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Ron Barber, a former aide to former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, announced this morning that he'll run in the special election to finish the remainder of Giffords' term.
Giffords resigned from Congress last month so she can focus on her recovery after getting shot in the head during last year's shooting rampage outside of a Tucson grocery store. Barber also was wounded during the shooting.
"Our community needs someone who will put politics aside and solve problems for the people of Southern Arizona," Barber says in a prepared statement. "My commitment is to be honest with the people of this district and help restore civility to our public life. My first priority won't be the next election -- but the next generation. That means balancing the budget the right way by protecting Social Security and Medicare, creating jobs, and securing our border."
Barber's told various media outlets that he's running at the request of Giffords and her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly.
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The only other Democrat officially eying Giffords' former seat is state Representative Matt Heinz, who announced his candidacy earlier this month.
Heinz, however, said he would back out of the special election if Barber decided run and only focus on the general election in November. It's unclear what Heinz will do if Barber also decides to run in November.
On the other side of the aisle, three Republicans have entered the race, including Jesse Kelly, Giffords' opponent in the 2010 election who narrowly lost to the congresswoman. The other Republicans running are Tucson broadcaster Dave Sitton and state Senator Frank Antenori.
The election is scheduled for June 12.


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"I'm giving a speech. I have no time for jokes," Steve Israel told Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Executive Director Kelly Ward when she emailed to say there were signs something was happening in Virginia's 7th District.
It was 7:15 p.m. Tuesday and Israel had just left an event for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. He passed Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. as she arrived.
The New York Democrat was on his way to address the National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association, and Ward flagged that with 30 percent of the primary vote in, it seemed House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., might be in peril. He wasn't interested. Polls, after all, had just closed. Israel called Pelosi just in case: "I left a message, which was, 'You know I'm skeptical, but I just want to flag for you that there are indications Cantor may be in trouble, but I don't think we should do anything until we establish whether this is a false alarm.' That's what I said, 'false alarm.'"
The last thing he did when arriving at the podium for the 7:30 speech was check his email. By that point, Cantor's defeat was looking more likely — he was down by 6,000 votes with 58 percent of precincts tallied. Before Israel started his address (on the topic of infrastructure), he warned the crowd.
"I have some news. I don't call elections, but I know you'd be interested to know that Eric Cantor looks like he might be in some trouble tonight," he told attendees. "And it was like a gasp in the room."
By the time his speech wrapped, the first person he called on for question-and-answer session informed him that Cantor had lost. He'd learned about it on Twitter.
From there, Israel and DCCC staff were in "constant communication," doing the obvious sorts of things — calling Democratic candidate Jack Trammell and beginning opposition research on Dave Brat, the insurgent economics professor who'd taken down the No. 2 House Republican and shocked the world.
"I have been in this room for now three-and-a-half years, and never in a million years would I have ever predicted that I'd be sitting here talking to my staff about starting a process on Virginia 7," Israel told CQ Roll Call in a brief interview from DCCC headquarters Wednesday. "It's probably the last district I would have chosen. If forced, I probably would have said [Speaker John A. Boehner] would have more of a shot of losing than Eric Cantor. Could you imagine Steny Hoyer losing a primary?"
The district is likely far too Republican to be considered competitive come Nov. 4. Still, Israel's bottom line the morning after was clear: "It was a 10 on the stun scale."
Related stories: Leadership Shuffle Begins After Cantor Shocker Stunner: Cantor Loss Changes Everything Eric Cantor Loses Primary in Massive Upset (Video) Republican Senate Primary Challengers Jump on Eric Cantor Loss Eric Cantor's Defeat Was in the Immigration Tea Leaves On Immigration, the Pressure Mounts for Eric Cantor 10 Republicans Who Could Be Speaker Cantor's Pediatric Research Bill Could Have Been a Bust Eric Cantor: A Brief Biography Get breaking news alerts from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.

subset: commoncrawl


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Little known except to those who frequent this beautiful campground in the Salt Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest, the Bear Swamp Trail provides a glimpse into the ancient forest that undoubtedly crowded the shores of Salt Springs when botanist and explorer William Bartram visited the "amazing crystal fountain" in 1774. The easy 1.3-mile loop is worth a visit to the recreation area in itself, as it's a microcosm of habitats you'll find in the Big Scrub.
Location: Salt Springs
Length: 1.3 miles
Lat-Long: 29.356367, -81.732083
Type: loop
Fees / Permits: recreation area fee
Difficulty: easy
Bug factor: moderate
Restroom: Yes, in campground
Dogs are NOT permitted at Salt Springs Recreation Area.
From the Salt Springs Visitor Center along SR 19 in the Ocala National Forest, drive south 1/2 mile to the entrance to the Salt Springs Recreation Area on the left. Enter and pay your day use fee. Turn left and follow the road into the campground. Turn right on the first one-way lane leading away from you. Turn right and follow the one lane road along the edge of the campground until you come to a parking area on the left. Park and walk over to the trailhead sign, next to a building.
Start by walking down to the kiosk. Turn right and keep left at the fork as you walk through a hardwood forest with hickory, dogwood, elm, and oak. Massive southern magnolias tower overhead. As you meander along the path, elements of the Big Scrub appear—tall, slender loblolly pines and rusty and shiny lyonia. You pass through a grove of tall straight loblolly pines.
At 0.6 mile, the boardwalk appears, ushering you into Bear Swamp. Birdcalls echo through the trees as you walk in dense shade and discover the object of this quest: an ancient cypress, close enough to touch, with a girth a good nine feet around. Look straight up, and you can see that the crown broke off this monster of a tree, no doubt a sacrifice to a hurricane in the past. How did this cypress survive logging? Its surface is flawed and lumpy from massive galls, which would not go well through the sawmill.
As you continue a few more feet down the boardwalk, you can see another giant cypress in the distance—taller and even more magnificent than the first. Well up its trunk, it has a huge gaping crack down the center, the perfect place for an army of raccoons to hide. A branch that comes out above the hole is thicker around than the girth of any of the trees surrounding this one in the forest. Continue a little farther, and you'll see a third ancient cypress off to the right. It's humbling to be in the presence of such giants.
The boardwalk ends, and you continue your walk through mixed hardwood and scrub forest, passing a natural "container garden" of resurrection fern atop a snag as you wander beneath the shade of lyonia, loblolly bay, and southern magnolias en route back to the campground, completing the loop at the kiosk at 1.3 miles. Turn right to exit.


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China starts with the construction of the world's largest radio telescope in Southwest China's Guizhou province.
Workers are assembling the last reflector panel for the single-aperture spherical telescope "FAST" in Pingtang county.
The 500-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope, or FAST, has 4,450 triangular reflector panels. It is similar in design to the Arecibo Observatory, using a natural hollow to provide support for the telescope dish.


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€1,200,000 Ski Chalet Le Grand Bornand
- Your Agent
- Stéphanie Donoghue - View Portfolio
- Contact Tel
- 08700 11 51 51 (UK only) 00 33 553 608 488 (Other)
- Contact Email
- Ask us any question about this property
- Save
- Ski Area
- Massif des Aravis
- Ski Resort
- Le Grand Bornand
- Price / Ref
€1,200,000 /
agency fees to be paid by the seller
- Beds / Bath
- 4 / 2
- Hab M2
- 135
Property Features
- 5 minutes drive to ski resort
- Mountain views.
- Golf course within 15 mins.
Property Description
Detached ski chalet to be built - south facing with views of the Aravis. Timber frame construction, new ski chalet with 4 bedrooms, open plan kitchen/living area, 2 bathrooms, 2 WC, laundry room, garage. At the foot the Bargy massif on the road leading to Chinaillon, 3 minutes from the centre of Grand Bornand.
The plot is easily accessible with an open view of the Aravis and its highest point La Pointe Percée (2750m). Served by the ski bus which will take you to the village and lifts (3 minutes). You can also reach the village on foot in less 15 minutes by the old Chinaillon road, a pleasant walk which enables you to admire the old Savoyard chalets.
The living area is south facing ensuring maximum sunlight and stunning mountain views. The chalets is spacious, functional, luxurious and specially designed for your holidays in the mountains or for your main residence, and meets the latest standards on disability and thermal regulation. The entire facade is clearly marked by a return to exposed structures and local tradition.
The construction is of high quality, with traditional materials and techniques and also meets the requirements of the new thermal regulations (RT2012). Heating will be provided by a vertical geothermal system. The chalet will be insulated from the exterior to minimise thermal bridging. The roof will be covered traditional wooden shingles. Works will be carried out by local artisans guaranteeing a high quality finish and good service after acquisition.
The resort of the Grand Bornand is separated into two villages, each at different altitudes : At 1000 metres, the Grand-Bornand village, a typical Savoyard village with its central village square, church and range of shops - 6 km higher up, on the road to the Col de la Colombiere you'll come across Chinaillon, situated at 1300 metres altitude, this is the main departure for the ski slopes. T
he easy, welcoming snow covered pastures make up a large percentage of the ski area in the Grand Bornand, however the slopes of the Aravis Mountains or the Mont Lachat offer harder skiing for those more experienced - the 90 km of ski runs that cover the area will meet all requirements. There is even an array of walking paths for those who choose not to ski. Lots of sunshine and abundant snowfall, the weather systems are often caught by the Aravis mountain chain. At the top of the Maroly area of the resort you will find the Grand-Bo snow park (ranked among the best in France) in the Bouchet valley and up at the top of Chinaillon near the old village, cross country skiing has a stronghold.
The huge snow covered spruce trees cover the snug little chalets nestled in the middle of this winter wilderness. 60km of perfectly groomed tracks lead all the way to La Clusaz, which is home to the tough, black rated Frasses track. For non-skiers, the Grand Bornand offers a range of sporting, leisure and cultural activities - hiking or snowshoeing, paragliding, hot air ballooning, ice climbing, horse riding (skijoring), snowmobiling and ice skating are all available throughout the season.
For those in need of time to relax, there is a Library and and there are two cinemas. For culture lovers, discover how the locals make their famous Reblochon cheese, enjoy a guided tour of the local area and explore the local heritage centre. After a good day of skiing or walking, take the time to share a bit of time with the kids in the "Espace P'tits Montagnards" (Little Mountaineers) area, which is specially adapted for families and situated in the centre of town.
Massif des Aravis Ski Area
In the Haute-Savoie, between Annecy and the Mont Blanc Massif is the beautiful Massif des Aravis. Tucked away here you'll find a less well known ski area named after the mountain range. It is very beautiful, interesting and traditional.
It brings together the 4 ski resorts of La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, Manigod et Saint-Jean de Sixt which offer Alpine skiing (downhill)and Nordique skiing alongside a whole host of other activities. There are 220kms of piste across the 4 resorts, 2 snow-parks, 1 half pipe of 130m. There are also 150kms of nordic skiing including the Confins plateau, which is an official site for the World Cup. Plus 26 routes for racket walking (snow shoes). At Le Grand-Bornand you'll find the GB snow-park which is classed among the five best in France. In addition there are 2 ice rinks and an aqua centre.
Each of the four resorts have charm and retain their traditions with original architecture and a village feel, these are after all villages turned ski resort and not purpose built. There is agriculture in the area which works alongside the ski resorts retaining a very authentic feel and they work hard to preserve the mountain nature of all the resorts.
This is also a hugely popular destination for summer. All four resorts aim themselves firmly at the family market and succeed very well with this, but over the last few years a new trend has developed aimed at the rich and famous who value privacy and peace above glamour and glitz on their ski holiday this is most noticeable at La Clusaz and Grand Bornard who are member of "Top of the French Alps" a group aiming for excellence.
Le Grand Bornand Ski Resort
Le Grand Bornand is a large resort with 38 lifts offering 494 acres of terrain over 47 pistes and 1100 metres of vertical descent. Le Grand Bornand is best suited to beginner skiers and snowboarders but there is some terrain for both expert and intermediates.
There are 58km of cross country ski trails and for snowboarders, there is a terrain park and a half pipe. A small proportion of the pistes at Le Grand Bornand are covered by snowmaking.
DPE : This property does not have a fixed heating system


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What You will Need
RE 3.5" TJ Super Flex Suspension Lift
Doetsch Long Travel Shocks
Adjustable Front Track Bar
SYE/CV Drive shaft
Adjustable Rear Upper Control Arms
Currie Rear Shock Extensions
• 13,15,18,19,21mm Socket/Wrenches
• 5/16,3/8,9/16,3/4" Socket/Wrenches
• Ratchet
• 3" & 12" Ratchet Extension
• 1-1/2" Crescent Wrench
• Torque Wrench - 130 ft.lb. Capacity
• Breaker Bar
• OEM #27036 Spring Compressors
• Grease Gun
• Torx T-55 Bit
• Standard Ratchet
• Torque Wrench
• Hand Drill
• Metal Drill Bits
• Tie-Rod End Puller
• Pickle Fork
• 2 - Jack Stands
• 2.5 Ton Floor Jack or Better (21")
• Wheel Chocks
• PB Blaster
• White Lithium Grease
• Hammer
What Comes with the
Rubicon Express
3.5" TJ Super Flex
Suspension Lift?
• 1" T-Case Lowering Kit
• Sway Bar Disconnect Adapter Bracket
• Rear Sway Bar End Links
• Rear Track Bar Relocation Bracket
• Rear 1.5" Bump Stop Extension
• 3" Front Coil Springs
• 3" Rear Coil Springs
• Front 2" Bump Stop Extensions
• Front Stainless 3" Steel Brake Lines
• Fixed Front/Rear Control Arms
• Sway Bar Disconnects w/6" Centers
Related Write-Ups
Advance Adapters Slip Yoke Eliminator
& High Angle Driveline CV Drive Shaft
Off Road Only U-Turn Steering System
Goodrich Stainless Steel Brake Lines
JKS Swaybar Quicker Disconnects
JKS Bar Pin Eliminators
Doetsch DT8000 Shocks
Currie Lower Shock Mount Extensions
TeraFlex Adjustable Front Trackbar
Air Lift Suspension
Rubicon Express 3.5" Jeep TJ
Super Flex Suspension Lift
Looking to grow your Jeep up and make it more capable on the trail but can't decide on which lift kit to get? Well, I'd recommend getting a Rubicon Express 3.5" Super Flex Suspension Lift. With the exception of new and longer shocks, this kit pretty much comes with everything you need to get your Jeep lifted over 3". Also, Rubicon Express has a long history of making great quality Jeep suspension products that will give you piece of mind on the trail.
As complete as this kit is, I will say however that it's still a far cry from everything you 'really' need to do a lift of this height right. In addition to this kit, I would highly recommend picking up an adjustable front track bar, better sway bar link disconnects and most importantly, a Slip Yoke Eliminator (also known as an SYE), CV Drive Shaft and adjustable rear upper control arms. Yes, you could get away with just dropping your transfer case skid plate using the drop kit supplied with the lift, but why would you want to loose all that belly clearance that you just paid a bundle to lift? Something you will have to answer for yourself.
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Here is a pic of all the parts you will get when you purchase your Rubicon Express 3.5" TJ Super Flex Suspension Lift. As silly as it sounds, one of the things I really like about Rubicon Express components is the plain metal or silver finish they have.
Begin this project by parking on level ground and if you live in the rust belt of America, spray all the bolts you will need to work on with some PB Blaster the night before.
Put your Jeep in gear, engage the emergency brake and chock your rear wheels.
Disconnect your front sway bar links from the axle using a Torx T-55 bit. The top part of the link is attached to the swaybar itself
by a tapered stud. In other words, even after you remove the nut securing this bolt, the darn link will still be stuck on the swaybar and near impossible to remove. The easiest way I have found to remove tapered studs is by using a tie-rod end puller (see pic to the left). Simply slip it over the sway bar and then proceed to ratchet it down until the link pops off.
With the sway bar links off, loosen but do not remove your front wheel lug nut, jack up the front end of your Jeep from the axle and then set it back down on jack stands placed behind the lower control arm mounts. Proceed to remove your wheels and then place them behind the jack stands underneath the frame rails for added protection. Continue to support your front axle with the help of jack stands and/or with floor jacks.
Unbolt your shocks from the axle using a 13mm deep socket and wrench. Then, remove the nuts securing the shock to the upper stud mount using a 9/16" wrench (wrench size may vary depending on make). You may need a pair of pliers to hold the stud in place while you unscrew the nuts.
Using a 13mm socket or wrench, remove the front spring retaining clamp from the driver side of your Jeep. With a very few exceptions of year or country, there should be no retaining clamp on the passenger side.
Now, remove your front track bar. You will need a 15mm socket to remove the lower mount on the axle. Then,
using a pair of needle nose pliers, remove the cotter pin from the ball joint stud connection where the track bar is attached to the driver side frame rail.
Loosen but do not completely remove the castellated nut, insert the pickle fork in between the frame rail bracket and the rubber ball joint boot and then tap it with a 3 lb. hammer until the stud mount pops loose as shown in the pic to the right. Leaving the nut on the stud just prevents the whole track bar from falling once it comes loose.
Remove the castellated nut and then lower the track bar down. Now remove the bolt and flag nut attaching the track bar to the axle and pull the whole thing out.
Remove your brake lines and install your new extended stainless steel lines provided with the Rubicon Express Super Flex Suspension Lift. I already had a set of
stainless steel brake lines on my Jeep and the installation write-up for it can be seen here:
Goodrich Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Now, slowly lower your front axle as far as it will go. If you're starting out with a stock height Jeep, your springs should just about fall out at this point and time. If you're starting out with taller springs like me, you will most likely need the help of spring compressors to remove your front coils.
Drill a hole through the center of the bottom spring perches using the appropriate size drill bit (a tiny bit smaller in diameter than the bolts you are using). Then, p
re-thread the holes you just drilled by ratcheting on the self-tapping bolts. Make sure to do this slowly and back out often to create clean threads.
Do not mount the bump stop extension at this time as it will make installing your new coils very difficult.
Jack up your front axle a bit and support it with jack stands. Remove the lower control arms from the frame rails and axle using a 21mm socket and a crescent wrench. A breaker will come in handy here as the bolts are seriously on tight.
Back at your work bench, assemble the right angle zerk nipples onto all the lower control arms using a 3/8" wrench. Make sure that the zerk nipple is facing back towards the length of the arm and pointing out just a bit for easier access once it's installed on your Jeep.
Install your new lower control arms with the rubber bushing at the frame and the zerk nipple facing up at the axle mount. re-use the factory hardware at the frame and the new grade 8 bolt, washer and lock nut supplied with the Rubicon Express Super Flex kit on the axle end. Do not fully tighten these bolts until your Jeep is back on the ground.
Using your spring compressors, compress your new coils enough to make it easier to install. Slip the bump stop extension and your new coils into place at the same time and then affix the bump stop extensions to the spring perch using the self-tapping bolt supplied as shown in the pic to the left.
Re-install the spring retaining clamp.
Install your new and longer shocks. I am running Doetsch DT8000's and the installation write-up for them can be found here:
Doetsch DT8000 Shocks
Install your new sway bar links according to the instructions that come with them. I have a set of JKS disconnects and the installation write-up for them can be found here:
JKS Sway Bar Link Quicker Disconnects
The Rubicon Express Super Flex Lift instructions say you should re-drill your front track bar axle mount 3/4" towards the driver side of the Jeep and then re-install your factory track bar, but I would recommend you buy and install a new adjustable track bar instead. I have one made by TeraFlex and the installation write-up can be found here:
TeraFlex Adjustable Front Track Bar
With your new front track bar on, re-install your wheels, lower your Jeep back on to the ground, torque your lug nuts to 95 ft. lbs., tighten the lower control arm frame mount bolts to 130 ft. lbs. of torque and the axle mount to 85 ft. lbs. of torque. Chock your front wheels and then head on over to the back of your Jeep.
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Volunteers can be attracted to not for profit (NFP) organisations through a variety of means. Many come individually, drawn to your organisation's activities through their personal networks and community links – or even through your organisation's own recruitment drives for volunteers.
Another way is for NFPs to seek out a partnering arrangement with corporates or business with employees. This method provides NFPs a new channel of support and resources that can be otherwise difficult to access. Commonly referred to as Employee Volunteer Programs (EVPs), this process provides a way for business to assist NFP's through structured and sustainable involvement of their employees.
Like all volunteers, employee volunteers bring enthusiasm, commitment and knowledge to your organisation – with the support of their employer who sees value in their involvement to themselves and to you.
To maximise the benefits of employee volunteering, it is essential that both the not-for-profit organisation and the business understand how each side operates. This guide is based on Volunteering Victoria's extensive experience in advising and working with NFPs and employers to build partnerships.
Getting started – six steps
Preparation ensures your community-business partnership has a strong foundation through understanding and aligning with each other's values. Many businesses are offering their intellectual capital to one-off or ongoing community projects. With effective planning every volunteer-involving organisation can benefit from these partnerships.
All successful partnerships allow time to discuss details of the EVP with their prospective partner. The following step-by-step guide can assist in scoping your organisation's needs and capacity to partner with a business and their employees.
Step 1 – self-evaluation
Before committing time and resources to researching your partnership, conduct a clear evaluation to learn about your NFP's interest, readiness and capacity to develop a community- business partnership.
Assess the following areas of your organisation:
- Finances – can you afford the extra time, training and general expenses?
- Staff – will your staff engage and support this partnership?
- Other stakeholders – will they support this partnership?
- Benefits – will the relationship reward both the community and the employee-volunteers?
- Resources – do you have the space, management structures, to coordinate a partnership? Discussing these questions can identify ways to engage and support a business partner.
Step 2 – develop ideas
Contemplate and discuss the following to identify the right business partner:
- What do you want (or need) out of a partnership?
- What benefits will the business bring to your organisation?
- What types of business would bring these benefits?
- What can your organisation offer a partnership?
- What is the best model partnership for you? How will it work in practical terms?
Step 3 – plan
Good planning will ensure any EVP will dovetail smoothly into your NFP activity:
- Develop an employee volunteering policy that clearly explains what an EVP will do or contribute to your organisation
- Define your objectives and outcomes for your EVP involvement
- Structure meaningful activities for the volunteers who come to you through this partnership
- Budget carefully
- Outline your measures of success
- Undertake a risk assessment to safeguard employee volunteer health, safety and wellbeing
- Ensure sufficient training, induction and supervision Consider including a code of practice, duty of care and code of conduct
- Decide if screening is
Step 4 – liaise
Formalise the partnership with a letter of agreement, which should include:
- Contact person
- Insurance cover
- Costs associated with participation
- Briefly how the partnership will work / what it aims to achieve
- Position
Alternatively, the business partner may have one of their own – consider it carefully and ensure it reflects your requirements and expectations too.
Step 5 – facilitate
Good preparation creates more scope for staff and volunteers to enjoy the experience:
- Plan the scope of your EVP date/s, time/s, number of employees,
- Attribute responsibility for facilitation to one staff Ensure this is part of their job description
- Organise staff to work with the employee Have they been involved in the planning?
- Organise appropriate work areas, materials and equipment
- Secure media coverage by agreement
- Send the company a register of volunteers for each
Step 6 – evaluate
Evaluation will help you plan for the future and provide results to your corporate partner which they can use for their own internal reporting purposes:
- Follow up any feedback from the employee volunteers
- Provide feedback to the company on the outcomes of the employee volunteering experience
- Report tangible benefits to your target group and/or broader community
- Celebrate the contribution – certificates, articles, thank you letters,
Once you've decided on a target business, these steps can assist your approach. The aim is (naturally) to engage with your potential employer partner professionally and enthusiastically. Concisely and comprehensively addressing each point below can form a framework for a written or oral pitch to your potential partner.
Point 1 – your organisation
- Acknowledge the ways in which your mission statement aligns with theirs
- What information can you include to attract your prospective employer partner? What common ground, news, facts or people will be relevant and interesting to them?
- List the specific benefits of this company partnering with your organisation in terms of the volunteer, the community and the organisation
Point 2 – volunteer support of your organisation
- Describe how your organisation and clients are supported by your volunteers
- Give a sense of the size and shape of your organisation
- Summarise the roles undertaken at your organisation
- Describe any aspirational areas of need for your
Point 3 – type of work you're offering
Volunteering work takes various forms:
- Outline clearly what you want done, why it needs doing and how to do it
- Is the work in teams or structured around individual tasks?
- Is it skilled or unskilled?
- Is it a one-off or ongoing project?
- Can you remain flexible with the type of work offered in case your preferred partner wants something different to what you are offering?
- Might your partner contribute to project development – skills, ideas, money, in-kind donations?
- If taking on volunteer teams, include how many people, who will manage, required planning and notice
Point 4 – managing your employee volunteers
- Outline training required
- Outline supervision provided
- Explain volunteer registration
We recommend employee volunteers not be engaged in tasks that require working with children and police checks as they are time consuming and costly.
Point 5 – list other ways that a company can support you
- Workplace giving
- In-kind donations
- Sponsorship
- Skill-sharing
- Board membership
- Supporting, attending or holding
Point 6 – contact details
Make it easy for a company to get hold of you. Provide:
- Name, phone number and email address of your key contact
- Details of the key contact's position
- Name, phone number and email address of a backup contact
- Your organisation's
Employee volunteering improves business visibility as well as staff skills, morale and loyalty. At the same time it contributes to your organisation's and the employer's communities.
Projects and partners
Many Australian businesses are committed to corporate social responsibility and provide time for their staff to contribute to the community.
Volunteering Victoria advises, encourages and liaises with organisations and businesses to create successful programs.
At Volunteering Victoria we provide four services to enhance the Employee Volunteering Program (EVP) experience:
- Managers' Knowledge Network
- Employee Volunteer Matching
- Employee Volunteer Consultancy
- Research
Employee Volunteer Matching
Volunteering Victoria helps not-for-profit organisations and businesses form enjoyable, sustainable relationships. We use our Volunteer Referral Service to help you find suitable partners.


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In October of 2012, a new group - based off a historic Rincon group - grew from one community gathering to show support for and to protect Rincon's prestine beaches. These are the same beaches you will enjoy from your Rincon Puerto Rico Vacation Rental. If you'd like to participate during Rincon vacation please do, they'd love to have you!
The Liga Ecológica, was once a very active group of environmentalists who focused on keeping Rincon and Puerto Rico clean and keeping intrusive development projects away from protected wildlife habitats. The new aim, as of October 2012, is to revive this League and work towards a new League that will serve to keep the community aware of such projects and do our part to protect the beach and all of the wildlife in this area and it's surroundings.
Please give them your support, and stay in touch with the development of this organization by visiting them on Facebook - Nueva Liga Ecológica


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Your Favorite Musicians' Favorite Musicians
Here at Flavorpill, we're into music. And like any group of music nerds with access to the Internet, we like garnering suggestions from people we trust about the best bands out there. So who better to suggest some great musicians than, well, some great musicians? After all, they should be experts on the subject. Here, we've compiled a list of our favorite musicians' own favorite musicians for your listening — and obsessing — pleasure. After all, if you live, breathe and sleep Frank Zappa (as yours truly admits to doing for a spell in her teenage years), now you know which bands to listen to, just to, you know, complete the experience. Of course, just like us mortals (and probably even more so), musicians' favorite bands change with their mood, the season and what they ate for lunch, so consider the following a snapshot, or in at least one case, just what John Darnielle would say in front of a firing squad. Ah, obsession.
The Mountain Goats' John Darnielle — The Stockholm Monsters
Of course, a guy like John Darnielle has a million favorite bands (we've heard him rave about Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, Lifter Puller, and of course Black Sabbath), but he's said that underrated 80's band The Stockholm Monsters' album Alma Mater was "probably [his] favorite album ever." As for his favorite death metal album? As he told Nerve, "If I was in front of a firing squad and the only way out were to answer the question, it's Don't Break the Oath for sure, but this is partly because if dudes were bent on shooting me anyway, 'Don't Break the Oath' would be some kick-ass last words." This from a guy whose favorite band was Heart until he got to high school.


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Usually, the alarm sparks when someone uses pressure to spread out the doorway or when someone indoors hits a stress button, that is a vibrant red-colored button that's easily situated somewhere where it's available to everybody. You need to be careful using the stress button if it chimes in error, you are able to rouse the entire neighborhood and also the cops will come and they don't welcome false sensors. These security systems, however, might be useless when the burglar uses other points of entry like unguaranteed home windows or back doorways which have been left unlocked. Nevertheless, these security systems labored for some time and gave that old folks a semblance of security plus some satisfaction. Besides, there have been very few options throughout individuals occasions.
Nowadays, home security systems have swept up with leading-edge technology. You will find wireless video surveillance systems, motion sensors, along with other high-tech devices and devices. They've already come to exist and developed for quite some time now but it's only very lately they have occurred easily available within the consumer market. For under 100 dollars you can buy a fundamental wireless home security system and arrange it yourself. On the other hand, if you would like some thing complex, be ready to spend out more income and also you would have the ability to generate a through the roof-tech wireless home security system that could have been only possible in spy movies decades ago.
Probably, your buddies has installed a radio home security system in your own home. He might not be keen on the espionage genre, but he is able to train you a few things concerning the salient points of home alarm systems. An entire wireless home security system would come with security camcorders, motion sensors as well as that old-fashioned thief sensors (using the stress buttons, obviously), that are connected to doorways and home windows. This kind of wireless home security system doesn't need anything special so as for this to operate. Actually, all that's necessary with this particular type of system is a radio network. Yes, you are able to operate a wireless home security system out of your computer. With this type of setup, however, you may need a devoted computer that should run constantly. Another bad thing is which should something happen to the pc, the wireless home security system might be triggered.
If you've been considering setting up a burglar or security alarm to safeguard your home, your loved ones and yourself, consider setting up a radio home security system. Don't hold back until someone breaks to your house to set up an security alarm.


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Editor's Note: Cross-posted from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services blog.
Flint, Michigan is in the midst of a serious public health crisis, with high levels of lead in its water supply. President Obama signed an emergency declaration on Saturday, ordering federal assistance to support state and local response efforts.
With the emergency declaration in place, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has now been designated the lead federal agency responsible for coordinating federal government response and recovery efforts.
This means that HHS will, in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), identify and mobilize the capabilities of the rest of the federal partners – including the Small Business Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Education and Agriculture (USDA) -- that are already working to help residents in Flint.
The goal of the federal response will be to help state and local leaders identify the size and scope of the problem, and work with them to make and execute a plan for mitigation of the short- and long-term health effects of lead exposure.
HHS will have a team on the ground in Flint this week. The team will be led by Dr. Nicole Lurie, HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). Dr. Lurie will begin engaging with state and local officials today and will travel to Flint tomorrow.
In order to fully leverage the Department's strengths, the HHS team will include HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Karen DeSalvo, whose office manages the President's Task Force on Environmental Health and Safety Risks to Children, and who will be the primary interface with state and local public health officials. Two U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers will also help with the day-to-day responsibilities in Flint.
While HHS will now take on a more prominent role in helping state and local officials respond to this public health crisis, the agency has already been actively engaged in response and recovery efforts, including:
- Providing, at the State of Michigan's request, a range of technical assistance to state and local health departments, public health practices for medical professionals, and public health communications;
- Working with HHS grantees in the area to disseminate public health education through Head Start and Community Health Centers programs, administered by HHS's Administration for Children and Families and Health Resources and Services Administration, respectively;
- Providing technical assistance related to case management processes and interventions for children with high blood lead levels and interpretation of blood lead levels in adults; and
- Using existing resources to help the state identify vulnerable populations in Flint who may need further targeted outreach.
FEMA, EPA, HUD, and USDA are also actively engaged in existing response and recovery efforts.
- FEMA is providing bottled water and filters to Flint. The agency has already provided approximately 71,200 liters of bottled water for distribution to Flint residents.
- EPA is working with state and local officials to reduce lead levels in tap water and provide safe drinking water to the residents of Flint. EPA is also conducting a comprehensive audit of the Michigan drinking water program and a detailed review Michigan's implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act in Flint. In October 2015, EPA established a task force to provide recommendations to the State of Michigan and the City of Flint to re-optimize corrosion control as soon as possible and to prepare for the planned switch to water supplied by the Karegnondi Water Authority in 2016
- HUD is working closely with the city on economic development and interagency coordination. They have successfully assisted the city with the purchase and installation of water filters. HUD had an existing lead hazard grant to Flint, targeted to lead paint, $325,000 of which could be used for addressing the water lead contamination. Additionally, HUD has provided a data tracking and reporting system for the State of Michigan to use in its lead investigations.
- USDA has waived requirements on potable tap water availability at school meal service, allowing schools to provide bottled water. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is also allowing participants to use WIC vouchers for ready-to-feed infant formula, which does not need to be mixed with water, and participants can also swap powdered formula for ready-to-feed formula.
HHS will provide more details about future federal response and recovery efforts after the HHS team gets on the ground and has a chance to further engage with state and local officials. In the meantime, the Department will continue to work with state and local officials to determine how the federal government can best provide further assistance.


text: Hi, I already have Evo and Race'07 on Steam but it seems to me that most of the WTCC club racing here on RD is based on RaceOn. That means you can't join in even if you have the other two. For this simple reason I've been wondering if RaceOn is worth the spend if WTCC racing is already included in the other two or is it a mix and match of tracks that makes it worth the money? Thx


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Housing Crisis: Green Cabins, Garden Sheds, Beach Hangs or Hobbit Houses?
$10K going once...fab reclaimed prefab auctioned on eBay. Photos by RCruger
The Reclaimed Space unit decorated by EcoFabulous on display at this weekend's Dwell On Design conference was auctioned off on eBay and raised $75,100 for Habitat for Humanity. Lucky bidder. The 400-square-foot "rustic modern" structure featured 100-year-old reclaimed oak and pine, a full bathroom, a queen-sized Murphy bed, outdoor shower, porch, 85% recycled insulation, and retractable roof overhangs.
The outdoor area at the Dwell exhibition floor was a big hit. There were several outdoor structures and options from prefab structures to a shiny Airstream, as well as sustainable landscapers, outdoor furnishings, solar powered porch arbors, and eco-planters. IC Green's converted cargo containers with sliding glass doors, billed as Eco-Cabanas and painted bright green instead of a SeaLand logo had a pricetag of $10K - what, no wet bar?
Imagine my surprise when I realized that the Modern Shed on display is created by John Akers, the same shed maker I wrote about in the Seattle Times several years back, when he built charming yard cottages and worked with found materials from fencing and house demos. His kits today range in size from an 8x10 model for about $7K to a small dwelling for $40,000. Eco-options include cork flooring, Trex decking and a green roof. Need a guestroom or home office space?
A fully furnished Shawu Tent by Exclusive Tents, presented a fancy canvas accommodation from Australia to Alaska and beyond, evoking a cross between some safari adventure and romantic retreat. An interesting architectural alternative for certain climates, they can handle high rainfall tropics and dry desert environments, and offer a variety of designs as well as eco-friendly lodges and treehouses.
Like some Charles and Ray Eames vision, the PieceHomes' wrap house was erected inside LA's Convention Center next to Dwell's Sustainability Forum speakers. Modern, modular and prefab at approximately $225/sf, there are a series of configurations, including towers and container varieties. They use green materials, energy-efficient tech and sustainable practices. Got a plot of land?
At Marmol Radziner Prefab's presentation, MRP admitted there's no prefab housing market or any other these days. But if the crowds around the booth were serious, they weren't aware of any problem.
Model of a possible green apartment building at Opportunity Green booth.
If in the market, there's lots of options to research. Is renovating an existing property best, or a little house better or will an addition in the yard suffice? And which is the greenest prefab house? Of course, there's always renting. One builder I ran into surfed the floors planned to environmentally retrofit his apartment buildings. I vote for more green landlords.
More on prefab houses:
What's New in Modern Prefab? (slideshow)
Prefab: Green or Greewashing?
Another Benefit of Modular and Prefab Homes
Ecofriendly Prefab Homes Debut in Turkey


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Women's County Matches Wednesday
The Guyana Cricket Board senior female Inter-County 50-Over cricket competition bowls off on Wednesday with the first of three rounds from 09:30h.
All three rounds are scheduled for the Everest Cricket Club ground with Essequibo playing hosts Demerara in the first round.
Round two will be played on Thursday and will see Berbice against Essequibo, while round three is fixed for Friday and will involve Demerara and Berbice.
Meanwhile, the players who will be representing Demerara are: June Ogle, Akeze Thompson, Kavita Yadram, Hema Singh, Johan Vansertima, Haseena Mohamed, Tracey Glasgow, Jannette Daniels, Leana harris, Abeana Parker, Renika Issacs, Odessa O'Niel, Latoya Smith, Mandy Mangru and Lashana Toussaint.
The Manger is Malyane Ramdular while Orin Bailey is the coach
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Best Women's Pajamas 2019
All women love to feel good better when they sleep.
Speaking about pajamas, I like to choose something that would be more than comfortable, something that has more style, sometimes "too much style".
It's a shame to sleep in any shirts or pajamas series. You can play and special textures to choose from – from some very fine until some rougher as they were once dressings. I like pajamas muslin, fine cotton, stone, or silk, linen and the rough and fragrant ironed striped smelling of lavender and soaps.
The best evidence that you can do to know if you have an honorable pajamas is likely to come with her to the streets, to "open" the door to someone in such an outfit ….
A very good pajamas offers you the perfect comfort for a good night sleep. Choose fine white linen, but pass some flowers or stripes fine diaphanous pastel, à Deauville. And we like trimmings,edges and fine lace, buttons and all sorts of special clamps. Some models took us wonder, like I did not sleep at night, pt. the sleeves were too tight.
Pajamas must be comfortable, warm (or not, depending on the season), soft to the touch, neither too tight nor wide (how hard it is to find that balance!), with a pleasing color and with a print custom. I do not necessarily like prints but do not refuse pajamas with flowers, for example. For winter, spring and autumn, all three quarters of the year, I prefer pajamas thick, flannel or cotton thicker, perhaps wool or fleece with sleeves and long pants to cover my good hands and feet when is cold. Who does flu-flu's, it can wear different and I like silk pajamas with lace. Sure there in a woman's wardrobe and special pieces that show the dresses rather than sleepwear. On the other hand, if some material causes skin irritation, back to the classic choice, as I said, flannel or cotton.
All in one a pajamas texture and model is important , so choose the most comfortable one for you.


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'Vampire Academy' Trailer: Who Says Young Adult Adaptations are Dead?
Though the trend might seem on the wane, 'Vampire Academy' is the latest in a series of Young Adult novel to be brought the big screen and it's just released its first trailer. Sure, 'The Host' and 'Beautiful Creatures' flopped. And sure, the prognosis for 'The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones' isn't looking good. But when you have hit films like 'Harry Potter,' 'Twilight' and 'The Hunger Games,' there's obviously gold in them there YA hills. So these films are going to keep coming.
This first trailer doesn't let the viewer into the film's narrative thrust. There's some kind of a prom, there's obviously a sense of humor to the proceedings, and there's a lot of CG violence. This seems like a tease made for the faithful, for those who know these characters and can't wait to see them on the big screen, because there's no narrative presented. We'll probably get that in the next trailer.
'Vampire Academy' opens February 14. Here's the film's synopsis:
Based on author Richelle Mead's worldwide bestselling series, VAMPIRE ACADEMY tells the legend of Rose Hathaway (Zoey Deutch) and Lissa Dragomir (Lucy Fry), two 17-year-old girls who attend a hidden boarding school for Moroi (mortal, peaceful Vampires) and Dhampirs (half-vampire/half-human guardians). Rose, a rebellious Guardian-in-training and her best friend, Lissa – a royal vampire Princess - have been on the run when they are captured and returned to St.Vladamirs Academy, the very place where they believe their lives may be in most jeopardy. Thrust back into the perils of Moroi Society and high school, Lissa struggles to reclaim her status while Rose trains with her mentor and love-interest, Dimitri (Danila Kozlovsky), to guarantee her place as Lissa's guardian. Rose will sacrifice everything to protect Lissa from those who intend to exploit her from within the Academy walls and the Strigoi (immortal, evil vampires) who hunt her kind from outside its sanctuary.


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I'm simply mad about the new Dylusions colors! Mad I tell you!! I love the new Dylusions so much I decided to recreate one of my favorite illustrations with some of the new colors. Originally I thought Dylusions were just for spraying. Oh no my friends…once you have entered the rabbit hole of Dylusions the possibilities are truly endless!
What kinds of possibilities? Well, I thought you'd never ask! Why don't we try our hand at painting with Dylusions…shall we?
- Dylusions Spray inks
- Aqua Brushes
- cup of clean water
- non-stick craft sheet
STEP 1: Start by sketching your image on book pages or paper of your choosing.
I've been crushing on book page doodles lately and wanting to try my hand at it. *Just a little background about my fish…as you can see by the date (2002) this is an older drawing of mine…everyone thinks it is "Rainbow Fish" I can assure you it's not. I was well into my college days back then and had no idea who Rainbow Fish was. It's actually an abstract self-portrait of my younger self. Why be a bird when you can be a FISH!
If you would like to see some other projects featuring my ME fish I have immortalized her on a Fence Mural and a Pinata…although that project did not withstand the test of time…nor the bats that were being swung at it
STEP 2: Start with the most predominant color you will be using and add it to your water brush. Here I have used Calypso Blue. You can lighten your colors by adding water…but do so on the craft sheet. If you add water directly to your image you will smear your lines.
STEP 3: Add your next color. I used Funky Fuchsia. I tried not to blend the colors too much other than key areas.
STEP 4: Add a darker color for contrast. This time instead of filling my water brush with Dylusions I simply dripped some After Midnight on my craft sheet and picked it up with a water brush filled with water. I didn't want it to be too over powering. Using the water filled brush helped to blend the colors on the ends of the fins.
STEP 5: Adding White. The White Linen Dylusions is by far my favorite! I know I've said it before but I'll say it again, White Linen Dylusions is a GAME CHANGER! Again, I did not fill my water brush with the White Linen. Instead I dripped some on my craft sheet and used a large water brush to outline my image. I also went back over the fins to add highlights and washed over the face to lighten the tones.
STEP 6: Outlining and adding details. *Dry with a heat tool before outlining! I Outlined most of my image with a black Metallic Gelly Roll Pen. I then used Stardust Gelly roll pens to add shimmer and sparkle to the fins and scales. Where I wanted a really bold outline like the eyes and mouth I used a Micron pen.
There she is! I hope you like her because you WILL be seeing her again This is just a little taste to wet your whistle! I have a series of Art Journal pages in the works featuring the latest and greatest colors from the Dylusions line. This little fish is first on the list so stay tuned!
Are you as excited about the new Dylusions colors as I am? Do you have any creative Dylusions tips or techniques to share? Do tell!
Till next time…have a bubbly day!


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Pick A College or PAC (as we call it) is an effort to bring transparency to college admissions in India.Our focus is to make the daunting task of choosing a college and the course stress-free. While it is easy to gather information about the top colleges, it is the lesser known colleges that pose a challenge. At PAC we make sure that you get enough information about both.
We have come up with a decision-making tool and rankings of engineering colleges to help you make informed decisions about admissions. The rankings are based on data collected for over 1500 engineering colleges in the country from publicly available sources and third party databases like Scopus. The analysis has been conducted by a team of PhD scholars and scientists to come out with the most scientific assessment of colleges.
PAC is an initiative by EDU and RAND.
EDU, an initiative of 9.9 Media, was established in 2009 as a platform to bring together visionaries, policy makers, administrators and educationists. EDU is committed to addressing the challenges of Indian higher education sector. Its aim is to empower key decision-makers with ideas and knowledge and help them create and lead institutions of high quality. The EDU brand consists of a website www.edu-leaders.com, a daily e-newsletter, a weekly tech e-newsletter, an annual VCs' Retreat and a few other conferences and workshops. We also have an agreement with US-based publication, The Chronicle of Higher Education, to share content.
RAND Corporation, established in 1947, is a not-for-profit global research house, known for impartial, evidence-based, policy evaluation and implementation.
RAND's Education Unit has extensive experience in policy development, programming, performance indicator development, and education evaluation. The Education Unit has worked with governments, leaders and organizations in the education sector of various countries in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia on such issues. In Mexico, Turkey, Qatar, Kurdistan and India, RAND researchers helped educational leaders and organizations at the national and local levels to identify educational strategic priorities and develop implementation plans. In Abu Dhabi, RAND researchers created a database of indicators to rank and benchmark higher education institutions. In Qatar, RAND researchers designed a new school performance monitoring system for Qatar's public schools. In all of these studies, RAND emphasized capacity building in the organizations we work with and our projects often involved collaboration with national or local partners.
Founder and MD
Pramath Raj Sinha is the founder and MD of 9.9 Media. He spent nearly 13 years with McKinsey and Company and went on to become the Founding Dean of the Indian School of Business (ISB). Before founding 9.9 Media he was the MD & CEO of ABP Group, one of India's leading and most diversified media conglomerates. Besides his current role at 9.9 Media he is involved in numerous other education related projects and is also a member of several corporate and non-profit boards. At Pick-a-College he keeps the team aligned to the mission of helping students and parents make right college decisions. An engineering graduate from IIT Kanpur, he obtained his MS & PhD from University of Pennsylvania. When he is free ... well that never happens from what we know! However, we do hear rumors of him participating in desert rallies and mountain expeditions.
Founder and Director
Kanak Ghosh is a founder and director of 9.9 Media. He has over 25 years of multi-functional expertise across production, distribution, sales and operations and supply chain management. In his last assignment, before co-founding 9.9 Media, he headed the circulation and distribution function at ABP, which is one of India's largest media companies. Besides ABP, he has also worked with the Indian Express and Reliance Energy. For Pick-a-College he offers his expertise on every aspect of the project and helps convert vision into reality. He is a chemical engineering graduate from Jadavpur University. Kanak is a self confessed gastronome and if he isn't busy eating and conversing with people, he is listening to music of the 60's and reading 'junk-fiction'.
Aparna Sati is a manager at 9.9 Media. She looks after brand development for the EDU Magazine and Pick-a-College. At Pick-a-College she is involved with the entire product development process. After graduating from computer science at Manipal Institute of Technology, she worked with TCS before joining the 9.9 family. When not working or eating-her two big obsessions-she loves spending time with her family.
Assistant Editor
Deepak Bhadana, an assistant editor, is a new addition to our team. He has trained as a journalist and this is his first job. His interests include a love for food, travel and animals of all sorts. Currently he is working on improving his cooking skills and a little bit of gardening.
Senior Economist and Professor of Economics
Rafiq Dossani is a senior economist at the RAND Corporation and professor of economics at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. His research interests include higher education, South Asian politics and economic development, and technology policy. Dossani is currently undertaking projects on the use of technology in early childhood education in the United States, on optimizing college search for high school students in India, strategic planning for education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and the use of technology-enhanced education at the University of Texas at Tyler. Previously, Dossani was a senior research scholar at Stanford University's Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center, and director of the Stanford Center for South Asia. Dossani holds a B.A. in economics from St. Stephen's College, New Delhi, India; an M.B.A. from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, India; and a Ph.D. in finance from Northwestern University. Rafiq loves to play with his one year old granddaughter, runs 2.5 miles a day, takes long walks in forests to watch tree-birds such as warblers, and, on demand, he also talks "sdrawkcab"(If you can't figure out the last word, here's a clue: imagine you are reading Arabic as you read it).
Senior Economist and Professor of Economics
Charles A. Goldman is a senior economist at the RAND Corporation and a professor of economics at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. He specializes in the economics of education, strategic planning for education systems, and organization and performance of schools, universities, and systems. One of his main research themes is measuring performance in higher education at the institution and system levels. Building on that work, he develops national and international university ranking and benchmarking systems and sits on the advisory board of the Shanghai Academic Rankings of World Universities. He has studied policy and implementation of both basic and higher education in the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, South Korea, Singapore, India, and China. He received his S.B. in computer science and engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his Ph.D. in economic analysis and policy from Stanford University, and held a postdoctoral fellowship in the Stanford School of Education. Charles enjoys traveling around the world, meeting new people, and trying new—and sometimes strange—foods from all over. When he is home in California, he likes to play and swim with his chocolate Labrador Retriever, named (chocolate) Chip.
Managing Editor
Radha Beteille is managing editor, EDU. She is a journalist by training and has extensive experience in the print and electronic media. She has worked with The Telegraph, The Hindustan Times and The Sunday Observer, NDTV.com in the past. Radha graduated in History from St Stephen's College, Delhi University, and went on to complete her Master's in History from the University of Delhi. Radha also worked at the Worldwide Fund for Nature – India (WWF-India) as their in-house editor. She has an avid interest in photography. Her subjects range from monuments, nature and wildlife, of which she has a small portfolio.
Thakral College of Technology (presently known as Oriental College of Technology, OCT for short) was founded in 2002 and is affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi Technical University.
Confused about your choice for a college? Or wondering what is the best stream for you? We'll help you clear your doubts.
Knowledge Partners
A Venture By


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Secure Login to Microsoft OWA
Pointsharp provide an easy and secure way to connect users and devices to Microsoft Outlook on the Web (previously called Outlook Web App, OWA). Full control and insight which users that are allowed to login and get access to company email.
Easy Login within 10 seconds
Step 1. User login to Microsoft Outlook on the Web (OWA) with username and password.
Step 2. User confirm with the Pointsharp Login App or by entering a One-Time Password (OTP).
Step 3. User have secure access to Microsoft Outlook on the Web (OWA).
Multi-factor Authentication
To secure the login of the user Pointsharp support a wide range of technologies to ensure the users is who they claim to be:
- Pointsharp Login App
- Trusted Devices with Device DNA
- Two-factor Authentication with One-Time Password
Infrastructure Protection
Pointsharp protect the infrastructure of Exchange OWA and connected backend services like Active Directory and Microsoft Exchange.
- Active Directory Lock-out protection
- Active Directory Brute-force protection
- Active Directory Denial-of-Service protection
- Pre-authentication
Password Protection
Pointsharp can authenticate the user either with the Active Directory Password or with a Pointsharp Password which avoid using the domain credentials externally.
For organizations that use smartcards and want to combine that with the user login to OWA on mobile devices can use Pointsharp to act as a bridge between the smartcard and the user login.
Insight and Control
Pointsharp provide full insight how your users and devices are accessing Microsoft Exchange Outlook on the Web. Everything is visible in Pointsharp Dashboard and you get full control of how your security is performing.
Modern Authentication
Pointsharp integrate and protect Microsoft AD FS and provide full support for Microsoft modern authentication.
Microsoft Certified
Pointsharp is a trusted ISV Gold partner to Microsoft and align both product development and integration with Microsoft technology and applications.


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Downey Fire and Police Department personnel prepare for all types of emergencies. Whether it's a non-emergency, public assistance response or a large scale fire response involving hazardous materials and the utilization of many local and outside resources all incidents demand proper staffing, specialized training and organizational skills.However, during a disaster, the number and scope of incidents can overwhelm conventional emergency services. There are simply not enough emergency resources available to mitigate all of the problems that may be caused by a serious earthquake or other large scale disaster. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program was created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help fill the immediate needs a community experiences when a disaster strikes. Several years ago specially trained Downey firefighters began teaching the CERT curriculum to interested members of the community. Since that time, more than 200 Downey community members have learned the essentials of basic emergency operations through this training. The Downey Fire Department is again offering a free CERT training course starting Saturday, May 30 and continuing on June 6th and 13th. The three Saturdays of training (24 hours total) conclude with the presentation of a FEMA CERT certification. Classes start each Saturday at 8 a.m. The CERT program is an all-risk, all-hazard training program designed for residents and business members. This valuable program is designed to develop the physical and mental skills necessary for self-protection and to assist families, neighbors and neighborhoods in an emergency situation. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens may initially be on their own and faced with an emergency situation. Trained citizens can take actions that will make a difference. It is true, untrained people will volunteer to help others, despite the dangers. However, one goal of the CERT program is for graduates of the program to respond effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger. In the CERT training, citizens learn to: •manage power and water utilities •put out small fires, •treat the three medical killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock, •provide basic medical aid, •search for and rescue victims safely, •organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective, •collect disaster intelligence to support first responder efforts. The CERT team meets the third Tuesday of each month at the headquarters fire station at 12222 Paramount Blvd. The meetings consist of a segment of related continuing education and an open meeting reviewing and planning for program offerings such as expanded training and community education. CERT members will soon be providing limited neighborhood operational training to community groups. Past CERT graduates are encouraged to contact the Fire Department if they have not been involved in the program recently. Several Downey CERT team members have continued with their training and volunteered for assignments with the Red Cross to disasters across the country. To sign up for the upcoming Downey CERT training class, contact the Downey Fire Department at (562) 904-7345.
********** Published: May 15, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 4


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Here is the article:
Strength, size, or functional athletic ability? This is the choice when it comes to weight lifting. Is weightlifting an adjunct to another more important goal, being a performance athlete? Is it a means to an end, sheer mass and bulk to be cut for aesthetic purposes? Is it just to be heaviest lifter in the gym or lift as heavy as you can?
There are many paths to fitness. Your goals will determine what defines that fitness. The power lifter and body builder are in terrible shape for a 100M race or any running. The marathoner won't be placing in the shot put tomorrow.
The performance athlete will have the most difficulty, figuring out what type of lifting can be successfully time managed into the rest of the skill sets specific to their sport.
I prefer, power lifting over bodybuilding, since power lifting has performance standards. But the pinnacle of general fitness is, decathlon or fighting sport training. Any decathlete or fighter would destroy a bodybuilder or power lifter, in almost any sport or skill oriented athletic event, except posing or maximum lifts, and some could actually do better than either in olympic lifts.
So if you are sculpting to look cute, your lifting path will involve a lot of sets and a huge number of isolation lifts. If you are lifting for absolute maximal strength, you will require fewer exercises, with a great emphasis on compound lifts (lifts requiring more than one joint or articulation). The performance athlete is more likely to require more explosive olympic style exercises (snatches, power cleans, clean and jerks and variations on those themes, for coordinated power, these lifts are either full body or very close to being full body.
When it comes to time management, the olympic type of lifts are the best, they are full body and jack up the heart rate almost as much as sprints. To check whether this is true for you weightlifters, try taking a one hundred lb. bar from the floor overhead twenty times with no break and in less than 45 seconds doing power clean&jerks. At age 56, I have done 135 lbs. 19 times, 185 6 times, and 225 lbs. once, and can do a standing military of 175 lbs. This is not weak for my age group. One major reason that strength increases from this type of training, that is not mentioned is the increase in anabolic hormones, caused by the increased total percentage of muscle mass being used at near absolute capacity, something alternating dumb bell curls will not do, thus the importance of leg work. My clients and I get a bigger anabolic impact from 15 minutes of quality lifting and loaded ballistic movement, than most lifters do in 90 minutes, diddling around with a bunch of time wasting isolation exercises. If you are younger, you should be able to do better. As always, before doing any type of exercise, make sure you have clearance from your M.D., and consult with a personal trainer to guide you on your path to health, and fitness, not just strength or aesthetics.
Edward Troy, personal trainer


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Today we celebrate the Visitation of Mary, who following the Angel's announcement that she has been chosen to be the Mother of the Savior, leaves, in haste to visit her elderly cousin, whom she learns from the angel is also pregnant and is in her sixth month. All is part of God's plan to bring about the salvation of the world. God is coming to earth, becoming a human being in Mary's womb, in order to make holy what was made unholy by our first parents' disobedience to God original plan for humankind. His Plan B would not be thwarted by pride and covetousness of divine nature, of humankind wanting to be God! Reconciliation between humanity and God would be accomplished through the Son of God showing God's absolute love in the giving His life for our redemption. The price of our ransom from Satan's snares, from sin, would be paid by the unblemished Lamb of God pouring out His blood for us once and for all upon the cross—an accomplishment of purification that no animal sacrifice, as in the Old Testament or any human being could have accomplished. Only a member of the Trinity could reconcile us to God.
Mary, conceived without sin, carries Jesus, the Son of God, the Creator of the Universe, in her virginal womb to visit Elizabeth. John leaps for joy in Elizabeth's womb when Mary greets her elderly pregnant cousin. John, in his mother's womb, is baptized with the Holy Spirit and freed from all sin by Jesus in His mother's womb. What a visit! What a sacred moment!
You and I also carry God in the core of our bodies. We, too, have the same power of God within us. When you and I visit or encounter others, are we aware of the power God has given us to transform each other, as John and Jesus did, as Mary and Elizabeth did? Or is our ability to make holy that which is and can be negatively affected by sin paled by our own lack of faith? Mary believed! What you and I?


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- Life-sized dolls (109)
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Dollstudio is an authorized vendor of the following manufacturers respectively brands (in alphabetical order):
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From these suppliers we can get any available product for you.
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Because of distribution limitations, we can not offer every product of these suppliers.
Products from the following brands respectively manufacturers are acquired through wholesale channels:
From the product lines of these manufacturers, we can get you several products that arre not listed in our catalogue. If you have any questions, just ask: View contact form.


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The Middle Season 1 Episode 5 : The Block Party
Brick's teachers tell Frankie and Mike that he is "socially challenged". Mike believes that enrolling Brick on a basketball team is a good way to get him to interact with others, but the idea falls through. However, when Mike enters the neighborhood block-party lawnmower contest, he realizes that Brick has some special talents. Meanwhile, Frankie joins a booster club in the hopes of raising enough money for Axl's football team to buy new jerseys, but Axl refuses to give his old one up.
Episode Guide
Season 01
Season 02
Season 03
Season 04
Season 05
Season 06
Season 07
Season 08
Season 09


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Seasons 1-5, 6, 7
"I've been rich and I've been famous, but happiness beats them both."
"Everybody loves a comeback story, especially starring me."
"Life is a journey, and I'm finding myself everyday!"
"People try to figure me out, but I'm one of a kind!"
"I was a child star, but now my most important role is being a mother.
Birthday: September 19th, 1964
Sign: Virgo
Kim Richards is a former child actress who is best known as the "Disney Girl," starring in such films as Escape To Witch Mountain and No Deposit, No Return. She also appeared in various television series including Nanny and The Professor, James at 15, Hello Larry,Different Strokes, CHiPS and Magnum PI. After co-starring in the feature film Tuff Turf with James Spader and Robert Downey Jr., Kim decided to go into early retirement and devote her time to raising a family. Kim has four children, Whitney, Chad, Kimberly and older daughter Brooke, who is keeping Kim's plate especially full as they plan her wedding.


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I received so many emails from all you in which you demonstrated such love and support for me to continue this blog after the unwarranted attacks that I received lately from one very unhappy soul. I even spoke on the phone with Micki, a wonderful Catholic blogger from the Midwest, who suggested that I prayerfully reconsider this decision.
'nuff said, friends . . . I'll keep the blog (that really is ALL of ours, not just mine) public and posted for all of us to come together to share and learn about "OUR Beautiful Catholic Faith"!
Many blessings to each and all of you for your kindness and support,


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vintage tartan blanklet = stylish headboard
pre-loved coffee table = on-trend bench
Sarah's projects, have a look at the source list and you will find chairs, side tables, and sconces that came from Chair Table Lamp. During this visit, I heart the followings:
Love this handsome chair: very well-made with intricate detailing and wood inlays, not to mention those graceful legs. Only if I am in the market for a set of dining chairs...
Fantastic faux bamboo 2-tiered side table on casters with cane detailing. Kevin told me Sarah used the same one in her farm house too!
How about this cabinet? I love the details at the top and the "Gucci" inspired hardware!
An elegant chandelier, would love to use it in a powder room.
Kevin also offers a great selection for vintage prints in gilded gold frames. Here are a couple with the nautical motif.
Chair Table Lamp is having a clearance until August 6th! If you haven't checked out the sale yet, you have exactly 7 days to hit the store!


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Oct. 26: Officers took a trespass complaint, responded to a commercial alarm, and investigated a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 600 block of N. Ash St.
Oct. 27: Police took two reports of an attempted scam, one report of a possible runaway juvenile, and a complaint of someone stealing cable TV services.
Oct. 28: Officers took a report of an abandoned boat at the city shop and a responded to a dog complaint.
Oct. 29: Police took complaints of trespassing and harassment.
Thursday: Officers took a report of an attempted phone scam and fingerprinted a person for employment.
Friday: Charges are pending against two out-of-state men who allegedly stole a bicycle from a garage. The person who reported the theft allegedly followed the men until police arrived.
Police also responded to a report of picnic tables being moved from the park into the roadway, took a report from a person who was scammed while purchasing baseball tickets online, and assisted with Trick or Treat Main St.
Saturday: Officers assisted with Toy Run, a Trick or Treat special event downtown, and a fire alarm at Tabor College.


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Update: NFL Changes Ruling Albany Will Get Local Broadcast
After battling with the NFL yesterday WXXA FOX 23 executives were able to gain the rights air the Giants game tonight.
FOX 23 GM Billy Sally said yesterday after being told by the NFL that Albany was not the "primary home market" for the NY Giants that he would fight all afternoon for the broadcast rights to tonights game. His fighting paid off.
Late yesterday the NFL came back with a decision and will allow WXXA FOX 23 to air the Giants and Vikings game toight at 7pm. Originally the NFL stated that only the direct home markets would be able to have access to the game but after an afternoon of appeals that decision was reversed.
The main issue was that ESPN has the rights to the Monday night game and th NFL doesn't want to lose the viewers for such a marquee match up between the Ravens and Texans, yuck. It's good that they finally got their heads on straight and let the people of the Capital Region watch their beloved G-Men. After all Albany is the summer home of the team, so to say we aren't a "home market" is just ridiculous.


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A Pacific Junction City Councilman is under fire after remarks he made in reference to Mexicans during last Monday's regular council meeting.
Following a request by The Opinion-Tribune for a copy of the audio recording of the meeting, Mayor Jim Lovely played the tape in the Pacific Junction City Hall on Tuesday.
A voice on the recorder, who Lovely identified as Councilman Rodney G. Bents, can be heard saying, "Well, then don't be getting hit by a Mexican up in Omaha."
I didn't know Edward Scissorhands was from Council Bluffs.
Apparently, he is. Why else would Council Bluffs let the Iowa West Foundation spend $3 million to erect a four-piece monument in Edward's honor on the corners of the 24th Street bridge over Interstate 80.
The sculptures, in the process of being installed this month, stand as tall as 60 feet high in some places.
By Tom Sperling
PACIFIC JUNCTION - More than 2,500 people gathered at the Mid America Motorplex Saturday evening to pay their respects to four motorcyclists who lost their lives in a collision Aug. 9 on the southbound lane of Interstate 29 near Little Sioux.
The Glenwood Board of Education approved a measure last Monday at its regular board meeting to upgrade the lights and electrical systems at the Glenwood Athletic Complex.
It's been seven years since the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) last started in Glenwood.
The Glenwood Area Chamber of Commerce believes it's time to bring the colorful bicyclists back to town.
Three Mills County men were among four motorcyclists who lost their lives in a head-on collision in a construction zone along Interstate 29 near Little Sioux on Monday.
Iowa Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Courtney Greene said the accident happened around 6 p.m. Monday when a pickup truck, which was traveling north, crossed the center line in a two-lane construction zone and collided head-on with four southbound motorcycles, which were riding in a close pack.
Zvia McCormick has officially assumed her duties as the new superintendent of the Glenwood Resource Center.
McCormick was hired June 24 to replace R. Scot Booth who resigned abruptly from the position earlier this year after less than six months on the job. Her first official day on the job was July 12.
If Mindy Lorimor, a four-sport varsity athlete at Fremont-Mills, had to list what sport was her favorite, she'd list them as follows:
1. Softball.
2. Softball.
3. Softball.
"I like basketball and volleyball, too," Lorimor conceded later. Much later.
Not just any athlete gets his own bus bench.
Then again, not every athlete had Johnny Fuller's year.
The Glenwood junior placed third at last fall's Iowa State Cross Country meet, the school's best ever individual finish. This after breaking the school record for the Rams' own cross country course and snagging his second straight Hawkeye 10 Conference title.
Copyright © 2019
The Opinion Tribune is your source for local news, sports, events and information in the city of Glenwood and Mills County, Iowa.


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Moderate Rejoicing?
CACN, Spring, 1999
I'm confused. It seems we are supposed to rejoice when the wicked are overcome with death, resulting in relief for the oppressed. Where we read things like, "I have seen the violent, wicked man spreading himself like a luxuriant tree in its native soil. Then he passed away, and lo, he was no more . . ." (Ps.37:35f)
And "The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance ; He will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked" (Ps. 58:10)
Ooh. I just can't get my unrighteous mind into that kind of rejoicing. But the upshot of it is this – all the rivers of innocent blood considered – "Men will say, 'Surely there is a God who judges the earth" (v. 11).
So, given the fact of unabated shedding of innocent blood carried on by, for example, American abortionists in land lighted abundantly by the very word of God printed in Bibles, spoken on the radio, and uttered from pulpits from sea to shining see¾that is, in a land where ladies and gentlemen who ought to know better¾ a fair-minded fellow might well call into question the existence of a righteous God who would allow such atrocities to continue.
Hence, all the rejoicing when the wicked are judged.
However, I happened upon a text which stimulated me to recall the fact that we must moderate our prayers such that the Lord continues His judgment upon the wicked.
'Tis so! Listen to this from God's Proverbs: "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him" (24:17,18).
Hmm. How shall we reconcile these ostensibly contradictory theses?
Are we not to understand that it is possible to rejoice inordinately when a baby killer is brought to some state of quiescence?
Yes, we sinners are given to overindulgence in all things. We whine too much; rejoice too much. There is a time for each and a proper attitude behind each.
Therefore, while fugacity among abortionists is a rising trend, let us moderate our joy over the termination of these miscreants so that we can rejoice in a godly way. Thus, says the proverb writer, will these righteous judgments by the God of heaven in the land not be interrupted.
Judge Brennan Hunting for justice
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165 photos
$560,000 280 acres 0000 CR 1700, Caney, KS 67333 - Montgomery County
Productive Recreational Farm with Access to Private Lake
This southeast Kansas gem offers excellent opportunity for all game seasons. Whitetail, turkey, waterfowl, and fishing - the last two of which are made possible by partial ownership of the private watershed lake. The lake offers approximately 65 surface acres in addition to the Coon Creek feeding it from the SW, which also divides this farm. The timbered draws and cedar pockets are premium habitat variables providing cover, food and bedding. With multiple locations for large productive food plots could draw deer in from miles to feed within the security of this farm with minimal pressure from neighboring properties. This farm is a clean slate that could be converted quickly to a wildlife oasis. Rural water is available along the east road
Zed Goodwin Midwest Land Group


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The Tour of Alberta
I talked a bit about the Tour of Alberta in the Photo of the Day post for August 29. Yesterday I had the opportunity to be able to attend the race! The photos from the race will comprise the photos of the day for yesterday and today.
The race started at 4:50 p.m. and consisted of 9 laps of a predetermined route. In total it was 106.9 km or 66.4 miles.
Before the race began the bikers were warming up and getting ready for the race. Below are a few pictures of this stage.
It was exhilarating to watch the start and see how fast these athletes could pick up speed. For the first lap I stayed downtown and watched them round a tight corner just before the lap line. (Photos below)
For the next lap I went back to the finish line to see some of the excitement going on there. It was great to see everyone out supporting the racers from all over the world.
I found a great vantage point on the parkade beside the Lethbridge Center.
I headed down the course to get some pictures out of downtown. It was great to see people all along the course cheering on the bikers.
I got a great shot of the leader with a big smile on his face!
Riding down along the course I saw a beautiful sight. A big Italian flag being flown! Having lived in Italy I was pretty excited to see someone cheering on the Italians in the race. Any chance to speak Italian makes my day!
This spot was at the top of the King of the Mountain stage of the race. Bikers had to climb from the bottom of the river valley back to the top of Scenic Drive N. I did it on my way back up from taking pictures down in the valley and I was exhausted halfway up the hill, so doing that nine times is very impressive.
I road out to the top of the coulee hills to get a good view of more of the race. From here I was able to get a picture of the racers with the High Level Bridge in the background.
At the bottom of the valley it was perfect to grab some pictures. The roads had been closed off so there were very few spectators that were down there.
For the second last lap I went partway up the hill. They still were flying going uphill.
For the last lap I just continued partway up the hill. It was exciting to see the final push of the bikers during the last lap.
So in the end here were the results of the day:
Colin Joyce of the United States won the Sprint, Best Young Rider, and Overall Winner with a time of 2.23'18".
Danilo Celano of Italy won King of the Mountain.
Antoine Duchesne of Québec was the best Canadian with a time of 2.23'31", fifth overall.
To see all of the photos together see the slideshow below.
2/9/2016 10:07:38 pm
Loved the photos and write up.
Leave a Reply.
Hello readers! I'm Brian, an amateur photographer. I will be posting photos I take, reviews of products, and any tips I can offer to fellow photographers out there! I hope you feel welcome to read, leave comments, and create discussion! Check out other posts on my Niume account here: Brian Sloan Blog
March 2017


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The over 2500 members of the Grad Club are derived from the five membership constituencies: the School of Graduate Studies and Research, the Faculty of Medicine, the MBA program, the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Education. Students in these disciplines pay a small portion of their student fees to help fund and operate the club, and in return receive a number of benefits.
All full members receive:
- A 10% discount on all food items
- Discounts on tickets for some special events (excluding concerts)
- The opportunity to book club rooms for meetings or special events free of charge (for more information on room bookings, click HERE)
- Room bookings can be invoiced for members free of charge
Students who choose to opt out of their membership automatically lose these privileges – But through discounts and special offers, your membership ends up paying for itself!
If you are an undergraduate student, a faculty or staff member, or a member the Kingston community who simply appreciates top notch food and drink, you can still enjoy the many benefits of Club membership by becoming a social member! To become a social member, apply in person at the Club.
*The Grad Club reserves the right to revoke memberships at any time in accordance to the Club By-Laws or House Rules. The Club's By-Laws and policies can be viewed by clicking here: Grad Club By-Laws (as of March 31, 2012)


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The Beach Beagle is an unseen animal character in the Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz. She is Snoopy's old girlfriend and is referreed to in a storyline that began on August 8, 1965.
Snoopy goes to the beach where he sees an old girlfriend, whom he calls the Beach-Beagle. Snoopy says that he used to go skating with her and that her father did not approve of their relationship, suggesting that she might be the same former fiancée that he met in a storyline which originally ran between January 25, 1965 and February 12, 1965. However he only calls her his "old skating girlfriend" and does not mention having been engaged to her.
At first, Snoopy does not want her to see him but then plans on impressing her. He decides to show off his surfing skills and do a number of tricks. Unfortunately, he wipes out and has to be rescued by Charlie Brown and Linus. After much scolding from Charlie Brown about his idiotic venture, he is then informed by his owner that the Beach-Beagle was at the beach with her golden retriever boyfriend, which causes Snoopy to become overwhelmed with sadness.


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By George Friedman Geopolitics is central to STRATFOR's methodology, providing the framework upon which we study the world. The foundation of geopolitics in our time is the study of the nation-state, and fundamental to this is the question of the relationship of the individual to the nation-state. Changes in the relationship of the individual to the nation and to the state are fundamental issues in geopolitics, and thus worth discussing. Many issues affect this complex relationship, notable among them the increasing global trend of multiple citizenship. This is obviously linked to the question of immigration, but it also raises a deeper question, namely, what is the meaning of citizenship in the 21st century?
Nation vs. StateIt is difficult to make sense of the international system without making sense of the nation-state. The concept is complicated by a reality that includes multinational states like Belgium, where national identity plays a significant role, and Russia or China, where it can be both significant and at times violent. In looking at the nation-state, the idea of nation is more complex, and perhaps more interesting, than that of state. The idea of nation is not always clear. At root, a nation is a group of people who share a fate, and with that fate, an identity. Nations can be consciously created, as the United States was. Nations can exist for hundreds or thousands of years, as seen in parts of Europe or Asia. However long a nation exists and whatever its origins, a nation is founded on what I've called elsewhere "love of one's own," a unique relationship with the community in which an individual is born or to which he chose to come. That affinity is the foundation of a nation. If that dissolves, the nation dissolves, something that has happened on numerous occasions in history. If a nation disappears, the international system begins to behave differently. And if nations in general lose their identity and cohesion, massive shifts might take place. Some might say it would be for better and others for worse. It is sufficient to note here that either way would make a profound difference. The state is much clearer: It is the political directorate of the nation. How the leaders are selected and how they govern varies widely. The relationship of the state to the nation also varies widely. Not all nations have states. Some are occupied by other nation-states. Some are divided between multiple states. Some are part of an entity that governs many nations. And some are communities that have developed systems of government that do not involve states, although this is increasingly rare. The relation to the nation is personal. The relation to the state is legal. We can see this linguistically in the case of the United States. I can state my relation to my nation simply: I am an American. I cannot state my relationship to my state nearly as simply. Saying I am a "United Statian" makes no sense. I have to say that I am a citizen of the United States, to state my legal relationship, not personal affinity. The linguistic complexity of the United States doesn't repeat itself everywhere, but a distinction does exist between nationality and citizenship. They may coincide easily, as when a person is born in a country and becomes a citizen simply through that, or they may develop, as when an individual is permitted to immigrate and become naturalized. Note the interesting formulation of that term, as it implies the creation of a natural relationship with the state. In the United States, the following oath is administered when one is permitted to become a citizen, generally five years after being permitted to immigrate:
I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.I should say I took this oath at the age of 17. Although I became a citizen of the United States when my father was naturalized years earlier, receiving my own citizenship papers involved going to a courthouse and taking this oath personally. Being confronted with the obligations of citizenship was a sobering experience. The American oath is one of the most rigorous; other nations have much simpler and less demanding oaths. Intriguingly, many countries with less explicitly demanding oaths are also countries where becoming a naturalized citizen is more difficult and less common. For the United States, a nation and a state that were consciously invented, the idea of immigration was inherent in the very idea of the nation, as was this oath. Immigration and naturalization required an oath of this magnitude, as naturalization meant taking on not only a new state identity but also a new national identity. The American nation was built on immigrants from other nations. Unless they were prepared to "absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen," the American enterprise could fall into chaos as immigrants came to the United States to secure the benefits of full citizenship but refused to abandon prior obligations and refused to agree to the obligations and sacrifices the oath demanded. The United States therefore is in a position shared only with a few other immigration-based nations, and it has staked out the most demanding position on naturalization.


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Tales of A First-Time Homebuyer
The Wall Street Journal is following the journey of the graduating class of 2013. We are using social media to connect with a number of graduates, and will be sharing their stories of real world work throughout the year.
Meredith Kenyon, 22, graduated from St John's University, NYC, in January 2013 with a degree in Hospitality and Management. Kenyon has been employed as a Marketing Coordinator for HeritageBank Mortgage in Atlanta since March.
She just signed papers completing her purchase on a house in Atlanta. This is a big milestone in anyone's life, especially for someone who has recently graduated.
Read her story, after the jump.