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A Guide to Downsizing for Seniors and Their Loved Ones
There are all kinds of benefits to downsizing in your golden years — lower energy bills, a smaller space to clean and maintain, and the potential of moving closer to loved ones are just a few. It's a wonderful way to open the door to the next stage of your life. Even so, downsizing can be a difficult and sometimes painful experience for seniors. Saying goodbye to the home they've raised a family in doesn't come easily, even if it's the right choice from a logical standpoint.
This guide is designed to make the downsizing process as simple as possible for seniors and their loved ones. It will help prepare both house and senior for the transition, as well as offer advice to loved ones on the duties they can help perform. Keep the lines of communication open, take it one step at a time, and don't rush into anything before you're ready.
Step One: Determine Where the Senior is Going
It's important to establish exactly where the senior is headed. Not only will it affect just how much they should (or must) downsize, it adds an exciting element to the process: instead of focusing on leaving their old home behind, a downsizing senior can look forward to their new home.
Of course, where the senior goes will depend on any number of factors. Mobility and ability restrictions, care-giving needs, location of loved ones, and budget will all play a role. The senior's preferences are also crucial to the equation, and should be taken into consideration at each step. There will likely need to be compromises, especially if budget concerns are an issue, so be prepared to have multiple conversations to work out all the details. Keep in mind that the arrangements can look just about any way you want them to — many retirement communities and assisted living facilities offer personalized options to meet any need or comfort — so it's important to make sure everyone feels comfortable with them.
There are five main options for downsizing seniors:
- Buying a smaller house or condo
- Renting a smaller home
- Moving in with a loved one (adult child, sibling, etc.)
- Moving into a retirement community
- Entering assisted living
The sooner you discuss what downsizing will actually look like, the more time everyone will have to evaluate all of the options. Don't force the conversation if the senior seems resistant to the idea; unless your loved one has had a recent medical or care-giving issue that could hinder their quality of life, there's no need to rush into talking about it. Bring the topic up again at a later date, potentially with additional support from family or friends. It shouldn't feel like an intervention or anyone trying to make decisions for the senior, but a group of loved ones who genuinely want to help figure out a positive solution to their living situation.
Step Two: Declutter
It's amazing the number of things you can acquire over the course of a lifetime. From an endless array of dishes to closets full of linens to the many mementos and knickknacks of a life well-lived, addressing these items quickly feels overwhelming for seniors and their loved ones. It's also an incredibly emotional process for the senior involved. These aren't just objects, they're memories; they're what's made the house a home for all these years. Whether it's you or a loved one downsizing, it's important to acknowledge and respect this loss. Go into the process prepared to part with plenty, but giving yourself room to keep the items that mean most.
The most straightforward way to sort through items is to ask yourself four questions about the item:
- Do I need it or want it?
- Does it have sentimental value?
- Do I use it often?
- Do I have another item that performs the same function?
Do I need it or want it?
You don't have to throw out everything you can literally live without, but you should be pretty strict about your definition of need. If you have a bread maker that's been sitting in the cabinet untouched for years, don't feel like you "should" keep it just because it was a Hanukkah gift. Think realistically about the years ahead: will you use it more than a few times? Are you genuinely excited for the few times you'll use it? Will it make an important difference in your life to hold onto the item? It's OK to say yes, but skip the guilt if the answer is no. Downsizing is about simplifying, so make a decision and feel confident in sticking to it.
Answering whether or not you want something is complicated — it's hard to say you don't want something you've had for decades, no matter what it is. Start by making a list of your absolute must-haves, the things you absolutely refuse to leave behind. It might include items like:
- Your engagement ring or wedding band
- Pocket watch
- Photo albums
- Sobriety chips
- Military badges, garments, etc.
Sit down and create a list with absolutely everything that comes to mind. Be realistic — maybe you'll keep only a few of your favorite porcelain frogs rather than the entire 43-piece collection — but don't worry if it seems long. Over time, reflect on each item. You don't have to sit and agonize, just ponder the list while you're doing the dishes, going for a walk, or running errands. Are there any items that, in retrospect, you're ready to part with? Is there anything you'd like to give to a loved one instead? Do you know anyone who could get more use or value out of an object? Keep in mind that even if you plan to leave someone an item in the future, it can be a beautiful gift to actually watch them appreciate it in the present.
Does it have sentimental value?
The hardest items to part with will be the ones directly tied to beloved memories with your family and friends. Still, if you kept absolutely everything of sentimental value, downsizing would be impossible. Use the packing and sorting process as a way to reflect and let go. As you and a loved one go through your things, talk about them and the memories they conjure up. If you're working solo, it can still be therapeutic to say these thoughts out loud — you can even tell your dog about the items. Just letting yourself really look back and appreciate the good times can sometimes be enough to help you let go of the mementos.
Do I use this item often?
There are going to be some items you're simply used to having around, but ultimately don't use very much. Think about your day-to-day routine: which items do you use the most? When you look around your house, which objects have been merely functional décor? Additionally, consider whether where you're going will have a valuable replacement — just because you've always used a traditional toaster doesn't mean you can't adapt to your daughter's toaster oven, for instance. Continue to be realistic about the future, keeping in mind that there might be someone else who would get much more use out of the item.
Do I have another item that performs the same function?
Whether it's two blenders or a dozen winter coats, duplicate items are the easiest way to downsize. Choose the newest or best-functioning electronic (don't forget to test them out to ensure everything's in good working order), and a reasonable amount of more practical items like towels, blankets, outerwear, and other clothing. Use the opportunity to clean out your closet. Embrace the opportunity to minimize: if you really only ever wear the same three cardigans, keep those and donate the rest. Make sure you'll have everything you'll need, but be willing to see a smaller wardrobe. Remember: it means less laundry!
Step 3: Find new homes for the items you aren't keeping
Moving expenses can get to be pretty pricey, especially if you hire a professional moving company or consult with a senior move manager. Yard sales are a great way to make some extra money to help fund the move, and a great way to find new homes for your things quickly.
Choose a day that's likely to be nice, even if it's somewhat far in the future. It might feel frustrating to wait a few months until fall, but having a yard sale in the dead of summer can be miserable in hotter regions. Plus, shoppers will be eager to get out of the sun and probably won't have much patience. You may need to check with your neighborhood association or city zoning about having a yard sale, so find out what's required in your area ahead of time.
Don't underestimate the power of signage and advertisement for your yard sale — place them throughout the neighborhood, even several streets over. You never know who might be looking for bargains! Price items low and be prepared for people to negotiate. It's more important to clear your yard of as many items as possible than to get a couple more dollars, so use your best judgment when it comes to bartering. And don't forget to put your most valuable items in clear view so people can see all that your yard sale has to offer!
Donate any remaining items. Many charities and organizations can even pick up boxes directly from your home. It can feel impersonal and somewhat distressing sometimes — even with a yard sale, your items tend to go to neighbors you're familiar with — but it's important to focus on the end result. Someone in need will truly benefit from your donation and appreciate it each and every day.
Step 4: Say goodbye
Just as the senior had to say goodbye to their possessions, the time will come to say goodbye to the house, as well. It will be a difficult process, one with plenty of love and support from family and friends.
The truth is, there's not necessarily a right or wrong way to say goodbye to the family home. It can start even before items have been packed away, as the senior walks through each room and reflects on the many memories created there. Some seniors might appreciate taking photos of all of the rooms that they can look back on while the new home feels foreign. Others may prefer to move out early instead of seeing their beloved home taken apart. Discuss what will work best for your family in an open and honest setting; don't feel ashamed if you're having trouble. It's vital that the entire family supports one another throughout the downsizing process, so don't be afraid to ask for or offer help.
However the goodbyes are said, make it a point to bid farewell. You're closing a major, important chapter of your life. It's OK to feel sad, even as if you've suffered a loss, but don't lose sight of the exciting next step that lies ahead.
Step 5: Make the transition
No matter where the senior is headed, the new home won't feel like home right away. Do what you can to bring in the most important items first, those that will make the senior feel especially comforted. Move-in day should be a family affair, even if you hire movers. Any member who is able to should stop by to help out, bring food and refreshments, troubleshoot issues, and simply make the occasion a happy one. Keep the mood as light and exciting as possible: focus on the fact that it's a new beginning rather than an end.
Seniors and their loved ones should check in regularly to discuss how things are going. You don't have to stop by every day, but a nightly call for the first week or two can certainly make a displaced senior feel less lonely. It's especially important if they've just moved to an assisted living facility or nursing home, but shouldn't be overlooked if they've moved in with a loved one. Just because they are with family doesn't mean it's been a seamless process, and there could still be underlying emotional trauma from the move itself. Find the balance between hovering and checking-in, even rotating responsibility among family members.
Give everyone time to adjust, including your spouse and children if the senior has come to live with you. It's going to be a process for everyone to get used to the new routine, and you can't rush the adjustment. The most important thing is to keep communication open and address issues right away. Don't let things fall into an unhealthy or unhappy pattern; even if it's an uncomfortable conversation initially, solving the problem is always better than turning a blind eye and hoping for the best. Remember, it's a difficult time for all, so support is imperative.
Downsizing is often one of the best choices a senior can make, but it's their decision in the end. Ease into the idea and keep the conversation ongoing. It will be painful, but the inevitable sting of leaving the family home should never stop a senior from simplified, happier living.
Note: All images and content in this guide are free to be published on third party websites. If doing so, please include a citation to the original article from Redfin.com


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By branding alone, Razer is one of the most recognizable gaming hardware companies worldwide. Founded in 2005 by CEO, Min-Liang Tan, and dual-headquartered in San Francisco and Singapore, the company regularly makes headlines on The Esports Observer, not only for teams sponsorships, but for the ripples it leaves in the broader tech and political space. Razer's top esports executive, David Tse, recently came onto the The Esports Observer podcast to delve deep into the company's moves this year, and its plans for 2019.
From Sponsor, to Team Player
Razer's green, snakelike logo adorns the jerseys of over 15 esports organizations. Unlike traditional team sponsors, the hardware company offers a uniquely branded badge for team partners, which can now be seen in Counter-Strike , League of Legends , and mobile esports competitions across multiple continents. Razer's global esports director, David Tse, said that the company's measure of success with its esports team sponsorships is how it can replicate those relationships in non-commercial settings, such as an Olympic backdrop or university curriculum.
"More than just the hard metrics we traditionally measure—winnings, fans, and content creation—we want Team Razer to participate in the way we want to grow esports," he said. "I'm looking forward to the team, in 2019, to have a deeper engagement with the athletes, and even a better rhythm of planning to optimize our collaboration in different times or activities."
[perfectpullquote align="right" cite="" link="" color="" class="" size=""]"How do we get into the mainstream? How do we really expand our audience-base?"[/perfectpullquote]
In the Southeast Asia region, Razer has been the first to shake hands with multiple non-endemic brands and event organizers, each of whom are looking to carve a niche in rising esports markets, such as Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. These partnerships include Asian mixed martial arts fight promotion ONE Championship, which will launch an esports spin-off series next year; and telecom Singtel's PVP Esports Championship.
"How do we get into the mainstream? How do we really expand our audience-base?" said Tse. "For Razer, our role will be a lot on advisory, to ONE Championship, because they really lean on us to provide guidance in terms of which are the games they should focus on. We want to evaluate how can this partnership differentiate from the current leagues and tournaments that have already been established by game publishers."
Making Video Games a Medal Sport
One of the biggest projects for Razer in 2019 will be the Southeast Asian Games; a biennial multi-sporting event housed under the Olympics umbrella. Even though the video games themselves have yet to be confirmed, esports is locked in as a medal event, with Razer on board as official sponsor and supporter for the Philippines national team.
"This is absolutely led by our CEO, Min-Liang Tan," said Tse. "There are very tangible things that I believe strongly will benefit the esports industry. First of all, the broad segment of the audience. At the SEA games, you have about 10 million people watching it, on average."
[perfectpullquote align="left" cite="" link="" color="" class="" size=""]"There are very tangible things that I believe strongly will benefit the esports industry."[/perfectpullquote]
"Another important factor is the esports industry is growing exponentially. We need to ensure there is some form of legitimacy established. It would help to shape the structure and governance, with clarity as well as consistency, for something like athlete, league or tournament protocol. This would help the industry have a standard of governance."
Shortly after the release of the podcast, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) declared that discussions of esports appearing in the Olympic games were "premature." The reasons cited included fragmentation and fierce competition between game publishers and league organizers, the for-profit focus of the games, and the fact that many esports today simply won't sustain the same interest as a number of Olympic disciplines.
"For us, we come in as a very neutral party," said Tse. "I think some of the learnings to consider is, if you're working with game publishers, the publishers want their games to be in. For Razer to come in and discuss with the organizing committee, or different federations, is really to bring the sports together."
[perfectpullquote align="right" cite="" link="" color="" class="" size=""]"We want esports to be in, and we want to be here to help."[/perfectpullquote]
This type of influence has been seen before in esports. Intel and ESL helped usher in an Olympics sponsored StarCraft II tournament prior to the Pyeongchang Winter Games, while Alisports strong-armed esports' debut at the Asian Games. If esports does have a place in the Olympics, blue chip tech brands will be the Switzerland of the ecosystem.
"We are neutral. We want everyone to have a fair share of participation," said Tse. "We're not coming in with any commercial agenda, as our highest priority. We want esports to be in, and we want to be here to help. This is the most important role for us to play."

subset: commoncrawl


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Social Club resets the activation process after I tried to fix a car mod
When i try to start gta now after clicking offline mode, the Game doesn't open like it used to. It just gives me some splash screen saying i need an Internet connection to activate gta (which I've already done a long time ago). I currently don't have Internet on my pc, so this is obviously a huge pain
@10dthompson60 That's exactly the problem I had. You used to be able to pick offline mode and then only need to connect once in a while for activation. Now it seems they have done all sorts of messing about to make staying offline a pain in the backside.
I found it would generate errors, tell me my account had been locked due to too many failed logins etc... and it's probably done deliberately to force you back into online mode, so they can try and sell you things while the game loads.
@10dthompson60 the way I found around this if you dont have internet is to turn back your clock to the day it last worked or the day before and keep doing that every day til u get internet back and can activate gta online again. Once u lose internet and are forced to play offline u can only play offline for 72 hrs before having to activate again unless u turn back the clock on your pc!
Sadly, I tried turning back the clock on the pc. It still tells me i need to activate it. This is such horse shit.


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Tags Federal government
Tag: federal government
Congresswoman Maxine Waters condemns RAD public housing privatization scheme
Public housing is home to over 1.2 million families across the nation, mostly the elderly, disabled and low-income women with children. The Bay Area is home to thousands of them. In an effort to save public housing in Oakland, Richmond, San Francisco and nationwide, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, D-Calif., wrote a letter to President Obama on Dec. 10 condemning the Rental Assistance Demonstration program, or RAD.
Donald Lacy's historic interview: Gary Webb tells how the government flooded...
The Bay View thanks Donald Lacy for making the recording of this incomparable historic interview available for publication in print for the first time. Don't miss "Superheroes," inspired by Gary Webb and "Dark Alliance," which Lacy calls "the most important play written in the last 25 years." It runs Nov. 21-Dec. 21 at the Cutting Ball Theater, 277 Taylor St., San Francisco.
Police are more dangerous to the public than criminals
Every American faces brutal, armed psychopaths known as the police. The "law and order" conservatives and the "compassionate" liberals stand silent while police psychopaths brutalize children and grandmothers, murder double amputees in wheelchairs, break into the wrong homes, murder the family dogs and terrify the occupants, pointing their automatic assault weapons in the faces of small children.
Hunger Strike Day 16: CDCR refuses to negotiate, strikers issue new...
"The attempted repression of our protest has not broken our spirits. In fact it has only helped to strengthen each of us – individually and collectively. Despite CDCR's retaliations and propaganda, we remain steadfast in our commitment. We will see our peaceful hunger strike through to victory, even if this requires us to endure the torture of force-feeding. We believe at this point in our struggle we are prepared to do what is necessary in order for Gov. Brown and the CDCR to realize how serious we are and how far and long we are willing to go to have our reasonable demands implemented."
FBI calls political exile Assata Shakur a 'terrorist'
The federal government is at it again! They have placed the legendary Black Panther leader, Assata Shakur, on the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorist list. Yes, you read correctly: terrorist. Shakur has been living in political exile in Cuba since 1984 after her escape from the Clinton Correctional Facility for Women in 1979, where she served six years. All American citizens' constitutional rights are in jeopardy if we believe and accept the FBI's assertion that for speaking out about the U.S. government Assata Shakur is a terrorist.
John Lewis slams Obama's fiscal cliff proposal to cut Social Security
President Obama's latest fiscal cliff proposal includes a cut to Social Security. What it means is that all current and future retirees receiving Social Security, including veterans and the disabled, would see a dramatic cut to their current and future benefits, and the cuts would compound over time. Rep. John Lewis was deeply disturbed by this proposal.
We need Lynne Stewart back on the front lines
Ralph Poynter, the husband of Lynne Stewart, spoke at the National Lawyers Guild convention last month. As his speaking time was running out, well before the culmination of his remarks, he called upon convention delegates to stand as a commitment of support for Lynne's struggle for justice and freedom. Guild members responded with a prolonged and thunderous standing ovation.
The road from Attica
Sept. 9 marks 40 years since the uprising at Attica State Prison in upstate New York and the deadly and sadistic retaking of the prison – and mass torture of hundreds of prisoners all the rest of the day and night and beyond – by state police and prison guards on the morning of Sept. 13, 1971. Attica and its aftermath exposed the powder kegs ready to explode inside the U.S. prisons.
SFPD as occupier, corporate media as its accomplice
Generally, what happened to Harding happens in colonized spaces to colonized subjects, from Hunters Point to Baghdad. The victims are people of color. Five centuries of colonially-constructed rationales have served the purpose of minimizing the value of racialized subjects.


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Rome - January 19, 2015 - Getting a college degree in Italy is much less likely to lead to a job when compared to many other countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), according to the OECD's Education at a Glance 2014 report released several days earlier.
The average unemployment rate in the 34 OECD countries for those with a college degree is 5%, while in Italy that number shamelessly jumps to over 16%.
Italy also figured in a group of five countries with the most low-qualified adults aged 25-34, defined as those without a high school diploma or otherwise below upper secondary education.
However, Italy did the best in that group where less than 30% of those aged 25-34 lacked a high-school diploma.
Well, the stats are in. The debate over whether Italian college is worth the headache and time may have taken a decisive turn.
Declines in employment and wages in Italy are considerably more severe for those with...MORE education! How reassuring. Makes you want to pour your pasta over your head, doesn't it?
Don't get us wrong. It's not that Italian college grads who were lucky to find jobs were generally not settling for lower wages. With starting salaries for newly grads at 500-800 Euros ($570-900 USD) a MONTH, what choice do you have?
A college education is supposed to be an important differentiator in economic mobility. We're getting tired of embracing the promise of the "Italian Dream," the idea that anyone who studies and works hard can live the "Dolce Vita", especially when you know there's a typical unschooled nincompoop out there with a comfy public state job, thanks to some political favor, and whose only important qualification on his resume is the ability to organize cheese in alphabetical order.
"Porca vacca," today's youth has to understand they have to learn a useful trade like our forefathers did and keep the traditions of Italian artisanship alive...such as not leaving receipts.
Oh, and who's going to sit down with the parents and explain to them that the dream is over?
"Oh cacchio, I can't believe what I'm hearing. We're going to have a 'dottore' and a degree in this house. What are we supposed to do, give the idea to relatives and Archpriest Nino that we've failed at parenthood!?"
Vatican City - January 19, 2015 - Pope Francis said Monday that being a good Catholic "does not mean breeding like rabbits".
"Responsible parenthood is the point," said Francis on the flight back to Rome from the Philippine capital of Manila.
"This is why the church has pastors," Francis said. "We must look for a helpful way out, and the synod will do that".
The pope went on to decry the extremes of great poverty and great wealth. "Maybe we are returning to a 'caste system', and maybe when people are discarded and marginalized, we can talk about State terrorism," said the pontiff.
Francis also told how he was once the target of a bribery attempt in Buenos Aires, when he had just become archbishop of the Argentine capital city. "In that moment I thought 'what do I do?'" Francis said. "I can insult them, kick them where the sun never shines, or play dumb". "I played dumb," said the pope.
"Conigli...?" Here in the office we took turns reading between the lines, taking notes, and this is the best we could come up with: We're under the impression that...many Catholics are under the impression that they DO have to breed like rabbits. So, they can be seen by the Church as devoted Catholic rabbits?
We don't know what time era the Pope is living in, but here we haven't seen this level of "amore" in ages.
Contrary to popular belief, Italian women do not have enough sex partners in their lifetime. We'll give you some of our family statistics, for example: One of our mothers is practically at "zero". We don't even think she's had sex with her husband. So, she's wrecking the curve.
And as for Italian men...we don't need sex constantly in order to be happy (or a good Catholic). We're happy if we can get up in the morning with no one yelling at us.
"Responsible parenthood is the point," said Francis... That's also our point, Pope. The idea Italian families have of parenthood is not responsible:
1) You have some Italian mothers who are Pollyanna smirking "responsible" individuals who fawn all over their little Italian berserkers, spoiling them. And you know most of them truly grow up to be just that...berserkers!
2) It never occurs to some "responsible" Italian parents that there are some matters that should be kept private and within the family. That there is no need to issue emergency-like news bulletins to relatives.
Looks like this rant is heading in the wrong direction. Time to go back and play dumb.
Naples - January 19, 2015 - Homophobic insults and swastikas were found yesterday written on bridal show advertisements which depicted same-sex couples getting married.
The advertised event was open to same-sex couples, and the homophobic vandalism was condemned by gay rights organization Arcigay's Naples president, Antonello Sannino.
"To the cowards who covered these signs, we respond with the words of Mayor Luigi De Magistris: 'Love will bury homophobia'," Sannino said.
Posting openly gay-friendly ads in a city like Naples? According to the Rainbow Map 2013 established by ILGA Europe, with a rate of "respect for human rights and equality" of 19 percent, Italy is one of the least protective European countries for sexual minorities. So in other words, when in Italy, it's every gay for himself.
We would also like to point out that it's not a coincidence that the same rate of respect the Napolitani have towards...just about anyone is about the same percentage (just slightly higher during the annual San Gennaro feast). And at the end of that rainbow you're only going to find a city plagued by accusations of homophobia, held together by cardboard and scotch tape.
Of course, our gay readers are probably saying to themselves, "But these innocent ads depicting pure love are also a useful means of increasing acceptance and understanding of our discriminated groups." True, but you know it will always come down to the refusal to assimilate...your refusal.
"Porca Eva," the Napolitani don't want to assimilate. They can't! Don't you get it? It's not in their blood. You can lay out all the constructive criticism you want in a calm and sensible manner and they'll still respond by yelling in an incomprehensible dialect. They'll make you understand that...there is only so many toppings you can put on a pizza before you go overboard.
"To the cowards who covered these signs, we respond with the words of Mayor Luigi De Magistris: 'Love will bury homophobia'" Is that so? If Cupid ever makes an appearance in Naples, they'll clip his wings and sell his bow and arrows on the street market at half price.


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Sofia Dahlquist is a Web Editor, Coordinator and Educator at Stockholmskällan, the City of Stockholm Administration of Education, Sweden. Sofia Dahlquist has a background in the Museum Sector where she has been working as a Museum Educator and Curator specialized on digital pedagogics. Sofia studied Ethnology and has a Bachelor of Arts from Lund University, Sweden.
Sofia will show how Stockholmskällan tells the history of the City and its citizens through texts, sound clips and pictures. The Website Stockholmskällan is a cooperation between the Stockholm City Museum, the Stockholm City Archive, the Stockholm City Library and the City of Stockholm Administration of Education. The aim is to enable digitised historical artefacts to the public in general, and especially to schools in order to make it easier to use prime sources when teaching history.


text: Effectively Disputing Fault Accusations In Traffic Accidents 20 January 2015 Categories: Law, Articles When an accident occurs, the first order of business—after making sure everyone is okay—is to determine who or what caused the accident. This is not always a straightforward process, and sometimes people are accused of being in the wrong when they weren't. If you find yourself in this situation, here are a few tactics you can take to defend against having the blame for an accident pinned on you. Break Out the Driver's Manual Read More


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Grimes Previews New Music From 'Art Angels'
At the beginning of the week, Grimes unveiled the title and cover art for her forthcoming album, Art Angels. Now, she's shared an snippet of new music.
In a completely blacked-out Instagram post, the singer-producer -- aka Claire Boucher -- previewed a 15-second excerpt of a thundering, new track. If we understand her caption correctly, it was taken during rehearsal. Listen below:
Hopefully, the preview is a sign of more to come soon. When Grimes shared Art Angels' cover, she promised she would debut new "music & video" this coming week. In May, the Canadian artist tweeted she would surprise release the album in October, because she wants "fans to get it b4 press and the tracks should be heard together." She has since deleted that tweet.
Grimes kicks off her Rhinestone Cowgirls tour tonight (Oct. 24) in Santa Ana, Calif. She has more North American stops scheduled through the end of next month, culminating with a two-night stint at the Metro in Chicago on Nov. 24 and 25. Nicole Dollanganger will serve as her opening act for many of the dates. See a complete itinerary at the singer's website.


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The end of the year gets hectic, so let's add some fun and a little something your students will look forward to each day! It's simple and motivating!
ABC Countdown to summer! I forgot last year and almost forgot again this year, but the night before A I remembered! I first learned about this exciting end of the year activity when my buddies Ideas by Jivey and Collaboration Cuties linked up a couple years ago. This is a great incentive for a substitute to use if you're out too! Count backwards 26 days from your last day of school and starting with A, give a letter to each day until the end of school. Brainstorm possible ideas of activities with your class for each letter, then start the ABC Countdown! :)
Here's our first four days:
The possibilities for these activities are endless! You can make the entire day an "A" day, or just complete one activity a day...either way it's very motivating to kids! It gives them something to look forward to each day besides summer! :) The activities my students have done so far are a mix: educational, fun, volunteering, following directions! Even if you've missed a few days you could catch up!
Want a copy of the ABC Countdown fill in sheet? Click HERE! This is also a great to send home to parents to increase participation.
If you need some end of the year resources, check these out:
Book Character Awards, End of the Year Editable Awards, and to keep the memories preserved a Memory Book!
Have a super week!
***Please include the topic in the link up with your blog name.


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Home » Therapists » Jenni Busta, PTA
Jenni Busta, PTA, received her Associates Degree in Physical Therapist from St. Catherine University in 2011. She has worked in orthopedics since graduating and joined the TCO team in 2017. Jenni enjoys collaborating with her colleagues to treat a wide variety of orthopedic diagnoses including pre & post-operative and sports related injuries. After experiencing a knee injury herself that required surgery, Jenni has an understanding of rehab from the patients perspective. Her treatment approach includes manual techniques along with strength progressions to return patients to their passions in life. Outside of work, Jenni enjoys spending time with family & friends, trying new restaurants, traveling and playing volleyball.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), St. Catherine University
Clinical Instructor
CPR Certified
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)


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Recent Episodes
Airdate: September 20th 2023
Signs and Wonders Bring Controversy
Join Dr. Randy Brodhagen as he proclaims God's Word and equips God's people for ministry.
PTL Network Most Recent
Join Dr. Randy Brodhagen as he proclaims God's Word and equips God's people for ministry on Love of God with Randy Brodhagen.
Dr. Randy Brodhagen
Dr. Randy Brodhagen is the ...
Dr. Randy Brodhagen is the host and teacher of the International Radio & TV Broadcast, "The Love of God", which airs on six continents.
Glory to God Ministries was established to further the proclamation of God's Word and equip God's people for ministry. It also encourages and assists churches and ministries in carrying out God's vision to "teach all nations" to know Jesus and grow in the faith.
The ministry develops servants to have a single eye and work as unto the Lord. They strive to be filled with the Word of God; strong in faith; and led by the Spirit of God, speaking "faith filled" words. Further, the ministry endeavors to be filled with the compassion of Jesus, to walk in obedience, and in the power and might of God.
Glory to God Ministries are faithful with tithes, dependable, and prefer others above themselves. They seek to be free of envy and strife, rejoice over others' blessings, and walk in instant forgiveness. They are intercessors, doers of the Word, and build our lives upon the Holy Spirit.
These goals are furthered through weekly bible studies, services, revivals, and television and radio broadcasts. Glory to God Ministries also provides healing through the Internet, books, video, audio CD's, and counseling.
Dr. Randy Brodhagen, raised in Portland, Oregon, founded Glory To God Ministries in 1978. Previously, Dr. Brodhagen was a Pastor in the Lutheran church.
Dr. Brodhagen, his wife Diana, and two children Erin and Jesse reside in California.
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By Tatyana Garcia / Perry High School
After finalizing the little details in my and Colette's foreign exchange student story, I have come to the realization that it is important to work as a team if more than one person is going to work on a story.
A couple of weeks ago, Colette and I worked together on a story on the new menu at our high school.
The only mishap was the fact that I was out-of-state for the majority of the week.
Although Colette is not very familiar with journalistic writing and formatting, she handled the situation perfectly and I can never thank her enough.
Now we just turned in our second story, but hopefully once the ball gets rolling we will get used to the routine and do better next time.


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Alesis Nitro Mesh Electronic Drum Kit
Alesis Nitro Mesh Electronic Drum Kit
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- FREE shipping for orders above SGD500
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The Alesis Nitro Mesh is a complete 8-piece electronic drum kit centred around next-generation Alesis Mesh head drum technology. Mesh heads are the overwhelming preference of drummers when they play electronic kits because of their natural feel and ultra-quiet response. The Alesis Nitro Mesh features an 8" dual-zone mesh snare drum and (3) 8" mesh toms. It includes everything else you need to make a complete drum kit; (3) 10" cymbals, custom-designed Alesis hi-hat pedal and kick pedal, and a durable 4-post aluminium rack. Included also are all the cabling, power supply and drum key for easy setup. All of this connects to the powerful Nitro electronic drum module with hundreds of percussion sounds, 40 different kits and 60 built-in play-along tracks.
The Nitro module comes complete with 40 classic and modern ready-to-play kits. Easily tweak any existing kit, or create your own using the 385 superior drum, cymbal, and percussion sounds included in the Nitro module. The built-in learning features 60 play-along music tracks and an onboard metronome to improve your skills. There is even an advanced sequencer and a performance recorder to expand your music-making potential. In addition to the USB MIDI connection for use with computers and mobile devices, the Nitro module also offers up some old-school MIDI In and Out jacks so you can hook up to your favourite MIDI-equipped drum machine, sound module or other audio gear. There is a headphone jack for private practice, plus stereo outs to connect to a PA system, amplifier or recording console. The stereo aux input enables you to jam along to your favourite tracks on your CD or MP3 player.
- Nitro Drum Module
- 8" Dual-Zone Mesh Snare Pad
- (3) 8" Mesh Tom Pads
- 10" Hi-Hat Pad
- 10" Crash Pad w/ Choke
- 10" Ride Pad
- Kick Pad Tower
- Kick Pedal
- Hi-Hat Pedal
- 4-Post Aluminum Rack
- Cable Snake
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|இவ Ice Vajal :: Music Land :: Metal World
editorial :: feedback :: newsletter ::
|Bands :: A-Z / A / Angelus Apatrida /
The Call - Stephanie Malin -
The Call
(Century Media - 2012)
Angelus Apatrida are one of the finest thrash metal bands around today, and The Call is just another release in a long line of exceptionally produced albums. The first song is You Are Next, which has an unforgettable, speedy riff. The vocals are aggressive, passionate and sung clearly enough to be perfectly understood. Although At The Gates Of Hell is not a perfect song to follow on from its amazingly high standard predecessor, it delivers more solid thrash metal - something which Angelus Apatrida never fail to do. Violent Dawn is another minor diminution in quality, though it still manages to stay on the better end of thrash metal; the rhythm is also fantastically well-kept and there are some first-class riffs and solos. It's Rising! is definitely one of the most memorable songs on the album; the riff is particularly awesome and the cries of "It's rising!" are flawlessly controlled and powerful. Blood On The Snow is much heavier than most of the other songs - although all of the songs on The Call are undeniably heavy - and it has a much darker feeling to it, with subtle uses of other tonalities; the guitar solos on the track are also outstanding. Killer Instinct is distinctly nondescript, although not bad by any stretch of the imagination. The song title The Hope Is Gone is a lie; the solo is one of the best on the album. Fresh Pleasure is one of the most interesting tracks on the album; the vocals sound as though they would befit a crossover album (and they most certainly would), and the song also makes creative - and excellent - use of silences. The song Still Corrupt is definitely a nod to the song Corruption from the band's 2007 album Give 'Em War, both in the musical content and the song title; similar lyrics are even utilized in the song. That which is the final song on the regular album, Reborn, is the longest song on the album and, although there is nothing about it which stands out in particular, absolutely every aspect of the song is perfection: the composition, the lyrics, the music, everything. There is also a brilliant cover of Judas Priest's Hell Patrol which does the original great justice whilst still maintaining Angelus Apatrida's familiar sound. Another song from the fantastic Give 'Em War, Free Your Soul, is also re-recorded for the limited edition of the album. The drumming on the entire album is wonderful and practically faultless in every aspect. By and large, The Call is a superb piece of art, with an immense production quality and carefully crafted songs to tantalize the ears; this is definitely something which every fan of thrash metal should listen to.
|• E-Mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


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10 Things to Know Before Buying a Foreclosed Home
Buying a foreclosed home seems like a great way to get a good deal on a house, but be cautious. Foreclosed homes that have been abandoned or neglected for a long period of time usually come with unseen costs that can turn that bargain into a money pit. Take a look at the best steps to take if you're in the market for a foreclosed home.
Invest in a Home Inspection
Get to know the property before you make a huge purchase on the home. You can have a home inspector provide a thorough assessment of the structural, mechanical, and other major components of the home. Once you get a better picture of the home's condition, you can begin thinking of plans for repairs or, simply walk away if the house seems to be more trouble than it's worth.
Learn About the Home's History
There's such thing as a Seller's Property Disclosure Statement which discloses the history of the home's maintenance, repairs, and additions. But, when the bank owns a property due to a foreclosure, there will be no SPDS. This makes a thorough home inspection especially crucial, because it may be the only way to find out about changes made to the property over its life.
If you're looking at a home that has been unoccupied for several months, you should ask whether the utilities are switched off. It's common to drain the pipes to prevent freezing, but you should pressure-check and energize everything prior to a home inspection. Check with your real estate agent for referrals because each municipality has its own rules about these details.
Identify Plumbing Problems
The most serious problems in foreclosed homes are usually from broken plumbing pipes or leaks. Check faucets for water pressure, inspect the ceilings and baseboards for water stains, and look for signs of mold and mildew, which can be signs of plumbing problems.
Examine HVAC Systems
Dust and debris accumulation in the ductwork, boilers and furnaces of an abandoned home is bad news. They can deteriorate under humid conditions. You should clean and repair broken or damaged parts before you can test the operation of appliances.
Look for Signs of Deferred Maintenance
Some homeowners stop taking care of their homes and leaving the eventual buyers with lots of maintenance issues to address, including gutters that need cleaning to overgrown vegetation that needs pruning. Look out for cheap repairs with indication of cutting corners, such as duct tape patched over leaky pipes or electrical wiring. This can lead to water damage, mold, or fires, and may require costly repairs down the line.
Check for Expensive Repairs
Be prepared to find big-ticket repairs. Bad roofs or foundation cracks can ruin a home, and damage to other outdoor structures can cost thousands of dollars to fix.
Perform a Sewer Scope
If you're looking at a home more than 20 years old, you should get a sewer inspection to help prevent problems down the line. Common sewer issues include tree roots growing into the line, or lines that are rotted, clogged, or broken. Have a plumbing company check it out by snaking a video camera through the line to conclude its condition.
Resolve Any Liens
Many municipalities regulate the maintenance of a property after a foreclosure. If the bank isn't keeping up on tasks such as mowing the lawn, there may be a lien placed on the property. This may also result from unpaid contractor fees or utility bills. Double-check that all liens are investigated and resolved by you and a title officer.
Rekey All the Locks
Once you've chosen a home, you should immediately install new locks before moving in. Many houses are on a master key system which means that multiple brokers, contractors, appraisers, and other people could have the key.


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STOCKHOLM – Tel +46 8-564 406 50
BORÅS – Tel +46 33-724 23 00
MUNKFORS – Tel +46 563-54 05 40
VÄSTERÅS – Tel +46 21-80 25 00
MALMÖ – Tel +46 40-650 02 00
TALLINN – Tel +372-606 44 20
LØKKEN VERK – Tel +47 72 49 72 30
LOHJA – Tel +358 50 555 1516
LAGEDI – Tel +372 53 233 844
Etteplan and Inission Lohja – The secret behind a 20-year partnership
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WTS Positioning Solutions AB moves its production from China to Inission
From the left: Michel Bracké and Fredric Grahn WTS Positioning Solutions AB has chosen Inission Stockholm as its supplier over its former Chinese partner. WTS Positioning Solut ... Read more
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EcoGuard is the largest provider of wireless distribution measurement in multi-family dwellings. Using their system, heating, electricity, water and also the temperature can be mea ... Read more
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Movimento is a global company with offices in North America and Europe, which develops and markets systems for vehicle diagnostics. Major customers include Volvo and Renault. Iniss ... Read more
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Background Megger is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of test and measuring equipment for the electrical power industry and for electric installations. Cooperation with ... Read more
Resources freed at Rolls-Royce
Inission frees up resources at Rolls-Royce Kamewa in Kristinehamn started a collaboration with what was then EDC back in 1984. Since then, Kamewa has become Rolls-Royce, and the c ... Read more


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A note of thanks from First Lutheran Church to all who participated in the Bach Around the Clock on Saturday, March 16. Please join us again next year around this time. Principal organizers from First Lutheran Church, Balint Karosi and from the Boston American Guild of Organists, Joyce Painte Rice have offered some further reflections on the day here.
Balint Karosi, Minister of Music at First Lutheran Church has posted photos from throughout the day here.
WGBH, our partner along with the Boston Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, has posted all of the day's proceedings on their website with photos, recordings and programs. If you missed any of the day's events, they are all recorded here (except the German lunch!).
Bach Around the Clock 2013


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Many all-around hunters like to keep a "user" shotgun in their collection to handle situations where rough and tumble conditions may not be favorable for a fine fowling piece. As a veteran shotgunner once said of his well-worn scattergun: "She might not be the prettiest gal at the ball, but she'll keep you dancing."
An inexpensive, all-purpose shotgun can be a useful tool. Whether you hang it on a gun rack in the back window of your pick-up truck (unloaded please) or store it at the hunting lodge to help the cook keep meat in the stew pot, you don't want anything too fancy.
Falling into that "user" category are two semi-automatics — an ADCO Diamond GE manufactured in Turkey and a MK Conquest Model 901 from Germany — we recently put through a shooting test both in the field and on some Five-Stand clay targets. Both shotguns carry a MFRP of under $500 and each featured 3-inch chambers that provide versatility in a variety of wingshooting conditions.
The concept behind extending the firearms' chambers beyond the normal 2.75 inches for standard length shotgun shells was developed to increase the tools of today's modern shotgunner. Waterfowl and turkeys are just two of the bird species that can send a hunter looking for 3-inch loads. The bigger birds often require more knockdown delivered by the longer shells, which allow for extra powder and shot.
Unfortunately, that extra power can deliver a punch at both ends of the shotgun, as happened to our test shooters with the Conquest semi-auto, available from MKV of Germany, www.mk-v.de, imported by EMF, www.emf-company.com.
The Model 901, listing for about $400, showed promise right out of the box with its heft and smoothness to the shoulder demonstrating the qualities of a higher-priced shotgun. The thin pistol grip and grooved forearm, both oil-finished walnut, and the light weight of the firearm were particularly pleasing.
As a sharp contrast, the $450 ADCO Diamond GE 12 gauge from ADCO Sales Inc., (781) 935-17999 or www.adcosales.com, was extremely muzzle heavy despite its short, 22-inch barrel and overall length of 43.75 inches. This shotgun has the balance of a weighted baseball bat, although the weight proved to be a benefit as actual shooting of the firearms was conducted.
To put the two shotguns through a good variety of loads, we conducted field tests in woods simulating turkey-hunting conditions; around a tank where waterfowl would have been the shooting fare; and at a Five-Stand course. The wood and tank shots demonstrated the shotgun's ability to handle heavy loads and the Five-Stand offered a chance to run a box or two of ammunition through each firearm at a rapid pace to see how they would function.
Test shells included Federal 3-inch 1 1/4-ounce loads of BB shot that have a muzzle velocity of 1,300 feet per second; Federal Top Gun 2.75-inch Target Loads (3 dram equivalent; 1 1/8-ounce shotcharge of No. 8s) and Estate Competition 2 3/4-inch Target Loads (3 1/4 dram equivalent; 1-ounce shotcharge of No. 7 1/2s); and Remington Premier 2 3/4 STS Light Target Loads (2 1/2 dram equivalent; 1 1/8-ounce shotcharge of No. 8s). The 2 3/4-inch shells produced muzzle velocities of 1,145 to 1,250 feet per second, providing a variety of recoil and functioning test opportunities.
Here's our report:
[PDFCAP(1)]This shotgun was a teaser right out of the box. Smooth handling, with the comfortable feel of a thin pistol grip and grooved forearm had us looking forward to some fine field work. The shotgun assembled with relative ease, although the forearm remained loose no matter how hard we tried to tighten the forearm cap. The gas evacuation ring and spring just under the cap required unexpected pressure to start the cap on the forearm.
The butt pad is a combination of hard and soft rubber, with the hard-rubber top section designed to allow smooth mounting of the shotgun into the shooter's shoulder. The solid pad did not provide much recoil relief and the hard rubber part was not rounded enough to perform as it should.
Our test gun measured 48.5 inches in overall length with a barrel 28.0 inches long, providing a very nice balance. The LOP measured 14.50 inches, a little long for your average shooter. Drop at the comb was 1.5 inches; drop at the heel was 3 inches. Combined with a light weight of 6.5 pounds and a very unusual pitch of 5.75 inches, this shotgun proved to be a shoulder shocker.
The first 3-inch shell touched off after a trigger pull of 5.5 pounds (with excessive creep) was a real eye-opener for our test shooters. Even the non-recoil-sensitive members of our group were surprised at the kick of the Conquest.
Maintaining a grip on the shotgun was surprisingly easy, with the hand checkering on the forearm and pistol grip providing good contact.
Though we did not have access to a patterning board, the five chokes that came with the shotgun appeared to handle the variety of ammunition in an acceptable manner. Shots fired into a tank demonstrated a killing shot string with the lighter loads and very few stray shots with the BBs. None of our shooters was interested in firing more than a couple of rounds with the 3-inch shells because of recoil.
One of the particular disappointments was how the shotgun handled the simple loading function. The bolt release is on the left side of the receiver, unlike most U.S. semi-autos with the release on the right side or underneath the receiver. Unless a shooter is very careful, there is a very real possibility of catching a finger or thumb in the action as the bolt is shut. Speed loading without practice would not be recommended.
During our field tests, the Conquest would jam and fail to feed or unload about every third round. Problems were encountered with both 3-inch and 2.75-inch shells. This problem was not encountered on the Five-Stand field, with the shotgun handling several boxes of light loads without a malfunction.
The 8mm flat channel ventilated rib and gold front bead provided an acceptable sighting ramp for both stationary shots in the field and at the Five-Stand clay targets. Both the trigger and the safety of the shotgun are also gold-plated.
The wood on the Conquest was plain, which is understandable for a low-end firearm. However, a strip of grain cutting across the bottom of the pistol grip of our test firearm may result in a split in the wood after excessive handling.
The overall light weight of the Conquest caused several of our testers, who are experienced Five-Stand competitors, to whip through targets rather than make solid hits. Topped by the uncomfortable recoil from even light loads, the Conquest was generally less than pleasurable to shoot.
[PDFCAP(2)]The wood on this semi-auto was a real attention grabber. The excellent grain and matte clear coat finish was striking for a "user" shotgun. One member of the field crew remarked: "This is $400 wood on a $450 shotgun."
However, the barrel length of only 22 inches was a disappointment, in addition to the problem of extreme muzzle weight for such a short firearm. Because of the longer receiver on a semi-auto, the Diamond's overall length of 43.75 inches was similar to an over/under with 26-inch barrels. But the balance of the firearm was similar to swinging a baseball bat — not good for longer wing shots or clay targets.
The length of pull was 14.50 inches, with a drop at the comb of 1.5 inches and drop at the heel of 3 inches. The trigger pull was 5 pounds, with creep, and the weight of the short-barreled shotgun was a surprising 7 pounds. The weight, plus less pitch of 4.75 inches, contributed to reduced recoil.
In putting the Diamond through the paces with the variety of shotgun shells, there were no malfunctions and shot strings from each of the three chokes provided with the test firearm were acceptable. As an added test, both the 3-inch and 2.75-inch shells were loaded in a variety of combinations, and the firearm handled all mixtures with ease.
After disassembling the action, it appears the firearm utilizes a trigger assembly similar to a Beretta semi-auto and a bolt and barrel connection similar to a Benelli. The bolt release is on the right side, just like a Beretta, and the firearm also features a carrier plunger button that must be depressed to lock back the bolt. For those field testers familiar with Berettas, loading and unloading the Diamond was a simple procedure.
Even with the short barrel, the heavier shotgun (7 pounds) was more pleasant to shoot than the Conquest. Less recoil was experienced from all the shells, partially because of the weight and also because of the thick rubber recoil pad. The shotgun could be mounted with ease and the pad provided a solid grip to hold the stock in the shooter's shoulder.
During the field tests in the brush, the short barrel Diamond demonstrated a distinct advantage over the Conquest. Shots simulating turkey-hunting conditions, which are more like rifle shooting than wing shooting, and quick shots on rising quail can require a short-barrel shotgun.
Concerning the appearance of the metal on the Diamond, the matte finish on the barrel and receiver, which featured machine engraving, was attractive but seemed to lack durability. Even after the limited time our field testers handled the shotgun, there were a few noticeable small scratches on the receiver. A general-purpose shotgun should be expected to hold up well to anticipated abuse, and any kind of damage to the finish could lead to rust and corrosion.
Unlike the Conquest, the Diamond featured sling swivels on both the magazine cap and in the stock, allowing a shooter to "sling up" the firearm to carry it into the brush and bramble of general-purpose shooting situations. We did note that there were cracks in the wood where the swivel was mounted in the stock.
On the Five-Stand course, the short-barrel shotgun was at a distinct disadvantage to the Conquest. Close targets such as bouncing rabbits or quartering shots could be handled with concentration, but any target at a distance generally was in no danger. Function and handling the various loads was no problem, a plus over the jam-plagued Conquest.
Gun Tests Recommends
MKV Conquest Model 901 12 Gauge, $400. Don't Buy. Even with the good initial feel of this shotgun, the downsides greatly outweigh any beneficial qualities. Excessive recoil because of its light weight and solid recoil pad, in addition to its 5.75-inch pitch, made this shotgun a questionable buy even at its low price.
ADCO Diamond GE 12 Gauge, $450. Conditional Buy. If you are looking for a "user" shotgun to keep at the camp or carry as a back up, this firearm could be counted on to meet your needs. It functions well, although wingshooting can be a chore because of its balance. On the plus side, the wood on the test shotgun was exceptional for an inexpensive firearm. We would suggest fitting the firearm with a longer 26- or 28-inch barrel to help smooth out its handling problems.


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Algerian TV station shuts after police raid
Closure of Al Atlas TV station comes a day after police raided the station and journalists held for hours.
A private television channel which has strongly criticised the Algerian government has been ordered to stop broadcasting after police raided its headquarters.
Ghoul Hafnaoui, the information director at Al Atlas, told AFP on Wednesday that the satellite channel went off air mid-morning, "under orders from the authorities", a day after police searched its premises and seized equipment.
The public prosecutor ordered the search as part of an investigation whose purpose had not been made known, Hafnaoui said.
Our editorial line upsets the regime. Our channel frequently criticises its current policies
"We were searched on Tuesday afternoon. The 45 journalists working for the channel were held for four hours inside the headquarters," in the Birkhadem district of the capital, he added.
Uniformed and plainclothes police took about 10 cameras from the building, while security forces also visited the channel's studios in Baba Ali, in south Algiers, which they sealed off.
Hafnaoui said he believed the move was a response to programmes critical of the government, in the run-up to next month's presidential election.
"Our editorial line upsets the regime. Our channel frequently criticises its current policies," Hafnaoui said.
Ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika last week confirmed that he would seek a fourth term in office, a move which has sparked anger and derision in Algeria due to his fragile health.
His critics have charged that the 77-year-old leader, hospitalised for three months in Paris last year after suffering a mini stroke and very rarely seen in public, is not fit to run the country.
The government allowed several satellite TV channels to open studios in Algiers last year, and the national assembly passed a new broadcast law in January opening the sector up to the private sector after a 50-year state monopoly. But the law has yet to come into force.
Reporters Without Border ranked Algeria 125th out of 179 countries classified in its 2013 world press freedom index.


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The Washington Wizards will have their hands more than full when they take on the Miami Heat Tuesday night in a matchup of the league's worst team and the team that was its best last season.
It's hard to imagine any scenario where the Wizards play the Heat and walk away with a win. The Wizards, of course, are 1-13, and had to fight for that one win over the Portland Trail Blazers until the final buzzer. The Heat won last year's NBA Championship convincingly over the Oklahoma City Thunder and have run off six straight, as they currently hold the Eastern Conference's best record. True, they've had some close calls - they barely beat a San Antonio Spurs team resting four of their starters, and they needed a miraculous 9-0 run in the game's final two minutes to beat LeBron James' old team, the 4-13 Cleveland Cavaliers - but they're one of the league's best teams, if not the best. Stranger things have happened in the NBA, but not many. The Heat have the No. 2 offensive efficiency in the league, scoring 110.3 points per 100 possessions, while the Wizards are dead last with only 91.9 points.
Here's a look at the Wizards' upcoming schedule, as well as this week's national games.
Monday, December 3
Milwaukee Bucks vs. New Orleans Hornets, 8 p.m., NBATV
Tuesday, December 4
Washington Wizards vs. Miami Heat, 7 p.m., Comcast SportsNet-Mid Atlantic
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 p.m., NBATV
Wednesday, December 5
Denver Nuggets vs. Atlanta Hawks, 8 p.m., ESPN
Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers, 10:30 p.m., ESPN
Thursday, December 6
New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat, 8 p.m., TNT
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns, 10:30 p.m., TNT
For more on Tuesday's game against Miami, check out the "Fast Break" video preview with Dave Johnson and Glenn Consor courtesy of Monumental Sports and Entertainment.


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I saw an advertisement recently that really gave me pause. Not necessarily because it was captivating or because I agreed with it – in fact, it was because I didn't agree with it at all. It said, very simply, "Earned Media is Back in the Driver's Seat."
I was mystified because, if I'm being honest, I don't think it ever left.
We live in an age where social media are all around us. As communications professionals, we literally have more tools available to us right now than at any point in the history of our industry. We can instantly reach out to someone if we want to on a small device that they carry around with them all day that is literally more powerful than the shuttle that took men to the moon in the 1960s.
Despite all this, I believe that Earned Media is and will always be essential to good PR for a number of core reasons.
Earned Media Matters
To understand why earned media is and will always be essential, you need to start with it as a concept. Earned media is defined as anything that isn't paid media advertising or branding – namely, publicity gained through some type of promotional effort.
What does that sound like to you?
To me, it sounds like mentions on Facebook. It sounds like retweets on Twitter. It sounds like reviews on sites like Yelp, or reposts from one blog to another. The world of public relations is constantly evolving and in 2017, this is (part) of the shape that earned media takes. But how far would you get with your branding and traffic efforts if you didn't cultivate your audience on Facebook or Twitter? Probably not very far, which is PRECISELY why Earned Media is still critical to your overall mission.
It's About the Connection
At its core, PR is all about connecting with your target audience in a meaningful way. According to a study that was reported on by Conductor.com, earned media is STILL the most trusted and influential source of commercial information available today. It also lets you speak the same language as your audience, as 70% of people said that they wanted to learn about products through content instead of traditional advertisements according to Inc.
In an era where nearly 70 million people in the United States used ad blockers online in 2016, the message they're sending is clear. You can't demand someone's attention anymore – you have to earn it.
In the End
Paid social and digital tools are undeniably powerful but in our industry, the key is to use them TOGETHER with Earned Media for the best possible results. You need to be preparing content for the massive number of media outlets that we can now contribute to. Always work your key messages through social media platforms, but combine those efforts with your Earned Media output. This isn't an "either/or? situation at all, despite the fact that certain people seem to want to make it one. I believe that if you can truly pull this off on a base level, you'll generate the types of results you've never seen before.
If you're not preparing your own content for social media either because you don't have the time or you don't think you can generate what you need, a public relations professional can handle this for you. They can turn your content into the type of story that represents you in an organic way They can write for you and publish you into the growing number of media outlets that are regularly accepting vendor contributions. Public relations professionals can find the PERFECT outlet that matches up with your brand, thereby generating more leverage in the process.


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Whether you are a CPA, an investment advisor or a banking professional, you are at risk of being sued for the services you provide. From disgruntled clients to fiduciary liability or even typos, you'll want the right coverage in place to protect you and your career. While you hope to never be sued, it is important to know how to report a professional liability claim.
Don't Go Without Coverage
Professional Liability Insurance (or Errors and Omissions Liability Insurance) is critical in protecting you and your business from the cost of certain legal fees, and judgments/settlements that you may face as a result of claims and litigation brought against you based on the advice or services you have provided.
While you hope you never have to report a professional liability claim, sometimes the inevitable happens, but Lockton Professional is here to help. We make the claim process as smooth as possible for you.
How to Report a Professional Liability Claim
As you report a professional liability claim, the timeline will vary depending on the claim and instance. However, the quicker you provide the required information and documentation, the faster your claim will be settled and you can get back to doing what you love.
- Contact your insurance company – At the first notice of a claim, lawsuit or potential claim, please contact Lockton Professional as soon as possible. We will obtain the necessary information to get your claims process started.
- Claims adjustor is assigned – After you have filed a claim and completed all the necessary paperwork, a claims adjustor will be assigned within 1-2 business days. They will review your claim and interview you and any potential witnesses.
- Repair/payment issued – After the claims adjustor settles the claim, the appropriate party will receive payments.
Learn more about Professional Liability Insurance at LocktonProfessionalInsurance.com.


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Item #: SCP-3168
Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-3168 is to be kept in a standard inanimate-object containment locker at Area-12. Research proposals involving the use of SCP-3168 must be made in writing to site command. Unless required for authorized experimentation or study, instances of SCP-3168-1 are to be euthanized by the time they are three years old; the remains of instances of SCP-3168-1 that are not required for experimentation or study are to be incinerated.
Description: SCP-3168 is a Russian matryoshka 7-layer nesting doll, which induces anomalous mutations in the offspring of the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus). When a female chicken ('hen') mates (or is artificially inseminated) while within approximately a 3-meter radius of SCP-3168, and then lays fertilized eggs, the fertilized eggs will contain instances of SCP-3168-1; this effect will only occur when the top halves of SCP-3168's 6 outer layers have been removed and the innermost doll is nested within the 6 bottom halves. SCP-3168's anomalous mutagenic effect affects only hens, such that semen extracted from a male chicken ('rooster') within SCP-3168's range will not produce anomalous offspring if used to inseminate hens outside its range; as well, the anomalous mutagenesis does not persist post-exposure, and hens who have previously been exposed to SCP-3168 are capable of subsequently producing non-anomalous offspring.
Instances of SCP-3168-1 are anomalous organisms which resemble ambulatory houses on chicken legs; Foundation folklorists have noted the similarity to the Russian legend of Baba Yaga.[1]Aside from their legs and feet, the organisms are not composed of biological matter, but rather of standard architectural materials: boards, masonry, nails, etc. Despite their anomalous form and composition, instances of SCP-3168-1 follow the standard chicken life cycle, hatching from their eggs an average of 21 days after fertilization, at which point they are the size of non-anomalous newly-hatched chickens; radiographic and ultrasound examination of SCP-3168-1 eggs reveal the presence of microscopic architectural components as early as 5 days after fertilization. Tissue samples from the legs of SCP-3168-1 instances reveal a genetic match to the parent chickens, and a sex ratio of approximately 50%. Blood is present in the legs; dye tracing indicates that this blood circulates from one leg to the other despite the lack of a heart, and despite the fact that there is no non-architectural connection between the legs. Legs produce heat at a rate sufficient to maintain standard chicken body temperature.
SCP-3168-1 instances will "eat" both standard chicken feed and raw architectural materials by sweeping it into themselves with their open doors. Isotopic labeling has shown that the chicken feed is converted into the lignin of the instances' woodwork. The architectural materials are assimilated into the instances' structures via an unknown mechanism; it is to be noted that these architectural materials are typically insufficient to account for the composition of the structures, both in quantity and in substance (e.g., instances hatched in an aluminum-free environment may nonetheless develop aluminum siding), a conclusive indicator of ectoentropic hylogenesis.
SCP-3168-1 instances are rejected at a rate of 15-20% by hens who have not previously raised offspring, and at a rate of 90-95% by hens who have previously raised non-anomalous offspring.
SCP-3168-1 instances emulate the behavior of non-anomalous hatchling and juvenile chickens, to the extent that their anomalous physiology makes this possible. They are apparently capable of sight (despite their lack of any eyes or brain), and can (as is standard for birds) imprint on researchers who are present at their hatching; they also replicate standard chicken vocalization by rapidly opening and closing their doors and windows (although male instances have not been observed to crow).
SCP-3168-1 instances grow at the rate of non-anomalous chickens until approximately three and a half years of age, at which point they begin to express an anomalous derivative of chicken growth hormone (despite the lack of any glands where such a hormone could be produced); when purified, this hormone can induce ectoentropically rapid growth in non-anomalous chickens and in architectural structures.
A wide variety of architectural styles are represented in SCP-3168-1 physiology. Although the factors determining architectural style remain to be elucidated, 75-80% of SCP-3168-1 instances parented by a given pair of chickens will consistently manifest the same style, with the remainder being an assorted mixture. The breed(s) of the parents does not seem to play a part: for example, when hen 3168-F-417 is bred to rooster 3168-M-131, the offspring have consistently been 75% split-level ranch, while the offspring of that same hen with rooster 3168-M-132 have consistently been 75% Pacific lodge, even though all three birds are purebred Orpington chickens. <4% of instances are non-residential in nature, including but not limited to convenience stores, stadiums, water filtration plants, grain elevators, warehouses, movie theaters, greenhouses, parking garages, and exact replicas of Saint Paul's Cathedral, the Taj Mahal, and the Parliament House of Ghana. Many structures will have carpeting, plumbing fixtures, and electrical wiring; however, furniture is rare. All locks on instances with the same parents will be openable by the same key (or proportionately reduced copies thereof).
Incident Log: In June 2005, an unrelated containment breach led to the collapse of a retaining wall at Area-12, where a brood of six instances of SCP-3168-1 were being raised for study. Five of the instances were killed when the wall fell on them; however, debris from the wall was misidentified as having come from the sixth instance, which instead escaped into the wild. In December 2011, the instance (conclusively identified by tissue samples and architectural matching) was recovered 800km away, after it fell through river ice and drowned; it was 8.5 m tall.
Acquisition Log: SCP-3168 was obtained from a raid on a Marshall, Carter and Dark storage facility; accompanying provenance documents showed that a former GRU-P agent traded it to MC&D in 1998, in exchange for having his gambling debts forgiven.


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While there were indisputable flaws in 2017's gimmicky slasher revival Happy Death Day, it was hard to knock the film's puppyish energy, earnestly zipping along with such speed that one almost forgot just how ramshackle its foundation was. The central premise, which saw a cynical college student trapped in a Groundhog Day-esque time loop of death, was spiky enough to lure its target demographic back to a subgenre they'd been ignoring for a solid decade, carving up an impressive $125m worldwide from a budget of less than $5m and making a sequel seem inevitable.
Less inevitable was just what form a sequel would take, and as the snappily titled Happy Death Day 2U begins, it appears that we're stuck in another character's death loop. This time, it's the roommate of the guy who the heroine from the original almost slept with at the start and if that's not enough to give you a headache then just wait for what comes after. It turns out that the time-loop of the original film, which saw Tree (an engaging Jessica Rothe) get repeatedly murdered, was the result of a campus-based science experiment gone horribly wrong, answering a question most of us were happy not to ask (did we need to know why Bill Murray was stuck in Punxsutawney?). Through a scrappy set of circumstances, this tech then results in Tree returning to her original death day, yet one within an alternate universe that requires her to not only find out who the new killer is but also figure out how to return home.
Despite the repetitive nature, and nifty conceit, of Happy Death Day, envisioning a sequel still felt like a stretch. After watching the follow-up, it would appear that the writers were feeling similarly stuck, its haphazard script reading like the result of a drunken wrap-party brainstorm, half-jotted on to a napkin. Initially it's tempting to praise a certain level of unpredictable audacity with an opening that deliberately wrongfoots us and a Scooby Doo-esque goofiness that sees the writers go all in on a barmy new premise. But patience wears thin as plotting rapidly disintegrates, revealing a wildly convoluted mess, maniacally shifting tones and failing to provide any of the sleepover slasher pleasures of the original.
The writer-director Christopher Landon has made a staggering misjudgment in how much he believes we'll invest in the paper-thin characters from the original. Rather than using them as doomed chesspieces, as, say, a Final Destination sequel would, he tries to tack on a shallow attempt at emotional depth, the film often straying into laughable sentimentality when it's not devolving into deeply unfunny farce. In fact, there's almost an entire genre shift away from slasher horror to some sort of sci-fi comedy drama, with relatively few kills and far more time spent on sub-CW-level teen conflict despite the film's lead being played by a 31-year-old. It's almost as if Landon didn't trust his audience to engage in a slasher for a second time, edging the film away from Scream and closer to Back to the Future.
As the film progresses and the plot continues to contort itself in new, even dumber directions, it almost becomes a blueprint for how not to make a horror sequel. It's a genre that typically does lend itself to franchising but everything about Happy Death Day 2U feels ill-advised and half-wrought, with overcomplicated jargon flung around in order to disguise the unavoidable emptiness at its centre. Last year's surprisingly wonderful, and surprisingly necessary, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse dealt with a multiverse conundrum effortlessly and just two months later, we're trapped in similar territory without a skilled hand guiding us through. Everything that film did well, this one fumbles.
The original's nimble touch has been replaced with a strange grandiosity, showcased quite embarrassingly in an unbearably self-satisfied post-credits sequence informing us that the proposed third film will be heading into even grander territory. Answering questions that didn't need answering in the first place and continuing to overcomplicate a relatively simple premise, Happy Death Day 2U is the worst kind of sequel, the staggeringly unnecessary kind that even the most hardcore Happy Death Day fans should avoid at all costs.
Happy Death Day 2U is released on 13 February


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§ Dr. Roger Thomas asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in the event of dental therapists ceasing to work in the State—provided dental community health service, whether he is considering allowing dental therapists to work in ordinary dental practice; and what steps he has in mind to encourage dentists to employ such useful expertise, particularly in areas where dental practitioners are in such short supply.
§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: I do not forsee dental therapists ceasing to work in the community dental service. In view of the provisions of the Dentist Act 1957, the General Dental Council's regulations do not permit the employment of dental therapists in general dental practice and there is little prospect of amending the Dentists Act in the immediate future. We shall be considering the future role of the dental therapist grade in the light of comments on the recommendation of the dental strategy review group that the New Cross training school should be closed, but no decision has yet been raised as the period of consultation has not ended.


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The editors and staff of On Spec are gratified by the show of encouragement from our readers and friends in the months since we learned of our current financial difficulties. The good news is that, for now, we are on an even keel, and we've been able to reduce spending and increase savings in a few strategic areas, without sacrificing the quality of our magazine or its contents.
On Spec will continue to publish.
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You can buy a paper subscription, or a digital one, and it really is a gift that continues to give pleasure to everyone who reads it.
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Examples of Perspectives Paper and Symposium Proposals
For many potential authors understanding the process by which we evaluate and decide upon proposals is quite different from what they normally see in the journal process. To help you submit a proposal to AMP, we are making available—with the agreement of authors—examples of successful proposals. These examples are indicative of those that eventually led to publication. Please consider them as suggestions.
A few things should be noted when looking at these proposals.
- First, we have purposely provided proposals that were revise-resubmit decisions. Proposal, as papers, can sometime be given the chance to revise and resubmit. In these cases we gave advice as to what might be acceptable, given we saw some value in the ideas. These examples illustrate how proposals can be improved.
- Second, even though a proposal might be accepted, what ends up getting published is shaped by the interactions between the author, editorial review board members, and editors. The purpose of the review process is to strengthen the contribution of the paper, and to draw out the attributes that make it publishable. Hence, it is useful for you to look at both the proposals and the final published paper, as there can be differences between the two.
- Third, as previously noted, these proposals are EXAMPLES. They are not an idealization of a 'perfect' proposal nor do they exhaustively represent what proposals might look like. Hence, when you examine them, please understand that they can assist you to write your proposal but they are not templates. Proposals vary quite dramatically in tone and orientation. What is important, however, is to keep to the guidelines outlined when submitting your proposal.
- Finally, please understand that the acceptance of a paper or symposium proposal does not mean that the full paper or papers in the symposium will be published eventually. Each paper undergoes a double blind peer review process. This is why we usually ask for 6 to 8 papers to be committed to a symposium proposal, with the expectation that not all will survive the review process.
Article Proposal Examples
The two examples of proposals given here were ultimately bundled together as a symposium, with one additional paper. However, they were submitted as independent proposals over a two-year period of time. The decision to integrate them as a symposium was made later by the editors. This highlights how AMP can be very different in the active management of the mix of articles.
The first example is the proposal related to
- The Use and Consequences of Strategic Sexual Performances, by M. Baskerville Watkins, A.N. Smith & K. Aquino, August 2013.
The second example is the proposal related to an article on a related topic.
- Tug of War: Caring for Our Elders While Remaining Productive at Work, by L. Calvano, August 2013 27:204-218.
Unlike the prior example, the proposal for this paper was accepted in its original form. It is also in line with the guidelines as specified on the website.
Symposium Proposal Example
At present we have few examples of proposals using the new guidelines as we are only now publishing a symposium in every issue. However, the example below is a good one in that it comes closest to addressing the components we demand in a good symposium proposal. This set of papers was an integrated symposium on non-market strategies published in 2016. The related articles are:
- Institutions, Economic Freedom, and Entrepreneurship: The Contribution of Management Scholarship, by Steven W. Bradley and Peter Klein, August 2016 30:211-221.
- An Embedded Agency Approach to Entrepreneurship Public Policy: Managerial Position and Politics in New Venture Location Decisions, by Jeffery S. McMullen, Matthew S. Wood, and Alexander S. Kier, August 2016 30:222-246.
- Two-Way Streets: The Role of Institutions and Technology Policy in Firms' Corporate Entrepreneurship and Political Strategies, by R. Michael Holmes, Jr., Shaker A. Zahra, Robert E. Hoskisson, Kaitlyn DeGhetto, and Trey Sutton, August 2016 26:247-272.
- Untapped Riches of Meso-Level Applications in Multilevel Entrepreneurship Mechanisms, by Phillip H. Kim, Karl Wennberg, and Grégoire Croidieu, August 2016 30:273-291.
- Institutions, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Growth: What Do We Know and What Do We Still Need to Know?, by Christian Bjørnskov and Nicolai J. Foss, August 2016 30:292-315.
To illustrate what an impactful AMP paper eventually looks like, read the 2016 Best Article by Gerald F. Davis: