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Are children little devils or little angels?
Trick question: they're neither. They're little Homo sapiens (sometimes known as Pan narrans), with all that that entails. That means that they're animals, not angels or devils. I don't mean that as an insult. I'm an animal. So are you. What else could you be? You're not a plant, or an abstract concept like "justice", and the state of the art of artificial intelligence is not good enough for you to be a robot. Even if you believe that you have a soul (whatever that is!) your soul doesn't stop you from hurting when you stub your toe, or let you flap your arms and fly, or see electric fields. We can do what our bodies can do, and nothing more.
As animals, our wetware has certain modes of behaviour, and one of those is that we learn. We learn a lot. We're the ultimate learning machines on the planet, at least until 20 or so.
(Animals and machines? Sure, why not? We're machines made of meat instead of steel and plastic. If you think that's an insult to the dignity of human beings, that's only because you're thinking of machines as those clanking, primitive piles of junk like cars and grandfather clocks and space shuttles. What you should be thinking of is the other machines, like eagles and dolphins and tigers and cobras, of hearts and muscles and eyes and nerves. There's nothing clanking about them. The simplest, most basic cell in the human machine is a million times more complex than the most advanced metal-and-plastic thing we can yet make. We'll catch up, eventually, and make machines worthy of being called "alive", but for now, there's a great yawning chasm between meat machines and metal machines. The metal machines might be stronger and tougher, but let's see them make new machines without our help, huh?)
But I digress... so, little children are learning machines. They soak in data like a sponge, and they learn. Depending on what they learn, we label them as little angels or little devils. But in fact they're neither: they're just risen apes, and we older, supposedly wiser risen apes should be helping them to grow into the best apes they can be.
The problem is, they have this annoying habit of learning things that we don't want them to learn. I don't mean such trivialities such as four-letter words, but things like temper tantrums.
There's an imperial ton of advice out there about raising children (and that's bigger than a metric ton). Most of it is bad advice, because it is based on wishful thinking that kiddies are little angels, or little devils, rather than the reality that they're Homo sapiens.
In civilized countries, you won't find many people willing to publicly talk about "beating the Devil out of children" (although there's always a few barbarians who will privately do so), but there's still plenty of folk who will talk about sparing rods and spoiling children without any clue whatsoever about how to get maximum learning from the minimum brutality. If that sounds harsh, it's because I have a generally low opinion of those who mindlessly quote Biblical aphorisms, not because I am philosophically opposed to mild corporal punishment when necessary.
Unfortunately, parenting skills are very low. There's no classes we can take, the books we buy all contradict each other, and when we do what was done to us, the chances are we're just repeating the same lousy mistakes our parents made.
So, what to do? I was going to spend time searching high and low on the Internet looking for serious academic sites to back up the following assertions, but it's the wee hours of the morning and I need to sleep sometime. So I'll fall back on the tried and true Argument By Assertion, and say if you don't believe this, do your own research. You know where Google is.
It's about the timing.
Conditioning is not the only way we Homo sapiens learn, but it is an important part of it. That's the way our brains work: behaviour which is rewarded becomes more likely to be repeated, and behaviour which is given negative reinforcement becomes less likely. Not all learning is based on conditioning, but a lot of it is, especially for children (but also for adults!). The refusal to accept the reality of how we learn means that we are doomed to implement ineffective or even counter-productive teaching strategies, and then wonder why our children aren't learning the lessons we intended them to learn.
The most important factor about reinforcement is the timing. If it doesn't happen immediately, it might as well never happen at all. Yes, people can -- eventually -- learn delayed gratification, but that takes time, and three year olds don't have those skills yet. There's probably nothing, short of brutal physical abuse, less useful and more harmful to a child's ability to grow into a decent human being than "Wait until your father comes home!".
To give a concrete example: when your child screams and cries in the store because he or she wants a candy bar, if you give him or her a candy bar you have just reinforced the temper tantrum behaviour. It's hard to ignore a screaming child, especially when everyone else is giving you those Looks that say "control your brat!", but if you don't ignore it, you're just reinforcing the tantrum. And no, spanking the child isn't going to help, not if the only attention it ever gets is when you smack it. Children will take bad attention over inattention every time.
Just like adults really.
There's more here and here on Violent Acres. They're hardly scholarly articles, and there's some adult language so watch those nanny-filters, but they're worth reading.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Raising the little devils to be little people
Are children little devils or little angels?
Posted by Vlad the Impala at 3/03/2008 01:30:00 am
1 comment:
- Metro said...
100% with you on this.
I dated a woman who had, at the time we met, a six-month old son and a seven-year-old daughter. And I thank her daily for teaching me everything not to do to instill discipline and self-respect in her kids.
I have myriad examples, but the best is probably that of her son. At the time he learned to climb from his crib (about a year old) I was staying overnight and leaving at 5:30 or 6 a.m.
He would be up, so I'd shower him with me and dress him. Then I'd have to drop him into bed with his Mum.
I would often come home to her moaning that the little bugger had gotten into something ... I recall on at least two occasions that he strewed flour from a 20-pound bag across the kitchen.
And every time, I would ask:
"What time'd you get up?"
"Oh, about ten ..."
That kid, whom I feel was no more backward than any other, is now officially classed as being retarded, and is apparently on drugs to keep him controlled.
I blame the mother. And to a lesser extent, myself.
- Thu Mar 06, 07:28:00 am 2008


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T5 immobilser - stranded 1000 miles from home !!
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Not Quite Newbie
Joined: 16 Oct 09
Location: Swindon, Wiltshire
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Posted: 09 Jan 18 at 14:14
Hi folks,
Bit of a SOS here.... got a 2004 2.5 T5 , driving it around Norway, had to FLY back to UK for 2 months and on my return van started up fine . I installed a new car stereo as old one decided to pack up. next day drove it to the supermarket and when I came back to van it started for a second or two and then died.
Did some research , took off terminals and grounded etc and it seemed to work and then got progressively worse. got to a vw dealershipand they sent off for replacement immobiliser thingy in key fob. two weeks later it arrived from germany and still not working ., so then they got the receiving part of the immobliser and still didnt work. now problem is worse than before as was intermitant but now never starts. warning vehicle/key symbol still flashing away.
vw dealership have followed wires to see if they can find problem but nowt came from that and they are saying i have to get van taken away !!!! bloody brilliant, thanks chaps.....my guts tell me the stereo has had something to do with this . spoke to a friend mechanic here and he says he has had come across a stereos confusing electrical loops. anyone come across this problem or can shed some light on this as I am completely shafted and a 1000 miles from home ! .... Please help me get back to good ole Blighty !!!
Joined: 05 Nov 05
Status: Offline
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I don't think it could be the radio, the problems with mixed up connections shouldn't affect the immobilizer. You might do better to a remapper to delete the immobilizer (if they can still communicate with it) until you get back and then look into it here where the costs might be less.
Is the dealer really saying they are giving up on it? Or are they just suggesting taking it to a specialist auto electrician? (Which is another possibility).
2004 2.5 174
Joined: 22 Dec 06
Location: Canberra, Oz
Status: Offline
Points: -998418
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If the immobiliser is working normally the engine should start, run for a few seconds then cut out with the wrong key error message. Is yours still doing that, or is it not starting at all ?
Did the dealers state whether they successfully coded the new key and reader or not ? There should have been a confirmation message on the software when they did it.
Because you said it was initially an intermittent problem at first I'm inclined to think that the fault may be with wiring or control units, and if that is the case then T5TDI's advice to get a remapper to delete the immobiliser so you can get back home or take it to a more experienced (with VW electronics) auto electrician is sound advice.
One thing to look out for is if your battery voltage is too low or has been too high (ie 15+V) this can cause all sorts of weird problems, and having recently installed a new stereo you may have parasitic voltage drain even though the van is switched off. Try charging the battery to full charge and check the volatge when it starts up.
Also it probably wouldn't hurt to totally disconnect the new stereo, as even if it is unlikely to be related it does eliminate one (recently changed) variable.
Good Luck !
Not Quite Newbie
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Location: Swindon, Wiltshire
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hi T5 TDI thanks for input ,
'Is the dealer really saying they are giving up on it? Or are they just suggesting taking it to a specialist auto electrician? (Which is another possibility).'
they are saying it would be extremely costly for them to continue trying to fault find and got the distinct impression they dont want to know anymore and want it off their forecourt ! ..... last resort is i will ask them if they can recommend a specialist auto electrician ....
Not Quite Newbie
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Hi Gregozedobe, thanks for your thoughts on this ! I will look into all of those tips . thanks again !
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subset: commoncrawl


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here's a fun time-killing project emery and i did back in august that she absolutely loved!
crunched leaf art:
|my little leaf collector :-)
|her loot.
|she helped me crunch them up in the bag.
|then we smeared glue all over
our paper with a paint brush.
|i love this face!
|she got into a groove :-)
|as usual, we made a mess,
but as usual, it was worth it!
if i'm feeling up for it today, i'm going to enlist emery's help after nap - our yard is full of sweet gum seeds that i want to make a garland out of and i need an experienced collector.
love and crunching leaves,


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Troy Carter also says the 'Born This Way' singer 'hasn't made it yet'
Lady Gaga's manager Troy Carter has labeled the singer as a "200 pound toddler" and said that he believes she "hasn't made it" as a singer yet.
Speaking at the Music Matters Conference, Carter responded to a question about whether Gaga has "made it" yet and bluntly said no, comparing the star to a "200 pound toddler".
Carter also compared the recent protests against Gaga's show in Indonesia to Jesus Christ and his crucification. Asked about this, he said: "It's less about Gaga than it really is what's happening in the world right now as a whole. This is a microcosm. It's a generational divide. Jesus Christ got crucified. It happens."
The manager wouldn't comment on reports that Gaga's new album would come out in the autumn, but did say that he is already thinking beyond her current record contract. He said: "We have I think three records left with Universal. There may be a record label system there by the time her deal's up that looks more attractive."
Carter had previously said that Gaga will deliver "an insane" third album, but also said that she would be touring 'Born This Way' for another year. He said of this: "It's gonna be an additional year before that tour is over. It's a long album cycle but it's part of the storytelling."
Gaga will tour Europe as part of her Born This Way Ball tour later this year and as well as two previously announced shows in London, will now also play Manchester's Evening News Arena on September 11 and a one-off date in Ireland at Dublin's Aviva Stadium four days later. The Darkness will support on all UK and Ireland dates.
You can watch a video which features Lady Gaga's 10 best songs by scrolling down to the bottom of the page and clicking.


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from Zack Eswine, Sensing Jesus: Life and Ministry as a Human Being, (Illinois: Crossway), 2013, p 36
The Eighth Day is a christian community on the fringes of Melbourne's CBD, committed to exploring models of christian spirituality and community which are grounded in our whole lives. This site continues the blog which first began on our web site at http://theeighthday.org.au/
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Out of our Depth?
As pastors we will personally struggle with this, "I constantly feel that I am out of my depth," my pastor friend said. "Me too," I said. We both stared quietly into the distance for a moment. Then a few questions occurred to us. Why do we lament the fact that we do not know everything? Why do we speak of being out of our depth with sadness and heavy sighing, as if we are failing something we were supposed to attain? "It is as if we are supposed to repent for having limits with our knowledge," I said. "Who has taught us this?" he wondered. "Where does this expectation to know it all come from?" he asked. We paused and then laughed with shared embarrassment. We concluded that if we were to say to God, Father, I constantly feel out of my depth," God would gently ask, "And why is that a problem?"
Posted by revheard at 4:38 pm
Labels: growth, Leadership, ministry
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How to Make an FOI Request
Please note that a large amount of information about DIT and its functions is publicly available without the need to make a Freedom of Information request. Those seeking information should, in the first instance, consult DIT's FOI Publication Scheme at: http://www.dit.ie/about/ditpublicationscheme/.
If the information you require cannot be found here, please use the search function to establish if the information is currently available on the DIT website. Otherwise please contact our Public Affairs Office on 01 402 7138 or 01 402 7130. You may also make direct contact with staff in relevant departments - contact details can be found on the DIT website.
Under the FOI Act, a record includes any papers, memorandum, text or other document, any photograph, film or recording or any form in which data are held (whether manual, mechanical or electronic), and anything that is a part or a copy, or a combination of the foregoing.
Access to information under the FOI Act is subject to certain exemptions. Should DIT decide to withhold information under any of these exemption provisions, the specific exemption clause which has been invoked will be clearly explained.


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By Jemima Ojapa
"To everything there is a season…A time to be born and a time to die…"
The notion of death is one that I struggled to accept for a very long time. The thought of dying used to terrify me. Whenever thoughts of it popped into my head, I'd quickly shake my head vigorously so that the thoughts can 'fly' out. I mean, God forbid bad thing, Hian!
Why in the world did I choose to write about death sef? I've asked myself this question so many times in the course of writing this article. I almost quit writing it at various points. Aren't there so many 'sweeter' issues to write on? Okay oh! Something that many people don't even like to think about for fear of inviting bad luck. In fact, if you are still reading this, Milo round of applause for you. If you make to the end, 'Tiri gbosas 'await, I promise.
"…for dust thou art, and unto dust you shall return…"
Seriously though, I've come to accept it – the temporality of mortality. Whether or not I like it, I will die. Everyone will die. Death is a common denominator. It's the when, where and how that differ. No one can escape death except you are the Enoch or Elijah of our time (chariots of fire, awaaaaaay!). There will come a day when life will come to an end. A day when the next breath drawn in will be the last. A day when this body will cease to function and be laid in the ground to rot and become maggot snack.
"Charlie: Someday, we will all die snoopy!
Snoopy: True, but on all the other days we will not…"
Every day we live is a day closer to that day. But before that day comes, I choose to enjoy life! Life is beautiful, I know you agree with me. It may be a lot of other things but it is beautiful. I'm learning how to make the most the time I have here so help me God.
I don't want my death to be a surprise. I'd like to see it coming so I can embrace it. I'd like to die with as few regrets as possible knowing that I lived a purposeful and meaningful life for God. I'd like to bow out with a smile on my face just like my father did.
"…For whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life!"
I believe in God. I believe death is not the end of a man. I know not every believes this but I do. I believe and accept that in Christ Jesus I have hope – hope of an everlasting life. I believe there is another side – an afterlife. I have not seen it and to be honest, some days I'm unsure. However, I'll hold on to this hope I have. It helps me see death as a transition. I'm fine with that.
Live long and prosper.


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High Pressure Cleaning Sydney
Need assistance with your Pressure Cleaning in Sydney? With our comprehensive range of Pressure Cleaning Services, we can help! Cam Park Commercial Window Cleaners uses state-of-the-art pressure cleaning equipment for façade, including rotary tools for walls and floor cleaning. All staff are trained in waste minimisation and environmental responsibility.
Contact us today for an obligation free consultation by entering your details to the left!


text:
Erin's Wild Rice Soup
This is a must have during the holidays, my mom always has it at their Christmas party and we've had it at many Christmas Eve dinners. You can't use the...
carrot, flour, onions, +butter, +chicken broth, +rice, +half and half, +ham, +salt
Chicken Wild Rice Soup
"I'm originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance ans is very popular in recipes. This soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for...
carrot, flour, onions, +butter, +celery, +chicken bouillon granule, +chicken broth, +chicken, +parsley, +thyme, +garlic powder, +mushroom, +white wine, +rice
Cream of Wild Rice Soup
My sister fixed this for my and husband and I and we loved it. The recipe came from Voyageur's wild rice. What I like about this soup is that it doesn't...
Creamy Wild Rice Soup
I, personally am not a wild rice fan, living in Minnesota, where we get wonderful wild rice, still have always thought it tasted like grit... UNTIL my...
Wild Rice 'n Ham Soup
"Serve this distinctive soup with a fresh spinach salad and a loaf of crusty French bread."
carrot, flour, onions, +butter, +chicken broth, +ham, +half and half, +sherry, +rice
Creamy Chicken-Wild Rice Soup
The boyfriend loves creamy chicken-rice soups, and this is my effort to that end. I like the addition of sherry and a dash of curry powder and it's a great...
carrot, flour, onions, +black pepper, +chicken, +butter, +celery, +chicken broth, +curry powder, +parsley, +mushroom, +half and half, +salt, +sherry, +almond, +rice
Byerly's Wild Rice Soup
This wonderful soup recipe, is from my favorite grocery store, located in Minneapolis, MN. I make it using wild rice that has been harvested by hand,...
carrot, flour, onions, +butter, +chicken broth, +ham, +sherry, +half and half, +parsley, +salt, +almonds, +rice
Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Back when we lived in Minnesota, it was Byerly's Wild Rice Soup that we'd crave on cold winter nights. I've modified the original recipe which Byerly's...
carrot, flour, onions, +almond, +butter, +chicken broth, +half and half, +ham, +salt, +sherry, +parsley, +rice
www.grouprecipes.com - Similiar recipes
Wild Rice Soup V
"A rich tasting blend of wild rice, ham, vegetables, chicken broth and a touch of sweet Vermouth. Serve with a fruit salad."
Cream of Wild Rice Soup
This is a great soup for those cold winter nights. Makes a lot but you can half the recipe easily.
carrot, flour, onions, +butter, +canadian bacon, +celery, +chicken broth, +cream, +salt, +smoked ham, +white pepper, +rice
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text:
Meet The Betrayers of The Faith:
SSPX = The Last Bastian of Traditional Catholicism :_(
We go with The Catholic Resistance:
Bishop Richard Williamson, Fr. Juan Ortiz, Fr. Richard Voigt, and others. Deo Gratias! Blessed be God!
Pray Rosaries for the Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.


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«your ass is beautiful and your boobs are cool and you are awesome baby»
Duration: 1min 00sec Views: 66 880 Submitted: 5 years ago Submitted by:
Description: For Aletta Ocean love is unpredictable and she welcomes it in whenever it knocks on her door. This time Danny D walked into her coffee shop and cupid struck her harder than ever before. She dragged him off into a backroom and got a big fat facial.
Channel: Brazzers Network
Pornstars: Aletta Ocean


text:
Is Joomla Development beneficial for your Website?
In this competitive market, it became a necessity for every business to build a website. A decade back, the website development is a hectic work. Thanks to open source CMS; they created a strong revolution in the market. It also created offshore works for the developers. Joomla is one of the open source code available in the market.
Joomla is written in PHP and MySQL. It is a very popular content management system which allows the developers to create a website easily. Joomla is flexible for creating any kind of websites and intranets. The scope is large and extends still dynamic and static web creations handling a variety of content in blogs, polls, news feeds and search. Joomla is available for free to everyone under General public license.
Joomla development became a boon for many large scale and small scale industries. Joomla is also ruling the market because of its extensive features and availability of ready to use plugins. The simple work you have to do is to install the plugins and use the functionalities.The popularity of Joomla can be easily described from the number of downloads; till now Joomla was downloaded by millions of people.
Joomla released its latest version Joomla3.1 which supports on mobiles also. This 3 series is suggested for the new websites. Very few people have an extensive knowledge of HTML and it's hard to contend the HTML sites when compared to the Joomla sites. Very little programming knowledge is required to manage the Joomla website. Joomla development is gaining a rapid speed in the market for developing new websites. It became the first choice for most of the users because it is easy to install on your system and you get the access to the complete code for modifying it according to your needs.
Why Joomla Development is useful when compared to other open source CMS:
- Joomla is available for free in the market and easy to install and modify the code.
- The content updations can be done easily with minimum technical knowledge.
- It supports multiple languages.
- Joomla is helpful for developing websites for every organizational sector.
There are the lot more beneficial aspects for Joomla Development ten explained in this precise description. Joomla is efficient when compared to the other CMS sources.
Build an easy Joomla website to prosper your business in the market in an efficient way.


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The guest rooms are overtly opulent with every feature exquisitely finished from the highest quality fabrics flown in from the far reaches of the globe. The en-suite bathrooms are adorned in Italian marble with lavish chrome fixtures, with the focal piece of the room being a large oval bath that is the ultimate place to relax. All the guest rooms are large and spacious with huge balconies that have opulent views of the lushes gardens and sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The Hotel Las Dunas also offers 1 to 3 bedroom suites ideal for accommodating families.
When staying at the Hotel Las Dunas you will experience the ultimate in fine cuisine. The Lido restaurant has a romantic al fresco plaza where classic delicacies can be sampled and washed down by the best wine in Spain.
There is also the Felix piano bar and bistro that serves traditional dishes with an Asian flare. Live entertainment can be enjoyed while dinning or lounging in the comfortable lounge bar. On the patio Felix international bands and entertainers play in amongst the wonderful orange and lemon trees. The Hotel's flamenco and opera evenings are renowned along the Coast and are the perfect way to spend an evening.
The Las Dunas Beach Club serves the freshest seafood by the sea it also boasts its very own sushi bar making the beach club truly unique.
The experience of dinning at the beach club could not be more magnificent not only can you feast upon the most delicious food but guests will be in awe of the breathtaking views over the sea that encompass the smoky silhouettes of Gibraltar and Morocco.
The Hotel Las Dunas has one of the most decadently equipped spas on the Costa del Sol. The Serenity Spa has an Asian ambience that offers the fullest range of treatments from its international experts leaving every one that visits revitalised and rejuvenated. For those guests that are looking to keep in shape during their stay must visit the state of the art gymnasium where personal coaching can be arranged.
The Hotel Las Dunas incorporates art where ever possible no where is this more evident than in the Las Dunas art gallery which offers a different collection every month and gives the chance for those who appreciate art to meet the artists.
While staying at the Las Dunas guests will be able to enjoy on site shopping in one of the world-class boutiques or jewellers that offer the latest in designer items.
The state of the art convention centre can accommodate up to 250 delegates theatre style. The hotel is the ultimate for place to stage a high profile event, that will leave the attendees amazed by the decadence of the conference rooms and the mood-enhancing atmosphere will not easily be forgotten.
The Hotel Las Dunas will impress all that stay there what ever the reason every guest will be amazed by the hotels opulence and refined service.
Urb. La
Boldadilla Baja Estepona 29689 Spain


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Questo slideshow richiede JavaScript.
Girls how about some fashion tips for this winter? Have you already refueled with all the "musts" to be on top?
Questo slideshow richiede JavaScript.
Girls how about some fashion tips for this winter? Have you already refueled with all the "musts" to be on top?
After an initial look at the spring / summer 2016 trends, we are here again, as promised, with our TOP 10 of the must-haves for the upcoming hot season.
1. Stripes: it's the invasion of the stripes, many designers have put them at the center of their collections, and we can find them in new combinations of colors (in addition to the classic blue and white) that don't go unnoticed: horizontal, vertical and oblique!!
Ready for Spring? The new season is just around the corner girls! Soon, it will be time again to tidy up our closet and say goodbye for a few months to our favorite warm coats and sweaters. We're going to have to make room for fresh and light clothing for the upcoming hot season!!!!
We have looked at the fashion week catwalks for autumn winter 2015/16 (see Change of Season. A-W 2015/16) and we've seen that there are many trends expected this season. Today we want to propose our top 20 must-have fall winter 2015/16:
1- Bow shirt, in solid color version or in printed version, we like it because it immediately gives us a chic and delicate look;
2- Cape, back in vogue, it's ideal to shield us from the first cold airs of autumn;
Here we are! The new season has arrived, the closet must be reorganized with clothes and accessories ready to respond to our needs, but what are the new trends expected for the change of season?


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Beware of subtle but gradual changes in your vision. They may be telling you much about your current vision health.
- You find that you just can't stand too bright on sunny days but see much better on cloudy days.
- You find colors not as bright as they were before: everything seems to have a thin film or a sheet of haze over it.
- You find that occasionally things within your vision seem to have a double image; blinking your eyes, they seem to be fine again.
- You find that, for no apparent reason, all of a sudden your vision seems to have improved significantly; that is, you can see without your reading glasses. Miraculously, you seem to have acquired "second vision" late in your life.
- You find that, conversely, your vision has deteriorated dramatically; you need another new pair of glasses even though you just got your current one not too long ago.
- You find that, all of a sudden, all the things that you see seem to be coated with a yellowish tint.
If you experience some or all of the above changes in vision, beware! You may have developed cataract in one or both of your eyes. Have an ophthalmologists look into your eyes to see if you have developed, or in the process of developing, a cataract in one or both of your eyes.
A cataract is an eye disorder in which the eye has lost its transparency in the normally clear lenses of the eyes. If a cataract develops in your non-dominant eye, you may not even notice it, although it may have been progressing steadily for some time. No matter what, the development of a cataract is often subtle and gradual -- just like in aging, you don't lose your muscular strength overnight.
One of the main causes of cataract development is aging. As you continue to age, your body's overall function becomes compromised, including your vision. The main contributor to aging is oxidation. Your body needs oxygen to maintain life. Unfortunately, what gives life also takes away life in the form of carbon dioxide; this is how the Creator can ensure human mortality. In the process of oxidation, destructive free radicals are formed -- just like the rust in iron due to constant exposure to air, or the pages of an old book turning yellow.
Of course, there are many other reasons why cataracts are formed in your eyes, and they include your genes, the environment, and lifestyle, such as drinking and smoking.
Stephen Lau
Stephen Lau
Copyright© by Stephen Lau


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Fieldrunners 2
Fieldrunners , iOS Strategy , iOS Strategy Game , iphone , iPhone Strategy Game , Reviews , Strategy Game , strategy games , Tactics , Tower Defense No comments$2.99 - - v.1.0 - Developer Website
by: Jan Maranan
Times are changing; change is good, but such changes such as the in-app purchasing trend in gaming have got to slow. Many strategy games are jumping into the IAP route nowadays which is a bit disappointing especially if you are a game purist. One of the heroes of the era of in-app trends cometh – Fieldrunners 2. Unlike the original Fieldrunners, the IAPs are gone, but the fun continues! Fieldrunners 2 is not another cheap punch to be App Store tops, as it really lives up to the notion of getting more from a sequel.
If you are not familiar with the classic "Fieldrunners", then you have probably missed out a lot in strategy gaming on the iOS. This new and improved addicting blend of ice cream will give you a sweet and creamy experience of novel gameplay with cool visuals. Without further ado, let us jump right into the fields of runners.
Fieldrunners 2 is tower defense game by Subatomic Studios that lets gamers manipulate the path of the enemy runners/vehicles (except for most planes) in a design that can gun down waves of incoming enemies whilst preventing them from taking a step into the end of the map. There are also unit upgrades, powers ups, achievements, etc. The nature of gameplay may be all too familiar in TD games, but the level of polish and thought put into Fieldrunners 2 is close to TD perfection.
What you may notice right off the bat is the colorful interface and smooth in-game graphics. Towers can be unlocked by stars and coins upon completing a level. Try tapping the coin/star icon, and surprise, surprise…no IAP option. Satisfaction achieved from hard work can never be bought. There are several game modes on different levels such as puzzles and timed play, adding extra spice to the game.
To wrap it up Fieldrunners 2 is fun, smart, addicting, and entertaining - truly a tower among tower defense games.
- A complete TD game
- Fun, smart, and addictive
- No IAPs
- Non-universal (currently supports iPhone/iPod Touch only)
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Sojourners! The Jomalia Shipping Corporation had adjusted their RoRo Trip Schedules starting September 26, 2018, from Danao to Consuelo, Camotes and Vice Versa due to drydocking of some of their vessels.
Get info on shipping lines ticket rates, schedules, promos, as well as travel guides in exploring the Philippines.
September 30, 2018


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All clinical facial treatments are tailored for your specific needs. We offer customized treatments for aging/mature, environmentally damaged, dehydrated, dry, sensitive, oily skin, or for those with rosacea. Teenagers with acne are also good candidates for our customized acne facial, otherwise known as a mini facial. While a consultation is not required prior to having a facial or mini facial done, it is highly suggested. Your aesthetician will be able to evaluate your skin and recommend the best treatment option for you.
What is a Clinical Facial? – By April Blake


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Man who told police he'd smoked meth found unresponsive in jail, dies
Editor's Note: This story has been modified from its original version to correct the time and circumstances of MedStar's response.
A 35-year-old man who told officers that he'd been smoking methamphetamine died at a Fort Worth hospital early Friday after being found unresponsive in his jail cell.
Tony Allen Durham was pronounced dead at 1:46 a.m. in the emergency room at John Peter Smith Hospital, according to the Tarrant County medical examiner's office. A ruling on his cause and manner of death were pending Friday.
He had told officers during his first of two arrests on Thursday that he had been smoking meth.
According to police, Durham's first arrest came about 2:30 p.m. Thursday after officers responded to a call about a man looking into vehicles in the 800 block of Hodgson Street.
When responding officers made contact with Durham, he was sweating profusely.
"His shirt and jeans were both soaking wet from the sweat although the temperature was only 77 degrees and cloudy," the police report states.
The report states that Durham had dilated pupils and was incoherent and admitted to officers he had been smoking meth.
"He did not know where he was at or how he got there," the report states.
Believing he was a "danger to himself and others," Durham was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication.
Officer Sharron Neal, a police spokeswoman, said Friday that it is up to an officer's discretion whether such a suspect should be transported to the hospital or jail.
Neal said Durham was taken to the Fort Worth jail facility, then released "after a customary detention period" at about 9:30 p.m. At the time of his release, Durham was not showing signs of intoxication, Neal said.
"Shortly after this individual was released from custody, he was observed attempting to enter vehicles parked along 300 N. Taylor Street," Neal said in an email.
A Fort Worth officer was alerted, and Durham was arrested again on suspicion of public intoxication at 10:10 p.m., according to the police report.
"From that time when he left and was brought back in, we don't know what he got into," Neal said.
Neal said when Durham returned to the Fort Worth jail, "there was just something different, unusual, out of the norm [about him] and MedStar was notified to come and evaluate him."
Neal said MedStar evaluated Durham and left after finding "everything was OK."
She said Durham was processed in the jail and placed in a holding cell, where he was later "found motionless and unresponsive by jail personnel."
He was taken by ambulance to an area hospital where he later died.
The department's major case unit is investigating the death.


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Only a couple of months after announcing his much-ballyhooed departure from PokerStars, French poker professional Bertrand 'ElkY' Grospellier has revealed his new online home.
Beginning immediately, Grospellier will now don the patch of partypoker, the main rival of his old online home. "It is with great honor and pleasure that I can announce I'm joining Team partypoker," Grospellier happily declared in the announcement of the partnership. "It is very refreshing to be in touch with a company which prioritizes the well-being of the game and its community."
"I am very excited about being able to be closely and actively involved in the renewal partypoker is bringing to the poker, LIVE and online," Grospellier continued. "Our aim is to become the reference in both and I am confident that with partypoker expertise and ambition, it is an achievable goal in the foreseeable future." He concluded the announcement by encouraging the poker community to reach out to him, saying that he and partypoker were looking to build a "poker universe" for the players.
Grospellier's arrival on Team partypoker brings more star power to what was already a potent lineup of players. 'ElkY' will be a part of a crew that includes Poker Hall of Famer Mike Sexton, Sam Trickett, Fedor Holz, Jason Koon and Kristen Bicknell. It also comes at a critical point for partypoker as they look to reestablish themselves in the online poker industry.
One of the big moves from partypoker has been in their live efforts…or perhaps that should be their LIVE efforts. The partypoker MILLIONS LIVE events around the world have been garnering a great deal of attention and players, while PokerStars' efforts have floundered in 2017 after they ended the European Poker Tour (and brought it back, in a limited form, in 2018). The MILLIONS LIVE tournaments have almost eclipsed any offering from PokerStars due to something that once was a staple of the PokerStars product – accommodating their players. The next event, the MILLIONS North America, begins on Tuesday with the first of five-Day Ones looking to build a $10 million (Canadian) prize pool, the very definition of a major tournament.
There are also battle lines being drawn regarding the European poker market. Although PokerStars has long dominated this arena, the recent move by Spain, France, Italy and the European Union to compact their players is opening new doors on the European continent. To say partypoker is looking to make inroads on this new frontier with a highly improved Team partypoker stable – and looking to promote not only their pros but also their qualifiers to major events – cannot be dismissed.
Overall Grospellier was a quality addition to the partypoker fold. When he left PokerStars after a decade-long partnership, 'ElkY' noted that part of the reason for his departure in January was that he wasn't involved in making the site and its offerings better for the players. "Team Pro used to be a core part of their (PokerStars') strategy," Grospellier said in his departure statement. "It has become evident this was not the case anymore." With partypoker, apparently Grospellier has found that his voice will be heard and that he'll be able to formulate the product that he is promoting.
Grospellier also brings a high-quality poker game to the partypoker fold. First making his mark in the eSports arena and on the online poker world under his 'ElkY' moniker, he exploded on the live poker world in 2007 with his second-place finish in the EPT Copenhagen Main Event. In 2008, Grospellier won the EPT PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Main Event for a $2 million payday. Along with his 2008 World Poker Tour championship (at the Bellagio Festa al Lago) and 2011 championship at the World Series of Poker ($10,000 Seven Card Stud), he is one of only eight men to have won poker's Triple Crown. Grospellier has a total of over $13.5 million in live tournament earnings.
At 37, Grospellier has a long poker life ahead of him. By joining with partypoker, Grospellier is looking to continue to have an impact on the game for years to come.


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|Goldman, Rachel S.
Professor, Materials Science Engineering
Professor (courtesy), Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Division: ECE
Address: 2094 H.H. Dow
Email: rsgold @ umich.edu
Phone: (734) 647-6821
Research Interests: My research involves investigations of structure-property relationships in thin films and heterostructures.
|Guo, L. Jay
Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Professor (courtesy), Applied Physics; Macromolecular Science & Engineering; Mechanical Engineering
Division: ECE
Address: 2304 EECS
Email: guo @ umich.edu
Phone: (734) 647-7718
Research Interests: Polymer-based photonic sensors and photoacoustics, organic and hybrid photovoltaics, flexible transparent conductors, plasmonic nanophotonics & structural colors, nanomanufacturing technologies and applications.


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Agnes Schwartz: The Story of a Holocaust Survivor
This event occurred in the past.
Map | Find Parking
The event is open to Jews, Christians, and all members of the community. Agnes shares her story as a child survivor of the Holocaust born in Budapest, Hungary. The event is held at Devar Emet Messianic Synagogue, a community of Jewish people who believe and teach that Yeshua (Jesus) is the promised Jewish Messiah.


text: There are 10 flags in this Ganesha prayer flags set. Each flag is 6.5 x 7.5 inches. This set is connected by a string. Ganesha is on each flag in this set. Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Parvatti. This set of prayer flags is handmade from cotton material and was made in Nepal.


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This weekend should belong to racing's leading ladies on both coasts.
Rachel Alexandra is set to run in the Mother Goose at Belmont Park and champion Zenyatta risks her unbeaten record under 129 pounds in the Vanity at Hollywood Park.
How many female potential racing fans know this? Has Thoroughbred racing, Belmont Park or Hollywood Park tried to reach sports-minded women and horse-loving young girls with ads?
Well, I don't live on either coast, so I can't answer that question myself, except to say that I have been watching Wimbledon on ESPN and haven't seen anything there. And if I did live in New York or California, past experience says I would see nothing directed at potential female fans there either. Heck the last time I went to a Breeders' Cup in New York (Tiznow, Fantastic Light, etc.), I didn't see a single ad on local TV advertising racing's championship event and barely any signage except right around the track. That did a lot of good.
There are a lot of reasons for the declining popularity of Thoroughbred racing, but there is absolutely no doubt that the sport's ineptitude at promoting itself ranks near the top of the list. Racing's powers that be killed perhaps the most effective ad in racing history (the original Lori Petty Go Baby Go ad), apparently because they thought Petty looked too much like a lesbian. They were a lot more comfortable with the painful Rip Torn ads that followed.
Rachel Alexandra in particular offers an opportunity to pull in female sports fans because she has already beaten the boys. We may live in a post-feminist world, but the battle between the sexes never ends, and women everywhere ALWAYS pay attention when a girl beats the boys at their own game—no matter what game it is.
If Thoroughbred racing is aware of this, I have seen no signs of it from my outpost here in the hinterlands of Tennessee. Anyone out there on the coasts seen any evidence?
Rachel Alexandra did racing a huge favor by winning the Preakness. Will that moment of glory be just another wasted opportunity?
The Horse Racing blog has moved
3 years ago


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Asparagus & Goats Cheese Frittata
- 10-30 minutes to prepare
- 10-30 minutes to cook
- 4 adults and 1 baby
- Ingredients
- How to make
8 eggs
Water/milk, quantity equal to whisked eggs
A little black pepper
75g grated cheese
4 spring onions
Handful of fresh chives
Bunch of fresh asparagus (approx. 12 spears)
75g soft goats' cheese
Olive oil for greasing
Left over roast potatoes (optional)
How to make
Step 1
Preheat oven to 200°C, (180°C fan-assisted) gas mark 6. Grease and line a 20cmx20cmx4cm deep tin
Step 2
Whisk 8 eggs in a large jug, then add an equal amount of water (or milk) and a good crunch of black pepper and whisk again
Step 3
Grate the cheese, finely chop the spring onions and chives and whisk into the eggs. Then pour egg mixture into prepared tin
Step 4
Snap the tough ends off the asparagus spears (simply flex the spear between your fingers towards the end and you will find a natural breaking point). Compost the tough end, and then chop the spears into 4cm pieces (these can be finely chopped into 5mm discs for babies)
Step 5
Drop the asparagus into a saucepan of boiling water for 1 minute to blanch, then drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop it from cooking any further
Step 6
Scatter the blanched asparagus spears into the egg in the tin, followed by the soft goats' cheese – which can be ripped apart with your fingers into evenly distributed dollops – this is a great little job for little ones if they want to get involved in the kitchen
Step 7
If you have leftover roast potatoes from Sunday dinner, these can be sliced in half or into quarters if large, and dropped into the egg too. This makes for a more filling frittata, and is a fantastic way to use up left over potatoes
Step 8
Pop the frittata into the warm oven for approx. 20 - 30 minutes, or until the egg is set and golden
Recipe notes
Enjoy warm or cold with some fresh salad leaves.
The great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can use whatever vegetables are in season which can be precooked or thrown in raw if suitable. Watercress, tomatoes and spinach can all be added raw. Red peppers are delicious if pre-roasted, mushrooms wonderful pre-sautéed in some garlic and most root veg and firm greens (like broccoli or beans) are great pre-steamed. Add whichever fresh or dried herbs complement the veggies used, and some seasonal cheese or cooked meat can really make this dish different every time.


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News and Updates
Inauguration of the first members of the Young Academy Leiden
On March 20th, 2019, the first members of the Young Academy Leiden (YAL) were installed (Article in Dutch). I will be a member of this group of young researchers for the coming five years, representing the Institute of Public Administration and the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs. The activities of the group will range from interdisciplinary exchange, outreach to society, and giving input on university-internal policies. Looking forward to working with this enthusiastic, creative and passionate group!
Special Issue on 'Big Data in Governance and Policy' published in Politics and Governance
Together with Dr. Reuben Ng, I co-edited a special issue on 'Big Data in Governance and Policy' in the Journal of Politics and Governance. The whole issue is open access and can be found here. The issue highlights the lack of engagement in the current literature with the application of big data at the cross-section of governance of data and its utilization in the policy process and draws out aspects related to its definition and future research agenda. The contributions highlight several aspects related to big data in different contexts, such as local and national government as well as a variety of policy areas. They converge on the idea that big data applications cannot overcome existing political and structural limitations that exist in government. This leads to a future research agenda that looks at the disconnect between data production and usage as well as identifying policy issues that are more or less suitable for data analytics. The Editorial summarizes the findings of the articles.
New Publication on the use of Big Data and Behavioral Instruments in Energy Policy
The paper published in Energy Policy together with Dr. Ishani Mukherjee presents a conceptual overview of how the intersection of big data and behavioral knowledge would work in the renewable energy sector. We indicate that inserting behavioral insights into the energy instrument mix is complex due to technological trajectories, path dependencies and resistance from incumbent industries to change production patterns. We also highlight the underutilized role of large behavioral datasets that can inform not only policy implementation, but also policy design and evaluation efforts. Drawing on these findings, we introduce future research streams of government capacity in combining behavioral insights and data, the compatibility of this information with existing policy instruments and how this affects policy change.
New chapter on Policy Learning & Big data
The chapter is published in the book 'Knowledge, Policymaking and Learning for European Cities and Regions' (edited by Dr. Nicola Dotti) and analyzes the effects of outsourcing on big data analytics skills in (local) government.
Outsourcing of big data analytics due to a skill shortage in public administrations has affected policy learning at local level. Similar to the ICT developments in the 1990s that were accompanied by a New Public Management and evidence-based policy logic, the changes challenge government by creating a fragmented structure with limited feedback loops. This chapter points towards such developments in the UK, where especially local learning is restricted by siloed data analytics systems largely owned and operated by private organisations.
New open-access paper on Digital Public Service Delivery & Street-level Bureaucracy
The paper (co-authored with Dr. Nadine Raaphorst) aims to unravel the hindering factors of implementing digital public services, using electronic health records as an example.
There are several elements as to why digitization of public services is progressing slowly. Many explanations center on structural aspects of public institutions and their capacity and capabilities to implement digital tools. Others highlight the uptake by citizens as key to making technical solutions in the public domain work. This paper draws attention to a third line of argumentation by focusing on the role of street-level bureaucrats. Based on the assumption that they are caught in between the technical details of digital public service delivery and the organizational context in which these tools are implemented, the goal is to identify some of the factors that hinder the use of digital applications by street-level bureaucrats. To unravel those hindering factors, we use the "failed" implementation of electronic health records in the United Kingdom as an example in order to link it to existing research on digital governance and street-level bureaucracy. We conclude that the disconnect between organizational structures and digital tools is magnified at street-level, which may threaten discretionary power and autonomy of public servants and can make daily tasks more complicated and time-consuming. Policy implications drawn from this include, paying special attention to the trade-off between local autonomy regarding the adjustment of digital tools and national guidance and standardization as well as the distinction between the potential inability of public servants to use the tools due to limited training or age and the unwillingness linked to a loss of power and discretion.
New open-access chapter on Big Data and Urban Management
The chapter (co-authored with Dr. Uli Mans & Thomas Baar) is part of the book 'Urban Planet, Knowledge towards Sustainable Cities' edited by Elmqvist et al. (published with Cambridge University Press).
The overall book is concerned with global urbanization and its promise to better services, stronger economies, and more connections while also carrying risks and unforeseeable consequences. It takes an integrative look at our urban environment, bringing together scholars from a diverse range of disciplines: from sociology and political science to evolutionary biology, geography, economics and engineering. It includes the perspectives of often neglected voices: architects, journalists, artists and activists. The book provides a much needed cross-scale perspective, connecting challenges and solutions on a local scale with drivers and policy frameworks on a regional and global scale. The authors argue that to overcome the major challenges we are facing, we must embark on a large-scale reinvention of how we live together, grounded in inclusiveness and sustainability.
The chapter looks at the role of big data in managing the urban environment linked to the underlying dynamics of urban life and policies aimed at improving social cohesion. This chapter aims to contribute to this emerging discourse about how big data can improve urban policy-making, and focuses on the role that this technology can play in building more inclusive cities in the Global South. We highlight the need for urban authorities to invest in additional resources as well as meaningful knowledge transfer mechanisms that are in line with the concept of "mobile urbanism." This is particularly important in low-income cities, where policy-makers are driven by the desire to address urban violence and to build more inclusive cities across different constituencies.
New Paper on Entrepreneurial Activities in Policy Implementation
The article is published (open access) in Regional Environmental Change and addresses entrepreneurial strategies in the Swedish wind energy context. Thereby, the chapter aims to contribute to this emerging discourse about how big data can improve urban policy-making, and focuses on the role that this technology can play in building more inclusive cities in the Global South. We highlight the need for urban authorities to invest in additional resources as well as meaningful knowledge transfer mechanisms that are in line with the concept of "mobile urbanism." This is particularly important in low-income cities, where policy-makers are driven by the desire to address urban violence and to build more inclusive cities across different constituencies.
A growing body of literature focuses on how the context in which policy entrepreneurs operate shapes their actions. This study contributes to this perspective by focusing on the regional implementation of wind turbines for increasing renewable energy levels in Sweden. Sweden introduced national wind coordinators for facilitating wind energy implementation. In this capacity, the coordinators carry out entrepreneurial strategies in form of moving the policy through the administrative agenda at local level and pursuing the implementation process together with municipal stakeholders. The study shows that over time, wind coordinators were able to move beyond the government-defined activities and widen the scope of their actions. The analysis offers insights into the temporal dimension of regional entrepreneurial activities by mapping activities from 2006 to 2016. The case reveals that a flexible policy framework and more in-depth knowledge into regional struggles through mediating and networking enable the identification of potential local bottlenecks and lobbying for legal changes by entrepreneurs.
Interview with Leiden Centre of Data Science on Policy & Big Data
My interview with the Leiden Centre of Data Science (LCDS) is now online (English version/ Dutch version). I talk about government & data as well as current research projects and collaborations. Thank you to Jessie van den Broek for posing great questions!
New Chapter on Food Security and Sustainability
As part of the book 'Advances in Food Security and Sustainability, Volume 2' edited by David Barling, my colleagues Gerard Breeman, Dovile Rimkute and I published a chapter on "Food Security and the Sustainability of GMOs in the United States and the European Union". The book can be found here.
Interview with the Data for Policy Team on the Conference
My thoughts on the niche that the Data for Policy conference fills when it comes to work at the intersection of public policy and data science research.
Special Issue Call on "Big Data Applications in Governance and Policy" launched
Dr. Reuben Ng (Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS) and I have launched a special issue call on "Big Data Applications in Governance and Policy", which will be published in the Journal Politics and Governance next year. Details on the call can be found here.
We invite contributions on the topic of big data applications in governance and policy. The main research question guiding this issue is 'how has big data shaped data governance, policymaking and practice'? Big data has taken shape in various theoretical and practical forms when it comes to policymaking. In this larger context, we focus on two major themes: First, the governance of big data, and second, the way that big data information enters the policy cycle and thereby contributes or challenges policy development and implementation. The first theme builds on a large set of literature focusing on e-government and digital public service delivery. This includes aspects of moving towards digital service delivery from a civil servant, but also from a citizen perspective. The second theme relates to the literature on evidence-based policymaking, public administration, and the question what role data as evidence plays. This focuses on topics that have been raised within this context regarding the weight that is given to data as one type of evidence and at what point of the policy cycle this type of information enters the policymaking process. Looking at these two themes, we seek to unravel the ways that big data impacts governance, policymaking and public administration. Both can be addressed by presenting new theoretical and methodological approaches for analyzing government use of big data in various ways.
We look forward to your submissions!
New Publication: Designing policies in uncertain contexts: Entrepreneurial capacity and the case of the European Emission Trading Scheme
Together with Dr. Ishani Mukherjee, I published a paper in 'Public Policy and Administration' on the role of policy entrepreneurs in the European Commission Trading Scheme. The paper can be found here.
Abstract: The paper focuses on enterprising agents in policy formulation and design by looking at their capacity of dealing with different levels of uncertainty. In climate policy specifically, different degrees and types of uncertainties pose a challenge to policymakers. Policy entrepreneurs and the combination of their analytical, operational and political competences are a relevant component in reducing ambiguity in policy design and translating broad policy goals to operational programmes and specific policy instruments. Using the case of the European Emission Trading Scheme, we suggest that the success of policy entrepreneurs in catalysing policy change is determined by their capacity to work against multiple kinds of uncertainty. This 'uncertainty mitigating' capacity on the part of policy entrepreneurs rests significantly on balancing managerial expertise and political acumen. We conclude that entrepreneurial capacity goes beyond current definitions in the literature, involving the balance among analytical, operational and political competences to navigate a politicized policy context.
First Results of READ-Urban Project presented at 'Data for Policy' Conference
We were able to present first results of the READ-Urban Project at the Data for Policy conference. The project is a collaboration among Wessel Kraaij and Jose Miotto (Computer Science, LIACS) and myself (Public Administration) at Leiden University as well as Statistics Netherlands and the Municipality of The Hague. Our discussion paper is available here: https://lnkd.in/gJWYBvw
Assistant Editor for newly-launched journal 'Policy Design and Practice' (Taylor & Francis)
Policy Design and Practice (PDP) has one goal: to be the source of the best new ideas for people creating, leading, and transforming policies throughout the world. PDP publishes cutting-edge, authoritative thinking on the key issues facing policy makers and is proud to contribute to better governance across sectors, countries and regions. Policy Design and Practice is about promoting and developing better government through better policy design and implementation. All of us are better off if government leaders and public officials made better decisions and implement them more effectively.
PDP covers a wide range of topics related to policy-making processes across a wide variety of sectors, and across a wide range of governance contexts, from international to local governments. PDP articles are written for practitioners by experts whose authority comes from careful study, analysis, and experience. The ideas presented in these articles can be translated into action and have been tested in the real world of policy-making. PDP articles demonstrate fresh thinking that advances previous knowledge, and whose practical application has been thought through clearly. PDP articles are short (4,000-6,000 words) and jargon-free.
New Publication: 'Big data for policymaking: fad or fasttrack?'
The paper (open access) published in Policy Sciences has the goal of answering the question whether big data is a fleeting trend or has long-lasting effects on policymaking. Three larger themes in the literature are identified: First, the role that institutional capacity has within government to utilize big data analytics; second, government use of big data analytics in the context of digital public services; and finally, the way that big data information enters the policy cycle, focusing on substantive and procedural policy instruments. Examples from the education, crisis management, environmental and healthcare domain highlight the opportunities and challenges for each of these themes. Exploring the various aspects of big data and policymaking shows that big data is here to stay, but that its utilization by government will take time due to institutional barriers and capacity bottlenecks.
Member of Governance and Data Science Group
The extensive use of electronic communication channels and other devices has opened new possibilities for collecting data on human behavior. This information is sometimes openly accessible, but largely part of administrative registration systems that are not open to the broader public. The data provides challenges for storing, analysis and new uses. The FGGA research group on Governance and Data Science focuses on what we can do (or should not do) with these new possibilities.
New Paper: Trust Dynamics in Innovation Networks: The Chicago Life Science Cluster
This publication in Administration and Society (open access) focuses on trust dynamics in innovation networks. Individuals and organizations within the network play an important role in creating trusting relationships. Using this as a basis, the article explores the dynamics of trust when relationships and positions within the network change. Counter to the expectation that relationships are formalized in this scenario, the article shows that in the Chicago case, trust is layered. The article concludes that third-party sources of information about trustworthiness are strategically established as a layer in the network and that individuals translate past interactions into lasting organizations that can facilitate trust.
New Paper: Big data analytics for mitigating carbon emissions in smart cities: Opportunities and challenges
The paper published in European Planning Studies (open access) addresses the growing scepticism around big data use in the context of smart cities. Big data is said to transform city governments into being more efficient, effective and evidence-based. However, critics point towards the limited capacity of government to overcome the siloed structure of data storage and manage the diverse stakeholders involved in setting up a data ecosystem. On the basis of this, the paper investigates the challenges city governments face when dealing with big data in the context of carbon emission reduction. Through the lens of the evidence-based policy and policy capacity literature, the cities of Copenhagen (Denmark), London (UK), Malmö (Sweden), Oxford (UK) and Vienna (Austria) are analysed. The cases reveal that the institutional complexity underlying big data integration limits local government capacity to set up data management structures that would allow further utilization of big data and that current solutions focus on local pilot sites and outsourcing of data analytics.
Expert on Complex Problems
Combining different disciplines, Leiden University researchers work together to formulate innovative solutions to societal problems. I am part of a team of experts on complex problems connected to my research in the fields of comparative public policy, environmental policy and regulation, big data and urban innovation. Some phenomena cannot be studied in isolation. They are linked within a chain of cause and effect that spans the whole world. As an example, environmental pollution leads to climate change that causes the worst drought in southern Africa in 112 years. Harvests fail and cattle die of starvation; society becomes disrupted. All this leads to a massive wave of migration. The arrival of refugees fuels simmering discontent in European countries and creates a political earthquake. It takes a very diverse body of knowledge to be able to reverse these kinds of developments, knowledge ranging from chemistry, biology and environmental sciences to anthropology, political science and public administration. More information can be found here.
Governance and Data Science Group
To kick off a newly started collaboration between the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) and the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA), we had a session on Governance and Data Science. The discussion largely evolved around the role of new methods for policymaking and the questions social science poses for computer science research. I gave a presentation entitled 'Big Data for Policymaking: Fad or Fast Track?', looking at some of the big data promises and realities and the challenges of government to incorporate big data tools into the policymaking process.
Technology & Government
The expert panel of Kim Grondsma (Ministerie van BZK), Rogier Kleinekoort (Municipality Den Haag), Dr. Jelmer Schalk, (Leiden University, Public Administration) and Dr. Christoph Stettina (Leiden University, LIACS) completed the elective 'ICT in the Public Sector'. We had a lively discussion on three major themes: Leadership & technology-oriented change, technology & public services/ performance and big data and government. In the conversation among the panel members and with students, it became clear that there are structural challenges that governmental levels and departments struggle with to execute and utilize some of the technology available. We also saw that providing public services can hold very different implementation motivations than having a business case in the market. All in all, an interesting debate!
Civic Apps
Check out my new post on the LSE Impact Blog about Civic Apps!
"...some type of gratification mechanism can make these apps sustainable. These include, for example, gaining support from other citizens for a project proposed to the city (endorsements). There is further a closed feedback loop in the sense that citizens can follow-up on their complaints or projects. These gratification mechanisms need to be linked up with the role of political efficacy in civic engagement in the sense that the more an individual has the sense of personal competence in influencing the political system, the more they will engage."
ICPP Panel on Public Policy and Big Data
Come join our panel on 'The Data/Sensor Revolution and Public Policy' at the International Conference on Public Policy in Singapore (28-20 June).
March 2019
- Mar 20, 2019 Installatie Young Academy Leiden Mar 20, 2019
September 2017
- Sep 6, 2017 – Sep 7, 2017 Data for Policy Conference Sep 6, 2017 – Sep 7, 2017
June 2017
- Jun 28, 2017 – Jun 30, 2017 ICPP Conference Jun 28, 2017 – Jun 30, 2017
- Jun 21, 2017 – Jun 24, 2017 Environmental Politics & Governance Conference Jun 21, 2017 – Jun 24, 2017
April 2017
- Apr 12, 2017 Guest Lecture: Big Data for Local Policymaking: Fad or Fast Track? Apr 12, 2017
February 2017
- Feb 16, 2017 – Feb 17, 2017 GDN Workshop Singapore Feb 16, 2017 – Feb 17, 2017
September 2016
- Sep 15, 2016 – Sep 16, 2016 Data for Policy Conference Sep 15, 2016 – Sep 16, 2016
August 2016
- Aug 24, 2016 – Aug 26, 2016 EGPA Conference Aug 24, 2016 – Aug 26, 2016
July 2016
- Jul 24, 2016 – Jul 26, 2016 IPSA Conference Jul 24, 2016 – Jul 26, 2016
May 2016
- May 17, 2016 Urban Transformation Conference, Rotterdam May 17, 2016
- May 12, 2016 VPRO Blacklight Discussion on Smart Cities May 12, 2016
RT @JPublicPolicy: Available now to read on the @JPublicPolicy FirstView page is a new article by @sarahgiest entitled "Making energy… https://t.co/6CbObzVkKx
📢New piece on #policycoordination challenges in #smartmeter implementation @JPublicPolicy. Adding a demand/supply p… https://t.co/r5JPILfg0Q
Day 1 of @dataforpolicy is best summarized by @LordCHolmes: There is a huge amount of data met with complex policy… https://t.co/GoVhy6RvY9


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Vladimir Horowitz 1985
December 14, 2010
For those of you who are not familiar…
Vladimir Horowitz (1903 – 1989) was a Russian-American virtuoso pianist who came to fame in the 1920s in Russia and then throughout the world. He was a legendary pianist and many of his recordings are renowned as being the definitive performances of frequently played pieces by well known composers such as Chopin, Liszt, Scriabin, and Rachmaninoff.
His performances were often exaggerated and dynamic; Frequently overwhelming audiences with waves of sound, then immediately contrasting with phrases of incredible delicacy and gentleness. His dynamic style and virtuosity earned international esteem and he consequently performed for kings and queens, emperors and presidents, and multitudes of adoring fans over a 70 year career.
In my opinion, Chopin's Mazurka, Op. 17 No. 4 is a relatively simple piece. I've heard several recordings over the years and have mostly ignored it. It's not very dynamic, it is short, and I always just thought of it as just sort of plain. Until I heard Horowitz play it.
The following video is among the last of his recordings before his death in 1989 and has become one of my favorites. It is from the 1985 documentary film Vladimir Horowitz – The Last Romantic. This clip is just a little scrap of the film that I found on YouTube. Before the Mazurka actually begins, it shows a brief bit with his wife talking about her ability to listen without being influenced by personality, and then shows him playing a little snippet of Mozart's Rondo alla Turca from Sonata 11 while the recording crew are getting everything set up. He misses a few notes and makes a joke about not being Heifetz after his wife mentions it. Sweet. Enjoy.
"Is very intimate now…pshhhh" – Vladimir Horowitz


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First of all, Who is Kevin Seraphin? Where did he come from? Both are legitimate questions, as he's only played sparingly for a Washington Wizards team that's gone 37-103 since his arrival. Although Seraphin, a native of French Guiana (South America, borders with Brazil), has been a Wizard for the duration of his young NBA career, he was actually handed a Chicago Bulls cap upon being selected 17th overall, between Luke Babbitt and Eric Bledsoe, in June of 2010. Content with their rotation at the center position and looking to clear cap space (remember, this was the summer of 2010), the Bulls quickly dealt Seraphin, along with Kirk Hinrich, to Washington in exchange for a second-round pick. At the time, Hinrich was owed about $17 million over two years. While Hinrich had been a quality role player known for his scrappy defense and outside shooting, his services were probably a tad overpriced at $8.5 million a season. Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld, in search of some interior toughness, elected to bite the bullet with Hinrich for a shot at Seraphin.
"We've been a predominantly perimeter oriented team and a finesse team and I just felt like we needed some more physicality," Said Grunfeld.
It was a move that was met with a fair bit of skepticism. The 20-year-old Seraphin could hardly speak English, had only begun to play the game in his mid teens, and had a knee issue that would keep him from participating in summer league. He was taken as something of a project, and projects haven't always been known to work out. Wizards fans were understandably leery.
Grunfeld was confident that the Seraphin project would be a successful one, though. He'd sent a couple of executives to Italy to watch Seraphin play for his French team, Cholet Basket, and they came away impressed. As reported by The Washington Post…
Seraphin, 20, has only played organized basketball for five seasons and the Wizards came to know him after seeing him play at the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland last season. The Wizards watched him play a few times for Cholet, which won the French championship this season. He is a rugged, physical player, as he explained after he was selected on Thursday. Seraphin needed the assistance of a translator, but tried to explain his playing style in his limited English. He eventually punched his fist into his hand to talk about his toughness.
During the interview with reporters, Seraphin was wearing a Bulls cap, but talking about how excited he was to be in Washington. And from what I hear, he really, really wanted to play for the Wizards. Tommy Sheppard and Milt Newton went to see Seraphin in Treviso, Italy, a few weeks ago and came away impressed. Seraphin came away thinking that the Wizards really wanted him.
Unable to work out because of a minor knee injury, he visited five teams in six days last week, including Washington, Oklahoma City and Cleveland (which I heard was looking to get the 20th pick in order to take him). But I heard that when he visited Washington, Seraphin told Grunfeld, "You have to take me! You have to take me." From witnesses in the room, Grunfeld apparently smiled and told him he might be able to work something out.
Work something out he did. However, he'd also worked something out with Javale McGee in 2008. McGee became Washington's usual starter late in the '09/10 season after long-time Wizard Brendan Haywood was dealt to Dallas. The same '10/11 season that would be Seraphin's rookie campaign became McGee's shot to prove that he could develop into Washington's big man of the future. Seraphin took a back seat, appearing in just 58 games and averaging only 11 MPG. With the progress of John Wall on the minds of most, Seraphin became an afterthought. He continued to collect bench splinters for the first few months of his second season as McGee became a household name for all of the wrong reasons.
Finally, on trade deadline day, the Wizards decided they'd seen enough of McGee. He was sent packing in favor of the far-better but much-more-highly-paid Nene. Another questionable trade executed by Grunfeld, but one in which the Wiz did receive a proven contributor of borderline-all-star caliber. On first glance the move didn't seem to benefit Kevin Seraphin in any way. McGee had worn out his welcome and would become a free agent at the end of the season… Nene is a proven veteran secured for the next four seasons. If Seraphin's opportunity had been just over the horizon prior to the trade, it seemed that it was now out of sight.
Sometimes opportunities present themselves at the most unexpected of times. In order for a trade to be completed all involved players are required to pass physicals. Take cross-country travel and other potential hold ups into account and you've got what can turn out to be an extensive finalization process. In the case of this particular deal approval took four days, which, thanks to the lockout, was three games. Seraphin became the interim starter. Few thought much of his temporary role, but the 22-year-old was aware of its potential significance.
"I was waiting for this moment. Not the trade. I was waiting for them to give me an opportunity to play," said Seraphin, via The Washington Post. "I played well this summer, so I was just waiting for them to give me my opportunity. I was waiting."
Now you know who Kevin Seraphin is, and where he came from. It's time to talk about what he's done since since the 15th of March.
Seraphin got the first of his three consecutive starts against Chris Kaman and the New Orleans Hornets. By the end of the first quarter he'd already scored 6 points–a tally he'd only reached 19 times in 90 previous appearances. He finished with 12, as well 9 rebounds and a couple of blocks. He gave up 20 and 7 to Kaman, but he'd made jump hooks with both hands while nearly contributing a double-double to a winning effort. It was a solid performance in which the young big man displayed comfort and confidence. He'd get his double-double three nights later as he posted 12 and 12 against All-Star Marc Gasol. Although Nene finally arrived and Seraphin was sent back to the bench, he played well enough to remain part of the regular rotation.
It didn't take long for Seraphin to end up back in the starting lineup. In late March he found himself filling in for Trevor Booker at power forward, twice more scoring in double figures. On April 1st he made his way back to the center spot. Nene had developed plantar fasciitis, a lingering foot injury that tends to keep players on the shelf for extended periods of time. With both Nene and Booker missing games Seraphin would not only be asked to fill in, but to step his game up. Step it up he has. Since that April 1st contest in Toronto, during which he set what was then his career high with 16 points, Seraphin has averaged 16 and 8, as well as a block per game.
These past few weeks have made up the best seven-game stretch of Kevin Seraphin's basketball career. On Tuesday night the impressive run culminated in a 24-point, 13-rebound performance put on in a win over Orlando. No, Dwight Howard didn't play… but the Magic are an experienced team of veterans with the wide-bodied Big Baby Davis filling in at the five. Davis, who was coming off of a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double of his own, could do nothing with the 280-pound Seraphin. After blowing his first look–an uncontested layup that should've been his easiest two of the night–young Kevin showed his touch, scoring with each hand on both blocks. He demonstrated his strength as he ripped rebounds, proved to be a defensive presence by swatting four shots, and displayed an understanding of the game that's beyond his years as he found a cutting John Wall and timed the pass perfectly. As if all that wasn't enough, he threw in a catch-and-shoot jumper from 15 feet that looked smooth as butter. Commentator Phil Chenier couldn't help but ooh and aah as Seraphin displayed a remarkable amount of polish for any young player, let alone one who first picked up a basketball only six or seven years ago. Stan Van Gundy tried to downplay the performance, stating that his team's decision to focus on Washington's guards led to the career night, but I'm not buying that. Was Seraphin double teamed? No… but he wasn't just pounding dunk after dunk off of spoon feeds from John Wall. He repeatedly–I want to emphasize repeatedly–showed outstanding patience on the block as he backed defenders down and deposited hook shots. A lack of defensive attention didn't take the basketball and shoot it into the hoop 11 different times. Kevin Seraphin did that.
Whether or not Nene will return this season is unclear. The Wizards only have eight games left, and they're playing for ping pong balls at this point. Nene may very well be shut down, leaving the door wide open for Seraphin to continue to build on his eye-opening month of basketball. Even if Nene does return I expect the Wizards to put him at power forward, a position he played a lot of throughout his years in Denver, next to the revelation that has been Kevin Seraphin. As a matter of fact, I figure these two will make up Washington's starting frontcourt for years to come. At 6'9″, Seraphin could be taller… but he's got the frame of both body and mind to be five man in the league. He came into the NBA doing the best he could with his limited English to emphasize a desire and ability to bang… he simply forgot to mention that he's capable of doing so much more.
It's all good. We're learning the hard way.


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Appetite suppression
Appetite suppression can be described as the experience of a distinct decrease in a person's sense of hunger and appetite in a manner which can result in both a lesser desire to eat food and a decreased enjoyment of its taste.[1][2] This typically results in the person undergoing prolonged periods of time without eating food.
Depending on the intensity, this effect can result in a sense of complete disinterest or even disgust concerning food. At times, it can often result in physical discomfort (such as Nausea) when attempting to eat food. In cases of severe appetite suppression, it is often easier for a person to consume liquid food, such as protein shakes, in order to receive the nutrition needed to function.
Appetite suppression is often accompanied by other coinciding effects such as stimulation or pain relief in a manner which can lead to feeling as if one either has enough energy to not need food or has enough anaesthesthia to not feel the pain of hunger. It is most commonly induced under the influence of moderate dosages of stimulant[3] compounds, such as amphetamine[4], methylphenidate,[5] nicotine,[6] MDMA,[7] and cocaine. However, it may also occur under the influence of other compounds such as opioids, psychedelics, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is worth noting that if these substances are used for prolonged periods of time, weight loss often occurs as a result.
Psychoactive substances
Compounds within our psychoactive substance index which may cause this effect include:
Experience reports
Anecdotal reports which describe this effect within our experience index include:
- Experience: 22mg 2C-B (oral) / 100ug 1P-LSD (sublingual) - My first time tripping alone (2 days in a row)
- Experience:1000 Morning Glory seeds - Rediscovering the Self
- Experience:1000mgs of U4700 over 8 days - A harmful substance
- Experience:1g Methiopropamine - Chasing the Chalky Dragon
- Experience:20mg Heroin - The Last Time I Shot Up
- Experience:3.5g psilocybe cubensis - Relinquishing of Material Chains/Fear and Desolation
- Experience:42 mg TMA-6: Pure Bliss
- Experience:A combination of DOC, 5-MAPB, 5-MeO-DMT, ETH-LAD, Cannabis, Pentedrone
- Experience:BK-2C-B - Various experiences
See also
- Responsible use
- Subjective effects index
- Appetite enhancement
- Psychedelics - Subjective effects
- Dissociatives - Subjective effects
- Deliriants - Subjective effects
- Stimulants
- Psychedelics
External links
- ↑ Silverstone, T. (1992). Appetite suppressants. Drugs, 43(6), 820-836. https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-199243060-00003
- ↑ Bray, G. A. (1993). Use and abuse of appetite-suppressant drugs in the treatment of obesity. Annals of internal medicine, 119(7_Part_2), 707-713. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-119-7_Part_2-199310011-00016
- ↑ Poulton, A. S., Hibbert, E. J., Champion, B. L., & Nanan, R. K. (2016). Stimulants for the control of hedonic appetite. Frontiers in pharmacology, 7, 105. https://dx.doi.org/10.3389%2Ffphar.2016.00105
- ↑ Hsieh, Y. S., Yang, S. F., & Kuo, D. Y. (2005). Amphetamine, an appetite suppressant, decreases neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity in rat hypothalamic paraventriculum. Regulatory peptides, 127(1-3), 169-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.regpep.2004.11.007
- ↑ Davis, C., Fattore, L., Kaplan, A. S., Carter, J. C., Levitan, R. D., & Kennedy, J. L. (2012). The suppression of appetite and food consumption by methylphenidate: the moderating effects of gender and weight status in healthy adults. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 15(2), 181-187. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1461145711001039
- ↑ Seeley, R. J., & Sandoval, D. A. (2011). Neuroscience: weight loss through smoking. Nature, 475(7355), 176. https://doi.org/10.1038/475176a
- ↑ Francis, H. M., Kraushaar, N. J., Hunt, L. R., & Cornish, J. L. (2011). Serotonin 5-HT4 receptors in the nucleus accumbens are specifically involved in the appetite suppressant and not locomotor stimulant effects of MDMA ('ecstasy'). Psychopharmacology, 213(2-3), 355-363. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-010-1982-9


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The FreshRoast SR500 Automatic Coffee Bean Roaster, Gene Cafe CBR-101 Home Coffee Roaster and the Behmor 1600 Plus Customizable Drum Coffee Roaster are highly-rated coffee roasting machines. Each of these coffee roasters has at least a 3.8-star rating, according to Amazon.com.
The FreshRoast SR500 Automatic Coffee Bean Roaster has a four-star rating. It has variable fan convection control to guarantee efficient circulation, automatic operation with a digital time display, three temperature settings, a speed roast fluid motion system and roasts beans for 20 cups of coffee in under 10 minutes.
The Gene Cafe CBR-101 Home Coffee Roaster has a 4.1-star rating. It has adjustable time and temperature, 3D off-axis rotation that guarantees even roast and roasts about 250 grams of green coffee beans in around 15 minutes.
The Behmor 1600 Plus Customizable Drum Coffee Roaster has a 3.8-star rating. It has a one-pound capacity, five customizable settings, manual roasting override, quartz roasting elements that are controlled by a thermostat and a variable speed rotating roasting drum.


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Wanda Sue Skipper
Long County High Class of 1978
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Search For Stellar Survivor of a Supernova Explosion
Of all the varieties of exploding stars, the ones called Type Ia are perhaps the most intriguing. Their predictable brightness lets astronomers measure the expansion of the universe, which led to the discovery of dark energy. Yet the cause of these supernovae remains a mystery. Do they happen when two white dwarf stars collide? Or does a single white dwarf gorge on gases stolen from a companion star until bursting?
If the second theory is true, the normal star should survive. Astronomers used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to search the gauzy remains of a Type Ia supernova in a neighboring galaxy called the Large Magellanic Cloud. They found a sun-like star that showed signs of being associated with the supernova. Further investigations will be needed to learn if this star is truly the culprit behind a white dwarf's fiery demise.
Wispy Remains of Supernova Explosion Hide Possible Survivor
Christine Pulliam / Ray Villard
Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
410-338-4366 / 410-338-4514
email@example.com / email@example.com
You-Hua Chu
Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan


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Certificate of Academic/Individual Achievement
A Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) or Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA) tells families, schools, businesses, and colleges that a student has mastered a minimum set of skills required for graduation. Students show what they know and can do by passing
state tests or
state-approved alternatives.
Earning a CAA or CIA is required by
The CIA is for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Please see
IEP Guidance for Selecting CIA Options for more information.
Requirements to earn a high school diploma
Updated 12/17/2015
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benefit from exclusive business offers
Mobile fitting
Prices excluding VAT
Make sure that you are getting the best economy and performance from your car's tyres with our four-wheel computerised alignment. A computerised wheel alignment will make sure that your car's tracking is correct to the factory settings, meaning that it will be returned to its original factory configuration.
A computerised wheel alignment can give a more accurate alignment than a laser-based machine, so the car's tracking can be adjusted to an exact setting.
When you bring your car to ATS Euromaster for a computerised wheel alignment we will show you your car's current alignment and tell you how far out your tracking is from factory specifications. You can even watch the adjustments as they are made.
Adjusting your front wheels is important to the overall ride and performance of your car- heavily misaligned wheels will also have a noticeable effect on your vehicle's handling characteristics.
While rear wheel misalignment may not have as noticeable an effect on your car, but it may still have an impact on your vehicle's fuel consumption and tyre wear. By aligning all four wheels on your car you can get the best possible performance and fuel economy- with our computerised alignment technology bringing your alignment back to that factory-fresh angle of adjustment.
Though the two services often get confused, wheel alignments are not the same as a wheel balance.