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Our world is in a state of exponential growth and change. As the world becomes more interconnected we are being overwhelmed with information. This impacts significantly on our powers of concentration and attention both of which are crucial for our work, health, and relationships. The increasing demands in our society are leading to heightened stress and growing levels of depression. According to WHO, by 2030, depression will pose the biggest health burden on society, both economically and sociologically. It is becoming clear that to ensure happiness and prevent stress, we need to build on our internal resources.
Just like physical fitness, developing the mind's capacity to stay present and mindful is a skill that requires regular training. The benefits of physical exercise are well established. There is now compelling research supporting the fact that meditation when practiced regularly, can lead to structural changes in the brain[1] associated with reduced genetic ageing[2], improved physical well being[3], enhanced mental performance[4], and increased happiness.
Just as polluted water is the root cause of much suffering in the developing world, so too a polluted mind, clouded by misperception and distraction, is the root cause of much suffering in the developed world.
Mindful in May will raise funds towards bringing clean water to the one billion people who struggle daily living without it. Donations will be given to Charity Water, an innovative NGO that delivers 100% of its donations directly to building wells.
Mindful in May: Pause for a cause.
CLEAR MIND for you,
CLEAN WATER for others.
[1] Lazar SW, Kerr CE, Wasserman RH, et al. Neuroreport. 2005;16(17):1893-1897.
[2] Pagnoni G. Cekic M. Neurobiology of Aging. 2007;28(10):1623-7.
[3] Epel E, Daubenmier J, Moskowitz JT, Folkman S, Blackburn E. Can meditation slow rate of cellular aging? Cognitive stress, mindfulness, and telomeres. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2009 Aug;1172:34-53.


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Drake Hogestyn (John Black) posted this tweet last night:
Drake HogestynVerified account
It's hard to know when they tape 4 months in advance.ReplyDelete
Well, They have screwed his character,, But it would be a HUGE Mistake.. I thought he was on his required time off.ReplyDelete
Who is Fran Bascom & Paul Skippers? Who is he referring to?....
Thanks, Carrie!
Then. he is just tweeting/bidding farewell to his friends...He'll still be around Salem.
Too, if Drake's character is in fact scuttled right now, it's never forever. These characters usually, almost always at some point return. Even if they were killed off, writers can magically resurrect them of course!
I started watching Days again because of
Deidra and Drake not Kristen. Marlena and Johns make no sense. Love Nicole too. Writers pay attention. (No chemistry with Kristen and Brady). Where is family, love,romance, inrique, adventure. I am so disgusted
Please writers do something to bring John and Marlena back with strong storylines lines like years ago. Or at least give John a new profession with a strong women like Hope,love Marlena too.ReplyDelete
Get drake back and recast boReplyDelete

subset: commoncrawl


text: While I'm shooting and adding more work to my portfolio, I must begin to think (and rather obsess) about a physical print portfolio. Every photographer interested in a career must invest in both their work and the tools that would connect them to their clients. A print portfolio is the presentation of our work (although … More Portfolios


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The R. C. Harris Water Treatment Plant is a UNESCO recognized technical and architectural achievement. It was recently featured in a report for The International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage (TICCIH), designated consultant to ICOMOS.
This 1940s infrastructure supplies the City of Toronto with 40% of its water. Situated along the shore of Lake Ontario, "the Art Deco buildings and crafted landscapes are refined examples of when public works were treated as expressions of civic vision and invested with fine materials and monumental public and service spaces." Over the years, the lakeside exposure and the interior humidity and chemicals have taken a toll on the building envelope. THA completed a 15-year material intensive conservation, restoring this architectural marvel to its former glory. This important report is the first global comparative study assessing the significance of sites and landscapes of the water industry. Great to be recognized among case studies across the globe!
Find a link to TICCIH's report here.


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Education at Aquinas College
Education: Endorsements
For additional information on graduate level endorsement options available to certified teachers, see the M.A.T. Concentrations and Endorsements page
Elementary Teacher Certification: Grades K-5 all subjects plus at least one option from the chart
Students pursuing elementary certification must complete the general education requirements specific to elementary education. Students will also complete a professional preparation sequence and directed student teaching. In addition, students must select at least one option from the following list:
Secondary Teacher Certification: Grades 6-12 in major and minor areas only, unless otherwise noted
Students seeking teacher certification in Secondary Education are required to select both a major and minor.
*English as a Second Language must be paired with a core content major.
**Music Education majors are not required to select a minor.
***Students who pursue the Social Studies major are required to complete a minor in either History, Geography or Political Science.
Each student pursuing teacher certification is required to meet with an Education advisor during the semester in which he/she takes EN 201 Introduction to Education. At this time, the student will be given a comprehensive list of courses required for the particular program option selected from the lists above. All students considering a career in teaching are welcome to meet with an advisor before enrolling in EN 201 to discuss program requirements and options. An advising appointment may be schedule by clicking on the "Forms" link in the above left hand menu, and selecting the "Advising Appointment" link.
Note: Aquinas College reserves the right to change, modify or amend the state requirements for certification and/or courses in its sole discretion without prior notice. Last updated on 6/30/2017.


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Bad Company is still a hugely popular game on Xbox Live,and with the release of Bad Company 2 drawing nearer and nearer the fans are gearing up for some more high-octane action.
So how is Bad Company 2 going to improve on the Battlefield formula?
Bad Company 2 promises to ramp up the multiplayer action with more mayhem and even more destructable environment's,unlike the original Bad Company it will now be possible to completely level a building.
Throw in even more map variety such as snow maps and jungles and fans are going to be pleased.
But wait…there's more.
Bad Company 2 will be shipping with a total of 4 multiplayer modes and 16 maps to keep players happy.
Players can expect to see the return of Gold Rush (renamed to just Rush)
which see's you trying to attack/defend 2 crates,when these are destroyed the map opens up a little more and 2 more crates appear.
Dot his 4 times to achieve victory if you're the attackers,or deplete the enemies reinforcement bar if you're the defenders to win.
Conquest also makes a welcome return along with 2 new modes,1 of which is Squad Deathmatch.
Sounds simple?
However Dice have mixed it up a little,instead of 2 teams facing each other down there are going to be 4 teams of 4 players each battling to score 50 kills.
This makes sure the action is non stop as your always going to be fighting,and to spice things up there will be 1 vehicle in the centre of the map.
Bad Company 2 will also be stepping onto Modern Warfare 2's turf with the promise of kit customisation and specialisations (almost exactly like perks in COD:MW2) that will add extra vehicle armour or make you more accurate.
It also seems that you will be able to add red dot sights and different scops to your weapons as well as choose between things like short and long-barreled grenade launchers.
The actual variety of customisation is still being kept under wraps,but it's going to have to be fairly extensive to trump Modern Warfare 2's options.
At this point Dice are promising 46 weapons with 200 customizations and 15 specialisations to keep players happy.
There also going to be making it easier to kill opponents as well as adding in a Hardcore mode which will remove your hud and of course make killing people a one hit deal.
Playing Hardcore on Bad Company 2's huge open maps is going to be an experience akin to Operation Flashpoint in my eyes with snipers being a lethal danger.
Gone are the health syringe's from the first Bad Company and in its place comes a slow health regeneration system,so finding cover after a bad firefight will be all important as you wait to regain your health.
Dice are also dropping the Class count from 5 to 4,removing the Specialist altogether.
The Specialists equipment is going to be distributed to other class's now.
Among the new additions are some new vehicles including the Apache Gunship,Quadbikes,the T-90 Russian Tank and a Blackhawk helicopter capable of transporting 4 people at a time.
Oh,and throw in parachutes as well and you open up the strategic advantages of Paratroopers who can drop behind enemy lines.
Single player is being kept fairly quiet,however we do know the original Bad Company guys will be back for Bad Company 2 and Dice are promising a "darker and more mature storyline"
There's also a special edition of Bad Company 2 and it only costs the same price as the standard edition,but stocks are limited so hurry if you want to get early unlocks of:
. Improved Vehicle Armour – An Up-Armour package mounted on all vehicle types decreases the effect of both explosive and penetrating warheads, significantly improving vehicle survivability.
Vehicle Alternate Fire – Additional weapon packages mounted for the driver of all armoured vehicles, greatly expands the range of targets the vehicle can successfully engage and destroy.
Vehicle Motion Sensor – Upgraded Sensor to locate enemy units in direct proximity to the vehicle.
Tracer Dart Pistol – Launched by compressed air, this magnetic dart attaches to any vehicle surface, allows friendly shoulder launched rockets to lock on to and track moving targets even beyond line of sight.
2 Classic Battlefield 1943 Weapons:
5. M1A1 Submachine Gun – Popular with Paratrooper and Commando units in WW2 for its rate of fire and stopping power the M1A1 is still seen in the hands of paramilitaries today. Reliable but heavy this classic weapon is still a powerful force in the hands of a Battlefield Veteran.
6. M1911 Pistol – Adopted in 1911 by the US Army the M1911 saw heavy service in WW1, WW2, Korea and Vietnam. Highly customised M1911 are still favored by Special Operations forces for its reliability and the power of its large .45 calibre round
With Battlefield: Bad Company's fantastic graphics and intense battles it's going to be the hot multiplayer game of 2010,competing with Modern Warfare 2 for the top spot.
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is released on 05/03/2010
Categories: Previews


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Read your book. As you read, STOP and THINK about what is happening.
You should STOP after every 2 to 4 pages and write down what is happening in the story.
This was used with my 4th-grade SPED class to help improve reading comprehension.
2 pages, 2 color options
Suggested Use:
Option #1
Option #2
1 page graphic organizer, 3 color options.
8 KWL charts focused on the following topics:
Reading Pictographs: Free Refills!
If you like this, you may also like:
Reading Pictographs: Free Refills! by The Teacher Treasury is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at http://www.theteachertreasury.com/free-downloads/reading-pictographs-free-refills.
Multiplying by 9: A Tip You Won't Forget by The Teacher Treasury is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at http://www.theteachertreasury.com/free-downloads/a-helpful-tip-to-remember-the-next-time-you-multiply-by-9-mini-poster.
Believe it or not, one of my 8th graders showed me this trick and it blew my mind!
Some of you may be thinking, this isn't a useful resource because it doesn't help the student understand the concept of multiplying by 9 and that's understandable. However, I've taught 4th and 5th grade special education and little tricks like these are a lifesaver and confidence booster when students encounter multiplication problems. I really hope you find this helpful too.
Reading Pictographs: Tony's Pencil Stand by The Teacher Treasury is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at http://www.theteachertreasury.com/free-downloads/reading-pictographs-tonys-pencil-stand.
Optional Materials: 1 sheet of graph paper (per student). This is if you want them to graph the information from the pictograph.
2 pages, 14 questions
Directions: Tony sold pencils to his friends. The pictograph below shows how much money he earned.
Lesson: Students are asked to read a pictograph where dollar signs ($) = $2
Students must understand the concepts of:
more than
less than
same amount
true or false statements
hope this helps =)
If you like this product, you may also like:
Reading Pictographs: Fall Cleanup
Reading Pictographs: Fall Cleanup
Reading Pictographs: Fall Cleanup by The Teacher Treasury is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at http://www.theteachertreasury.com/free-downloads.
2 pages, 10 questions
Directions: Michael and his father removed the leaves from their front yard. This pictograph shows the number of leaves collected and their colors. Use the information below to answer the following questions.
Teacher Tip: Print this activity double-sided to save paper.
If you like this product, you may also like:
Reading Pictographs: Tony's Pencil Stand
Blank Password Cheat Sheet
I'm not sure about you, but I have an account with a long list of websites that require usernames and passwords. In an effort to make things easier on myself, I created this really simple form. There are tons of other free password cheat sheets out there, but I really wanted one that included a box for clues/hints.
Perhaps I'm overly cautious, but I don't like my full password written out anywhere. In the password box I usually put something like "Pc4#s" meaning the first letter of the word has a capital p followed by the second word that begins with a lowercase c and a pattern of 4 known numbers. My clue would read "my favorite food" and I know that to be "Potatochips1234". Either way, if you download the MS Word format, you can customize the document to your liking or type your information instead of printing and writing.
Download Now
Fonts by KevinandAmanda.com
Another Prepositions Poster
to see how this freebie came into existence!
Fractions Practice: GCF, LCM, LCD, Mixed Numbers, Equivalent and Improper Fractions
1 page, 21 questions.
This practice sheet reviews:
Greatest Common Factors
Least Common Multiples
Least Common Denominator
Mixed Numbers
Improper and Equivalent Fractions
This is a free activity featured in Fractions Review Sheet II
If you like these products, you may also like - Fractions Review Sheet
Happy Teaching!
More Word Problems
A few more word problems for students to solve using
addition, subtraction, multiplication and repeated addition.
Short Response - Book Review
I gave this sheet to my students for homework at least twice a week. Every night my class was required to read for at least 30 minutes. I would often give them this 3 question worksheet to quickly assess their knowledge of their book. Keep in mind, several of my students were well below reading level and still reading picture books. This sheet works well with shorter books students can read in one sitting or I'm sure you can use introduce it once readers have completed a chapter book.
True or False Number Sentences
Students are asked to identify each number sentence as either TRUE or FALSE.
Word Problems: Mixed Practice
4 pages, 15 questions
Students are asked to solve word problems involving basic
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills.
Read each of the following math problems carefully.
Re-read the problem to make sure you understand.
Show your work and circle your final answer.
For this quick assessment, I included the definitions of maximum, minimum and median at the top to remind students of the difference. When teaching special education, I often provided students with just a little more information than usual to help them feel more confident about completing activities.
Now that you have read the story "The Boy Who Cried Wolf", think about the author's purpose of this non-fiction tale. Why do you think the author wrote this particular fable? What moral do you think the author wants readers to learn from this story? Why do you think nobody believed the boy at the end of the story? Use supporting details from the story to support your answer.
In your answer, be sure to:
Check your writing for correct spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation.
The story "The Three Little Pigs" is about a wolf who wants nothing more than to eat the three little pigs. Now, think about the wolf in "Little Red Riding Hood." After thinking about the two characters, tell how the two wolves are alike. Afterwards, tell how they are different. Use supporting details from both stories to support your answer.
In your answer, be sure to
2 pages, 12 addition problems each
These pages are great for students who have difficulty with spacing and lining up their numbers.
I made this chart to improve behavior management with one of my smaller groups in upper elementary. This is just a photo of what I handed out to my students. The download below is a blank MS Word document ready for editing. I only meet with this group 4 days/week, but the download also includes a template for 5 days.
I informed the students we would be coming up with a list of rules/guidelines as well as a list of consequences and rewards. Afterwards, I typed up an agreement/contract including the ideas we'd come up with and asked them to sign it.
Finally, I stapled their contracts to the back of these incentive charts to remind them of the behavior they agreed to. They receive a check-mark for each rule they uphold daily, when they don't receive a consequence and when they are caught being a leader. X-marks are when they are unable to follow the guidelines and when they receive a warning for their behavior. Keep in mind that 3 warnings = an automatic consequence and X-marks cancel out check-marks which is why they are subtracted at the bottom.
25 points = their choice of one of the rewards we agreed upon (special snacks, lunch with me and a friend of their choice, treasure box choice, etc.)
I encourage the students to fill out the boxes at the bottom at the end of the week, but it's completely optional. If they are left blank, I sometimes write my own comments for the girls to see the following week.
I attach a new sheet each week so it's easier to track their behavior and points. My students are responsible for giving themselves checks and X-marks throughout the lesson, but I go back and double check that they have been keeping accurate score.
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text:
The central key is for engages your prospects in the series of small movements. Strains of the quotas, time-constraints, or deadlines can make it tempting for put on the pressure for motivate the prospects, but in tangibility this is rarely best approach to take. Few points explain, how motivates a prospect:
Initiates with the smaller commitments:
This would be great, if all the sales-cycles moved from the first contact to purchase the commitment in same day, but it rarely happens. That's why it is a job of the sales person for motivate the prospects for a sale, or initiating with the small commitments is an excellent channel to lead up to buy decision. What you require to do is get the prospect for agree with a series of the smaller decisions, such as:
- Is time-line acceptable for you?
- What do you think are the best advantages of our solutions?
- What the other information do you require to make a decision?
Focus on the outcomes:
Single of the biggest mistakes, the sales people make is to focus on price or deliverables for motivate the prospects, rather than the focusing on the outcomes that the goods and services being sold can offer. When moving towards, the close or attempting for motivate the prospects, in most of cases the price is last thing you want to focus-on. Instead, remind the prospects of the potential outcomes you've already discussed or throw in any additional advantages that you can think of, while implying that sooner the prospects buys, the better those outcomes will be.
Create a Plan:
Plan, in this case, is not merely a plan for purchase. It is a plan that aids your prospect realizes that they can get what they desire through making a purchase from you.
Build Up the Credibility:
A badly made the decisions can reflects the poorly on decision maker or damage the prospects' business in bargain. When the prospect is hesitating, building-up the credibility can reduced the perceived-risk or lead to an almost speedy buying the decision. Use the following elements for build the credibility with prospects:
- Refer to others, who're using the goods and services, specifically if they're competitors to the prospect.
- Mention the certifications, awards, and other broad-accolades the good and service has received.
- To the large sales and sales with actual long term potentials, enlist a sales manager and other senior sales individual to meet as a team with the client
Create Dis-satisfactions:
At its face, creating the dissatisfaction sounds like a risky path to motivate the prospects. However, the prospects who do not've a problem for solve won't buy; it is really that simple. It is where knowing the prospects actual comes into play, because for create the dissatisfaction you need for out-line the accurate business problems the prospects' can solve with your offering. If you hit on actual problems that you can help the address, you'll have the prospects' signing a deal.
Assume Sale Is Made:
Furthest that a sales individual can take the confidence is to assume that a deal is already on skyline, or only a some further details requires be worked-out before the delivery. Using tact's with this approach is vital to avoid the scaring off prospect, but when implemented tactfully it's very successful & can be combined with the other methods for motivate the prospects to even better outcomes.


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T.I. has won a court case in which he is now required to increase child support by $1,000 as opposed to the $7,000 increase asked for by the mother of his children.
Lashon Dixon, the mother to the couple's sons Domani and Messiah, was receiving $2,000 a month from T.I., and told the court she was unable to take care of them with that amount and asked for $10,000 a month.
The rapper says that Dixon has decided not get a job and instead live off the money he gives her.
"She has chosen not to work and to live 100 percent from her child support receipts," he said, reports vibe.com. "This is the reason for her difficulties in making ends meet for herself… I should only be judged for my actions and not Lashon's conscience decision not to work and not to contribute to the financial support of our boys."
He then went on his website to state that he pays for his children's living expenses.
"To clarify the recent reports, in addition to the $2000 per month I pay in cash to Lashon Dixon, the mother of my sons Domani and Messiah, I also pay for their private schooling, medical insurance, clothing, food, gifts, birthdays and extracurricular activities. Their extra-curricular activities have included football, basketball, baseball, acting lessons, summer camp, and any other activities that they express a desire to be involved in that will contribute to them leading balanced lives and developing into well rounded individuals."
And he says he's given Dixon much more than just the monthly support.
"I have also made an attempt to help Lashon with additional payments that have included a down payment to purchase her home, purchase of an automobile for her transportation and other financial obligations. These expenses are documented and are far in excess of the $2000 cash payment that is being paid direct to Lashon."
–By our New York staff.


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Courtesy Can Be Counterproductive
Guys: As you walked into the office this morning, did you hold the door open for a colleague? Was this co-worker a man?
If so, thanks a lot. You may have done him more harm than good.
That's the surprising conclusion of recently published research, which suggests holding a door open while you let another man enter first can lower his self-esteem and self-confidence.
Real men, it seems, navigate doorways unassisted.
"Behaviors as fleeting and seemingly innocuous as door holding can have unforeseen negative consequences."
There is a down side to "seemingly innocuous but unexpected helping behavior that violates gender norms," Purdue University psychologists Megan McCarty and Janice Kelly write in the journal Social Influence. Their results suggest even a simple act of kindness can convey a negative message—He thinks I'm weak!—which can lead to increased self-doubt.
McCarty and Kelly describe an experiment featuring 196 people who walked into a building on a university campus. The entrance had two doors directly next to one another, each of which opened outward.
Each subject was approached by a male member of the research team as they walked toward the building. For half, the research associate "took a step in front of the participant, opened the door, and let the participant walk through the door first." For the other half, he reached for the adjacent door, so that the two opened their doors more or less simultaneously.
Once inside, a female research associate approached each subject and asked him or her to complete a short survey. On a one-to-10 scale, they indicated their agreement with three statements measuring self-esteem (including "I feel that I'm a person of worth, at least on an equal plane with others"), and three measuring self-efficacy (including "I can usually achieve what I want if I work hard for it").
The results: Male, but not female, participants reported lower levels of self-esteem and self-confidence if the door had just been held open for them.
The researchers note that the specific action they used in their experiment—opening the door for another person, and letting them enter first—is "associated with chivalry" and "traditional Western dating scripts." It's therefore possible that the men treated to this courtesy felt somehow feminized and less powerful.
Alternatively, the action may have sent the unintended message that the person "is inferior or too dependent," they note. This, too, could negatively impact a man's sense of self-worth.
Who says men have fragile egos?
Either way, the researchers write, the results suggest "behaviors as fleeting and seemingly innocuous as door holding can have unforeseen negative consequences."
Then again, if the guy in question is competing with you for a promotion, you might want to hold the door open for him at every possible opportunity.


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If you don't understand that then you need to open your eyes! America is dying a slow death and we are all too afraid to say it and do anything about it.
The country is in the mess it is today because of the ill conceived notion that being a 'moderate' or someone who 'compromises' is what we should strive for. You hear it every day on television about how gridlock in Washington is such a terrible thing and how politicians can't get "The Peoples" work done like they want to because the right wing won't compromise.
In the eyes of a liberal, progressive, socialist, Marxist or Democrat (they are all the same) compromise ONLY means caving in to their demands. To them being a 'moderate' means going along with what they want. And for years conservatives have played right along except for a brief period of time when Ronald Reagan was President.
But even Reagan did more compromising than he should have. He was also fooled by the Democrats into thinking that they would deal honestly and fairly with him promising him things in return for his support of some issues on their agenda. Reagan commented in his later years that he felt betrayed and never saw the things he was promised by the Democrats. We should have learned from that a long time ago.
Years, and years of 'compromise' and being 'moderate' have left this country in a financial disaster it may not be able to recover from. Government spending is out of control and growing at an ever increasing rate. We have a national debt of well over 15 Trillion dollars, 40% of every dollar we spend is borrowed and half of all Americans are not paying any income taxes. This is a recipe for economic collapse.
How much longer will an increasingly smaller and smaller portion of society continue to pay for everything and everyone else? How much longer can entitlements keep growing before there is just no more money to pay for them? Does anyone really think the Fed can keep printing more and more money and nothing catastrophic will take place?
Last week we saw a dog and pony show on Capitol Hill, presented by the Democrats where a young woman proclaimed that it was just not right that she had to pay for her own contraception. She is a student at a prestigious law school and let the world know that it was just 'too much' to expect her to pay for her own contraception while at law school. Really? Wow! She is even on a scholarship at the school. So she (and every Democrat in the country) expect the taxpayers or insurance companies to pay for her birth control. Remember, insurance companies will not 'pay' for it. They will just raise the premiums of their customers to pay for it. And the 'government' will not pay for it. They will raise taxes or just print more money out of thin air to pay for it. So as crazy it seems the bottom line is all us taxpayers and workers will pay for her contraception needs whether we want to or not.
Yet, "The People" want more and more of this insanity it seems. The media and Democrats make you feel like you are some kind of evil person if you dare to say you are against another new entitlement. Most people want to feel good about themselves and don't want to have someone say or even think they are a 'bad' person so they go along with it.
They stay silent or even vote for the people (Democrats) that will enact more such laws because it makes them feel good about themselves. "I am a good person! I support more entitlements! I vote for Democrats because they are more moderate and that is a good thing." Then these voters can sleep peacefully at night knowing they 'helped' someone in need when in reality they are hurting the country as a whole in a dramatic way.
The truth is this is all a bunch of Bull! The bleeding hearts and people that want to (or need to) feel good about themselves and vote for Democrats or RINO's are the cause of the very problems we face today that will doom the country. When you hear the media or a Democrat saying, "It is good to be a moderate. We need compromise" it is a trap! What they are really saying is you voters need to let us turn America into a socialist country by putting us in office. They pitch the phony narrative that they want to help the poor, help the children, protect women's rights and save the Earth when their true intent is something very different.
Democrats are hypocrites! I realized this when I was only about 12 years old. They say things to try and tug at your heart strings and make you feel like you are a bad person if you don't support their agenda. Their agenda is ruining this country as we know it and must be stopped.
Andrew Breitbart said it best when he proclaimed, "This is war! We conservatives are not taking it anymore!" Yes, we have 'taken it' for years and years and it has to change. The liberals have been 'at war' with us for some time. When will we realize that? We have literally lost control of our own government while we had our backs turned, working hard making the country great. While we were minding our own business people like Barack Obama, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi have been hard at work within the government making their socialist agenda a reality. The very fabric of America is being changed right before our eyes. If you don't think this is 'war' you are naïve and foolish.
These are scary times! We have an electorate that produced a President that flat out told us he did not like America and was determined to "fundamentally change it." He told us what he was going to do and he is doing it! Being a good person DOES NOT mean being a 'moderate' or being willing to 'compromise'. The time for compromise and moderation is over. Being in the 'middle' is the totally wrong way to think unless you want America to be a socialist country.
In truth, being a good citizen means standing up for what is right and what needs to be done and NOT backing down. We must take our medicine or we will never get better. The Democrats are like a bad parent. They give their kids candy because the kids want it even though they know it will make them sick and rot their teeth. In fact, they even get them addicted to the candy by design. They buy their kids lavish Christmas presents and pay for them with a credit card that they have no intention of ever paying off themselves. They don't tell their kids this but the 'kids' will be the ones having to pay for that credit card bill sometime in the future.
The Democrats take every opportunity to kill energy production because in truth they want gasoline to be $10 a gallon so people won't drive. They tell you they are trying to save the environment instead of telling the truth that they really don't want a population of citizens that are 'empowered' to be free people and pursue happiness. The Democrats think they are the 'ruling class', that they know best and that we are pheasants. The pheasants can't be controlled if they are free to do what they please economically and politically. $10 a gallon gasoline is part of their plan to keep people dependant on the government which of course is them.
The Communist Party was not the workers party. They just said that to keep the masses in check so they could tax them and control them with a strong central government. Anyone that tells you that is not the exact same thing the Democrats want these days is a liar. The Democratic Party has totally been taken over by socialists, progressives and Marxists. The Communists were the ruling class. That is the Democrats goal these days.
We better wake up and take action now before it is too late. The Constitution is our guiding principle and we must 'demand' a return to a government that obeys the Constitution. We are like a speeding car heading towards a cliff and the Democrats are saying 'go faster!' Now 'why' would they want that? The Republicans are saying, "Well, maybe we should consider slowing down a little bit or changing course somewhat. We need to talk about that."
Both parties are taking us down a path to ruin, one just quicker than the other. Nancy Pelosi even said that there 'should be no difference' no matter which party wins the majority in the government. What she means is that, in her mind, it does not matter if Republicans or Democrats win. The end result will be the same. A strong central government that controls the masses…meaning controlling us.
The government needs to leave people alone, get off the back of businesses, and stop spending money they don't have. We must DEMAND that from our elected officials or vote them out. As Rick Perry said, "The Federal Government needs to be as inconsequential in the everyday lives of Americans as possible." The time is now and we must act to take back our government and restore America to what it once was. No more compromise.
If we don't act now what Ronald Reagan warned us about will come true…
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.
Ronald Reagan
Everyone is Invited to Read More and Post Your Thoughts at this Conservative News Website http://www.RightFace.us


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Attractions in Columbia, South Carolina, Offer Educational Opportunities for All Ages
If you're headed south this summer, consider a day trip or weekend stay in Columbia, South Carolina, a charming city filled with kid-friendly activities. A quick 1.5-hour drive from Charlotte and doable 3.5-hour drive from Raleigh, Columbia offers outdoor recreation, educational museums and family activities for end-of-summer fun.
EdVenture Children's Museum
As the largest children's museum in the South, EdVenture Children's Museum should be at the top of your things-to-do list while visiting Columbia. Walk in the front doors and your kids will be in awe of "EDDIE," a 10-year-old boy who is 40-feet tall and weighs more than 17 tons. "EDDIE" isn't a statue. He's an interactive exhibit children can explore to learn how our bodies work. Climb up and down his vertebrae to see his brain, heart, stomach and more. Additional exhibits include "Wags and Whiskers," which teaches kids about the care and health of pets; and "Maker Works," a makerspace workshop area to bring your child's creativity to life.
"World of Work" is a kid-size city designed to help kids learn more about jobs. They can climb a 24-foot fire truck, take orders at a diner, shop at a neighborhood market, sit on the tractor and learn about care car in a full-size Chevy.
EdVenture Children's Museum also offers a putting course, carousel and TV station center where your little ones can pretend to give news updates. Admission is $11.50 for children and adults ($10.50 for members of the military, educators and ages 62 and older). Learn more at edventure.org.
Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden
More than 2,000 animals call Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden and its natural habitat exhibits home. See giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, koala bears, kangaroos, sea lions, grizzly bears, otters and more. Feed a giraffe at the overlook or walk beside the kangaroos in the kangaroo walkabout. Periodically, zoo visitors can participate in animal feedings and watch animal demonstrations and educational presentations. Be sure to check riverbanks.org for the latest schedule.
Enjoy several interactive activities designed for kids. Waterfall Junction at the Riverbanks Botanical Garden is a 3-acre garden with treehouses, playhouses, a splash zone, the Dino Dig, a life-size Tyrannosaurus rex replica and more. Kids can also experience a carousel, train ride, climbing wall, vertical ropes challenge and zip lining course activity.
Zoo tickets can be purchased online and are $15.95 for ages 13 and older, $13.50 for ages 2-12 and free for guests under age 2. Learn more at riverbanks.org.
South Carolina State Museum
The South Carolina State Museum is 225,000-sqaure-feet and features exhibits, a planetarium, only permanent 4-D theater in the state and an observatory. The museum houses more than 100,000 artifacts that represent the art, natural history, science and South Carolina culture.
The 55-foot digital dome planetarium brings the night sky and universe to life with daily programming. Shows change each month. Be sure to check the museum website for the schedule.
In the 4-D theater, immerse yourselves in a 3-D visual world while also experiencing physical effects such as a water spray and vibrating seats. Museum admission is $11.95-$19.95, depending on age and type of ticket. Learn more at scmuseum.org.
Saluda Shoals Park
While visiting Columbia, consider exploring Saluda Shoals Park for outdoor recreation. This scenic 400-acre park along the Saluda River features traditional and splash water playgrounds, trails, a wetland preserve, a kayak/canoe launch area and more. Learn more at icrc.net/saluda-shoals-park.
Total Solar Eclipse on Aug. 21
Columbia, South Carolina, is in the path of totality for a monumental solar eclipse, which will occur Monday, Aug. 21, and is projected to be the most viewed total eclipse in history. A total solar eclipse happens when the sun, moon and earth line up so perfectly that the moon blocks the sun. Columbia is uniquely positioned to experience the longest total eclipse time on the East Coast, with darkness expected for 2 minutes and 36 seconds. The next time a total solar eclipse like this will be visible from the Columbia area is 2078.
A variety of special events and viewing parties are scheduled leading up to and on Aug. 21. The South Carolina State Museum, for example, is hosting several events beginning Friday, Aug. 18. There will be a planetarium show titled, "Shadows From Space" as well as pop-up stations and astronomy, space and educational programs covering the eclipse. Gen. Charles Duke, an Apollo 16 astronaut, is also scheduled to make an appearance.
For more information about eclipse events, visit totaleclipsecolumbiasc.com.
Myra Wright is the web editor of Carolina Parent and Charlotte Parent. She frequently writes about kid-friendly destinations and enjoys exploring new places with her husband and three kids.


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Back on the market: RHONJ stars Melissa and Joe Gorga list Montville mansion for $3.3M
Real Housewives of New Jersey stars Melissa and Joe Gorga are saying goodbye to their Montville mansion for a second time, recently listing their six bedroom, seven-and-a-half bathroom home for a little under $3.3 million, according to Coldwell Banker's Luxury Real Estate Agent Michele Kolsky-Assatly.
The 9,500-square-foot single family home, located in the Pond section of Montville, sits on a 2.23 acre corner lot. It was built in 2009 by the couple and includes a gym, salon, rec room, media room, library, padded kids play area, walk in wine cellar and bar, a two-story great room with a Juliet balcony and a gourmet eat-in kitchen. The master suite boasts a dressing room and spacious master bathroom with a fireplace. There is a walkout to the backyard, which has an outdoor kitchen and pool.
Story continues below the video.
The home was on the market in October 2017 at $3.8 million, but was taken off the market in March 2018. Joe and Melissa currently reside there with their three children Antonia, Gino and Joey.
"They are a great couple and I can see why they are successful. Lovely parents. They were interesting and fun, extremely charming," said Kolsky-Assatly. "This house fits right in with the high end listings in Bergen County."
RHONJ:Reality stars and Fetty Wap celebrate Milania Giudice's album release
Entertainment:RHONJ Dolores Catania in local film with Ridgewood premiere
Not your parents' prom rides:Teens rolling up in Ferraris and Lamborghinis


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City by City Links for Florida:
|The following is a list of Florida Cities that contain details of things to do like Attractions, Night Life, Dining and Services in that City.
Simply click on them to find information on a world of entertainment and services from Pensacola down to Key West.
|Main Tourist Cities
|Other Cities


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It's been a week since Jon Stewart hosted his final The Daily Show…
I still haven't recovered. I may never recover. [salty goggles]
Jon, you will be missed. Sorely.
I appreciate his reasons for leaving, but man, oh man, I feel so bereft. He was head and shoulders above any one else like him. He was, at least for me, a key — perhaps irreplaceable — voice in the world.
If you watched the show, you've probably seen his final appearance by now. (As always, I watched all four of the week's episodes on Sunday.) It was an emotional experience. Clearly for those doing the show, and I imagine for every fan watching.
Unlike The Colber(t) Repor(t), which died when Stephen Colbert left last year, The Daily Show will continue with new host Trevor Noah. The general feeling and hope is that the machinery of the show itself (which is outstanding) will allow the show to be as good and as successful as it has been.
I hope so, because there is nothing else on the TV machine that comes close for me. For me, even The Colber(t) Repor(t), as good — no, outstanding — as it was, played second fiddle in the band. The mix of comedy and news and seriousness on TDS was head and shoulders above anything else of its ilk.
I've tried — really tried — to like The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, but I mostly just don't. I really wish I could like it more, I really do. There needs to be a show that takes on the topic of race in this country.
But, as with all shows on Comedy Central, it is first and foremost a comedy show. One problem I have is that, as with all shows on Comedy Central, I often find the humor infantile. That is to say, not even vaguely funny. If it's pitched for the groundlings, it's usually a pitch in the dirt to me.
To me The Nightly Show works too hard for low-brow laughs and doesn't spend nearly enough time seriously tackling one of the most important social issues we face. (Crucially important, if for no other reason — and there are others, than that it's been going on for so long. Arguably it's been going on the entire history of this country.)
So it's been a huge disappointment for me. Every few weeks, or if there was a key event in the news, I'd give it another shot, but often I only manage to watch a couple of episodes, and rarely manage to watch all four. I often turned it off mid-show in disgust.
I may have to give Last Week Tonight with John Oliver on HBO another chance. I've never been a fan of the man. I even stopped watching TDS when Oliver hosted during Stewart's Rosewater absence. Something about him just grates. He laughs at his own funniness way too much, and I don't perceive him as balanced.
That was the thing about Jon Stewart. He clearly leaned way left, but he didn't view the right as strictly the territory of idiots and assholes. And he understood very well that idiots and assholes exist on both sides.
Speaking of HBO, I loath — deeply, deeply loath — Bill Maher and trying to watch his show often has me screaming at my TV. Pity, because he usually has guests with substantive, interesting opinions (a lack that is another flaw for me about Larry Wilmore's show). Maher, to me, is the king of smug liberal assholes who believe the left has all the points.
Make no mistake. I'm way a progressive liberal (even a libertarian on many issues), but I'm under no impression it's The One True View. In fact, I believe a conservative view is crucial to moderate and balance the excesses of progressives. (All sides can be guilty of excess.)
So what's a person to do if they want news, social and political commentary, a bit of intelligent humor, and a truly balanced perspective? CNN is a joke, MSNBC and FNC are unspeakable, unwelcome party guests (and, to my eyes, just mirror images of each other), and PBS bores me to tears.
I've heard that Al Jezeera America offers good news coverage with balance, but I don't get that on my cable channels. I hate going to websites because of all the ads and other crap websites are loaded and bloated with these days.
Jon: I get it, I wish you the very best (you've way earned it), and I'm looking forward to whatever you do next, but I gotta tell you that you've left a huge hole in the lives of many. A Grand Canyon-sized gap that will be extremely hard to fill.
This loss is made all the more poignant for me because I recently lost another valued critical voice: Keith Olbermann is no longer doing his show on ESPN. He wasn't renewed when his contract ran out last month. (Many think it was because he was often critical of the NFL. Which ESPN in deeply in the pockets of.)
Olbermann's show was a lot like Stewart's. Both were half-hour shows, both had a guest interview segment, both contained pointed commentary. Stewart went after the whole world. Olbermann went after sports.
Some may remember Keith Olbermann's Countdown, an hour-long show that used to air on MSNBC. He moved to Al Gore's Current TV network for a while. Those were both political commentary shows. Then he showed up on ESPN with a sports show, which was a return to his roots as a sportscaster (he worked for ESPN from 1992–1997 and his acrimonious departure came, in part, due to an unauthorized appearance on, ta da, The Daily Show).
In particular, KO is a baseball fan ("fan" being a mild word in his case) as well as a baseball historian and collector. He's a "sports guy" — yes — but his first love is baseball. (I'm mostly just a baseball guy.)
I can't help but quote Yeats here:
Sound like a social or political scene appearing near you, perhaps?
So, what to do, what to do? I guess I can only end this as Jon Stewart ended his final The Daily Show episode. With a great Bruce Springsteen tune:
[update 8/14/15: Video deleted by YouTube. Well that didn't last long. You can find the entire last episode at The Daily Show official website.]
"Go forth and spread beauty… and light."


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New lifestyle-based prediction tool estimates individual colorectal cancer risk
Bremen, Germany – The new LifeCRCscore provides individuals a simple method to estimate their 10-year risk of developing colorectal cancer. This could also prove useful for physicians to estimate their patients risk. The tool is based on age, anthropometry and several lifestyle habits and can also be used to provide tips for incorporating healthy habits into daily lives. It was developed by a team around Prof. Dr. Krasimira Aleksandrova, deputy head of the Department of Epidemiological Methods and Etiological Research at the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS.
Colorectal cancer accounted for over 1.8 million new cases or 10 per cent of all new cases of cancer worldwide in 2018. It is one of the most common cancers. Worryingly, the global burden of colorectal cancer is expected to rise by 60 per cent reaching 2.2 million new cases and 1.1 million deaths in 2030, with European countries ranking highest. In recent years the rates are increasing especially in younger individuals. ??
Nutrition and lifestyle have been long established as risk factors for colorectal cancer. Modifiable behaviors such as smoking, diet, excess alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, as well as obesity and weight gain can increase the long-term risk of a person to develop colorectal cancer. Therefore, so called lifestyle-based risk models may aid the identification of persons with a high risk, guide referral to screening and motivate behavior change.
The team around Prof. Aleksandrova therefore set out to develop and validate a lifestyle-based risk prediction algorithm for colorectal cancer. ??The study was conducted in close cooperation with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and other collaborators in the EPIC study. Their results have now been published in the journal BMC Medicine. ??
The model was developed using health data from 255,482 participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study, who were free of cancer in 1992-2000 and were followed for up to 15 years. The model was additionally validated in a sample of 74,403 participants. During the study period, there were 3645 and 981 cases of colorectal cancer in the development and validation samples. ?
LiFeCRC score
"One goal of this research was to help individuals estimate their own risk for colorectal cancer and base lifestyle choices on this knowledge", explains Prof. Aleksandrova. She adds: "This tool represents the first time that data from a large-scale, well-conducted European cohort study were used to develop an easy-to-use colorectal cancer prevention tool. The model takes into account individual age, waist circumference and height, as well as critical diet and lifestyle factors that can influence a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer in the next 10 years such as daily alcohol consumption, smoking status, physical (in)activity and dietary intakes of vegetables, dairy products, processed meat and sugar and confectionary."
"Currently, the target population for colorectal cancer screening is mainly selected based on age alone", says Prof. Aleksandrova. "Although age is undoubtedly an important predictor of colorectal cancer as shown in our data, information on modifiable lifestyle factors allows provision of preventive health recommendations for individuals at risk. Despite being one of the leading causes of cancer morbidity and mortality, colorectal cancer is largely preventable. We hope that our model can contribute to this through motivating lifestyle change at the individual level."
Original publication:Aleksandrova, K., Reichmann, R., Kaaks, R. et al. Development and validation of a lifestyle-based model for colorectal cancer risk prediction: the LiFeCRC score. BMC Med 19, 1 (2021). doi.org/10.1186/s12916-020-01826-0
BIPS - Health Research in the Service of People
The population is at the center of our research. As an epidemiological research institute, we see our task in identifying the causes of health disorders and developing new concepts for the prevention of diseases. Our research provides the basis for social decisions. It informs the population about health risks and contributes to a healthy living environment.
BIPS is a member of the Leibniz Association, to which 96 independent research institutions belong. The Leibniz Institutes' research activities range from natural sciences, engineering and environmental sciences to economics, spatial and social sciences and the humanities. Leibniz Institutes are dedicated to socially, economically and ecologically relevant issues. Due to their importance for the whole country, the federal and state governments jointly support the institutes of the Leibniz Association. The Leibniz institutes employ around 20,000 people, including 10,000 scientists and researchers. The institutes have a total budget of more than 1.9 billion euros.
Download the press release.


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TnT Powerhouse Fitness
- 1115 North Bragg Boulevard
- Spring Lake, NC 28390
- (910) 491-2908
- firstname.lastname@example.com
OverviewWe provide gym services that are tailored to meet the needs of each of our customers. Additionally, we provide an enabling environment for each of our clients to engage in a gym activity of their choice. We enable our customers to attain the fitness levels that they desire in accordance with the goals that they set in collaboration with our instructors.


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Above: Overlooking the resort's main pool and spa.
Ubud's newest riverside retreat combines art, comfort, and genial Balinese hospitality
By Natasha Dragun
First Impressions
This striking property is the third Ubud venture by Komaneka, a budding Balinese boutique-hotel group run by a family of art collectors. Carved into a valley of palms and papaya, the resort features an eclectic selection of artworks from the owners' private collection. Antique Balinese doors sit beside wire installations, while paintings reminiscent of Jackson Pollock's fluid expressionism are overhung with designer chandeliers. Even the tables are works of art, carved from gigantic dungu tree roots recovered from Kalimantan.
The Address
Set on a hillside overlooking the Campuhan River, Komaneka at Bisma is within walking distance of Ubud's main drag, but far enough removed to escape the clatter of early-morning garbage trucks. Regular buses whisk guests into town, with drop-off points at Komaneka's sister hotels and the Neka Art Museum, founded by the family's patriarch.
Rooms To Book
The 34 suites are smart and spacious, but better still are the 10 sprawling one-bedroom villas. Each is outfitted with a 12-meter-long swimming pool tiled in green to complement the lush river valley it overlooks. The light-filled interiors are decorated in warm, earthy tones, and come with niceties like complimentary Wi-Fi and Apple TVs. Book Villa 110, the farthest from the main building, for maximum seclusion.
The Food
Begin the evening with sundowners on the deck of the candle-lit lobby; come dusk, beanbags emerge and creative cocktails make the rounds. All meals are served in the resort's open-air restaurant, where fresh, fusion creations utilize locally sourced produce—think char-grilled free- range chicken with mango, cashews, and a chili-tamarind sauce. There's no charge for room service, so sleep in and have breakfast (try the cinnamon-spiced yogurt with homemade muesli and pots of Balinese coffee) in your villa.
What the fitness center lacks in size, it more than makes up for in outlook. From the treadmill, you're treated to views of the pool and river valley, providing you with plenty of inspiration to work up a sweat. Less strenuous, but equally rousing, are early-morning yoga classes in the same space.
Don't Miss
Make time for a treatment at the Komaneka Spa, set low in the valley beside a waterfall. Balinese therapies like the lulur ayu body scrub utilize aromatic house-blended spa products, combining ingredients such as Kaffir lime leaves with yam beans, patchouli, and granulated rice.
Jl. Bisma, Ubud; 62-361/971-933; komaneka.com; doubles from US$350.
Originally appeared in the June/July 2009 print issue of DestinAsian magazine ("Komaneka?at Bisma")


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$24.95 $35.00 You Save 28% ($10.05)
Stevenís Side Stripe Menís Swim Trunk. NDS Wear has done it again with the New Stevenís Side Stripe Menís Swim Trunk. New style this year with the new NDS Wear collection of swimwear for men that will take your breath away. This swimsuit feature a side stripe; accented with a stunning red stripe on both sides of swimsuit and a white trim to make it pop. It has a drawstring in this one to make more comfortable in this menís swim trunk. Look your sexiest in this Stevenís swim trunk. NDS Wear logo on bottom left leg detailed in rubber. Lined front and functional tie string inside. Makes a great piece of men's resort wear, beach wear or pool. Grab one today and be the hit of the party, pool, or gym in your new Ndswear Stevenís swim trunk. Fabric content is 83% nylon and 17% spandex great for feel and stretch. Sizes Small thru XL. Sizing in inches: Small 28"-30", Medium 31"-33", Large 34"-36", XL 37-39", all sizing is per manufacturer. By NDS Wear Style NDS-D-025
Collections: Mens Swimwear, Midcut Swimsuits, Valentines day Selection


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[email protected]
Cathleen Falsani immediately captivates her audience with her energetic passion and natural humor as she draws them into her deep pool of knowledge. She brings cultural relevance, spiritual depth, and firsthand experience to her topics.
An award-winning religion journalist and the new Faith & Values columnist for the Orange County Register in Southern California, in the context of faith, Cathleen has interviewed and written about many world-renowned personalities. From Bono, Anne Rice, and Barack Obama to Elie Wiesel, John Patrick Shanley, and Hugh Hefner, each has opened up to Cathleen about the most intimate parts of their life—what they believe, what they don't, and why. Her writing offers a fresh, occasionally controversial, and always illuminating look at the beliefs that shape our culture and our lives.
A Connecticut native and granddaughter of Italian and Irish immigrants, Cathleen is a graduate of Wheaton College, the alma mater of the Rev. Billy Graham as well as horror film director Wes Craven. (She has a great affinity and admiration for both.) She holds a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University as well as a master's degree in theological studies from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. She was a 2009 Divinity School Media Fellow at Duke University, a Gralla Fellow in Jewish Studies at Brandeis University, and was the 1996 Stoody-West Fellow in Religious Journalism. She is currently in the process of discerning a call to return to seminary to pursue a Master of Divinity degree this time around.
Cathleen is a sought-after public speaker having presented lectures and talks at colleges, universities, civic organizations, houses of worship, and large faith-based conferences nationwide, including the Catalyst Conference, the Wild Goose Festival, Point Loma Nazarene University's Symposium by the Sea, the National Pastors Convention, the Los Angeles Book Festival, the Festival of Faith and Music, and the Festival of Faith and Writing, St. James Episcopal Cathedral in Chicago, WomenChurch, Dominican University in Chicago, and California State University in Sacramento, to name just a few.
She is author of the critically acclaimed The God Factor: Inside the Spiritual Lives of Public People (Farrar, Straus and Girox, 2006), Sin Boldly: A Field Guide for Grace (Zondervan, 2008), The Dude Abides: The Gospel According to the Coen Brothers (Zondervan, 2009), BELIEBER: Fame, Faith and the Heart of Justin Bieber (Worthy Books, 2011), and the forthcoming Disquiet Time: Rants and Reflections on the Good Book by the Skeptical, the Faithful, and a Few Scoundrels (coedited with Jennifer Grant and published by Jericho Books, Fall 2014).
Cathleen was the religion writer and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times from 2000 to January 2010, and a longtime contributor and columnist for Religion News Service. From August 2011 to December 2012, Cathleen was the Web Editor and Director of New Media for Sojourners, where she ran its popular God's Politics blog. She also was a contributing editor and columnist for Sojourners magazine.
Cathleen has covered her diverse "God beat" from locations as far afield as Vatican City, Vedic City, Ireland, Germany, the Caribbean, the West Wing, the Playboy Mansion, and the dugout at Wrigley Field. She was honored as the 2005 James O. Supple Religion Writer of the Year by the Religion Newswriters Association, and has twice been a finalist for the Templeton Religion Reporter of the Year award.
Her work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Christianity Today and Christian Century magazines, as well as the Chicago Tribune, the Washington Post, the Toronto Star, Kansas City Star, Madison Capital Times, the Harvard Divinity School Bulletin, CNN.com, and other publications in North America and Europe. She has appeared as a commentator on CNN, Oprah Winfrey's "Soul Series," National Public Radio's "The Story" and "Weekend Edition," BBC World Service, FoxNewsChannel, Moody Radio, WGN-Radio, NPR's "Day to Day," The Tavis Smiley Show (on PBS), and a host of other radio and television venues.
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WaaS – Phase 0 [Scrutineering]
In part 1 I talked about the overall design of my WaaS implementation and some background on how I got there.
WaaS – Overview of WaaS the Wolverine Way
Here I'll go into details on the "Phase 0" portion of the process, the Reference or "scrutineering" phase. The purpose is to ensure that our pool of client devices is adhering to the rules and are eligible to be potential upgrade targets.


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Find It Now
The following maps are best printed in color and, for many, on 14 X 11 or 17 X 14 paper for better clarity:
Bike Trails in Medina County will provide routes throughout the county and through many of the cities where the designated trails run.
CEDA and the City of Medina Map shares the location of the property that is located in York Township and its relationship to the city of Medina. The property is now industrial zoned for development.
CEDA Map 2 enlarges the CEDA location.
The Community Facilities Map depicts the location of the City of Medina's community facilities including the following: •City of Medina Facilities •Public Parks & Recreation •School Facilities •County Facilities •Other, Quasi-Public & Private Facilities The Community Reinvestment Area
The Existing Land Use Map depicts the current zoning classifications and land uses for the city.
The Future Land Use Map is used as a guide for both development and redevelopment within the City. The map should be used as a tool to guide future land use policies and decisions, and reflects responsible use and reuse of land that is consistent with the community's visions.
The Historic District and Transitional Corridor Overlay Map highlights the Historic District and the major arteries entering the district. These two areas have special requirements in regards to building and planning requirements. See Planning and Zoning Department on questions regarding building
The Medina Corridor Action Map depicts the nine corridors throughout the City of Medina which carry a majority of the traffic in the City.
The Medina Neighborhood Action Map depicts a general representation of neighborhood characteristics in order to provide a snapshot of the condition of the City.
The Natural Features Map indicates flood prone areas, ground water pollution potential areas, open water, shallow marshes and woods on hydric soil.
The Regional Location Map shows Medina's location in regard to the state and the region of northeast Ohio.
The Rocky River Watershed Maps depicts the tributaries and runoff of the Rocky River in the city and county of Medina.
The Thoroughfare Plan Map references and graphically depicts the locations of the facilities for the basic transportation network in a community which consists of the pathways and facilities used to move people and products from one location to another. Usually the network includes: •Facilities for automobile and truck transport •Railways, rail stations, and intermodal facilities •Waterways and ports •Airways and airports •Bicycle circulation facilities •Pedestrian ways The Traffic Count Maps available are the Medina County Traffic Count, Medina City Traffic Count, Historic District Traffic Count and Uptown Square Traffic Count
The Medina City Zoning Map indicates the residential, commercial, industrial, multi-use and publicly zoned areas of the city.
The Medina City Ward Map shows the boundaries for each of the four wards in the City.
The Full District Parking Map shows the available public parking areas in the downtown Central Business District.


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At the beginning of summer, as the snow melts and the vegetation awakes, yawning, stretching its arms, turning slowly from yellow to green, the lawnmowers are trundled out of their winter storage, for four months of intensive activity in the sunshine. According to a 1999 survey, there are 659,200 of them in the Pyrenees.
According to the farmers these are not lawnmowers, but real live sheep and cows which they are taking up to the estives, rough pasture at 1400m to 2200m above sea level. But in the parallel world of the authorities, these are full-time lawnmowers and snow ploughs. In the evening and at weekends they moonlight as care workers for disabled shepherds. Some are museum curators. In this world, they are there to cut the grass. They are there to reduce avalanches. They are there to help overcome the handicap of living in the mountains. And they are there to ensure the continuity of a traditional lifestyle. This is why the authorities pay out grants.
The production of meat, milk and cheese is incidental. If the aim were to raise sheep and cattle for food, the authorities would be encouraging farmers in the mountains to descend onto the plains where the grass is literally greener – all year round.
I have been reading a university thesis (1) about livestock farmers in the Ariège département, in the central Pyrenees. The author, Corine Eychenne, emphasises how much livestock farmers here (and in other mountainous areas) depend on grants. In the Pyrenees they account for over half their income. (2)
The first of these "gardening" grants dates to 1974. A disastrous avalanche in the Val d'Isère in 1970 had buried 39 youngsters staying in a winter holiday centre. The long grass had prevented the snow from sticking to the hillside. In order to avoid a repetition, cows and sheep were to be employed as lawnmowers, and not just around ski resorts. The grant became known as the prime à la vache tondeuse (the cow-lawnmower grant).
Then in 1993, the Indemnité compensatrice des handicaps naturels (natural handicap compensation) was introduced. The aim, according to the ministry of Agriculture, is to "compensate the increased production costs of farming in these zones. The subsidy plays an important role in the rural world by encouraging small farmers in difficult zones, thus contributing to harmonious rural development." In 2008, mountain farms throughout France received an average of 4,250 euros each.
The question is whether the grants contribute to sustainable development or simply help to sustain the status quo. The mainstay of livestock farming in the Pyrenees for many years has been the production of broutards which are then sold to Italy and Spain for fattening. Broutards are young sheep and cattle which go up to the mountain with their mothers and live in a natural way on an organic diet of milk and grass. And then they are sent abroad and fattened on the cheapest feeds imaginable! (3) The various food crises have greatly increased demand for organic products and consumers are prepared to pay the price. Yet there is no recognised organic fattening system and Pyrenean farmers are reluctant to slaughter animals which are not "finished". Only a few brave souls are starting to sell broutards directly to consumers.
In this parallel world, the sheep and cows have become lawnmowers, snowploughs, care workers and museum curators. I can see a bow-legged Pyrenean shepherd holding his organic sheep-lawnmower by the back legs as they limp across the hillside, preening their museum-piece landscape. At the end of the day, the sheep nuzzles up to the shepherd who feeds it a MacDo hamburger, and talks of the old times, when living in the mountains wasn't a handicap, but an adventure.
1. Corinne Eychenne (2007) Hommes et troupeaux en montagne – la question pastorale en Ariège. Paris: L'Harmattan.
2. The average income of a livestock farm in the Pyrenees in 1995 (the most recent statistics at the time Eychenne was writing) was 12,500 euros. This was complemented by 13,900 euros of subsidies (111% of income).
3. Eychenne (2007) pp. 238–9.This entry was posted on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 1:10 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment below, or trackback from your own site.


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When a family member or friend has a mental illness
Mental illness is not only distressing for the person who's experiencing it, but for family and friends who care about them too. Being able to come together to care for the individual with a mental illness (and one another) can help to support their recovery.
Ask what you can do to help
It's ideal that you decide with your loved one and their partner what support and involvement would be most useful for them.
When a friend or family member has a mental illness it can be difficult to make sense of what is happening for them. It is common for people around them not to understand their experiences and sometimes to criticise, blame and judge them if they are acting in a way that they don't expect. At other times, friends and family can become over-involved (with good intentions), seeing it as their responsibility to make the person better.
Tips that can help
Offer reassurance
Letting your loved one know that you are there and offering support will be important to them. It might take time for them to talk about their experiences and accept help, but knowing that you're there can help them make this step.
Don't take over
People experiencing mental illness often talk about losing control over their lives and feeling powerless. Supporting your loved one to maintain control over their life, make their own choices and involving them in family decision-making will help their recovery.
There may be times, however, when your loved one is unwell and you question their capacity to make decisions. This should be discussed with your loved one sensitively and with empathy and with support from a health professional where appropriate.
Avoid criticism
It is not uncommon for friends and family to think that their loved one is being 'lazy' or 'moody' when in fact their behaviour changes are a symptom of mental illness. Expressing criticism to your loved one can make symptoms worse and will impact on your relationship.
Family and friends often direct blame and criticize themselves as well, believing that they are somehow responsible for causing mental illness or for not getting help soon enough. Remember, you are not to blame if your loved one has a mental illness – many factors combine to cause someone to experience a mental illness.
Have realistic expectations
Remember that recovery from mental illness takes time and it is not uncommon for there to be a few setbacks along the way. Be patient with your loved one and help to keep them hopeful. With the right treatment and support they can have a fulfilling and meaningful life.
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A literary composition developed for the stage.
NOTE: The deadline for submission of national registration documents is May 9, 2016. No materials or copies will be accepted after that time or at the National Competition.
ACT-SO Expanding The Minds Of Our Youth
Our MissionThe mission of the DuPage County ACT-SO program is to nurture excellence and provide positive reinforcement to African American high school students.
We will partner with the community to raise cultural awareness, showcase talents, academic achievements and entrepreneurial skills, as well as develop leaders and provide life enrichment opportunities without regard to educational or economic status.
College of DuPage


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The as-of-yet untitled Halo 5 will arrive this year, and now there is a new piece of concept art to go along with it.
Revealed on the official Haloway Point blog, the concept art is teased to be "…from Sparth – an early exploration of a new location that features prominently in a little game project we're tinkering with…."
Previously we also saw a teaser trailer for Halo 5 from the E3, which you can check out below as well.
Look for Halo 5 later this year on XBox One.


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Hey It's Jet Here.
After a wacky week, tonight's constitutional felt like a breath of fresh air. Mom called Mary Ann to see if she and Dixie could join us. We happily waited on their stoop for about 10 minutes until they finished dinner. Miss Stephanie and Cody turned the corner just about the time we readied ourselves to go to the right, not my favorite evening direction. Cody showed off his spiffy haircut, prancing with head held high. We dropped Miss Stephanie and Cody off halfway around our oval route and continued towards our house.
We saw two women caring for Nate, Lola's little human brother. He made smiley faces, giggle noises and woof noises for a few minutes. He wanted to touch us. Mom recommended using his feet, as she used to in the hospital when babies wanted to touch Koko. The ladies politely said no.
About 5 houses down, we saw Miss Beverly and Neve headed our way. Miss Beverly, Miss Mary Ann and Mom chatted as JJ, Dixie and I visited with Neve, commenting on her snazzy haircut. We looped around our short block and tolerated the Moms chatting while we sat down in the middle of the street in front of our house.
In the final moments of twighlight, we saw the front lights of a car slowly approaching. Neve could barely hold herself in a sitting position. Mom asked Miss Beverly if she thought Giovanni could be the driver. Her smile answered the question while she began to unharness Neve. The car stopped, the door opened and Neve flew down the length of our front yard like she was going for the game winning pass down the field. We heard the dulcet tones of Giovanni speaking to her in Italian.
Of course, Giovanni came over to properly greet JJ, Dixie, and me in Italian too, asking if we were enjoying time with our friends. (Miss Beverly translated.) He almost forgot to greet Miss Beverly! Giovanni permitted Neve to join him in the car for the 2 house ride. While the ladies concluded their conversations, Mom noticed that Dixie, JJ and I all assumed the same angle sitting position facing Giovanni's front door where he was disembarking. Wishing they had more light to snap a photo, the women chuckled that Giovanni has magical powers that make all of us K9s forget our Moms!
Another great day in the neighborhood.
Thanks to Confessions of the Plume, Life With Dogs and Two Cavaliers for hosting the Saturday Pet Blog Hop.


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The special calling packs designed for the Uninor users in Karnataka comes with some of the best figures in affordable calling services in India.
The most embarrassing and the most irritating moment while in the phone is when the 'alarm' beep starts banging our ear drums reminding the mortal trait of our prepaid account balance. It seems as if someone has sarcastically reminded us of our so called 'witty' blabber that we had with our fifth grader friends. No one in the world would love talking to their loved ones by digging out their wallet empty.
Especially for people in the Indian sub-continent, if a cellular service fails to cater to the 'adjustment' trait of the country; its business would be doomed within a short span of time. 'Getting more by paying less' has been the sole principle of ruling the market for kinds of business enterprises in the country. Cellular services are no exception. Thus, Uninor has come with some special calling packs which are cheap and provide a huge bulk of talktime and longer validity.
First up is the Uninor Karnataka Rs.7 Special pack which charges 1 paisa only for each SMS to all Uninor numbers. For other networks in the state and other states, the pack charges 11 paisa per SMS. The pack is valid for a month. Next comes the Uninor Rs.11 Special pack which gives a user unlimited calling facility for a day to all Uninor numbers. No more stop watch work for the Uninor users all over the country. Finally, which gives local on net calls for free. For 30 days, the Uninor users can keep talking to their near and dear ones without the fear of losing it in the midway.Follow Us on:


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Where do I begin?
I've been a mess lately. Struggling with depression and anxiety, coming to grips with the difficulties of marriage, trying to understand how Christianity and politics can coincide, having a general identity crisis, and fighting feelings of loneliness and friendlessness.
When bad things happen to other people, I feel them extremely close to home. In 2015, my friends, Brittnie and Brandon, lost their child at 20 weeks pregnant. I attended a funeral for a 6 ounce baby boy. My friend, David, went through an unexpected divorce this past summer. People I know are being diagnosed with cancer, alzheimers, and I have a very difficult time compartmentalizing their struggles from my own. Call me a bleeding heart, but other people's hurts hurt me. There aren't many baby boys I look at without thinking of Chance. I went to my own brother-in-law's wedding and wept, not for his and his new bride's joy, but for the pain that divorce caused and is causing for David and his kids.
Compassion is called for, but my personality and mental issues take it to an unhealthy level sometimes. (I filled out a questionnaire at Peyton's doctor's office last week, and had to circle "yes" under "any mental illness in the family?" Ouch. Pride shattered. Oh well. Get over it.)
I also have a tendency to speak without thinking (those who know me well realize how much of an understatement this is). Especially when I'm feeling depressed. Instead of becoming sad, I fight with sadness, I fight back the tears, and become hardened on the outside, rude and hateful to everyone who comes in contact with me. I recognize it, often times even when it's happening, but it's like watching myself in a movie, and I can't change the script.
I wrote about this happening in my last post. Remember? The one where everyone asked if I had gotten a nap because I was in such a crabby mood? I eventually had to remove myself from the room to be with children who wouldn't talk to me, so I had a chance to cool off and not be such a b*%$! back.
There are so many things I don't like about myself. I wish I was slow to speak and quick to listen. I wish I was slow to become angry. I wish I didn't get so hot-headed. I wish I had more patience for people. I wish I could be meek and gentle. Instead, I'm wild, I'm stubborn, I'm outspoken, I'm loud, I'm boisterous, I'm inappropriate, and I get myself in trouble for it (Hi, Dad. I'm sure you're reading this. You and mom did as good a job as you could raising me. I'm just difficult. Love you).
Regardless of my flaws, I've managed to gather the greatest group of friends imaginable in what we call our "first family". Funnily enough, Brooklyn refers to her cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents as "second family". I guess that's what happens when your friends live in Houston and your extended family lives in Dallas. Our children are growing up with friends who act more like siblings and cousins. We have a support system here in H-Town that we never could have dreamed of before.
Two of these friends had planned a camping trip for our two families for this past weekend. I knew a weekend away with them would do my heart good. I was excited.
They, their three kids, and another sweet friend rang our doorbell on Thursday night, leaving these on the doorstep:
How cute. Our sweet friends are excited for our camping weekend, too!
Then the doorbell rang again, and they all walked in.
Me: What's with the binders?
Landon: It's work-related.
Lauren: Did you see what's in their (Mickey's and Minnie's) hands?
Me: Yeah- Disneyland tickets. But they're not real.
Lauren: Aren't they?
They went on to explain to our kids that we couldn't all go to Camp Allen, but that they would still get to spend the weekend with their friends. Mommy and Daddy couldn't go with them, though.
I'm still dumbfounded and clueless as to what is going on. In fact, things are very blurry from this point on. There was a lot of questioning, figuring out how we had been tricked and how long this had been going on (Lauren: The lies go deep!), and there was definitely a lot of laughing and ugly crying. The binders were, in fact, our itineraries for the weekend: plane, car rental, and hotel reservations, tickets to Disneyland, tips on which rides to do in which order, and the sweetest note I've ever read.
My people. They knew how much pain I was going through, and therefore, how much Brandon was going through, too. And they knew what to do to fix it. Not by sending us to Disneyland or Hollywood. By knowing us, and loving us.
I won't lie: I cried when Stitch came out during this show. I wasn't expecting it. I haven't seen this movie since I was a teenager, and I would never have called it anything close to my favorite. Except now it holds a special meaning,
Landon. Aja. Lauren. Aaron. Lauren. Brady. Wendi. Wade. Rachel. Matt. Jenna. Matt. Brittnie. Brandon. David. Kaleena. Raleigh.
I love you all. I will never be able to repay what you gave to Brandon and me this past weekend, and I love you because I know that you don't expect anything in return. You are my ohana. Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.


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During the Karabakh war, Armenian military committed an act of genocide against the population of Azerbaijan's Khojaly town consisting of 7,000 people on Feb. 26, 1992.
As many as 613 people, including 63 children, 106 women and 70 old people were killed as a result of the massacre. A total of 1,000 civilians became disabled in the onslaught. Eight families were completely annihilated, 130 children lost one parent, while 25 lost both parents. Some 1,275 innocent residents were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 people still remains unknown.
All these acts were committed by Armenian military with extreme mercilessness and inconceivable barbarism. The second battalion of 366th regiment under the command of Major Seyran Ohanian, the third battalion under the command of Yevgeniy Nabokhin, staff chief of the first battalion Valeriy Chitchyan and more than 50 officers and ensigns took part in the attack, according to "The Investigation Materials Concerning Khojaly Occupation".
The town residents who attempted to flee, were killed by Armenians in pre-organized ambushes. According to the Russian Remedial Center Memorial, 200 corpses were brought from Khojaly to Aghdam within four days of the massacre. Facts of humiliation on dozens of bodies were registered. Forensic examination in Aghdam was performed on 181 corpses, including 13 children. The examination revealed that 151 people died from bullet wounds, 20 people died from shrapnel wounds, 10 were killed with blunt instruments. Facts of scalping people alive were also revealed.
The Khojaly genocide has become one of the most terrible and tragic pages of Azerbaijani history.
Azerbaijani people have faced ethnic cleansing and genocide by Armenian nationalists and chauvinists for 200 years. Azerbaijanis were deported from their historical lands and became refugees and internally displaced persons, and all this was accompanied by massacres committed by Armenians.
The Nagorno-Karabakh events, which began in 1988 along with continuous efforts to implement the Armenian desire of building "an Armenia from sea to sea", led to destruction of towns and villages, murder of thousands of innocent people, as well as the exile of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis from their historical lands.
Armenia's government is trying to annex Nagorno-Karabakh despite international legal norms, demonstrating its readiness to resort to any kind of crime and atrocity. The Khojaly genocide – a tragedy of the 20th century – was a result of this aggressive and criminal policy. This tragedy of the late 20th century was one of the most serious crimes not only against the people of Azerbaijan, but humanity as a whole.
Armenians scalped people alive, beheaded them and cut other parts of their bodies, gouged children's eyes and disemboweled pregnant women. It should also be noted that chemical weapons were used in Khojaly during the attack.
All these prove that Armenia committed genocide against civilians, violating Geneva Convention's protocols.
The Khojaly genocide, committed with a particular atrocity, terrified journalists and publicists from Russia, Georgia, the UK, France, Germany, the US and other countries.
International conventions and laws in all countries condemn genocides like the Khojaly tragedy, and call them inadmissible.
The world must know that this crime was directed not only against the Azerbaijani people, but also against the whole civilized world.
This crime shouldn't go unpunished. Armenia's military-political aggression must be condemned by the world community. International organizations and parliaments of world countries must give political and legal assessment to the Khojaly genocide committed by Armenia in Azerbaijan's territories.
The parliaments of several countries have made decisions recognizing the Khojaly genocide.


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Why Via Hole Filling? Why now?
Why should we invest in this technology?
- In the last 20 years the via hole filling process was clearly the driver for the PCB board development and new designs.
- The hole filling process allows the board designer to save valuable space on the board and create a higher board count per panel by using the same amount of material, chemistry and energy.
- The percentage of panels with filled holes is steadily growing. Some companies who failed to see the future are no longer in business.
What is the right timing for the investment?
- The first investments in hole filling equipment started nearly ten years ago. We are proud to be one of the first companies which started with equipment sales and service for this technology.
- The hole filling process also effected and related to other processes during the PCB board production. It is not a 'switch on' process. Even the best equipment on the market needs some time to get the best quality out of this process. The operators need to get some experience and a feeling for setting up the right parameters for different panel designs.
- Since other processes can also be affected by the hole filling process, some new process guides will need to be worked out.
- It is important to have such a system in house and up and running before the orders come in. To start such a process with the pressure of an immediate quality guarantee is not a good decision.
How has this technology developed over the last years, what is the developing direction?
- The hole filling process started out from a simple safety filing requirement. Put epoxy in the holes so that there is no other unknown chemistry. Then it moved from mainly semi conductive filling with plating over the holes to nonconductive fillings with plating over the holes. Space saving again was the driver for this technology.
- The developing direction was in the same time from lower technology level with low aspect ratio to high aspect ratio holes. In the same time the hole diameter comes down from about 0.4mm to 0.1mm on through holes. In the beginning the majority of customers used the screen printing method for the hole filling. Because there is a limit on hole size and aspect ratio for the screen printing the industry moved forward with special hole filling equipment which is able to break the screen printing limits.
- The next level is the filling of blind holes, which puts another development pressure on the equipment manufacturer. The equipment developed and used for filling through holes was able to fill also blind holes up to a certain percentage. Trapped air inside blinds is most likely to be found in vacuum chamber machines. In order to make blind hole filling a safe and reliable process, a total new type of filling method was necessary to develop.
- This development even goes further with the demand of many customers to fill blind holes on both sides and through holes in one step.
- Conductive paste. The new driver for further development is the 'real conductive filling' without plating. We have adjusted our filling head system to meet this demand because of the high costs of the paste. Right now, companies like Tatsuta offers paste for the non plating process. With more and more customers joining this technology the price for the paste will make this process much more attractive for their customers. But again, one of the most important points for this process is reliable filling which can only be done by a ,high vacuum system', like our newly patented filling system on the THP35.
What machine capability will we need for an investment into future needs?
A machine which will also fit in future needs should be able to:
- to fill through holes with all aspect ratios which can be drilled
- the system must be able to fill blind holes reliably without trapped air
- through holes and blind holes have to be filled at the same time
- no limits on the paste if it is conductive or nonconductive
- the machine programming system must be able to store all parameter dates for later quality tracking
Do we have alternatives to avoid this investment?
- One alternative is to go with screen printing which will limit the capability and process quality. There is a big risk of loosing customers looking for more advanced work.
- For filling blind holes, plating can be used, but there is a limit of aspect ratio.
Newer designs are skipping up to three layers with depth controlled drilling. These designs are already over the boarder line for plating filling. High vacuum filling systems are able to fill these designs. The development will go even further to more skipped layers in order to save more space on future boards.
If we look at our customer base over the last 5 years, we see that companies which have made the investment in the hole filling process even in these though times, are still in operation and some of them are very busy. Others which have decided against the investment have vanished from the marked during the last year. This doesn't mean an investment in the hole filling process will save a company, but an investment in the right time will certainly improve the company's capability and lower the risk of loosing new orders.
Kind regards,
Erwin Haertl
President ITC


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Report Card on "Three Top Tech Trends for 2018"
Norman Birnbach, President, Birnbach Communications
The tech industry lives on trends. For those working in organizations that either develop tech or use tech, understand tech trends has clear business implications. But for those in charge of marketing of tech, it's important to understand what trends will interest reporters and other influencers to determine how your organization can anticipate and develop story angles to leverage interest in that trend that can position you as a thought leader.
Back in Feb. on CommPRO.biz, I published an article about three important tech trends for 2018, and this article is intended to review our picks and see how we did, with the goal of better understanding tech trends ahead of 2019.
- Artificial Intelligence and robotics will continue to be "hot." Actually, in 2018, AI became the hottest tech trend, eclipsing Bitcoin as the tech that gets the most attention. (According to Google Trends, Bitcoin was untouchable in 2017 but AI and artificial intelligence now generate more searches than Bitcoin. Cloud computing remains significant as a search term but anecdotally isn't generating the kind of media coverage it once did.) Industrial robotics as a trend is doing well, especially when connected to stories about AI "hot" technologies, increasingly connected. We expect to continue to see scare stories about a "robocalypse" in which A.I.-enabled robots replace human workers but we also expect articles that debunk the scare stories. We said we expected to continue to see scare stories about a "robocalypse" in which AI-enabled robots replace human workers but we also expected articles that debunk the scare stories. Grade: A.
- Millennials' impact will change how companies market products and services. We said we expected marketers to increasingly cater to Millennials' preferences and needs in 2018. (After all, we saw some companies like Home Depot offer classes on home care topics to get them in the door and buying.) We also expect millennial preferences to become the default choice; for example, doorbells may become vestigial as millennials text, not ring, when they arrive at a friend's house. Now, near the end of the year, we still think this is true but this trend did not necessarily generate coverage, which is one way we judge the impact of the trends we identify so our grade will reflect a lack of media coverage. Grade: C.
- Smart-Home automation gains acceptance but still is a niche offering. We think that smart home technology, including keyless-and-doorbell-free doors, are the future but we feel we were right in categorizing them as still in the early-adopter phase. The one exception we stated was the market for intelligent personal assistants like Amazon's Alexa and Google's Home. According to some projections, in a few years, there will be more personal assistants than people. Grade: A.
Overall, we scored a B+ on tech trends.
We think it's safe to predict that these trends, especially AI and personal assistants, will continue to be important. That's good news for marketers who may be thinking about trends they should embrace and try to optimize as they develop their marketing plans for next year.
About the Author: Norman Birnbach is the president of Birnbach Communications, www.birnbach.com, a Boston-based PR and social media agency focused on thought leadership that has been issuing annual predictions for nearly two decades. His blog, PR BackTalk, provides insights and attitude about PR, journalism and traditional and social media.