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Edison levy fails
February 6, 2013
HAMMONDSVILLE — A 9.45-mill continuous operating levy for the Edison Local School District once again was turned down by district voters during Tuesday's special election....
This crippled district's fate was sealed in Nov 2007 because of the strike. Disrict had no $$$ then,but teachers still chose to walk and get what they wanted. Voters remember that stuff. I hope they thought it was all worth it. Why wouldn't teachers an administrators alike ever consider taking a wage freeze for 2yrs? Many workers in valley have taken wages freezes.
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132 and 14.8, two numbers people need to understand! This levy failed because people cannot afford to live themselves, let alone provide for everyone else. According to Edison's website, they have 132 licensed staff, not counting adminastrative staff or bus drivers, cooks, janitors, etc... If the number of students is accurate, that is just 14.8 students per teacher. Yet they want to cut busing? Here is a solution, CUT TEACHERS! When I was in school, we had 20-25 kids in a class, sometimes more. People need to take notice of the proposed actions of the district. They don't want to cut their own (teachers) instead, they'd rather cut transportation. Levys are about job/financial security for teachers, nothing more.
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RPG I have been saying the same thing all along. We need to keep the administrative, staff. They only account for a fraction of the total cost. Teachers and administrators account for biggest share, of the districts budget. survivor also is correct after the last teachers strike the teachers lost a lot of credibility with the voters, then there was the Owens affair. The problem is it hasn't gotten better since.
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There is no reason to close Pleasant Hill. They should combine the classrooms into one. i.e. Instead of two 2nd grade classrooms, combine them to have only only one 2nd grade class. That will cut the teaching staff in half. It's best for the children. Although the staff wouldn't want it that way, but when it comes down to it, the children are the main concern I would think. Why yank those young children from their school? Because you would rather keep what costs the district the most and throw away what's best for the children.
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There is no reason to close Pleasant Hill. They should combine the classrooms into one. i.e. Instead of two 2nd grade classrooms, combine them to have only only one 2nd grade class. That will cut the teaching staff in half. It's best for the children. Although the staff wouldn't want it that way, but when it comes down to it, the children are the main concern I would think. Why yank those young children from their school? Because you would rather keep what costs the district the most and throw away what's best for the children.
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Close the High School (it is the oldest and most costly to maintain, has heating issues, small class rooms), redistribute the students at the Stanton building to PH and JG and move the High School to the Stanton building....
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I am so tired of people whining about teachers salaries. It was ok for mill hunkies to strike for more wages and benefits. Guess that doesn't count for teachers. Maybe they should just work for nothing. I am not a teacher but don't see why they shouldn't make a decent salary. They are required to have a costly education but don't get paid for it. I've been in the district for 60 years and feel the students deserve better. Kudos to the uneducated, stingy no voters of Edison. I hope you get what you deserve.
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It is a terrible shame that the levy failed. Yes, I know that everyone has had financial hardship; but our children are required to have an education. I DO NOT believe this is about the teachers. In order for our children to remain competitive (ie: college, tech school) they need a competitive education. The strike took a toll on alot of people. But lets wake up it is a new day, we need to provide for our children, because I honestly do not believe the Govenors proposal will not benefit the public school's.
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Taxpayers in this valley are pretty much tapped out. How much can u*****out of us, most of us are retired, kids moved away because of no jobs here, yet 50% are expected to pay for kids, many of whom,their parents don't even try to find employment. Levys here will contnue to fail because 1) we're about broke 2) we are getting nothing much out our tax dollars as it is. 3)same as 1) we are broke and broken. We need food, pay for utilities, rent. Not on gov't dole....yet. NO NEW TAXES!!!! Will someone please read our lips? and endless ballots. We've been taxed to death, ask your wonderful elected officials: FED, state and local, to pony up with their own cash,not ours, we're fed up.
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The dirty word filter at this paper is a bit extreme. The word *****out is the same word you would use to describe drinking out of a straw. I think it was used appropriately, meant no disrespct, but your censorship app. is plain crazy or is that now worthy of being blipped out too. Nuts, whoops, did it again. I'm outta here, Mean old nuns in the 60's weren't this ridiculous.
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Yes, Edison School District, the people have spoken. Deal with it and adapt accordingly. Times are tough and even you have to cut back.
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@ unoiwontbudge,
Teachers are very well paid for their "work." They have June, July, August off. A 2 day work week at Thanksgiving, a 2 week vacation at Christmas-New Years's day, all bank holidays, they don't have to drive to work when it snows, and they rarely if ever work more than 8 hours a day, they also have great benefits and guranteed retirement. Let me make this clear, they are paid very well for the hours they work. As for education, they are reimbursed for obtaining a graduate degree. They got it really good. The problem is that they are getting greedy.
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Oh, before, I forget they get a spring break around Easter too!
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Correct me if I'm wrong but 86% of this failed levy was going for wages. If teachers and administration were serious about keeping district running, wonder if teachers union and administration ever considered wage freezes for the good of the district? Drastic times call for drastic measures.
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I have not talked with one person who actually visited a clasroom who would trade jobs with a teacher, yet there are many who moan and groan and complain their jealous hearts out about what they call benefits of educators.
Show me anyone whith a college degree, plus a Masters, and/or hours for a doctorate or toward one that does not make that kind of money.
Air condition the schools, have the legislatures change the school calendar, pay everyone accordingly and we'll work 2000 hours like the rest of you. I'd love to work your schedule.
But we chose education because we wanted to teach kids despite the betching parents, jealous whining tax payers, and disrespectful few students.
Want to work 184 days, be treated like a second class citizen, and spend your own money buying classroom supplies; get a teaching certificate or shut the h3ll up.
Hows that?
Educators rock!!!!
Want nice good schools, someone has to pay the piper. We pay taxes too.
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Dodgeram50, I'd trade jobs with a teacher. I have a B.S. plus graduate credits and I assure you that I'd do that job and not complain. Teachers also have a union and are hard to get rid of if they do a substandard job, the rest of us have standards we must meet or we'd be unemployed. I'm paid well. However, I'm not paid nearly what some teachers make. You mention "jealous whining taxpayers," well, we taxpayers pay your salary, we also cannot demand a pay increase when our taxes go up. Ever think that your (and many like you) lack of respect for everyone else might have somthing to do with the rest of us not wanting to pay you more? Nobody forces you to buy your own supplies just like nobody forces me to buy my own work boots or work gloves. How many notebooks, pens, and pencils can you buy for $275?
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Furthermore, your pay up or shut up attitude is why some of you guys are disrespected. Our nation, our area is suffering through tough times, there isn't enough for some of us to get by, yet all you guys want is more, more, more. Get this idea into your educated mind, WE CANNOT AFFORD IT, how about taking a pay freeze or pay cut. How about joining the real world like the rest of us, a world where children cannot be used as a bargaining chip.
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Reason why the country is in such bad shape is because liberals want to give everything to everybody and let the taxpayers foot the bill. Reason why mills went down is because of unreasonable union demands which the companies gave in to. Wish I would have gotten 13 weeks paid vacation and could have retired at 49 years of age. Only mill workers with a job now are the union reps. You figure it out!
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University of Maryland coaches host free sports clinic
Next video starts in : 7 Play
University of Maryland coaches host free sports clinic
Raw: Phoenix Hikers Overwhelmed by Heat Rescued
0:26Now watching Up next
University of Maryland coaches host free sports clinic
University of Maryland Terrapins coaches hold free clinics for youth in Baltimore, offering help on football to basketball to gymnastics.
0:45Now watching Up next
Raw: Phoenix Hikers Overwhelmed by Heat Rescued
Phoenix, Arizona authorities rescued four hikers off mountains after they suffered heat-related illnesses. Fire Department helicopters were needed to reach some of the hikers. (July 27)
1:26Now watching Up next
Sanders Fans, Green Party Protest Outside DNC
Green Party Presidential Candidate Jill Stein joined Bernie Sanders supporters in a protest outside the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday night. (July 27)
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Hillary Clinton's 1969 Commencement Speech
Clinton delivered the first-ever student speech at her alma mater Wellesley College's commencement.
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Mothers Who Lost Children to Gun Violence, Police Actions Speak at DNC
Mothers of the Movement, which includes the mothers of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and others, spoke to ABC's Robin Roberts ahead of DNC speech.
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Hillary Clinton Makes History as First Female Presidential Nominee
Clinton secures the Democratic nomination after a dramatic DNC roll call, but emotions are still running high for Bernie Sanders supporters.
3:37Now watching Up next
Unconventional: Bye-bye, Bernie. It's Hillary Clinton's convention now.
On the second night of the Democratic National Convention, Bernie Sanders stepped to the microphone at the end of Tuesday's roll call and "move[d] that Hillary Clinton be selected" — unanimously — "as the nominee of the Democratic Party for president of the United States." Following that announcement, a long line of senators and surrogates, politicians and police officers, celebrities and survivors paraded to the podium to tout Clinton's achievements and testify on her behalf.
1:28Now watching Up next
California Fire Shuts Down Famed Big Sur Parks
California authorities shut down parks along the Big Sur coastline south of San Francisco. A major wildfire in the area has burned 36 square miles. (July 27)
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Bill Clinton Delivers Powerful Hillary Speech
Bill Clinton took the stage Tuesday night for his 10th address to a Democratic convention, the ex-president, husband and party standard-bearer stepping into a singular role in American history: potential first gentleman. (July 26)
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AP DNC Analysis: Can't Get Unity in Two Days
On a night awash in history, Hillary Clinton triumphantly became the first woman to lead a major American political party toward the White House, breaking through a barrier that painfully eluded her eight years ago. (July 27)

subset: commoncrawl


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I want to make a bread with a stout in it for extra flavor. The stout will replace most of the liquid content of the bread and I am worried whether it will kill the yeast due to the alcohol (4% volume) content of the stout.
Even after reading a bunch of peer reviewed articles, I was unable to find a definitive answer to this question. The closest thing to a direct answer I found that in this Serious Eats article focused on pizza dough additional ingredients, dbcurrie says:
There was a cached google reference to Shirley O. Corriher in Fine Cooking saying that "eventually" the alcohol produced by yeast as a byproduct of its metabolism would inhibit further activity. However, no level or percentage was given.
Historically, we know that bread yeasts were a byproduct of the beer brewing industry, so they must be able to tolerate at least up to beer levels of alcohol. While it may possibly be in the range where their activity is retarded, they obviously were not killed as the brewer's yeast could then be reused in the next batch, and given to bakers.
Given that the ingredients in a single loaf of bread cost very little, and that one beer is not a huge investment, I would encourage you to try it and see.
Yeast, depending on the strain, can typically sustain in alcohol in concentrations of up to 14-18%. Some strains can actually go higher. (I personally keep a champagne yeast on hand for homemade root beer and ginger ale that goes to about 18%). Typical bottled beer runs to about 6%.
Once started the fermentation process, at room temperature, is only slowed or stopped by CO2 build up or starvation, until the alcohol reaches toxic levels. Given the portion of beer to the overall volume in beer bread recipes, the abundance of food for the yeast and the relatively short period allowed for rising none of these factors should inhibit the yeast.
In short, the environment in your dough will reach nowhere near 'toxic' levels during the rise.
According to the always-accurate Wikipedia, baker's yeast is the same Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain used by us beer brewers.
One of the most common beer yeasts used is California Ale yeast, an example of which is Wyeast's 1056. They call it American Ale, but it's the same strain as White Lab's WLP001 California Ale.
Wyeast lists alcohol tolerance at 11%. So I would have no worries about a normal strength beer causing problems.


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GENESEO, N.Y. -- The State University at New York at Geneseo's School of the Arts opens its fall theater season with American playwright Tina Howe's "Museum," a comedy about how we perceive art and the often unexpected and outrageous effects it has on us.
Directed by Randy Barbara Kaplan, professor of theater, the production will be staged Sept. 28 - Oct. 3 in college's Robert Sinclair Black Box Theatre in Brodie Hall. The Tuesday through Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. The Sunday matinee begins at 2 o'clock.
The play features a cast of 40, including numerous incoming first-year and transfer students. Several members of Geneseo's faculty and staff also will be performing, including Tom Greenfield, professor of English; Chris Leary, professor of mathematics; Jo Kirk, adjunct lecturer in sociology; Tracy Paradis, reference instruction librarian; and Tom MacPherson, professor of art. Assisting with the production is languages and literatures teaching assistant Marie-Alexandra Drouet and making a guest appearance will be Maryanne Arena, director of fine and performing arts at Genesee Community College.
Senior theater major Nicole Carson is designing the set and Catherine Martini, also a senior theater major, is doing lighting design. Crystal Ferrell, visiting assistant professor, is designing costumes for the characters, who range from Goths to upper-crust Manhattan society ladies.
All tickets are $8 and can be purchased with a check or cash at the Brodie Hall Box Office or online. More information is available at 245-5833.
Media Contact:
David Irwin
Media Relations Manager
(585) 245-5516


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HCC Medical Insurance Services (formerly MultiNational Underwriters) was established in 1998 in Indianapolis, Indiana. HCC is a full service organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of international group health, domestic short term and travel medical insurance products designed to address the insurance needs of travelers worldwide.
Learn more about HCC Medical Insurance.
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Well, a dungeon master keeps throwing characters who can silence spells at me. It's a pain in the butt when trying to fight as a group, as most of my friends and I are casters. We're dealing with radius silence. Basically, the silence hits the first player. If the second player is close to that player, he is silenced. If the third player is close to the second player, he is silenced. If the fourth player is closed to the third player, he is silenced. As the enemy levels up, his silence becomes more powerful. He has a lot of casting power, and he uses fear spells, as well. So, we keep getting chains of silence and fear cast on us, which is a huge issue. Up next, we're looking at dealing with wolves or something, and we aren't strong enough to take this guy alone. Should we spread out and go in one at a time? Should we try to bait him to a tank and get him to burn some magic, then try to get the jump on him? We actually have limited time. In a couple of weeks, he's going to have the sun sphere, which is going to give him so much power. We don't want to lose the campaign because of this obstacle. Any ideas?
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For d20, there is a 1st level bard spell in the Spell Compendium called Joyful Noise which counteracts a silence spell in a 10' radius around a bard as long as he concentrates. It has no verbal component, only somatic. It doesn't dispel the silence, only protects you from it. In a recent campaign I ran, the party bard kept using this against my silence spell attacks so the wizard and cleric could keep casting spells.
Of course the downside is the other spellcasters must remain within 10' making them a great target for area effect damage spells such as fireball. And the bard must spend his effort concentrating to maintain the spell and thus cannot perform other efforts. But the effect does move with the bard.
Not sure which edition you are playing and what exact spell is in play - I don't know of any "spreading" silence spell, the normal second level one just hits one place or person and those within the radius are silenced but they don't spread it.
Your general counters to a technique like this are:
From the d20SRD:
I assume this is the spell you are referring to, of which there are a few options to overcome this.
There are two simple ways you could possibly already have:
1) Resist the spell and/or pass the will save, hopefully if you are a caster this should be a decent save anyway, if not make it better. And yes, as it spreads each affected target would get their own will save
2) Use spells during the duration that don't have a verbal component. There are a few spells out there which meet this that might be useful in combat: Distract (DR314), Lantern Light (BoED), Launch Item (MoF), Hypnotic Pattern (PH, non-bard), Shadow Tentacle (LoD), Rainbow Pattern (PH, again non-bard), and Mislead (PH)
The only other real options beyond that are going to be:
3) Silent Spell Metamagic Feat (again not for bards), this uses a spell slot one higher.
4) Use a wand, these are pretty much point and shoot, no verbals required even if the original spell required it.
One idea not presented thusfar, Counterspelling.
From the SRD:
You mention in the question that most of the party are spellcasters, get all of them to prepare (if applicable) Silence twice. Hopefully you can get someone to act before the enemy's initiative. First caster counterspells the enemy's silence, then the second casts silence on the enemy. Now, you tell the tank to charge. A magician (any magician) who can't cast spells is no match for a similarly leveled Fighter. Silence should not matter to sword-swingers.
Here are some ideas I didn't see others mention:
You might just talk to your DM and tell him that you think it's kinda cheesy that every single opponent you fight in this world has found the Silence spell and uses it as a first resort.


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6 Famous Songs That Don't Mean What You Think
#4. Phil Collins "In the Air Tonight"
"In the Air Tonight" stands alone as Phil Collins' sole flirtation with being awesome. With its spooky production and hammering drum patterns, the song pulled off the gargantuan feat of making television viewers believe Philip Michael Thomas and Don Johnson wearing pastel suits amidst mountains of cocaine was a plausible setting in which a crime other than forced sodomy could actually occur. It's no wonder that a song with that much force behind it would have an equally powerful back story attached to it.
It varies wildly depending on who you're talking to, but the most popular story behind the song, and the one awkwardly quoted by Eminem in the almost as popular "Stan," goes like this: As a kid, Collins witnessed a tragic incident in which a man drowned as another man who could have helped stood by and did nothing. Later, presumably through some form of leprechaun magic, Phil tracked the no-good Samaritan down and arranged for him to be sitting in the front row of the concert where he debuted "In the Air Tonight," singing the song directly to the man who sat uncomfortably under a spotlight. Were it not for that one Genesis video that starred a Ronald Reagan puppet, this would qualify as the creepiest moment of Phil Collins' career.
What It's Actually About:
Not a damned thing. Some songwriters do try to tell a story with every song, but others (like, say, Phil Collins) tend to just pick out words that sound catchy when matched up with the music (like, say, "Sussudio").
On the VH1 Classic series "Classic Albums," Collins explained that he made up the lyrics to "In the Air Tonight" in the studio, based on what he felt was appropriate for the vibe of the song. Yes, after all that, it turns out the song literally has less coherent meaning than "My Humps."
#3. Tom Petty "American Girl"
"American Girl," the first single from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' debut album, features the kind of enigmatic lyrics that send fans into fits searching for meaning. Apparently, Tom Petty fans are a morose bunch. According to an extremely popular story, Petty wrote the song about a University of Florida student who jumped to her death from the balcony of her dorm room.
It's an understandable conclusion if you take a look at some of the lyrics. Among the references that draw the attention of suicide song enthusiasts are "old 441" which is the name of the highway in Florida that runs past the dorm where the suicide allegedly occurred and "she stood alone, on the balcony" which is generally what people do shortly before hurling themselves off said balcony. Toss in the fact that Petty is from Gainesville where the University of Florida is located and what you have is one perfectly reasonable theory about the meaning of the song.
What It's Actually About:
It's not true at all. In the book "Conversations With Tom Petty," the ugly-stick-beaten rocker set the story straight.
In his words, the story is an "urban legend" and was actually written while he was living in Encino, CA. The 441 in question refers to an expressway that ran outside the apartment he lived in at the time. And unlike the Jagger song, Petty has no reason whatsoever to lie since it pretty much makes the lyrics less cool than people want to believe they are.
But if it's any consolation, "Mary Jane's Last Dance" is totally about weed.


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No other professional sports team in Dallas has the pioneering legacy of FC Dallas. The story of FC Dallas is tied to Dallas' soccer history, which began in 1966 when Lamar Hunt attended a World Cup match in England and was inspired to bring professional soccer to the U.S.
Mr. Hunt formed the Dallas Tornado, one of the first professional soccer clubs in the U.S., and the NASL (North American Soccer League) in 1967. The team carried a roster of professional players transported from Europe. When their playing days were over many of these players, such as Bobby Moffat and Kenny Cooper Sr., began second careers in coaching/conducting clinics, further spreading interest and developing talent in North Texas.
Professional soccer continued in Dallas through the 1980's with the rise of the indoor Dallas Sidekicks. Former Tornado players Billy Phillips and Neil Cohen played significant roles in the success of the Sidekicks.
The United States was awarded the 1994 World Cup. Not only was Lamar Hunt key to the bid to bring the World Cup to the U.S., but his leadership also influenced the creation of MLS.
In 1995, Dallas was awarded a charter team in MLS, the only FIFA sanctioned first division league in the U.S. The Dallas Burn won its first Championship, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, in 1997.
Hunt Sports Group, an original investor in MLS, acquired the Burn in 2002 and launched plans to build a soccer-specific stadium in North Texas. After an intensive search process, HSG, City of Frisco, Frisco Independent School District and Collin County developed the first public/private soccer specific stadium in the US.
In 2005, the team was relaunched as FC Dallas. With a new name, new European-style jerseys and a first-class venue in FC Dallas Stadium, Lamar Hunt, and the Hunt Sports Group again helped to solidify the future of soccer in our region.
The continued success and growth of youth soccer in Dallas and the surrounding areas is directly related to Mr. Hunt's four decades of supporting soccer at all levels. Mr. Hunt's vision is carried on today through his sons, Clark and Dan, and the fans of FC Dallas.
Since his passing in 2006, players of FC Dallas have worn a patch with a Circle LH to honor the legacy of Lamar Hunt.
Thank you, Uncle Lamar.


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603 N. Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78703 512-472-5050 Open 9AM - 11PM The largest independent bookstore in Texas!
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Postcards from a Dead Girl (Paperback)
March 2010 Indie Next List
"Kirk Farber's quirky debut novel explores themes of love, loss, grief, and what they do to our psyches. Told via the darkly hilarious actions and musings of the hapless Sid as he tries to solve the mystery of a series of postcards from his dead?, missing?...or not, girlfriend. A great read!"
— Chris Grabish, MacDonald Book Shop, Estes Park, CO
Sid is going crazy . . .
A telemarketer at a travel agency, Sid is becoming unhinged and superneurotic. Lately he's been obsessed with car washes and mud baths. His hypochondria is driving his doctor sister mad. And it's all because of his ex-girlfriend, Zoe, who's sending him postcards from her European adventure, one that they were supposed to take together. It's all quite upsetting.
A fact-finding tour of local post officesand a new friendship with postman Geraldfollowed by a solo European jaunt will do little to ease his anxiety. A long talk with his mother's spirit in a wine bottle doesn't help either. But what he really needs are a few more tentative dates with the chatty Candyce. Sid needs to get over Zoe and find love againeven though Zoe, apparently, has no inclination to be gotten over.
Wonderfully poignant, funny, odd, and more than a bit macabre, Postcards from a Dead Girl marks the emergence of a truly gifted and original literary voice.
About the Author
Kirk Farber lives with his family in Colorado, where he writes and works at a library with a lovely mountain view.
Praise For…
Kirk Farber has a style very similar to Chuck Palahniuk, with offbeat observations, a view of our world through a slightly distorted lens, and a tone that's quite fun and sometimes hilarious and tragic at the same time. I love the voice and irreverence and humor.
-Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain
Dark. Funny. Bizarre. Mysterious. Fantastic. Kirk Farber's Postcards from a Dead Girl is a polished gem. Farber's uniquely quirky protagonist reflects our own personal obsessions, pinning us in limbo while simultaneously prodding us towards adventure.
-Josh Kilmer-Purcell, author of I Am Not Myself These Days
A witty, tormented hero surrounded by fascinating, compassionate supporting characters makes this slender debut a surprisingly compulsive read.
-Kirkus Reviews


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I can't find the amazon.com search box anymore. (Because I manage the Ballet Talk amazon.com commission account, nothing I buy is credited to Ballet Talk ; I purchased through the PNB site instead.) The website change has to be very recent, since I used the old site to buy a Kindle book very recently.
The rosters are updated (without any promotions, which Peter Boal said in a Q&A would be announced the week before the start of the season. He also said there wouldn't been a gala excerpts program this year.) Louise Nadeau is no longer on the roster, Ezra Thompson is listed as the sole apprentice, and at least several of last season's apprentices are in the corps: Andrew Bartee, Kyle Davis, and Sean Rollofson are the men.
As background for the dancers and artistic directors (current and emeritus) are black and white clips of rehearsals.
By clicking on the photograph, there is a bio for each dancer, with featured and leading roles listed, and a tab for a photo gallery.
The new site looks great!


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I am trying to use
cx_Oracle on
Fedora 15 with
Oracle 11.
I have install
Oracle and
InstantClient rpms and also
cx_Oracle rpm for
CentOS. I am exporting
ORACLE_HOME and other like this:
export ORACLE_HOME=/u01/app/oracle/product/11.2.0/xe
export PATH=$PATH:$ORACLE_HOME/bin
export ORACLE_SID=XE
libclntsh.so.11.1 lies here:
I wonder, if that is not the problem. However Oracle was already installed in this
u01 directory (I don't know what is it, on Ubuntu it installed in the right place). Could you suggest me, what I can do with this?


text:
Could another trip down the aisle be in Deion Sanders' future?
After his big court win this week against his estranged wife Pilar Sanders, many believe Deion hinted at possible nuptials with current girlfriend Tracey Edmonds via Twitter.
The outspoken NFL legend tweeted:
"@Traceyedmonds Thank u baby for your True Love and support.. 1 more hurdle to jump and then………!"
Most are assuming the divorce is "the hurdle" and the "and then" is their wedding.
Deion quickly deleted the tweet after posting it which makes it even more suspicious.
Tracey Edmonds is the ex-wife of super producer/songwriter Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds; the former couple has two sons together.
Tracey and Deion have openly been a couple since June but most people believe the two have been an item long before that.
What do you think? Is it to soon for Deion to be contemplating another marriage? Should Tracey be jumping in so quickly with Deion amid all this drama?


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Top 10 Jobs on Campus
7 of 11
Research Assistant
This is a paid job that provides a learning experience in academic research. Students who apply to be a research assistant should expect to conduct literature searches, distribute questionnaires, and analyze data. A minimum number of hours is required each week, but the hours are usually flexible enough to work around most students' schedules.
Next: Reunion Ambassador


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Today in Tweet Beat, everybody shh! Paula's got something to say! Also, people are booking JWoww to appear at their weddings.
please give me a second....
someone else had a little puppy they were up all night with. who was it? please tweet me, is the puppy still sick? xoP www.PaulaAbdul.com
I think I am booked at more Sweet 16's & Weddings than Club appearances come September & October! lol
The book is blonde ambition:the untold story of anna nicole smith. Reading this and trainwreck
I havent had any wine in days... :) I feel great....
Come Party with us Tonight in St Tropez! http://twitpic.com/27yipo
@ParisHilton omg, i hate it there, i have an allergy to st trope, i hope you are well dear. x court
I literary bumped into Joan Cusack on the way 2 the bathroom on the set.Didn't even know she was gonna be on Law & Order so it surprised me
Alabama is so hot it must've been a relief for the civil rights protesters when the fire hoses were turned on them.
Ratio of people offended vs. people who found my last tweet funny: 12:1.


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Welcome to the second game of Take Your Temperature
There are a few rule changes from the original game , which I've bolded for those who already know the game.
Here's the idea: everyone is on one of two teams, divided by Warm and Cool colours on the colour wheel. You know which team you're on by the first letter or number of your username. A through M and 0-4 are Warm Team; N through Z and 5-9 are Cool Team. Everyone can play. Here's how to do it.
The objective of the game is to be the first team to reach 69 points. (Why 69, you ask? No reason. I just like the number…) At any given time, gameplay is stationed on one of the colours. This colour is determined by the previous commentor. You can take your turn by posting the name of an adjacent colour. Typing in this colour grants you 1 point. I will mod, but please keep score.
Here's the thing: you can only type in colours of your own Team, and only when they are adjacent to the previously mentioned colour. Members of the Cool Team can type 'green,' 'blue,' or 'purple;' members of the Warm Team can type 'red,' 'orange,' or 'yellow.' But only if the colour is right next to the previous one.
You may have realised the strategy to this game: Orange and Blue are safe colours for their respective Teams, but Teams can't earn points unless they type in a new colour. This grants the opposing Team a chance to steal the game placement, if it's quick.
In short: deduce which Team you are on, look at the most recent comment, and type in your own comment of a neighboring colour.
Have fun with TYT! I will only join if it's necessary to get the game going.
A few miscellaneous but important rules:
1) You may not write the same colour as the previous commentor.
2) You may not post until at least two other legitimate comments have been made since your last one.
3) Limit one per player: Suggest a little-known subreddit (that I end up liking) to earn an extra 3 points for your Team!
PS: Feel free to post another of this game, but it would great if you credit me by using the poster or mentioning my name in the instructions. Thanx!


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8 Movie Special Effects You Won't Believe Aren't CGI
#7. Independence Day -- The Wall of Flames
You can mock its many plot holes if you want, but we're pretty sure the reason Independence Day dominated the box office in 1996 was because millions of people thought that seeing New York slowly enveloped by a gargantuan ball of fire was worth every cent of the ticket price. The ad campaign sold the film on that image -- the fire rolling down between New York skyscrapers. And by God, we lined up on opening night.
Seriously, you can leave after this scene.
And even if you watch it today, there's something oddly realistic about it, especially when compared with more recent Roland Emmerich stuff like 2012, which made the destruction of L.A. look like a very expensive video game cut-scene:
The difference, of course, is that the fire in the streets in ID4 is not CGI. It's real fire.
That sort of thing isn't easy to do in real life -- after all, how do you make the fire go sideways? Fire doesn't normally plume horizontally, which is a good thing most of the time, but the whole point of the aliens' city-destroying weapon was the unearthly way the blaze would slowly spill outward and engulf the city.
For the effects team, the solution to this shot was relatively simple.
Can you tell what you're looking at? That's a model city on its side. You'd probably recognize it better like this:
They called it the death chimney. Just turn the city model sideways, put the pyrotechnics at the bottom and put the camera at the top. Then they shot the explosion at a high shutter speed so that when the film was slowed down, they got their horrific, creeping wall of unstoppable fire.
See, this is how destruction used to be filmed back in the day. Someone spent weeks making a detailed model of New York, then you set it on fire and hoped to hell you didn't screw it up so they'd have to build it all over again (because then the model builder would find you in the parking lot and beat your ass).
"Roland Emmerich is a dick."


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expert advice MORE
Pros and Cons of Homeschooling
Q: My 13-year-old daughter is a very serious figure skater. She wants to be homeschooled so she can focus on her skating. What are the pros and cons? How would it affect her chances of getting into college?
A: If you watched the recent Olympics, you may have noticed that several of our best athletes were homeschooled. Linda Dobson's book Homeschoolers' Success Stories is filled with reports of athletes, artists, musicians, and others who are able to pursue their passions and achieve academic success through homeschooling. Here are some pros and cons for you and your daughter to consider as you make your decision:
- No homework. Homeschooled students learn effectively and efficiently. Those two-hour homework sessions are history!
- No wasted time. It is not uncommon for kids who learn at home to complete the equivalent of a week's worth of traditional schooling in a few short hours, or to finish a traditional four year high school program in less than two years.
- Flexible hours. Work your learning/studying time into your practice schedule. Catch up on sleep whenever you need to.
- Higher Test Scores. Homeschooled students consistently outperform their school peers on standardized tests, including the ACT test -- an important indicator of future college success.
- Negative Influences. Peer pressure, cliques, drugs, alcohol, sex, and violence have sadly become a daily part of high school life. Homeschooling is one way to limit that exposure.
- Achieving Goals. Your daughter can set her goals, both academically and athletically, and pursue them at her own speed.
- Additional Responsibility. You will have a much greater role in your daughter's academic life.
- Added expense. If you purchase a curriculum package or join an Independent Study Program, costs can run anywhere from $400 to $1,000.
- Research. To homeschool successfully, both of you will have to do some reading and research so you know exactly what homeschooling involves.
Homeschoolers are accepted and welcomed in colleges across the country. College admissions officials often view homeschoolers as being self-motivated, mature, and serious about their studies. These traits have resulted in homeschoolers having few problems during the application process. For more information, read And What about College?: How Homeschooling Leads to Admissions to the Best Colleges and Universities by Cafi Cohen.
More on: Expert Advice
Isabel Shaw is a freelance writer and homeschooling mom of 15 years. She and her husband Ray homeschool their two daughters, Jessica and Amanda. Besides being a contributor to FamilyEducation.com, Shaw has written for Home Education Magazine, The Link, Homeschooling Horizons Magazine, The Homeschool Gazette, and other publications.


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Hotel address43-47 Southwark Bridge Road
How to reach the hotel
Contact the hotel
- Tel. (+44)207/0151480
- Fax. (+44)207/0151481
- email@example.com
Recently viewed hotels
ibis Styles London Southwark - Borough Market - hotel description
Hotel code: 7465
Continental breakfast & unlimited Wi-Fi included in all rates at the ibis Styles London Southwark - Borough Market hotel. An economy London hotel a few minutes walk from the sights of South Bank, including the London Eye and Tate Modern. Each of the 114 modern bedrooms has complimentary WI-FI and a flat screen TV. The restaurant serves international cuisine and the bar is open drinks.We offer flexible meeting room facilities accommodating for up to 70 guests with WI-FI.There is also parking for up to 40 c
See the rooms
See the meeting rooms
Extras of this hotel
The hotel is perfectly located for central London, a few minutes' walk from Westminster and the sights of the South Bank, including the London Eye and the Tate Modern. There is parking for up to 40 cars.
Message from the hotel manager
Mr Jorge OTERO, the manager of the ibis Styles London Southwark - Borough Market hotel, would like to welcome you.
Hotel - ibis Styles London Southwark - Borough Market access map
See you in London
Work in this hotel
These prices may be based on different room types. Depending on the country, these prices may not include taxes, may include VAT only or may include all taxes (VAT and city tax). When prices do not include all taxes, the relevant taxes (VAT and/or city tax) will be stated in the following stages of the reservation process. The price is only guaranteed at the time of reservation.
2. Paying
Hotel classifications (1 to 5 stars for France) correspond to criteria laid down by local regulations.


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March 02, 2010
100 Days to Kick-off – Live it. Love it. LOUDER!
School children from around Cape Town perform a diski dance outside Cape Town Stadium. Photo by Roy Barford
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 marked 100 days to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ kick-off, and Cape Town is celebrating in style. The morning started with a group of proud Capetonians walking the 2.6km fan mile route to Cape Town Stadium from St. Georges Mall. They then went for a trip around town on a City Sightseeing Bus.
After a breakfast held at Cape Town Stadium on March 1, 2010, marking the start of an official FIFA tour around South Africa to visit all the stadiums, FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke stated that it was the first stadium they had visited that was perfect; from the architecture, infrastructure and facilities, to the pitch.
Working with the Department of Sports and Recreation, and Gymnastics for All, Cape Town Tourism staged a diski dance featuring 570 children between six and 16 years old, from Khayelitsha, Atlantis, Mitchells Plain and Somerset West, among others. Executive mayor, Alderman Dan Plato, welcomed journalists, stakeholders and the children to the event held at the Cape Town Stadium.
Here's how you can Live it. Love it. LOUDER! on 100 Days to Kick-off and beyond:
- Fly the South African flag, sing our national anthem and back our national soccer team, Bafana Bafana! Wear your soccer shirt or jersey on Soccer Fridays and blow your vuvuzela.
- Get a dose of football fever by being part of the signing of the Hyundai Goodwill Ball at Canal Walk Shopping Centre on Friday, March 5, 2010, at 11h00 and Cape Gate Shopping Centre on Saturday March 6, 2010. The giant ball has finally rolled into Cape Town bearing the signatures and messages of goodwill from famous South Africans, such as Loyiso Bala, Emmanuel Castis, Roland Schoeman, Hlubi Mboya and Vanessa Haywood. Members of the public are invited to attend the signing of the Goodwill Ball in their coolest soccer kit and those soccer fans who live it LOUDEST at 12h00 on the day, will be in the running to win a set of double tickets to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
- Be inspired by Cape Town Tourism's 100 Days to Kick-off event and learn the steps to the diski dance.
- Go on a guided tour of Cape Town Stadium. Tours are scheduled for 10h00, 12h00 and 14h00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and the cost is R50 for adult,s R30 for students and pensioners and R20 for scholars in uniform and children under the age of 12. Please contact Tharwat Adams on 021 430 7300 or via email at email@example.com to make a booking.


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The goals of the conference are to unite agencies and individuals working to end sexual violence, to provide educational opportunities to deepen our understanding of sexual violence, and to facilitate social change. This year's conference theme is Communities Uniting for Change. The power to make changes comes from working together and sharing in the vision of communities free from violence. The WCSAP Annual conference is a place to share, discuss, and explore the personal connections and creative solutions essential to our efforts to end sexual violence.
Links:[1] http://www.wcsap.org/wcsap-2013-annual-conference
[2] http://www.nsvrc.org/states-territories/washington
[3] http://www.nsvrc.org/event-type/trainings


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For the past six decades, archaeologists have documented dense populations of ancient Maya in Mexico and Central America—hundreds of people per square kilometer. Corn, beans and squash are well-known Mayan food staples, but they are sensitive to drought and require fertile soils, and thus would be insufficient to feed a large population. So what did the Maya eat?
For many years, CU-Boulder anthropology professor Payson Sheets has worked on excavation of the Mayan farming village of Ceren in what is now El Salvador. Discovered by Sheets in 1978, Ceren was buried by the Loma Caldera volcano that erupted in AD 600.
When isolated portions of an ancient manioc field were revealed just south of Ceren in the summer of 2007, Sheets knew he might be on to something: "Never before, in any archaeological site, had manioc been found growing and planted this well preserved."
Manioc tubers can grow to three feet long and as thick as a man's arm. They produce about eight to 10 times as much food energy as corn, can be grown in infertile soils and require little or no irrigation.
Naturally, Sheets wanted to further explore the Ceren manioc fields, and thanks to an award from the Innovative Seed Grant Program (IGP) at CU-Boulder, he could. Sponsored by the offices of the provost and vice chancellor for research, these awards provide up to $50,000 for research, scholarship and creative works to CU-Boulder faculty that specifically take investigators in creative, and sometimes high-risk, high-reward directions.
With financial assistance from IGP, Sheets went back in spring 2009 to dig 18 large test pits that allowed the archaeologists to estimate the size of the field and assess the related agricultural activity that went on there. The team used radar, drills and test pits to uncover row upon row of manioc plantings.
They found that the planting field was huge—one third the size of a football field. "The ancient planting beds of the carbohydrate-rich tuber are the first and only evidence of an intensive manioc cultivation system at any New World archaeology site," said Sheets. "Future research promises to provide the clearest window on ancient Maya agriculture ever achieved."


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expert advice MORE
Fifteen-Year-Old Is Struggling in School
Q: My 15-year-old, who has struggled in school for the past few years, seems to have given up. They are trying to put him in an alternative school because he has been behaving badly. Do you think I should homeschool him? Also, I am in poor health and have been in the hospital a lot this year. I'm worried that if something happened to me, the school system would neglect him.
A: How lucky for your son that you understand his difficulties and don't want him to get lost in the system. There are many resources available to help both of you and sometimes it is difficult to know what they are. I strongly urge you to talk with the school counselor to see if she will be an advocate for you and your son.
Alternative schools can be a wonderful option for students who are having trouble in school. Your son might be acting out if he has been struggling with his studies for quite a while and also concerned about your well-being. Considering your health problems, homeschooling does not seem to be a good option.
I urge you to make an appointment with the school counselor and others who are suggesting the referral. Have your son present. Find out all you can about why the school is suggesting that he be referred to the alternative school. Is it just his behavior, or are they looking at a learning environment more suitable for your son -- one in which he can get more help in his studies? If you haven't done so already, the first step is testing your son for learning disabilities. Is the alternative school the least restrictive learning situation for your son?
My experience has been that alternative schools are often life-savers for students, but check it out first before you agree to the placement. Request a tour of the alternative school for you and your son. Set up a meeting with the alternative school counselor to discuss the advantages of a transfer. And finally, make sure the school is really "alternative" not just a warehouse of misbehaving students.
More on: Expert Advice
Connie Collins, professional school counselor, worked for 35 years in public education as a teacher and counselor at the middle school and secondary levels. Collins worked daily with the parents of the students in her various schools, and has facilitated several parenting groups.


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Older days scientists were universalists and philosophy, physics and mathematics were a part the same question - understanding the world. Nowadays one may get feeling that the role of applications in development of modern mathematics is negligible - of course it depends on the field. And aim of the question is to get different opinions from different points of view.
Question 1 What is the role of applications in modern mathematics ?
Question 2 Different countries have different mechanisms to stimulate interaction between mathematics and applications - what are these mechanisms and what are their advantages and disadvantages ?
Question 3 (for pure mathematicians) What is your personal stance on applications ? Is it out of your scope of interests or you are have (trying to have) some contact with applications ?


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Polishing your car's headlights can improve light, safety
Posted at: 11/14/2012 4:52 PM | Updated at: 11/15/2012 12:13 PM
Jim Maddox of Jim's Automotive offers tips for ensuring your car's headlights are at their best for safety during the dark winter months.
Jim's Automotive
4401 Lead Ave SE
Albuquerque, NM
(505) 256-1531
This Good Day New Mexico segment may include paid advertising content. It is not affiliated with KOB-TV's News Department.


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This video from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is aimed at Rep. Bill Young of Florida. Twenty-four other Republican lawmakers are targeted in similar videos.
Click here to view the embedded video....
Read more
addressLocation, ST | website.com
Bastrop Daily Enterprise - Bastrop, LA | bastropenterprise.com
Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy.


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John Lithgow forgets his lines after rain stage delay
Veteran actor JOHN LITHGOW was left struggling to remember his lines after rain halted an outdoor performance of KING LEAR in New York City this week (beg21Jul14).
The Shrek star is currently appearing in a production of William Shakespeare's tragedy in Central Park, but the play was hit by bad weather in its opening week (beg21Jul14).
One show had to be halted for 45 minutes due to a heavy downpour, and Lithgow, who plays the title role, was left struggling to find his place in the script when the action resumed.
An audience member tells the New York Daily News, "(He said) 'I'm lost'... After some murmuring among the cast, they went back to the beginning of the scene they had been in so he could pick up the thread... The audience was with him the whole way."


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What is the direction is the magnetic force vectors pointing from a coil of wire that has current running through it?
The above link is a picture of a wire with current running through it. I see the blue arrows indicating the magnetic field lines, but I am having trouble visualizing the magnetic force lines. Where are they pointing? Please help.


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So, yeah, I'm still in the podcasting business. A few months ago, I converted my music-and-game-talk show, "WNES", into its current form, "The Blue Shell Manifesto"- mostly the same product, but with better production and a greater emphasis on commentary.
Now that I'm a few shows into this project, I'd like to see about bringing in some contributors from the Destructoid community, specifically for the three-hour E3 recap show I'm doing this Thursday night from 9 PM to midnight Eastern. If you have any kind of opinion about what's been going on at E3, I'd like to bring you in to a live Skype chat.
The show will be in five segments, I'm looking for contributors for each one.
Nintendo (currently reserved for some others I'm talking with)
Games (longest, central segment, I'd like to make this one Destructoid-heavy)
Tech (specs, the multiple-screen craze, and next-gen speculation)
My archives are currently up at blueshellmanifesto.com, and the show airs live on Thursdays at 10:00 PM Eastern (except this week's, which starts at 9:00 PM Eastern) on 8bitx.com. Thanks, and I hope you enjoy!


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Marie Ann Harden, 77, of El Dorado, died Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the Kansas Heart Hospital, Wichita. Visitation with the family will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Carlson Funeral Home, El Dorado.
She was born Sept. 26, 1935 in Sullivan, Ill., the daughter of Ray and Irene (Dunkleburger). She graduated from Sullivan High School, and was an accounts payable employee for 25 years at S. B. A. Memorial Hospital. Marie loved to spend time with her grandchildren; going to the Casinos; reading and traveling and was a KU basketball fan.
Those who survive include her children and their spouses, Marcy and Steve Stewart of El Dorado, Laura and Don Taylor of Mesquite, Texas, and Mike and Sheila Harden of El Dorado; grandchildren, Jeff and Greg Stewart of El Dorado, Clint Harden of Wichita, Kevin and Brian Taylor of Mesquite, Texas, and Nicole and Blake Jacques of El Dorado; and great-grandchild, Aaron Stewart of El Dorado.
She was preceded in death by her parents; step-dad, Chris Monroe; and two brothers, Elliot and Joe Yeakel.
Memorials to her memory for the American Heart Association may be left at Carlson Funeral Home, El Dorado, Kansas. Condolences to the family can be sent to www.carlsoncolonial.com.
Location, ST | website.com


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Are there any interface mockup design applications for Ubuntu? I need one in order to design programs or interfaces (internet sites and more).
As has been suggested in many other similar threads, Pencil offers you a nice framework for prototyping and wireframing (even web stuff). And it's free.
I realise you've already said this isn't the answer you're looking for (having been linked to my question on the topic) but my scope is web development... Which is what you say you want to do... If there's something you want to do that Pencil won't let you, I suggest you edit the question to make it more clear exactly what features you need.
Edit: There is now a .deb installer available. If this doesn't work for you and you want the standalone version, please follow the instructions below.
The builds are currently only "for" 32bit architectures but you can install and run it just fine on a 64bit machine, you just have to bung this in a terminal (assuming you saved it to your desktop and you only have one file that matches the "evo*deb" search):
On newer versions of Ubuntu, Pencil needs a launcher script to run it. I'm not sure why but I do know the following works:
As was mentioned above WireframeSketcher wireframing tool is also available on Ubuntu. Recently I started providing a standalone version so it's not Eclipse only anymore. Give it a try.
I see you mention "internet sites". For web interface mockups, I like to use gomockingbird.com.
It's very quick and web-based, so it will definitely work in Ubuntu. You could probably use it for software application interface development, as well.
I've been playing with Pencil, it's a good program, but I couldn't get any export function to work and I didn't like the program starting a firefox process. In the other hand, I also tried balsamiq mockups, really nice program as well but I ended up sick because they use Adobe Air to make the program available for all platforms, and you already know that Adobe Air doesn't support Linux anymore. Finally I tried Wireframesketcher, I installed it in a few seconds, with an integrated Ubuntu inferface. It's very intuitive and it has got all the features I was looking for. Very powerful program.


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Source: Space Politics
quote: I'm sorry but the preconceived attitude of it can't be done should not enter the equation. Stop looking for reasons why it shouldn't be done. All you say is no, no, no. If the moon is such a bad idea, then why is an asteroid, or Mars any better?


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I am downloading a JSON feed asynchronously in my App Delegate class. Now the data is taking a while to load, so my table view appears empty at first, and then populates a few seconds after. Therefore, I would like to either:
1- Find out what is causing this delay. Therefore, keep all the activity in the application:didFinishLaunchingWithOptions method and only load the VC after everything has been loaded.
2- Display an activity indicator until the table populates the data.
Now in the first scenario, I am pretty sure that I am pushing the view controller at the wrong time. I tried playing around with it but it seems that that is the only way my app will build and run.
In the second scenario, I would like to know which "connection" method gets invoked first, and which one last. Therefore, I will be able to start up the activity indicator view at the first method and release at the end of the last method.
Below is my code. Any suggestions/help is greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading.
- (void)connection:(NSURLConnection *)connection didReceiveResponse:(NSURLResponse *)response {
[responseData setLength:0];
- (void)connection:(NSURLConnection *)connection didReceiveData:(NSData *)data {
[responseData appendData:data];
- (void)connection:(NSURLConnection *)connection didFailWithError:(NSError *)error {
UIAlertView *alert = [[UIAlertView alloc]
message:@"Please check your network connection and relaunch the application"
otherButtonTitles:nil, nil];
[alert show];
[alert release];
- (void)connectionDidFinishLoading:(NSURLConnection *)connection {
NSString *responseString = [[NSString alloc] initWithData:responseData encoding:NSUTF8StringEncoding];
if ([responseString isEqualToString:@"Unable to find specified resource."]) {
NSLog(@"Unable to find specified resource.n");
else {
ListingsViewController *listingsViewController = [[ListingsViewController alloc] initWithNibName:@"ListingsViewController" bundle:nil];
listingsViewController.jsonData = responseString;
[self.navigationController pushViewController:listingsViewController animated:NO];
[self.navigationController setViewControllers:[NSArray arrayWithObject:listingsViewController] animated:NO];
[listingsViewController release];
[connection release];
[responseData release];
- (BOOL)application:(UIApplication *)application didFinishLaunchingWithOptions:(NSDictionary *)launchOptions {
// Start the HTTP request
responseData = [[NSMutableData data] retain];
NSURLRequest *request = [NSURLRequest requestWithURL:
[NSURL URLWithString:@"http://www.shoofeetv.com/iphonexml/view/all_channels.json"]];
[[NSURLConnection alloc] initWithRequest:request delegate:self];
// Display the navigation controller
self.window.rootViewController = self.navigationController;
[self.window makeKeyAndVisible];
return YES;


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July 31, 2009
Cape Town surfing – A Cape Town Tourism photo essay
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Cape Town has waves to suit all types of surfers.
According to www.capetownactivities.co.uk, the more experienced riders will find the waves they're looking for on the Atlantic Ocean, Fish Hoek or the infamous Long Beach.
If you're still learning to surf, Surfers' Corner in Muizenberg might suit you better.
Either way, there are waves aplenty for surfers in the Mother City.
The waves were very choppy on this particular day and a strong south-easter was blowing, but this is the perfect weather for kite-surfing at Sunrise Circle in Muizenberg.
One of the many girls from the Roxy Surf School at Surfers' Corner in Muizenberg.
The O'Neill Cold Water Classic surf competition in 2008, held in Witsand on the Atlantic Ocean side of Cape Town.
A group of girls about to head out into the waves at Surfers' Corner in Muizenberg.
Kalk Bay can provide great waves in the right conditions.
Do you have images of Cape Town you'd like to share with us? We'd love you to join the Cape Town. Live it. Love it. Flickr group!
Images © Craig Wilson aka creative666 2009


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Anyone else noticed that the regens are _much_ better than in previous games?
two examples:
can't say the left back doesn't fit almost any team in the world, at his first season :O
and it's not just those two. the regens all over are at the same level and better than the real mature players.
It looks like in a few seasons it will almost be like playing without "Use Real Players" choosen...
Anyone else thinking like me or It's just me?


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9160A Research Boulevard
Directions Austin, TX 78758
Not only will you find Nissan models at our dealership, serving the greater Austin, Round Rock, San Marcos, Killeen and Georgetown, TX areas. You'll also find a friendly and accommodating staff eager to assist you.
That's true no matter what you're looking for - be it a test drive in a new Altima, Pathfinder, Rogue, Juke, Sentra or used car, auto financing options, car service appointments, or help figuring out what auto part you might need.
If procuring a stylish, reliable, fun-to-drive vehicle is on your agenda, plan a visit to our Austin showroom and explore our entire new Nissan inventory firsthand. Among local patrons' personal favorites are the Altima, Pathfinder, Rogue, Juke and Sentra. Just be forewarned, only a few minutes with the brands' signature comforts and advanced, in-car connectivity technologies have proven long enough to convert even the most skeptical drivers into loyal enthusiasts.
Of course, we may be known throughout Austin, Round Rock, San Marcos, Killeen and Georgetown, TX for our fantastic selection of new Nissan models, but we've also garnered quite a reputation for offering high-quality used cars including a large selection of used Nissans in Austin. Each one we carry has been carefully selected and tested to not only meet your undoubtedly high standards for quality, but to exceed them as well.
If you're like the majority of drivers who visit the new Nissan and used car showrooms at 9160A Research Boulevard Austin, Texas, you need financing. We know...most people cringe at the word. But, at Town North Nissan, serving Austin, Round Rock, San Marcos, Killeen and Georgetown, TX, you don't have to. Our loan and lease wizards work their magic so that you get the best, hassle-free Nissan financing you could imagine. Why do we work so hard to get the terms and conditions you need? So that you can fully enjoy the inherent joy of buying a new or used car without anything getting in the way.
New models, used cars, and auto financing are only part of the equation here at Town North Nissan. To ensure optimal long-term vehicle operations, we also offer a stellar assortment of genuine Nissan parts to drivers from Round Rock, San Marcos, Killeen and Georgetown, TX. Not to mention premium car service and auto repair for those drivers who don't feel like doing it themselves.
Town North Nissan encourages you to browse our site to learn more about our new and used Nissan vehicles, parts and service. If you're ready to take a test drive, simply stop in and see us in person at 9160A Research Boulevard Austin, Texas during regular business hours. We're happy to get you behind the wheel.


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Kids Christmas Clothes
Shop Sophias Style for Kids Christmas Clothes forgo the holiday hassle!. We will help you find gorgeous Christmas dresses and festive two-piece Christmas outfits for girls of all ages. We will help you find Boys Clothes, including boys dess clothes.
Find Fabulous Christmas Clothes for Your Kids!
You want your little angels to look great for all the fun holiday activities they'll be attending! At Sophia's Style, we've got gorgeous Christmas dresses, adorable Christmas outfits, crisp boy's holiday suits, and great Christmas accessories and shoes. Find everything you need to make the holidays complete for your kids by shopping at Sophia's Style right from home. No more last minute panic attacks at crowded malls with slushy winter parking lots and grouchy, over-worked sales associates, you can do all your holiday shopping as far in advance as you'd like, and without even leaving your house!
Get ahead of the game on this year's holiday trends!
Check out our blog at Sophia's Style for articles about holiday activity ideas, recipes, and more! We'll post how to's, style tips, and anything else we imagine you might find helpful during the hectic holidays. For all the news on our holiday sales and promotions, you'll want to hit our other blog. We'll update you on all the latest trends, newest styles, and best deals for all your children's Christmas clothing needs! Don't forget to leave us feedback in the comments section if you think of anything you'd like to share or suggest. We just love getting reader feedback, and we use it to help tailor our blogs so they can be as useful as possible for our shoppers!
You can count on Sophia's Style for terrific Kids Christmas Clothes, outstanding customer service and fast, reliable shipping - all you need to make Christmas shopping a breeze. Our beautiful Girls Christmas Dress, festive Girls Christmas Outfits and Boys Christmas Outfits are in stock and ready to ship. Remember to add a great pair of Boys Shoes or Girls Shoes and delightful Holiday Hair Accessories for your little girl.


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As your baby continues to grow you may find yourself wondering what she is going to be like: easy going or demanding? Funny or serious? Happy playing alone or social? Boisterous or quiet? You may believe that babies are born with their personalities already developed, or that they are born with a personality that is further shaped and developed as they grow. The nature versus nurture debate rages on and, in all likelihood, it's a combination of the two: some aspects of your child's personality may already be decided before birth, some may be developed later in childhood, or even adulthood.
You may already have noticed that your baby has certain likes or dislikes, for example she may kick or move in response to loud music or to a certain genre of music, though it's difficult to tell whether the increased movements mean your baby is enjoying it or not.
Your baby is very stimulated inside the uterus. By this third trimester, she can feel vibrations, and hear not just sounds from inside your body, such as your heartbeat, but also sounds from outside, such as people talking. Your baby is aware of when you're moving or are still and you may have noticed a pattern of movements from her, not least that she "communicates" more when you're resting.
As part of her activity, she will continue practicing for life after the birth, with breathing movements and swallowing-and she may even suck her thumb.
Preparing for your baby's arrival doesn't have to break the bank.
What your baby can live without:
Excerpted from Pregnancy Day by Day.
Copyright © 2008 Dorling Kindersley Limited.
Buy this book now!
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Skateboard BackpacksSkateboard Backpacks are on sale and ship out within 24 hours Monday- Friday from Proboardshop.com. Check out our killer selection of Skateboard Backpacks from all your favorite brands all at ridiculously low prices. Grab your new Skateboard Backpack at Proboardshop.com and save some cold hard cash. We combine our fast shipping with 30 years of great prices, selection, and outstanding service.
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3300 Xtreme Control Cable 10' - SeaStar Solutions
This item is found in the following Product Families
SeaStar Tf Xtreme Hi-Performance Universal Control Cables
SeaStar TF Xtreme Universal Control Cables are ideal for Yamaha, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, Tohatsu and other controls and engines with 10-32 threaded …
Tfxtreme 3300 Control Cables - Premium
Stainless steel and brass fittings. Universal type cables are designed to fit aftermarket engine controls as well as OEM controls from BMW, …
3300 Xtreme Control Cables by SeaStar
SeaStar TF Xtreme Universal Control Cables are ideal for Yamaha, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, Tohatsu and other controls and engines with 10-32 threaded …
- The NEW TfXtreme Hi-Performance Cable starts with a 1x13 wire core for strength and flexibility, even with heavy loads, next a nylon core coating for smooth action and long life
- Over that a long-wearing HDPE liner; ultra smooth and lubed for life
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- These cables may require connection kits on some engines. [Use regular Teleflex connection kits]
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Friends: Salinas security guard Rascon was brave young womanUPDATED 10:32 AM PST Nov 22, 2013
Linda Rascon, 24, of Salinas, worked as a First Alarm security guard at Natividad Medical Center.Video Transcript
GOOD EVENING IM DAN GREEN. AND I'M ERIN CLARK WE BEGIN TONIGHT WITH THE TRAGIC HIT AND RUN COLLISION THAT KILLED TWO WOMEN OUTSIDE NATIVIDAD MEDICAL CENTER IN SALINAS LAST NIGHT... TODAY...FRIENDS AND STRANGERS OF THE VICTIMS LEFT FLOWERS, BALLOONS AND NOTES IN MEMORY OF THE WOMEN, ...MANY ALSO CALLING ONE OF THE WOMEN A HERO... ACTION NEWS REPORTER MAY CHOW IS LIVE IN SALINAS WITH TONIGHT'S TOP STORY.### DAN...ERIN...WHAT MAKES THIS STORY EVEN MORE TRAGIC IS THE DRIVER OF THE CAR WASN'T EVEN SUPPOSED TO BE BEHIND THE WHEEL SINCE HIS LICENSE WAS SUPSENDED FOR TWO PRIOR D-U-I CONVICTIONS... CHRIS :26-:37: "i'm still in shock...hits close to home, it doesn't feel real." HOLDING BACK TEARS...CHRIS OWENS SAID HIS FRIEND LINDA RASCON DIED DOING WHAT SHE DEVOTED HER LIFE TO -- HELPING OTHERS. CHRIS 2:06-2:14: "knowing linda, going back, she wouldn't have done anything different, she would have done right, that's just how good of a person she is." show linda rascon pics RASCON WORKED FOR FIRST ALARM SECURITY AND PATROL, AND HAD BEEN DOING SECURITY AT NATIVIDAD MEDICAL CENTER FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS WHILE GOING TO HARTNELL COLLEGE AT NIGHT FOR NURSING SCHOOL. AND JUST LAST WEEK, SHE GOT A PROMOTION AT WORK. THERESA 3:01-3:11: "we are devastated by loss of linda, she was a phenomenal officer, a model citizen, she was selfless in everything she did." ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT, WHILE ON DUTY, RASCON WENT TO HELP A WOMAN SHE'D SEEN FALL TO THE GROUND IN THE MIDDLE OF EAST LAUREL DRIVE. RASCON WAS KNEELING DOWN NEXT TO 57-YEAR-OLD CYNTHIA LANE WHEN BOTH WERE STRUCK BY A CAR DRIVEN BY FRANCISCO MIRANDA. THE CAR HIT LANE FIRST AND KNOCKED RASCON ABOUT 45 FEET AWAY. POLICE SAY MIRANDA RAN OVER RASCON WHEN HE FLED THE SCENE. BOTH WOMEN WERE TAKEN TO NATIVIDAD, BUT THEY DIED AS A RESULT OF THEIR INJURIES. INVESTIGATORS SAY MIRANDA AND HIS CAR QUOTE "REEKED OF MARIJUANA," AND HE WAS FOUND TO BE DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE AND ON A SUSPENDED LICENSE. MIKE 7:45-8:01: "this is perfect example of how things can end up tragic so quickly clearly not his intent to kill, but under the influence and impaired, end result was now we have two women killed." LLUVIA 17:59-18:09: "she was an awesome person, and we'll greatly miss her, she was a great asset to our hospital facility." HARRY 1:12-1:21: "we are greatly humbled by heroic actions of team member who gave her life to try and save one of our community residents." CHRIS :47-:56: "i saw her at mall...said bye, love, I hugged her, and that's last time I saw her..." SOME OF EMPLOYEES AT NATIVIDAD MEDICAL CENTER WORE BLACK RIBBONS TO HONOR LINDA RASCON AND CYNTHIA LANE...THE HOSPITAL IS OFFERING GRIEF COUNSELING TO WORKERS. MEANTIME... MIRANDA REMAINS BEHIND BARS TONIGHT ...POLICE BOOKED HIM ON TWO COUNTS OF MURDER, DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ... FELONY HIT AND RUN AND DRIVING ON A SUSPENDED LICENSE... DAN..ERIN?### THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME FRANCISCO MIRANDA'S BEEN IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW: COURT RECORDS SHOW HE HAS TWO PRIOR D-U-I CONVICTIONS JUST IN THE PAST YEAR... HE WAS ARRESTED IN JANUARY, AND MOST RECENTLY IN JUNE FOR D-U-I AND DRIVING ON A SUSPENDED LICENSE.###
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The weather wasn't very good but the news was.
With cold rain and even a few snowflakes riding the north wind, Susan B. Allen board members and executives broke ground on a project that will bring a much needed medical care option to the city. Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital will begin construction Monday on an Immediate Care Clinic at 401 W. 7th St. in Augusta.
The Immediate Care Clinic will offer treatment for minor illnesses and injuries to the community during the afternoon and evening hours and on weekends. Typically, these types of visits would be for fevers, rashes, ear infections, headaches, and minor lacerations or injuries. Care will be provided by a Physician Assistant (PA) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
Susan B. Allen is planning to build a new facility on the site which will also include space for a Specialty Clinic - where specialty physicians whose services are not currently available in Augusta can hold office hours. Other diagnostic services will also be provided including radiology and laboratory services.
Augusta City Council President Matt Childers thanked the hospital for investing in Augusta.
"I only wish the clinic was already open today so I could get treatment for the pneumonia I am coming down with out here right now," Childers joked. "But seriously, we are appreciative of Susan B. Allen coming to and investing in our community. The need for this clinic was discussed several years ago during a visioning process. We are glad to see that vision come to fruition."
Gayle Arnett, President and CEO of the Hospital, said she was excited about the project.
"We are excited to be here in Augusta," Arnett said. "We have talked about it for years. After meeting with (City Manager) Bill Keefer and (Mayor) Kristey Williams in 2009, we committed to the vision of bringing better access to unplanned medical care to Augusta."
Arnett said Hutton Construction will begin work on the facility Monday and the hospital hopes to hold a Grand Opening at the new facility late in 2013.
Location, ST | website.com


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I use Graph API and I need to get users' profiles pictures by their UIDs. It's easy to do: http://graph.facebook.com/[Facebook UID]/picture
I remember, some time ago, there was a litte Facebook Logo (litter 'f'-char) on these profile pictures. But now, I get only profile pictures without this logo.
How can I get images with this 'f'-logo?


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So, we know that at some point Salazar Slytherin leaves the other Founders because he's angry about Muggle-borns being allowed to attend. Some time before this, Godric Gryffindor used his hat to create the Sorting Hat so that after the Founders were all dead, the four houses would still exist - as I recall, Gryffindor wanted to end Slytherin House, but couldn't because the Hat refused to Sort students any differently.
We also know that Helena Ravenclaw was a member of her mother's house, and at some point after graduation stole Rowena's diadem and went to Eastern Europe. As Rowena was dying, she asked the Bloody Baron to go and get Helena back, but he ended up killing them both.
So my question is, do you think Helena Ravenclaw would have known Salazar Slytherin before he left? How long do you think Slytherin was at Hogwarts before leaving?


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The versatile utility bench has endless uses! Sit in the shower without the worry of splinters or rotting from the moisture. Substantial seat yet narrow enough to set against the wall and be out of the way. Use it inside and out as a utility stool for every project.
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LGT Venture Philanthropy
LGT Venture Philanthropy
LGT Venture Philanthropy
Zurich, Switzerland, Switzerland
LGT Venture Philanthropy
A Story
For many girls in India reaching 8th grade is a luxury and training to become a teacher is a faraway dream. India is the country with the largest illiterate population on earth. Women and girls are specially affected; girls are kept at home to work or sent into early marriage. Nearly two thirds of the girls are married under a legal age: Poverty but more importantly cultural and social barriers are causing this problem.
In 2007 Educate Girls was founded, driven by the belief that this needs to change. Educate Girls mobilizes communities, addresses attitudes that prevent girls from going to school and introduces infrastructure, like separate toilets, so schools are seen as a worthwhile place for girls. Last year they managed to provide access to education to around 300'000 girls and improve their lives significantly.
One of the organizations, supporting Educate Girls to expand their model to reach a higher number of girls is LGT Venture Philanthropy (LGT VP). We are an impact investor, supporting social organizations in order to increase quality of life of less advantaged people.
Why we are doing this?
In developing countries the scale of poverty is alarming and the need for help is great. Over four billion people live on less than USD 2 per day. We have an economic, political and moral responsibility to champion the cause of disadvantaged people. That's why we engage with social organizations in order to help them grow their proven solutions to reach more less advantaged people.
About us
We are an impact investor, supporting social organizations with outstanding social and environmental impact, through financial capital, know-how and networks. Our financial support is offered in forms of grants, loans and equity investments. In the example of Educate Girls, we provided a grant of USD 500'000 to support their expansion.
As part of our support to scale proven local solutions, the iCats Program was established to provide sufficient know-how to social enterprises. The program connects the enterprises in need of professional know-how, and experts with the desire to apply their knowledge in a meaningful way. Educate Girls is participating in the iCats Program since 2011 and hosted 3 iCats Fellows who worked for 11-month, full-time on-the-ground to help them grow.
How do we work?
Our team of 23 venture philanthropy experts and an engaged board is located in Latin America, Europe, Africa, India, Southeast Asia and China. Through scaling of proven solutions in an highly engaged manner, we aim to increase the sustainable quality of life of the less advantaged. We support organizations in the areas of renewable energy, water, education, resource management, infrastructure for social markets, nutrition, agriculture and health. It is vital that our invested financial resources generate a high and sustainable social return and do not create any false or unnecessary dependencies nor distort the local markets.


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When to Get Emergency Veterinary Care for Your Dog
Part of the Dogs For Dummies Cheat Sheet
Seek urgent veterinary care if your dog displays any of the following symptoms. If your dog is ever injured or sick and you are not sure what to do, call your vet. Always better safe than sorry!
Allergic reactions, such as swelling around the face, or hives, most easily seen on the belly
Any eye injury, no matter how mild
Any respiratory problem: Chronic coughing, trouble breathing, or near drowning
Any signs of pain: Panting, labored breathing, increased body temperature, lethargy, restlessness, or loss of appetite
Any suspected poisoning, including ingestion of antifreeze, rodent or snail bait, or human medication
Any wound or laceration that's open and bleeding, or any animal bite
Seizure, fainting, or collapse
Snake bite
Thermal stress, either too cold or too hot, even if the dog seems to have recovered
Trauma, such as being hit by a car, even if the dog seems fine
Vomiting or diarrhea, anything more than two or three times within an hour or so


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Verna "Lorane" (McDonald) Piccirillo, 89, of Follansbee, WV, passed away June 21, 2014, at Golden Oaks Assisted Living Home in Follansbee.
Lorane was born May 14, 1925, in Wellsburg, WV, the daughter of the late James E. and Carmen (Crossley) McDonald.
She attended Wellsburg High School and was a homemaker.
Lorane was an avid bridge player and a member of the Ohio Valley Bridge Club, the Tri- State Bridge Club, and the American Contract Bridge League where her goal was always to become a life master. She loved playing bridge with her many friends and fellow bridge enthusiasts. Over the years she achieved several honors for her bridge play. During her illness she was visited often by her bridge partners, Julia Gladowki and Donna LaPrette whom she loved dearly.
Lorane was an active member of the Follansbee Church of Christ and served as an officer for her Sunday School Class. She was also a member of the Gold Star Wives of America losing her first husband Orrie Sanders in WW II. Her devoted family will all miss her amazing cooking skills, sense of humor, love, and affection. She enjoyed people and could always find her sitting on her porch talking to anyone who passed by. She looked forward to Community Days every year to see so many people that walked by and spoke to her. On weekends she was always glued to the television watching a golf tournament, cheering for Tiger Woods. She lived on Virginia Avenue for 46 years and loved her neighbors for their friendship and support, especially Mary, Teno, Debbie, and Heather and her children.
In addition to her parents, Lorane was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Steve J. Piccirillo, a son, Thomas Piccirillo and three brothers, Richard McDonald, John "Jack" McDonald, and Gerald McDonald.
Lorane is survived by her son, James R. Piccirillo and his wife Janet of Follansbee, WV, her daughter, Stephanie J. Blundon and her husband Lee of Wellsburg, WV, and daughter-in-law, Joanne Piccirillo of Wellsburg, WV. She will be sadly missed by her five grandchildren, Steven J. and his wife Beth of Houston, TX, Jeff A. Blundon and his fiancee Jamie Grant of Follansbee, WV, Jamie Cross and her husband Jason of Follansbee, WV , Rhonda Piccirillo, Weirton, WV, and Toni Shreve Pittsburg, PA, 11 great grandchildren Ryan James Cross, Rene Piccirillo, Michelle Piccirillo, Travis Piccirillo, Alyssa and Cassiday Psaroudis, Ethan Orban, Madelon Bolotin and Emma Bolotin, Parker Grant, and Danny Hamann and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received on Monday, June 23, 2014 from 1-4 and 6-9 p.m. and again on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 from 10 a.m. until time of the Funeral Service at 11 a.m. at the James Funeral Home, 1245 Main Street, Follansbee, WV (304) 527-1717, with Pastor Bill Cooper officiating.
Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Follansbee, WV.
The family would especially like to thank Chris Piccirillo and her staff at Golden Oaks for their love and amazing care and Valley Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Brooke County Education Foundation for Scholarships.
Please add or view condolences at www.chambersandjames.com.


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WHEELING - Republican U.S. House members representing East Ohio and West Virginia say they don't support allowing Bush-era tax cuts to expire for the wealthy at the end of this year. Instead, they favor changes to the federal tax code and reducing tax loopholes.
Work continues in Washington this week to steer the nation away from the "fiscal cliff" - the point after Jan. 31 when 2 percent payroll tax cuts end, new taxes related to President Barack Obama's health care law go into effect and $1.2 trillion in mandatory spending cuts begin.
Rep. David B. McKinley, R-Wheeling, said he doesn't like the term "fiscal cliff." He suggested a more accurate term would be fiscal "cascade" or "slope," as the $1.2 trillion in spending cuts kick in gradually over the next decade at a rate of $120 billion per year.
The national debt currently exceeds $16 trillion.
McKinley noted Congress expected the automatic spending cuts to start in 2013 after last year's "Supercommittee" failed to agree to a plan to curb the nation's spending. But the added variable, he continued, is the expiration of the Bush tax cuts.
"We're looking at the impact the expiration of Bush tax cuts will have on the economy," he said. "Congress is trying to figure out if this will put us into another recession. If the tax cuts expire, everyone's taxes will go up."
If all tax cuts are allowed to expire, that would generate an additional $220 billion annually for the federal government, McKinley said.
A second possibility favored by Obama and congressional Democrats is to allow the tax cuts to continue, but not for Americans earning more than $250,000.
McKinley favors a third option in which the tax cuts would remain for one year while Congress works to change the nation's tax code.
"The maximum revenue achieved by (eliminating the tax cuts for the wealthy) may be $40 billion annually," McKinley said. "The shortage this year was $1.2 trillion. By raising $40 billion (annually), just how much impact does that make in reducing the debt?
"It's great politics, and people are willing to engage in class warfare," he added. "But it isn't good policy."
Obama's most recent proposal includes extending the tax cuts for those earning less than $250,000 annually and a plan for another $50 billion in stimulus spending. He also wants the freedom to raise the nation's debt ceiling without approval from Congress.
Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta, Ohio, called the plan "an absolute absurdity."
"If it wasn't so sad, I would laugh," he said. "Instead I cry. That is not a solution to addressing our nation's fiscal problems. We don't have a problem because we are taxed too much. It's because we spend too much."
Johnson disagrees that Social Security and Medicare should be called "entitlement programs." He suggested a better term is "retirement investment programs."
"The people paid into these programs, now it's the government's responsibility to maintain them," Johnson said. "We have to address all of those if we are going to address the nation's debt problem."
House Republicans put forth a $2.2 trillion "fiscal cliff" counteroffer to Obama on Monday. It calls for raising the eligibility age for Medicare, lowering cost-of-living hikes for Social Security benefits and bringing in $800 billion in higher tax revenue - but not raising rates for the wealthy.
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-Charleston, said a balanced approach of revenue generating and spending is needed to avert the fiscal cliff.
"We need entitlement reform and tax reform, and when we get tax reform we will stop" the fiscal cliff, Capito said. "I don't think we will get tax reform before the end of the year."
She noted she is willing to consider means to generate revenue for the federal government, but added she would not agree to any tax hikes. Instead, Capito said tax breaks for special interests and loopholes in the tax system need to be examined.
"I still think we need to look at everything, and I'm trying to remain open minded," Capito said. "But I want to see the whole package first."


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10 Simple Ways to Connect to Your Teen
2 of 11
Do Something Together
Spending time with your teen doesn't have to entail hours at the mall with her and her friends. Teach your teen how to make your famous cookies that she loves, or rent a movie you've both wanted to see on a weekday night. Just hanging out together at home or in a relaxed environment can help draw your teen out of her shell.
Next: Skip the Lecture


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The gemarah (succah 44a-b) indicates that we beat (or according to Rashi, wave) the arava on Hoshana Rabba, what is the symbolic or theological reason behind doing this?
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Teshuvas Hage'onim (Sharey Teshuva Siman 340) cites two reasons in the name of Rav Tzemach Goan:
1) The leaves of the arova look like lips. Hitting them on the ground hints to fact that we require atonement, and therefore fulfill the verse in Eicha (3:29) "יתן בעפר פיהו, אולי יש תקווה" (Let him put his mouth into the dust; there may yet be hope), meaning to say we have no further ability in our mouths to atone for ourselves.
2) Since during the days of Succos we fulfill many mitzvos, in this merit the accusations which the Satan made against us should be nullified. The Midrash compares the four species to various body parts; the arovah hints to the mouth. Hitting the arova on the groun, symbolizes our hope that the accusing mouth of the Satan shall be brought down to the ground. [A similar reason is brought by Tamey Haminhagim (Siman 819) in the name of the Tola'as Yaakov; to eradicate the judgement and to bring it down to the dust so it shall no longer exist in the world.]
The Levush (Siman 664 Sif 3) brings the custom of hitting the arova on the floor after hoshaynes, and then writes that all these sukkos customs are becuase of simcha.
This source cites the Eliyahu Zuta as saying that the falling away of the leaves that we beat symbolizes the falling away of "sparks of judgment" as the period of judgment comes to a conclusion.
Rabbi Shlomo Kluger writes (Chochmas Shlomo 664:3) that although there are certainly deep esoteric reasons behind the custom of beating the arovah, perhaps it could be explained according to the Midrash that the four species represent the four types of Jews: some have both smell and taste - Torah and good deeds - some have only one, and the arovah has neither smell nor taste representing the rosha who has neither Torah nor good deeds. The mitzvah of Lulav and Esrog is to bind all four species together signifying Jewish unity. However, Rabbi Shlomo Kluger writes, only in this world the r'shoim are unified with us; in the world to come there will a separate judgment for the wicked. Therefore, during the first six days of Sukkos - corresponding to the six thousand millennium of this world, we bind the arovah with the other species, and on the seventh day - Hoshana Rabba - corresponding to the world to come were we beat the arovah on the ground to subdue the wicked.


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