text:
Here's the blurb:
Every night before Amelia falls asleep she makes a wish to dream of him – the man who calls her to their beautiful private oasis, her sanctuary where she is free of her greedy landlord's threats. But tonight, he will not call Amelia to him. Tonight, another man will step into her world to claim her. Tonight, Amelia's shattering reality will crumble - and disappear into the Dreamscape…along with her freedom.
When Amelia dreams tonight, her nightmare becomes her new world where Seth is her captor and anything is possible…except escape. Seth needs Amelia to break the curse that binds him to the Dreamscape. He must convince her that she was made to free him, that she was made to join him.
For if he fails, he will never escape his prison, and he will lose Earth to the Netherworld where the evil Erobos wait to consume the human realm and everything in it. If he fails, Seth will lose the one thing that matters to him: Amelia.
Do you want an excerpt?
Varner's voice cuts through the front door
just before three juddering bangs reach me. "I know you're in there, Amelia. If
you're not gone by eight, I'm coming in." His voice lowers, probably to avoid
wandering ears. My spine stiffens more with each word. "You'd better be ready
for me if you decide to stay."
I've already packed my stuff. Pitiful as it is, one beat-up suitcase sits by the door.
I turn up the volume on my MP3 player until
it won't go any higher, clutching Justine's picture to my chest. "Yeah!" I
yell, my voice tight with anger. Hot tears cut a path down my cheeks. I scrub
them away before they can slide any farther. To take my mind off the pit in my
stomach, I grit my teeth until my jaw hurts. I need more time, but I'm not
about to give Varner what he wants for it. "I got it. Go! Away!" I pull one bud
out of my ear to make sure he's leaving.
He says something about not signing leases with old ladies before his voice fades into nothing. The lecher thinks he's got me.
Ha. No one has me, especially not him. And to think I used to consider him cute.
When I told Varner 'no' earlier, he didn't exactly take me at my word, until I landed a good hit to his jugular. He shoved me down, and I let him go. On his way out he made no pretense about eyeing what's left of Justine's china doll collection. The minute he was through the door, I smashed the majority of them rather than have him get his hands on them. I really don't have room, but I couldn't destroy her favorite. She said it looked just like me.
I sold everything else to make last month's rent, but I ran out of time with the dolls. I was hoping for a collector.
It doesn't matter now.
Even though I've tried to pick up extra shifts at the diner, tips have been awful. I have two hundred bucks in my account, which Varner is not getting a penny of. I need everything I have to find a place to live. The reality of the moment sets in. This is my final night in Justine's apartment.
The shabby place shouldn't mean anything to me, but it still smells like her. She had this sweet perfume that she liked to slather on. I got used to it after a while. She wasn't exactly old, either. Varner's just too strung out to know the difference. He doesn't even own the place, but he's way better to deal with than his psychotic uncle, who likes to call me his chipmunk when nobody else is looking. One way or another, I'll be out of here by six.
Justine used to say, "Stay sharp, kid. No one knows when their time's up." Well, she sure didn't. Justine was my grandma. She died last month at only fifty-eight. She didn't even get a lousy funeral. They stuck her in a furnace and handed me her remains. I took her up Provo canyon to Sundance and watched her float away on the wind. The cremation was expensive enough that I couldn't afford a separate plot for her. I couldn't have brought myself to visit the cemetery anyway. Besides, we all crumble to dust one way or another. She is better off flying.
No matter what my life becomes, Justine saved me from tumbling around the foster system. I had a few years of stable, and I'll never forget what she did for me. She helped me to see there are other ways of living. Although we didn't have much to live on, we were never short on love.
I miss her fiercely. If she were here, she'd
tell me to get over it, so I'm trying.
Thank my lucky stars she waited until I got my diploma to ditch me; although, I'm not quite sure how it'll help me now. I'm alone in this world.
My mom only made it to twenty-one before she overdosed on crack. My dad lasted to a ripe old age of thirty. He got killed in some weird accident when I was twelve. I never saw him anyway, so my life hasn't been much different since he bit it. As far as I know, he was short on family too. If he does have family stashed somewhere on this planet, I probably wouldn't want to know them. He never did a thing for me, so why would they?
Justine was my ticket to normal, and she left me with no money, no prospects—unless you count the hazy offer I got from Roberto.
I hang out with him when I have nothing else to do. When I told him the news he graciously asked me to share his pad under the viaduct. I gave him a swift 'no thank you' even though I should have told him not even if I weren't half his age and he had most of his teeth. I couldn't hurt his feelings like that. One day, once I'm settled and he's still around, I'm going to do something to help him.
If I hadn't just turned eighteen I might
have found somewhere to camp in the foster system for a while. As horrible of a
thought as it is, being homeless is probably better than wading through
families until one stuck or I got kicked out again.
With nothing else to do, I try to sleep. Try is the operative word. Ever since my grandma went, I can't seem to stay in slumberland. It doesn't help that I haven't seen Jason, either.
Although Jason is a figment of my imagination, he's helped me through some rough times. I've dreamt of him every night for nearly four years now, at least I used to. I haven't had that particular dream in two weeks, and as stupid as it is, I miss him. After Justine died, he held me on the grass while I cried, listening to the beat of his heart and the thrum of the waterfall behind us. I've wished him alive or that I could join him in that place for good so many times. I cry every time I wake up without him.
Maybe it's for the best that he's gone. Dreams aren't real, and a dream boyfriend can't help me find a new place to live.
I shift onto my side, adjusting my pillow, trying not to think about the dingy beige carpet under my arms. It prickles my skin, but everything else is gone. Even if I hadn't already packed the one I kept, it's too hot for a blanket.
Focusing on the beat of the music, I sway, Justine's picture lying beside me, and will myself to sleep. Somewhere between my thoughts about tomorrow and dawn I drift away.
My dreams shift and whirl until my mind
rests in the familiar oasis I've sought out for years. Finally.
The afternoon sun warms my moistened skin as
I take in the jagged cliffs in front of me and the thick jungle that surrounds
the pool, trying to locate him. The breeze brings an intoxicating aroma of
tropical blooms. Every time I come here, I'm wet, yet I don't know how I got
that way. "Jason?" I call.
No answer.
Where is he?
My teeth clamp onto the inside of my upper lip. I've never been away from the water, but I need to find him. He has to be here.
If nothing else, I'd like to tell him goodbye…thank you. I have no idea if I'll see him again, and his absence presses in on me. This world is not right without him.
The cool grass bends under my bare feet while a breeze blows wet tendrils into my eyes. I glance up at the falls. Last time I was here, Jason dared me to dive from the top of the waterfall. Here, I can do anything. Fear is meaningless, or is it? Strangely, tension prickles my spine.
A foreign tremor rushes along my skin, leaving a trail of goose bumps in its wake. I scan every inch of the landscape until my eyes meet someone else's gaze.
It is not Jason.
The man is tall with dark hair like Jason, but everything else about him is wrong. He's standing twenty feet away from me at the edge of the jungle. The wind picks up, blowing his brown locks around his chiseled features.
As he steps closer, I glance behind me to the pool, judging the distance. I should be able to get away from him if I need to.
When I face him again, he's standing directly in front of me. My heart explodes and my body coils to run.
He doesn't move to touch me, but his eyes hold a warning his lips confirm. "We have no time. He's coming for you. Learn all you can then find me. Prepare yourself!"
I jolt upright, my fingers digging into the
carpet. I'm breathing so hard I have to wait a minute to stand up. What the
hell kind of dream was that?
Somehow, I always thought the oasis was mine and Jason's, as if no one else existed but us. That guy violated our sanctuary. A gusty laugh comes out of me from the thought. A dream man violated my dream. His warning still echoes in my throbbing veins.
A bit unsteady, I make my way into the kitchen. My fingers fumble for the light switch, but nothing happens when I flip it. Yeah, I forgot. The power was shut off yesterday. At least the water still works.
I hope.
Clutching my cup, I fiddle with the sink until I finally get the knob to twist. The tepid water eases my dry throat, but it does nothing for my nerves, or my belly. It groans at me again. I'm going to have to eat soon, even if I have to check the dumpsters behind Fred's Bakery. There's no point in checking the fridge. I found the final remnants of food the day before last. For not the first time, I wonder what I'm going to do when tomorrow comes. Two hundred dollars aren't enough for anything. Even if I use it only for food, it will disappear before I get paid again, and that's assuming I don't get canned for not having a mailing address.
Even though it's three AM, I'm gonna head out. I have a lot to do today, and since I can't sleep, I might as well get started. When I find the faucet again and shut it off, my ears prickle with an unwelcome noise.
A door creeks open and I stiffen where I stand.
All I've got to defend myself are my fists, my feet and my plastic cup. My knife is in my bag. Light from the living room filters through the doorway. He probably thinks he's gonna blind me with his flashlight so he can get his greedy hands on me. Not in this lifetime.
I inch my way to the doorway and peek around it. What meets my gaze doesn't make any sense.
A man stands opposite me, framed by the closet. His big body could never be mistaken for that of Varner Walsh.
The light behind him comes from a roaring fire that somehow spans forever. Orange flames dance and flicker, casting his face in shadow while haloing him in gold.
I'm dreaming. I have to be.
I've had some weird ones lately, but nothing has been as real as this. When I dig my nails into my palms, the dream theory disintegrates with the pain.
Maybe he's a fireman, but where's the smoke? Why aren't the flames burning anything? Where's his gear? He's wearing a suit for hell's sake.
His face turns as if he's scanning the room, so I take the opportunity to scurry to the opposite wall.
My pulse pounds in my ears and sweat drips
down my back. From here, the front door is four, maybe five lunges away. If he
goes into the bedroom, I might be able to—
"Amelia?" he calls, his deep voice somehow familiar.
That's impossible. I don't know him, but even if I did I wouldn't stick around. Who told this guy I was here? He can't be with Child Protective Services. I no longer qualify. My mind flits back to the weird fire. I'm not sticking around to figure out his magic act.
I make my move, jetting through the near-empty living room. My fingers fumble with the bolt before I move for the lock on the knob. I'm taking too long. He's going to—
Arms clamp around me, hauling me up against a wall of muscle. The shock nearly makes me pee myself. My mouth opens on a scream, but he whirls me around and tosses me over his shoulder, cutting off my air.
I kick and punch and bite into cloth. He twists around, making my head spin on delirium.
I scream for help, but my throat thickens
immediately. I struggle to breathe. I can't think.
He bends until my face is right over his rear end, but he stands up before I can sink my teeth into anything substantial. As if he's getting comfortable, he jostles me around. My pulse quickens while my head hurts from the rush of blood and fear. When he moves toward the closet, I find my voice.
"Help!" I scream, kicking and punching against his hard muscles.
No one answers as he plunges us into the flames.
I expect death, but what I get is deposited on my rear end in a spacious room with a wall of fire at my back. My eyes sweep the perimeter of what looks like an upscale apartment with a bed tucked in one corner and a living area in front of me. The dark paneled walls lend an old world feel that is only mirrored by the heavy furnishings. There are rich velvets and leather. Even the air is different. Instead of Justine's sweet scent, a dark musk fills the space.
How is this possible? We were just in my hall closet.
The man steps away from me. His chest lifts with each sharp breath he takes.
The flames should have fried me, but I'm here. I have to be dreaming. The only thing is, I don't quite think I am. It's absurd to think that, but the heat from the fire wall has intensified now that the guy is standing away from me. Sweat drips down my scalp and my shirt clings to my back. I'm going to have to move soon.
The only thing is I don't know what this guy will do. I turn my head and look through the flames, but all I see is a huge pendulum, like from a clock, swinging back and forth.
All of the sudden the flames disappear and all that remains is a crevice that runs the length of what should be a wall. The pendulum is easier to see now, at least the lower half. The upper part of it is cut off by the ceiling. Only darkness lies beyond the fire pit, like it opens into a cavern.
This has got to be the strangest place I've
ever seen.
"I know you must be frightened," says the man. "I'm sorry about that. I have much to explain to you. Would you please join me on the sofa?"
"As if," I tell him. Even though I'm still thinking this has to be a dream, I ask, "Who are you? What is this place? Why am I here?"
His voice comes out low, guttural. "You don't remember me?"
"I've never seen you in my life."
Intense blue eyes latch onto mine. "Things are not always what they appear, Amelia."
This is a dream. He's a figment of my imagination.
A smile stretches on his full lips. "In time, all will be revealed."
He takes a step toward me and I jump to my feet. I move back and back until my feet are near the pit.
Even this close, I can't see what's beyond it.
"Stay away from me," I tell him.
He spreads his hands, but his eyes are wild. Veins on his forearms bulge as he puts his hands in his pockets. "Please. Let me explain."
I nod, taking a seat on the floor again.
There is no way I'm getting anywhere near him, dream or not.
I'd like to take a moment to thank all of the wonderful readers who have given my books a chance, and that means a GIVEAWAY, lol! How about $10 from the e-retailer of your choice?
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About the Author
I grew up daydreaming about
fairytales, and my love for discovering new worlds has never died. I am not one
of those writers who always knew I would write. I thought that was what other
people did until one day a few years ago, I took a challenge from a friend and
typed my first words. My journey has been wonderful, and I cannot imagine a day
where I would ever give up writing. My love for reading is what fueled my
imagination in the first place and still does. When I am not writing or
reading, I am enjoying family time with my husband and two children. My family
and I live in a quiet community in Northern Utah, and I am so thankful for the
rich life I have been blessed with.


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Opioid-linked hospitalizations rising fastest for women: study
(HealthDay)—Opioid-related hospitalizations among women in the United States increased far faster than among men between 2005 and 2014, a federal government report says.
Among women, hospitalizations involving opioid painkillers or heroin rose 75 percent, compared to 55 percent among men, according to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
The surge among women during that 10-year period meant that by 2014 males and females were being hospitalized at a similar rate—about 225 hospitalizations per 100,000 people.
"As the report makes clear, over the past decade, opioid abuse has affected both sexes and all age groups. The crisis, however, looks different in different places," AHRQ Director Gopal Khanna noted in an agency news release.
In 2014, hospitalization rates among women were highest in West Virginia, Maryland and Massachusetts, exceeding 350 per 100,000 people. Among men, the highest rates were in the District of Columbia, New York and Maryland, topping 440 hospitalizations per 100,000.
The lowest rates for men and women were in Iowa and Nebraska.
Men were more likely than women to make opioid-related visits to emergency departments in 2014, but such visits rose sharply for both sexes between 2005 and 2014, the report said.
Affected age groups varied from state to state, and in some places seniors were hit especially hard. For example, in California and 12 other states, the hospitalization rate was highest among people 65 and older.
But in all states that provided data on opioid-related visits to emergency departments, the rate was highest among 25- to 44-year-olds.
Khanna said the findings can help providers, researchers and policymakers understand and address the needs of patients visiting the hospital because of opioids.
Misuse of potent painkillers such as OxyContin (oxycodone) and Vicoprofen (hydrocodone/ibuprofen) sends 1,000 Americans to emergency rooms each day. Opioid-related overdose deaths have quadrupled since 1999, according to federal statistics.
More information: The U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse has more about opioids.
Copyright © 2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

subset: commoncrawl


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Lightsaber Prank Gets Wannabe Jedis Suspended, Banned From Graduation
Two high school seniors at Westfield High School in Massachusetts wanted to entertain their fellow students by staging a lightsaber battle in the school cafeteria during lunch.
According to onlookers, one of the seniors entered the cafeteria from one side, and the other from another, and then they met in the middle for a 30-second showdown with their toy lightsabers.
While the crowd found the battle highly entertaining, the school's administration wasn't so pleased, and slapped the faux combatants with two-day suspensions and banned them from their upcoming graduation ceremony.
"They very easily could have hit another student ... someone could have gotten hurt," said Westfield High School Principal Raymond Broderick, using a variation of the old "it's all fun and games until someone gets hurt" to justify the punishment.
If you want to support amnesty for wannabe Jedi pranksters, a Facebook group demanding that the two be allowed to walk at graduation has been established.


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Product Description 2008 Absolute Platinum 141 Wakeboard:
For those who want nothing but the best the Absolute deck is available in Platinum construction with the PT78 core. The core trims more than a pound out of the deck by using a far lighter foam, two full sheets of carbon graphite, and hollow fiberglass rods throughout. All of these things add up to give you an ultra stiff and ultra light deck that will react faster, pop harder, and accelerate like a rocket.
Chances are at some point in your riding you have either ridden an Absolute, or a shape created from one. Known as one of the most influential shapes in our industries short life, the Absolute wakeboard is again delivered with a twelve-year veterans seal of approval. Knowing what sells and what is best for the industry, Zane has always created shapes that not only ride well for the beginner, but also perform for the ripper. Zane has been with us for twelve years and has been a huge influence on our brand as well as the industry as a whole. From being an innovator in the sport, knowing what it takes for a shape to be successful, and teaching more people to ride than Ron Jeremy, we appreciate what he does and has done every day.
The latest Absolute shape continues the tradition of awesome. The 08 uses longer molded fins that have a cupped shape adding additional bite on edge. We also added a turned down rail for additional edge lock as well as a slight cupped rail to make this a hard edger with a forgiving ride when flat. The Absolute was the first shape to use a center spine for landings, and now most every shape on the market has one. Also, CWB was the first to innovate top shaping used in the Absolute and now this tech is also used on almost every board in the industry. Using flex pattern technology called X Flex, this board has been proven to do what it takes to progress the rider and spring off the wake better than ever. If you havent yet noticed, the Absolute has continually set the standard for what makes a shape perform the best. Innovations like spine's, cupped molded fins, turned down rails, top shaping, as well as being endorsed by someone who can ride a unicycle down stairs, demo the 08 Absolute. It will make you ride better.


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The costs of operating an Intercollegiate Athletics program are escalating, some faster than the rate of inflation. For decades, UC Davis Athletics has relied on the annual generosity of its supporters to meet these needs. Endowments offer perpetual financial growth that will strengthen the Aggies for the future.
Program and scholarship endowments for UC Davis Athletics provide the resources needed to attract talented student-athletes, retain successful coaches, and improve the Aggies' competitive status nationally. A named endowment can be established with a minimum of $50,000 and designated for a specific sport or purpose.
Creating a culture of giving to endowments is a priority goal for UC Davis Athletics. Endowments and memorial scholarships will ensure the financial stability needed to enhance the student-athlete experience at UC Davis for generations to come.
Associated Funds
- Adria Cronk Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Audrey and Brian Thompson Memorial Softball Scholar-Athlete Award
- Betty and Dick Lewis Memorial Fund for UC Davis Athletics
- Bob and Marietta Hamilton Memorial Scholarship
- Bob Dougherty Soccer Award
- Club Fred Endowment Fund
- David Kriegel Memorial Scholarship
- E. S. "Woody" Wilson Scholarship
- Ellie Gerhardy Memorial Fund
- Eugene D. Stevenson, Sr. Endowment Fund
- George, Becky, and Jay Stromgren Scholarship Fund
- Gregory H. Rosecrans Memorial Award
- Harvey and Phyllis Campbell Water Polo Award
- Herbert Schmalenberger Memorial Scholar-Athlete Award
- Jacob Wayne DeWit Student-Athlete Award
- Jill Peckler Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Jim and Genia Willett Scholarship Fund
- Jim Sochor Athletic Fund
- Jon Vochatzer Memorial Fund
- Joseph E. Carlson Memorial Fund
- Khourie Family Men's Tennis Scholarship
- Loukas Angelo Memorial Fund
- Marc Manfredda #58 Memorial Fund
- Marya Welch Women's Tennis Grant-In-Aid
- Men's Water Polo Student-Athlete Award, with Matching Support from UC Davis Foundation
- Milicent Frederick Memorial Scholar-Athlete Award
- Mits & Toki Nitta Memorial Award
- Phil Swimley Baseball Scholarship Fund
- Phil Wells Memorial Endowment
- Sarah and David Nix Aggie Pride Leadership Endowment
- Student-Athlete Outcomes Endowment
- Susie Williams Women's Golf Scholarship
- The George Belenis Memorial Football Scholarship Fund
- The Joe Singleton Athletic Scholarship, with Matching Support from the UC Davis Foundation
- Will and Jane Lotter Soccer Scholarship Fund
Athletics Development Office
[email protected]
530-754-7548 (Phone)


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View Item amendments
Authority: Title 2.2, Chapter 54; Title 63.2, Chapters 1 through 7, Code of Virginia; Title VI, Subtitle B, P.L. 97-35, as amended; P.L. 103-252, as amended; P.L. 104-193, as amended, Federal Code.
A. It is hereby acknowledged that as of June 30, 2013 there existed with the federal government an unexpended balance of $39,078,902 in federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant funds which are available to the Commonwealth of Virginia to reimburse expenditures incurred in accordance with the adopted State Plan for the TANF program. Based on projected spending levels and appropriations in this act, the Commonwealth's accumulated balance for authorized federal TANF block grant funds is estimated at $47,528,489 on June 30, 2014; $39,226,072 $72,735,005 on June 30, 2015; and $27,164,943 $63,378,512 on June 30, 2016.
B. No less than 30 days prior to submitting any amendment to the federal government related to the State Plan for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services shall provide the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees as well as the Director, Department of Planning and Budget written documentation detailing the proposed policy changes. This documentation shall include an estimate of the fiscal impact of the proposed changes and information summarizing public comment that was received on the proposed changes.
C. Notwithstanding any other provision of state law, the Department of Social Services shall maintain a separate state program, as that term is defined by federal regulations governing the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, 45 C.F.R. § 260.30, for the purpose of providing welfare cash assistance payments to able-bodied two-parent families. The separate state program shall be funded by state funds and operated outside of the TANF program. Able-bodied two-parent families shall not be eligible for TANF cash assistance as defined at 45 C.F.R. § 260.31 (a)(1), but shall receive benefits under the separate state program provided for in this paragraph. Although various conditions and eligibility requirements may be different under the separate state program, the basic benefit payment for which two-parent families are eligible under the separate state program shall not be less than what they would have received under TANF. The Department of Social Services shall establish regulations to govern this separate state program.
D. As a condition of this appropriation, the Department of Social Services shall disregard the value of one motor vehicle per assistance unit in determining eligibility for cash assistance in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and in the separate state program for able-bodied two-parent families.
E. The Department of Social Services, in collaboration with local departments of social services, shall maintain minimum performance standards for all local departments of social services participating in the Virginia Initiative for Employment, Not Welfare (VIEW) program. The department shall allocate VIEW funds to local departments of social services based on these performance standards and VIEW caseloads. The allocation formula shall be developed and revised in cooperation with the local social services departments and the Department of Planning and Budget.
F. A participant whose Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) financial assistance is terminated due to the receipt of 24 months of assistance as specified in § 63.2-612, Code of Virginia, or due to the closure of the TANF case prior to the completion of 24 months of TANF assistance, excluding cases closed with a sanction for noncompliance with the Virginia Initiative for Employment Not Welfare program, shall be eligible to receive employment and training assistance for up to 12 months after termination, if needed, in addition to other transitional services provided pursuant to § 63.2-611, Code of Virginia.
G. The Department of Social Services, in conjunction with the Department of Correctional Education, shall identify and apply for federal, private and faith-based grants for pre-release parenting programs for non-custodial incarcerated parent offenders committed to the Department of Corrections, including but not limited to the following grant programs: Promoting Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Marriages, State Child Access and Visitation Block Grant, Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative Collaboration, Special Improvement Projects, § 1115 Social Security Demonstration Grants, and any new grant programs authorized under the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant program.
H.1. Out of this appropriation, $6,500,000 the first year and $6,500,000 the second year from nongeneral funds is included for Head Start wraparound child care services.
2. Included in this Item is funding to carry out the former responsibilities of the Virginia Council on Child Day Care and Early Childhood Programs. Nongeneral fund appropriations allocated for uses associated with the Head Start program shall not be transferred for any other use until eligible Head Start families have been fully served. Any remaining funds may be used to provide services to enrolled low-income families in accordance with federal and state requirements. Families, who are working or in education and training programs, with income at or below the poverty level, whose children are enrolled in Head Start wraparound programs paid for with the federal block grant funding in this Item shall not be required to pay fees for these wraparound services.
I. Out of this appropriation, $2,647,305 the second year from the general fund and $64,781,649 the first year and $57,260,335 the second year from federal funds shall be provided to support state child care programs which will be administered on a sliding scale basis to income eligible families. The sliding fee scale and eligibility criteria are to be set according to the rules and regulations of the State Board of Social Services, except that the income eligibility thresholds for child care assistance shall account for variations in the local cost of living index by metropolitan statistical areas. The Department of Social Services shall report on the sliding fee scale and eligibility criteria adopted by the Board of Social Services by December 15 of each year. The Department of Social Services shall make the necessary amendments to the Child Care and Development Funds Plan to accomplish this intent. Funds shall be targeted to families who are most in need of assistance with child care costs. Localities may exceed the standards established by the state by supplementing state funds with local funds.
J. Out of this appropriation, $600,000 the first year and $600,000 the second year from nongeneral funds shall be used to provide scholarships to students in early childhood education and related majors who plan to work in the field, or already are working in the field, whether in public schools, child care or other early childhood programs, and who enroll in a state community college or a state supported senior institution of higher education.
K. Out of this appropriation, $505,000 the first year and $505,000 the second year from nongeneral funds shall be used to provide training of individuals in the field of early childhood education.
L. Out of this appropriation, $300,000 the first year and $300,000 the second year from nongeneral funds shall be used to provide child care assistance for children in homeless and domestic violence shelters.
M. The Department of Social Services shall increase Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash benefits by 2.5 percent on January 1, 2016.


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Protective Styles Hair
$ 72.00
The Kinky Coily texture is 100% Brazilian Virgin Human Hair that blends perfectly with 3C to 4C curl type. Curls can be altered to your preference w/ Braid-Outs, Twist-Outs, Bantu-Knot Outs, etc. The Kinky Coily is a low luster, very soft, tangle-free, with minimal to no shedding. For a full weave with a little leave out, we recommend two bundles. The general rule of thumb is, if you are purchasing over 16" bundles of hair, 3 bundles may be required for fullness. This hair comes in 1/1b and can be colored; however, we suggest you consult with a professional or seek advice to prevent over processing, which can alter the curl pattern. *Also, please note that the length of the weft is about 4" shorter in it's curly state. For example, a 12" Kinky Curly Weft stretched straight, would be 6" in its Kinky Curly State.


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Responsive & SEO Optimized tables. Get your Google Featured Snippets. Different table designs, table shortcodes & lightweight code.
- Table Shortcodes
- Multiple Color Schemes
- Use Themes Own Table Design
- Schema Markup (Micro Data)
- Create Unlimited Tables
- Create Unlimited Rows
- Create unlimited Columns
- SEO-friendly Tables With Schema markup
- Purple Color Scheme
- Black/White Color Scheme
- Swap around on columns & rows with drag n' drop
- Delete Tables & Remove Them From Your Database
- Gives you a better chance to get Google Featured Snippets
- Friendly User Support
- GDPR Compliant
- W3C Valid Code
- WYSIWYG Functionality Editor
Configuring the plugin
Once you've installed the plugin, check the left sidebar, and you will notice the Superb Table section. Click on it, and you can now create your first table. Just click on the Add New Table button.
Feel free to add as many columns and rows as you want—inserting rows and columns is extremely easy.
You have a few options to make your table stand apart. First, choose one of the three color schemes: standard, purple, or black. Second, choose your table design: default or custom. Block, left, and inline-block are the floating modes for your table. Finally, enable or disable the full width of the table.
Once you finish your table, name it and save it. All you have to do now is to copy the shortcode and paste wherever you want, you can for example embed it in the Gutenberg Shortcode Block! (It works in the classic WordPress editor too)
Consider purchasing our premium version for $11 to unlock more features!
Why use a HTML table
Displaying data within a comparison table is beneficial for not only readers but also content creators. A table does a better job than long paragraphs of text, underlined phrases, and bulleted lists. It shows a lot of information side by side in a concise format. Bloggers and content creators should create tables and insert the data. There's no need to search for breathtaking expressions, cool descriptions, or digestible lists of items. It's just pure data, and everyone is happy with this situation. You can read our full guide on How to Add a Table to Your WordPress Website with Superb Tables.
Responsive Tables
We developed Superb Tables mobile friendly by taking responsiveness into account, and as a result, you can make a WordPress table responsive by using our plugin. The tables are fully responsive regardless of the number of rows and columns. The plugin works on all mobile devices and tablets (iPhone, Android etc.). The plugin works with AMP.
SEO Friendly WordPress Tables With Schema Markup
"Schema markup" and "featured snippets" are two interconnected terms that are being used by more and more bloggers, SEO practitioners, and developers. Have you noticed that Google now provides complex answers in the form of lists, tables, paragraphs, or videos directly on the results page? Those are featured snippets.
Moz claims that 23% of all search results include a featured snippet—a descriptive box displayed on the search results page providing information for your query. It may include paragraphs, lists, videos, or tables. You have to consider featured snippets when choosing a table plugin—can it help Google generate a featured snippet from the data within your table?
We developed Superb Tables with featured snippets in mind, and you can use the plugin worry-free. We used schema markup, which is the code that helps search engine bots generate snippets from your content, including tables. It's a great way for affiliate websites and blogs to promote their content.
You must use WordPress tables with schema markup to get featured snippets on search engines, and Superb Tables is a reliable solution in this respect.
Add Tables everywhere & use them for Any Purpose
You can insert the SEO optimised tables with microdata everywhere through the shortcode. For example in a popup, widgets, Gutenberg blocks, email newsletter sent from your WordPress website. You can also insert it on any post or page, even category pages, blog feed, search page and your 404 page! The plugin is made for affiliates marketers and affiliate websites, having a good SERP rank in Google and Bing is critical. When you're looking to improve your ranking then all of your plugins must be SEO optimized, otherwise it's gonna be hard to create monetization through ads programs such as AdSense and Amazon Associates Program.
We know that business is important for any modern blog or affiliate marketing website that's looking to make a revenue from it. Remember to use HTTPS (SSL) on your website, a CDN and lightweight stats tracking tools such as Google Analytics to better your SEO as well.
Guide to creating your Superb Tables
- In the wordpress admin panel, go to the sidebar and click 'Superb Tables'.
- Click the green 'Add new table' in the top left corner
- Fill in your table data, click 'Save'
- Click 'Superb Tables' in the left sidebar and copy paste the 'Table Shortcode'
- Insert the Table Shortcode (For example [spbtbl_sc id=1] ) in a post, page, widget or in HTML.
You're done!
Resources & Inspiration
- Auto-Expand: https://codepen.io/vsync/pen/frudD
- Data Table: https://codepen.io/alassetter/pen/cyrfB
- Table DnD: https://github.com/isocra/TableDnD/
- Table icon: https://www.iconfinder.com/icons/1608863/table_icon#size=256
- Custom confirm: https://codepen.io/Ana_Champion/pen/JRbZEL
- Table design inspiration: https://codepen.io/lukepeters/pen/bfFur
- Table design inspiration: https://codepen.io/alassetter/pen/cyrfB
- Table design inspiration: https://uicookies.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/table-responsive-v2-1000×750.jpg
- Table design inspiration: https://uicookies.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/table-responsive-v1.jpg
அடிக்கடி கேட்கப்படும் கேள்விகள்
Do you offer support?
Yes we offer support through the WordPress.org forum – we reply as fast as we can.
Is the license GPL?
This plugin is Free Software, released and licensed under the GPL, version 2 (https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html). You may use it free of charge for any purpose.
Does WP Table plugin work with Elementor and other page builders?
Yes, use the shortcode given, when you visit your overview where you create and manage tables. You can add your table to posts, pages and custom page types easily with the shortcode. The plugin works with following page builders: Elementor, Beaver Builder, Divi, Themify Builder, Brizy, Visual Page Builder, Live Composer, Oxygen, Visual Composer, Page Builder by SiteOrigin, WP Page Builder, Gutenberg (The WordPress 5.0 page editor) and GeneratePress. We try to update the plugin so it works with all drag and drop page builder plugins. The plugin works with all WordPress themes with page builders integrated too.
Does it work with translation plugins?
Yes the plugin works with WPML, TranslatePress, Polylang, Weglot, MultilingualPress, Translate WordPress with GTranslate, Google Website Translator and Loco Translate.
Does it work in all browsers?
Yes, we have tested the plugin in Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer 11+ (IE), Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi and Safari.
Can I use the tables for other than displaying data?
Yes, you can for example use it as a gallery, increase sales to your customers with WooCommerce / Easy Digital Downloads product list, books, staff members, courses, music list, audio / video gallery, media playlists, lightbox gallery, directory list, documents collection,
Can I use custom CSS?
Yes you can customize the table CSS if you go to appearance > customize > additional CSS. All the tables are HTML tables, so the code is simple and easy to read.
Can I upload, import or export tables?
You cannot copy tables over from other plugins or upload them with Excel, CSV , JSON, XML or PHP arrays currently. We don't have an export feature either, but you can duplicate tables.
Can I use the tables as pricing table?
Yes, while we don't have any special design for pricing tables you can still insert shortcodes in them and text. The tables are horizontal, so they might not be perfect for pricing tables as other vertical table plugins. They work perfect as comparison table though. You can insert Insert Images, Youtube or Vimeo videos, shortcodes, buttons and other promotional material in the plugins.
What features are expected to be added in 2021?
We are currently working on following: RTL support, more designs, Table Inverse, Hover rows, sorting, search, sports design, Google Sheets integration, Frontend editing, Image upload, PDF conversion, Print option, navigation, contact form integration, League Points Table, Advanced Custom Fields support, pagination, more color options, table title, better integration for BuddyPress and BBpress, pop up integration, custom fonts, grid layouts, upload and insert images and videos in the tables (PNG, JPEG, SVG, MP4 and JPG) and more responsive modes.
Can I help developing Superb WordPress Table (SEO Optimized Tables With Schema)?
Yes! Any help is much appreciated, you don't need any programming or coding skills to help, you can for example help with translations and (or code improvements if you're a code person!). The plugin is fully translatable, we'd love if it worked with RTL (Right To Left)
பங்களிப்பாளர்கள் & உருவாக்குனர்கள்
"Superb WordPress Table (SEO Optimized Tables With Schema)" is open source software. The following people have contributed to this plugin.
பங்களிப்பாளர்கள்Translate "Superb WordPress Table (SEO Optimized Tables With Schema)" into your language.
Interested in development?
Browse the code, check out the SVN repository, or subscribe to the development log by RSS.
Minor fixes.
Fixed issue that could occur when saving large number of tables.
GDPR compliance update.
Fixed rare incompatibility issue.
Compatibility for Superb Helper menu.
AMP Compatibility update.
Minor UI update.
Fixed shortcodes sometimes not working in tables.
Shortcodes can now be used in tables.
Added schema markup with option to disable.
Fixed potential activation issues on some WordPress versions.
Minor UI fixes
HTML is now allowed in table columns and rows.
First release.


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20 Best Christian Country Songs
20 Best Christian Country Songs
While not every successful country singer releases Christian songs, those who've ignored Christian values haven't gotten very far.
Some, like Josh Turner and Randy Travis, are able to weave their faith into the music a little more comfortably than others. Country listeners know when a performance lacks sincerity, and more than a few songs have been written that were swatted away like a mosquito. When done right, nothing sticks to one's soul stronger than a song that inspires.
It wasn't easy, but we whittled down every country song written about God and Christian values to a list of 20 of our favorites. Chances are one has caused you tear up.
Listen to the Top 20 Christian Country Songs
- 20
'Me and God'
Josh TurnerJosh Turner is one of a few artists to make this list of the Top 20 Christian Songs twice. "Me and God," featuring Ralph Stanley, is a fun look at how friendly one's relationship with the Big Man can be. Stanley's weathered voice forces one to do a double take at the stereo every time. Turner has won numerous Dove Awards for his inspirational music, and is never shy about discussing his family's strong faith.
- 19
'The Little Girl'
John Michael MontgomeryThis No. 1 hit for John Michael Montgomery still surprises fans who may have missed the message when it was released in 2000. Jesus comes down from the cross to protect the little girl from her parents' abuse and violence. Years later, when she is with a family who loves her, she becomes aware of the miracle. The song works as an inspirational Christian song, but it's also capable of touching those of other faiths. It's just a dang good story.
- 18
'God Must Really Love Me'
Craig MorganCraig Morgan's music is full of themes of God, family and country. The Army veteran often espouses those basic, good old-fashioned values in his music, and "God Must Really Love Me" is a prime example. The second single from Morgan's That's Why album is a rumination about the nature of God's mercy and forgiveness.
- 17
'New Again'
Sara Evans Feat. Brad PaisleySara Evans and Brad Paisley are both very open about their Christian faith, and they've both recorded various gospel-themed songs over the years. They teamed up for "New Again," which appeared on the soundtrack to The Passion of the Christ. Evans and Paisley voice the roles of Mary and Jesus in the emotionally-charged song.
- 16
'The Old Rugged Cross'
Johnny CashWhat a fantastic combination of a classic hymn and a classic voice. Johnny Cash was never afraid to share his faith in song, and he loved "The Old Rugged Cross" so much that he included it on three different albums over the course of his career.
- 15
'You're Not My God'
Keith UrbanKeith Urban doesn't talk about faith in public much, but he sure knows how to sing about it. "You're Not My God" isn't a worship song; instead, it's a sharp rebuke to the temptations of the mortal world, including money and drugs, with Urban telling all of those vices, "You're not my god / You're not my friend / You're not the one that I will walk with in the end."
- 14
'Thy Will'
Hillary Scott and the Scott FamilyHillary Scott says "Thy Will" was inspired by a personal, private heartbreak that she will eventually share with her fans. The song is about keeping faith even in times of struggle, a message that no doubt resonates with Christians everywhere. The moving ballad is from a family gospel project she recorded outside of Lady Antebellum, and it's about "letting go and letting God."
- 13
'There Will Come a Day'
Faith HillFaith Hill scored one of the biggest hits of her career with her Breathe album in 1999, and among secular hits like the title song and "The Way You Love Me," she chose to close out the album with a contemporary gospel song. "There Will Come a Day." The lyrics talk about holding on through the trials and tribulations of the world, because "There's a better place where our Father waits ... there will come a day."
- 12
'Something in the Water'
Carrie UnderwoodCarrie Underwood is one of the most open stars in country music when it comes to sharing her faith. She took it to a new level with "Something in the Water," a song that exalts the benefits of getting saved through being baptized. Underwood even included a passage from "Amazing Grace" at the end to help drive the song's Christian message home.
- 11
'Family Bible'
George JonesLike Johnny Cash, George Jones struggled with his own private demons both publicly and privately throughout most of his life. He was also a man of faith, and in "Family Bible," he recalls how "Dad would read to us from the family Bible / And we'd count our many blessings one by one." The song appears on his 1960 album Cup of Loneliness.
- 10
'I Saw God Today'
George StraitGeorge Strait scored one of his biggest hits with "I Saw God Today," from his 2008 album Troubadour. The lyrics talk about the everyday miracles we all see each day and don't notice, like a flower growing, the colors of the sunset or a couple expecting a baby, using each as an example of God's presence in our lives even when we don't always realize. The song reached No. 1 and won a CMA award for Single of the Year.
- 9
'Angels Among Us'
AlabamaThis song was originally released as a Christmas single in 1993, but the overwhelming response makes it possible to hear it at any time of year. Alabama's Randy Owen says it's one fans ask him about most often. One could argue it's a precursor to Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel." Both Christian songs are about letting God take over in troubled times.
- 8
'Holes in the Floor of Heaven'
Steve WarinerSome of the best Christian songs in country music lead families through tragedy. Steve Wariner's 1998 hit would bring a stone to tears. Anyone who's ever lost a spouse, parent or child can relate to this hopeful song about what awaits us all after we pass. "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" is a popular funeral song, even 13 years later.
- 7
'When I Get Where I'm Going'
Brad Paisley Feat. Dolly PartonThis award-winning No. 1 hit for Brad Paisley was brought to life by his selfless invitation to Dolly Parton. Parton provides the angel wings that this song rides upon. Paisley often includes Christian themed songs on his albums, but this is the only one that's ever been released as a single. "When I Get Where I'm Going" was an easy choice for this Top 20 Christian Songs list.
- 6
'Bless the Broken Road'
Rascal Flatts"Bless the Broken Road" is a song about trusting in God's time, not ours. The lyrics talks about the series of ups and downs and disappointments that we all face as part of the cost of living, with a twist that shows how all of those trials are simply part of God's plan. The song traveled a broken road of its own; it was recorded by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Marcus Hummon before Rascal Flatts took it to No. 1 in 2005. Their recording also won a Grammy for Best Country Song.
- 5
'Three Wooden Crosses'
Randy Travis"Three Wooden Crosses" is the ultimate redemption story, and Randy Travis is the perfect person to tell it as he has his own story to rely on for inspiration. The hook at the end of the song takes your breath away. There's no doubt this Christian song changed lives when it was released in 2003, and continues to inspire listeners today.
- 4
'Go Rest High on That Mountain'
Vince GillThere is not a more popular song for funerals than Vince Gill's somber yet uplifting afterlife ballad. Gill's vocal performance is extraordinary on "Go Rest High on That Mountain." His patience on this over five-minute ballad pays off in a big way. Gill began writing this song after Keith Whitley's death in 1989, but didn't finish it until the death of his brother four years later. It makes our list of the all-time Top 20 Christian Songs, but surprisingly, it was only a Top 20 single for Gill in 1995.
- 3
'Long Black Train'
Josh TurnerThe debut single from Josh Turner makes our list of the Top 10 Christian Songs and sets the tone for a career that would rack up Dove Awards faster than dollars in the offering dish. Some may remember this song's controversial video, which had some parental groups arguing that it encouraged suicide. That all seems silly now. To be honest, it did then, too. Turner's metaphor for temptation is sharp and effective. He has never used his music as a conversion club.
- 2
'Jesus Take the Wheel'
Carrie UnderwoodThis is the song that launched Carrie Underwood's country career, as there was a lukewarm response to "Inside Your Heaven" on non-pop stations. CMT recently named "Jesus Take the Wheel" as the fourth best song of the decade. Underwood has since proven herself to be a very strong Christian capable of carrying a song of faith, including "Temporary Home" and "Something in the Water."
- 1
Brooks and DunnThe song that lands at No. 1 on our list of the Top 20 Christian Songs has it all: a great story, an inspirational message and a brilliant vocal performance. Ronnie Dunn builds up the final chorus like a movie director working toward a film's climax; it's a goosebump moment at live shows. Dunn hadn't written or performed a great Christian song prior to (or after) this 2005 hit. It's as if he spent himself on this one song.


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Homesense eGift Cards are available in denominations of €25 (e.g. €25, €50, €75, €100 etc). Minimum voucher value is €25.
Homesense brings you big brands and unique finds at irresistible prices. That's why you'll fall head over homeware on your very first visit. As part of the TK Maxx family, Homesense loves passing on savings of up to 60% every day. With 2 great stores in Westend Retail Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin and Grand Parade, Cork, Homesense is packed full of home decor bargains to fall in love with and one-off pieces just waiting to be snapped up. That's why home-lovers love Homesense - pop over today and see what you will find. How it Works: Use this gift voucher on AllGifts.ie to order eGift Cards for use in any HomeSense store in the Republic of Ireland Or you can swap this voucher for any other gift or voucher listed on AllGifts.ie. HomeSense eGift Cards are sent by email once ordered, normally within 3 working days.
Location: Multiple


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Do you know that a reliable enterprise-class server can easily meet your budget? The HPE ProLiant ML30 Gen10 server is a powerful yet affordable tower server designed for small offices, remote and branch offices to run on-premise and Hybrid Cloud solutions, delivering enterprise-class performance, security, reliability, and expandability at a lower cost. Just a small change can give you an extra edge. Hewlett Packard Enterprise builds security right into the server with HPE iLO silicon root of trust, making the HPE ProLiant ML30 Gen10 server one of the world's most secure industry-standard servers. Redundant power supply option and up to 4 LFF or 8 SFF hot-plug HDDs provide availability and flexibility. The enhanced expansion capability allows you to upgrade with SAS controllers, networking cards, or graphics cards as your business grows. You will be surprised at how much benefit you can get with HPE ProLiant ML30 Gen10 server.
Powerful Yet Affordable Server for Your Daily Office Workloads
- The HPE ProLiant ML30 Gen10 server, powered by up to 6 cores in the Intel Xeon E Processor and up to 64 GB of 2666 MT/s DDR4 ECC UDIMM, delivers abundant performance for small- to mid-sized business applications.
- Up to 61.44 TB storage capacity makes HPE ProLiant ML30 Gen10 server an ideal data storage solution for your business to cope with the increasing amount of data. Onboard M.2 slot with NVMe SSD support delivers outstanding speed for boot drive.1
- The option of a dedicated HPE iLO port allows you to dedicate more bandwidth to network functions to achieve higher network performance.
- The embedded SATA HPE Smart Array S100i Controller ships standard and the redesigned HPE Smart Array Controllers allow you the flexibility to choose the 12 Gbps controller that is most suited to your environment.
- With selection of Hewlett Packard Enterprise qualified professional 3D graphics cards, HPE ProLiant ML30 Gen10 server can easily handle graphical workloads such as medium size CAD models, basic digital content creation, and medical imaging.
Variety of Enterprise-class Features to Achieve Business Growth with Lower TCO
- The HPE ProLiant ML30 Gen10 server offers flexibility in different storage needs. With the choice of four Large Form Factor (LFF) non-hot-plug, hot-plug, or eight Small Form Factor (SFF) hot-plug drive options, you can find the right storage fit for your growing business.
- The selective HPE 500W Flex Slot Platinum Hot Plug Power Supply Kit enhances reliability, and lets you share spares across multiple server platforms.
- Error-Correcting Code (ECC) memory protects business from data loss and unplanned system downtime.
- The HPE ProLiant ML30 Gen10 server offers a complete set of embedded HPE Integrated Lights Out (iLO 5) for Gen10 Servers management features, which includes HPE iLO with Agentless Management, Active Health System, and intelligent provisioning.
Security Innovations
- The HPE ProLiant ML30 Gen10 server is one of the Hewlett Packard Enterprise industry-standard servers with major firmware anchored directly into the silicon security protection built-in across the server lifecycle, starting with silicon root of trust.
- Secure recovery allows server firmware to roll back to the last, known-good state or factory settings after detection of compromised code.
- Additional security options are available with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to prevent unauthorized access to the server and reliably store artifacts used to authenticate the server.
Industry-Leading Services and Ease of Deployment
- The HPE ProLiant ML30 Gen10 server comes with a complete set of services from HPE Pointnext, delivering confidence, reducing risk, and helping you realize agility and stability.
- Services from HPE Pointnext simplify all stages of the IT journey. Advisory and Transformation Service professionals understand customer challenges and design an enhanced solution. Professional Services enable rapid deployment of solutions and Operational Services provide ongoing support.
- Services provided under Operational Services include: HPE GreenLake Flex Capacity, HPE Datacenter Care, HPE Infrastructure Automation, HPE Campus Care, HPE Proactive Services, and multivendor coverage.
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise IT investment solutions help you transform to a digital business with IT economics that align to your business goals.


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By merging our pre-built frameworks with your custom requirements we have the flexibility to create custom solutions built on tried and true technologies. Our frameworks include B2B, B2C, Uniform, Conference, Catalogue & Community solutions.
Meet our awesome development team. Specialists in the development of cloud based technologies. Basically, THEY ROCK!!
Domain Names, Web Hosting, Email, Exchange Hosting even dedicated servers! We make it simple to manage all of your internet assets in one place, through one simple to use control panel.


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Who doesn't love to take a cool dip in a backyard pool on a hot day? Selling a home with a pool, especially during the summer, can attract many buyers ready for a break from the heat. Your pool can be the centerpiece of your backyard oasis, provided it's in working order and visually appealing. On the other hand, a neglected pool can work against your home sale, as some buyers will see it as a liability. If you're selling a home with a pool, then here's what you need to know to make the most of this family-favorite feature.
Sell during pool season
The best time to sell a home with a pool is during pool season. In some areas, pool season is year-round. In others, prime pool season is during the summer months. Knowing when most people would make use of the pool and selling it during that timeframe can help to maximize its appeal to potential buyers.
Keep it pristine
It should go without saying that you need to keep your pool pristine while it's on the market. Nobody wants to swim in a dirty pool, let alone one with green water. As you're getting your home ready to sell, pay special attention to the pool. Make sure all the equipment is working properly and check that the water is balanced. Vacuum the pool and skim the water frequently. Fix cracks in the cement as well as any leaks. And if you've recently upgraded any of your pool's equipment, that can be a great selling feature!
Install safety features
Families with young children will want to know that the pool is safe. In many municipalities, there are strict rules regarding the safety features needed for a backyard pool. This often includes a barrier that separates the house and yard from the pool or a fence that completely encloses the pool. Know what the laws are in your area and make sure your pool follows them all.
Highlight the pool's features
Does your pool have some awesome features? Then brag about them! All those little extras can be great selling points for your pool and your home. These could include waterfalls, fountains, slides, heaters, built-in hot tubs, cabanas, pool houses, outdoor showers, dining areas, or sound systems. Pools are great places to entertain, and if you've got features that would be great for a party, let buyers know.
Stage it like an oasis
Finally, when selling a home with a pool it's essential that you stage it like a private oasis. Most people aren't just buying the pool — they're buying the lifestyle associated with having a pool. This means creating an environment that makes the pool attractive. Upgrade your landscaping or add potted plants around the perimeter. Have comfortable seating available like recliners with outdoor cushions. Does the pool get a good amount of sun? Then add an umbrella for some shade. Keep all your pool maintenance tools and toys stored away during a showing. What's most important is that potential buyers can envision themselves relaxing and enjoying the pool on the day they take ownership of the house.
Compliments of Virtual Results


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This is "The Relationship between State and Federal Court Systems in the United States", section 3.1 from the book Legal Aspects of Property, Estate Planning, and Insurance (v. 1.0). For details on it (including licensing), click here.
For more information on the source of this book, or why it is available for free, please see the project's home page. You can browse or download additional books there. To download a .zip file containing this book to use offline, simply click here.
Although it is sometimes said that there are two separate court systems, the reality is more complex. There are, in fact, fifty-two court systems: those of the fifty states, the local court system in the District of Columbia, and the federal court system. At the same time, these are not entirely separate; they all have several points of contact.
State and local courts must honor both federal law and the laws of the other states. First, state courts must honor federal law where state laws are in conflict with federal laws (under the supremacy clause of the Constitution; see Chapter 4 "Constitutional Law and US Commerce"). Second, claims arising under federal statutes can often be tried in the state courts, where the Constitution or Congress has not explicitly required that only federal courts can hear that kind of claim. Third, under the full faith and credit clause, each state court is obligated to respect the final judgments of courts in other states. Thus a contract dispute resolved by an Arkansas court cannot be relitigated in North Dakota when the plaintiff wants to collect on the Arkansas judgment in North Dakota. Fourth, state courts often must consider the laws of other states in deciding cases involving issues where two states have an interest, such as when drivers from two different states collide in a third state. Under these circumstances, state judges will consult their own state's case decisions involving conflicts of laws and sometimes decide that they must apply another state's laws to decide the case (see Table 3.1 "Sample Conflict-of-Law Principles").
As state courts are concerned with federal law, so federal courts are often concerned with state law and with what happens in state courts. Federal courts will consider state-law-based claims when a case involves claims using both state and federal law. Claims based on federal laws will permit the federal court to take jurisdiction over the whole case, including any state issues raised. In those cases, the federal court is said to exercise "pendent jurisdiction" over the state claims. Also, the Supreme Court will occasionally take appeals from a state supreme court where state law raises an important issue of federal law to be decided. For example, a convict on death row may claim that the state's chosen method of execution using the injection of drugs is unusually painful and involves "cruel and unusual punishment," raising an Eighth Amendment issue.
There is also a broad category of cases heard in federal courts that concern only state legal issues—namely, cases that arise between citizens of different states. The federal courts are permitted to hear these cases under their so-called diversity of citizenship jurisdictionSubject matter jurisdiction in federal court where the plaintiff is a citizen of one state, no defendant is also a citizen of that state, and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000. (or diversity jurisdiction). A citizen of New Jersey may sue a citizen of New York over a contract dispute in federal court, but if both were citizens of New Jersey, the plaintiff would be limited to the state courts. The Constitution established diversity jurisdiction because it was feared that local courts would be hostile toward people from other states and that they would need separate courts. In 2009, nearly a third of all lawsuits filed in federal court were based on diversity of citizenship. In these cases, the federal courts were applying state law, rather than taking federal question jurisdictionFederal court subject matter jurisdiction based on a complaint that uses a federal statutory, regulatory, or constitutional law as a cause of action., where federal law provided the basis for the lawsuit or where the United States was a party (as plaintiff or defendant).
Why are there so many diversity cases in federal courts? Defense lawyers believe that there is sometimes a "home-court advantage" for an in-state plaintiff who brings a lawsuit against a nonresident in his local state court. The defense attorney is entitled to ask for removalThe right of a defendant to remove a case from state to federal court. to a federal court where there is diversity. This fits with the original reason for diversity jurisdiction in the Constitution—the concern that judges in one state court would favor the in-state plaintiff rather than a nonresident defendant. Another reason there are so many diversity cases is that plaintiffs' attorneys know that removal is common and that it will move the case along faster by filing in federal court to begin with. Some plaintiffs' attorneys also find advantages in pursuing a lawsuit in federal court. Federal court procedures are often more efficient than state court procedures, so that federal dockets are often less crowded. This means a case will get to trial faster, and many lawyers enjoy the higher status that comes in practicing before the federal bench. In some federal districts, judgments for plaintiffs may be higher, on average, than in the local state court. In short, not only law but also legal strategy factor into the popularity of diversity cases in federal courts.
The vast majority of civil lawsuits in the United States are filed in state courts. Two aspects of civil lawsuits are common to all state courts: trials and appeals. A court exercising a trial function has original jurisdictionThe jurisdiction that a judge has to hear witnesses and receive evidence in a trial proceeding.—that is, jurisdiction to determine the facts of the case and apply the law to them. A court that hears appeals from the trial court is said to have appellate jurisdictionthe jurisdiction of an appellate court to review whether the parties received a fair trial in accordance with applicable law. Appellate jurisdiction does not include hearing witnesses or receiving new evidence.—it must accept the facts as determined by the trial court and limit its review to the lower court's theory of the applicable law.
In most large urban states and many smaller states, there are four and sometimes five levels of courts. The lowest level is that of the limited jurisdiction courts. These are usually county or municipal courts with original jurisdiction to hear minor criminal cases (petty assaults, traffic offenses, and breach of peace, among others) and civil cases involving monetary amounts up to a fixed ceiling (no more than $10,000 in most states and far less in many states). Most disputes that wind up in court are handled in the 18,000-plus limited jurisdiction courts, which are estimated to hear more than 80 percent of all cases.
One familiar limited jurisdiction court is the small claims court, with jurisdiction to hear civil cases involving claims for amounts ranging between $1,000 and $5,000 in about half the states and for considerably less in the other states ($500 to $1,000). The advantage of the small claims court is that its procedures are informal, it is often located in a neighborhood outside the business district, it is usually open after business hours, and it is speedy. Lawyers are not necessary to present the case and in some states are not allowed to appear in court.
All other civil and criminal cases are heard in the general trial courts, or courts of general jurisdiction. These go by a variety of names: superior, circuit, district, or common pleas court (New York calls its general trial court the supreme court). These are the courts in which people seek redress for incidents such as automobile accidents and injuries, or breaches of contract. These state courts also prosecute those accused of murder, rape, robbery, and other serious crimes. The fact finder in these general jurisdiction courts is not a judge, as in the lower courts, but a jury of citizens.
Although courts of general jurisdiction can hear all types of cases, in most states more than half involve family matters (divorce, child custody disputes, and the like). A third were commercial cases, and slightly over 10 percent were devoted to car accident cases and other torts (as discussed in Chapter 7 "Introduction to Tort Law").
Most states have specialized courts that hear only a certain type of case, such as landlord-tenant disputes or probate of wills. Decisions by judges in specialized courts are usually final, although any party dissatisfied with the outcome may be able to get a new trial in a court of general jurisdiction. Because there has been one trial already, this is known as a trial de novo. It is not an appeal, since the case essentially starts over.
The losing party in a general jurisdiction court can almost always appeal to either one or two higher courts. These intermediate appellate courts—usually called courts of appeal—have been established in forty states. They do not retry the evidence, but rather determine whether the trial was conducted in a procedurally correct manner and whether the appropriate law was applied. For example, the appellant (the losing party who appeals) might complain that the judge wrongly instructed the jury on the meaning of the law, or improperly allowed testimony of a particular witness, or misconstrued the law in question. The appellee (who won in the lower court) will ask that the appellant be denied—usually this means that the appellee wants the lower-court judgment affirmed. The appellate court has quite a few choices: it can affirm, modify, reverse, or reverse and remand the lower court (return the case to the lower court for retrial).
The last type of appeal within the state courts system is to the highest court, the state supreme court, which is composed of a single panel of between five and nine judges and is usually located in the state capital. (The intermediate appellate courts are usually composed of panels of three judges and are situated in various locations around the state.) In a few states, the highest court goes by a different name: in New York, it is known as the court of appeals. In certain cases, appellants to the highest court in a state have the right to have their appeals heard, but more often the supreme court selects the cases it wishes to hear. For most litigants, the ruling of the state supreme court is final. In a relatively small class of cases—those in which federal constitutional claims are made—appeal to the US Supreme Court to issue a writ of certiorariThe writ issued by a higher court that grants review of the decision of a lower court. In the United States, the Supreme Court's writ of certiorari is highly sought by those who would have the court review a state supreme court judgment or that of a federal circuit court of appeals. Most of the cases heard by the Supreme Court are through the granting of a petitioner's appeal to have the writ issued. remains a possibility.
The federal judicial system is uniform throughout the United States and consists of three levels. At the first level are the federal district courts, which are the trial courts in the federal system. Every state has one or more federal districts; the less populous states have one, and the more populous states (California, Texas, and New York) have four. The federal court with the heaviest commercial docket is the US District Court for the Southern District of New York (Manhattan). There are forty-four district judges and fifteen magistrates in this district. The district judges throughout the United States commonly preside over all federal trials, both criminal and civil.
Cases from the district courts can then be appealed to the circuit courts of appeal, of which there are thirteen (Figure 3.1 "The Federal Judicial Circuits"). Each circuit oversees the work of the district courts in several states. For example, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit hears appeals from district courts in New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit hears appeals from district courts in California, Oregon, Nevada, Montana, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam. The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit hears appeals from the district court in Washington, DC, as well as from numerous federal administrative agencies (see Chapter 5 "Administrative Law"). The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, also located in Washington, hears appeals in patent and customs cases. Appeals are usually heard by three-judge panels, but sometimes there will be a rehearing at the court of appeals level, in which case all judges sit to hear the case "en banc."
There are also several specialized courts in the federal judicial system. These include the US Tax Court, the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals, and the Court of Claims.
Overseeing all federal courts is the US Supreme Court, in Washington, DC. It consists of nine justices—the chief justice and eight associate justices. (This number is not constitutionally required; Congress can establish any number. It has been set at nine since after the Civil War.) The Supreme Court has selective control over most of its docket. By law, the cases it hears represent only a tiny fraction of the cases that are submitted. In 2008, the Supreme Court had numerous petitions (over 7,000, not including thousands of petitions from prisoners) but heard arguments in only 87 cases. The Supreme Court does not sit in panels. All the justices hear and consider each case together, unless a justice has a conflict of interest and must withdraw from hearing the case.
Figure 3.1 The Federal Judicial Circuits
Federal judges—including Supreme Court justices—are nominated by the president and must be confirmed by the Senate. Unlike state judges, who are usually elected and preside for a fixed term of years, federal judges sit for life unless they voluntarily retire or are impeached.
Trial courts and appellate courts have different functions. State trial courts sometimes hear cases with federal law issues, and federal courts sometimes hear cases with state law issues. Within both state and federal court systems, it is useful to know the different kinds of courts and what cases they can decide.


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There's a new economic force at work in the machine learning revolution that is capable of generating increasing returns to scale, much as network effects did in the internet revolution.
This force is automated learning, and its business impact comes in the form of learning effects: the more a product learns, the more valuable it becomes.
Learning effects have the potential to generate enormous economic value, as network effects do, if companies are able to close this loop and make it self-reinforcing: that is, if their products learn more because they have become more valuable.
This happens when more valuable products attract more users or customers, who provide more and richer data of the kind that enables machine learning models to make these products more valuable still, which attracts more users or customers still, and so on, creating a self-perpetuating cycle.
Just as network effects determined who the biggest winners of the internet revolution were, learning effects will determine who the biggest winners of the machine learning revolution will be.
Because they enable increasing returns to scale, they will similarly give rise to a set of companies that become runaway leaders – that are capable of pulling away from their competitors and continuing to increase their leads over time.
Offline Origins
Like network effects, learning effects have always existed in the offline world but have become supercharged in the digital world. In the offline world, learning effects are transmitted through humans: as people learn how a product can become more valuable, they modify it accordingly. Human learning, however, is artisanal, and artisanal learning only scales so quickly.
What's new and different in the machine learning era is that certain kinds of learning have become automated. Software can learn by itself with exposure to new data and become more valuable in the process. This is a big deal economically. It involves the unlocking of new source of economic value that was previously inaccessible.
A Vast New Power
Learning effects have taken off most significantly at large internet platforms given the immense amount of data they control and their aggressive investment in machine learning to accelerate product innovation: Google in search, ads, photos, translate and Waze; Facebook in search, ads and newsfeed; and Amazon in search, ads, product recommendations and Alexa, to name just a subset for each. These companies recognize that machine learning has granted them a vast new power, and they are eager to take maximum advantage of it.
Perhaps the best pure-play example of the power of learning effects is Tesla, which began as an electric car company but was able to deploy machine learning to extraordinary effect across its fleet to become the category leader in autonomous driving. Tesla's autonomous driving capabilities make its cars more valuable, which attracts more customers and data, which enables it to improve these capabilities further and attract even more customers, and so on. As a result of its learning effects, Tesla's rate of innovation and value creation in the autonomous driving area have dwarfed what its competitors have been capable of.
Engineered Growth
Network effects and learning effects generate growth in different ways. Network effects tend to generate growth organically through a kind of gravitational accretion, as individual consumers and businesses pursuing their own self-interest decide to join the largest and most valuable networks, making them larger and more valuable still.
Learning effects similarly benefit from consumers and businesses pursuing their own self-interest to purchase the best products, but they are less the result of gravitational accretion than of finely tuned technology and product development efforts that require constant intervention and recalibration in order to tie together data, intelligence, product innovation and user/customer growth.
As a result, even though learning effects are partially the product of automated learning, they are by no means automatic. The data generated from new customers must be of the right kind and of sufficient volume to enable new learning. This learning must be optimized effectively enough to create new product value. And this value must be strong enough and productized well enough to attract more customers. Any break in this chain means there is no self-reinforcing cycle and hence no learning effects.
Runaway Leaders
Perhaps the most interesting question about learning effects is what are the conditions that make them strong enough to create runaway leaders, as these are the companies that tend to create the vast bulk of enterprise value in the technology startup world.
Learning effects don't always produce runaway leaders. Just because one company has a head start in learning doesn't mean other companies can't acquire more or better data or learn more efficiently from similar data to catch up with them and eventually bypass them. It's an interesting question today, for example, if Tesla is pulling away from the pack in autonomous driving, or if others will catch up in the years ahead.
In order for learning effects to produce runaway leaders, a company must secure a definitive advantage over its competitors in one of the component areas of learning effects – data, intelligence, product innovation or user/customer growth – and leverage this into advantages in the others, such that the company can acquire data, learn, innovate and grow not only more rapidly than its competitors do, but more rapidly than they can.
As with learning effects generally, there is nothing automatic about tying these advantages together. It requires excellent execution.
Typically a company is able to jumpstart this cycle by developing a significant data advantage over its competitors. It then must translate this data advantage into an intelligence advantage as measured by the capabilities of its machine learning models, which requires that its models be as or more efficient than those of its competitors. This intelligence advantage must then tie to a product innovation advantage that is directly correlated with a user or customer acquisition advantage and ultimately with an advantage in the size of its user or customer base. Enough customers have to want to buy Teslas, in other words, because of their autonomous driving capabilities vs. because it's an electric or cool-looking car, as that doesn't create a strong enough self-reinforcing cycle. Finally, this user or customer base advantage must enhance the company's data advantage in the right way to generate additional learning.
Generally the narrower the scope of a product and the greater the degree to which machine learning drives its value, the easier it is to tie these advantages together to create a runaway leader.
Wherever it is possible to tie these advantages together, there will likely be ferocious competition, as with network effects, for startups to get an initial head start in competing for scale to achieve escape velocity and become runaway leaders given the huge premium on winning. The early bird that capitalizes on its head start generally gets all the worms. Other birds need to bootstrap alternative advantages in the form of more efficient learning engines or access to large and differentiated datasets in order to have a chance.
Learning Curves: Long, Steep and Perpetual
In order for runaway leaders to be able to maintain their leads over time, there's an important additional requirement, which is that the learning curves for their products must be long enough and steep enough to enable them to provide increasing product value for an extended period. If the learning curves for their products are short or top off quickly, early leaders will max out on them while they still have viable competitors, and these competitors will be able to catch up. If the learning curves are long and steep, on the other hand, these companies will have sufficient runway to break away from their competitors and maintain their leads over time.
Certain products – particularly those built on highly dynamic datasets – may have perpetual learning curves such that in a rapidly changing world, they can always be meaningfully improved. It's around these kinds of products that the most valuable runaway leaders will likely develop. Potential examples include search, semantic engines, adaptive autonomous systems and applications requiring a comprehensive real-time understanding of the world.
The Interaction of Learning Effects and Network Effects
Network effects almost always create the opportunity for learning effects, as they involve the generation of ever more data in the form of new network members and interactions. Companies must invest in machine learning to create these learning effects, and they may or may not be successful. They may fail to generate meaningful learning, or they may generate meaningful learning but not learning effects if this learning does not result in more valuable products that lead to the continual acquisition of new data for additional learning.
Conversely, learning effects can create network effects. Tesla, for example, did not benefit from network effects when it was just an electric car company and was not yet focused on autonomous driving. However, once the company outfitted its cars with information sensors to develop autonomous driving capabilities through machine learning, it suddenly began to benefit from network effects: each Tesla became more valuable the larger the fleet became.
Importantly, however, when learning effects create network effects, these network effects do not exist independently of them. They are in effect an expression of the learning effects: learning just happens to take place through a network. If Tesla turned off its machine learning, its network effects would cease to exist.
The reverse, however, is not true. Network effects can give rise to learning effects that can exist independently of them. Facebook's core network effect of people wanting to be part of the same social network that their friends are, for example, generates lots of new data that machine learning models can learn from. One area where Facebook has invested significantly in machine learning and succeeded in generating learning effects is improving the relevance of its newsfeed. Newsfeed relevance is a different kind of value than the core value around which the company's network effects are based, although the two clearly reinforce each other. If Facebook stopped growing its user baser, it could continue to generate increasing value by improving the relevance of its newsfeed through these learning effects.
Since network effects and learning effects are both functions of customer value, whenever they exist side by side in a product, they always reinforce each other, as each makes the product more valuable in a way that attracts more customers and data.
The most formidable kinds of runaway leaders that tend most strongly toward natural monopoly – Facebook and Google are excellent examples – are those that benefit from network effects and learning effects working in tandem, as their mutual reinforcement means these companies run away from the pack much faster and are generally impossible to catch, provided they also benefit from perpetual learning curves.
Startups vs. Incumbents
Incumbent internet platforms have unsurprisingly been the big winners of the machine learning revolution to date because of their vast data assets and their significant investment in this new technology. Their early dominance has led skeptics to wonder if machine learning is a game that startups can win at all given their relative data disadvantages.
There are huge new datasets and data-rich applications created every day, however, in domains where these and other platforms have little or no presence, which provide an abundance of new opportunities for startups.
In addition, there are many large datasets sitting in organizations that startups are best suited to access because they are better able to provide these organizations with innovative applications to take advantage of them.
And although startups make lack the early edge in data, they always have the advantages of focus and adaptability. Where I believe these advantages will make the biggest difference in machine learning is that machine learning applications are engines, and startups have the ability to build and tune these engines most precisely to maximize learning effects. They have the ability not only to maximize the amount of learning and hence value they create from new data, but to complete this loop and maximize the amount of data in the form of new customers they create from new learning.
Only by constantly tightening and amplifying these loops can companies grow rapidly from learning effects and hope to achieve escape velocity to become runaway leaders. As a general rule, startups tend to be better at this than incumbents.
This post was originally published in TechCrunch


text:
The Question
Love, a question has destroyed you. I have come back to you from thorny uncertainty. I want you straight as the sword or the road. But you insist on keeping a nook of shadow that I do not want. My love, understand me, I love all of you, from eyes to feet, to toenails, inside, all the brightness, which you kept. It is I, my love, who knocks at your door. It is not the ghost, it is not the one who once stopped at your window. I knock down the door: I enter your life: I come to live in your soul: you cannot cope with me. You must open door to door, you must obey me, you must open your eyes so that I may search in them, you must see how I walk with heavy steps along all the roads that, blind, were waiting for me. Do not fear, I am yours, but I am not the passenger or the beggar, I am your master, the one you were waiting for, and now I enter your life, no more to leave it, love, love, love, but to stay.


text:
¡Se Habla Espanol!
Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, license, processing and/or documentation fee of $299.


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text:
Weblate is growing quite well in last months, but sometimes it's development is really driven by people who complain instead of following some roadmap with higher goals. I think it's time to change it at least a little bit. In order to get broader feedback I've sent out short survey to active project owners in Hosted Weblate week ago.
I've decided to target at smaller audience for now, though publicly open survey might follow later (but it's always harder to evaluate feedback across different user groups).
Overall feelings were really positive, most people find Weblate better than other similar services they have used. This is really something I like to hear :-).
But the most important part for me was where users want to see improvements. This somehow matches my expectation that we really should improve the user interface.
We have quite a lot features, which are really hidden in the user interface. Also interface for some of the features is far from being intuitive. This all probably comes from the fact that we really don't have anybody experienced with creating user interfaces right now. It's time to find somebody who will help us. In case you are able to help or know somebody who might be interested in helping, please get in touch. Weblate is free software, but this can still be paid job.
Last part of the survey was focused on some particular features, but the outcome was not as clear as I hoped for as almost all feature group attracted about same attention (with one exception being extending the API, which was not really wanted by most of the users).
Overall I think doing some survey like this is useful and I will certainly repeat it (probably yearly or so), to see where we're moving and what our users want. Having feedback from users is important for every project and this seemed to worked quite well. Anyway if you have further feedback, don't hesitate to use our issue tracker at GitHub or contact me directly.