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How do we collect feedback?
At NeonCRM, we know that as daily users of the database, our customers provide critical feedback on how NeonCRM can be improved. We receive feedback from our users in a variety of ways:
- NPS Ratings and Comments: Ever noticed that 1 to 10 scale that appears in your Neon system every so often? We use these surveys to look at our general customer happiness, but also specific features that people want added to the system or updates to our current features.
- Support Tickets: Our Support Team collects tickets regarding bugs and feature updates. Those are collected and passed along to our Product Team to review.
- Staff Feedback: Our Client Success, Technical Support and Professional Services teams are talking to clients like you all day, everyday. We compile these requests, talk about them among our teams and bring them to our regular product feedback meetings.
- Product Forum: In our support center, there is a product forum where our team reads every post.
- User Interviews & Feedback Surveys: We hold small group sessions to review upcoming features, mockups and changes. We strive to have a wide variety of clients and uses in these sessions.
We wish we could add all the features requested by our user base, but NeonCRM is a robust application that serves a variety of non-profit organizations with varying needs. We work really hard to make sure our updates impact our users on a large scale and improve the system for the most people we can.
2020 Priorities
As we head into 2020, we want to tell you about some development initiatives that we're particularly excited about.
Duplicate Prevention on Forms
- Managing duplicate records is a common frustration for users of any database system. NeonCRM's existing Duplicate Manager has been an important tool to help users of the system find and merge duplicates in their database. In spring 2020, we will be extending duplicate management in NeonCRM to include automated account matching on front-end forms to better filter and merge potential duplicates before they ever come into your NeonCRM system.
- Why are we prioritizing this feature?
- In an effort to reduce friction on front-end forms, we know it is not always possible to ask constituents to log into their existing account before making a donation or renewing a membership. Improved duplicate account matching on forms will allow organizations to catch duplicates records, even when a constituent is not logged in.
User Experience Improvements
- Consistent use of page templates, layouts, icons, and terminology across NeonCRM creates a more enjoyable and seamless experience. As we gradually roll-out a new interface, we hope to eliminate the confusion and disorientation experienced by users when moving from one area of Neon to another one that uses a completely different layout. In 2020, we will continue rolling out the new interface for some of the pages in Neon that you use most.
Upgrades to the API
- Throughout 2020, we will be releasing the NeonCRM API version 2. This new version is a complete rebuild of our existing API that adopts many modern RESTful API conventions. API v2 will introduce new methods for working with custom fields, events, and more; in addition to updating and extending the functionality of all the existing methods of the current version.
- Why are we prioritizing this feature?
- With the NeonCRM API, we've seen our clients and partners build everything from simple field updater scripts to robust partner integrations across multiple NeonCRM systems. The consistent feedback we've received from developers is that the current NeonCRM API has deep functionality—more than most other nonprofit software APIs—but is very difficult to use because of its outdated design conventions and occasionally quirky implementation. Version 2 fixes this by adopting modern API conventions while still maintaining the same breadth of functionality.
Improved Search
- Searching for accounts and other data is a core part of every user's daily work in NeonCRM. In 2020, we will be making major improvements to search to improve this fundamental feature of NeonCRM. These improvements will include user interface enhancements to make search results easier to scan and interpret, smarter search logic to improve search results, and major behind-to-scenes infrastructure changes to improve search performance.
- Why are we prioritizing this feature?
- Almost every common, daily task in NeonCRM starts with a search. We have received lots of user feedback on search, and we believe enhancements to this core feature of NeonCRM will lead to significant gains in users' abilities to complete regular tasks quickly and efficiently.


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I have always had a love/hate relationship with SageTV. On one hand I think it has the most potential out of all the Media Center front ends. This includes true Windows Home Server integration and a very robust client/extender relationship. When I say Windows Home Server integration what I am talking about is the ability to use Windows Home Server as the central point for all SageTV clients/extenders (thus only needing to have your Windows Home Server + Client/Extender in use turned on). With Windows Media Center this is not the case. To use Windows Media Center on an extender such as the Xbox 360 you actually have to have a PC running Windows Media Center on as well. What this means is that you now have 3 machines turned on at the same time (Windows Home Server, PC running Windows Media Center, and the Xbox 360), which in Windows Home Server land is a big no no. SageTV's Windows Home Server integration comes along with other benefits such as the ability to use Windows Home Server as a TV Tuner farm, the ability to start a movie on one SageTV client/extender and resume on another, the ability to play a DVD/Blu Ray disc inserted in your Windows Home Server machine on any client/extender, as well as many other features. The SageTv HD 200 Media Player is small, quiet, and energy efficient, which makes it the perfect media extender, especially when looking to have multiple media extenders throughout your house.
You may be asking with this and many other benefits why is it that I don't use SageTV? Well, some of the main reasons are/were a terribly outdated UI (which has been mostly resolved with SageTV 7 although still in beta) and what I felt was a process to install plugins/enhancements that required too many steps and was too prone to user error (which has been mostly resolved with the new Plug In feature with SageTV 7). With regards to the HD200 there were two major flaws (in my opinion) that made it unusable in my house. The first is the inability to bitstream HD Audio (DTS-MA and TrueHD) which without this feature means that the HD200 had no chance of replacing my HTPCs in my family room and bedroom. The second issue was the HD200′s inability to downmix to stereo HD Audio. Most if not all TVs cannot decode HD Audio. Since the HD200 cannot downmix the HD Audio to stereo for the TV to process what happens is that when the HD200 is connected directly to a TV you are left getting no sound when you play back a file with HD Audio. The only solution was to include a secondary AC3 audio track to switch to, but this is not ideal, especially since I had tried to set my Mom up with the HD200 and explaining to her that if she gets no sound she needs to switch audio tracks is like explaining physics to Mike Tyson! The downmixing issue is particularly troublesome because I could see purchasing multiple HD200s to place throughout the house, but requiring a Receiver at every location just to get HD Audio playback is quite excessive.
So what is the purpose of this post? Well, with SageTV 7 being released and hopefully an HD300 is the works, I thought this would be a good time to come up with a wish list of what myself and the readers thought SageTV needs to do to really make it the Media Center/Extender to own. I spend a lot of time on AVSForum and there seems to be common themes amongst the members, so here are the things I have in mind and from what I have read:
SageTV Media Player/Extender (HD300?) Hardware:
- HD Audio bitstreaming from standalone mkv/m2ts and Blu Ray folder structures (this would be both a hardware and software feature)
- HD Audio downmix to stereo (this would be both a hardware and software feature)
- Stick with IR Remote as using an RF remote is not optimal for the many users who use a Universal remote
- Not critical but the ability to add an IR Extender so you can easily hide the HD300 but still operate with the remote
- Netflix integration (right now you can get this through a 3rd party software like PlayOn, but native integration would be ideal). I guess this could be hardware or software related, but from what I have read Netflix requires you to have certain hardware implementations to even be considered
- Keep same fanless case as the HD200 (see below screenshots of HD200). I don't need anything fancy, I just want something that is quiet and feels solid. Maybe add an eSATA port on the back and remove the S-Video port?
- Upgrade to HDMI 1.3a (HDMI 1.4 would be optimal but not sure how cost effective currently)
- Possibly create two players, a base HD300 and a premium HD300 that includes a Blu Ray player (definitely not critical but a SageTV Blu Ray player with Netflix integration would really shake things up)
SageTV Media Player/Extender (HD300?) Software – Standalone Mode:
- Videos (i.e. Movies) – multiple views with support for fanart/metadata. What I am thinking is that the standalone UI should have a few views (Wall, List, and Coverflow) and be able to read metadata. To get a sense of what the stock UI looks like for videos see two bullet points below for the Stock Music UI as it is essentially the same.
Alternate UI - Wall View(Based on Rapier Skin)
Alternate UI – Wall View I (Based on Confluence Skin)
Alternate UI – List View (Based on Confluence Skin)
Alternate UI – Coverflow View (Based on MediaStream Redux Skin)
- Videos (i.e. Archived TV Shows) – I am talking about individual episodes similar to what I documented here. The current HD200 does not break out but instead groups it along with all other videos in the Videos section. Same concept as movies, the UI should have a few views (maybe List and Banner) and be able to read fanart/metadata
Alternate UI – Banner View (Based on Rapier Skin)
Alternate UI – List View (Based on MediaStream Redux Skin)
- Music – same as videos with support for multiple views (Wall and List).
Current Music UI
Alternate UI – Wall View (Based On Media Browser Music Plugin)
- Main Menu – Redesign UI to look more like the stock SageTV 7 UI or Other.
Current Main Menu UI
SageTV 7 Main Menu UI
Possible Alternate And Sharper Main Menu UI (Based on Aeon). I prefer a horizontal menu versus vertical
- Support for Blu Ray Menus (this could be a feature only for the "premium" HD300, as Blu Ray Menus require a licensing fee which means the cost of the player will increase)
- Support for PGS and Hi Resolution (i.e. 1080p) IDX/SUB subtitles in mkvs (I believe PGS support has just been added to the HD200)
- Hopefully new hardware would mean much faster navigation
- Netflix integration and continue to work on bringing premium Online content
Now keep in mind that there may be hardware limitations of an HD300 that would prevent a more dynamic UI, but I thought it worth throwing some ideas out there of different views. I believe that most people who purchase a Media Player want an HTPC experience without the HTPC, which the stock UI on the HD200 does not deliver. Also, some may say that an easy way to get a more dynamic UI is to use the SageTV HD Media Player in extender mode, but two potential issues with that is it would require the purchase of SageTV Media Center Software which some people are not going to want to spend the money for (a one-time cost of $79.99) and some people are simply going to want to attach USB/external drives to the HD Player without running SageTV software.
SageTV 7/HD300 (in Extender Mode):
- Implementation of an Archived TV Show View. With SageTV 6 there were add ins such as TV Explorer, but currently there is nothing for SageTV 7, which is one reason why I cannot use it in my house.
- Development of the XBMC skin porting feature. This would be huge as I don't know how many times I see requests on AVSForum from members who are looking for a media player that has an XBMC interface
- Support for Blu Ray Menus (possibly not critical as this would increase the cost of the software due to licensing costs)
- Support for PGS and Hi Resolution IDX/SUB subtitles in mkvs
- Hopefully new hardware would mean much faster navigation
- Fix bitstreaming issue with SageTV internal mkv splitter (this is purely a SageTV 7 + W7 HTPC issue, I have already submitted this as a bug)
- Development/public release of Media Manager/UI plugins such as SMM, Ortus, and Phoenix
Final Thoughts:
Now is the chance to open it up to all the readers. Assuming that an HD300 is in the works (this is just pure speculation on my part based on the fact that SageTV 7 was just released and the HD200 is in desperate need of a refresh), what do you want to see happen? What do you consider your ideal media player/extender and what does SageTV need to do to grab your attention and introduce a truly "next gen" media player? Who knows, maybe the folks at SageTV will be listening!!!
FYI – if you are not familiar with SageTV I would highly recommend checking out Brent Evan's Geektonic Guide To SageTV.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The call to act: Women in alternative investments report is about action.
The report focuses on what firms, investors and individuals are doing to help improve gender diversity in the industry. We spotlight initiatives that upset established norms, approaches that reframe the conversation from "women's issues" to "everyone's issues", and programs that have begun to effect real change.
Investors are driving change. Firms are answering the call. Individuals are taking action.
We hope you will join us and answer the call to act.


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Vietnamese students enjoyed a successful World Invention Creativity Olympic (WICO) 2018, with three teams bringing home gold medals and one team bagging a silver medal.
The Vietnamese delegation competing at the WICO 2018 (Photo: http://giaoducthoidai.vn)
The Vietnamese teams, comprising of 16 high school students competing in four different categories, introduced highly-applicable initiatives, focusing on science and environmental protection.
This is the first time after seven years of participating in the competition the Vietnamese delegation, together with Indonesia, won the Semi Grand Award. This is also the first time that Vietnam has brought home the Best Leading Innovation Award.
The annual competition was organised by the Korea University Invention Association and supported by the Republic of Korea's parliament.
The jury of the competition included international experts with criteria defined by leading scientists.
This year, the WICO was held from August 1-5, drawing 228 teams and 1,100 students from 30 countries and territories.


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Google Maps API LibrariesSaved on .
Libraries extend the functionality of the Google Maps APIs by adding new features, implementing common design patterns, or making some tasks a little easier.
I'm spending a fair amount of time with Google Maps this week and this collection of libraries from Google is proving useful.


text:
4 Things Artists Need to Know for Business Success
To become successful, artists have to not only master their craft, but also be active in the art community, attend gallery shows, art events, and build relationships in the business. However, there are even more practical steps that artists and photographers can take, and investments they can make to grow their business. After speaking with Roland DG Imaginarium Artcademy instructor and phenomenally successful artist, Bonny Lhotka, we can share some specific things fine artists can do to achieve greater success.


text:
Search results for "Adam LeWinter"
When National Geographic photographer James Balog asked, "How can one take a picture of climate change?" his attention was immediately drawn to ice. Soon he was asked to do a…
Bookmark and share - 123MOVIES.WINE & SWATCHSERIES.INFO :)
When becoming members of the site, you could use the full range of functions and enjoy the most exciting films.
Watch HD Movies Online For Free and Download the latest movies. For everybody, everywhere, everydevice, and everything ;)
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At the perfectly situated Ascension Wine Estate you'll find an incredible selection of wines and other offerings for all tastes and preferences.
Planted nearly 20 years ago, the vineyard may be considered young by world-standards, but it was one of the first in the Matakana area, growing grape varieties such as Malbec, Pinotage, Flora, Viognier, Tannat and Chardonnay.
The Ascension Osteria Restaurant delivers art on a plate thanks to an array of Italian-inspired dishes crafted by head chef, Patrick. Each dish, a reflection of his incredible creative spirit and love for detail, is so appealing that you won't know which one to try first.
The location inspires lazy days, with walks through the vineyard or manicured gardens while enjoying a glass or two of crafted boutique wine.
Finally, Ascension is also the ideal location for a wedding celebration, birthday or private function. All venues and facilities offer well designed and spacious layouts that can effortlessly cater for groups of all sizes.
A variety of events are always on offer at Ascension: don't miss the Harvest week in April, as well as their incredible May wedding fair.
Ascension Wine Estate


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Voting Machine Backup Wanted
Sponsored by:
A state advisory committee is adding a new twist to the controversy over plans to use touch-screen voting machines in November´s elections. The panel is recommending that ten counties provide paper ballots as a backup if they want to use the electronic voting machines this fall. Secretary of State Kevin Shelley has the final say on the panel´s recommendation. He´s expected to decide by tomorrow.


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Yesterday was absolutely warm and balmy.
We decided to go to the beach even though fog lay over our house.
As we neared the beach area the sun popped through.
The warm breezes were so unexpected for Oct 1.
This is the fall season so shouldn't we be super bundled up getting ready for the sharp cold winds....nope!
I was beyond myself with joy.
I can go swimming again and I took full advantage of it.
Just lazing around on the water's edge.
That's my idea of heaven.
Also, the sun was reflecting off the water and just added that feeling of...omg...this is beautiful!
Jim spent some time with training.
I'm always open to that.
Now, let's see if I remembered anything.
Ron calmed me down before I ventured across these rocks.
I have a tendency of running full tilt across anything without worrying about the consequences (as in cut paw pads).
Surfers were in abundance.
I`ve learned to be focused when Ron has the ball.
I always keep my eye on it.
All and all, I`d say the outing was pretty much perfect from my point of view!


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February 3, 2016 by Robert Franklin, Esq, Member, National Board of Directors, National Parents Organization
The outrage that is a putative father registry is on graphic display in this case (KMOV, 1/28/16). Truly, it doesn't get much worse than this.
As readers of this blog know (but precious few other Americans do), putative father registries exist to facilitate the adoption of children fathered by unmarried men. They do so by removing the requirement that the father be notified of- and consent to- the adoption of his child before it can take place.
How do they get around the notice requirement that's so fundamental a part of due process of law? They do so by resort to certain preposterous legal fictions. First, they assume that, when a man has sexual intercourse with a woman, he knows that (a) conception has occurred, (b) a child will be born, (c) the mother will place the child for adoption, (d) in a location he knows about and (e) without informing him. All those things being presumed to be true, it is then reasonable to conclude that the father, if he wanted to contest the adoption, would do so. Of course if some of them aren't true, then the whole justification for the PFR is lost, but neither legislators, nor lawyers nor judges admit that.
Stranger still, the man is presumed to know that the PFR exists, what it is, what it's used for, how it can impact his parental rights and what he's supposed to do vis-à-vis the registry. That might make sense but for the fact that, in most of the 34 states that have a PFR, they're closely-guarded secrets. Few states spend a dime to publish any information about their PFRs with the predictable result that few men know a thing about them.
Don't believe me? Here's what the KMOV article has to say about the Kansas registry:
A putative father registry, offered in both Kansas and Missouri, is something unwed fathers can do to protect their rights, but many have no idea it exists…
However, it's not something that's widely used. Since 1994, only five men have put their name on the putative registry in Kansas.
Kansas doesn't even have a website for its registry. Fathers have to call the Department of Social and Rehab Services at (785) 296-3237 or write the office at P.O. Box 497 Topeka, KS 66601-0497.
Remarkably, when PFRs are discussed in the press, they're invariably described as wonderful opportunities for unmarried fathers to assert their rights. That's utter nonsense. PFRs have always existed for the benefit of the adoption industry that's never happier than when it has no pesky father claiming custody of his child and ruining another healthy payday for the adoption lawyers and the agencies they work for.
Outrageous as all that is, it's doubly so in the linked-to case.
Chris Reynolds is a Missouri man who's just had his three-year-old daughter Brooke adopted away from him.
Reynolds and Brooke's mother were together for seven years but never married. Reynolds thought he was on the birth certificate but, even if he was, it wouldn't have mattered. A name on a birth certificate doesn't offer legal protection, like custody or visitation.
When the relationship fell apart, Reynolds says he worked out child support and custody arrangements with his child's mother.
That's right, a single father who'd lived with the child's mother for seven years and who paid child support and saw his daughter for two years lost her to the machinations of the state's putative father registry. Now, PFRs originated to provide finality to adoptions in which fathers had no interest in their kids and mothers couldn't or didn't want to care for them. The laws aren't sensible, but the intent behind them is at least arguable.
But never were they intended to deprive a child of the only father she's ever known just because he wasn't married to her mother and didn't know about the registry. Reynolds isn't the only one, a situation he would like to rectify.
He reached out to KCTV5 News to warn other unmarried fathers that this could happen to them. He and thousands of other fathers in both Kansas and Missouri are on shaky legal ground.
That, of course, is the whole point of PFRs – to make it as difficult as possible for unmarried fathers to have a say in whether their children are adopted or not.
"To me, it's a legal way of kidnapping," Reynolds says.
But it gets worse. As I mentioned, Reynolds lives in Missouri, but his daughter's adoption didn't take place there. It happened in Arkansas, another state with a putative father registry. So what if Reynolds had by some chance known about Missouri's registry and filed the proper forms? That would have been his tough luck because the court in Arkansas is under no obligation to check other states' registries to see if the child's father has filed. No, the impetus is on the man to file with, presumably, every registry in the country on the off chance that Mom's decided to place the child for adoption in one of them.
That actually happened in the Kevin O'Dea case. He filed in two states, but not the right one. The mother of his child had fled to Utah to give birth and give the child up. O'Dea had to guess where she was and he guessed wrong. Again, that was his tough luck.
So Chris Reynolds is out of luck, as is his daughter who may never see her father again. She'll never see his two daughters either, who live with him and write to Brooke every day. That of course is her tough luck. But all is well, because surely the lawyers and the adoption agency got paid.
As I've said many times before, the entire concept of forcing adoption on children who don't need it would be absurd if it weren't so tragic. This little girl has a fit and loving father who's highly motivated to step in and give her a good home. But he can't because the law does the bidding of an adoption industry whose cash flow stops if adoptions aren't finalized.
But when a child with a fit parent is forcibly adopted, as Brooke was, another child somewhere in the world who desperately needs to be adopted, goes without parents. That's because there are far, far more children without parents than there are qualified parents wanting to adopt. It's a concept about which the adoption industry neither knows nor cares.
Along with the many other depredations of family law, putative father registries should be done away with entirely. By any measure, they're a scandal. Their entire purpose is to remove fathers from their children's lives as easily as possible. That they do so almost entirely in secret is all the evidence we need that neither the state nor the adoption industry is any too comfortable with how they operate or their results. In the final analysis, PFRs actually do the opposite of what they're meant to do. By forcing adoption on kids who don't need it, they deprive of adoptive parents kids who do. And they do all of that for a miserable pile of pennies paid to lawyers in $1,000 suits.
The whole sham is a disgrace, but one look at how a PFR in a foreign state acted to kidnap Chris Reynolds' daughter makes that word too weak, too mild to do the matter justice. When a father who's paid child support and been a regular presence in his child's life for her first two years can lose her to an adoption he never agreed to, there can be no doubt that the system is rotten.
National Parents Organization is a Shared Parenting Organization
National Parents Organization is a non-profit that educates the public, families, educators, and legislators about the importance of shared parenting and how it can reduce conflict in children, parents, and extended families. Along with Shared Parenting we advocate for fair Child Support and Alimony Legislation. Want to get involved? Here's how:
- Become an official member of the National Parents Organization team.
- Join our Facebook Page.
Together, we can drive home the family, child development, social and national benefits of shared parenting, and fair child support and alimony. Thank you for your activism.
#adoption, #putativefatherregistry, #dueprocessoflaw, #fitfather


text: Contact Contact Us / Send Us an EmailYour Full NameEmail AddressPhone NumberHow did you hear about us? If you are serious about sending this message you better leave the following field empty.Enter Your MessageContact Us / Phone UsOffice:310-637-7248Contact Us / E-MailDean email@example.com Us / Map & DirectionsP.O. Box 11107, Carson, CA 90749


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Your favourite toffee treat just got a chocolatey makeover! These gooey brownies will please any sweet tooth.
• For the brownie
• 2 eggs
• 200g caster sugar
• 100g light brown sugar
• 100g butter, melted
• 150g plain flour
• 60g cocoa powder
• 100g 70% dark chocolate, melted
• For the caramel layer:
• 125ml glucose syrup
• 125ml double cream
• 160g caster sugar
• 65ml whole milk
• For the top layer:
• 200g good quality milk chocolate
• 7 Curly Wurlys
1. Grease and line a 20cm x 20cm brownie tin.
2. Make the brownies: Whisk eggs into sugars until well combined, then add the melted butter and stir to incorporate. Add the flour and cocoa powder then stir through the melted chocolate.
3. Bake at 180C for 20 minutes or until cooked through and a skewer inserted into the brownies comes out nearly clean.
4. Set aside to cool.
5. Make the caramel: Place all ingredients for the caramel into a saucepan and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved stop stirring but continue to heat until the mixture reaches 115C.
6. Place the pan into a sink filled with ice cold water and stir until the caramel has cooled slightly and thickened.
7. Pour on top of the brownies in the tin and set aside to cool.
8. For the top layer: Melt the chocolate in a bain-marie, temper, and then pour on top of the caramel. Press Curly Wurlys into the chocolate.
9. Leave to set and then slice with a hot knife into squares and serve.


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Life is unpredictable and medical bills can be overwhelming. The cover does not also help you settle bills but also assist in regular checkups. You might be ineligible for prescription assistance programs, or the services may not fully cover all the costs. All these dynamics necessitate the acquisition of a health insurance cover.
It is tempting to ignore health insurance after years without a scratch. The government has put in place mechanisms to sensitize the public on the need for medical covers. The objective of universal health care is only possible if all the people are insured. The senior citizens, low-income earners, and PLWD are given coupons and free medical services, but they may not be comprehensive.
The following are some of the reasons you need to enroll for health insurance.
a) Preventive services
You have the opportunity to visit health institutions for regular checkups. You will also receive advice on how to keep the disease at bay. Some lifestyle diseases are preventable with advice from a physician. They will propose the best diet, exercise, and activities to keep fit.
As part of a preventive measure, you can seek medical attention after minor illnesses. Uninsured individuals are likely to try over-the-counter drugs for minor issues. Consequently, this puts them at greater risk of contracting fatal conditions from unattended minor illnesses.
b) Early diagnosis
The primary cause of death from fatal conditions is late diagnosis. Some detrimental conditions like cancer are easier treated in the early stages. When you have a comprehensive cover, regular scans can identify tumorous cells, and they are treated before the condition gets out of hand. It is difficult to get an insurance provider willing to take you in the midst of a health crisis.
c) Save on medical bills
You may never fully realize the economic benefits of an insurance cover until the moment all your bills are settled and you walk financially scot-free. The average inpatient cost for a day $10000. With such a rate, a condition that requires you to spend a month or two in the hospital can render you bankrupt.
After understanding the importance of a health cover, it is essential to know the factors to consider when deciding on the plan that fits you.
Factors to consider when choosing health cover
a) Deductibles
This refers to the amount you have to settle before your insurance coverage takes effect. The amount varies from as low as $250 to the highs of $2000. In most cases, low deductible means higher monthly premiums and vice versa. Therefore, your decision should be based on your health conditions, financial ability, and urgency of cover usage.
b) Monthly or annual premiums
Premium refers to the amount of money you surrender to your cover provider each period. The amount is mostly dependent on the scope of the insurance. Comprehensive covers are likely to cost higher monthly premiums compared to basic insurance.
c) The scope of the cover
Ask whether the insurance covers for checkups, severe conditions, and preventive consultations. You should pick a cover that covers most if not all medical bills.
For low-income earners, underinsured, and senior citizens, there are prescription assistance programs that can help settle medical charges. However, it is advisable to have health insurance.


text:
The Fatboy Junior beanbag is irresistible to any child and any-child-resistant at the same time. It perfectly allows children to play or just safely lean back and think about their dreams and goals in life, while enjoying their happy childhoods. The Fatboy Junior bean bag chair fit's in and stands out in any children's bedroom.
- Measurements: 50 inches tall by 40 inches wide
- Cover Material: Nylon
- Fill Material: Virgin EPS beads
Looking to get some awesome Fatboy products in Canada? Please click HERE.


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It's hard to believe that these need to be spelled out, but with it being Corporate Wellness Week, we're doing just that.
Here are 12 office hygiene tips every colleague needs to see:
Want to share or print this infographic? Simply download the infographic here.
No joining fees • Covers you and your immediate family • Get covered in under 10 minutes!Not sure which plan is right for you? Compare all the plans or we can call you to chat about your needs.


text:
In tribute to Lt. Col. John W. Bell,
B24 pilot during WWII.
He was an ace in his flying machine,
Could spiral downward at full speed,
Then pull out and level off just in time,
To touch down safely on the landing field.
Well taught and ready for hostile combat,
Sent off to fight, our freedom to defend,
Was not there to socialize or chat,
But to drop bombs upon the tyrant's den.
Flying with skill of a bat in the night,
He hit the targets time and time again,
Each sortie could have been his last flight,
Into the cold heart of the tyrant's den.
He sat bravely in the pilot's hot seat,
Shrapnel went through the wing and cockpit pane,
But he flew committed to defeat,
The wicked intents of the tyrant's den.
And when the final victory was won,
He came back home, a new life to begin,
In a nation singing freedom's song,
Having put an end to the tyrant's den.


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MM Raids Again wrote:Working on the basics for what I am calling the "Against All Odds" tournament. This would be a change of pace from the more recent tournaments and would be one-on-one (mostly) battles. There would be a set of 40 eligible kaiju (to be revealed at a later point as everything is ironed out). Instead of putting together a team, those that sign up would be randomly assigned five of the 40 kaiju. Players would start with 500 points (100 per kaiju). Should your kaiju win a match, you win 100 more points. Lose? You lose 100 points. Easy concept.
Monsters would be eliminated as they lose matches... UNLESS they are utterly crushed and overpowered by a 5 to 1 vote. At this point, they would return for the following round with their "Against All Odds" power-up activated. This could be transformations, summoning another kaiju to help, starting a match with an instant attack, etc. If they win this match, they remain in the tournament and revert to their standard. The only way to be eliminated from this tournament would be in a clean, even decide. If it's a blowout, the kaiju gains a second chance. However, this "Against All Odds" can't be utilized more than twice. Following a third crushing defeat, they would be eliminated regardless. If they would lose overwhelmingly while having their AAO active, they would be eliminated.
The tournament would wind down until there's only one standing or until so many rounds have passed. Players are eliminated by either running out of points or running out of kaiju. There would be now swapping or ditching kaiju that you dislike.
I hope the teams are balanced.


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Outside Use PTO Pellet Machinery Link by Tractor 8-130HP
Wood & Feed Pellet Press Machine
1.This series machine can be powered by electric, diesel engine or tractor(PTO);
2.We adopt the new design of direct connection of motor shaft and he main shaft that
overcome the loose defect of belt connecting as long time using;
3.High accuracy gearbox and high output;
4.It is widely used in large,middle, small scale aquatic. food and feed processing factory,
livestock farm, poultry farm, individual raisers, middle and small farm;
5.International advance steam fittings and imported pressure reduction valve;
6.Flat die is made with international advanced equipment for long lifespan;
7.Drive with heavy duty gearbox, which can produce continuously in most adverse condition.
Company Information
Our company with more than twenty years export experiences.
Just contact me if you have any questions.


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Share this Listing
10 Edgemore Drive, Toronto, Ontario
Quintessential Sunnylea two bedroom stone cottage with mint original character and extensive renovations. Features include: pristine hardwood floors; spacious living room with leaded glass bay window and gas fireplace with stone surround, wood mantel and quarry tile; formal dining room with leaded windows; bright, renovated kitchen has a breakfast bar and leaded windows looking south; ductless air conditioning; updated 4 piece bath; walkout to a private, stone terrace with southwest exposure, private drive and attached one car garage; superbly finished lower level with guest bedroom, new 3 piece bath, sparkling laundry; recreation room has hardwood floor, gas fireplace with stone surround, wood mantel and quarry tile hearth, pot lights and two large above grade windows. Bright and sunny southern exposure with mature tree canopy providing welcome summer shade. Only a short stroll to the Kingsway shops, restaurants, cafes, bakeries and fresh produce stores. Minutes to Royal York subway and Sunnylea Park. Move in ready!
For additional information, please contact Markian Silecky, Broker- 647.282.7653 or Theodore Babiak, Broker- 416.717.8853
- Status: Sold
- Property Type: Residential
- Lot Size: 36 x 94.17
- Structure Type: Single Family
- Structure Style: Bungalow
- Bedrooms: 2+1
- Bathrooms: 2
- Square Footage: 1,100 s.f. Above Grade
- Exterior Type: Brick, Stone, Stucco
Babiak Team
Cell: 647.282.7653
Contact MeWebsite
Babiak Team
Cell: 416.717.8853
Contact MeWebsite
Request More Information
10 Edgemore Drive, Toronto, Ontario


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Joe Viechnicki, KFSK – Petersburg
A contractor for the U.S. Air Force could be removing contaminated soil and debris from a former military communications site in Duncan Canal near Petersburg next summer or fall.
The site was a manned communications station, part of a Cold War-era early warning system called White Alice used to relay radio communications from Clear Air Force base in Alaska to Colorado Springs 50 years ago. It's on Kupreanof Island, eight miles west of Petersburg.
The Air Force already removed over 100 dumped fuel barrels from that area in 2000, but other fuel drums, demolished buildings, trash and chemical contaminants remain. A contractor working for the Air Force has documented PCBs, fuel, chemicals and heavy metals in the soil and groundwater of that area. The Air Force is proposing a cleanup plan for six different sites in that area, and the effort is estimated to cost more than $7 million.
The Air Force is taking public comment on the cleanup plan until Nov. 26. Officials plan to make a decision on the work this winter and the cleanup could happen next summer or fall.
Download Audio (MP3)


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If you have any questions not answered here, please use our Contact Form or call us on (08) 9276 3177
Welcome to Maven Dental Morley (formerly Morley Dental Centre)
Opening Hours : Mon to Wed 8am - 6pm, Thurs 8am - 5pm, Fri 8am - 4pm
Contact : (08) 9276 3177
If you have any questions not answered here, please use our Contact Form or call us on (08) 9276 3177
Tooth decay begins when acids in plaque damage the outer surface of the tooth (the enamel). Fluoride acts in three main ways to strengthen teeth and make them more resistant to tooth decay:
Here at Morley Dental Centre we do require payment for all treatment carried out to be paid on the day.
We offer a number of different payment options from:
*We do accept American Express and a large range of other Credit Cards
There are few possible side effects that could arise from a Root canal treatment. An individual may experience pain or discomfort around the tooth during and following treatment.
In some cases, the treated tooth may lose its original whiteness and become darker after completion.
The treated tooth may end up not being as strong and durable as a normal tooth and therefore a Crown, placed for strength enhancement is recommended on Root Canal Treated teeth.
Dental amalgam is slowly being phased out. However, Morley Dental Centre can offer a range of tooth coloured restorative options with excellent longtivity. When used for restorative purposes, Dental amalgam is strong, long lasting and easy to use.


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Our Most concealable holster
The Shultz Clip IWB
- Because of its design, the holster can be taken on and off easily while fully dressed.
- The edges are rounded and smoothed to a matte finish.
- Edge of trigger guard is exposed so you can get a full grip while holstered.
- The body of the holster is made from .08 Kydex.
- Belt clip is heavy duty injection-molded plastic.
Tilt or Cant
- 15° cant is the standard option, and is shown in all photos.
- 0° cant is an option that carries the pistol vertically and may protrude fairly deeply into the pants.
- "Appendix position" carrying is also vertical, however the pistol does not protrude as deeply into the pants.
We do 7 — 14 day handling times on our gear. If you need your item for a deployment, trip, class, shoot, or qualification, email me and I will try to get it out to you in time.
We accept returns and exchanges on all of our gear. If you have any issues or concerns, please contact us so we can arrange the return or exchange. We carry a lifetime warranty on all our holsters, sheaths, and magazine carriers. If the item fails or if you have a problem with the item (e.g. lost screw etc.) we will ship you the appropriate part or fix/replace the item if needed. We stand by our holsters and we want you to be happy with your purchase.
Additional information
|.5 lbs
|8 × 6 × 2 in


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The Story Collider
Stories from doctors and patients 1/2
NARAL (the other PP) is another national organization that's fighting the legal side of this battle by educating lawmakers and influencing abortion policies.
Donate Here
The Story Collider
Stories from doctors and patients 2/2
Any restriction of humans rights harm the most marginalized people first. Sister Song is an organization led by Women of color from Native American, African American, Latina, and Asian American communities fighting for reproductive rights based in Atlanta since 1997.
Donate Here
Fresh Air
Once Militantly Anti-Abortion Minister Lives With Regret
NAPASWF is an organizations that fights, across the board issues that Asian, Pacific Islander B/NB/transgender/women would face. From immigration rights, to the gender wage gap and economic juistice, and of course Abortion and Reproductive rights.
Donate Here
The Daily
Roe v. Wade, Part 1: Who Was Jane Roe?
The Yellowhammer fund provide funding for anyone that needs reproductive care in Alabama's (the Ground Zero of Abortion rights) only three abortion clinics.
Donate Here
The Daily
Roe v. Wade, Part 2: The Culture Wars
Women Have Options is an Ohio based organization that provides financial assistance to those who can't afford their reproductive care.
Donate Here
Modern Love
A Lost Child, But Not Mine
National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF) is a good catchall fund that supports more than 80 organizations across 38 states that provide financial and logistical aid to abortion access.
Donate Here
Keep Abortion Legal
Selected by:
As America is in the midst of a cultural fight for abortion rights the least we can do is dedicate this week's issue to the cause, shedding light on abortion rights and supporting the women whose bodies are ultimately affected by this. The episodes curated this week are stories of real people behind the abortions. The emotional, physical, social, and financial toll it puts on an individual and what it feels like to come out the other end. Stories featuring doulas, OB-GYNs, mothers, a minister with a change of heart, and Jane Roe of Roe vs Wade. The episode title will be self explanatory and they are all tilltilatingly gut wrenching. Along with each episode is an organization, national and grass roots that are currently most in need of your help and could benefit from your donations. By no means are these all of them but this is a small start, and our little contribution from our small corner of the world.


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By Rosemary Kessick
Kids at the autistic spectrum usually be afflicted by gastrointestinal court cases comparable to diarrhoea, constipation, belly soreness, stomach distension and flatulence. faraway from being 'just a part of the condition', around the world learn is confirming mom and dad' studies that lots of those young ones are literally being affected by critical underlying stipulations which, if left untreated, are a resource of continuing discomfort, which in flip can tremendously exacerbate autistic behavioural symptoms."Autism and Gastrointestinal court cases" summarises the indicators frequently skilled and provides an available clarification of the underlying clinical situation, including useful feedback as to the right way to aid lessen the kid's agony. The findings of the most recent learn are awarded in an comprehensible means, with a word list explaining the various phrases usually utilized by medics in simple language.This booklet bargains a concise consultant to all points of gastrointestinal court cases in kids with autism, and is a perfect source for fogeys, lecturers and the other loved one or caregiver who must understand how to aid an autistic baby.
Read Online or Download Autism and Gastrointestinal Complaints: What You Need to Know PDF
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Extra info for Autism and Gastrointestinal Complaints: What You Need to Know
Sample text
By 28 months, his behaviour was beginning to become difficult and his sleep pattern was disrupted with a great deal of night waking and head-banging. His physical health deteriorated consistently over the following months, as did his understanding. Local doctors did not recognize the signs of IBD and by five years of age, despite a good dietary intake, he was showing serious deficits in vitamins and minerals essential for brain development. As in Case 1, dietary intervention helped a great deal with the behavioural issues but only marginally with the bowel symptoms which were not resolved until the age of eight.
Pull trousers up to calves. 38 How You Can Help: Five Steps to Success 13. Pull trousers up to thighs. 14. Pull trousers up to waist. 15. Flush the toilet. 16. Go to sink. 17. Put plug in. 18. Turn tap on. 19. Turn tap off. 20. Soap hands. 21. Wash hands. 22. Pull plug out. 23. Locate towel. 24. Dry hands. 25. Leave bathroom/toilet. 26. Close door. For each of these tasks you will need to use a visual cue appropriate to the individual: a symbol, a photograph or even an object. There are a number of well-documented approaches, but when there is a possibility of bowel disease be sure to bear in mind the reasons why a child may be displaying certain behaviour.
The results showed ulceration throughout the small bowel and colitis of the large bowel. Whilst the gastric area was clear, the severe reflux continued to cause extreme pain and discomfort. Following immediate treatment with antacids, steroids and anti-inflammatory agents this young man's health improved rapidly. His shoe size increased by two sizes in three months and he began to replace lost muscle. His hair became 45 Autism and Gastrointestinal Complaints glossy and he is able to access all manner of outdoor activities, which he enjoys greatly.


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If you've ever been a kid on a hot summer day in a swimming pool, or if you're a historian specializing in the Venetian Republic, then you're familiar with Marco Polo. In the kids' game, it's all a matter of figuring out where you are based on who's around you and what they're up to. You ping them by shouting out "Marco", and they respond with "Polo". Even though your eyes are closed, based on what you hear, you can then figure out what's going on around you.
MarcoPolo is a free application for your Mac that lets you figure out where you are, but without getting all that pesky water in your ears. It looks at a bunch of context clues—IP address, attached Firewire and USB devices, visible wireless networks, etc.—to figure out where your portable Mac is at any given moment. Once your machine knows where it it, it can automatically configure your system so that it makes sense in that context: change the default printer, tweak firewall rules, mount network shares, and more.
MarcoPolo is a free Mac application. It runs under OS X 10.4 (Tiger) and later.


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I'm honored to be part of the First-Year Faculty Fellows team at Roosevelt University, where I just finished my 20th year of teaching. Looking forward to working with these and other great colleagues on our ACP curricular efforts!
Linda Jones, Dean of Undergraduate Studies at RU, announced the first class of First-Year Faculty Fellows to the university community in today's broadcast email:
- Michael Bryson, professor of Sustainability Studies, who will teach his Our Sustainable Future section of ACP 101 that was first offered last fall.
- Anne-Marie Cusac, associate professor of Journalism, who taught ACP 101 First-Year Seminar for the first time in its initial offering in 2011.
- Sandra Frink, associate professor of History, who will teach a new First-Year Seminar section entitled Chicago: Past & Present.
- Elizabeth Meadows, associate professor of Elementary Education/Reading, who will teach a new First-Year Seminar section entitled Becoming a Teacher.
- Kelly Wentz-Hunter, associate professor of Biology, who will teach her 21st Century Health Care section of ACP 101 that was first offered in 2014.
Each of the five fellows has committed to teaching at least one of the 100-level Academic Communities of Practice classes (First-Year Seminar and Primary Texts) in each fall and spring term of 2016-17 and 2017-18. Even more important to the futures of the two courses, they will act as core faculty for ACP classes, evaluating, reviewing and advising on their content and revision. They also will be central to pedagogy workshops, orientation and skill-building sessions for faculty teaching freshmen.
Linda Jones, Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Address replies to: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Image: "I must explain, specify, rationalize, classify, etc.," by Frances Stark, 2007.
Emma Raddatz: How did you begin writing "Misplaced Anger"?
Jack Reibstein: I started from a prompt, an assignment for one of those master classes they have in the Shapiro Writing Center every semester. The prompt was to write a story, and the main character had to be ourselves 20 years from now. And we had to commit a crime. And my crime was public indecency. When I turned the piece in, a lot of people were like, "Oh, you didn't really do the prompt. It all happens in his head!" I don't know, I wrote out this entire other story where me, 20 years from now, gets drunk and pees in public and gets arrested for it. It just didn't really—it was sort of interesting and definitely entertaining—but it didn't really resonate, and I couldn't really see myself actually doing that. Like I do do that sometimes, but I'm definitely not going to be doing that 20 years from now. Then again, I don't know that I'm going to be a widow 20 years from now. I really hope that I'm not a widow 20 years from now.
Liz Cettina: Can you speak to the use of the close third person narrator?
J: That was a limitation the teacher of the master class put on us. It was definitely interesting because I've been writing a lot of first person personal non-fiction throughout this entire year so it was interesting to see how things changed when I was forced to use the third person. I really like limitations for writing. There was one assignment I did a few months ago where we were asked to set our own limitations, and I wrote this piece in only questions. I wanted to see if I could do that. Well, actually, I started off being like, "Can I write this thing in one sentence? That would be really cool." And that ended up as the first page, a really long sentence. I love limitations, it gets your brain going in different ways.
E: What was this master class you took?
J: It was with Saïd Sayrafiezadeh. He read one of his stories, he just visited Wesleyan. Great guy, great class. It was a great excuse for me to write some fiction in a formal setting this semester because for the past year all I've been writing are things that are close to me like, "Ah, my feelings!" My thoughts about my family, interrogating different aspects of my life. It was refreshing to write "Sacco," it was good to write about somebody completely different from myself.
E: Do you prefer writing fiction or non-fiction?
J: I didn't really write prose, in the way that I think of it, until I got to Wesleyan last year. I took a Techniques of Fiction course with Hirsh Sawhney, and I was like, "Yeah, this is something I really want to continue doing." I had always made little movies with my friends, and I was in a sketch comedy group in high school, and I'd always been writing stand up bits, things like that, so I've always been drawn to inventing wacky scenarios. This year was definitely the first time I seriously sat down to write about myself and about my life, and I've taken a few classes this year that have dealt with life writing and analyzing life writing. It's something I want to keep doing. I think I'm going to do something related to life writing for my thesis next year.
L: What are you thinking of writing your thesis about?
J: I think it's going to be—it could change—but I think it's going to be a collection of essays surrounding addiction. So my mother works at McLane Psychiatric Hospital in Massachusetts. She's the Director of the Substance Abuse Programs there. And there's been a long history of substance abuse in my family. So I think I want to write about addiction and the intersection of addiction and just day to day habits. Where do things that we do every day become addiction? Where do we lose control of them? Where do they start controlling our lives? It's not only going to be about substance abuse. Like I think I'm addicted to listening to sad music, eating junk food. Sort of inspecting people's habits and how they take control over their lives.
L: How does humor factor into your writing?
J: Writing with humor comes easiest to me, I think, because, for a while, that's all that I wanted to do. To a certain extent, I want to keep writing comedy stuff throughout my entire life. I see it as a part of my life. More than any book or any movie or anything, I'd say that "The Simpsons" inspire me more than anything else, really irreverent, ridiculous humor. So humor just always finds a way of seeping into my writing. I also think that's from my family background, laughter and joking are the things we go to even when things are hard. My parents will always try to crack me up, and I'll always try to crack them up.
E: How is the comedy writing process different than that of fiction or non-fiction writing?
J: So stand up does more of, I'll see something in my day to day life and I go very quickly to observational humor. I'll see something and be like, "Yeah, I could talk for a few minutes about that." With stand up, anything that comes to mind I'll immediately write it down, even if it's crap. Most of it is crap. For stories—I don't know—I write a lot of ideas for stories that don't really pan out, and essays that never end up taking any form. But in order to really get into something that I'm writing and spending a lot of time writing, it's got to be something where I had a moment like, "Wow, I could definitely write at length about this."
L: Are there formal techniques from comedy writing you incorporate in your creative writing, or vice versa?
J: I think what I've realized is what my comedy and creative writing share is rhythm more than anything. I don't know, I feel like that's a thing a lot of comedians talk about that's really abstract, in a cloud somewhere, that people access at some point. I always feel weird talking about it because it can feel like a very abstract concept and comedians will discuss it as if it's just something you're born with, but it takes time and practice to develop rhythm in both performance and writing. I know a lot of people who will sit down and bang out a few 1,000 words and that'll be it, and they'll go back and edit it later. For me, I really need to craft and fine tune a paragraph, make sure it sounds good in my head, because that's where I derive the meaning, if it sounds like something that would come from me or that I can understand.
E: What do you like to read?
J: Recently, because I think I'm going to be writing more non-fiction, I've been trying to read more of it—life writing in general. Over break, I read Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, because everyone's been talking about it. I also read this great collection of short stories by Lucia Berlin, A Manual for Cleaning Women, which was great because all the stories were her at different points in her life. She led such a strange life where she lived in such varied places, she lived in Texas, the San Francisco Bay area, Chile, all these different places. And you'd think you had her pegged after reading a story, like, "Oh yeah, I know who this is," then she'd jump into a completely different aspect of her life. And none of it is precisely her because it's fiction, but it was really cool to see all the same person, all coming from the same person, but catching her at completely different points in her life. That was one of the best things I've read recently.
L: Can you speak to the narrative arc of your stories?
J: I think that's the thing that's most similar to the sketch writing I've done, escalation is a huge thing in writing comedy. You start at a place that's more realistic, let the audience in so they understand, it's sort of about tweaking it more and more until it's this thing that's completely unlike anything we've ever seen, but also the truest thing to what we know. That definitely bleeds into "Misplaced Anger," and "Sacco" because you go through his life and nothing really happens until the end, that's where the big reveal is. That always feels like the most natural way to write a story, starting with real details and building from there into something that's bigger and more out there.
E: How did you start the "Sacco" piece?
J: Saïd prompted us to write about a crime. He assigned us all a specific decade. As soon as he gave me the 1920s, I remembered being in Italian class in middle school, watching this documentary about Sacco and Vanzetti and I don't know, me and my friends didn't take it that seriously at the time, we were like, "He has a funny mustache!" But it's a really messed up case, these two guys. I mean, nobody will ever really know how much they had to do with the murders. But just the fact that these two guys, either way, they had a history of having unpopular opinions, and that's kind of what killed them more than anything. The implications of that case did not hit me and my friends when we were watching that documentary in seventh grade. We were just like, "This is one of those movies they make us watch to pass the time." But Signora Pencheri, she knew it was bigger than that.
L: In "Misplaced Anger," you use wordplay. Is this something you do often?
J: I don't know. It's not something I search for, I'm like, "Oh, what's going to be the wittiest title? What's going to hit them in just the right spot?" But if those things arise, I'm definitely game.


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Dr. Jason K Rivers MD, FRCPC, FAAD, FCDA
"Global warming is taking place and humankind is playing a role."
You may wonder what global warming has to do with our skin, but it's having a significant effect.
The last few months have been unseasonably old in British Columbia – certainly part of the global change to our weather systems, caused in some measure by our own neglect of planet earth. But with the colder winters, we're also experiencing an increase in the number of hot and sunny summer days.
Sun exposure has long been associated with a potential for skin damage, and everyone can develop problems from either acute or prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation that manifests as sunburn, premature skin aging (skin redness, uneven skin colour, wrinkles) or skin cancer. Skin cancer rates continue to increase and this is due in large part to excessive sun exposure.
The ancient Egyptians knew about sun damage; a tomb painting at Thebes, dated to approximately 3200 BCE, depicts a man wearing a straw hat. Today, we still realize that hats and other clothing (shirts, long pants, etc.), along with sunglasses and seeking shade are simple and effective ways to reduce sun exposure. However, we're also an active society, and cycling or swimming in long pants during the summer is a drag – both aerodynamically and socially!
For almost a century, sunscreens have existed to help reduce sunburn on exposed skin, but we now know that appropriately formulated products can also help to prevent premature aging of the skin and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
Sunscreen updated
Sunscreen usage has changed, with more people applying these products more frequently and in larger amounts. At the same time, sunscreen formulations have evolved as companies innovate.
Currently there are many different sunscreen ingredients on the market and for years they've been accepted as safe and effective for human use. However, in February 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a proposal that would update regulatory requirements for most sunscreen products in the United States.
This significant action is aimed at bringing sunscreens up to date with the latest science to better ensure consumers have access to safe and effective preventative sun care options. Among its provisions, the proposal addresses sunscreen active ingredient safety, dosage forms, and sun protection factor (SPF) and broad-spectrum requirements. It also proposes updates to how products are labeled to make it easier for consumers to identify key product information.
The FDA permits certain over the counter (OTC) drugs to be marketed without approved new drug applications because they're generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) and not misbranded.
In the proposed rule, the FDA makes the following recommendations for sunscreens marketed without FDA-approved applications:
- Proposes that, of the 16 currently marketed active ingredients, two ingredients – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – are GRASE for use in sunscreens; two ingredients – PABA and trolamine salicylate – are not GRASE for use in sunscreens due to safety issues. There are 12 ingredients for which there are insufficient safety data to make a positive GRASE determination (cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, padimate O, sulisobenzone, oxybenzone, avobenzone).
- Proposes that dosage forms that are GRASE for use as sunscreens include sprays, oils, lotions, creams, gels, butters, pastes, ointments and sticks. Powders are proposed to be eligible for inclusion in the monograph, but additional data are requested before powders can be included in the monograph. Wipes, towelettes, body washes, shampoos and other dosage forms are proposed to be categorized as new drugs because the FDA has not received data showing they are eligible for inclusion in the monograph.
- Proposes to raise the maximum proposed SPF value on sunscreen labels from SPF 50+ to SPF 60+
- Proposes to require sunscreens with an SPF value of 15 or higher to also provide broad spectrum protection and that, for broad-spectrum products, as SPF increases, the magnitude of protection against UVA radiation also increases. These proposals are designed to ensure that these products provide consumers with the protections that they expect.
- Proposes new sunscreen product label requirements to assist consumers in more easily identifying key information, including the addition of the active ingredients on the front of the package; require sunscreens with SPF below 15 to include "See Skin Cancer/Skin Aging alert" on the front panel; require font and placement changes to ensure SPF, broad spectrum, and water resistance statements stand out; and Include alphabetical listing of active ingredients on the front panel
- Proposes that products that combine sunscreens with insect repellents are not GRASE.
These changes will have a major impact on sunscreen products in Canada and the information is relevant to us.
Sunscreen and antioxidants combined
Beyond the FDA proposals above, we also know that adding antioxidants to sunscreen formulations can improve the product's stability in the sun and increase the "safe" time of sun exposure. Antioxidants such as vitamins E and C are molecules that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules, they work by neutralizing the sun's rays on skin cells before the cells start to incur damage. The key is to know which new sunscreens use antioxidants best. Price does not necessarily determine quality. (Packaging, advertising, branding, and image all affect the cost of a product as well.) Often the thing to consider—besides reading the ingredient list—is a company's reputation as a brand that is backed by research.
Sunscreens are providing passive protection by absorbing or reflecting harmful UV rays from the skin. But by adding antioxidants to sunscreens, they could offer a second, active level of protection. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends the use of a sunscreen that provides protection against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. And it certainly doesn't advocate just relying on antioxidants, however, the article does back antioxidants as a way of boosting our natural immunity to sun damage. Adding antioxidants to sunscreen is an innovative approach that could represent the next generation of sunscreens, which would not only filter UV radiation, but also offer other skin health benefits.
Sunscreens of tomorrow
What of the future? I started this dialogue reflecting on the weather and global warming. To be sure, something is taking place and humankind is playing a role. Recently, the State of Hawaii has recognized that certain ingredients in sunscreens may be contributing to the death of coral reefs. As such, by 2020 sunscreens containing these chemicals will be banned. As science advances, I hope we will be able to protect our skin and contribute to the saving of our planet simultaneously.
Dr. Jason K Rivers, MD, FRCPC, FAAD, FCDA is a Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia and the Medical Director, Pacific Derm, Vancouver, British Columbia.


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Scientific Name
Agave parryi Engelm.
Common Names
Parry's Agave, Parry's Century Plant, Mescal Agave, Artichoke Agave
Agave chihuahuana, Agave patonii
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Agave parryi is a slow-growing succulent, up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall and about the same in diameter. The leaves are grey-green and have a spine at the tip. One of the distinguishing features is that the point on the tip, which is typically dark tan, brown or black, is darker than the leaf. Indentations of previous leaves show on the back of each leaf. Bloom spikes emerge from older rosettes, which die after flowering.
USDA hardiness zones 5a to 11b: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Agaves are not difficult plants to grow. They are slow-growing and dramatic and will even thrive on a bit of neglect. If you are the type of person who likes to fuss with houseplants and water a lot, Agave is probably not the plant for you. If, however, you are the type of person who likes to set it and forget it, and you have a sunny window, Agave might the way to go. Be aware that some of the large varieties will eventually outgrow your room (unless you have a large greenhouse), and Agave can be aggressive. They have irritating sap and sometimes very sharp thorns that can cause injuries to small children and even pets.
In general, Agaves do not need to be repotted every year. Most of the species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and will take a long time to outgrow their pot. It is also best to handle your plant as little as possible since they do not like to be disturbed. When you do repot, refresh the spent soil with new potting mix and make sure the plant is firmly anchored in its pot. However, be careful not to pot the Agave too deep as that will encourage stem rot during the growing season.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Agave parryi is native to Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico.
Subspecies, Varieties, and Cultivars
- Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana
- Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana 'Sunspot'
- Agave parryi var. couesii
- Agave parryi var. huachucensis
- Agave parryi var. truncata
- Agave parryi var. truncata 'Huntington'
- Back to genus Agave
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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How is the amount of my benefits determined?
How do I change my address?
When will I get paid?
How do I get paid?
How can I find out if my payment has been issued?
What are some reasons payments may be denied?
What is a one-week waiting period?
Can I work part time and receive benefits?
Will other income impact my benefits?
What if I have been ordered to pay child support?
What happens if I am overpaid?
What do I do if I go back to work full time?
What are extended benefits?
What is trade adjustment assistance?
Are my benefits taxable?
When you file a new claim application, your work history will be reviewed to determine if you have earned enough wages to qualify for unemployment.
Example: You file your initial claim on Thursday, February 18. Your benefit year
begins that Sunday, February 14 and ends the following year on Sunday, February 13.
If you have earned enough wages to qualify for benefits, you will be entitled to receive regular
unemployment benefits for those weeks when you are either totally or partially unemployed and meet
all requirements. We determine the amount you can receive based on the wages you earned
during your base period.
Example: If your claim was effective on February 14, 2015, your base period
would be the 4th quarter of 2013 and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2014.
(see chart below).
To calculate your weekly benefit amount (WBA):
Note: There is a minimum and a maximum WBA set by Kansas law.
For example, if your wages were:
$9,580 × 4.25% = $407 is the WBA in this example.
To qualify for benefits you must have been paid wages from insured employment in at
least two quarters with the total of your wages being at least 30 times your weekly
benefit amount (WBA). Insured work is work performed for employers who are required
to pay unemployment insurance tax on your wages.
Using the example above:
30 × $407 (WBA) = $12,210 Total base period wages are: $25,580
In this example, you would qualify for unemployment insurance benefits because the
total base period wages are more than 30 times the weekly benefit amount.
Your total benefit amount (TBA) is the total amount of regular unemployment benefits
you can receive during your benefit year. Your TBA is the lower amount of two calculations.
For example:
Note: You cannot file two consecutive, or back-to-back, claims unless
you have worked since filing your first claim and earned eight times your new calculated
weekly benefit amount. You should contact a claims specialist at the Kansas Unemployment
Contact Center if you have questions about these requirements.
Note: You must continue to file your weekly claim while an investigation is in progress.
You can obtain information concerning the status of your claim anytime through our Web site by selecting the
"Check Claim Status"
option, or through our telephone weekly claims line. You can receive the following information:
See Eligibility and Disqualifications FAQs
Kansas law requires you to serve a one-week, non-payable waiting period for each new unemployment benefit year.
To count as your waiting period week, you must file a weekly claim and be eligible for benefits for the week.
Note: The waiting period will be waived and payment will be made if you are laid off due to lack of work because of any of the following:
Failure to file a weekly claim or to meet the eligibility requirements will result in the waiting period week not being served or paid if exempt.
You may receive some benefits for a week in which you work less than full time and earn less than your weekly benefit amount.
Example 1: Wages LESS THAN 25 percent of your WBA
$100 (WBA) × 25 percent = $25
Your Wages = $10 for the week
$10 is LESS than $25, therefore, no deduction is made.
Your unemployment payment will be issued in the amount of $100.
Example 2: Wages MORE THAN 25 percent of your WBA
Your Wages = $60 for the week
$60 is MORE then $25, therefore,
$60 − $25 = $35
Your unemployment payment will be issued in the amount of $65.
Examples of pensions that may reduce your benefits include:
Note: Social Security benefits will not reduce your weekly benefit amount.
If you are responsible for court-ordered child support payments and are in arrears, the Kansas Department for Children and Families will initiate an order to take part of your unemployment insurance benefits.
Note: Please DO NOT call the Kansas Unemployment Contact Center because they will be unable to assist in answering any questions about child support cases.
If you receive benefits you are not entitled to, you are required to repay the benefits,
even if someone else made the mistake that caused the overpayment.
It is to your advantage to repay overpayments as soon as possible.
Please direct your questions concerning overpayments and repayment methods to the Asset Recovery Unit at
All unemployment claims are subject to random audits.
Note: This is to ensure that only eligible claimants receive unemployment benefits and that each claimant is paid the proper amount.
If you return to work full time or have gross earnings (wages before deductions) that equal or
exceed your weekly benefit amount, you should stop filing weekly claims, and your claim will become inactive.
If you are unemployed again within the same benefit year, or if your hours are reduced and
your gross pay is less than your weekly benefit amount, you can file a claim against your
remaining balance.
When available, extended benefits allow you to claim additional weeks of unemployment benefits after all regular benefits have been exhausted and you have not yet obtained employment.
The Federal Trade Act provides several benefits under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA) is one of the benefits covered under TAA.
Unemployment insurance is taxable income and must be reported on your federal and state income tax returns.
Note: It is your responsibility to inform the Kansas Unemployment Contact
Center of any address change to ensure that the 1099-G is mailed to your
correct address.


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A new documentary about Whitney Houston has alleged the late singer was bisexual (Music News)
Whitney: Can I Be Me premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, and saw the music legend's nearest and dearest open up about their relationships with her.
Among the film's contributors was Whitney's best friend and assistant Robyn Crawford, who is alleged to have had an intimate relationship with the I Will Always Love You star.
The singer's former stylist Ellin Lavar addresses Whitney's sexuality in the film, saying:
I don't think she was gay, I think she was bisexual. Robyn provided a safe place for her… in that Whitney found safety and solace."
Basic Instinct director Paul Verhoeven is working on a new film called the Blessed Virgin which will be about a lesbian nun with miraculous powers who falls in love with another sister.
The producers said it is based on the life of 17th-century Italian nun Benedetta Carlini, who caused a sensation when she claimed to see visions of Jesus Christ.
Verhoeven will present the project at the Cannes film festival next month, production company SBS International told AFP.
The new film, adapted from "Immodest Acts — The Life of a lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy" by the American historian Judith Brown, will star Belgian actress Virginie Efira.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of coming out on her sitcom Ellen, Ellen DeGeneres will air a reunion with several of the stars who helped bring the episode to life.
The hour-long anniversary special that will air on her talk show this week pays tribute to The Puppy Episode, in which DeGeneres's character Ellen Morgan came out and became the first-ever gay or lesbian lead character on television.
In a sneak peek at the reunion show, Laura Dern, who played DeGeneres's love interest in the episode, articulated lovingly about being there for that piece of LGBT history. (Advocate)
And finally, this amazing tweet about coming out proves mothers are always right. Jareliz Diaz – now 20 – tweeted back in 2013 that her mother had asked if she was a lesbian because she had appreciated the female form.
But much to the surprise of her followers, four years later, on 22 April 2017, she added that her mum had been right all along. (Pink News)


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Stuck in the 80s
Click left side of photo to go to previous entry/ Click the right half of photo to go to the next
Depeche Mode Live in Toronto 09
Molson Amphitheatre
You know Im a forgiver
Reach out and touch faith
Your own personal Jesus
Reach out and touch faith" - Depeche Mode
It was an intimate party as Martin celebrated his 48th birthday and the crowd led by David Gahan sang a birthday song in what could be the 30th time they are doing it. Yes, these boys have been at it since they were 18 years old, and here they are pushing 50s and still kissing each other a happy birthday greeting. (see video below as proof)
The birthday concert was well attended. More than 20,000 were on hand to celebrate 3 generations of technopopmuzak :) I saw Grandpas and their sons and their grandsons hamming it up, high-fivin on every familiar tune. The band sang close to 2 dozen hits, so just imagine 24 high fives for your grampa.
They sang 18 songs during the regular concert and 2 encores after, 5 additional tracks. 23 all in all. 24 if you count the "Happy Birthday".
The voice of David Gahan is still the same even better than when they were singing "Just Can't Get Enough in this video.. Their performance reminiscent of the very first time I saw them in LA and heard them in Manila.
Sure, some things don't change, some just got better. My taste in music though remains the same, its 80s for me - or its remake.
Good thing I got invited to this concert party. Otherwise, I would've crashed it :) Since if we talk about the 80s, for me its Depeche Mode - or nothing.
Here's a summary video of the night in 12 minutes.


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Regular price
This adorable tee is a soft and comfy cotton/poly blend.
T-shirt is pink with white stripes, and white glitter design on the front as shown.
Fits true to size with a little wiggle room.
Great for a 2nd birthday, but can be worn all year round after that!
Machine washable
I only have these tees available in a 2T right now


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NetEnt's Mega Fortune progressive struck again with a GBP 2 million win
A Yorkshireman in his 30s has become an overnight multi-millionaire after landing a GBP 2,065,627.64 mobile jackpot with online casino Casumo.com… and the lucky winner scooped the massive win from a stake of just GBP5!
The North Yorkshire resident currently lives with his parents and has vowed to share his winnings with his family, before purchasing a house of his own.
"I was shocked when I saw how much I had won, and ran downstairs to ask my dad to come and make sure I wasn't dreaming. I was shaking when he said it was real. Nothing like this has ever happened to me, it's a strange feeling, but it will mean so much to my family," he said.
"I'm going to give some of the winnings to my family, buy a house, and maybe go on holiday. In a year from now I will still be the same as I ever was, but with a house — or two — of my own!"
The winner scored the big hit playing NetEnt's Mega Fortune Touch game on Casumo.com on Sunday (January 17) at 14:33.
He was getting ready to go out on Sunday to play football and placed a GBP 5 bet — having only decided to sign up to Casumo.com two weeks ago.
The record breaking mobile jackpot dropped on just his third spin.
Online Casino News Courtesy of Infopowa


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Martine has been one of my dearest friends since 7th grade. Recently, she got engaged to her literal soulmate Eli, who perfectly matches her level of spunk, silliness, and livelihood. Like seriously y'all, when you meet them, you just know that they were made for each other. Taking their engagement photos was such an honor and a privilege.
We headed out to Rock Island just in time to make it there for dreamy golden-hour photos, only to be extremely disappointed that the waterfall access was CLOSED due to high water! We were about to give up and make the 1.5 hour drive back home, but ended up finding a spot down the road with an adorable little beach and a pretty nice view (if you ask me). Although they weren't the waterfall pictures we were hoping for, we made do, and had a blast in the meantime.


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SurfaceTechnology GERMANY,
21 - 23 Juni 2022
Process Technology
The Frontier Inline Heater delivers superior temperature stability and outstanding performance over a wide range of flow and temperature requirements. Enhanced features include a non-casted structure, versatile flow rates, an expanded wattage range, and high-quality electropolished surfaces resulting in superior cleanliness. Grounded metal construction, multiple element thermocouples, insulated housing, and a hermetically sealed high limit thermal cutoff device (TCO). Certification: UL 823, UL 499, CSA 22.2, and CE; rated for Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations.
The Tytan Water Heater has ultra-fast heat up and superior temperature stability regardless of application. >99% element efficiency contributes to low cost of ownership ...
The SmartOne Max heater cannot ignite plastic even if operated in air. Safety is built in, not added on.Heater self-limits its maximum operating temperature to 482°F ...
Maximum temperature protection, advanced design. Safety is built-in, not added on. Heater self limits its maximum operating temperature to 482°F (250°C). This is ...
Stored items


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21 Jan 2018 15:58
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7.2. Reporting bugs and requests¶
Please direct all bug reports or feature requests at our tracker on GitHub.
In case you are wondering if your feature request or bug report is well formatted, justified or any other question, feel free to mail the maintainer at email@example.com.
The minimum to join to a bug report:
- the logs in TRACE mode
- if possible, your jobdef XMLs
- if possible, a database dump
- if concerning a payload API issue, the code in question


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You Can't Read The TPP, But These Huge Corporations Can
Photo from USTR.gov on the TPP
The Senate today is holding a key procedural vote that would allow the Trans-Pacific Partnership to be "fast-tracked."
So who can read the text of the TPP? Not you, it's classified. Even members of Congress can only look at it one section at a time in the Capitol's basement, without most of their staff or the ability to keep notes.
But there's an exception: if you're part of one of 28 U.S. government-appointed trade advisory committees providing advice to the U.S. negotiators. The committees with the most access to what's going on in the negotiations are 16 "Industry Trade Advisory Committees," whose members include AT&T, General Electric, Apple, Dow Chemical, Nike, Walmart and the American Petroleum Institute.
The TPP is an international trade agreement currently being negotiated between the US and 11 other countries, including Japan, Australia, Chile, Singapore and Malaysia. Among other things, it could could strengthen copyright laws, limit efforts at food safety reform and allow domestic policies to be contested by corporations in an international court. Its impact is expected to be sweeping, yet venues for public input hardly exist.
Industry Trade Advisory Committees, or ITACs, are cousins to Federal Advisory Committees like the National Petroleum Council that I wrote about recently. However, ITACs are functionally exempt from many of the transparency rules that generally govern Federal Advisory Committees, and their communications are largely shielded from FOIA in order to protect "third party commercial and/or financial information from disclosure." And even if for some reason they wanted to tell someone what they're doing, members must sign non-disclosure agreements so they can't "compromise" government negotiating goals. Finally, they also escape requirements to balance their industry members with representatives from public interest groups.
The result is that the Energy and Energy Services committee includes the National Mining Association and America's Natural Gas Alliance but only one representative from a company dedicated to less-polluting wind and solar energy.
The Information and Communications Technologies, Services, and Electronic Commerce committee includes representatives from Verizon and AT&T Services Inc. (a subsidiary of AT&T), which domestically are stillpushing hard against new net neutrality rules that stop internet providers from creating more expensive online fast-lanes.
And the Intellectual Property Rights committee includes the Recording Industry Association of America, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Apple, Johnson and Johnson and Yahoo, rather than groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which shares the industry's expertise in intellectual property policy but has an agenda less aligned with business.
Maira Sutton, a global policy analyst with the EFF, points to the Recording Industry Association of America as an organization that has been "very much in favor of copyright term extensions and limiting fair use." The pact could make it difficult for countries to shorten copyright terms that currently extend long past an author's life, or for artists to repurpose copyrighted material to make art or music. Apple, Sutton notes, is notoriousfor creating technology that comes riddled with restrictions on what users and programmers can do with them, a practice that could be bolstered in the TPP.
There does exist a Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee and aLabor Advisory Committee, but their members are far outnumbered by those from industry. A Washington Post analysis from February 2014 noted, "Of the 566 committee members [in the 28 committees], 306 come from private industry and an additional 174 hail from trade associations. All told they represent 85% of the voices on the trade committees."
Last year the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the part of the executive branch that runs trade negotiations, proposed creating a Public Interest Trade Advisory Committee, but civil society groups widely refused to participate in a process that would muzzle them from talking about what they saw in the trade agreement.
"It's hard to have influence if you have 20 people from the industry and one from civil society. There'd have to be a pretty serious effort to achieve more balance," says Karen Hansen-Kuhn, director of international strategies for the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, a Minneapolis-based organization that is concerned about food safety and farming-related provisions of the agreement. (I worked as an intern at the IATP in 2011).
"The best outcome would be if Congress were to put in place a new system. So [in future negotiations], when negotiating objectives are laid out, at a certain point Congress would weigh in on whether those objectives have been met," Hansen-Kuhn says. "If fast track is rejected I think it opens the possibility of doing things differently."