text:
Representatives from ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News Channel, NBC and the Associated Press agreed Monday to disband VNS and to review other options for "how to provide the tabulation of the national vote count as well as state and national exit polls for the 2004 election."
In November 2000, VNS supplied its clients and members with flawed data that led news outlets to make erroneous calls in the presidential race in Florida, a state which proved to be pivotal in the contest's outcome.
Following those failures, VNS for the next two years launched a multimillion-dollar effort to improve its system and prepare it for the 2004 presidential cycle. The 2002 mid-term election cycle was slated as the revamped system's trial run.
Just hours before the polls closed on Nov. 5, 2002, however, VNS notified its members and subscribers that it was unable to provide reliable exit poll information.
The news organizations formed VNS in 1993 as a way to share the $8 million-to-$12 million cost of compiling nationwide data on election nights.
The VNS operation compiled the unofficial voting results and exit poll information that the networks and the AP would then use to make projections and analyze demographic and regional voting patterns.
The board is expected to announce its final decision on a VNS replacement sometime later this week, The Washington Post reported.


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|Alex Wohl -- Professional
and Balloon Animal Tamer
|Abracadabra Alex
|Specializing in magic
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It's a lot of fun and
better for your teeth
than the traditional
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|"Keeping Kids Smiling"
|Copyright 2013, Alex
Use of any of the
images or text on this
site without prior
approval is prohibited.
|Abracadabra Alex knows his
magic, loves kids, and is
extremely humorous. He
recently performed at my
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Britta B, Bethesda
|Abracadabra Alex was WONDERFUL!
He helped us celebrate our son's 5th
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The class (including adults that were
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We are HUGE Abracadabra Alex fans!
Chantell, McClean, VA

subset: commoncrawl


text:
For some, environmental awareness and social responsibility hasn't really sunk in among individuals who seemingly care less or, are just generally careless and inadequately sensitive to realities of the modern age.
Even after costly springtime cleanups undertaken annually, people along both shores are yet wantonly discarding fast-food packaging along our highways, dumping household refuse on backcountry roads, or attempting to burn non-flammable personal garbage around our beaches and waterways.
Among the lagging litterers and other lazy louts are some commercial fishers who you'd think would have better sense because their livelihood depends on the sea, though barely so.
Meanwhile, as a social and economic generator, the open sea also offers a wide array of nautical nicety that includes personal and provisioned adventures on and in everything from ocean kayaks and waverunners, dories and speedboats to party pontoons, cabin cruisers and tour boats. Local and touristy flavours abound.
Certainly, inconsiderate inshore lobster harvesters have left evidence of their purposed passing upon the waters and beaches of the outer bay. Numerous cardboard bait boxes each lined with a detached sheet of transparent blue plastic are reportedly seen daily floating around lobster grounds, or washed up ashore. Not a pretty sight, and mainly because toxic plastic materials known to be hazardous to marine life and human health and safety ought not be abandoned at sea, or anywhere else for that matter.
Responsible fish harvesters transfer their baits to fish tubs before departure each day and leave the cardboard and plastic home for proper disposal later, or bring it back with them after their runs. Others obviously seem to find environmental stewardship too much of a chore and so pollute the waters that feed them without further thought.
With pictures to prove it, it's time such nautical naughtiness was stopped altogether. Area fishers, fisheries wardens and ordinary members of the Bay of Islands boating public need to step up against observed violators to make it so.
Thin plastics notwithstanding further mention, a couple of colourful lobster raised from the deeps and shoals of the bay by licensed fishers in recent weeks are also worthy of note. Could it be evolution, bait-box camouflage maybe?
Grant Park, a native McIvers fisher, reported catching his first blue-shelled crustacean in eight years of commercial fishing this month. Hauled in in first week of June, he said the legally undersized specimen pictured on his Facebook page was released amid a cluster of sunkers along a stretch of rocky coastline to carry on its lobster business mostly uninterrupted, somewhat hidden and protected from the reach of any poachers happening by, he suggested.
Just about a week later, Mark Hackett of Benoit's Cove was also reporting in social media of another unusual lobster caught in Bay of Islands, a legal specimen pictured exhibiting a blueish hue on its appendages and bearing big black and white polka dots on the rest of its predominantly yellow body armour. Also returned to the sea.
"She had such cool colours that we put a v-notch in her (tail, typically a conservation measure identifying a breeding female) and set her free," Hackett wrote in his Facebook post.
It is always good to see licensed fishers doing responsible things.
The Bay of Islands lobster fishery ends July 4.
Dave White welcomes your Bay of Islands news and events information at 660-5712, or email at: email@example.com.


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Practical Approach to Male Infertility
Male factor infertility is present in approximately 40% of couples having difficulty to conceive. In most cases, however, it is seldom one factor. A basic element that is encountered in every case is the number and quality of eggs. Other factors in also include sexual factor and other female factors (e.g blocked fallopian tubes). Hence, evaluation of female factors is integral to evaluation and successful treatment of male factor.
Evaluation of female factors includes testing for ovarian reserve and testing of the fallopian tubes for patency. In addition to evaluation of medical, obstetric and genetic risks of getting pregnant.
Evaluation of Male Factor
Reproductive ability in males is initially evaluated through i. Detailed history of male partner and ii. sperm analysis. History can indicate many factors that may reduce the ability to conceive: social habits, erectile dysfunction, childhood infections (mumps), medical disorders, genetic diseases (chromosomal abnormalities, specific genetic diseases as cystic fibrosis), occupational exposure..etc. Unfortunately in the majority of cases history may not predict abnormalities in male factor
Sperm Analysis
Accurate interpretation of sperm analysis (volume, concentration, movement and shape) is the most important step in evaluation. It is important to take in consideration each factor separately and then in combination. Normal parameters are volume >2mL, concentration 15million/mL, motility 40% and normal shape 4% using strict morphological criteria (Kruger).
Repeat sperm analysis is commonly recommended when abnormalities are detected. There is no strong evidence to repeating the sperm analysis. If the sperm analysis is to be repeated this should be done at least 2 months later as it would take that long for new sperm to be 'manufactured'.
Generally 10 million moving sperm sperm per ejaculate (volume x concentration x % motility) is required for successful reproduction with intercourse and IUI. Approximately 2 million motile sperm are adequate for IVF. Lower parameters especially if low morphology <2% require IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm morphology (ICSI).
Other Tests
Genetic screening for chromosome analysis and Y chromosome micro-deletion is required in low sperm concentration (<10 million /mL) and azospermia is required. Abnormalities are found in 5-10% of men and can be transmitted to children. Genetic screening for cystic fibrosis and its congenital absence of the vas deferens is also required if azosprmia (obstructive) is present.
Other sperm tests as pH, fructose and sometimes hormone analysis are sometimes helpful.
Tests for sperm DNA fragmentation is still being evaluated but are not part of routine fertility workup.
Treatment of Male factor Infertility
Improvement in sperm analysis is not the main aim of treatment. The main aim is conception and delivery of a healthy child. Sperm analysis improvement is a surrogate outcome not a final goal. In most cases, the improvement in sperm parameters (count, movement and shape) does not translate into a higher chance for conception. In addition, in the majority of cases there is no specific cause identified for male factor abnormalities. The two practical strategies left are to wait (within what is allowed by female ovarian reserve) for sperm analysis to improve and conception to occur or to use the small / abnormal sperm available for assisted reproduction (ICSI) which is a very efficient strategy.
Four Important Considerations before Treating Male Infertility
a. Female age and ovarian reserve: any treatment for male factor should be guided with the number of eggs in the ovary and their quality (age related). In women with women with low egg reserve and 35 or older consideration to ovarian stimulation (to increase mature egg production) followed by IUI or ICSI should be exercised.
b. Sperm Freezing: In men with moderate to severe male factor one should consider freezing one or more sperm samples. The future sperm parameters cannot be predicted and can deteriorate even to a complete absence of sperm in ejaculates. Sperm freezing is cheep, non invasive and can save men from the need for surgical retrieval of sperm. Men undergoing vasectomy can also consider sperm freezing, prior to procedure, in case they decide to father children in the future
c. Genetic screening: there are two main values to screening males with moderate to severe sperm abnormalities to chromosomes, Y micro-deletion and cystic fibrosis. To avoid transmission to children and to counsel the couple about the chance of successful surgical sperm retrieval (TESE). In some cases the chance for finding sperm is extremely low that TESE is not indicated.
b. Urological consultation: After female and initial male evaluation is complete, evaluation by a male urologist is very useful. A urologist well versed in male infertility can counsel the couple about the chance for success of surgical sperm retrieval and following correct of obstruction.
Four Treatment Options to Consider
Surgical sperm retrieval: in obstructive and non-obstructive azospermia sperm can be retrieved directly from the testes by a male urologist. Micro-TESE involves dissecting one or both testes and obtaining multiple tiny biopsies from many areas. In real time each biopsy is examined under a microscope. The process is repeated till sperm are obtained. The best chance
Surgical treatment for obstructive azospermia: in men that underwent vasectomy before vasectomy reversal can, if successful, restore fertility. Other areas of obstruction can also be restored by urological surgery.
IUI: in few cases of mild male infertility (producing close to 10 million motile sperm) or mild shape abnormalities, ovarian stimulation and IUI is an aoption for 3 cycles. IUI using donor sperm is also an option.
IVF-ICSI: assisted reproductive technology is very robust and can address the majority of male infertility: low sperm count, low motility, abnormal sperm shape, prior fertilization failure. Its is very efficient that it can achieve a conception with very few available fresh or frozen sperm. It can be synchronized with surgical sperm retrieval so that fresh sperm are used for ICSI. Once sperm are available, the success of IVF is dependent on female age and ovarian reserve.
Interventions to Avoid or Consider Cautiously
Surgical treatment of varicocele: Varicocele is a common finding in infertile males and can be associated with low concentration and motility and higher abnormal shape of sperm. Varicocele surgery does improve sperm parameters. The problem with varicocele surgery is that it is not proven to increase the odds of delivering a child by female partner. Varicocele surgery should be cautiously considered due to lack of solid evidence of its benefits.
Medical treatment: The use of medications (e.g clomid, nolvadex, anastrozole) should be avoided as there is no evidence that they will improve the chance of pregnancy and improvement in sperm parameters. The use of injection medications should only be employed in men with a specific indications related to deficiency of such hormones
Supplements: so far there is NO supplement or 'vitamin' proven to increase the chance for successful reproduction in male with sperm abnormalities.
A practical approach to male infertility requires initial evaluation of sperm analysis, ovarian reserve and genetic risk factors followed by a treatment plan oriented with the ultimate goal: conceiving healthy child not intermediate issues as cause of male infertility and improving sperm analysis.Practical Approach to Male Infertility by Dr. Amr Azim


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posted by admin | October 20, 2014 | Uncategorized
Comments Off on 100 Bloody Acres – A guest review by Cassie
It's an age-old tale. A gaggle of young, attractive urbanites take a road trip through a desolate countryside and along the way meet some backwoods locals with interesting hobbies and then events transpire which lead to the deaths of most of those involved.
This one takes place in the Australian outback.
However "100 Bloody Acres" is so much more than its generic setup. It is a sharp, cleverly written splatter-comedy in the vein of "Dale and Tucker vs. Evil," but bloodier.
The story wastes no time getting to some gore. Reg Morgan (Damon Herriman), half of the Morgan Brothers blood-and-bone fertilizer company, comes across the wreckage of a traffic accident. Reg hauls the dashboard-mangled body into the back of his truck, already filled with kangaroo road kill (this is Australia after all), and delivers the first severed limb gag of the movie.
After this brief opening segment, I knew I was in for a great ride. The camera didn't shy away from carnage, and the comedy ranged from pitch-perfect black humor to silly slapstick.
Next the movie introduces Sophie (Anna McGahan), her boyfriend, James (Oliver Ackland) and their friend, Wes (Jamie Kristian). Sophie and Wes are having an affair and the unsuspecting James is thinking of proposing. Unfortunately for James, things are only going to get worse when they cross paths with a couple entrepreneurial brothers in the blood-and-bone business running low on their "special ingredient."
As young travelers are wont, they stop mid-journey in the creepiest place they can find – usually a deserted gas station with dip-chewing yokels, or a kitschy roadside attraction with a seedy past – or, as in this case, a gravesite featuring a tribute to some locals whose bodies were "mysteriously" never recovered after a tragic accident.
Leaving the graveyard, their car breaks down and they catch a ride with the younger Morgan brother. Because who doesn't want a ride from the twitchy, nervous stranger who almost certainly smells like hot death?
Reg chooses the attractive Sophie to ride up front with him, and packs the guys in the back with the concealed corpse. Sophie and Reg bond over Aussie oldie songs on the radio and a shared country background. In the back, Wes takes some acid and it doesn't take long before they find the poorly hidden body of the motorist.
Things escalate quickly from here. Reg drives back to his farm, where he and his brother produce their extra special fertilizer, and we meet the hulking, sinister Morgan brother, Lindsay (Angus Sampson, who you may recognize from the "Insidious" movies). Lindsay, whose homicidal tendencies probably come from his parents choosing the name "Lindsay," quickly establishes himself as the brother in charge.
They decide that instead of just using bodies they've lucked into on the side of the road, it's time to start shoring up their supply of human-based fertilizer with some fresher victims.
Losing no time, they dangle the driver upside down into the meat grinder. At the last moment Reg realizes the man is still alive and tries to save him, succeeding in rescuing his legs. Well, it's the thought that counts.
Meanwhile Wes, the acid he took just starting to kick in, manages to free himself with a knife he had stowed in his pocket. He takes off and Lindsay chases after him.
Sophie takes the opportunity to try seducing the clearly infatuated Reg. The plan backfires and Reg storms off, but not before cluing James in that Sophie's been sleeping with Wes. James, bound, chained, and next in line to be turned into pulpy red soup, decides that now is definitely the time to talk about their relationship issues.
Elsewhere, during a short, entertaining sequence, Wes makes it to a nearby abandoned theme park before the drugs distract him and Lindsay catches up, knocking him out and throwing him in the trunk of his car. By the time they return, Reg has had a change of heart about the whole murder thing and switches allegiances, trying to help the people he originally brought home to kill.
A lot of the fun of the movie is in experiencing the ways it plays into and pushes against fan expectations, so I won't reveal everything that happens next. It's not nearly to the level of "Cabin in the Woods" in terms of genre satire, or for crazy twists ahead –
Don't expect it suddenly turn supernatural or have the army show up and fireball the place, in fact expect it to not stray too far from the usual body-count-rises third act that we all know and love– but fans of Joss Whedon's horror-comedy masterpiece will find plenty to like here.
"100 Bloody Acres" is the type of film that at first glance is reminiscent of a lot of other movies, which some will dismiss as the same old, same old without bothering to peel off the layers and find the gem underneath. It takes its horror cues from well-worn tropes. Yes, there are meat grinders, hacked off limbs and gratuitous blood-sprays – so far so good, right?
Where the movie really shines is in building likable, if a bit off, characters – a relative rarity in a horror movie, and giving them smart, funny dialogue. This is a movie that warrants multiple viewings to catch subtle sight and word jokes that may have been missed the first time through.
Sophie is not the typical survivor girl, either. She's tough, independent, and sexual without being trashy. Sorry, these are ninety-one boobs-free minutes. The run time is not without sex acts though, but unless your fetishes check some pretty niche boxes, it's nothing sexy.
And by the end, Reg seems like more of the good-guy-to-go-grab-a-drink-with type then a creepy, probably-going-to-go-on-an-axe-murder-spree type he initially appears. Otherwise known as the American Psycho in reverse.
Although the humor gets pretty screwball in moments, it also delivers some effective horror. There are buckets and buckets of blood. And even with his ridiculous Amish-style beard, Lindsay is imposing as a villain.
Produced on a small budget, the movie still manages to look very good. Blood makeup and special effects by Wicked of Oz Studios are well done. The sets aren't overly elaborate; most of the movie takes place on the Morgan Brothers' farm, along with a handful of other locations.
Some of the humor is lost in translation if you're not up on Aussie cultural references, but its occurrences are minimal and it's a small distraction. There is no shortage of other opportunities to laugh.
Although, word to the wise, stick around after (or fast-forward) the credits. There's an additional scene with a great riff on "Texas Chainsaw Massacre."
This is the debut film by sibling writer-directors Colin and Cameron Cairnes. Let's hope "100 Bloody Acres" isn't based on any real life brotherly experiences. But if their first effort is any indication of future films, well then, I wish these brothers a long and prolific career.
Watch the trailer for 100 Bloody Acres"


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I'm Victoria. If you learn one thing about me from this page it's that I have a lot of interests. I'm currently focused on building a handmade wardrobe, but I'm also exploring new recipes, workouts, books…did I mention I have a lot of interests? Ultimately, I'm a wife and mom who has the opportunity to share what I love here on my blog.
Very Blissful is a window to look into what makes me happy and give you inspiration. Sewing, DIY and lifestyle posts are all here. Thanks for joining me on my journey create and inspire joy!
Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit. Talk about your joys.
– Rita Schiano


text:
The PEF image format is used for creating RAW images with Pentax cameras. Shooting in RAW mode allows the camera to capture everything its sensors can register, thus preserving a huge amount of details — as opposed to JPEG or other compressed formats, which have predefined settings and are processed automatically. With PEF images, photographers have more freedom to change the image during digital post-processing without affecting its quality. With the help of specialized software, aspects such as lights, exposure and shadows can be customized in the image, highlighting or hiding particular details.
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Special Education's Paperwork Burden
To the Editor:
Regarding your front-page article on the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act entitled "Disabled by Paperwork?" (May 28, 2003):
Why not attempt to cover the topic of special education from all venues? Perhaps you might try setting aside the obvious bias of your writing staff and consider doing some articles from the point of view of a parent, or better yet, from the point view of a child whose life has been ruined by bad special education teachers.
After two years of being instructed by teachers who failed to live up to their responsibilities, my son is receiving the services of two private tutors this summer, paid for by his school district. Yet, despite the district's best attempt to provide him compensatory damages, as mandated by the Georgia Department of Education, my son still greets every morning with a face full of tears. He doesn't understand why he is the one being "punished" because his teachers failed to do their job.
I'm sick of hearing the whining of grown adults complaining about their paperwork. The amount of paperwork that most professionals are required to handle is equally large. Need I mention that without this paperwork parents would have no accountability and no way of tracking their child's progress? Oh, that's right, I used the bad word—"accountability."
If teachers would complete the paperwork correctly the first time, they would not be so overwhelmed. Yes, it is true that most individualized education plans, or IEPs, do represent from 10 to 15 pages of paperwork, but that's just 10 to 15 pages to plan the entire next year of a child's life. How would we feel to have the next year of our lives spelled out in just 15 or fewer pages?
As a special education teacher, an advocate, and the mother of five children (two of whom have been diagnosed with autism), I have literally sat on both sides of the IEP table. Believe me, articles like yours are definitely not in the best interests of children.
Such articles only contribute to more misunderstanding of the issues. Too many members of Congress hear these complaints and believe what they are hearing. With your help, the reauthorization bill flew through the House and will probably move as quickly through the Senate. Then the children in special education will suffer the consequences. Maybe I'm showing my age, but I remember a time when we said, "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem."
Mimi Spruill
Albany, Ga
'Clash of Ideas' Seen In Essay, News Item
To the Editor:
There's an unsettling clash of ideas in two separate pieces in your May 28, 2003, issue. In an essay, Saul Cooperman addresses contemporary high school practices and proposes a program that would help students build connections ("'A New Order of Things,'" Commentary). And in a State Capitals news brief ("Minnesota Replaces State Learning Standards"), it is noted that the state of Minnesota has repealed its Profile of Learning performance-based standards and replaced them with the Minnesota Academic Standards. You report that the MAS standards are factual and conceptual in structure.
Saul Cooperman has long been a voice in pursuit of educational reform. His plan to create a high school program focused on interdisciplinary themes seems to be rooted in the earlier works of Heidi Hayes Jacobs and Theodore R. Sizer. The Minnesota Academic Standards, on the other hand, appear to be a reaction to the "No Child Left Behind" Act of 2001 and are reminiscent of E.D. Hirsch Jr.'s The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy.
I advocate Mr. Cooperman's model. When I think about the type of schooling experience I want for my 7-year-old daughter, I support the program that will help her know why things are or how they function. I want her to connect ideas, think about relationships, and establish a coherence of understanding.
Mr. Cooperman writes that many schools advocate student- centered learning but equate it with an adult-determined curriculum that satisfies a need to have a highly structured, hierarchical body of knowledge. This latter type of curriculum appears to be what the MAS will deliver and what Mr. Cooperman argues against.
Perhaps he will be able to use his national platform to help policymakers see the benefit of a lofty, visionary, and relevant educational program for all children.
Edward J. Sullivan
State University of New York
at New Paltz
New Paltz, N.Y.
Schools' 'Weapon Of Mass Destruction'?
To the Editor:
The Education Commission of the States is supposed to be a policy organization for the states. It is thus appalling to find Ted Sanders, the president of the ECS, writing in his recent Commentary on international education: "Schools now have a great deal on their plates. They must continue to work hard on the goals of the 'No Child Left Behind' Act of 2001" ("International Knowledge: Let's Close the Gap," Commentary, May 28, 2003).
The No Child Left Behind Act is a weapon of mass destruction aimed at the public education system of America. Mr. Sanders and the ECS should be busy repealing the act, not pimping for it.
Gerald W. Bracey
Alexandria, Va.
The writer's analysis of the "No Child Left Behind Act" of 2001 can be found at www.nochildleft.com.
Rebutting Criticism Of Reading Report
To the Editor:
Claims that the National Reading Panel Report and Reading First legislation based on it focus only or even mainly on phonics are misinformed ("Analysis Calls Phonics Findings into Question," May 21, 2003).
The NRP report concludes, and Reading First legislation requires, that effective reading instruction must include five essential components. In addition to its recommendations on instruction in phonemic awareness and phonics, the report supports—and the legislation requires—instruction in vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. Moreover, instruction in phonemic awareness and phonics is only a small part of a total reading program and is limited to a short period of time. (Readers may download or order a free copy of the report itself or a teacher-friendly summary, "Put Reading First," at www.nifl.gov or by calling 1-800-228- 8813).
Phonemic-awareness instruction, according to the report, should occupy a total of from 18 to 20 hours in a year and should be finished by the end of 1st grade.
Phonics instruction, always described as simply part of a total program, is expected to be completed by grade 2.
Fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension instruction are ongoing, from the earliest to the latest grades.
In accordance with Reading First professional-development requirements, the Illinois state board of education has developed statewide "teacher reading academies." These academies, at present available only for K-2 teachers, include a substantial portion of materials developed by the Texas Center for Reading and Language Arts at the University of Texas at Austin. The U.S. Department of Education gave the Texas center a grant to make these materials available nationwide.
Illinois has adapted and significantly added to these materials and created teacher reading academies that include well-developed components in oral-language development, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency, as well as phonemic awareness and phonics. Throughout the learning of these components, teachers are instructed in how to assess children to judge whether they need tutoring or other levels of intervention (additional practice, additional instruction, more time) to help them develop into successful readers. Attention is also paid to tailoring instruction for English-language learners, and some attention (though not enough) is paid to writing.
No one (certainly not the panel members themselves) claims that the five components that are the focus of the national report and the Reading First legislation make up a complete reading program. Many advocate more research and attention to, for example, writing and its effect on reading. The report and the resulting legislation, are, however, a sound beginning. We are beginning to develop a common vocabulary and focus on those elements that are indeed necessary (if not sufficient) to helping most children become successful readers and lifelong learners.
Please do not undermine these efforts with misleading criticisms and claims.
Elizabeth Goldsmith-Conley
Champaign, Ill.
To the Editor:
It is very clear that unless a student can decode, he is doomed to be a nonreader. Why some students can master the decoding skills of our language without any instruction is still a mystery. The reality, however, is that some require direct instruction in decoding.
As an 8th grade teacher, I find some students who haven't mastered the decoding secrets that direct instruction in phonics will teach. They are nonreaders. They are kept from success by the quibbling of the whole language vs. phonics camps. What a waste of time!
It is logical that a student must be able to decode a word before she can comprehend it. It is not rocket science to know this. Yet, we have studies to examine the issue. Why? The ramifications of being unable to decode become evident in the higher grades, when the words, concepts, and reading loads become more difficult. Ask any classroom teacher. Ask any teacher of adults trying to obtain their General Educational Development, or GED, diplomas.
Teach the decoding skills and then ask questions about what is being read. How simple. Why isn't anyone listening?
Linda Schmaelzle
Suffield, Conn.
Exit Exams Leave Too Many Behind
To the Editor:
I am in shock and disbelief over the nationwide rush to impose exit exams ("States Debate Exam Policies for Diplomas," May 14, 2003). If this country is denying students by the thousands their right to a diploma, when they have worked from kindergarten through high school on their educations, then that will undermine our free educational system.
Those who have special education needs, English-as-a- second-language students, and children without the home and neighborhood supports needed to be successful in school are being punished because they lack these basic advantages for high educational achievement. What, educationally, is our responsibility to these children?
Are trade schools going to be provided nationally for all the hardworking students who cannot pass the exit exams separating high performers from struggling students? What job training is planned for all the students who do not pass the exit exams? Many fast-food restaurants don't even hire young people without a high school diploma. What job market are these students being prepared for if they cannot expect to go on to college and are denied a high school diploma necessary in most areas of employment? Did the supporters of the exit exams have a plan for them? It doesn't seem so.
Public education needs more job training for all students who are not on track to go to college with professional goals in their future. To give all students wage-earning opportunities in their future should be the purpose of our public education system. That is leaving no child behind.
The current policy, with its exit exams, has divided the futures of high-achieving and challenged students. The latter, who cannot pass the exit exam after an average of 13 years of hard work in school, have not been considered at all in our policy planning.
The idea that education must not leave any child behind must be planned and paid for—at every level of ability and for every student in the public school system.
Sally Dietz
Santa Rosa, Calif.
A Voucher Critic On Catholic School Data
To the Editor:
Ronald T. Bowes' letter on Catholic schools was misleading ("More on the Value of Catholic Schools," June 4, 2003). I'll explain.
The Catholic school enrollment decline was well under way when the Nixon administration began pushing plans for school vouchers. That administration commissioned studies of the enrollment slide from two Catholic colleges, the University of Notre Dame and Boston College, both of which concluded that economics was not an important factor in the decline.
The decline was due to the mainstreaming of American Catholics, exemplified by John F. Kennedy's election in 1960; the U.S. Supreme Court's 1962-63 rulings against the essentially Protestant practice in half the nation's public schools of government-sponsored prayer and Bible reading, thus rendering public schools more acceptable to Catholic parents; and the 1968 papal encyclical condemning birth control, which triggered a significant revolt against the Church.
Since then, Catholic voters have voted against school voucher plans in 25 state referendums by about the same margin as other voters. Catholic voters supported anti-voucher, pro-choice Bill Clinton over his Republican rivals in 1992 and 1996.
Yes, Catholic schools probably save taxpayers some money. But any savings would more than evaporate under any extensive voucher or tuition-tax-credit plan, which would also support non- Catholic faith-based schools that promote prejudice against Catholics.
Finally, school "choice" is quite misleading. It is the faith- based school and the sectarian nature of its curriculum that "chooses" which students to admit. Under such plans, government would choose which faith-based and unaccountable (if the Cleveland and Milwaukee voucher plans are any guide) institutions taxpayers would be compelled to support. Meanwhile, all citizens would find greatly diminished their right to choose which religious institutions to support.
Edd Doerr
Americans for Religious Liberty
Washington, D.C.
Multiple Intelligences: On the 'Staying Power' Of Howard Gardner's Theory
To the Editor:
The strength of Howard Gardner's theory lies in the fact that most teachers have always understood that their pupils have different learning styles and that they do in fact learn different kinds of materials quite differently ("Staying Power," June 4, 2003). What Mr. Gardner's work does is to establish a base of theory for the practical insights of teachers, and in that sense is useful to teachers in helping them distinguish more accurately the different ways in which their students learn.
A difficulty arises when teachers try to adapt the theory to lesson plans, and Mr. Gardner doesn't offer much help there. Nevertheless, his ideas are important for teachers and school principals to conjure with. In my experience working with several hundred school principals, making the connections between the theory and classroom practice is very useful.
Jerome M. Ziegler
College of Human Ecology
Cornell University
Ithaca, N.Y.
To the Editor:
My problem with Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences is that it has always been presented to me in my teacher education classes as the absolute, established truth. We have never had class discussions about the various merits and demerits of the theory and what empirical evidence there is to support or disprove it. We go straight from "These are the multiple intelligences" to "How can you best implement this truth in your classroom?" without ever exploring whether or not the idea has merit, and why or why not.
It is this approach (which is used in all of my education classes to approach all topics) that I believe alienates and drives away potential teachers who have strong academic backgrounds and critical-thinking skills. Who would want to enter a profession in which one is simply expected to accept what "superiors" tell you without question? Anyone concerned with making up his or her own mind based on research and evidence would run screaming from a teacher education class.
When I arrive home from my master's-level courses, my husband always asks me how classes were that day and my answer is always the same: "Infuriating." I've sort of ceased to be surprised at the low level of intellectual discourse in my education classes.
Cressida Magaro
Leonardtown, Md.
Vol. 22, Issue 41, Pages 46-47
Vol. 22, Issue 41, Pages 46-47
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Audiences are accustomed to sitting and listening. If you can reach out and encourage them to speak up, you have broken the invisible barrier separating the presenter from the audience. Here are some simple things you may wish to try:
Invite the audience to stand and stretch. If the audience has been sitting for a while, invite people to stand and stretch. They will appreciate your gesture.
Pose questions to the audience. Possible questions include the following:
How is everyone today? If the response is tepid, pose the question again. You can go back and forth until you hit the right level of enthusiasm.
Why are we here today? This is a good one for getting people to speak up. You can have some fun with the audience.
Where are you from? Invite people to stand when you call the name of their city or state. (Note: Find out in advance where the majority of the people live so that you can mention those areas first.)
Create an ongoing dialogue with the audience. Find points in your speech where you can ask rhetorical questions. You can even pause for a group response. Watch how Oprah shifts from asking a question of the interviewee to asking a question of the audience. This helps the audience connect with the guest as well as with Oprah.
Thank the audience. Entertainers are perpetually thanking the audience for its patronage. Leaders can learn from this example. Recognize individuals in the audience for special achievement. Take a moment to thank the group for achieving a milestone or even for coming to this gathering. Do not overdo it, but acknowledge the audience for its participation. Mother Teresa thanked contributors to her mission through speeches and words, but she also thanked God for enabling her to carry out her mission. These types of communications reflected on how Mother Teresa saw herself—as an instrument in the service of a higher power for a greater good.


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Diwali has always given us very fond memories. Remember those days, when Diwali meant vacations and new cloths? Ah! We used to wait for it for so long to enjoy the festivity! Time flies, they say, and it does. If you too are looking forward to add that charismatic factor to your Diwali celebrations this time, it's time to head on. Celebrating Diwali at home has its own fun, but if you want to celebrate it in some offbeat style, read on to find out the best places and ways you can celebrate the Diwali this year! Continue reading
Category Archives: Winter Events
Top 10 Coolest Places in India: Experience the Cold!
With the dip in mercury, and the increasing temperature, summer will soon start taking a toll over your weekend activities. But offering some respite, there are a plethora of cool places in India you can look upon and fetch some relief! Blessed with various types of geographies from burning hot to freezing cold, you can still manage to find a handful of places put specially for you. Jokes apart, here is the list of top 10 coolest places in India you should look upon!
Starting from bottom to top, here you go! Continue reading


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It's time for Twitter's Sample Sunday, so here is a sample from Anyone Can Make a Kindle Book…
Are you a real graphics person? Do you know the difference between d.p.i., p.p.i., and absolute pixel size? Do you know what the term "resolution" truly means? Do you know why it's O.K. to scale a graphic down but not up? If you cannot answer these questions, get some professional
psychiatric help because you want to try to
be a writer help with any graphics that you may want to include within the
pages of your book.
If you do know the answers to all of those questions, then I need to tell you only a few things about the graphics in a typical Kindle book. The most important one: they are all what's known as "inline." The best way to think of an inline graphic is to treat it as if it's a separate paragraph. Inline graphics move up and down the page as text is added and deleted above them. In a standard Kindle book none of the images are stationary on the page with text that flows (that is, that "wraps") around them. Those are known as "floating" graphics and the standard Kindle code doesn't support them.
An inline graphic can be aligned just like a paragraph, too: left, right, and center, but, unless you know what you're doing and have a good design reason to do otherwise (as I did with the graphic ornaments that were used in this book for the chapter- and section headings), make all of your graphics centered on the page, just like a centered paragraph. They look better that way. All of the screen captures in this book—more than 100 of them—are centered like that.
All of your graphics should be in JPEG format. You may read various places that Amazon allows a few other formats for images, but which formats are allowed where—on the cover or the inside pages—can get confusing because they're not all the same. JPEG is the one format that can be used both places. Don't complicate things unnecessarily. Keep it simple. Amazon prefers your cover to be JPEG, so keep everything JPEG. And make sure that they're uncompressed (more about that in Section 7.1: Size Matters).
That section speaks specifically about the cover of your book, but those same guidelines also pertain to any images that you add within the pages of your book, where you have the added choice of being able to shrink those images down to the size that you want them to be. Images can be added (using either the Insert > Picture ▶ menu or the drag-and-drop method) right into your manuscript, and, prior to conversion to HTML, shrunk to almost any smaller size on the page that you choose. This is one of the best reasons to check your Kindle book with the "Kindle Previewer" or an actual Kindle device, to make sure that the graphics show up at an acceptable size on the Kindle screen: not bigger than you want and not too small to be seen clearly.


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Sean Singletary Declares For NBA Draft
Virginia guard is not planning to hire an agent.
April 24, 2007
CHARLOTTESVILLE - Virginia guard Sean Singletary (Philadelphia, Pa./The William Penn Charter School) announced on Tuesday (April 24) that he will declare for the NBA draft, but is not planning to hire an agent.
The deadline for individuals to declare for the NBA draft is April 29. If he does not sign with an agent, Singletary retains the option of taking his name out of the draft and returning to Virginia. The draft is scheduled for June 28 and individuals declaring for the draft have until June 18 to withdraw their name from consideration.
"I have discussed this situation with my family and Coach Leitao," Singletary said. "I want to continue to consider all of my options and learn as much as I can about the process. This gives me that opportunity while retaining the option of returning to Virginia."
Singletary has been a team co-captain each of the last two seasons, earned numerous All-America honors after the 2006-07 season and was a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection for the second consecutive year in 2007. He finished the 2006-07 season with averages of 19.0 points, 4.7 assists and 4.6 rebounds a game. Singletary led the Cavaliers in points (609, 19.0 ppg.), assists (151, 4.7 apg.), three-point field goals made (79, 2.47 a game), free throw percentage (.872, 190-218), steals (38, 1.2 spg.) and minutes played (1,064, 33.2 mpg.).
"Sean and his family want to be sure they've considered and evaluated all of his options," Virginia head coach Dave Leitao said. "I understand Sean's interest in learning more about the process and feel this step will enable him to gather a great deal of information."
Virginia finished the 2006-07 season with an overall record of 21-11, shared the ACC regular-season championship with North Carolina with an 11-5 conference record and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. It was Virginia's first NCAA Tournament appearance and 20-win season since 2001.
Sean Singletary


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Surrender yourself to the Dark Side with this Darth Vader inspired shirt. This comfortable tee pays homage to the greatest villain in the universe by sporting his iconic image on the front, as well as displaying his name and title on the full-length sleeves. Hybrid Apparel combined black fabric with simple yet eye-catching graphics to design a stylish shirt you could wear almost anywhere. Shop online today with GameStop to purchase this shirt and other Star Wars apparel.
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"The Nemean Lion"
"Euros, Immortal Horse"
Detail from "Euros, Immortal Horse"
"Balius and Xanthus"
"Aerion, Immortal Horse".
Detail from "Aerion, Immortal Horse".
Detail from "Pegasus".
"The clown and the butterwasp went to see…"
Detail from "The Clown..."
"My Friend and the Sun"
Detail from "My Friend and the Sun"
"Jumbo Harmony"
"The Resplendent Giant Peacock at Rest"
"The Resplendent Giant Peacock"
"The King of Rome" A very famous racing pigeon from Derby, northern England. A great song by Dave Sudbury and a true story too.
"The Astropod"
"IZ the WIZ, Did the Biz, That Was It and There It IZ!"
"The Kids are Alright!"
"All Aboard All Aboard...!"
"The Nightlife of Old London Town". Apparently you're never more than 20 feet away from a rat in London…apparently.
"1977" That's me in the foreground!
"Whatever Became of the Original Captain Badweather?"
"Be Seeing You"


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My attention was drawn recently to http://www.warbirdpinups.com/, an outfit that produces calendars and live events built around the combination of attractive young ladies, dressed and styled for a 1940s look, posing with restored military airplanes of that era.
The photography on the site is conventional and mostly competent, if a bit cliched. Some of the poses are awkward, and the Warbird Pinup photographers are not as adept at flattering the models as, for example, the guys at Sports Illustrated showed themselves to be when using similar WWII aircraft as props: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010_swimsuit/onlocation/palm-springs/. Of interest at present, though, is not the merits of the particular photography but the whole concept of pairing young women with old planes.
The babe-and-machine shot is nothing new, and there are whole magazines such as Easyriders, http://www.easyriders.com/, filled with this genre. Scantily clad women also have a special history with World War II aircraft, having been a popular theme in nose art painted by servicemen during the period. I understand the appeal of photos of young women and of photos of old planes or other beautiful machines, but not really the combination. As a fashion accessory, airplanes are not easy to wear well. Women draped over planes almost always end up in positions that look uncomfortable and unnatural, or else they have no relationship to the plane at all and just happen to be sharing the frame. The women don't do much for the attractiveness of the planes, either, assuming anybody is even looking at the planes. Actually I've never seen a photo of a woman and a plane, or a motorcycle or car or whatever, that really works as a photo that is even as good as the sum of its parts. Not one. I can't really even envision what one would look like.
The juxtaposition does, of course, raise interesting psychological questions about just exactly why guys like to look at pictures of cars, planes, and bikes. But maybe it's best not to go there.
This doesn't seem to bother the following of Easyriders or Warbird Pinups, however. They must figure: it's got a chick, it's got a cool ride, it's all good. Never mind whether they go together well. Hey, could I get a scoop of ice cream on my pizza?
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Women and Planes
Posted by August T. Horvath at 10:14 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Dumpling Cube
IHA Innovation Award - Winner Cook & Bakeware 2014
Dumpling Cube is a unique new product that makes dumplings easy.
This ingenious invention from the designer of Rice Cube produces four dumplings, turnovers or pierogies at a time.
The Dumpling Cube unfolds into a workspace to create four dumplings in a few easy steps.
The base doubles as a pastry cutter to trim a perfect square for each 4 dumplings.
You simply fill and press and the patented fold design will shape and trim 4 perfect dumplings each time.
It folds back up into a 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch cube for easy storage.
The Dumpling Cube is food safe, BPA-free and dishwasher friendly.


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Hotel in Venice (Italy) : 724 hotels found
Made up of 120 small islands and famous for its canals, carnival and gondolas, Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world. From St. Mark's Square to the Bridge of Sighs, Venice is the very picture of architectural beauty.
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Best Western Montecarlo 3 star Hotel
San Marco, 463 - Calle Specchieri - 30124 Venice - See on map
The 44 spacious rooms offer a breath-taking view of the city. Each one is decorated with antique furniture and paintings. All are equipped with television and air-conditioning upon request. For a smal...More Info
Hotel Abbazia 3 star Hotel
Calle Priuli Dei Cavaletti 68 - 30121 Venice - See on map
The building of the Abbazia Hotel, although originally a Carmelite Monastery, is now home to a charming 3-star establishment located 150 metres from the Santa Lucia train station in Venise. Tastefully...More Info
Hotel Concordia 4 star Hotel
Calle Larga, San Marco 367 - 30124 Venice - See on map
Each of the 58 guestrooms feature a different elegant décor with a harmonious blend of antique furnishings and rich materials. All include all the modern conveniences, such as air-conditioning, satel...More Info
Palazzo del Giglio 4 star Hotel
S.Marco 2462 - 30124 Venice - See on map
Discover all that Venice has to offer with Palazzo Del Giglio Hotel as a base.The Palazzo Del Giglio Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service.Each...More Info
Hotel Bella Venezia 4 star Hotel
San Marco 4701/11, Calle Dei Fabbri - 30124 Venice - See on map
The 24 rooms are divided into different categories. All are decorated in an elegant traditional style. Each one is equipped with high-speed Internet access, an LCD television with satellite reception ...More Info
Best Western Premier Hotel Sant'Elena 4 star Hotel
Calle Buccari 10 - 30132 Venice - See on map
Set on the island of Sant'Elena in a district filled with gardens. From the hotel, stroll to the Piazza San Marco (500 m / 550 yards), the Galleria Accademia (700 m / 770 yards) and the Rialto Bridge ...More Info
Best Western Hotel Olimpia Venezia 3 star Hotel
S. Croce 395 - 30100 Venice - See on map
The cozy and inviting guestrooms are carefully decorated in an 18th century Venetian style. You will love the delicious breakfast buffet served in the breakfast room each morning, as well as the comfo...More Info
Hotel Saturnia & International 4 star Hotel
Via XXII Marzo, San Marco 2398 - 30124 Venice - See on map
Housed in a 14th century Venetian palazzo, the Hotel Saturnia & International, which has run by the Serandrei family for four generations, is a friendly place to stay. This 4-star establishment is rig...More Info
Hotel Colombina 4 star Hotel
Calle del Rimedio 4416 - 30122 Venice - See on map
Colombina Hotel is a popular choice amongst travelers in Venice, whether exploring or just passing through. The hotel offers a high standard of service and amenities to suit the individual needs of al...More Info
Hotel Rialto 4 star Hotel
Riva del Ferro - 30124 Venice - See on map
The Rialto Hotel is uniquely situated on the Grand Canal, facing the famous Rialto Bridge. This 4-star traditionally designed establishment welcomes you into an ideal setting, just metres from the num...More Info
Best Western Hotel Bisanzio 3 star Hotel
Castello 3651 - 30122 Venice - See on map
The Best Western Bisanzio is the perfect blend of classic decoration and modern comfort. This is one of the few hotels in Venice to be located just behind Piazza San Marco. You will love the warm welc...More Info
Locanda Vivaldi 4 star Hotel
Castello 4150-52 - 30122 Venice - See on map
The 27 rooms have been carefully decorated to create a feeling of luxury and refinement. Each one is equipped with satellite television and air-conditioning. High-speed Internet is also available as w...More Info
Hotel A La Commedia 4 star Hotel
San Marco 4596/A Corte Del Teatro Goldoni - 30124 Venice - See on map
Housed in an elegant palace from the beginning of the 19th century, the A la Commedia Hotel welcomes you in the heart of Venice in one of the most upscale and lively district of this beautiful, world-...More Info
Hotel Dei Dragomanni 4 star Hotel
San Marco 2711 Calle Dose da Ponte - 30124 Venice - See on map
The Hotel Dei Dragommani, once a Venetian palace, is an elegant 4-star establishment, conveniently located near St Mark's Square. Its decoration was designed to respect the original atmosphere and cha...More Info
Hotel Danieli 5 star Hotel
Riva degli Schiavoni 4196 - 30122 Venice - See on map
The Danieli Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Venice. All the modern facilities are available in all of the hotel's 233 rooms. This hotel is characterized by a combin...More Info
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice 5 star Hotel
Giudecca 810 - 30133 Venice - See on map
The wonderful Hilton Molino Stucky Venice Hotel is in a restored red-brick 19th-century building which formerly housed a flour mill. This elegant property is located on Giudecca Island in the Venice l...More Info
UNA Hotel Venezia 4 star Hotel
Ruga Do Pozzi, 4173 - 30121 Venice - See on map
The 4-star Una Hotel Venezia offers comfort and convinience whether you're on business or holiday in Venice. The hotel offers guests a range of services and amenities designed to provide comfort and c...More Info
NH Manin 4 star Hotel
Corte Dell'Albero, 3878/A - 30124 Venice - See on map
Set in a prime location of Venice, Nh Manin Hotel puts everything the city has to offer just outside your doorstep. The property features a wide range of facilities to make your stay a pleasant experi...More Info
The Westin Europa & Regina 5 star Hotel
San Marco 2159 - 30124 Venice - See on map
Ideally located in the prime touristic area of San Marco, The Westin Europa & Regina Hotel promises a relaxing and wonderful visit. Both business travelers and tourists can enjoy the hotel's facilitie...More Info
Ca' Nigra Lagoon Resort 4 star Hotel
S. Croce, 927 - 30135 Venice - See on map
The 22 upscale rooms are elegant and offer the highest level of comfort. All are equipped with individual air-conditioning, Internet access, satellite television and a large desk. The hotel also featu...More Info
Your selection: Hotel in Venice (Italy) : 724 hotels found
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Spotted Turtles and How to Save them
Hello again. I love spotted turtles. I made bookmarks and sold them to my classmates to raise money and I had a garage sale for them too. I did all of this because of earthrangers.com! I also love Earth Rangers. You can donate through the website to an endangered animal of your choice and earn buttons and medals. Well, anyhow I will blog about endangered animals and all animals with tips on how to help them. People are destroying the habitats of spotted turtles and they live in the marshy areas of Ontario. I do not know where exactly because it has to stay secret so no one will try to poach the eggs of the spotted turtles. You can help them by donating to Earth Rangers.
Stay tuned for more Earth Rangers news1
P.S. Watch this video I made to learn more about the spotted turtle. You can also watch it on YouTube.


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PDF Public Speaking: Concepts and Skills for a Diverse Society Free "DOWNLOAD"
All PDF, EPUB, MOBI, DOC, RTF for Free. Download: http://downloadsebooks.com/1285445856
Public Speaking: Concepts and Skills for a Diverse Society
You can get Public Speaking: Concepts and Skills for a Diverse Society Paperback, Hardcover, Kindle Edition, Audible Audio Edition, Printed Access Code, Digital Access Code, Loose Leaf, Audio CD or Board Book on: http://www.amazon.fr/gp/reader/1285445856/?tag=prevread-20#reader_1285445856
Amazon.com seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial.
Find Amazon on:
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Google+: https://plus.google.com/114493486650807637382


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Bennett Murphy
Sept. 8, 2008
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Providence College Head Lacrosse Coach Chris Burdick announced on Monday, September 8 that former Friar lacrosse stand-out Bennett Murphy will join the staff as an assistant coach. Murphy replaces Kyle Plumly, who recently resigned his position to pursue other opportunities. He will work closely with the Friars' offensive unit as the offensive coordinator.
Murphy enjoyed a stellar career with the Friars from 2005-2008. In 58 games, he registered 53 goals and 29 assists for 82 points. During his final season in 2008, Murphy enjoyed his finest season on office with single-season career highs of 23 goals, 14 assists and 37 points. For his efforts, he was named to the All-MAAC Second Team and MAAC All-Tournament Team.
"We are thrilled to have Bennett join the coaching staff after a great career as a player," Burdick said. "Bennett is a leader in every sense of the word and has demonstrated a commitment to the values and ideals we seek to instill in our student-athletes in the lacrosse program at Providence College. He brings a wealth of understanding to our offensive systems, and I have full confidence in allowing him the freedom to run our offensive and man-up units."
Murphy completed his undergraduate degree in finance at Providence College in 2007. He competed for the Friars in 2008 as a graduate student, pursuing a masters in business administration as part of the College's MBA program.


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Delivering safe, clean and reliable natural gas to the City of Chicago
Home page > Our Company > Helping the environment > Environmental commitment guiding principles >
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looking for environmentally friendly ways to serve the growing need for energy. Our
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DIBELS Next® Benchmark Goals
A Statement from the DIBELS® Authors
It has come to our attention that the University of Oregon/CTL data system recently released their own version of benchmark goals for DIBELS Next®. Please note that the official DIBELS Next benchmark goals have not changed. The CTL-proposed benchmark goals do not come from the authors of DIBELS® and we do not recommend using them. The goals proposed by CTL do not meet the DIBELS Next® technical specifications for official benchmark goals.
The CTL goals put the typical benchmark goal at around the 72nd percentile. We are concerned that the CTL goals identify over 70% of students as having less than adequate reading skills.
By contrast, the official DIBELS Next benchmark goals are typically around the 39th percentile, which is consistent with the 2011 National Assessment of Educational Progress, on which 33% of students scored below the level of reading skills judged to be basic. According to the NAEP, "basic denotes partial mastery of prerequisite knowledge and skills that are fundamental for proficient work at a given grade."
There is certainly nothing wrong with aiming higher, and we encourage schools to always strive for improvement. However, the DIBELS benchmark goals are the point where we want all students to reach, which means average-performing and high-performing students will score above or well above the benchmark goal.
The DIBELS benchmark goals are used to identify students who need additional instruction in order to become successful readers. It is not reasonable to suggest that an average- performing school has over 70% of its students reading below grade level. Using the official DIBELS Next benchmark goals, a typical school would identify about 40% of students as needing additional support. Using the CTL-proposed goals, a typical school would identify about 70% of students as needing additional support.
We highly recommend using the official DIBELS Next benchmark goals, which are based on research conducted by the authors. The official DIBELS Next goals can be accessed in the UO/CTL system by selecting "Former Goals" when given the option. The official benchmark goals are calculated according to the way that DIBELS is designed to function, and their interpretation is defined in Chapter 3 of the DIBELS Next Assessment Manual ("Interpreting DIBELS Next Data").
Please note that there are other data services available which continue to provide reports using the official benchmark goals and following the official decision rules made publicly available by the authors. These include:
- Acadience Data Management,
at Dynamic Measurement Group
from our publisher Voyager Sopris Learning
Please let us know if you have any questions,
Ruth A. Kaminski and Roland H. Good III
September 28, 2012
Dynamic Measurement Group


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Cabra Corral Dam
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- Summary
Head south of Salta about 80 km and you'll hit one of the city's favorite adventure destinations: a large and scenic lake created by the massive 93 meter (305 ft) Cabra Corral Dam. Here, locals and tourists are treated to the usual array of water-based activities (swimming, boating, fishing, etc.), with the availability of hiking and horseback riding to help round out the possibilities outside of the water. Commission the services of a guide (or a chatty local) and you can even visit the centuries-old native rock paintings located within select caves and along rocky outcroppings that overlook the lake.
Feeling a bit bolder? Don't hesitate to try an adrenaline-inducing bungee jump off one of the dam's massive support columns, an activity that has become increasingly popular in recent years. All in all, this is far from a bad way to spend a beautiful afternoon in northwestern Argentina.
Location:80km south of Salta City, Salta, Argentina
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Jammu: One more case of dengue surfaced in the Basohli area of J&K's Kathua district, taking the number of patients suffering from the vector-bourne disease to 13 in Jammu region, officials said today.
"Until yesterday, a total of 13 people were tested positive with the vector-borne disease in Jammu region," a health official said today.
He said that one more case of dengue surfaced yesterday in the Basohli area of Kathua district.
"On Tuesday, two children were tested positive for the virus in Government Medical College (GMC) hospital where blood samples of 26 people with the dengue symptoms were tested," the official said.
He said that people need to take precautions so as to save themselves from mosquito bites. The people have also been advised to discard any stagnant water which can become breeding ground for mosquitoes.
"With the fresh rainfall, the danger of dengue virus has increased so the people are advised to take precautionary measures so as to save themselves from the disease," he said.
He advised the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) to do fogging of the areas which are susceptible of the presence of the mosquito larva. (PTI)


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This Commons Library briefing provides details of the progress of the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill through Parliament, including a note on some amendments tabled at Report stage.Jump to full report >>
The Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill was introduced into the House of Commons on 21 July 2015, having begun its passage through Parliament in the House of Lords. It received its Second Reading on 14 October 2015, and spent two days in Committee of the Whole House on 21 October 2015 and 17 November 2015. Its Report Stage, and Third Reading, are scheduled for 7 December 2015. A fresh copy of the Bill was produced after it completed Committee Stage.
The Library has previously produced a briefing paper on the Bill as it stood before Second Reading in the House of Commons.
The Government agreed to retain two amendments made in the House of Lords, despite having opposed them then: Clause 1, requiring an annual report to Parliament on devolution; and Clause 21, permitting local authorities which had agreed to a directly-elected mayor following a Government-mandated referendum to reverse that decision. However, the House agreed to remove three other Lords amendments opposed by the Government: one lowering the voting age for local government elections in England and Wales to 16; one requiring Government bills to include a statement of consistency with the principle of devolving power; and one preventing an elected mayor from being used as a condition for devolution of power in devolution deal negotiations.
Government amendments have also been agreed by the House of Commons covering a general power of competence for English national park authorities; creating the power to set up 'sub-national transport bodies', such as Transport for the North; and altering the terms on which combined authority boundaries can be changed.
Other key matters of debate around the Bill in the House of Commons included the governance of London; the introduction of directly-elected mayors of combined authorities, and the possibility of holding referendums in advance of their introduction; and the conditions under which the devolution of power over health authorities may proceed. The Government elected not to bring forward amendments to pass powers over Sunday trading hours to elected mayors.
Commons Briefing papers CBP-7418
Authors: Mark Sandford; David Hirst; Louise Butcher; Tom Powell
Topics: Devolution, Health services, Local government, Railways
The House of Commons Library provides research, analysis and information services for MPs and their staff.


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Applying for debt consolidation is a way to get relief from the burden of multi-loan repayment. However, not every debtor benefits from the consolidation scheme. There are also instances where a person's financial status deteriorates, post the consolidation schemes. Without proper planning, the debt consolidation scheme will never work appropriately. You must understand the rules associated, with debt consolidation loans before availing it.
Debt Consolidation – a Clearer View
Debt consolidation, in basic terms, would involve combining all your existing debts and them repaying them through one single loan scheme. In other words, it involves transferring all your existing debts (multiple) into one single loan and then repaying it back on an EMI basis, as a fixed single payment every month for a fixed time-period. However, you must mortgage some of your assets to seek debt consolidation loan. The mortgaged assets will be released once you successfully repay the consolidation loan in total. Debt consolidation has its share of benefits, but only to those who understand the correct ways to use it.
The Right Mindset
Many people think that availing a consolidation loan ends the headache of managing the debts. They are of the opinion that once the consolidation loan is taken, the burden of debts is taken off the shoulders. But, the reality is not so! Yes, the consolidation loan taken would help in clearing all your pending debts, but then, this consolidation loan also needs to be repaid. Your land or other expensive assets will be mortgaged against the consolidation loan. If you fail to repay the loan, within the desired tenure, the credit counseling agency will take possession of those assets and you will be left, with nothing. So, be very careful with how you handle the debt consolidation repayment situation. You must not add any new debt to the situation, while clearing off the consolidation loan. It may worsen the situation.
Getting Rid of the Debt Faster
Debt consolidation loans can be useful to achieve 2 purposes: lowering the monthly repayment terms and clearing off the debts faster. If you want to take advantage of debt consolidation, you must prioritize the removal of the debts, within the shortest time-span. In case you are looking to avail debt consolidation loans online, always prioritize the clearing the debts, unless there happens to be an extra burden in repaying the present debt. Consider online debt consolidation reviews to figure out the best lenders available. Unless you figure out a reliable credit counseling agency, things can get really difficult.
Debt consolidation schemes usually come with lower interest rates. However, the longer you take to repay the debt, greater will be the interest rate. Therefore, you must try to clear off the debts, within the shortest time-limit possible. Also, you need to be careful enough while choosing the debt consolidation program. Many of these might look attractive in advertisements, but come with hidden costs to worsen the situation at a later stage. Henceforth, you must compare a couple of debt consolidation plans and understand the agreements before making any decision.


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The Brilliant Idea
When the Stockroom launched just a few short months ago, it was a natural instinct for us to sell shipping supplies. After all, the Stockroom is a store that provides the essential tools entrepreneurs will need to launch and grow their ecommerce stores, and what's more important than the boxes and envelopes merchants need to fulfill their orders?
There are literally hundreds of options when it comes to box sizes and materials. Since we were new business owners, we didn't want to get bogged down with a ton of inventory taking up a lot of space in our warehouse.
This is where we benefited from being part of Shopify. The Shopify Shipping team has access to data on what Shopify merchants are shipping and the size of their average orders. In order to buy only a small variety of packaging supplies, we used this data to stock only the most common box sizes shipped by ecommerce entrepreneurs.
We were also lucky to have a corrugate (the stuff that's used to make boxes) factory right next door to our warehouse. This allowed us to source the shipping supplies directly from the manufacturer, cutting out the middleman and giving us competitive low pricing. It seemed like a recipe for success. Little did we know what would happen next...
The Problem
No surprise, the shipping supplies were a runaway success when the Stockroom launched. We soon were flooded for orders for shipping supplies, and not just coming from the US, but internationally.
It wasn't until we got our first bill from our warehouse that we noticed just how expensive it was to ship these bulky boxes. Although we had done some rough calculations and adjusted our shipping price for heavy goods to be higher than normal, we did not account for just how much it ended up costing to ship these orders.
Jane began to meet with big businesses that specialize in selling shipping supplies. During these conversations, it became clear how closely tied logistics and shipping supplies are. Companies that specialize in selling boxes invest heavily in warehousing, setting up multiple warehouses on different coasts to shorten the shipping distance between customers and the product.
The Other Problem
On top of the escalating shipping bill that was eating away at our profitability, we were also facing problems with customs and duties. So many of our orders were coming from Canada, since this is where the Shopify employees (some of our most loyal customers) are located. Every time an order would arrive, our customers were getting dinged with crazy-high duty charges.
After some deliberation we decided it would be best for us to move our products to a warehouse in Canada. Not only would this solve the duties issue, but it would put us much closer to our fulfillment center, providing peace of mind and easy access to our products for impromptu selling events.
What This Means For You
So now that we're packing up our products and moving them over the border to our new Canadian warehouse, we are tasked with deciding what to bring with us. Of course, the shipping supplies are too heavy and bulky to ship across the country, and we already know that they are not profitable for us right now.
Therefore, we're liquidating our shipping supply inventory with a 20% off sale. We're basically selling these products at cost, which makes it an amazing deal for any ecommerce entrepreneur in need to boxes, envelopes or packing tape.
We learned a lot from this experience. To some, it may seem like a failed attempt. To others who have started their own business, I think you will understand that this is just one of many learning experiences you will undergo on your entrepreneurial journey.


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We will be happy to assist you with any questions or requests. Use the following link to send us an email.
For information on shipments, returns and our policies, please visit our dedicated pages.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Information regarding the right of withdrawal (ex Article 49, paragraph 1, letter (h) of Legislative Decree 206/2005 "Consumer Code").
In accordance with the legal provisions in force, the customer is entitled to withdraw from the purchase, without penalty and without specifying any reason, within 14 days from the date of receipt of the goods.
In case of multiple purchases made by the customer with just one order and delivered separately, the period of 14 days starts from the date of receipt of the last product.
The buyer who intends to exercise the right of withdrawal must notify Medialab Srl by means of an explicit statement that can be transmitted by registered letter or by accessing the section "my account" at www.slowear.com with the creation of a file. The buyer must also exercise the right of withdrawal by sending any explicit statement containing the decision to withdraw from the contract clicking here
Moreover, the customer, who placed an order as NON registered guest, can exercise the right of withdrawal, by contacting Customer care here
Following the withdrawal from this contract, Medialab Srl will reimburse the payments already made for the purchase of the goods by the buyer without undue delay and in any case not later than 14 days, except for the expected bank transaction timings, from the day the goods will be delivered in warehouse and confirmed their integrity.
The costs of delivering the package and possible customs duties expected in non-EU countries (Switzerland and Norway) will not be refunded and will continue to be the responsibility of the customer. Slowear will take charge of the shipping costs and customs duties of the returns from the United States.
The refunds will be made using the same means of payment as used by the customer during the purchase, unless established otherwise.
In any case, the customer will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement. The refund will be suspended until the receipt by Medialab Srl of the products subject to the refund or until the customer can demonstrate the dispatch of the goods, if earlier.
The customer is required to return or deliver the products without undue delay and in any case within 14 days from the day he or she announced his or her intention to withdraw from the purchase agreement.
The Products must be returned:
- correctly packed in their original packaging, not spoilt, damaged or dirty, and complete with all accessories, operating instructions and documentation;
- complete with the receipt issued at the time of the opening of the refund file, so as to allow Medialab Srl to identify the customer (Order number, name, surname and address)
- without any obvious signs of use, except those that are compatible with performing a normal test of the article (they should not show signs of use that is prolongued or in any case exceeds the time required for a test and shall not be in such a state as to prevent their resale).
If the returned product does not comply with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the withdrawal will not take effect.
The costs of returning the goods are the responsibility of the customer.


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It appears, though, that the Shadow Ninja concept morphed a bit in the design process. Instead of the color changing plastic that was released at retail, Hasbro originally considered clear figures for the series. A few samples of these clear version made it out into the world and you can see examples of Snake Eyes, Stormshadow and Night Creeper below.
While the idea of clear figures would have been novel at the time, the design would have run its course quickly. Maybe if one of the figures in the set had been "invisible", it would have been a cool gimmick. But, a whole series of them quickly showed the fad's limitations. You can see the inner workings of the figures. And, since these molds all had spring loaded features, there's a lot of guts to see.
There's no real info as to why this concept was abandoned for the color changing plastic. We can speculate that the color changing gimmick was better received than the clear plastic. But, we don't know for sure. These figures are an interesting look into what might have been, though.
|Night Creeper Unreleased Figure
|Clear Snake Eyes Unreleased Figure
|Clear Stormshadow Unreleased Figure


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Jim Hartsock - Wildlife Artist, CT, AE
Jim has been doing taxidermy for over 25 years. Jim's artistic ability was noticed with his sketching and drawing of wildlife at an early age. Even as a young child, he was out in the woods observing wildlife. The outdoors and animals have always been a strong influence in Jim's life. The grace in composition can be seen in each piece.
Jim's background includes a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science; studies into the anatomy of various species of animals that collectively inspire him to create artistic and anatomically correct trophies from the smallest of Teal to the largest of Bears.
Southwest Wildlife is dedicated to the preservation of your trophies to the highest standards. "I share with you the love for hunting and wildlife. I know and understand what it takes to collect a trophy; therefore I will use all my skills to preserve that trophy to the highest standards. I invite you to visit my gallery". - Jim Hartsock
Member of:


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Railroad Contractors Insurance in Salt Lake City and Clearfield, UT
We Will Help you Lay the Track for a Quality Insurance Package
The Bon Agency Insurance provides insurance to railroad contractors & manufacturers in Salt Lake City, Clearfield, Layton, Odgen, Provo, Casper, and surrounding areas.
Railroad contractors and manufacturers face inherent risks within their industry. Worrying about proper coverage for your business should not be one of those risks. At The Bon Agency Insurance, our goal is to work with you to help ensure that your business is protected.
Here are some of the insurance options we offer to railroad contractors and manufacturers:
- General liability
- Inland marine
- Umbrella coverage
- Railroad protective liability
- Commercial auto
Contact a representative at The Bon Agency Insurance to set up a consultation.


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How to Achieve Olivia Wilde's "Smoky Eyes on Steroids"
Makeup artist Melanie Inglessis breaks down the extreme look.
For Olivia Wilde, the Met Gala in New York on Monday was a very shiny affair. Not only did her Michael Kors gown feature a wide metal collar and metallic detailing, but her makeup — and even her ears — shone and reflected light. Of Wilde's dress, makeup artist Melanie Inglessis told Pret-a-Reporter, "It's very modern but also has a little 1970s Paco Rabanne feel to it, so we decided to have a really metallic chromatic eye that has a lot of luminosity to it."
The "really strong editorial smoky eye" has a dramatic shape, bigger than Inglessis says she'd normally do on Wilde. "We do a lot of smoky eyes, but it's definitely out there — something you can probably only do at the Met Ball. It's a classic Olivia look and I pushed it times 10." The effect: "Smoky eyes on steroids," as she calls it.
While it's not something the makeup guru advises replicating exactly for real life, Inglessis says someone could do a smaller version of it with silvers and blacks. Her tools for the night: Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadows in Precious Metals ($6.50) and Black Magic ($6.50), Revlon PhotoReady Kajal Matte Eye Pencil in Coal ($9) and Revlon Ultimate All-In-One Mascara in Blackest Black ($9), all well blended and smudged, of course.
To further the reflectiveness of the actress's visage, Inglessis made sure Wilde's skin was plump and hydrated, with Sisley Sisleÿa L'Integral ($525) moisturizer, and she added shine with the not-yet-launched Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Fix Highlighting Sticks in Gold Light. Says Inglessis, "We wanted luminosity on the cheekbones, on the brow bones, on the bridge of the nose — it's about that reflective look. She really wanted to play on the textures: metallic, reflective, luminous."
As for her almond-shaped nails, manicurist Chelsea King found a way to tie in both the black and silver of her gown for a look that used Revlon Knockout ($5), an opaque black, on top and Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Lucky Us ($8) underneath the free edge. "To me, when I think of how technology and fashion collide, I instantly think of metallics and interesting finishes," says King, "so her nails needed to be unique as well!"