition of such minor (low mass) extrasolar planetary bodies.
Selected Publications
In addition to the above research papers, Prof. Zuckerman has edited two books that deal with exciting astronomical topics ("Extraterrestrials, Where Are They?" and "The Origin and Evolution of the Universe") and another ("Human Population and the Environmental Crisis") that concerns the major problem of our time.


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The Mystery of Mass Extinction is No Longer Murky
News story originally written on June 17, 2008
About 250 million years ago, almost all of the life in the sea became extinct about 95% of species. This was during a huge mass extinction. Mass extinctions happen when the number of species decreases fast. Why do they happen? Scientists may have found the answer.
Over about the past half a billion years there have been five large mass extinctions. A new study suggests that changes in sea level over geologic time is the main reason that mass extinctions happen. Changes in ocean environments related to sea level have a big impact on living things that call those places home. As sea level changes, some animals and plants survive while others go extinct.
Over hundreds of millions of years, the world's oceans have grown and shrunk because of moving tectonic plates and because of climate change. There were times in the past when sea level was high and huge areas of the continents were flooded by shallow seas - the shark and mosasaur-infested sea that was in the middle of North America 100 million years ago, for example. When sea level fell and the water drained off the continent, the mosasaurs and giant sharks went extinct.
Sea level change may not be the only reason for mass extinctions. There can be other causes too - events like volcanic eruptions, killer asteroids, or disease. In the case of the extinction that killed off the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, for example, a huge impact crater suggests that the extinction might have been started when a giant asteroid crashed into Earth. Sea level change is, admittedly, much less dramatic than a crashing asteroid. It happens so slowly you can not watch it happen. But over geologic time it is a powerful force and it appears to be the cause of mass extinction events over much of Earth history.
Today, sea level is rising as climate warms. Given the link between sea level change and mass extinction, there may be a change in the species that live in the sea.


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You might think that internet fraud is rare, but the truth is very different. Its tentacles spread across the world and affect the lives of many people whose only crime was to be slightly naive.
"It's very sad, because sometimes when we get people in, the first thing we tell them is to go straight to the police," an anonymous bank manager told PC Plus magazine. A senior figure at a big high street bank, he asked to remain unnamed for security reasons, but sought us out to talk about the real-life effects of internet crime on people's lives.
He often has hapless victims crying in his office when they realise the truth, and what he sees is only a tiny fraction of what goes on.
Around the world, people are losing their savings, homes and dignity thanks to internet criminals. By far the most common attack is still phishing – the art of duping the unwary into believing that they're receiving emails from their bank or other institution. When they try to log in via the provided link, all they see is an error message apologising for heavy server load and asking them to try again later. In reality, their log-in details have been saved and the criminals now have access to their bank account.
Cheating the system
"I call phishing 'out cheating'," says economist Dr Darrin Baines. "You must at some level trust the person who's conning you. So, for example, someone sends you an email saying 'I'm in Africa, why don't you send me some money?'. There must be something in that narrative that triggers the feeling that they're worth trusting."
Happily, shoppers are becoming more web savvy, spending more online and getting ripped off less. "Last year an estimated £153million of card fraud took place over the internet – a decrease of 16 per cent from 2008, when e-commerce card fraud losses were approximately £182million," says Mark Bowerman, spokesperson for the UK Cards Association.
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In the same period, credit and debit cards were used to buy a record £47billion worth of goods and services online, which was up 15 per cent from 2008. So the percentage of dodgy web transactions is dropping – but that doesn't mean you should get complacent.
Bowerman advises consumers to get familiar with the latest advice in the Cardholders section of the Card Watch website. Knowing which cons are in operation is key to staying safe online. In some cases, the swindles are old ones that have migrated to the internet. But what are they? Let's take a look at the scams, how to spot them and how to avoid them.
Internet scams
Every tentacle of internet crime is out to grab one thing: your money. Internet criminals contribute over a billion dollars a year worldwide to the underground economy. The key to staying safe lies in knowing the scammers' current favourite tricks.
One of the most common tricks is advanced fee fraud. The general approach is to dangle the promise of huge gains in front of the unwary and then ask for ever-increasing fees, expenses and local taxes before they dole out a slice of the fictional cash pie.
The scammers rely on victims spending so much in their fruitless pursuit that they feel compelled to keep going. Victims can end up bankrupt, homeless and suicidal.
The most common form of this scam is the infamous Nigerian 419 letter. The approach is made in an email that claims the family of a dead official need help exporting a huge fortune. Initially you're asked for your contact details, but identity theft isn't the goal. In return you'll be asked to pay some kind of fee. If you pay that, another email arrives asking for more money.
A close relative of the 419 scam is the fake lottery. This begins with an email claiming that you've won a huge amount in an overseas draw. In order to process your claim, you need to pay a local lottery tax. Enough people fall for fake lottery scams every year to make them very profitable.
The rule is that if you didn't enter a competition, you can't have won it. It's as simple as that, as our bank manager knows through bitter experience: "We get people coming in saying 'I've been told I've won a lottery abroad.' We ask if they've ever bought a ticket and when they say no, we ask why they think they've won," he says.
When gain is really loss
While we're talking about easy money, it's worth keeping your eye out for pump-and-dump scams. Here, criminals buy up a bucketload of unloved shares. Inboxes around the world are then sent spam tipping the stock as a sure-fire winner.
The hope is that people will contact their brokers, buy the stock and push its price higher. When the price shifts up, the scammers unload their holding and trouser a profit. This sell inevitably depletes the price and punters around the world are left nursing a loss.
The infallible prediction scam is also a criminal's favourite. Here you're promised, say, the name of a winning horse for a fee. You pay and you get a nag's name. But the scammer is also talking to other people, telling them different horses in the race will win.
Inevitably one will win and the person who receives that horse's name will believe the scammer is somehow in the know. When the next race comes along, the scammer contacts his pool of now seduced clients and sends them different horses' names. Again, some will inevitably get the winner's name, further enhancing his reputation. In essence, the scammer is playing a mathematical game where he can't lose.
Human loss for profit
Playing with emotion is a lucrative game for scammers, and within hours of a natural disaster, emails begging for help begin to flood inboxes. But these emails are spam, and rather than collecting money for charity, the sites they point to save credit card details for later use.
It's a nasty con that exploits human kindness, but it's easy to avoid by waiting until an appeal is launched in the media and visiting the official site when it's announced.
Doctor Feelbad
A large amount of spam concerns fake drugs, where spammers target those looking for a good time. Viagra, stimulants, smart drugs and prescription-only medicines are all apparently freely available via internet pharmacies. In some instances, outfits have even offered cannabis and ecstasy.
The problem with buying illicit drugs online is that you're hardly likely to complain if they don't arrive. If you don't get what you paid for, there's no comeback. And what happens if the pharmacy is simply collecting credit card details? It isn't worth the risk.
Our final scam is that of the cold caller purporting to be from your ISP, who tells you that your PC is infected with a virus and needs fixing immediately. To do so, he gets your permission to 'access' your computer remotely in order to 'fix' the problem.
A few minutes later, he announces the problem is now fixed but that there's a small fee. He helpfully says that you can pay now with your credit card – and many people do. This swindle is spreading like wildfire as individuals try it.


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Obamacare and Jobs in One Chart
This is a pretty amazing chart from Jed Graham and IBD which I have annotated a bit
Note first that the diversion between high and low-wage** industries did not occur during the recession, and in fact through the recession the two groups tracked each other pretty closely until early 2010. Then, in early 2010, something made the two lines start to diverge and in 2012-2013 they really went in opposite directions.
Well, my suggestion for the "something" is Obamacare. In March 2010, the PPACA was passed. Looking at the jobs data, one can date the stall in the economic recovery almost precisely from the date the PPACA was passed (e.g. here).
The more important date, though, is January 1, 2013. This is a date that every business owner was paying attention to at the time but which seems entirely lost on the media. All the media was focused on the start-date of the employer mandate on January 1, 2014. Why was the earlier date important? Let's go back in time.
At that time, the employer mandate had yet to be delayed. The PPACA and IRS rules in place at the time called for a look-back period in 2013 where actual hours worked for each employee would be tracked to determine whether the employee would classified as full or part-time on the Jan 1, 2014 start date. So, if a company wanted to classify an employee as part-time at the start of the employer mandate (and thus avoid penalties for that employee), that employee needed to be converted to part-time as early as possible, preferably before 2013 even started and at worst by mid-year 2013 [sorry, I typo-ed these dates originally].
Unlike the government, which apparently waits until after the start-up date to begin building large pieces of major computer systems, businesses often tackle problems head on and well in advance. Faced with the need to have employees be working 29 hours or less a week in the 2013 look-back period, many likely started making changes back in 2012. Our company, for example, shifted everyone we could to part time in the fourth quarter of 2012. I know from talking to the owners of several restaurant chains that they were making their changes even earlier in 2012. One employee of mine went to Hawaii in October of 2012 and said that all the talk among the resort employees was how they were getting cut to part-time over Obamacare.
Yes, the employer mandate was eventually delayed, but by the time the delay was announced, every reasonably forward-looking company that was going to make changes had already done so. Having made the changes, there is no way they were going to switch back, and then back yet again when the Administration finally stumbles onto an actual implementation date.
If this chart gets any traction over the next few days, expect to see a lot of ignorance as PPACA defenders claim that the fall in low-wage work hours can't possibly have anything to do with the PPACA because the employer mandate has not even started. Now you know why this argument is wrong. The PPACA, and associated IRS implementation rules, drove companies to convert full-time to part-time jobs as early as 2012.
Usual warning: Correlation is not causation. However, I will submit that I was predicting exactly this sort of result years before it occurred. This is not a spurious correlation that is ex post facto blamed on whatever particular bete noir I might have. I and many other predicted that Obamacare would drive down work hours per week in lower-wage industries, and now having seen exactly that correlated with key Obamacare dates, it is not going to far to hypothesize a connection.
** Why could low-wage industries be impacted more than high-wage? Two reasons. One, low-wage industries are far less likely to offer a full Obamacare-compatible health plan to employees than high wage industries. Second, the fixed penalties ($2000 and $3000 per employee) for lack of insurance plans are obviously a far higher percentage of the total pay in low-wage vs. high-wage industries. A penalty that is 15% of annual pay is much more likely to cause employers to shift or reduce work than a 3% penalty.