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Chris M. Parfitt
Attorney Profile
Top Rated Construction Litigation Attorney in Troy, MI
- Construction Litigation: Business (40%),
- Employment & Labor (40%),
- Business/Corporate (20%)
Attorney Chris M. Parfitt is a partner at the highly respected law firm of Deneweth, Dugan & Parfitt, P.C., where he serves clients from the Detroit metropolitan area, southeastern Michigan and throughout the entire Midwest. At the firm, Mr. Parfitt focuses his practice on employment law, which includes assisting businesses with the creation of employee handbooks, representing the interests of business clients in wrongful termination, wage-and-hour, harassment and discrimination claims, employee discipline, and assisting clients with compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Mr. Parfitt began his legal career in 1974 after earning his Juris Doctor from The University of Michigan Law School and his admission to the State Bar of Michigan. In 1988, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims also approved him to practice in its courtrooms. In the years that have passed since he began practicing law, Mr. Parfitt has earned a reputation in the legal community for providing outstanding services to his clients, as evidenced by his "Very Good" Avvo rating and his AV Preeminent* peer-rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
In addition to recognizing attorney Parfitt for his abilities both in the courtroom and at the negotiating table, the legal and business communities have also recognized his extensive legal knowledge. He is a regular lecturer on construction and employment law topics and a valued member of a number of legal associations, including the Oakland County Bar Association and the American Bar Association. In addition to being an association member, Mr. Parfitt has also been a member of the Fidelity and Surety Law committees of both associations since 1978.
*AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
- 40%Construction Litigation
- 40%Employment & Labor
- 20%Business/Corporate
Construction Defects, Employment Law - Employee, Unions, Wage & Hour Laws, Whistleblower, Sexual Harassment, Labor Law, Business Formation and Planning, Limited Liability Companies, Partnership, Sub-chapter S Corporations, Contracts, Business Organizations
Super Lawyers: 2008, 2010 - 2020
To: Chris M. Parfitt
Super Lawyers: Potential Client Inquiry
Additional Sources of Information About Chris M. Parfitt
About Chris Parfitt
Admitted: 1974, Michigan
Professional Webpage: http://www.michiganconstructionlaw.net/Attorneys/Chris-Parfi...
- Phi Eta Sigma
Bar/Professional Activity:
- United States Court of Federal Claims
- United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- Member, State Bar of Michigan, Labor and Employment Law Section
- Member, American Bar Association, Fidelity and Surety Law Committee, 1978 - Present
- Member, American Bar Association, Section on Torts and Insurance
- Member, American Bar Association, Forum Committee on Construction Industry
- Member, Oakland County Bar Association, Fidelity and Surety Law Committee, 1978 - Present
- Member, Oakland County Bar Association, Section on Torts and Insurance
- Member, Oakland County Bar Association, Forum Committee on Construction Industry
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims, 1988
- Michigan, 1974
- University of Michigan Alumni Association
- Detroit SHRM
- Member, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Detroit Economic Club
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- Lecture, Troy Chamber of Commerce on Employment law
- Independent Contractor or Employee? Misclassification of independent contractors can cause headaches for employers, Employer or Independent Contractor?
Educational Background:
- University of Detroit, B.A., magna cum laude, 1970
Industry Groups
- Business Formation
- Construction
- Construction Litigation
- Corporate Litigation
- Employer
- Independent Contractor
- Liens
- Unemployment Appeals
Chris M. Parfitt:
Last Updated: 3/24/2020


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OBGYN heads west for local women
WOMEN of southwest Queensland are set to benefit from a Mater obstetrician and gynaecologist who is now based at Roma Hospital.
In partnership with South West Hospital and Health Services, the specialist will cater to 13 central western Queensland towns.
Mater Mothers' Hospitals Medical Director Dr Mike Beckmann said Mater prided itself on delivering its mission to meet unmet community needs.
"Despite the relative isolation, women living in rural and regional Queensland should expect the same level of clinical service and specialist care as women who live in the city," he said.
"By having a Mater obstetrician and gynaecologist supporting the Flying O&G service, we will be able to provide specialist support and emergency back-up to GP obstetricians and midwives who deliver babies every day in rural and regional Queensland."
Dr Beckmann said Mater Specialists would also be running gynaecology clinics and performing elective procedures in local communities.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tiny Tribe Kids
Oversized cotton drawstring Santa bag
Regular price R 120.00
Perfect for keeping all those Christmas prezzies together!
Including a personalised print.
Size: 50cm x 70cm
Please note - rose gold print costs slightly more than black and white print.
NB Order lead time on all customised items is 15-20 working days from receipt of payment. No custom orders will go into production before payment is received. All orders placed by 1 December will be delivered on or before 20 December. ORDER CUT OFF FOR DELIVERY BEFORE CHRISTMAS WILL BE 1 DECEMBER.


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I have 12 awesome color palettes for everyone to use in their kit making and challenges! I hope they can be of some use to you all! There are 12 palettes in all that I have made into these cute ribbon holders. Use them in your kit making (and put them in your kits for sale as well) and challenges but DO NOT resell them as is!
Freebie Color Palettes
3 comments:
- AnonymousJanuary 22, 2010 at 11:40 PM
Thank you for freebies. Link on your post was added to Lori's freebie listReplyDelete
Thank you very much. Always in need of palettes.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 23, 2010 at 10:42 AM
Thank you so much for this Freebie. I want to let you know that I posted a link to your blog in CBH Digital Scrapbooking Freebies, under the Page 5 post on Jan. 23, 2010. Thanks again.ReplyDelete
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All News
ORNL's Communications team works with news media seeking information about the laboratory. Media may use the resources listed below or send questions to email@example.com.
1 - 10 of 64 Results
ITER, the world's largest international scientific collaboration, is beginning assembly of the fusion reactor tokamak that will include 12 different essential hardware systems provided by US ITER, which is managed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Scientists have found a new method to strategically add deuterium to benzene, an aromatic compound commonly found in crude oil. When applied to the active ingredient of drugs to incorporate deuterium, it could dramatically improve the drugs' efficacy and safety and even introduce new medicines.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers have discovered a better way to separate actinium-227, a rare isotope essential for an FDA-approved cancer treatment.
Scientists have tapped the immense power of the Summit supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to comb through millions of medical journal articles to identify potential vaccines, drugs and effective measures that could suppress or stop the spread of COVID-19.
For the second year in a row, a team from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge and Los Alamos national laboratories led a demonstration hosted by EPB, a community-based utility and telecommunications company serving Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory demonstrated a 20-kilowatt bi-directional wireless charging system on a UPS plug-in hybrid electric delivery truck, advancing the technology to a larger class of vehicles and enabling a new energy storage method for fleet owners and their facilities.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers working on neutron imaging capabilities for nuclear materials have developed a process for seeing the inside of uranium particles – without cutting them open.
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have used Summit, the world's most powerful and smartest supercomputer, to identify 77 small-molecule drug compounds that might warrant further study in the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which is responsible for the COVID-19 disease outbreak.
The prospect of simulating a fusion plasma is a step closer to reality thanks to a new computational tool developed by scientists in fusion physics, computer science and mathematics at ORNL.
Researchers at ORNL demonstrated that sodium-ion batteries can serve as a low-cost, high performance substitute for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries commonly used in robotics, power tools, and grid-scale energy storage.


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"BARCELONA, Spain — A long hail of whistles and jeers from a crowd numbering in the tens of thousands might not be the most articulate way to express a political opinion, Arnau Pans acknowledged with a shrug. But, in his eyes, it can serve a purpose. Pans, 24, is a die-hard fan of the soccer club F.C. Barcelona and, like many such fans, an active supporter of the Catalan independence movement. On Saturday, for the fifth consecutive year, Barcelona — the most high-profile of Catalan institutions — will appear in the final of the Copa del Rey, the oldest soccer tournament in Spain. And for the fifth straight year, that means questions about free expression and the boundaries of political etiquette are being debated as vehemently this week as questions about team tactics and lineups. …" NY Times (Video)
Roma send Barcelona out of Champions League: 'Debacle', 'ridicule', 'fall of an empire'April 13, 2018
"There is certainly a consensus among the Spanish media: Barcelona got what they deserved in Rome on Tuesday night, suffering elimination from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage for the third consecutive season after an abject performance. Having a 4-1 first-leg lead overturned by a Roma team 21 points off the pace in Serie A was the last thing Barca expected, and it will take a while for reality to sink in as the Catalan giants come to terms with one of the most shocking results in the club's recent history. …" BBC
Barcelona's Piqué and Suárez rub it in after Roma's own-goal giftsApril 5, 2018
"Roma scored three at the Camp Nou but their chances of reaching a first Champions League semi-final since 1984 are slim. This time it was not Lionel Messi who scored and while Luis Suárez ended his year-long wait for a Champions League goal, it was two own goals that set Barcelona on course for a first-leg victory. …" Guardian
Champions League quarter-finals: tie-by-tie analysisMarch 18, 2018
"We run the rule over the last-eight matches, including the all-Premier League duel between Liverpool and Manchester City, and predict who will triumph …" Guardian – Jonathan Wilson
Grounds for closer inspection, part 1: Sevilla and Real BetisFebruary 27, 2018
"In the first of a new series, JAMES EVANS examines the evolution of pairs of stadiums across the world; starting with the Spanish city of Seville and its two clubs – Sevilla and Real Betis. …" Football Pink, Grounds for closer inspection, part 2: Portsmouth and Plymouth Argyle, Grounds for closer inspection, part 3: Barcelona and Real Madrid
The Inverted SheepdogFebruary 27, 2018
"I'm standing just outside the Barcelona dressing-room door at Wembley, about an hour after Manchester United have been defeated 3-1 in the 2011 Champions League final. The dancing, singing and beer-drinking in the Catalan dressing-room have only just died down. I've been charged with interviewing two of the winning players, with the trophy, for the final Champions League Weekly television programme of the season and there is a desperate need for a player to emerge from the fiesta. Getting them agree to the damn request is another thing again. …" The Blizzard (2012)
Disjointed, vulnerable and slow: Barça exposed by Chelsea's tactical rigourFebruary 22, 2018
"The first leg, you suspect, went just as Antonio Conte would have wanted it to go – apart from the bit about not playing a square ball across your penalty area to Andrés Iniesta with 15 minutes of a Champions League match remaining. But that is the problem with great tactical plans: they always rely, ultimately, on that most fallible of species: humans. …" Guardian – Jonathan Wilson


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Date: 17 Jun 2015 19:14 Title: Quit or Fail?
This was a great look at the dynamics between Rachael and Maren, as well as the events that led her to engineering and her decision process. Really enjoyed the interactions and thought processes from all parties here.
Well worth the wait. :)
Date: 17 Jun 2015 18:51 Title: Quit or Fail?
Ah, so it wasn't immediately written in the stars that Maren would go into engineering. I do love how she just doesn't want to fail, no matter what.
Date: 20 Feb 2015 10:09 Title: Week Three
It's about time. No, not talking about Maren and JQ, that's a whole other disaster in the making, but Maren finally coming to realize where her true calling lies. And hey, it only took her almost burning up in Earth's atmosphere to figure it out. I actually quite enjoyed Maren not being good at things for a change. But now watch out galaxy, here comes the next great engineering genius. Are you ready for Maren O'Conner?
Date: 18 Feb 2015 12:54 Title: Week Three
WHEW. Well, that was a near disaster for Maren and JQ (one shuttle accident away from being a cautionary tale!). You captured Maren's boredom -- and frustration -- at being the only one not cleared for flight beautifully here, as well as the desperation that slowly (then quickly) crept in for everyone when they couldn't get those controls working.
But leave it to Maren O'Connor to fix something that's broken and fix it she did. This was a nice moment of win and self-discovery for her, and I'd imagine she's going to take that deal (getting of a class I'm failing with a C? I'd take that deal in a heartbeat).
As for Icheb ... man, you got to feel for the guy. Stuck in his dorm room, away from everyone he knew from VOY and having to deal with protesters (I wonder if all those crazy admirals just were tired of the Federation being so lax with protesters?), and considering a life where things would be easier.
But his heart -- dare I say, his soul -- is set on the stars and you conveyed that sense of destiny and want well. I especially liked the Seven cameo -- always a pleasure to see her happy (even if she as frowning a bit).
Looking forward to more -- especially the part where Icheb and Maren finally meet (like, for realz) and Team I/M can begin anew!
Date: 08 Jul 2014 20:29 Title: Insult to Injury
JQ; helping to ground Maren since the Academy.
Another great instalment and exploration of Academy days and curriculum events. It was terrific to see the excitement of Maren and John about going to Spacedock since neither of them had an upbringing that afforded them many opportunities to go visiting and traversing the stars like that.
It's a wonderful scene as they both share the viewport window and that exchange. No wonder the JQ/Maren party keeps winning converts when they have such hot little interactions. Especially as those interactions usually throw them for a spin. It makes the skirt chaser John forget skirt chasing and it makes the bookish Maren flush with other theories.
And interesting how they both are getting different experiences in the Academy and towards each other. Maren does obsess with her difficulties - maybe that's the problem with John - he makes / would make it too easy to be with him. Whereas when it comes to Icheb it's going to be a lot more of a challenge.
And perhaps we see here the flaw in Maren. She's brilliant at most things but fails to realise where she ought to be applying herself - to engineering and to JQ. Instead, she's stubborn and obstinate and pushes relentlessly and vainly at trying to improve at piloting. Failure does not become her and you know what it is troubling that she finds so much so easy. Life never ends up that way and it's usually easier to learn that lesson way earlier in life as it will better stand to you. JQ would be the perfect example of that. Icheb too for that matter.
Date: 08 Jul 2014 20:14 Title: Immersion
Darn you kes. You make something like a nervous date feel exactly like that, a nervous date, but you also manage to fit in loads of little science fiction tidbits that colour the scene that lifts it to another level. These include references to the vocal range of the singer to the feel of a wider universe populated by more than humans addign a different feel and colour to even human locations. Apart from the sci-fi there's a ton of neat Trek bits peppered throughout to make this feel very Trekian too. Some of which provides terrific quotes such as:
"Bloodwine, sex and battle," John explained. "Only cruder." He shrugged theatrically. "You know. It's Klingon."
Klingon Opera meets Klingon Rave. Seems weird at first but actually, I rather imagine it's the very thing that would happen. PS Loved the band's name and the sense of universe building by mere mention of how it did in the charts etc. Additionally, there's all the in-universe bits to get excited about here too. Among them, the fact that Maren is oblivious to things like music charts.
We get a lot about Maren here, a given given it's her POV but still how telling is it that she is making a stand for some former drone she knows nothing about? It goes to explain some how this sheltered and naive girl ends up for falling for someone who as something should frighten and repel her. But she sees in the plight of this nameless faceless drone the fact there's a real person behind it all, who perhaps has a family of his own.
But apart from all the insights into Maren and the introductions of a few characters who we learn really are A-holes by their later behaviour, is the insight into JQ. Firstly, we see through Maren's (JQ-is-easy-on-them) eyes just how he manages to be such a womaniser. But we also see that his approach to Maren seems less 'goal' orientated in terms of trying to simply score. He's patient with her, we see how protective he is at the entrance of the club sizing it up for threats before he leads her inwards, he is rather chaste at her door too.
Most telling though is his sudden anger and the barely contained thinly veilled anger it is. It shows where John was at in the beginning. Just how hot-headed he really was. Yes, it can be argued he's hot-headed still but not as here, not in that fiery rage mood. Very little seems to set him off here. Obviously, there's parallels to his upbringing and men around his mother type stuff going on but he had no real invested concern about Rachel. However, it's protector mode personified. If it had been Maren, one wonders - nay doubts - if he would have kept that anger in check. And again, telling is the fact that Maren pegs him for command. Again, it is other people seeing the potential in JQ before he can. He sees himself in the role of strong arm and muscle, little realising just how much more than that he can be.
Date: 06 Jul 2014 04:57 Title: Insult to Injury
Oh, poor JQ. When you got it bad for a girl, you got it bad. Totally understand his feelings here and I loved the interplay between him and Aaron. The roommates are quite good together (and the parallel between Maren and Rachel was nice, too). The description of the view was just beauitful, but poor Maren: she had a rough day of it.
Respect to JQ for not pouncing on the opportunity to do what he wanted, but rather being the friend she needed. As much as it'll pain him down the line, he's got his role figured out even now and performs it well. Looking forwad to how Maren inevitably ends up going into engineering and giving birth to one of the universes smartest duos with Icheb.
Date: 02 Jul 2014 17:47 Title: Insult to Injury
This would all be pretty tragic except for the fact that we know that she'll succeed and turn into one of Starfleet's finest engineers. And all the signs that that is her true destiny are there, she just hasn't realized yet.
I do like Jiri. She's hot and evil. What a combo.
Date: 05 Feb 2014 19:40 Title: Immersion
Well, that was an eventful night out and a real chance for Maren to come out of her shell a bit and be social for a change. Her chemistry with John is already undeniable and of course he's more than happy to help it along. Maren's journey is real fascinating stuff and all seems to be set in motion for one epic love triangle.
Date: 04 Feb 2014 23:27 Title: Immersion
Oh, poor Maren. I totally understand her self awareness and the running commentary. I get that way a lot of times when I'm in a social situation I'm unused to. I liked the way you integrated that in here while showing what was going on. We get a peek into JQs own demons, briefly, when he goes all dark like and Atherton shows himself to be a true Ahole, though one that has a semi-legitmate reason to be that way against the former Borg.
An enjoyable chapter to read, though one filled with future heartache for poor JQ who missed an opportunity (something I'm used to as well) and will regret that for some years. Well done.
Date: 17 Jan 2014 03:16 Title: Hard Reset
Get our shit done. Hee, hee, JQ you have a way with words for sure. Maren gets owned. Bad day gets badder. But this is the challenge to her on a personal level and you can imagine it plays out with other classmates too in other ways. They come from their lives and have had it easy but Academy life truly challenges them. JQ given his own hardships and real life struggles can take the knocks easier than Maren of course who has had such a sheltered life. Dreaming about escaping to the stars though all her perfect care free life she even imagined she'd be the one doing the flying. There's something telling about that belief that's almost delusional - especially given her gifts and where she excels.
Meantime, we get early insight into JQs tactical mind and of course his cut to the point approach is reflected in his flying style too. BUt he also recognises that they face the obstacle of trying to compete and compare with non-humans. Not in any kind of racial/species slur but simply as a tactical assessment of the situation.
Then we have Icheb. He knows everything already. His experience completely contrasts with the experiences of the other two. (I'm with him in the whole why the life story thing from the lecturer)A fascinating insight and one I am glad to see you tackled. I rather imagined it would not serve the challenges and highs he ever expected (worse still given his near hero worship of Starfleet from Voyager times). But yes, despite that, he lots to learn and lots he can benefit from by virtue of being at the Academy. Any other life, would not compute.
Lots of humour, warmth and developing characteristics that serve to define these characters later. Yet they have not been simply transplanted, we see real fresh, raw cadets, growing persons, not quite reaching or even knowing their potential.
Date: 17 Jan 2014 02:26 Title: Reveille
I like this oh os much. I have also read this before and I have reviewed or raved about it elsewhere even if you want to say otherwise and all of that. Simply put, you are wrong. Moving on to an actual review:
Love the Academy slice of life. I love just how daunting an experience it is. And no matter the time frame, finding yourself in college, in the big pond and being a small fish is just so overwhelming and there's no denying Maren is very much a small fish at this stage. For Icheb, it is slightly the other way in that he is a big fish in terms of notoriety by virtue of his nature. How funny, sweet and cosmically fated that he spies Maren and of all cadets takes a closer look at her. I know it is their minds and personalities that end up attracting one another but here we kinda got a little hint that maybe Icheb was drawn by the eye too? Hmmm?
And I've commented already on JQ and Maren's meeting and how much I loved that. I love the fitting of it into this day and quite frankly it really sums up the bad day she had. Such a shame for JQ that the bad day stuff gets in the way of his making an impression on Maren. Later it will be Icheb and all of that. Seems the guy was destined to be kicked into the friendship zone. How sorry. Honestly, you can see the potential with the two of them here. Though in fairness, the relationship that ends up developing with Icheb is more fascinating and different and the M/JQ might have been more pedestrian as a relationship. But still.
Date: 10 Oct 2013 19:25 Title: Hard Reset
The telepathic, sexy teacher was a classic. New cadets should really get a warning about this in their induction material.
I enjoy seeing these characters, especially John and Maren in their young, raw and experienced iterations. We get a chance to see what kind of people they have grown into. And some have grown more than others.
Date: 09 Oct 2013 01:32 Title: Hard Reset
LOVE IT. This was completely worth the wait. Icheb knowing all there is to know, already, was expected and you captured his utter bordeom (and minor annoyance at it all) quite well. Maren prepping herself for the classes ahead is a moment I'm sure all of us have. Unfortunately for her, she just wasn't cut out for the flying.
JQ and the instructor was absolutely made of win. That made me laugh aloud. He shoudn't be ashamed but him and telepaths ... this was a fun chapter. Next one looks even more fun. Well done, look forward to more, and get ready to party up!
Date: 09 Oct 2013 01:15 Title: Hard Reset
Ok, first off forgive me, im reviewing while eating lasgana. It's difficult. Two, that was awesome. I. Am. Jealous. Your ability to make things interesting in boring classes amazes me, I mean, I wish I could do that... But, alas...
Third, every time you mention Carmichael Hall I get this little smile. And a pang of guilt. I guess it's time to get off my ass. I can't concede Academy life to you! So, game on, girl. Bring it!
Still, I loved it. I could picture it vividly in my mind and still think Maren should be with JQ as opposed to that walking tin can. But hey... Whatcha gonna do.
Bottom line: Give. Me. More!
Date: 13 Aug 2013 15:15 Title: Reveille
Awww! Cadet Quigley ad Cadet Maren together are so cute! :)
Seriously, though, a great intro to the Academy for our plebes, with some rough introductions for Icheb, some humiliating encounters for Maren and - wouldn't you know it - some apparently easygoing beginnings for John. I loved the way you advanced all three of the characters through their encounters with one another, moving us from Icheb seeing Maren getting chewed out by her group leader to Maren bumping in to John in the replimat. You nailed the atmosphere and the eat or be eaten life of a first year cadet.
A great chapter, can't wait for more!
Date: 08 Jun 2013 15:03 Title: Reveille
Starfleet Academy sure ain't a breeze as Maren O'Conner is finding out the hard way. At least she made a friend thanks to an awkward encounter to remember.
It's going to be very interesting to find out more about the beginning of this three way friendship which will offer quite a few complications for these guys in their later years.
Date: 06 Jun 2013 16:51 Title: Reveille
Icheb vs. Atherton! Already I want to punch Atherton in the face. The kid is a legacy brat, a big one, and has his own issues to deal with (losing his mother sucks, of course, and I'm sure it sucked for him) but taking it out on an innocent guy (who, if Atherton was really more than just looking for someone to hate on would realize that Icheb was nowhere near Wolf 359) is just not cool.
So, Atherton, I'm lining you up for a beatdown in the near future. Whomever decides to do it will get a cookie (JQ, you know you want that cookie).
We get to see here that Icheb first catches a glimpse of Maren, who is getting dropped for twenty because some Vulcan decided to snitch on her because she dropped out step. All right, fine, it was a legitimate gripe, technically speaking, but it was unnecessary. I love the way Maren beats the Vulcan chick though … the way you described the race, the way she's aware of only the immediate threat (rather than everyone) is perfect. You felt like you were in her shoes (pardon the pun).
Maren getting some pats on the back, the accolades, was great to see but the Vulcan being the sore loser and getting the last word in was just a perfect way to end that scene.
And then we have JQ. Great to see this scene in context finally and, just as before, you clearly see JQ falling over himself for this girl. We feel your pain later JQ. We feel bad for you.
But Team I/M is about to see the liftoff point. We're excited. :)
Date: 05 Jun 2013 20:15 Title: Reveille
The atmosphere here is really excellent; the scenery just sort of flows into the mind like prose. I absolutely adore how you characterize all of them, too; I like that the Vulcan was at least not disrespectful to Icheb. That Icheb immediately took to Maren. That Maren smoked that race hardcore. That she and JQ met up and clicked that way. --JQ so obviously has a crush already!
The little details make it. I never got much of a chance to really explore the San Fran campus, but I can't honestly picture it any way better than you've got it here. Brilliant.
Date: 04 Jun 2013 23:51 Title: Reveille
Ah, and so it begins.
The pushups in particular, felt very real and true, the whole idea of being called out quickly and so thoroughly yelled at in front of everyone.
Some of the instructor bits that Maren recalled are a little like first year Law School. If they need to stand in order to recite their homework, then it'll have even more of a Law School feel to it (for the record, case recitation stinks, BTW).
Date: 31 May 2013 04:05 Title: Moving Day
That was refreshingly sweet - just the right amount of nervousness and bravado for each of them.
John strikes me as the extrovert of the group - one who can easily make friends and talk to others. Remarkable in a way for a guy who's come from a neglectful background. On the other hand it was probably a defense mechanism while growing up - either reach out and be part of something or be dragged down into the morass that was his family life.
Poor Icheb - it's proving a struggle already and he hasn't even made it to his dorm yet. The difficulties he is facing remind me so much of my favorite character - Spock. Not really at home anywhere and hoping that Starfleet will provide him with the sense of belonging he seeks.
But I must admit, it was Maren's bit that made me grin from ear to ear - waiting patiently to be noticed by the girls handing out room assignments who were more interested in flirting with the plebe guys. Noticing that the Vulcan was doing his job with an air of detached indifference, despite girls fawning over him. This bit of confidence was quickly overshadowed by nervousness as she found her assigned room full of a lot more people than just her new roommate.
How quickly she falls back on the comfortable, and familiar - worrying about the door; knowing it's only a matter of time before it breaks. Unpacking all her tools from home - something familiar and reassuring since she left her family behind? And offering to fix the door that the others seemed not to realize would break if propped open too long.
It seems like so far, J.Q. is the only one who's gotten off to a smooth start.
I love these three already. :D
Date: 31 May 2013 03:27 Title: August
Wow! This is a great introduction to these three, especially for me since I come to this as somewhat of a novice where these three are concerned.
Poor Icheb - never at home anywhere, never truly accepted or loved, even by his own parents. I love how members of the Voyager crew seem to have adopted him as one of their own, and are genuinely sharing in his joy at finally finding his place in the galaxy. Too bad the Academy will also prove to be a difficult road to travel.
Poor J.Q. - I had no idea that his home life was so bad. No wonder he can't wait to be away from all of that; on a fresh, new path fraught with possibilities. It seems he has had to be in charge and fairly independent for most of his formative years - couldn't count on Mommy Dearest for help in that department. That makes it all the more poignant that at this moment he is doubting himself - Is this the right move? Can he handle things academically? Something tells me he's a much stronger person than he gives himself credit for.
And Maren - leaving a warm, loving, close-knit family. It's gotta be harder for her than she is letting on, but the siren call of space and all it has to offer one so intellectually gifted can't be denied.
It's no wonder these three become such fast friends: J.Q. and Icheb share some of the same issues, whether they realize it or not, and I find it hard to believe that even though she is following her dreams, that Maren can walk away from her family without a backward glance. There's gonna be a void there that needs to be filled, and it seems J.Q. and Icheb will step up to that challenge - each in his own way, of course.
This makes me hungry to know more about the trio - to understand the tentative beginnings to the friendship and love that will sustain each of them in later years.
Date: 31 May 2013 03:13 Title: Moving Day
Damn, I want more Seven and Icheb scenes and interaction. Just something tragic and poignany about that relationship when you write them. Something very real. And alas he could do with Seven's support how very maternal of her to want to offer it to him. And how very him to turn it down. (Two drones walking around would not exactly have gone down well anyway)
The looks and whispered comments are to be expected but that doesn't excuse it and it but begins to point out the troubles and grief Icheb is going to face. It is going to be a long road and journey through the Academy for him.
Date: 31 May 2013 03:10 Title: Moving Day
Maren's first day is different to JQs. He finds a perfect room mate but Maren has perhaps the polar opposite to herself. Rach is 'popular' and seems to not quite appreciate the proper function of things. Propping the door open with the suitcase is endemic of that and goes to show how it runs completely counter to her own way of thinking. Maren's about order and function in many ways. Things work and things break and things that break can be fixed.
It's a rather positive outlook on life. sums her up in many ways. Also means she's going to stick things out, work at fixing the problem and not bailing out but of course not bailing out can mean getting hurt more in the long run too.
And of course, we see the rather prude or sheltered Maren here. Just what kind of life has she led up until now? Absorbed in mechanics and theories and her family boys probably did not feature highly on her radar. Yet she can sense and see it in others about her in the Academy so she's not some oddity. But I dare say the probability of it happening to her, of falling for a boy in the Academy has probably never entered into her equation of the parameters of the experience.
Date: 31 May 2013 03:04 Title: Moving Day
Loving JQ's first day. After the previous chapter and the previous chapter of his life for he seems already to have closed it and moved on. The Academy is a place of new chances and starts. He's got the universe waiting for him. He's going to enjoy this to the full. A life of no real responsibilities of not looking after other people's shit. Music. Fun. Ladies.
Cue the carefree, skirt chasing JQ. Ok, he was already probably a lot of those things but I think he's now at the Academy and yeah this is his chance to just have and enjoy his own life.
Loved the split scene set up by the way. Nicely done. And of course the little nod to Carmichael Hall - that a funngunner call out?


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Coldplay Releases Powerful New Lyric Video For "Miracles (Someone Special)" With Big Sean
Recently Coldplay released a powerful new lyric video for Miracles (Someone Special), the collaboration with Detroit rapper Big Sean from their new five-track Kaleidoscope EP.
The video was directed by Ben Mor (who also directed the band's Hymn For The Weekend clip). Based on historical photos from the 19th and 20th centuries, the video celebrates America's long history of welcoming immigrants from across the world.
The Kaleidoscope EP is out now to download and stream worldwide (the CD and vinyl versions of the EP will follow on August 4). Click to listen on Spotify or Apple Music / iTunes.
The EP was produced by the band's long-term collaborators Rik Simpson and Daniel Green, together with Bill Rahko, and features a new live version of Coldplay's hit single with The Chainsmokers, Something Just Like This, recorded in Tokyo in April. The full tracklisting is as follows:
- All I Can Think About Is You
- Miracles (Someone Special) – Coldplay & Big Sean
- Something Just Like This (Tokyo Remix) – Coldplay & The Chainsmokers
- Hypnotised
The song A L I E N S was co-written by Brian Eno, and co-produced by Eno, Rik Simpson and Markus Dravs. All proceeds from A L I E N S will go to Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS), an international NGO which rescues migrants and refugees in peril at sea in the Mediterranean. The band are patrons of the charity.
From Kaleidoscope EP
Parlophone/Atlantic Records
The A Head Full Of Dreams Tour continues to North America for dates in August, September and October, before culminating with newly-announced shows in Brazil and Argentina in November. More than 4.6 million tickets have now been sold for the tour. For the full list of upcoming concerts, go to coldplay.com/tour.


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I've been using a StarTech hard drive duplicator for a couple of years now to clone my computer's drive to other internal drives for testing purposes. Once my OS, apps and data are transferred over to a hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD), I can then use the target drive for review purposes.
The StarTech eSATA/USB Portable Drive Duplicator has been a great tool because it contains no software to slowdown or complicate the imaging process. You plug in a source drive and a target drive, hit the start button, and that's it -- a short time later, you've got an exact copy of your source drive.
So when StarTech asked me to review their a href="http://www.startech.com/HDD/Duplicators/USB-1-to-2-Standalone-Flash-Drive-Duplicator-Eraser~USBDUP12">USB Standalone Flash Drive Duplicator
, I looked forward to it.


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Mobirise 4.10.1 - Project now missing
I downloaded 4.10.1 today and the project I was working on earlier in the week has gone missing. I've checked appdata and there is nothing there between April and today so it looks as though I've completely lost all the work I did a couple of days ago. Has anyone had similar or any ideas how I recover this? Unfortunately I hadn't created a backup.
have you ever published the site locally? (highly recommended) If yes, you can restore in seconds
have you ever published it live to a host? If yes, you can restore it in a minute


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When a natural disaster such as a flood, fire, storm, or mold causes damage in a home, the damage is not just limited to the furnishings and structural elements. This type of damage often affects your personal belongings which may include soft contents such as clothing, drapes, and blankets, and because soft content is delicate, the damage can be particularly severe. RestorationMaster provides soft content restoration services in Memphis, TN to clean and restore soft content that has been heavily damaged in a disaster. We can effectively remove water, soot, odors, and mold from a wide range of soft content and restore its original condition.
Why Soft Content Restoration
When soft content such as clothing, linens, and others are damaged by soot, mold, or flood water, these items are typically considered lost. However, many soft content items including wedding dresses, stuffed animals, jackets, and purses have sentimental value to the people that own them and losing these items completely in a disaster can be devastating. The soft content restoration services that we provide can restore around 90 percent of damaged soft content using environmentally friendly cleaning solutions and equipment with no harsh chemicals that could ruin your items. These services will simplify the claims process by reducing the amount of damaged items and save you the money it would take to replace your damaged soft content.
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- Clothing and jackets
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If you have soft content such as clothing, bedding, rugs, or linens that have been damaged by a flood, fire, or mold, there is no need to panic. RestorationMaster can effectively restore all types of damaged soft content for homeowners in Memphis, TN with our soft content restoration services. Make sure to call us as soon as possible at (901) 410-4664 to help limit the damage and salvage your soft content.


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Denna artikel redovisar resultat från en studie av medarbetarsamtal mellan chefer och deras anställda. Studien, som omfattar videoinspelade samtal, intervjuer och en enkät, pekar på strukturella mekanismer och normer som försvårar för medarbetare att lyfta negativa upplevelser av stress i samtalen. Resultaten visar hur olika livsformer kolliderar och hur bilder av en god medarbetare formas av en delvis dold läroplan i organisationen.
Artikeln problematiserar diskursiva konstruktioner av stress i dagens arbetsliv ur ett genusperspektiv. Genom analys av intervjuer och inspelade medarbetarsamtal i tre organisationer argumenterar författarna för att normalisering av stress villkoras av nyliberala principer om valfrihet och individuella lösningar. I den nyliberala stressdiskursen frånskrivs arbetsgivare ansvar för stressproblematik, och en normalisering av stress riskerar därmed att dölja strukturer som blir diskriminerande och långsiktigt ohållbara för hälsa i arbetslivet.
Forskningen innebar en kartläggning av personal- och politikergruppers perspektiv på räddningstjänstens strategiska utveckling. Tidsperspektivet var nutid och 5-10 år framåt. Räddningstjänstsutvecklingen diskuterades utifrån de bakomliggande resonemangen i betänkandet om Lag om skydd mot olyckor.Kartläggningen av de olika perspektiven gjordes i sammanlagt 12 grupper från tre kommuner av olika storlek. Grupper från fyra hierarkiska nivåer inom kommunerna deltog i undersökningen: politisk ledning, räddningstjänstens ledning, chefer för arbetsstyrkor samt arbetslag. I diskussionerna identifierades gruppernas perspektiv vad gällde mål, säkerhetstänkande, prioriteringar och konfliktytor. Även interaktionen i grupperna studerades. Likheter och skillnader i gruppernas perspektiv på utvecklingen beskrivs utförligt i rapporten. Resultatet av studierna visade att samtliga personal- och politikergrupper påpekade behovet av ett omfattande utvecklingsarbete vad gällde skydds- och säkerhetsfrågor och en mycket högre grad av samordning inom kommunen som helhet. Samordningen behövde även förbättras mellan de hierarkiska nivåerna inom räddningstjänstens organisation inom två av kommunerna.Att ha olika perspektiv på räddningstjänstens utveckling och att inte vara överens om målet för den strategiska utvecklingen fick påtagliga känslomässiga konsekvenser för relationerna och samarbetet
Den svenska föreningen för tillämpad språkvetenskap (ASLA, Association Suédoise de Linguistique Appliquée) är den svenska avdelningen av internationella AILA (Association Internationale de Linguistique Appliquée). ASLA grundades 1966 och har till uppgift att främja forskning kring praktiska problem med anknytning till språk, förmedla kontakt mellan språkforskare i Sverige och andra länder, samt rekrytera till de forskningsnätverk som AILA organiserar.
ASLA-föreningen arrangerar regelbundet symposier vid olika svenska lärosäten där såväl svenska som utländska deltagare möts. För närvarande hålls symposiet vartannat år och den 12–13 april 2018 välkomnade Karlstads universitet deltagare från inte mindre än 15 länder. Temat för ASLAsymposiet 2018 var "Klassrumsforskning och språk(ande)", på engelska "Classroom research and language/languaging". Föreliggande volym representerar fjorton av de bidrag som presenterades vid symposiet och som på olika sätt anknyter till symposiets tema. Volymen speglar den bredd och det djup som den tillämpade språkvetenskapen och ASLA:s verksamhet representerar: från barn till vuxna, från aktionsforskning med lärare till språkandets många faser och både i och utanför skolan.
Drawing on ethnomethodology and conversation analysis, this paper examines video-recorded sequences of interaction where 'knowledge' is made relevant in annual performance appraisal interviews (PAIs) in a Swedish bank. We examine how managers and employees collaboratively construct, define, and negotiate knowledge, and seek to understand what knowledge talk is recruited for accomplishing on individual and organizational levels. The study aims to add to the existing literature on management and leadership as situated practice by examining the interactional work accomplished through talk about individual and collective knowledge in the context of PAIs. Findings reveal how participants draw upon formulations of individual and collective knowledge in interactional projects negotiating professional identities, knowledge boundaries and expertise, the organization of work, and a distribution of work tasks. We discuss how the appraisal component of the PAIs has an impact on the employees' epistemic positionings, and how knowledge talk is related to participants' situated negotiation concerning a division of labor, relations to clients and colleagues, and individual and organizational goals for learning. While PAIs are generally seen as a cog in the wheel of organizational performance management, we argue that they can also be viewed as a site for the situated practice of organizational knowledge management.
This paper examines how a standardized question is launched and received in a corpus of performance appraisal interviews, with a focus on how pre-formulated questions are translated into interaction. Using conversation analysis, we demonstrate that the same question becomes many different actions in practice. Prefaces as well as prosodic and lexical alterations make relevant different responses, and as such, the question can be recruited to initiate diverse interactional projects such as assessments and other socially delicate activities. As a consequence, goals of uniformity and standardization may be subverted. The interactional adaptations further evidence the strength of recipient design as reformulations also result in more fitted and personalized answers. Our study contributes to the understanding of standardization versus interactionalization, and points to the strong interrelationship between question design and the fitting of response options.
Despite a long-standing interest in repair practices, much is yet to be learned about participants' selections of components of the repair operation, and their systematic variation across contexts and languages (Hayashi, Raymond, & Sidnell, 2013b; Kitzinger, 2013, p. 241). The present paper targets the initiation of self-repair through examination of a particular discursive object, the Swedish conjunction eller ('or'), located in repair-prefacing position in a corpus of 79 second language (L2) oral proficiency tests. In the corpus, eller is systematically produced in Swedish, while surrounding talk is produced in the target language, English. As such, the repair initiations are code-switched (e.g., Auer, 1998b). Building on the recent work on or-prefaced repair initiations in English (Lerner & Kitzinger, 2015), we examine the role of eller-initiated repair (EIR), i.e. repair prefaced by eller, in the context of paired L2 tests. We also contrast EIRs with or-prefaced repair initiations in the same dataset. Findings indicate that EIRs serve to display trouble awareness, which may relate to necessary revisions of both form and content of the talk in English. The 'other-languageness' (Gafaranga, 2000) of the momentary code-switch amplifies test-takers' attention to what needs to be replaced or revised, and indicates to co-participants that self-repair is underway. The practice helps push forward turn transition and pre-empts conclusions about the speaker's stance or linguistic competence, which may be particularly relevant in a language testing context.
In everyday interaction, people recurrently animate, enact, or report on talk. As conversation analysts have shown, reported speech is often deployed in complaint sequences, joking, storytelling, and in moments where some socially delicate matter are to be addressed. In this paper, I examine instances where enactments of hypothetical, non-narrative talk are deployed in the context of modeling desirable stance or conduct. Through examination of segments from academic seminars and performance appraisal interviews in organizations, it is demonstrated how animations of possible talk are used as devices for illustrating proper or improper conduct in contexts that involve orientations to some kind of problematic behavior. Enactments of hypothetical talk (private thought, possible talk in hypothetical scenarios) then serve to illustrate possible, more appropriate conduct, which in turn works to build sequences of modeling or 'teaching' co-participants. I demonstrate how enactments of talk or thought serve to facilitate the socially delicate matter of implicitly criticizing the conduct of recipients, and to prescribe normative examples of appropriate or desired conduct. It is argued that modeling talk enactments are one of many resources available for doing implicit criticism and socialization, and that talk enactments are available for performing both explicit and implicit moral work (Drew, 1998) while also attending to the socially delicate nature of such projects.
Performance appraisal interviews are becoming an increasingly important tool for human resources management in organizations. In a corpus of performance appraisal interviews recorded in three different organizations, and using conversation analysis, I examine sequences in which gender is made relevant (or not made relevant) in the context of discussing work-related stress or work-life balance. In addition, I contrast the interaction data with findings from an interview study with participants, and consider the gap between gendered accounts in the interviews conducted by researchers and the displayed orientations to gendered matters in the naturalistic performance appraisal interviews. The study draws on conversation analytic work on qualitative interviews in the social sciences, work on the gendered notion of the 'ideal worker' in contemporary organizations, and studies on performance appraisal interviews as situated action.
In everyday interaction, people recurrently animate, enact, or report on talk or thought (Clift and Holt, 2007). In this article, enactments of hypothetical, non-narrative talk in advice-relevant sequences are examined, with a focus on their role in modeling desirable stance or conduct. Data consist of interactions in institutional settings, such as performance appraisal interviews, university teaching, and talk show counseling. It is demonstrated how enactments of possible talk are used as devices for hands-on demonstrations of proper or improper conduct in sequences involving orientations to some kind of problematic behavior or stance, which in turn works to make assessments about different types of conduct. The accomplishment of contrasts between desired and undesired conduct is central, and contributes to the assessment of particular behaviors or stances. Different delivery formats of enactments are examined and compared to the action accomplished. It is argued that modeling talk enactments (MTEs) constitute resources for doing implicit criticism and 'positive socialization' in interaction, and that through enactments, participants may perform both explicit and implicit moral work.
In the present paper, we report findings from a study of performance appraisal interviews between middle managers and employees. The study is based on analysis of video uptake of authentic performance appraisal interviews, and through detailed examination of participant conduct and orientation, we point to structural mechanisms and institutional norms which limit the possibilities for employees to raise topics connected to negative experiences of stress in performance appraisal talk. It is argued that norms concerning ideal employeeship are shaped by a partly hidden curriculum in the organization which in turn is talked into being in the performance appraisal interviews. The study concludes that empirical attention to the social interplay in performance appraisal interactions reveal how participant conduct aligns or disaligns with institutional and social underpinnings of workplace ideals.
De flesta elever vill förstås lyckas i skolan och göra väl ifrån sig under de nationella proven. Att vara framgångsrik i den muntliga delen av det nationella provet i engelska, där två elever samtalar utifrån på förhand givna ämnen, är dock en komplex historia där språklig färdighet samspelar med en rad andra förmågor och kompetenser (Sandlund & Sundqvist, 2011). I denna artikel analyserar vi hur elever och deras lärare samspelar under den muntliga delen av det nationella provet i engelska i årskurs 9 i syfte att visa hur olika förhållningssätt till provuppgiften samverkar och bitvis kolliderar under provets genomförande. Genom ett samtalsanalytiskt angreppssätt visar vi hur lärarens förförståelse av hur provuppgiften bör genomföras tar sig uttryck i handlingar som styr elevernas samtal i vissa riktningar. Det är inte vårt syfte att på något sätt värdera lärarens agerande under proven utan snarare att belysa de interaktionsmässiga effekterna av att det finns olika perspektiv på den pågående aktiviteten.
In foreign language speaking tests, testees are instructed to stick to the target language and repeated instances of codeswitching (CS) to testees' L1 during the test often impact test scores negatively (cf. Hasselgren, 1997). However, as conversation analysts have shown (e.g. Auer, 1999; Cromdal, 2000; Wei, 2002), CS is a complex interactional phenomenon, and the dismissal of CS as lacking competence risks resulting in unfair assessment. In the present paper, we discuss the deployment of CS in EFL speaking tests, with the question "Why that, in that language, right now?" (Ustunel & Seedhouse, 2005, p. 321) in focus. Using conversation analysis, we have examined all instances of CS in a dataset of 38 dyadic speaking tests for ninth graders in Sweden. For this presentation, we have focused on instances that appear when testees orient to the task-at-hand (Sandlund & Sundqvist, 2011). By examining the systematics of CS in sequences where the instructions for test-taking are, in some way, unclear to the testees, we discuss how their language choice in situ (L1 or English) becomes part of the task-as-process (cf. Breen, 1989). Aside from testees' EFL competence, CS can be linked to matters like testwiseness, problem-solving, and disalignment with the task. As such, CS in speaking tests can be viewed as a multi-faceted phenomenon and as a powerful resource for testees, in particular in contexts where they are faced with the challenge of producing assessable talk on pre-set topics they are unfamiliar with. Our findings indicate that it is important for teachers and examiners to have knowledge of CS and its variants in EFL speaking tests in order to conduct valid assessments, since a testee's deployment of CS may reflect interactional concerns rather than poor oral proficiency skills.
Presumably most students strive to do well in school and on national tests. However, even in standardized tests, students' and examiners' expectations on what it means to 'do well' may diverge in ways that are consequential to performance and assessment. In this paper, we examine how students and teachers in an L2 English peer–peer speaking national test (9th grade) display their understandings of appropriate ways of dealing with pre-set discussion tasks. Using conversation analysis and 38 recorded national tests in English in Sweden, we demonstrate, e.g., how teachers' displayed understandings of how tasks should be appropriately handled steer the interactional trajectory between students in particular directions. The analysis shows that participants spend much time on negotiating understandings of the task-at-hand. We argue that in terms of valid assessment of oral proficiency, task understandings merit more attention, as task negotiations inevitably generate different conditions for different dyads and teachers.
For assessment to be equitable, it is central that teachers/raters perceive and apply grade criteria similarly. However, in assessing L2 oral proficiency in paired tests, raters mustgrade test-takers individually on a joint interaction performance. With a conversation analytic approach, we examine closely one recording from a 9th-grade national test of L2English with an aim to uncover some aspects that underpin vastly divergent assessments (as assigned by three raters) of one test-taker. Findings pointing to issues such as moral stance, rater experiences, and the interlocutor effect are discussed in light of equity in L2 oral proficiency testing and assessment.
The present study takes as an empirical point of departure the nature of interaction in second language speaking tests. We examine the relationship between ratings of students performance in an oral proficiency test and the social practice of conducting test talk. Using conversation analysis, our focal point is how students in peer-driven test interactions manage trouble related to the task-at-hand. Given that students were assessed not only on their linguistic skills, but also on their interactional ability and treatment of topics assigned, our emphasis on task management stems from a hypothesis that orientation to the test task is intimately connected to overall test outcome. We demonstrate that different types of task-related trouble (TRT) reveal diverse understandings of the test task and that doing-being a successful task manager is connected to a moderate orientation to the task and test format. Students displaying such task management strategies were also assessed as highly proficient, whereas other task management strategies identified in our study correlated with low scores and grades. However, the relationship between subskill ratings and task management was not always clear-cut. We argue that the diverging understandings of the test task that learners display become part of how they are assessed and that certain task management strategies are rated less favorably than others. Our study holds promise for the fine-tuning of oral proficiency subskill ratings and raises questions as to the framing of test tasks, since this appears to have implications for student performance and evaluation.
In this paper, we address language teachers' continuing professional development (CPD) and engagement with research by demonstrating how research on English as a foreign language (EFL) speaking tests can be applied in professional training workshops on oral test interaction and assessment. Data were drawn from an ongoing research project targeting 9th-grade national English speaking tests in Sweden. Authentic test recordings analysed in a previous study (Sandlund & Sundqvist, 2013) formed the basis for workshops designed to initiate discussions on testing and assessing EFL oral proficiency. The two-fold aim of the study is to implement a research-based workshop model for increasing teachers' awareness of interaction in speaking tests, and to analyse teachers' self-reported insights from workshop participation with regard to conducting speaking tests and assessing oral proficiency. Workshop experiences were followed up with questionnaires. Findings reveal some noteworthy pedagogical implications of collaborative work with test recordings and assessment.
In this review article, empirical studies published from 2004 through 2014 on second-language (L2) oralproficiency testing are analyzed, with a specific focus on discourse and social interaction in such tests.Taking three common test setups, oral proficiency interviews (OPIs), paired peer tests, and group peertests as an organizing principle for the studies examined, recent developments in L2 oral proficiencytesting research are situated, reviewed, and discussed, with a particular focus on tests conducted in face-to-face contexts. Findings from the review of selected journals, databases, monographs, and edited collec-tions indicate (1) a prevalence of studies of the OPI format, but a growing research base on paired andgroup tests, (2) an absence of oral test studies in discourse journals, and (3) an emphasis on assessment,validation, and rater perspectives, as opposed to detailed analyses of interaction in L2 tests.
Under ASLA-symposiet hölls för första gången ett panelsamtal om forskningsbehov i språkämnena där lärare, språkforskare och gymnasieelever deltog. I detta kapitel situerar vi idén med panelsamtalet i studier av lärares roll i och för den praktiknära skolforskningen. Vi redogör för några modeller för samverkan mellan lärare och forskare och diskuterar identifierade framgångsfaktorer i praktiknära forskning. Vi redogör också för KIPPS, det samverkansprojekt som möjliggjorde panelsamtalet och den satsning på praktiknära skolforskning som det statliga ULF-avtalet möjliggjort. Vi diskuterar sedan de tankar och idéer som lyftes i panelsamtalet i ljuset av aktionsforskning, lärares forskningsengagemang samt behovet av ömsesidigt kunskapsutbyte och lärande. Slutligen ger vi några förslag till vägar framåt för tillämpad språkvetenskap och praktiknära forskning och ASLA-föreningens möjliga roll i en sådan utveckling.
The present paper looks at the issue of standardization in L2 oral testing. Whereas external examiners are frequently used globally, some countries opt for test-takers' own teachers as examiners instead. In the present study, Sweden is used as a case in point, with a focus on the mandatory, high-stakes, summative, 9th-grade national test in English (speaking part). The national test has the typical characteristics of standardized tests and its main objective is to contribute to equity in assessment and grading on a national level. However, using teachers as examiners raises problems for standardization. The aim of this study is to examine teachers'/examiners' practices and views regarding four aspects of the speaking test – test-taker grouping, recording practices, the actual test occasion, and examiner participation in students' test interactions – and to discuss findings in relation to issues concerning the normativity and practical feasibility of standardization, taking the perspectives of test-takers, teachers/examiners, and test constructors into account. In order to answer research questions linked to these four aspects of L2 oral testing, self-report survey data from a random sample of teachers (N = 204) and teacher interviews (N = 11) were collected and quantitative data were analyzed using inferential statistics. Survey findings revealed that despite thorough instructions, teacher practices and views vary greatly across all aspects, which was further confirmed by interview data. Three background variables – teacher certification, work experience, gender – were investigated to see whether they could provide explanations. Whereas certification and gender did not contribute significantly to explaining the findings, work experience bore some relevance, but effect sizes were generally small. The study concludes that using teachers as examiners is a well-functioning procedure in terms of assessment for learning, but raises doubts regarding assessment of learning and standardization; a solution for test authorities could be to frame the test as non-standardized.


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Impacts of intraspecific trait variation on ecological dynamics
Sebastian SCHREIBER
Department of Evolution and Ecology, UC Davis, USA firstname.lastname@example.com
(Seminar in English)
This talk will highlight two ways that trait variation can impact these dynamics. First, if the trait variation is sufficiently heritable and selection on this variation is sufficiently strong, evolution can occur over ecological time scales and, thereby, alter the ecological dynamics. Second, even if the trait variation isn't heritable, nonlinear relationships between individual traits and the associated demographic rates can result in individuals with more extreme traits having a disproportionately large effect on population-level processes i.e. nonlinear averaging.
I will illustrate these points with the effects of individual variation in infectiousness on disease outbreaks, individual variation in seed dispersal and seed production on rates of spatial spread, and intraspecific trait variation in competing species and their resources on competitive outcomes and, if time permits, coexistence times.
De septembre 2018 à juin 2019, les SEEM auront lieu à l'Université de Montpellier, bâtiment 23 (en face de l'ISEM), salle SC01 – voir flèche rouge sur le plan en pièce jointe.
From September 2018 to June 2019, the SEEMs will take place at the University of Montpellier, building 23 (opposite ISEM), room SC01 – see red arrow in the attached map.


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Gin of the Month
Despite a ruinous reputation dating back to the 18th Century (thanks for that, Hogarth), Gin is a remarkably sociable drink: the makers are fascinating, the drinkers are curious and the superfans are always, always willing to share everything they know about the spirit with fellow sippers. As such, we thought it was high time we launched our own meeting of minds for Gin fans.
Welcome to our new, no strings attached Gin club – Gin of the Month. The idea is simple: each month we'll be putting a spotlight on one Gin/Distillery that we think is really, truly brilliant. We'll send out a newsletter giving you a bit of backstory and botanical information, and if you think you like the look of it, you buy a bottle. Simple.
Here's the social aspect – at the end of each month, we'll be hosting a tasting session in our HQ, complete with G&Ts and cocktails. For those not able to reach London, we'll also be hosting a live social tasting on Instagram and giving you the recipe for a bespoke cocktail so you, too, can find some brilliant, emboldened ways to serve the gin.
The first gin we showcased was Port of Leith Distillery's Lind & Lime Gin. Initially we were wowed by its bottle (and so were our subscribers, who all but sold out our first lot), but the taste and the story won us over. It's great stuff, and It has certainly launched with a bang in our shop.
Gin of the Month is your way to experience something new, as part of a community, without committing to any long-term arrangements. There's no risk of trying something you've already tried before, nor are you likely to buy something you don't like the sound of. Keep an eye on your inbox to see who's up next, or head to our homepage to get involved with this month's activities.
September 2019:
August 2019:
July 2019:
June 2019:
May 2019:
April 2019:
March 2019:
February 2019:


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With the weather currently raining and the temperature at 33 degrees, it's with a heavy heart that I say the weather in Wisconsin STILL SUCKS.
I mean c'mon people, I have like 5 more weeks left before…. summer?? And you're telling me it's supposed to… snow??? This is the biggest April Fool's joke if I've ever seen one.
Anyways, March really didn't consist of much until recently.
This past week my family wen on our first Spring Break trip EVER. We spent a day in Nashville on our way to Orange Beach, Alabama and although the weather wasn't great, I still would have much rather been there then slaving away on homework and study for exams. But, now I'm back and I'm doing nothing but that.
Easter, although not spent at home with my family, was spent with another special person's family and I loved every minute of it.
Even though March was very uneventful, I made a few pacts to myself to try to become a more organized and well put together person as seasonal depression has really taken ahold of me. I absolutely hate living in Wisconsin and although the snow is pretty in December, after Christmas, I could really do without. Now with it being APRIL, this sense of depression and not wanting to do much really hasn't gone away. I really am a productive and hardworking person I swear, it's just this overwhelming feeling of laziness consumes me in these months and it's extremely hard to not succumb to it. I'm trying my best, I really am. But it would be nice if Mother Nature wanted to work with me on it instead of against me.


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Scrabble & Words with Friends Word Unscrambler
Definition of Joanna
1 Definition of Joanna
The definition of joanna, the meaning of word Joanna
Is joanna a scrabble word? Yes!
- -.- (1946–) a British television and film actress, known for being beautiful and for her upper-class way of speaking. She appeared on television in The New Avengers in the 1970s, and as the character Patsy in Absolutely Fabulous in the 1990s. In 2008 she played an important part in the Gurkha Justice Campaign which successfully persuaded the government to allow Gurkhas to live in Britain if they had spent four or more years in the British Army before 1997.
0 Synonym of Joanna
Joanna is worth 13 points in Words with Friends
There are 6 letters in joanna: A A J N N O


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Riding with a family is a great day out!
We have plenty of options to help make your day as easy as possible.
If you wish to hire bikes and ride from Queenstown / our shop you are in the right place.
If you wish to take the pressure off, take a look at our Bike The Bridges Tour. This tour includes a support driver, so if the kids get tired, or you need gear transported along the track, or if navigation is a concern, your driver is there to ensure your day is as relaxed as possible.
It is also worth considering riding Beach To Bay. A short shuttle ride gives you and the family a great one-way riding adventure.


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I am sure you have noticed that the modern man cares about his appearance and entrepreneurs have noticed too and are thus coming up with grooming parlors to meet that need. Luckily, here are some tips that would come in handy in the search.
First, look at the reviews that a men's grooming service has before you choose it. Make sure that the men's grooming service you choose has a good reputation. For more info on Medical Grooming Services, click Barber Surgeons Guild. By looking at the remarks that past customers are leaving on the barbershop's website, about them then you will know what sort of work they do. It is better to choose a men's grooming service that has more great reviews.
You need to look at the price they are charging. Go for a men's grooming service that charges you reasonably based on what services they are offering. It is better to avoid grooming services that have rates greater that you can afford so that you do not get into debt. Also avoid any barbershop with abnormal rates. The abnormal rates they have could be an indication of the poor quality services they offer or their greed.
Cosnider the qualifications of the barbers and other attendants at the barbershop. The barbers should have a certificate from a recognized hair grooming school. If the men's grooming service has trained barbers, then you can be assured of their services. Let the men's grooming services have licensed service providers. their experience in grooming will enable them to do a great job very fast. they are able to do this because they have had time to perfect their men's grooming skills.
You need to factor in the location of the grooming parlor before you opt for them. Visit medical grooming to learn more about Medical Grooming Services. Go for a men's grooming service that is located in your area because it will be easier for you to access them without additional costs in transportation. If you want to save on costs then a parlor in your area will do you just fine.
Lastly, consider the equipment, cosmetics, furniture and other materials that the grooming service has. the quality of the grooming services they offer is pegged on the resources they have. Therefore, choose a men's grooming service that has the right resources.
At least when you have the guidelines above, choosing a good men's grooming service will be easier.


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There's a big question online, should you invite kids to weddings? With the Royal wedding just days away, we're sharing some of our top tips to manage kids at weddings if you are planning a wedding or going to one this summer.
How can you keep your kids busy at a wedding?
1. Bubbles are always a winner with little ones. You can buy a little pot of bubbles to keep them entertained on the big day without making any noise or mess! You might even find the adults getting involved too.
2. Give your kids a disposable camera with a little "I Spy" game to play. Include a check list of cute poses which your child can capture themselves (and you can keep the images too). Some ideas to include on the list are: a heart made with hands, a cute couple, laughter, a hug and of course the bride and groom together
3. Buy or create a wedding-themed sticker book. Your little ones will love decorating the wedding dress or the bride's hair with cute and colourful stickers – plus you don't need to worry about crayons getting on the tablecloth.
What should your kids wear to a wedding?
Children's wedding outfits can be a tricky one to put together. For little girls, floral and lace dresses are always sweet and for little boys we love pinstripe waistcoats and cute bow-ties. Our top tip is to layer up, bring a cardigan or jacket in your bag and don't forget a sunhat to keep little heads safe from the sun.
Our top pick for girls: Limited Edition floral print dress
Our top pick for boys: Limited Edition pinstripe waistcoat
Explore our full wedding collection here.
Share your pictures of your little ones in their wedding best with us on Instagram @newbielovers


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04 Aug, 2011
Year End Event Makes Waves at Watershed
The DC Chapter Year End event June 15 was a wonderful evening to see industry friends and make new connections, celebrate a successful year of programs and events, introduce/vote in the 2011-2012 board of directors and present well-deserved chapter awards.
A special thanks from the Board goes not only to our award winners, but also to each and every member who volunteers, participates, supports and leads our chapter - the largest in all of SMPS! We are where we are – number one – in large part because of the generosity of time, energy, creativity, and spirit our members share with and dedicate to SMPS.
Recap of the Year End program:
Chapter president Alison Carney, CPSM, thanked the 2010-2011 SMPS DC Chapter Board and chapter administrator Jennifer Prevette, and presented each with a small token of appreciation.
President-elect Joe Monahan, CPSM, presented the 2011-2012 DC Chapter Board slate, followed by a unanimous vote of approval by membership.
Joe recognized the chapter's CPSMs achieved over the past 12 months, and recognized and thanked CPSM Bootcamp co-champions Falynn Schmidt, CPSM, and Michelle Monnett.
Crystal Stowe of the Membership committee and Treasurer Kathleen Held presented college scholarships to three worthy recipients (the fourth could not join us).
Kathleen explained the chapter's new Pay it Forward Grant (a full-ride to Build Business) and presented the grant to Falynn Schmidt.
Alison announced and presented the following chapter awards:
New Heights Volunteer Awards: (for outstanding member volunteer contributions to chapter committees)
- Education – Kate Erdy, SmithGroup
- Lunch Programs – Laura Monahan, Paciulli Simmons
- Membership – Crystal Stowe, MBP
- Special Events – Jennifer Harrison, Grimm + Parker
- Principals Roundtable – Kelley Milloy, BE&K
- PR/Communications – Chris Denby, Markitecture Consulting
- Sponsorship – Shelley Spencer, Protection Engineering Group
Rising Star Award: (for member with less than five years of industry experience who has shown dedication to the chapter through committee involvement, and who demonstrates high potential)
- Kate Erdy, SmithGroup
President's Award: (for member instrumental in chapter leadership, especially deserving of public recognition and appreciation for service to the chapter and support of the president)
- Pat Ellis, CPSM, Faithful + Gould
Ginny Solomon Golden Tuba Award: (for significant contribution to the marketing for professional services arena by virtue of outstanding advancement of the marketing profession)
- Ron Worth, CAE, FSMPS, CPSM, SMPS National
[flickr album=72157626853217991 num=5 size=Thumbnail]


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Labour Minister Kellie Leitch responds to a question during question period in the House of Commons Thursday December 4, 2014 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
It was a week of semantic satiation in Ottawa, with politicos parsing "anti-Canadian values" so many times that the phrase seemed to become almost meaningless.
Conservative leadership contender Kellie Leitch's polling on whether newcomers to the country should be screened for their Canadian-ness has her Conservative competitors tying themselves in knots, and the chattering classes wondering if there is a growing market of voters who would be driven to cast ballots based on how they perceive immigrants.
The NDP has had its own existential crisis this week, leaving a federal political landscape with its two main opposition blocs consumed by internal disagreements over what their parties stand for and how they should seize the future.
As they soul-search, the Liberals are edging ahead with new policies and approaches that could change the way we relate to the broader world.
Here are three ways federal politics affected Canadians this week:
Leitch's persistence on identity politics forced several of her rivals into a corner this week, prompting them to engage on the touchy subject of how much newcomers should be pushed into being like the rest of us. The debate has shaken up the Conservative leadership race, with its ever-lengthening list of candidates, and drawn condemnation from some lifelong Conservatives worried that the party will be scarred as intolerant.
It wasn't the only party wrestling with its internal dynamics.
New Democrats are limping along in the polls and in fundraising efforts after a low-profile summer. Now, as MPs gear up for their annual caucus retreat, the near-term future of leader Tom Mulcair is very much in question.
He lost the confidence of the broader party last spring, but the caucus agreed to let him stay on as leader until a new one is chosen in October 2017. Now, some former and current MPs are having second thoughts and are not-too-quietly advocating for his immediate departure.
But who would take over? Unlike the Conservatives with its growing list of leadership candidates, the NDP has exactly zero so far.
Both parties realize, however, that if they don't find unity of purpose soon, they risk giving the Liberals carte blanche in the House of Commons just as their policy agenda gears up.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau returned from a lengthy, high-profile trip to China on Wednesday that was meant to reset the relationship with that country, open the door for business and investment, and trumpet Canada's approach to fiscal policy on the world stage provided by the G20 summit in Hangzhou.
For Canadians, the government's ultimate aim with China is rooted in its economic agenda. Canada, like much of the Western world, is desperate to find new ways to get out of the economic doldrums and consistently register stronger growth. Tapping into the burgeoning Chinese middle class, and into Asia in general, is key.
Did Trudeau accomplish what he set out to do? He signed on to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank — a big ask from China. He won a temporary reprieve for Canadian canola producers who were facing a ban.
At the start of the trip, he spoke openly and critically about China's human rights record — and was taken to task by the state-owned media, which pointed to Canada's own record with Aboriginal Peoples. By the end of the trip, Trudeau was also pointing critically to Canada's record with Aboriginal Peoples.
At the G20, while there was no overt recognition for Canada's fiscal policy approach, the group's final communique was in sync with Canada's quest to promote growth through infrastructure investment, using short-term deficits if need be.
Will any of these developments tighten the ties between the two countries in a productive way? It will take years to determine whether Canada gave more than it gained.
The broadcast regulator's plans to have cable television providers offer a "skinny basic" package of television choices are off to a bumpy start.
The CRTC told cable companies last year they had to offer the slimmed-down package for less than $25 a month in order to provide consumers with affordable options. But six months into the experiment, the CRTC has been getting an earful from consumers who have complained that service providers are finding other ways to squeeze money out of them, attaching extra conditions to the skinny basic packages.
This week, the regulator reconvened all the major players to let them know they were being closely watched.
But as the delivery of television and video becomes more digital, more varied and more sophisticated, how long can the regulator hold sway?


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Active Queue Management (AQM) Based on Proportional Integral Controller Enhanced PIE) for Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) Cable Modems
Note: This ballot was opened for revision 02 and is now closed.
Alissa Cooper Yes
(Spencer Dawkins) Yes
(Martin Stiemerling) Yes
(Jari Arkko) No Objection
(Alia Atlas) No Objection
Deborah Brungard No Objection
(Ben Campbell) No Objection
(Stephen Farrell) No Objection
(Joel Jaeggli) No Objection
Comment (2016-03-15)
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For my own edification I assume that the latency target is expected to fall within o LATENCY_LOW = 5 ms o LATENCY_HIGH = 200 ms. but presumably it's most usable at the bottom end of that range? why is the lower bound at 5ms? is it simply unreasonable to target below that or is it bounded by the resource contention of the subscribers.


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Jake the Gyll To Live Out NFL Fantasies
Today comes word that Universal Pictures will turn the life of Joe Namath (here, left) into a feature film, with Jake Gyllenhaal (here, right) playing the Hall of Fame quarterback. While other quarterbacks racked up bigger lifetime stats, Namath became the first football player to achieve rock-star status. The pic will tell the story of how the golden-armed kid from Beaver Falls, Pa., became Broadway Joe, the New York Jets quarterback who became a '60s cultural figure. Here's my question: Jake's a politically high-minded type: will he wear the fur?


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Simple Design, Intense Content introduced us to Edward Tufte.
Tufte's notable talent: communicating highly complex analytical data in an accessible presentation. His principles can also be extended to website design.
The relevance of Tufte's principles was to me to illustrate how much structured information can be compressed if we aren't limited to cookie-cutter approaches. However, that implies a tremendous creative effort at least by a few individuals to process and compress information in innovative ways.
Tufte teaches that Information Overload is due to Organization Underload. An example of this is the number of dimensions one utilizes to structure a design. In a past post I used this graphic (click to see enlarged):
What I was trying to convey was that there are generic multidimensional strategies well beyond a bipolar organization such as form and function. One of those strategies is the basic interrogatives which I presented as follows:
Instead of a bipolar organization we have a hexapolar organization. We are able to take the interaction we are trying to achieve and consider it from a more diverse number of focuses. This refines our website design by filtering out unnecessary goals, data, processes, browsers, events and audiences and enabling us to enhance what remains.
If your website is still too complex it may be necessary to consider a duodecapolar (12 focus) organization, but that is outside the scope of this post. However, I do recommend exploring Faceted Classification.


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Sell Your Junk Car For Fast Cash
09 Sep 2017 05:44
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