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States of Matter Lesson Plan: Matter Sorter Game
In this lesson plan, which is adaptable for grades 3-8, students use BrainPOP resources to explore the states of matter. Students will determine whether an example of matter is a solid, liquid, gas, or plasma through collaborative, real-world activities and gameplay.
Students will:
- Identify the states of matter.
- Determine whether an example of matter is a solid, liquid, gas, or plasma.
- Internet access for BrainPOP
- Computers for students to use
- LCD projector or interactive whiteboard
- 4 sheets of chart paper
- 4 markers
Preparation:Set up the four pieces of chart paper as explained in step one of the lesson procedure below, and preview the Matter Sorter game. This is a quick game which requires students to determine the state of matter: various examples fall from the top of the screen and students use the arrow keys or directional buttons to guide the dropping objects into the buckets with the correct state of matter. The objects fall slowly in the first level of play and increase their pace in later levels. 5 errors are allowed per level, and students can tell immediately if their answers are correct. After each level is completed, the game outlines students' incorrect answers and explains the reasoning behind the correct answer.
This lesson can be used with younger students toward the end of the matter unit as a review; with older students, use this lesson on the first or second day of the unit to determine background knowledge and address misconceptions.
Lesson Procedure:
- Write one of the states of matter on top of 4 pieces of chart paper, so that one paper has solids written on it, one has liquids, one gas, and one plasma. If you have a very large class, you may want to make two of each. Hang the chart paper in different places around the classroom. If you use two sets of charts, make sure each set is clustered somewhat close together so there will be no confusion.
- Divide students into 4 groups (or 8 groups, if you have two sets of charts) and have each group stand in front of one piece of chart paper. Explain that you will set a timer for a short time and each group should record examples of the matter state listed on the chart in front of them--as many examples as they can think of within the time frame. When you give a signal (such as a bell or chime), students should rotate clockwise to the next chart and repeat the activity without duplicating any existing answers. At the final signal, they should bring their current chart to you and return to their seats. You may want to make the initial time periods brief (30 seconds) and make the final time periods longer (60-90 seconds) since students will need to read what's already on the chart and come up with less obvious answers.
- After the rotation activity, hang the charts at the front of the room and invite discussion. Is there anything that clearly does not belong? Put question marks next to any items that students have disagreement over.
- Tell students that they will be exploring the states of matter through BrainPOP resources, and that afterward, they will have the opportunity to revisit the chart and their original responses.
- Show the States of Matter movie to the class. Talk with students about the tiny atoms and molecules that make up matter, and how changes in temperature and pressure cause these particles to gain or lose energy, which affects a material's physical properties. Are students surprised to learn about additional states of matter that aren't often discussed in science class, like plasmas and colloids? You may want to take another look at the plasma chart paper at this point if students were not previously familiar with that state of matter.
- Project the Matter Sorter game for the class to see. Explain the basic premise, and play a round together as a whole class review activity. Students may wish to point to the chart paper that lists the correct answer. You may want to pause the game periodically to talk about the reasoning behind students' answers.
- Allow students to play the game independently and have them record their scores. After a set amount of time (5-10 minutes should be sufficient), have students navigate to the Review Quiz and record their scores for the quiz, as well.
- Bring the class back to a whole group discussion. Were there any surprises in the game? Does the information they learned from the game and movie make them want to change anything listed on the charts? Make edits on the charts as needed. How do students know that a particular example needs to be re-classified?
Extension Activities:Use the Matter Sorter game as a periodic review throughout your unit of study on matter. Give students hands-on opportunities to discover the states of matter through the suggested Experiment and/or other scientific investigations.
Be sure to check out the other Science Games featured in GameUp, and explore the website of the game developer, Space Science Institute, for more science education resources.


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If you have an event you would like to submit to our community calendar, you can do that here.
- This event has passed.
M. Celeste Simon, Ph.D., of the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute to Speak at Chestnut Hill College
March 20, 2013 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
tM. Celeste Simon, Ph.D., scientific director and investigator for the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute (AFCRI), investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and professor of cell and developmental biology at the University of Pennsylvania will present the lecture, "Hypoxia, Hypoxia Inducible Factors and Tumor Progression" at the 20th Anniversary Biomedical Lecture Series on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 4 p.m. in the East Parlor of St. Joseph Hall.
tThe lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Dr. Lakshmi Atchison at firstname.lastname@example.com or call 215.248.7159.

subset: commoncrawl


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Ashford Yoga -Beginners and Mixed Abilities Hatha Yoga Classes
British Wheel of Yoga teacher in final year diploma offering Hatha Yoga for beginners, mixed ability and also restorative classes in Ashford town centre.
The beginners classes are adapted for all capabilities as modifications are offered in all poses to enable correct alignment at the correct level for each person. Stronger and full poses are also offered.
Please email Lorna at firstname.lastname@example.com for more details


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Looking to further expand its digital footprint, Discovery Communications has entered into an agreement to buy Web video programmer Revision3. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but previous reports put the price between $30 million and $40 million.
A top digital video production company, Revision3 boasts more than 23 million monthly unique viewers across 27 digital channels -- and that's only the beginning, according to Jean-Briac (JB) Perrette, Chief Digital Officer at Discovery Co. "We look forward to cultivating more original content," he said.
Heading into upfront season, Discovery Co. is touting its own online video successes. With video streaming on its Web properties up 70% in 2011, Perrette said he wanted to capitalize on the growing demand for such programming. San Francisco-based Revision3 reported ad revenue growth of 53% last year.
While Revision3's programs are hosted by "online celebrities" -- including bloggers, Twitter stars and YouTube -- vloggers -- its content aligns well with Discovery's key areas of interest, including technology, cooking and popular science.
The company has also grown its YouTube subscriber base to more than 4.5 million people -- representing a 400% annual gain.
Along with YouTube, Revision3 maintains distribution partnerships with more than 40 other partners, including iTunes, Google, AOL, Yahoo, TiVo, Roku, Boxee, CNET and Zune.
Online ad spending grew 22% to $31.7 billion last year, according to the Interactive Advertising Bureau, with online video pushing ahead at an impressive 29% growth rate. Likely as a result, independent Web video production companies are becoming a rare breed. Before this latest deal, YouTube paid a reported $30 million to $40 million for rival video content company Next New Networks last year.
Along with investing further in Discovery.com and TLC.com, Discovery Co. has pursued growth by scooping up Petfinder.com, TreeHugger.com and HowStuffWorks.com.
To date, Revision3 has raised $10 million in two rounds from Greylock Partners, with additional funding from Marc Andreessen and Mark Cuban.


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We learn how to treat other people by living in a family. How does Mom treat Dad? How do our parents treat us? How are we encouraged, permitted and prohibited to treat our siblings and parents? Is it okay to scream at others when we're frustrated? Is it okay to read at the dinner table, enter the bedroom without knocking or grab the best piece of chicken before anyone else does?
Our sense of appropriate social behavior is developed through our daily interactions with our family members and most profoundly, through our interactions with our parents.
As a parent, you probably consider it important that your child learns to be respectful toward others. After all, disrespectful behaviors will get him into trouble at school and lose him some friends. If he's rude and insensitive, then he may have trouble forming healthy intimate relationships later on in life. A mensch, on the other hand, is someone who will be an asset in the workplace and community and someone who will probably enjoy successful relationships of every kind. He shows respect toward others and is rewarded with kind behavior in return.
The Torah has given us a powerful teaching tool that can help all kids become more sensitive to the inner world of other people.
How can you help your child become truly respectful -- sensitive, humble, appreciative and in control of himself? Of course some kids are born with these traits pretty much in tact, but most have a long way to go in order to manifest them under stressful conditions (like not getting what they want exactly when they want it). Some kids are born at the polar opposite end of the respectful scale, carrying genes that make them explosive, rude and insensitive. Is there any hope for this group? Can they ever learn how to tune in to others enough to maintain harmonious relationships?
People Have Feelings
The Torah has given us a powerful teaching tool that can help all kids become more emotionally intelligent and sensitive to the inner world of other people. It works like this: when I understand that my insulting or careless words or actions actually cause you pain, I will become kinder and more conscious in my interactions with you. I don't want to cause you pain. However, if I am completely unaware of my impact on you, then I will just continue doing what I do and saying what I say. Like a speed boat that makes big waves in the water without really noticing or caring, I would just zoom along doing what's good for me without noticing the ripple effect of my actions on you or others in my path.
If you want your kids to have a higher degree of sensitivity and its corresponding higher degree of respectful behavior, you'll have to teach it to them. The Torah's teaching tool is the mitzvah of honoring parents, and it will provide you with a fail proof curriculum.
Raising Emotional Intelligence
Honoring parents is all about tuning into others. Parents are the most important people in that child's life. His very life depends upon these special folks. You'd think that children would naturally feel deep appreciation toward their parents and desire to make them happy. Oddly enough, it doesn't usually happen like that.
Children need to be taught how to get out of themselves and be grateful. It doesn't happen by itself.
Part of the reason is that children are born self-centered. Unless they are specifically educated out of that stance, they may remain there forever. Moreover, parents actually teach their kids to be self-centered. It happens accidentally. Parents love their kids so they want to give them everything. They give and give and give, to the utmost of their ability. And kids take and take and take.
For instance, at the dinner table an eight-year-old discovers that she is lacking a spoon. "I don't have a spoon," she says to Mom. Mom apologizes, hops up from the table and fetches a spoon for her able-bodied child. Mom's behavior, while totally appropriate for responding to a toddler strapped in her high chair, conveys a clear message to her eight-year-old daughter: Parents are here to serve children. "You sit. I'll get you what you need." The child learns, "You give; I take."
What would need to happen in order for this child to say to herself, "I see I don't have a spoon. I won't bother Mommy to get it for me because she's already tired from working all day, making this meal and setting the table. I'll just get it myself." Indeed, is it even possible for a young child to think such thoughts?
Yes! Children can be trained to think of others, to imagine what they might be going through. They can be trained to be appreciative instead of demanding. Instead of being focused solely on themselves and their own feelings and needs, they can learn to look outside of themselves to really see others and respond to them appropriately. This is trained through the mitzvah of kibud av v'em, through teaching children how to honor their parents.
There are many specific laws that fall under the mitzvah of honoring parents. Each one helps the child to develop self-control, humility, appreciation and, above all, sensitivity. By honoring parents for 20 developmental years, a child becomes a person who has self-control, humility, appreciation and sensitivity: in other words, a real mensch. The laws of kibud av v'em help a child to develop respect for himself at the same time as he develops respect for others; he will not lower himself to behave badly toward others or insult their dignity.
Able to express a full range of thoughts and feelings respectfully, the child who honors her parents is in no way suppressed. She is her full, beautiful self and a pleasure to live with -- even during her teenage years! Chances are excellent that she will have a good relationship with her parents throughout adulthood and will pass what she has learned on to her own children. The laws of honoring parents ultimately enhance one's spiritual, emotional and social well-being. What greater gift can you give your children than to teach them how to fulfill the fifth of the Ten Commandments?
In Part Two, we will examine the specific laws of honoring parents and look at strategies for teaching them to your youngsters.


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Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) and Ivy Tech Community College-Columbus/Franklin are included in the 2014 list of Military Friendly Schools, according to an independent survey by Ernst & Young LLP.
The annual Military Friendly Schools list honors the top 20 percent of U.S. universities, colleges, and trade schools that actively embrace American military service members, veterans, and spouses as students.
Now in its fifth year, the Military Friendly Schools list is compiled annually by Victory Media, a media group for military personnel transitioning into civilian life.
It was generated through extensive research and a data-driven survey of more than 10,000 schools nationwide that are approved for VA tuition funding. Each year, schools completing the survey are held to a higher standard than the previous year via improved methodology, criteria, and weightings developed with assistance of an advisory board comprised of educators from across the U.S.
Both IUPUC and Ivy Tech will be listed in Victory Media's annual "Guide to Military Friendly Schools," which is distributed to hundreds of thousands of active and former military personnel in early October.
Number of IUPUC Students Served is Growing
According to Cynthia Scott, the university's VA certifying officer and retired master sergeant, IUPUC serves a growing number of active-duty military personnel, veterans, and spouses and children of veterans who are certified for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
In total, there are 112 veterans and military dependents taking classes at IUPUC this fall. Of that number, 56 are receiving VA education benefits. The number of IUPUC students certified for benefits has risen steadily in recent years:
Last year, Scott and colleagues developed a booklet titled "Getting Started: A Guide to Educational Benefits for Veterans and their Family Members" to answer some of the most frequently asked questions by veterans and military members who are exploring their educational benefits.
"We routinely provide these students with information about local and regional job fairs, health fairs, grant opportunities, and other resources," she added.
This is the second year IUPUC has been included on the annual Military Friendly Schools list.
Ivy Tech is Named to the List for Third Consecutive Year
According to Nina Loesch, assistant director of financial aid and VA certifying official for Ivy Tech, the college offers its student veterans a discounted tuition rate.
"We try to make special accommodations regarding payment arrangements," Loesch noted. "For example, we assure that veterans do not get dropped from classes as a result of a late payment by the VA. In addition, we contact our student veterans on a regular basis to ensure they are doing well and to determine if they need additional assistance or services."
According to Loesch, Pat Vercauteren is the college's veterans coordinator whose sole focus is assisting veterans with any questions they have, most of which relate to financial aid.
"Pat has established excellent relationships with many of our veterans and advises them regarding the most effective ways to stay on track toward graduation," she said, adding Vercauteren's office is located in a student commons area where he is visible and easily accessible.
The financial aid office has also developed a "process" booklet containing helpful information prepared specifically for student veterans, Loesch reported.
This is the third year Ivy Tech–Columbus/Franklin has been included on the Military Friendly Schools the list.
Educational Assistance for Veterans is Available
Whether they choose IUPUC, Ivy Tech, or another educational institution, many veterans, active-duty personnel, and their family members are eligible for educational benefits under the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill or the Montgomery G.I. Bill administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
For more information, please contact:
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at firstname.lastname@example.com or by visiting IUPD.


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Monday, January 28, 2013
1988 - Anatomy of a cover - Uncanny X-Men Annual #12
Posted by Jason Shayer at 12:30 AM
Labels: 1988, Anatomy of a cover, Annuals, Art Adams, Evolutionary War, High Evolutionary, Uncanny X-Men, Uncanny X-Men #12, X-Men
2 comments:
- AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 at 7:38 PM
i forgot i had this one! man it looks even more powerful in black/white, i alllllways liked mojo hahaReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 29, 2013 at 2:33 PM
Awesome. I read this annual countless times that summer. There's a great panel that I always remember because it clearly shows how short wolverine is!ReplyDelete
It looks amazing in B/W.
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Yes Cards won 5-4.
Yes Cards won 5-4.
Ellis lines a single to right.
Bronson is one of the best baseball interviews I've ever seen.
"I never argue with people who say baseball is boring, because baseball is boring. And then, suddenly, it isn't. And that's what makes it great." - Joe Posnanski
Ethier strikes out swinging. 3 Ks for Latos. 0-0 mid 3rd.
In the same way that a baseball season never really begins, it never really ends either. - Lonnie Wheeler, "Bleachers, A Summer in Wrigley Field"
The Baseball Emporium - Books & Things.
The Baseball Bookstore
Phillips singles to left.
Paul grounds into a 6-4 FC.
Even the Astros luck into an offensive outburst every once in a while. How pathetic is this offense?
Votto strikes out swinging.
Frazier just missed. Flies out to the wall in right. 0-0 after 3.
Kemp grounds out to 3rd.
Gonzalez strikes out swinging. 4 Ks for Latos
Ramirez strikes out swinging. 5 Ks. 0-0 mid 4th.
Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please.


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A handy safety razor for tidying up trims and polishes!
Weight: 0.1 kg
Please Log in first to post your review.
A great plaiting kit that comes in a clear pvc zip up pouch. Includes a plaiting comb and plaiting bands.
Available colours, Black, Brown, White
Plaiting thread on a card with needle.
A metal hoof pick with vinyl covered handle. In assorted colours
The Tubtrugs Hoof Pick has been designed with strength and comfort in mind. This hoof pick has a strong metal pick for removing dirt and muck with tough bristles for an effective clean around the hooves. The handle has a comfortable rubber grip that's useful in wet conditions, with a hole in the base of the handle for hanging on hooks and pegs. Available in a great selection of colours.
Tail Combs that do the job!
Bridleway's range of Spotless brushes includes everything you need to keep your horse squeaky clean. Featuring rubberised grips for a comfortable and secure hold and a smart design to coordinate with our Grooming Tote. Dimensions: 245mm long
Massage helps relieve pain from tired muscles and enhances circulation. Magnets are fully rotating. Curry Comb on reverse, making this a great grooming tool
Replacement blades for the MK111 Solocomb
Quick Knot is the new must-have tool for achieving professional, competition plaits. The clip is easy to use, and will save you time, it's as easy to remove as it is to put in!
Click on the media tab to check out the simpliucity of this great product!
Our financial director checking the inbox! Have a great weekend and hope it stops raining! https://t.co/Z4AYk1YzHH
Sometimes my horse has that "Friday Feeling" .... mucking out ain't easy while he's snoring! https://t.co/TYNtgKEubY
How is that for ultra-cool bling! The new Uvex Suxxeed Glamour in blue. And for International Helmet Awareness Day,… https://t.co/YeFr7sgXco
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Help protect your horse with our great range of boots and wraps! #protectyourpony #theridinghabiteastry @ Riding Ha… https://t.co/jSVXmzgtI2
Welcome to the Riding Habit. Our shop in Eastry, Kent has been trading as a High Quality Tack, Feed and Saddlery outlet for over 25 years.
We have recently bought and renovated the premises, keeping the best of the established lines, whilst introducing new Quality products.
Our qualified, knowledgeable and friendly staff are happy to fit you for riding hats, body protectors, air vests and boots.
We ride and use the products we stock so that we can pass on qualified opinions on products, supplements and feed.
Come in for a chat and a browse…
Lucia and Jamie.
Copyright © 2015 The Riding Habit. All Rights Reserved.Web Design by Orcus. Powered by Myriad EPoS.


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There's nothing like the smell of insults in the morning. I checked my Twitter feed and found this little gem:
@aspergerwoman Tweet @JColeNC about his lyrics:Check the numbers dummy thats me gettin started Im artistic you niggas is autistic retarded—
Russell Lehmann (@AutisticPoet) July 17, 2013
I did some investigating about the lyrics which @AutisticPoet had referenced and found that they come from Drake's song "Jodeci Freestyle". In the last few days, J. Cole has certainly gotten the wrong kind of attention for these lyrics. There are many, myself included, who are upset at him because he chose to use the word "autistic" as an insult. "Autistic" by itself is merely a descriptive word that describes a person on the autism spectrum, or a person with autistic traits – unfortunately, the way in which J. Cole and others use the word can change its connotation to being negative, demeaning, and potentially dehumanizing.
Some in the autistic community are already taking action about this. Anna Kennedy and the Anti-Bullying Alliance have started a petition asking for an apology from J. Cole and Drake for the offensive lyrics. But I think this particular incident is indicative of a larger issue: the severe need for autism understanding and acceptance in the Black community.


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Hi Everyone!
I just received an updated brochure/guide from the Northwest Suburban Genealogy Society (NWSGS).
Please know that this society was formerly known by the name Northwest Suburban Council of Genealogists. They renamed themselves as of August 1, 2014.
Their recently updated brochure contains information about the society, membership benefits, meeting location, programs they will offer during their upcoming 2014-2015 "season" and membership application.
Here is the newly updated NWSGS brochure for the society that includes their 2014-2015 programs:
Northwest Suburban Genealogy Society (NWSGS) Brochure That Includes The 2014-2015 Programs
I am happy to share this information with readers of this blog.
Please take a look at the above link to the PDF for the information. Print it off and mark the dates for the programs that interest you the most. Give the society a try and check out one of their programs. Better yet, consider becoming a member of the society. A membership application is also included as part of the brochure that you can access through the above link to the PDF.
This is the time of the year when a lot of dated information about upcoming programs that start in September becomes available. Check them out.
You can also visit the society webpage itself to find out more about the society, its resources and its programs. You can visit them at the following link at:
Northwest Suburban Genealogy Society (NWSGS)
Enjoy the brochure and plan on attending some of their programs.
Tony Kierna
Genealogy Coordinator
Schaumburg Township District Library


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Disaster Recovery Checklist
10 Things You Can Do To Make Disaster Recovery Go More Smoothly.
It is rare to predict the level of damage and interruption a disaster can inflict upon your home. There are, however, several key steps you can take before and after an event to make the insurance claim process a smoother experience to help receive the financial recovery needed to survive.
10 Things You Can Do To Make Disaster Recovery Go More Smoothly.
1Take photographs of property before a disaster occurs.Photographs will be important to prove the extent of your damages later. Take new photos every year, or after any alterations to the property.
2Back up business-critical information.Make sure your business-critical client records and communications systems are backed up off site so you can immediately retrieve key client information, financial documents, and sales histories. Having this information immediately available can make or break your public relations and disaster recovery efforts.
3Have a response team in place.Put a claim management team together before a disaster strikes and assign a lead spokesperson. Only an individual who is knowledgeable in the area of insurance should handle interactions with your carrier. This is essential, since the smallest comment can make a big difference in how much money you recover.
4Report your loss.Request a complete copy of your insurance policy. Read and make sure you understand your rights and obligations under your insurance policy before entering into any serious discussions or negotiations with your carrier. Seek out a professional to help you understand what your policy actually covers and, just as important, what it doesn't.
5Protect your property from further damage.It's your responsibility to perform emergency work such as putting up tarps, removing wet drywall and carpeting to prevent mold, and boarding up openings and installing fencing, where necessary, to protect your belongings and restrict access.
6Beware of contractors asking you to sign a contract for non-emergency services.Ideally, you should not hire a contractor to rebuild your business until you have agreed on a repair/replacement scope of damage and an estimate of pricing with your insurance company. Then you will know how much you have to spend on reconstruction.
7Document the damage.Photograph or video the scene, including the "debris pile," before you begin any cleanup efforts. When estimating damages, do not rely solely on your historical records. Instead, secure replacement cost estimates.
8Document all of your activities and expenses.Keep a log of all activities and save all receipts, including those for property replacement and extra expenses. This will provide the documentation a disaster recovery professional requires to present expenses to your carrier, and you will know which expenses will be reimbursed as you rebuild.
9Make decisions that are best for the survival of your home.Policyholders often expect the insurance company to tell them what to do to save their home. Insurance company adjusters are simply auditors of your property insurance claim. Only you know your business and what's best for your recovery.
10Hire your own experts.The insurance adjuster sent by your carrier to evaluate the damages is working exclusively for the insurance company, not for you. It's your responsibility to document and submit your claim. Make sure you have someone on your side who knows insurance inside and out to ensure that you get a full, fair and expedited settlement — while you concentrate on maintaining your operations, not on claim details. Understand that your claim will have to be verified.


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As for the license, Steffen has it licensed as follows (quoted from the source code):
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ or
send a letter to Creative Commons, 444 Castro Street, Suite 900, Mountain View, California, 94041, USA.
Any third party libraries that were added to the IDE and compiled into the binary but are not included with the source have their own licenses.


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'Not appropriate' Dance crackdown continues at Jefferson Memorial
You can dance if you want to, but you might want to leave your friends behind– unless you plan on spending a night in jail.
That's what happened in 2008 when a group of D.C. natives staged a silent flash mob at the Jefferson Memorial to commemorate Thomas Jefferson's birthday. What resulted were arrests based on National Park Service regulations.
Last month, the dancing ban was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals in a decision that asserted that dancing can detract from the atmosphere of solemn commemoration that should be found at the monument.
The decision to uphold the ban prompted another group of activists to take to their feet, this time protesting what they saw as an infringement on their First Amendment rights. A YouTube video of the May 28th event shows police throwing one activist to the ground, images that raise questions of police discretion– if not outright brutality.
"Thomas Jefferson would be rolling over in his grave," says Charlottesville civil libertarian John Whitehead.
Whitehead, who heads the non-profit Rutherford Institute, worries about the precedent that the ruling sets, considering that it offers no specific guidelines for prospective merry-makers.
"The ruling gives too much leeway," says Whitehead. "What constitutes dancing and what constitutes bothering others? The only people being bothered are the police."
The activists planned a second dancing event and touted it as an opportunity for the public to stand up to what they see as injustice. On Saturday, June 4, around 200 people put on their dancing shoes to dance at the Memorial. This time there were no arrests, but National Park Police broke up the groove-fest after twenty minutes.
The Park Service doesn't seem willing to change its stance on the issue anytime soon. In a statement released before the most recent event, the Service– pointing out that ample space exists on the Memorial's grounds to dance without interrupting any other tourists– stated, "We believe it is not appropriate to be dancing in an area that memorializes some of the most famous Americans."Read more on: thomas jefferson
14 comments
Sigh. I wonder how life would be if the only thing I had to worry about it was my "right" to dance anywhere I wish and keep up with the 'Housewives of '.
TJ would be rolling over in his grave because of the stupidity of these kids.
You're immature if you think these adults should have been arrested. At least you're using your first amendment rights to mock their usage of their first amendment rights, before yours are taken away. Thomas Jefferson was the greatest defender of liberty, and he would have loved to see those people dancing at the memorial. He would not have been pleased at the disgraceful cops' behavior. He would have thought himself to be back in England serving the tyrannical King George.
Austo right mane, stop wastin people time wit da silly flash mob - dat stuff ol mane. Where John Whitehead when da Hook be deletin my posts??? Im tired of da constant TJ praise in dis town
I'm sure TJ would have been doing the Dougie in front of the memorial to support freedom of speech.
If you watcfh the entire video...
...... what concerns me most is when a cop body slams a boy onto the hard marble floor shortly after the 3 minute mark into the video. This cop needs a little more training on pressure points and how to effectively handle a combative defendant. You could paralyze a young man for life by body slamming them onto a hard marble floor.
@ Gasbag
Oh, but then that cop wouldn't be able to feel like he's starring in his own personal episode of "Cops." Where's the fun in that? ;)
"Bad boys, bad boys...watcha gonna do....watcha gonna do when they come for you, bad boys...."
That actually brings up another good point, boo! I am surprised he did a body slam onto marble knowing that people were videotaping it. In all fairness though, I think the U S Park Police are about the equivalent of the UVA Building and Grounds security force, he probably didn't have the training to deal with a combative defendant.
Should have tazed him after the bodyslam.
I think they would have better off dancing at Monticello.
There are plenty of places to legally get a permit on the National Grounds and the government has a right to make reasonable rules to protect the intent of the "memorial"
I suppose it would also be ok with you if they wanted to burn flags at the tomb of the unknown soldier?
freedom of speech means that you are allowed to express yourself within reasonable paramters. If you believe the parameters are unreasonable hire a lobbyist or a lawyer.
Civil disobedience when lobbying or the courts are a reasonable alternative is not something I believe Mr Jefferson would ave been proud of.
If the problem is that the dancing bothers other visitors, then how about arresting the swarming mass of noisy, "irreverent" tour groups of teenagers that were at the Lincoln Memorial when I was there this Spring? They were far more annoying and distracting then any dancers could have been. They ignored the signs to be quiet, ran around, yelled, got in the way of other tourists trying to take photos, etc. Lots of us were bothered by that. If someone was dancing I doubt I would be nearly as bothered as I was by the bedlam those kids created.
Thomas Jefferson wouldn't have wanted a gaudy memorial built in his honor anyway.
G BEV- at least they were there........why didn't you make a point of talking to their chaparones or tell the kids directly?


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Knight:Reconstituting primers
From OpenWetWareJump to navigationJump to search
Invitrogen recommends the following reconstitution procedure -
- Centrifuge the tube for a few seconds to get all the DNA to the bottom of the tube.
- To make a 25 μM stock, add YμL of sterile H2O to X nmoles of dry primer stock. (See equations below).
- Allow to sit for 2 mins, then vortex for 15 secs.
Short version
[math]Y\ \mu L\ =\ 40\ *\ X\ nmoles\ primer[/math]
The number of nmoles of material in the tube (X) should be listed on the pages accompanying your primer order.
Long version
[math]Y\ \mu L\ =\ \frac{1 L}{25\ \mu moles}*X\ nmoles\ primer\ =\ \frac{1*10^6\ \mu L}{25000\ nmoles}*X\ nmoles\ primer\ =\ 40\ *\ X\ nmoles\ primer[/math]
See Reconstituting primers for a lot of useful information including why you should use TE buffer rather than water for reconstituting primers.


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Anarchist Perspective on Mass Prisoner Resistance Movements
From Anarchist News / By Ben Turk
There is a widespread, growing and committed resistance movement happening in US prisons across the nation. This movement is not going away, and with more outside support and national coordination, it could be powerful enough to reshape not only the US prison system, but the entire society.
At the time of this writing thirty prisoners at Ohio State Penitentiary, the supermax prison in Ohio are recovering from a hunger strike that has lasted over 30 days. Prisoners in Georgia, accused of leading the largest prison work stoppage in US history in 2010 are on hunger strike demanding relief from torture conditions they've been subjected to in solitary confinement as reprisal for their non-violent protest. The Free Alabama Movement (FAM) has been dealing with threats, beatings and lockdowns they've been subjected to in reprisal for the mass work stoppages that shut down three Alabama facilities for weeks in January of 2014.
Massive hunger strikes that rocked California's prison system in recent years are now getting slow results in favorable court decisions for their class action lawsuit. Prisoners in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina and Washington State have all engaged in historically large protests in recent years. In February, thousands of immigrant prisoners in a federal detention facility in Texas refused to work, and protested and sabotaged the facility, rendering it uninhabitable. At around the same time women at an Arizona county jail were on hunger strike refusing to eat the moldy food they'd been served.
The above examples are only the most coordinated and best publicized of these protests. Many prisoners see individual acts of courage and resistance as necessary for their identity and survival. When the country locks up as large a portion of its population as the US does, prisoner protests are inevitable and almost constant. (more…)


text: Texas Knives and Collectibles is one of the largest Case Knife Dealers in the South. W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. has handcrafted knives since 1889. These are high quality knives. Case Tru-sharp surgical stainless steel, the popular blade material is a special high-carbon stainless cutlery steel. Tru-sharp blades hold an edge longer than conventional steel, and offer extraordinary blade strength and resist corrosion. For a stroll through our store, click on the buttons to your left.Some of our older sets of "discontinued" families are almost gone. Order now to complete your collection. For stock on hand, you can view these knives under the tab of "Discontinued Knives." Please Check back as we begin the updates and remember you can now ORDER ONLINEPlease continue to check back on the site, or call us for that special knife that you may have not found on the site. We may have it in-store. Thanks. We have many knives that are in such limited quantities that we don't post them on the web, but our sales staff would be happy to assist you at 409-429-3461We have many complete sets of past knives, as well as some single's of discontinued stock. Please call for more information and availability.


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I've written a small demo showing off a bulletml script... The game will basically be a typical shmup with a few gameplay twists (haven't figured them all out yet...).
What I want is a 3d background like in the game Ikaruga... Question is should I make the game 3D from the start, or continue using accelerated 2D and try and utilize 3D only for the background?
If I go 3D all the way, which cross-platform engine would you suggest?
Also, where's a good place to host my files/project?


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Four members of the 2008 Hope cross country teams have been named national Division III scholar-athletes by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCA).
To be eligible for the award a student-athlete must carry a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and must finish in the top 25 percent of the field at their respective NCAA regional meet.
Honorees are freshman Kelly Luftkin of Houghton (Houghton HS), freshman Kate Nelson of Williamston (Williamston HS), freshman Karlyn Sikma of Grand Rapids (North Pointe Christian HS), and senior Seth Weener of Grandville (Grandville HS).
Weener finished 15th among 240 runners in the men's NCAA Division III Great Lakes Regional and qualified for the national championships. The women's Regional field totaled 233 runners. Kate Nelson led Hope's runners by placing 36th while Karlyn Sikma and Kelly Luftkin were 50th and 64th respectively.
In addition, both cross country teams have been honored for academic excellence by the College Cross Country Coaches Association. To qualify for the award, a team needed to maintain a minimum 3.10 team cumulative grade point average and compile a team score at an NCAA regional meet. The women's team posted a 3.30 cumulative GPA while the men's team recorded a 3.23 GPA. The leading women's team was Bluffton, Ohio with a 3.85 GPA and topping the men was Grinnell at 3.65.
The recognition is especially significant for the women's cross country program which has been named to the Academic Honor Roll every year since the award was initiated in 1990. The men's program has been recognized every year but one during that time.
Coached by Mark Northuis, both Hope cross country teams finished second in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) standings this past fall.


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SPECIFICATIONS:Mfg Item Num: X30306BP Category: AMMO CENTERFIRE Caliber :30-30 WinchesterBullet Type :Power Max BondedBullet Weight :150 GRMuzzle Energy :1903 ft lbsMuzzle Velocity :2390 fpsRounds/box :20 Rounds Per Box, 10 Boxes Per Case


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Is A Double-Header Always Twice As Good?
Shortly following the successful weekend that the IZOD IndyCar Series had at Iowa Speedway last weekend, CEO Randy Bernard revealed his idea to possibly host a double-header weekend there for the 2012 season. When I first heard the news, I was against it because I thought he meant to do a set of twin races similar to what the series did at Texas a few weeks ago. Then I found out that his plan was to run two separate races that each paid full points – one to be held on Saturday night, then another to be held the following afternoon.
My initial reaction was favorable – especially since I'm now seriously thinking about going to Iowa next year. That's quite a bang for your buck if you're in attendance. But then I started hearing that the races would be treated as separate events and would have separate tickets. I'm sure you can buy some sort of a package to include both races, but it still will probably cost more to attend both races than it did to attend the one great race last Saturday night.
For those that live near Newton, IA, they have the luxury of picking which race they want to attend. For those of us that may be traveling great distances, of course we're going to shell out the extra bucks to attend both races. That's why we're going, isn't it – to attend races?
The logic is that if the track only holds 40,000 people, it would be better to sell 80,000 tickets than 40,000. It sounds simple enough, but will everyone buy tickets to both races? As I just mentioned, those that are covering a lot of ground to get there will, but how many drove two to three hours to go? Many probably passed up the cost of a hotel room and made a day trip out of it. Would they drive that distance two days in a row? Some die-hards might, but others won't.
What about the on-track product? Teams were lucky in Texas, when only two cars crashed. They may not be so lucky in Iowa. Turn Two was merciless at Iowa as it ate several cars last Saturday night. Some of the larger teams would have little problem getting a backup ready for the next day, while others would have great difficulty. If Sebastian Saavedra were to repeat his Saturday night crash during the first race next year, I'm not sure that Conquest would have a car ready for him by the next day.
Another consideration for the on-track product is the quality of racing. Fans pay their good money to watch drivers hang it out on the ragged edge. They don't expect to watch a parade of cars driven by drivers whose main goal is to keep the car off the wall so it'll be around the next day.
Now that we've had a few weeks pass since the twin races at Texas, when I look back on that weekend, I feel as if that race was stolen from me. They took one of my favorite races of the season and split it up into two sideshows that had no rhythm or flow – just two sprint races that had no feel about them. I realize that a double-header at Iowa would be two full races run on consecutive days, but I'm just not sure how it would play out.
Texas and Iowa are both great events that don't need to be spiced up. I don't fault Randy Bernard for getting creative. That's what he was hired to do and it's one of his many strong suits. There are/were several events on previous IndyCar schedules that could have benefited greatly from this idea. Kansas and Homestead come to mind. Watkins Glen was another. But is the idea to prop up attendance and interest in tracks that need it or to capitalize on events that are already successful and make them that much better?
If the goal is to get closer to a 50/50 split between ovals and road courses, I think that is a cheesy way of doing it. I've heard some say that the IZOD IndyCar Series is having eighteen races this season – because they are counting the two races at Texas. I say there are seventeen. I count a weekend as an event, not how many races took place. If they truly want to get closer to an even split, go after more ovals.
I've heard Curt Cavin say that it's not that easy – you can only go where you are wanted. Well, make them want you. Get creative on sanctioning fees. Let them know that this is not the same series that tracks chose to drop off their schedule a few years ago. It sounds like Fontana and Chicagoland may be a little closer to happening than they were a few months ago. If Las Vegas is a success, get in deeper with Bruton Smith and look at possible returns to tracks like Charlotte and/or Atlanta.
I'll be the first to say the races were boring, but the series always had great attendance in Nashville. Al Unser, Jr. says that if they would diamond-groove the entire track, it could be a two-groove racetrack. Personally, I'd like to see that concrete surface replaced with asphalt, but that could be costly to a track that is struggling already.
But getting back to the idea of a double-header – I'm not saying it's a bad idea, but I find myself coming up with more questions against it than reasons for it. I realize I'm an old grump that doesn't like new ideas. I'd be willing to see the series try it once, but I hope they don't get so entrenched with the idea that they think they have to stick with it no matter how much it fails. That has been Randy Bernard's biggest attributes – he listens to fans and is not afraid to admit a mistake. Give him credit for trying.
George Phillips
*Please Note: There will be no post here on Monday July 4th. I'll return here on Wednesday July 6th. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Fourth of July.
11 Responses to "Is A Double-Header Always Twice As Good?"
If there was a "Twin "Weekend" at Iowa then I would want to be there, but upon further reflection I now see that the one race was good enough and that the "Twin" race is only adding an oval to the Foyt Championship half of the series. Reach out, INDYCAR! Find another track that wants you!!! You can start by listening to a proposal from the Nashville the Superspeedway and Firestone. According to the Neilsen ratings this past May the Nashville market was the fourth rated market for the Indianapolis 500 with a 7.5 rating.
I thought that the rule in the entertainment business is that you always want to leave them wanting more. Doing back-to-back races at Iowa would break that rule. Doing a double-header would cheapen it, I think. Anyone who chose to do two races one year (and I'm not sure there would be that many) may choose to do no races the next year, especially if the first one was a snoozer because of teams trying not to wad up their equipment.
I think that you keep your great events great by making people want to come back year-after-year. That's why they don't do a second event at Indy. Auto races need to have that event-like feel to them, they're not like football games or baseball games. Overusing the successful events seems like risking killing the golden goose, if you ask me.
Instead, they should get creative and find ways to improve existing events or create exciting new events.
Savage, upon reflection I think I'm with you on this issue. Get creative with events that are struggling, like Milwaukee (there you can start by finding a promoter that knows the business).
Sorry …I don't mean "you"; I mean "they" …" can start…".
The right promoter (Milwaukee) and modifications to the track (diamond grinding) that would allow more than one line of racing (like back in the 80's and 90's.)
Regarding Iowa, I also agree that there is no need for two races in the same weekend, but that if two races at Iowa in one season could be arranged, that would be the way to go.
What I would much rather see from Iowa would be two RACES. Perhaps a midsummer race at night and a later race (in the daytime) in fall. The fact that there is a venue that fans will fill would seem to make this a no-brainer to me.
I agree with George's point that two races in one weekend (sold separately) might be overkill.
"Fans pay their good money to watch drivers hang it out on the ragged edge. They don't expect to watch a parade of cars driven by drivers whose main goal is to keep the car off the wall so it'll be around the next day."
This is an accurate description of the first Texas race which is why i'm strongly opposed to this idea.
Having not slept well at all that night, I was able to see parts of the 1st and the 2nd race from Texas 2011 on a webstream even here in Europe. Drivers were indeed preserving their cars for the 2nd race. But for some, it all came to naught in the draw for the starting positions of the 2nd race. That draw for the grid of the 2nd race was not a good idea. It's too random. DTM, the series in which Dario Franchitti raced touring cars before he went to the USA, used to run every race as a double header for the duration of several seasons. Nobody's focus was on preserving their cars, but those were touring cars. They are more robust than single seaters. However, the grid positions of the 2nd race were determined by the finish of the 1st race with the retirements having to start from the back in order of retiring.
I guess that's how it should be done.
Yet, I would prefer a 2nd 500 mile race on one of the larger ovals over a double-header. As far as Iowa is concerned, I like George's idea of going there twice a year. As far as Texas is concerned: last year's single race was a better one than the double header. I feel they should switch back to the old format.
And Milwaukee needs to get back its place on the calendar the week after Indy.
If IndyCar is looking for an oval, I'd love to see them at Eurospeedway Lausitz but that's mainly because it's the one oval track that's nearest from my home. As far as European tracks are concerned: A return to Brands Hatch would also be very nice, especially for the English fans of all the English drivers in the series. And if I could recommend one other track in Europe for IndyCar, it would be Dijon Prenois because of the multiple racing lines that are possible when driving around that circuit.
As far as Chicagoland vs Milwaukee vs Road America vs Brooklyn Michigan is concerned, as a TV Indycar spectator, I'd prefer to have all of them on the calendar, but as it is not possible, my preference would be Milwaukee. However, I watched last year's Chicagoland race and it was pretty exciting.
All the talk I read about IndyCar going to China worries me a little since DTM and A1GP drew only little crowds there and had to face problems with bad organisation like a hairpin corner being too tight for the cars to go round. If IndyCar wants to go abroad, I'm pretty sure Surfers Paradise will welcome them back. And all the Power fans, Briscoe fans and Dixon fans would love it, too.
The thought of the Nashville oval surely is interesting.
I'd do the Sunday afternoon race clockwise. 180 laps each (to emphasize the U-turn), and full points.
Since the Iowa race was so awesome (no sarcasm), why don't we just run all the oval races there and skip those other troublesome tracks like Milwaukee (sarcasm)?
Maybe we should just go ahead and file Twin races under "Ideas that sound great on paper, but don't really work out in real life."
It was a great idea and I don't begrudge Bernard at all for trying it, but Texas displayed all the problems of these situations. Running on separate days sounds like one way of solving these problems, but maybe they're better off not being solved.
You run into a situation where either a track holds exciting races, and you ruin that by running a twin race -OR- a track with less-than-exciting racing has a "twin" race, and you force fans to watch two boring races.


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SACRAMENTO — Assemblyman Mark Stone wants the plastics industry to help rid the ocean of its plastic problem.
Stone, a Scotts Valley Democrat, and Assemblyman Ben Hueso, D-San Diego, announced legislation Wednesday that aims to lift the cost of controlling and cleaning up plastic pollution — which makes up the majority of marine debris — from local governments and place it firmly on the shoulders of plastics manufacturers.
"Plastic trash hurts our oceans and beaches in a significant and permanent way. It also wastes taxpayer money, burdens local governments and is a preventable cause of pollution," Stone said. "This bill will address the problem at its source."
With a Friday deadline for lawmakers to submit bills, the Plastic Pollution Reduction Producer Responsibility Act focuses on intent rather than specifics. Stone said those would be worked out as the legislative session proceeds, but he wants to reduce the need for local littler-control programs and beach cleanups.
Stone, who as a county supervisor authored Santa Cruz County"s plastic bag ban, also wants to gather more information through meetings with interested parties. One fact-finding vehicle could be the Assembly"s new Select Committee on Coastal Protection, which Stone chairs.
The bill likely faces an uphill climb. Efforts to pass a statewide plastic bag ban faltered in recent years in the face of industry opposition, including from the American Chemistry Council trade group.
"We have not yet seen the bill, but it is early in the process and we look forward to working with the sponsors and other stakeholders to find workable solutions to our shared commitment to ocean health," said Steve Russell, the American Chemistry Council"s vice president of plastics, who noted that plastic makers are working elsewhere to address the problem.
But others praised the bill, including bill sponsor Natural Resources Defense Council, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Save Our Shores, a Santa Cruz nonprofit that organizes frequent local beach cleanups.
Environmentalists have focused on plastics — particularly plastic bags that blow across urban landscapes — calling them everything from a shoreline blight to a threat to marine life.
A 2012 study done for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that West Coast communities along the coast and in coastal watersheds spend $520 million annually cleaning up trash. Much of that debris, the authors argued, would likely otherwise end up in the ocean.
Follow Sentinel reporter Jason Hoppin on Twitter at Twitter.com/scnewsdude


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Lindenwood University will hold a celebration of the release of its new literary journal, "Untamed Ink," from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, in Sibley Chapel on the main Lindenwood campus, at 209 S. Kingshighway, St. Charles, Mo., 63301.
The event will include readings by some of the journals contributors and free copies of the journal while supplies last. Readers will include Dwight Bitikofer, distinguished member of the Saint Louis Writers Guild, journal editors Alexander Balogh and Michael Fetters and many others.
Admission is free and open to the public. The event represents the public's first chance to see the newest literary journal in the St. Louis area. The journal, which will be published annually in the fall, is 96 pages and contains 29 poems and 5 short stories. Contributors range from Lindenwood faculty like Fetters, Balogh, Michael Castro and Spencer Hurst to renowned St. Louis-area writer Howard Schwartz and famed Hungarian poet Gabor Gyukics.
"We hatched the idea for the journal to fill a void," Balogh said. "Lindenwood hadn't had one in 10 years. We wanted to do something of a nationwide quality that people would be interested in picking up outside of the St. Louis area."
The name of the journal has to do with freedom of thought and expression, Balogh said. "It has many themes throughout," Balogh said. "It should appeal to writers and anyone looking for a good read."
Balogh said he and Fetters began receiving submissions for the journal about a year ago, nine months after they submitted the proposal for the publication. Submissions are currently being accepted for next year's edition of "Untamed Ink." For complete submission guidelines, visit the journal's website at www.lindenwood.edu/untamedink.
Prior to the release event, the book is available for $4 through mail order; after the release event, the book will sell for $6 (or $11 for the first two issues) by sending payment and shipping information to:
Editors Untamed Ink Lindenwood University 209 S. Kingshighway St. Charles, MO 63301
Checks should be made payable to Lindenwood University with "literary journal" in the subject line of the check.


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Young Adult Program Intake
Take this opportunity to experience yoga and work in a truly transformative way!
The Young Adult Program is for people 18-30 interested in living in a spiritual community to explore work, develop self-knowledge and gain skills.
This live-and-work program focuses on Karma Yoga —the yoga of action and selfless service—and also introduces participants to Mantra, Hatha, Dreams and Kundalini Yoga — tools that can help expand awareness.
Yasodhara Ashram is an intergenerational community where people of all ages—from youth to elders and everyone in between—work together. This program is run jointly with the One Month(OM) Program. Young Adults (18-30) are offered a reduced fee structure and Elders (60 and over) can choose to work six-hours instead of eight.
The program helps you deepen self-knowledge, integrate as a valued working member of the community and take away a life-changing experience.
Cost: Young Adults (18-30) $600 (sliding scale). Bursary applications are available for Young Adults unable to pay 50% of the cost ($300). Deposit $100 when you are accepted into the program.
(See our Cancellation Policy)
Includes shared accommodation, three meals daily, morning hatha, retreat/workshop, and evening satsang.
Shared accommodation and meals included.
Dates: Click here for a list of all program intake dates.
Cancellation Policy
Upon cancellation of a course, retreat, or other program, Yasodhara Ashram will hold your deposit for application towards your next stay for one calendar year.
Deposits are non-refundable.
Application required: Processing time is 1-2 weeks
Learn More & Apply for the Young Adult Program


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Here is part of my "preview" for the NBA – only four game into the season. I decided to highlight about half of the teams after I wanted to do all the teams, but then I remembered I have a life outside of this blog. I know, crazy right?
What I have put together are my "Points of Interest" – I know, great name – of teams, players, situations, that may be a little under that radar – or not – but are worth giving more attention and will give another layer of intrigue to the NBA.
Dallas Gets All Maverik-y with Marion
The Mavericks have been lacking the old-school Charles Oakley type power forward. While, Mark Cuban may not have gotten the toughness, they did get Shawn Marion who is a life time 17.8 ppg and 9.9 rpg player. Marion's scoring average has gone down since a career high of 21.8 ppg in '05-'06 in Phoenix, but I would expect Marion to get plenty of east basket from Jason Kidd like Marion did from Steve Nash.
Here is there stating line-up: PG – Kidd, SG – Josh Howard, SF – Shawn Marion, PF – Dirk Nowitzki, and C – Erick Damiper. And then off the bench you the have Sixth Man of the Year, Jason Terry. Not too shabby.
The Heat In Miami
Going into the fourth season removed from winning the Championship, the Heat are not as bad as I remember , having won 43 games last season. But the heat did not add much to the roster, minus the often traded Quentin Richardson, and lost Jamario Moon and traded away Mark Blount.
Dwayne Wade must be tired, seriously! Not only has he played an average of 37.9 minutes a game and over 38 minutes in four out of the six seasons, he averaged 30.2 last season which was 31% of the points per game. Wade turns 28 and you have to wonder how much longer his body can perform and continue to endure the beating he gets every game.
Mr. Michael Beasley's 13.9 ppg and 5.5 rebounds must creep closer to a 15 ppg and 10 rpg average for him to be consider a legit No. 2 option. And with his recent trip to rehab will only add to already intense lens that will be on his every move.
Daequan Cook is the wild-card for the Heat. While his scoring average did not increase much – 8.8 to 9.1 ppg – his shooting improved from behind the three-point line – 33% to 39%. Along with Cook, the Heat brought Carlos Arroyo over from Orlando and those two will be key in providing scoring and steady guard play off the bench.
Houston, We Have A Problem
The Rockets lost Ron Artest to the Lakers and Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady to injury. This is a major hit to Houston and it's attempt to make the playoffs for a fourth straight season. Those three players totaled 52.4 ppg and 19.5 rpg, and were the three best players in a Rocket uniform.
This season could be a season similar to the Spurs of 1997, when David Robinson was out for the season with back issues. The Spurs had a 20-62 record and the ended-up with the No. 1 pick, which turned out to be Tim Duncan.
I am not sure there is a Duncan type players in next years draft, but with the Rockets lacking quality veteran leadership, this team will end up with a lottery pick. This could add some quality next season when Yao will be healthy.
Aaron Brooks, Trevor Ariza and the crew will get plenty of playing time as this team must look past the McGrady era and plan on a rough road this season.
Cleveland Rocks
The elephant in the room is Shaq. Shaq has won titles as Batman and as Robin, and was committed to his role as Robin to Dwayne Wades Batman. But is seems that everywhere else (i.e. LA and Phoenix) Shaq still considered himself the headliner.
Well in Cleveland, there all ready is a headliner. Without question – the Cavs were called "the LeBrons" for crying out loud. So Shaq buying into his role and his new team should lead to at least one appearance in the Finals. Cleveland was close without him before running into the Orlando Magic.
Three Other Points of Interest
- Delonte West – Apparently wants to play the Antonio Banderas role in Desperado. Hopefully, that was a onetime deal.
- Jemario Moon – Can get easy baskets and guard players that only LeBron could guard before.
- Can Mo Williams have another All-Star caliber season?
San Antonio Spurs – Just One More Time
Tim Duncan (19.3 ppg, 10.3 rpg, and 1.7 blocks – 33 years old) + Tony Parker in his prime + Manu Ginoblli (playing time >44 games at 32 years old) + Richard Jefferson (17.7 career scoring average and playoff experience) + better than advertised bench (George Hill, Roger Mason, Matt Booner, Theo Ratliff, Keith Bogans and DeJuan Blair) = at the very least, a trip to the Western Conference Finals.
Chicago Bulls
There are two major questions facing the Chicago Bulls.
- Is Derrick Rose able to continue to improve from his performance last season.
- Can Luol Deng get back to his '06-'08 form?
Let's start with Deng. After playing 78 and 82 games in the '05-'07 season, the following two seasons had been cut short to 63 and 49 games. Deng had a career year in '06-'07, scoring 18.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg and 2.5 apg and for the Bulls to take the next step, Deng will need to stay healthy (he is the only true SF on the roster).
Now to Mr. Rose. Rose had a good rookie season and an even better playoff with his epic battle with Bostons Rajon Rondo. Rose is an amazing athletic, but has room to grow as a basketball player. In his rookie season, Rose shot 79% from the foul line. His biggest weakness is his shooting – he shot 22% from deep – that's sad. But like I said, he has room to grow.
Minnesota Brand New Roster
Name the three Timberwolves who have been on the Minnesota roster the longest. I will give you five seconds to think about it. 5…4…3…(quick)…2…1…0.
Corey Brewer, Ryan Gomes and Al Jefferson.
Since new GM David Kahn was hired on May 23rd, Kahn has destroyed the roster. Here is a list of transactions from CBSSports.com.
- 9/22 Chucky Atkins PG Waived
- 9/17 Sasha Pavlovic G/F Signed as Free Agent
- 9/11 Ramon Sessions G Signed as Free Agent, Four-year contract
- 9/9 Antonio Daniels PG Traded, Part of three-player deal
- 8/13 Mark Blount F/C Traded, for Quentin Richardson
- 8/10 Ryan Hollins F/C Signed as Free Agent
- 7/27 Chucky Atkins PG Traded, Part of three-player deal
- 7/27 Damien Wilkins G/F Traded, Part of three-player deal
- 7/20 Quentin Richardson G/F Traded, Part of four player deal
- 7/10 Wayne Ellington G Signed as Draft Pick
- 7/10 Jonny Flynn G Signed as Draft Pick
- 6/24 Darius Songaila F/C Traded, Part of 6 player deal
- 6/24 Etan Thomas F/C Traded, Part of 6 player deal
- 6/24 Oleksiy Pecherov C Traded, Part of 6 player deal
The Timberwolves have no one on their potential starting line-up that has played in the league longer than 5 years. If Rammon Sessions starts over Johnny Flynn, you would have Brewer and Session with two years in the league, Kevin Love with one year, Ryan Gomes with four years, and Jefferson with five years. The player with the most NBA experience – Antonio Daniels with 12 years in the league.
This season may be long and ugly at times, but it is necessary for this team to grow. They will be a lottery team in next years draft, but if they can keep this core of young talent and add a few more pieces through the draft and free agency, this team should be fighting for the playoffs in 3-4 years.
Take Me To Your Leader
The Warrior's draft Steph Curry to add even more fire offensive power to a team that is not lacking points, but is lacking leadership. When the best player on the team demands a trade, that is not a good start to the season.
Golden State seems like a train wreck waiting to happen. Wait, that is every moment when Stephen Jackson is on your team.
Every single moment.
Don Nelson can reload with players after player who can fill the box score but I am not sure they have any player who can provide more leadership then the rookie star Curry. That is a sad state of affairs.
Look up and down the roster and try to find a relevant player – other than Speedy Claxton – who has any leadership skills or experience that would make other players look to them for guidance.
Golden State Side Note: Look for break out years from Anthony Randolph and Kelenna Azubuike (who averaged 14.4 ppg last season).
Do you want to know why the Clippers let Elton Brand go?
After a career high in scoring of 24.7 ppg in 2005-'06, Brands scoring dropped to 20.5 ppg in the following season, to 17.6 ppg in '07-'08, then to a career low last season with 13.8 ppg and his second lowest in rebounding with 8.8 rpg.
The Clippers were "rewarded" with the Mr. Griffin, but the 76ers are still looking for a return in their investment and get more value in the $14M of Brand contract this season.
The silver lining in this whole ordeal is that the 76ers made the playoffs last season without Brand. Even with the loss of PG Andre Miller, Philly has talent and a full roster, so managing Brand's minutes should be easier.
Don't forget that Thaddeus Young – he is in line for a break out season. His scoring jumped from 8.8 ppg to 15.4 ppg and his rebounds per game jumped from 4.2 to 5.1. I am just saying.
Indiana Pacers
Did you that Duke has a campus in Indiana? With three former Blue Devils on the roster, the Pacers have more than the league quota with Mike Dunleavy, Josh McRoberts and Dahntay Jones. The also may have the most white players 6'9″ and taller on a single roster in the NBA over with five.
Here we go; Jeff Foster, Tyler Hansbrough, Troy Murphy, Dunleavy and McRoberts. Travis Diener is only 6'1″.
Oh bye the way, that Danny Granger guy is pretty good. One must wonder how high the ceiling is for Granger. Since his rookie year, 2005-'06, he has improved his scoring every year. From 7.5 ppg his first season, to 25.8ppg last season. But he has also become a better shooter from distance and the foul line. Granger shot 23% his rookie to 40% from beyond the arc and 77% from the foul line to 88% in the same time.
The biggest question mark is Mike Dunleavy. He played in only 18 games last season, missing the time due to a serious knee injury. And reports have him out because of the same knee at least the next month.
Side note: Before playing in only 18 games – which was a career low – Dunleavy had averaged 80 games a season.
Laker's Repeat?
Congrats Laker's, you won the NBA Championship. Not only are you going to resign Lamar Odom (aka Mr Khloe Kardashian), but you also get Ron Artest – and all the crazy that comes with this rapper player.
I have no idea why the Lakers brass let Trevor Ariza leave – besides money. As the player that made crucial plays during the Lakers playoff run, Ariza was the perfect counter part to Kobe. A defensive hound that makes big plays and can hit the open shot, but did not demand the ball or force bad shots – both are traits that come with Artest.
All that said, you still have Kobe and Pau and one of the deeper benches in the league. And of course there is the "Zen Master" in Phil Jackson. But major concern for the 2009-10 Lakers is that is does not turn into the 2003-04 Lakers with Kobe, Shaq, Karl Malone and Gary Payton, who lost in the Finals to a better "team" in the Pistons. But a line-up of Derek Fischer, Kobe, Artest, Odom/Andrew Bynum and Gasol; is the best starting five in the league.
Next Trick, Please
After a playoff run that exceed all expectations, the Orlando Magic thought they had a good thing going. Well, they did. But they did not know it was going to Toronto. After Hedu Turkoglu signed in Canada, the Magic needed to add offense, and since Hedu didn't really play defense, there was nothing to worry about when trading for Vince Carter.
Even though signing Carter was important, the added value that came with the signings of Brandon Bass and Matt Barnes will give the Magic even more toughness. Bass will start at PF and will pull down his share of rebounds, while Barnes will come off the bench with Mikael Pietrus to add grit and even more match-up problems.
Having Jameer Nelson back to be the spark plug for the Magic offense. His skill and scoring ability was missed in the playoffs. Plus, a pick and roll combo of Nelson and Dwight Howard is more feared than the 2009 playoff model (i.e. Rafer Alston). Add Carter and Rashard Lewis – my secret favorite player in the NBA – and the Magic is going to be exciting and do have enough talent to make another run deep in the playoffs.
The New Boston Celtics 3.0
If the Celtics in the championship, everyone will point to the fact the Kevin Garnett is healthy. But there are more reasons than "The Big Ticket". While the Celtics took a hit losing Leon Powe to the Cavs, Boston added much-needed depth.
- SG: Marguis Daniels
- PF: Rasheed Wallace
- C: Sheldon Williams
Also off the bench you have Eddie House at point, but Daniels can, and will, handle the ball when needed. Tony Allen and Glen Davis are young players, but have played in big games. And Bill Walker adds athleticism and a spark that no one else on this team can.
While Wallace is the biggest name that the team picked-up, there were other players who may prove to be more important to the teams overall success.
Is Toronto Turning Into Phoenix Lite?
Well, look at the line-up.
- PG: Jose Caldoron
- SG: Marco Belinelli
- SF: Hedu Trukoglu
- PF: Chris Bosh
- C: Andrew Bargnani
Not only is the line-up very offensive minded, it is very European – which would lead to a more offensive game. But this team will be able to give you multiple looks that will keep opponents are their heels. You have Turkoglu and Bosh who can score from the post, but every single player can run and shoot a solid jumper. Bargnani had the best percentage from 3-point range with 40.9% – he attempted 209 last season.
The Raptors also have some talent off the bench in DeMar DeRozan, Jarrett Jack and a few players who can give the team a lift: Sonny Weems, Quincy Douby, and Amir Johnson.
This team is young, but should fun to watch and could give some of the big boys with match-up issues.
Rose City
How quickly we have forgotten the "Jail Blazers" and now this team is the favorite young team that everyone expects to break through and make a run deep in the playoffs and shock a contender. Baby steps.
This team is stacked with talent, but I am not sure of what kind of playing time is going to be available for some players. Example: Point Guard – Steve Blake is the starter, Andre Miller is the back-up and Jerrod Bayless is the star in waiting at third string. Just take a look at the project depth chart from ESPN.com.
|Point Guard
|Steve Blake
|Andre Miller
|Jerryd Bayless
|Shooting Guard
|Brandon Roy
|Rudy Fernandez
|Small Forward
|Nicolas Batum
|Travis Outlaw
|Martell Webster
|Power Forward
|LaMarcus Aldridge
|Juwan Howard
|Dante Cunningham
|Jeff Pendergraph
|Greg Oden
|Joel Przybilla
I guess that is a great problem to have. Finding time for so many good players – and Juwan Howard. I want to see Greg Oden turn into a force, but this team is lead by Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, and has some many players that some of the pieces are interchangeable, especially at center and small forward.
Side-Note: Brandon Roy is the 7th highest paid player on the roster behind: Oden, Przybilla, Aldrige, Blake, Miller, and Martell "I am the third string small forward" Webster. That will not last past this season!
Atlanta = Joe Johnson
Let me first state that this team has talent. But without Joe Johnson, the Hawks would not sniff a playoff berth.
While Johnson does not get the marquee billing that certain superstars get, his production is defiantly worthy of being mentioned in the class of LeBron, Kobe, D-Wade, etc.
His scoring averaged dipped, mostly due to other Hawks stepping-up, but his stat for last seasons: 21.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 5.8 apg, 1.1 steals a game. Johnson also shot 44% from the floor, 33% from distance and 83% from the foul line. He also played 39.5 minutes a game. Johnson is skilled, tough, and can perform in the clutch. He has also proved durable as player – playing an average of 78 games a season.
For the Hawks to improve and go further in the playoffs, Josh Smith must show that he is reliable option. Smith's scoring has decreased over the last three season, but his shooting has gone up – from 44% to 49%. But Smith's free-throw percentage gone down faster that the Titanic. After floating in the 69% to 72% range in his first four-year, last season it sank to 59% – and I am rounding up. Smith is a crazy athlete who adds another dimension to the Hawks, but he can not yet be trusted at end of games.


text: Founded as the Cracow Academy in 1364, Jagiellonian University is the second oldest university east of the Rhine (after Prague). It was revitalized in 1400 by funds from Queen Jadwiga and in the 19th century renamed for the dynasty of her husband, King Ladislaus Jagiellon. Today Jagiellonian University has 52,000 students and 15 different faculties plus other programs. Jagiellonian University has a Center for European Studies; we meet with Professor Aleksander Fiut (specialist in Central European culture and politics and 20/21st century Polish literature) and students in the Masters in Central European Studies Program.


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Noel Barnhurst
Mangoes are used two ways in this Indian dish — grilled with the chicken and tossed into rice.
- Yield
- Makes 8 servings
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 (2 1/2-pound) chickens, quartered
- 2 large ripe mangoes, peeled; 1 cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices, 1 cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 6 fresh cilantro sprigs
- Purée first 7 ingredients in processor. With machine running, gradually add oil through feed tube and process until blended. Transfer 1/4 cup herb mixture to small bowl; reserve. Add yogurt and lemon juice to remaining mixture in processor and blend.
- Place chicken in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Pour yogurt mixture over chicken; turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
- Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Place chicken, skin side down, on grill. Cover and grill until chicken is cooked through, turning every 5 minutes, about 30 minutes total. Grill mango slices 2 minutes per side; set aside. Meanwhile, combine rice, 3 cups water, and reserved 1/4 cup herb mixture. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Fold in mango cubes and pine nuts.
- Arrange chicken on large platter; garnish with grilled mango slices and cilantro sprigs. Serve mango jasmine rice alongside.


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Read an excerpt of Foreign Policy Begins at Home.
The biggest threat to the United States comes not from abroad but from within. This is the unexpected message of Council on Foreign Relations President Richard N. Haass in Foreign Policy Begins at Home: The Case for Putting America's House in Order.
More on:
"Many of the foundations of this country's power are eroding," he warns. "The effect, however, is not limited to a deteriorating transportation system or jobs that go unfilled or overseas owing to a lack of qualified American workers. To the contrary, shortcomings here at home directly threaten America's ability to project power and exert influence overseas, to compete in the global marketplace, to generate the resources needed to promote the full range of US interests abroad, and to set a compelling example that will influence the thinking and behavior of others."
A rising China, climate change, terrorism, a nuclear Iran, a turbulent Middle East, and a reckless North Korea all present serious challenges. But, Haass argues, U.S. national security depends even more on the United States addressing its crumbling infrastructure, second-class schools, outdated immigration system, and burgeoning debt, something that will require controlling entitlements rather than just raising taxes and cutting discretionary spending.
Haass rejects both isolationism and the notion of American decline. But he contends the country is underperforming at home and overreaching abroad. He argues that the United States must sharply limit its role in humanitarian interventions and in wars of choice designed to remake other societies, as was tried unsuccessfully in Iraq and Afghanistan. Instead, it should emphasize maintaining the balance of power in Asia, advancing North American economic integration and energy self-sufficiency, and promoting collective responses to global challenges.
The world is no longer dominated by one or more superpowers. Instead, the paramount feature of international relations in the first half of the twenty-first century is nonpolarity; power has been diffused, spread among an enormous list of entities capable in their own right to exert their influence. In addition to traditional nation-states, there are many other entities active in the political sphere, whether global (UN, World Bank), regional (European Union, NATO, Arab League), commercial (JPMorgan Chase, Exxon Mobil), disruptive, or altruistic. This world is relatively forgiving, however, with no great rival directly threatening American interests.
How long this strategic respite lasts and how well the nation continues to fare on the global stage, according to Haass, will depend largely on whether the United States puts its own house in order.
More on:
Educators: Access Teaching Notes for Foreign Policy Begins at Home.


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Myth versus Fact: How the Affordable Care Act Provides Patient Protections, Lowers Health Care Costs
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 165 million Americans with private insurance and 48 million seniors and disabled Americans with Medicare are experiencing better coverage and enjoying lower health care costs or seeing costs grow more slowly.
In the two years since this landmark law was signed, Republicans have called for – and voted for – repealing patient protections, ending the Medicare guarantee, and raising health care costs for seniors by $6000 per year, while spreading blatant misinformation about the new law.
Here's a look at how Republican rhetoric during the debate over health care reform stands up to reality (HINT: It doesn't.):
GOP Myth: Health care reform will add to our deficit and does nothing to bring down costs of health care.
Fact: Health care reform will reduce the deficit and is slowing the growth of, and in some cases lowering, the costs of health care for middle-class families and seniors:
- The Congressional Budget Office found that health care reform will reduce the deficit by $124 billion over the next 10 years and by more than $1 trillion over the following 10 years.
- Medicare premiums and deductibles have decreased, held steady, or seen their lowest increases in years:
- The 2012 Part A deductible increased by $24 since 2011– well below previous year increases and inflation.
- The 2012 Part B deductible decreased by $22 since 2011, and premiums were 6% lower than projected.
- 2012 Medicare Advantage premiums decreased by 7% from 2011, and are 16% lower than pre-Affordable Care Act levels.
- Part D premiums held steady, with no increase to the average premium since 2011.
- Medicare beneficiaries also saw lower out-of-pocket costs for benefits and services:
- More than 5.1 million seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare saved over $3.2 billion on prescription drugs, an average of $635 per person.
- 32.5 million beneficiaries received free preventive services, including mammograms and colonoscopies.
- Private insurance premium growth has slowed:
- CBO projects 5.7% per year increases versus the average 9% per year growth seen in 2000-2005.
GOP Myth: Health care reform will hurt our economy and small businesses.
Fact: Our economy has continued to see private sector job growth, and small and large businesses are benefiting from provisions that help them provide quality, affordable health care coverage to their employees.
- Since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, the economy has created 3.5 million private sector jobs, including 488,000 jobs in the health care industry. The unemployment rate is 8.3%, lower than it was in March 2010.
- 360,000 small businesses have taken advantage of tax credits that are making health insurance more affordable for 2 million workers. As many as four million small businesses are eligible for these credits.
- And over 2,800 employers are participating in the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program, which is helping provide coverage to 13 million early retirees who are not yet eligible for Medicare.
GOP Myth: Health care reform will lead to a government takeover of health care.
Fact: This claim was rated "lie of the year" by the non-partisan group Politifact.
- Health care reform expands private health insurance in America, and is based on increasing choice and competition – providing for new marketplaces called Insurance Exchanges, where the uninsured, small business employees and the self-employed will be able to choose among a variety of private insurance plans.
GOP Myth: The Affordable Care Act will ration seniors' health care and cut seniors' benefits.
Fact: Unlike the Republican budget that ends the Medicare guarantee and raises health care costs for seniors, health care reform has strengthened Medicare – lowering costs and increasing benefits.
- Politifact ranked the claim that health care reform will ration seniors' health care as "false."
- The Affordable Care Act cut the rate of Medicare growth, and reinvested savings into Medicare and health care in general. Politifact points out, "Under the act, Congress voted to reduce $500 billion in projected Medicare spending over the next 10 years, not in one substantial chunk. The reductions are aimed at eliminating parts of the Medicare program seen as ineffective or wasteful."
- Republicans voted three times in favor of a budget that cut the exact same amount, but didn't reinvest any of those savings in Medicare or health care generally.
- The Republican budget increases health care costs for seniors by $6,000 per year and ends the Medicare guarantee – turning Medicare over to private insurance companies without a guarantee that these private plans must match or exceed Medicare's benefit package.
The Affordable Care Act is expanding, not cutting, Medicare benefits.
- More than 5.1 million people saw expanded prescription drug benefits – those who fell into the donut hole received a one-time $250 rebate check and 50 percent discount on their covered brand name prescription drugs.
- Millions of people with Medicare have enjoyed expanded prevention and wellness benefits – 32.5 million have received free preventive services and 2.3 million seniors in traditional Medicare have received a free annual wellness visit.
- And more seniors are experiencing growth in Medicare Advantage options, with enrollment increasing by 10% this year, and by 17% since the Affordable Care Act was enacted.
Click here to read in pdf.


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2012-05-14: Information Station Column
Weeding season is here!! Not only for our gardens at home, but also at the library! We are doing a thorough weed in our adult non-fiction section. Weeding is our highly technical term for discarding books that have not been checked out for an extended period of time and do not seem highly likely to get checked out in the future. This is NOT one of my favorite activities because who wants to get rid of books!?! But it is necessary to keep our collection current and active. SO, stop in and check out our book sale carts – you will find LOTS of goodies on there! And you can also help us by letting us know if you'd like to see more of certain types of books. We want to purchase books for our collection that speak to what you need and are using – so let us know if you are not finding what you need. With the invention of the internet – we see less and less of our non-fiction books being checked out. Let's face it – sometimes it is just easier to "google" it than to stop in and pick up a book to do research. We don't blame you at all – but remember that we still have plenty of books here to help you in your search AND we have our online Encyclopedia Britannica that you can access from our website and use anytime from home as well. We may not be putting as many dollars into physical non-fiction books, but we are trying to purchase databases and other tools that are just as useful. Let us know how we can help!
Book Review:
Dancing on Broken Glass by Ka Hancock is a book that is my recent rant. I am telling everyone how much I enjoyed this book. It is not an easy or happy read, but it is real – and captured my attention from the very beginning. It is the tough story of Lucy Houston and Mickey Chandler – two people that fell in love and knew from the beginning that their marriage was going to be a fight. And what a fight it was! Lucy battled breast cancer early on in the marriage which was a huge stressor. Not to mention Mickey is bipolar and struggles to keep himself out of the hospital almost on a monthly basis. The pair come together and fight through these issues – which only makes them stronger. But when Lucy becomes pregnant – that is when the real story begins. They made a promise to each other that they would not have any children because of their situations and health – now it all seems to come crashing down when this baby is on the way. There are tough decisions ahead for both of them as they battle a pregnancy that may ruin their marriage AND other health decisions that seek to ruin them both. This is a tear jerker – I was sobbing – literally sobbing at parts of this book – it is heavy and it hurts. But what an amazing story and amazing characters. Truly a book that stays with you long after you have turned the last page!


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Troy wrote to me yesterday to tell me:
All these "Christian" blogs seem do is talk down about other Christians. Who would want to be a part of this (Christianity) if the people who are supposed to love and accept one another just bring each other down? Let's remember above everything else we're called to LOVE Jesus and LOVE others. And let's not forget John 13:35.
Well Troy, there was unfinished business in my previous series - particularly in regard to Hillsong's disgraceful practice of removing a part of a Bible verse (the repentance part). Can you honestly tell me that you don't have a problem with that? My correspondence with Joel A'Bell brings more light to this story.
Secondly, this blog is just one area of the sum of my labor. It is in this forum alone that I venture into polemic critiques and discussions. Furthermore, I like to think that this blog contains a good blend of a wide variety of subjects with both positive and negative stories.
Thirdly, there you go trying to play the love card. Scripture defines God's love in Romans 5:8 . . .
God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
So if you want to criticize about love then criticize Hillsong for their failure to preach God's love by never talking about sin or the cross (as is ably demonstrated in their CD gospel presentation and the video from my Sep 20 2010 post). Also Troy, if you love God and treasure His word then where is your outrage over Hillsong's willingness to mess with Scripture? I would contend that I am doing this out of love for the truth, a love for God's people who are being deceived, and a love for the true Gospel that God delivered.
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8-9)
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (Romans 16:17)
Troy wrote again after these comments:
I really do care about all those things you're talking about. And I can assure you that I've been to Hillsong quite a few times and have heard the gospel accurately preached. Yes, including the mention of sin and the cross.
I think that you are right to question the "tampering" or scripture. But at the same time, I think you keep harping on something that could very well have been an accident that was overlooked, as Robert Fergusson stated in your post. But for some reason you have chosen to believe that this was intentional. I believe that this was not intentional. Unless you have seen them consistently changing scripture, then I see no reason to believe that they do not preach "the true gospel". Especially when like I said above, I have heard it for myself.
Hillsong Church is doing many incredible things around the world in the name of Jesus and many lives are being changed. This is a fact.
Troy, for months now I have been waiting for one solitary example of a faithful Gospel presentation from anything at Hillsong (video, audio, or written). Nothing has been forthcoming - except for several people trying to reassure me that they do preach the Gospel. I do however have an abundance of examples of them preaching a false gospel so bad even their doctrine statement defines it as heretical. So Troy send me the one example of a faithful Gospel presentation that talks about God's holiness, man's sin, judgment, atonement and resurrection, repentance and faith. I am eagerly awaiting . . .
I welcome anyone willing to send me one example they can find and i promise I will give it a fair hearing. I'm waiting . . .
I did go looking for one of these Gospel presentations (of Joel A'Bell) myself in the last few days but did not find anything. But I did find this video featuring Joel A'Bell (and some other guy later on) which was interesting. Joel may not be responsible for the editing but the video excerpt follows the disturbing trend of deleting unsavory parts of the biblical text. Pay particular attention to the portion of video depicting the story of Jesus and the woman at the well (John 4). Watch that part and see if you can spot which part of the dialogue between Jesus and the woman ended up on the "cutting room floor" . . .
Go On To Part 5
Go Back To Part 3
Go Back To Part 1
A La Carte (September 24)
15 hours ago


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By Ajai Shukla
Business Standard, 28th Jan 16
In the first time a senior official has publicly announced a time line for wrapping up negotiations on India's proposed purchase of 36 Rafale fighters, France's ambassador to New Delhi says he expects the price to be negotiated and agreed to within four months.
"It will be too long if it goes beyond that", said Ambassador Francois Richier, speaking to journalist Karan Thapar on India Today TV on Wednesday evening.
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting President Francois Hollande of France signed an inter-governmental agreement (IGA), agreeing that India would purchase 36 Rafale fighters from French company, Dassault Aviation. However, both leaders admitted that the price of the contract continued to be a sticking point.
Richier said France was hopeful that, eventually, India would buy more than 36 Rafales. He said that if the contract were extended beyond 36 fighters, there would definitely be a "Make in India" component to the deal.
It has been reported that the deal for 36 Rafales, in flyaway condition, could include an "options" clause of 50 per cent of the contract size. In that case, New Delhi would decide whether or not to buy an additional 18 fighters.
Aerospace industry experts unanimously agree that very little "Make in India" would be possible with just 18 additional Rafales. At best, they would be assembled in India from knocked down kits.
Richier also confirmed in the interview that the Rafale offset agreement had been finalised. However he refused to confirm whether 50 per cent offsets would be imposed on Dassault and Thales, the main Tier-1 supplier to the Rafale programme.
In 2012, Dassault was declared the winner of India's global tender for 126 medium fighters. However, with price negotiations deadlocked, Modi and Hollande agreed last April that India would buy 36 Rafales on favourable terms. However, these price negotiations too have not made headway.


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Opening Party for "Come Together: New Installations by Thomas Wold"
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Since the weather in SF has been in the 70's lately and everyone around the world has flocked to our neck of the woods to get out of the cold and feel the warmth, I'd like to formally invite you to the opening of Thomas Wold's newest art installation: Come Together: New Installations by Thomas Wold.
His pieces combine childish whimsy, science fiction, dramatic lighting effects, cuteness and pop. Have a looksee: Read the rest of this entry »