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This is a Silly Band. You can get them for five dollars. Rip off, right? You can get some Silly Bandz at Spencer's or Target. They come in many shapes, like animals, sports, and baseball. They go on your wrist, not in your mouth. They are a bracelet. I think they are banning the Silly Bandz from our school.
Reviewed by Katy, age 7
A little more information about Silly Bandz
Silly Bandz are die molded rubber bands made of silicone that hold their shape. They come in an assortment of rainbow colors, and can be worn on your wrist. When you take them off, if you give them a shake, they return to their original shape. You can collect, trade, or wear them.
Kids tend to wear masses of them on their wrists, although the smaller bands can be uncomfortably tight and interfere with circulation.
They are surprisingly expensive, at $5 for 24 – around 21 cents each. Each 24 pack comes in a theme: pets, fun, zoo, sea, basic, dinosaurs, western, alphabet, princess, Rockbandz, spring, fantasy, baseball, rainforest, beach, or art fest.
Worthless when they break, kids sometimes go to extremes to trade them. So much so, they have actually been banned at our local elementary and middle schools.
Kids are going crazy for Silly Bandz, but whenever I see kids wearing Silly Bandz the only thing I can think of is, why didn't I invent these?
Harmless, but expensive fun. Recommended for ages 5 and up.


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American Ninja Warrior is a sports entertainment competition spin-off of the television series Sasuke.
The first American Ninja Warrior was held in Los Angeles, California, where hundreds of competitors came to challenge themselves against the world's most difficult and diabolical obstacle course and qualify for a shot at making it to Japan to compete in Sasuke 23 later in the year.
Divided into four extreme stages, competitors face the ultimate test of strength and will in their quest to become champion. Many are called. Few are chosen. Who's tough enough to become the next Ninja Warrior!

subset: commoncrawl


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What a disappointment or stronger! It was always going to be a risk playing a game starting at 9 p.m. After the week of near Artic conditions in Paris, surface heating the pitch for hours before the game just gave the frost and ice a better chance!
Sitting in the Stade and finding out the game was off from phone texts was also interesting. Still, nobody forced us to go there and I know some Irish who live here in Paris who decided the game would not happen. How right they were. Now for the rematch. A T


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Happy Christmouse!
Happy Christmouse!
This delightful miniature scene is the perfect combination of card and gift. Unique and lovingly hand made in London it comes personalized free of charge, and is ideal for any occasion worth celebrating.
Although this 'Little World' seems most delicate and fragile, rest assured it comes well packaged in a white presentation box with matching ribbon gift wrap.
As each card is individually hand made, please be aware that colours and compositions will vary from the product images.
dimensions: LARGE CARD H19 x W15.5 x D3.5cm
Add To Cart


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The Australian Alumni Singapore (AAS) is the national umbrella organisation for the 200,000 Singaporean or Singapore-based graduates of Australian universities. With the Patronage of the Australian High Commission and the President of Singapore, AAS, the Australian Alumni of Singapore, aims to promote friendship and goodwill among the various graduates and members from different Australian tertiary and professional institutions. Since 1955, the AAS has created platforms that forge closer business, social and cultural links between Singapore and Australia - alliances that enhance professional and leadership opportunities for Australian alumni from different Australian tertiary and professional institutions in Singapore.
In 1955, a small group of returned graduates from Australia, with the esprit de corps to establish a forum to interact and forge a close link between Singapore and Australia, founded the Australian Alumni Singapore under the leadership of the founder President, Mr Michael Fam Yu Onn. Since it's inception, the Australian Alumni Singapore has grown into a well-established graduate organisation.
Through the years, thousands of students have gone to Australia to receive higher education and returned to join the ranks of successful professionals instrumental to the present development of the Republic into a modern and sophisticated centre of communication and commerce. Many of the returned graduates who, at one time or another, were actively associated with the Alumni are today Government Ministers, community leaders, and prominent figures playing vital roles in Government, Public Service and Private Sectors, responsible for the continued progress of our young nation.
The Australian Alumni Singapore, through the uniting efforts of it founders and successive office-bearers, and the enthusiasm and support of the Australian High Commission, has not only forged a close link to promote goodwill and understanding of each other's social, economic and cultural values, but also formed an important part of the fabric of relationships between the peoples and professionals of the two countries.
AAS works closely with the Australian High Commission, the office of the President of Singapore, Australian Universities, and their respective Alumni Associations and Chapters in order to achieve these objectives.
64th Annual Report of the AAS
March 20, 2019
Dear All,
It has been 1 year since I took over as President of AAS from Immediate Past President, Mr Christopher Cheah. I would like thank Christopher for his trust and support and it is a big shoe to fill after a phenomenal growth of AAS under his care. I am humbled and honored to serve AAS alongside a dedicated group of committee members to continue to fulfill the vision:
Ø To become a leading alumni association in Singapore, with over 5,000 members;
Ø To become an effective facilitator to our members, enhancing their professional and business networks;
Ø To become the key link promoting and encouraging Australian education to Singaporeans, and Singaporean education to Australians.
AAS receives very strong support from the Australian High Commissioners HE Bruce Gosper and his team by continuing to hold many important events at the Australian High Commissioner's residence. A representative from the Australian High Commission joins our Management Committee meetings and is an integral part of AAS management team.
AAS Council of Advisors who is made up of highly regarded and successful Australian alumni continues to provide good guidance and strong support to the Management Committee. They are a pillar of strength to AAS which my team is deeply appreciative.
AAS will continue to proactively engage strategic partners like Australian Chamber of Commerce ("Austcham"), The Australia and New Zealand Association ("ANZA"), CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand ("CA ANZ"), The Alumni International Singapore ("AIS"), EDB Society, Engineers Australia, CFA Society, ambassador and high commissioner of many countries etc to create platform for AAS members to network.
For 2018, AAS held the 2nd Graduate Homecoming Career Fair in partnership with NTUC E2i. 4 networking events, a Sponsors Appreciation event and the flagship 63rd Anniversary JCU-AAS Annual Gala Dinner in Marriott Tangs Hotel. AAS also supported numerous activities by Australian High Commission, in particular the inaugural Good Science = Great Business Week. AAS will continue to organize these events and others that are relevant to members and stakeholders.
AAS is certainly a prominent international alumni association in Singapore today which we should be proud of. With a total Australian alumni population of 200,000 in Singapore, there are a lot more that AAS can do to engage more of the committee. My team will certainly strive to reach out to more Australian alumni in order to grow and improve AAS for the benefits of our members, current and future.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my gratitude:
Firstly, to our current Term Sponsors - Platinum Sponsor James Cook University, Gold Sponsor Lend Lease, Silver Sponsor Jetstar and Qantas, our Official Airline.
Secondly, to our Partner Universities – Platinum: James Cook University, Murdoch University and RMIT University, Gold: University Technology of Sydney, Silver: Deakin University and Digital: University of Southern Queensland.
Last, but not least, I wish to thank all members of my Management Committee current and past, Members of our Council of Advisors and our Secretariat current and past for their excellent support. I and my fellow committee welcome passionate and dedicated Australian alumni to come forward to volunteer with AAS, especially newer graduates who will provide a fresh perspective. My team and I look forward to continue to serve AAS and build a long term, successful and sustainable AAS.
Yours sincerely,
Joseph Kwok
Australian Alumni Singapore
20 Mar 2019
Message from His Excellency Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam
Ex-President of the Republic of Singapore
Patron of the AAS
Since its establishment in 1955, the Australian Alumni Singapore (AAS) has evolved and grown to be one of the leading alumni organisations in Singapore. Under the competent leadership of its Management Committee and the strong support of the Australian High Commission, the membership of AAS has seen phenomenal growth in recent years and its activities are well attended by members. Through these efforts, the AAS helps promote goodwill and understanding among Singaporeans and Australians.
Singapore and Australia share a special relationship built on long-standing ties and mutual trust. The two countries enjoy strong political, economic and people-to-people ties, which will be further strengthened with the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The work of AAS adds another important dimension to the lasting friendship between Singapore and Australia.
I would like to congratulate the AAS on its many achievements. Starting this year, the AAS will be implementing its new 2017-2019 Strategic Plan and the supporting digital initiatives. I am confident that these plans will bring AAS to the next level.
H.E. Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam
Ex-President of the Republic of Singapore
Patron of Australian Alumni Singapore
Message from His Excellency Mr Bruce Gosper
Australian High Commissioner to Singapore
Patron of the AAS
I am pleased to be Patron of the Australian Alumni Singapore (AAS). The close partnership that Australia and Singapore share is supported by strong ties across defence, trade, innovation and importantly, people-to-people links. The 140,000 Australian alumni in Singapore act as a reminder of Australia's deep commitment to and interest in Singapore and the wider region.
The Australian Government's New Colombo Plan is now in its fourth year in Singapore. As one of the pilot countries, Singapore has seen more than 700 Australian students study here over the last four years, and more than 40 scholars, gaining valuable insights and hopefully a passion for the region which will continue on into their future careers. Many senior Singaporeans, as original Colombo Plan students, have engaged with the program and shared their time, wisdom and passion for the relationship with Australia. This has been an important contribution to our efforts to build leaders with the same affinity with Singapore and the region.
Australia and Singapore's strong people-to-people links are underpinned by our commitment to invest in our people through skills and education. Under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we will see increased recognition of Australian tertiary qualifications, an internship pilot program which will enable Singaporean students to access to internships with leading Australian companies, and a dialogue which will promote cultural exchange between Australian and Singaporean schools.
Of importance also is Australia's Global Alumni Strategy which aims to connect alumni to each other, celebrates their achievements and their two-way links with Australia. Australian alumni who understand the culture of both countries, and have a positive outlook on doing business between both countries can result in more opportunities for collaboration and expansion, an aspect invaluable to the relationship. I believe the AAS has done an excellent job in connecting alumni in Singapore and providing a contemporary and forward-thinking agenda, and I look forward to supporting the AAS in that role.
H.E. Mr Bruce Gosper
Australian High Commissioner to Singapore
Patron of Australian Alumni Singapore
Mr. Joseph Kwok
University of New South Wales
SooChow Securities CSSD (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Mr. Geoff Howie
University of Queensland
Vice President
Market Strategist
Ms. Grace Ong
University of Adelaide
Co-chair of Alumni Engagement
Deputy Managing Director
Kaeser Gastechnik Singapore Pte Ltd
Mr. Rennie Sng
Murdoch University
Committee Member
Mr. Paul Ho
Macquarie University
Founder, Managing Director
Icompare Loan
Mr. Rajaneesh Kurup
James Cook University
Committee Member
Chair of Membership
Co-chair of Partner University Program
Senior Manager Solution Marketing
Mr. Kevin Dam
University of Technology Sydney
Committee Member
Chair of Digital Transformation
Sales Director
KD Consulting
Mr. Davian Sim
Macquarie University
Committee Member
Co-chair of sponsorship
Head of Strategic Corporate Development
Aalst Wilmar Pte Ltd
Mr. Chee Kheng Hock Rothschild
Macquarie University
Committee Member
Chair of Regular Events
GM Indonesia
Red Dot Payment Pte Ltd
Dr Peter Ling
University of Western Australia
Committee Member
Chair of AAS Branding and Publicity
Visiting Fellow
Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information
Nanyang Technological University Singapore
Mr Chris Cheah
Chairman of COA
Founder and Joint CEO, TrustCapital Advisors Investment Management Pte Ltd
Chris Cheah is also the Chairman of the Singapore chapter of Diplomatic Council, a unique organisation with consultative status to the United Nations combining a global think tank, a world leading business network and a charitable foundation. Chris is the President of Australian Alumni Singapore from April 2014 – March 2018. Prior to TrustCapital, he was the Head of Property Asia for ANZ Bank. Chris has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from The University of Queensland and is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
Dr Dale Anderson
Deputy Vice Chancellor, James Cook University
Dr Anderson is the Deputy Vice Chancellor, James Cook University Australia and Head of the Singapore Campus. As Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Anderson is a member of the James Cook University Executive and the Vice Chancellor's Advisory Committee.
He is currently a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the First Vice President of the Singapore Association of Private Education, a member of the Education Committee and the ASEAN Committee of the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Singapore Management Committee of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Dr Cheong Choong Kong
Dr Cheong Choong Kong is the Malaysian former Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airlines and former Chairman of the Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation.
He is a Director of several companies, including Singapore Press Holdings Ltd, Great Eastern Holdings Ltd, Great Eastern Life Assurance Company Ltd and Overseas Assurance Corporation Ltd.
He is Distinguished Australian Alumnus Award Winner 2015.
He holds a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Mathematics from the University of Adelaide in 1964 where he studied in Australia as a Colombo Plan scholar.
He also received a Master of Science (1966) and a PhD (1968) in Mathematics from Australian National University.
Dr Bill Foo
Bill is currently a professional director, corporate advisor and chairman of several non-profit, private and public listed entities including SGX listed Mewah, CDL Hospitality and Tung Lok, and IC Power Singapore Ltd. Bill is also a Senior Advisor at Bank of Singapore and Lazard Asia and Non-Executive Director of Tower Capital Asia Pte Ltd(PE) and Unigestion Asia Pte Ltd(Investment Management) and Director of Business Circle Singapore Pte Ltd, in partnership with Trans Tasman Business Circle.
Bill serves on several community and charity organisations including as Chairman of Heartware Network(a youth charity) and Salvation Army South Asia, and as a Director of the International Institute of Strategic Studies Ltd(Asia)/Trustee.
Bill has a B.Admin from Concordia, MBA from McGill and an Honorary Doctor of Commerce from James Cook University where he is Special Advisor to the Chancellor.
Mr Philip Forrest
Non-Executive Director
Philip Forrest is the Non-Executive Director of 7 companies in the Asia Pacific region. He has also served on the Council of the Singapore Business Federation; the Boards of the Australian Chamber of Commerce (former president) and the British Chamber of Commerce; the Council of the Association of Banks in Singapore; and the University of Queensland's BEL Ambassador Council in Singapore (chairman). He sits on the governing council and several committees of the Singapore Institute of Directors and is a Fellow of that institute, the Australian Institute of Company Directors, CPA Australia, and the Australian Institute of Business and Economics.
Mr Loh Hoon Sun
Managing Director, Philip Securities, Former President AAS
Mr Loh Hoon Sun has been with Phillip Securities since 1990, first as Managing Director and now Senior Advisor. He graduated from The University of Queensland, Australia. He is a Fellow of CPA Australia and ISCA and Member of CFA Society and IBF Distinguished Fellow.
He has served as Chairman, Gold Exchange of Singapore, and Board Member of, SIMEX, Stock Exchange of Singapore, Securities Industry Council, ACRA and GST Board of Review. He is a Past President of Chung Ling Alumni, Singapore, CPA Australia, Singapore Division and Australian Alumni Singapore.
Mr Neil Parekh
General Manager Asia, National Australia Bank
Neil joins NAB after a career track record in financial services holding Leadership positions for Natixis, DBS, Society Generale and Bank of America in US, Asia, Middle East & India. Neil holds Board Directorships with Nautilus Insurance, The Indus Entrepreneurs (TIE) and as Vice-Chairman for Singapore Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the governing council of the ABS (Association of Banks in Singapore) and the Advisory Committee of the AICD (Australian Institute of Company Directors). He holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, a Master's degree in Finance and an MBA in International Business.
Mr Mah Bow Tan
Former Member of the People's Action Party
Mah Bow Tan is a former Singaporean politician. A member of the governing People's Action Party (PAP), he has been a Member of Parliament (MP) representing Tampines GRC from 1988 to 2015. He was a member of the Cabinet from 1991 to 2011, serving as the Minister for Communications (1991-99), Minister for the Environment (1993-95) and Minister for National Development (1999-2011).
Mr Michael Yap
Members Vice - Chancellor's Circle
Swinburne University of Technology
Michael Yap is the Executive Committee Member of the EDB Society and Lions Club of Singapore. He is an Adjunct Professor at Swinburne University.
Michael has 40 years of elite leadership experience in Non Executive and Executive positions as Director, General Manager and CEO in both the Public and Private sector across the Asia Pacific. He is a Graduate in Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry from the University of Swinburne and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute of the UK.
Mr Chia Yoong Hui
Chief Executive Officer,
Ascenz Solutions
Awarded EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 - Maritime Technology Solutions. Chia Yoong Hui founded Ascenz and has served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director since the company's inception in 2008.
Under Chia's leadership, Ascenz has grown to an award-winning company, well recognized in the industry for its innovation. He has pioneered ship data analytics on the world stage to further the company's growth.
Chia graduated from the University of Wales with a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Business Computing with Financial Management, and received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) in 2005.
His Excellency Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam
Former President of the Republic of Singapore
His Excellency Mr Bruce Gosper
Australian High Commissioner to Singapore
Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam (2010)
Chairman, Singapore Press Holdings Ltd
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore
Dr Anthony Chung Jia Chi (2002)
Past President, 1987 – 1989
Prof Brian Lee (2003)
Past President, 1985 – 1987
Mr Tan Kah Hoe (2004)
Past President, 1993 – 1995
Dr. Geoffrey Chiam Heng Khim (2005)
Past President, 1967 – 1970
Eminent Alumnus Award
Dr Tan Chin Nam (2012)
Chairman, Media Development Authority International Advisory Panel
Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
Mr Jeffrey Tan (2012)
Head, Commune Participation Program
Singapore Arts Festival
National Arts Council
University of Melbourne
Monash University
University of Melbourne and University of South Australia
Monash University
Monash University
Monash University
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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Cals 348, Carbs 39, Fat 8, Protein 34, Sugar 8, Fiber 6
3 Cups Brewed Plantain Coconut Tea
1/2 Cup Liquid Egg/Whites
1 Cup Fat Free Cottage Cheese
3 TSP Stevia
3 Scoops Vanilla Whey Protein (I used Elite Gourmet Vanilla)
1 TBS Maple Extract
1/4 TSP Vanilla Extract
1/2 TBSP Cinnamon
2 Cups Old Fashioned Oats (for a more "cake-like" texture, use Quick Oats)
1 Apple - chunked
2 Drops each: Maple extract, butter extract, vanilla extract
*Walden Farms Pancake Syrup (Optional but delicious)
1/4 Cup Almond Flour
2 TSP Stevia
You also need some sort of 'non-stick' ingredient (coconut oil or Pam butter flavour)
- Put apple chunks in blender, pulse a few times
- Lightly spray frying pan with Pam Butter flavour or melt coconut oil
- Empty blender contents into the pan
- Season with "dry" ingredients (excluding oats)
- Saute until golden
- Lightly spray rectangular casserole dish with Pam butter flavour or coconut oil
- Evenly spread apple mixture along the bottom of the pam
- Evenly spread oats on top of apple mixture
- Combine 'liquid' ingredients in a blender
- Blend until smooth
- Slowly pour 'liquid' contents overtop of apples and oats
- Sprinkle/drizzle "topping" overtop of the casserole.
*Optional - For a crispy topping, top with melted coconut oil and/or honey
- Once liquid is mostly absorbed (but not entirely or it will dry out) broil until topping browns.
Makes 4 Servings


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Ashley's Top 5 Games of 2013
2013 was a special year for me when it came to videogames, being the first year of my life so far where I've had the money, time and effort to keep up with the majority of major releases. In previous years I was forced to pick and choose, or spend my time catching up with older titles I missed out on. 2013, in comparison, was gluttonous for me. I played so many great games that this list is possibly the hardest one I've ever had to make. I hope you had as much fun as I did this year!
Favorite Game Released Before 2013, Played in 2013: Persona 4 Arena
Arena is both a fun, easy to learn fighting game and a worthwhile spinoff to their seminal RPG. Employing 2d fighting veterans Arc Systems Works to handle the raw combat of the game ensures a solid base, but Arc took it one step further and streamlined their usually-complicated mechanics to suit Persona fans who wouldn't otherwise want to engage with the genre.
5. The Last Of Us
After a trilogy of bombastic and cheeky Uncharted games, there was a need for Naughty Dog to change their tune. They certainly did, and then some, with The Last Of Us. Arguably the first blockbuster horror game for years, its gameplay has a pleasing mix of tense survival and meaty, desperate action sequences. The story is a dark, depressing tale where the only moral is that The Last Of Us's world has no morals, and the ways in which pieces of backstory are revealed ambiently through environments provide beautiful changes of pace.
4. Grand Theft Auto V
The critical reaction to GTAV post-release was fascinating to watch. Critics and players seemed to have finally reached the point where they throw their hands up and admit that they feel too mature for it. The reason there's so much handwringing around seriously criticising GTAV, to the point where wholly critical articles almost seemed taboo, is that you can't deny that it's a brilliantly constructed video game. The change to three main characters was implemented smoothly and felt natural, the story missions adopted the variety and spectacle seen in GTAIV's last expansion, and once it finally worked as intended GTA Online proved a worthwhile addition to the series. Rockstar have shown why taking your time making a game can be more beneficial than squeezing out your title quickly, giving them a solid product (in review stage and on release anyway, where it mattered) and a million-making market hype to boot.
3. DmC: Devil May Cry
In a year when a lot of the games I played felt like they were trying to become more cinematic, more epic and emotive in story and more deliberate in pacing and impact, Ninja Theory's reboot of Capcom's most stylish series went against the grain. It was immature in its humour, and unapologetically favoured fun, varied level design over providing atmosphere or tone. The raw combat mechanics are some of the best the series has ever had, and they stuck by the Devil May Cry tradition of providing great replay value for players that value an old-school level of challenge in their games. I've not had more fun with a video game in 2013.
2. Tearaway
A beautiful, unique Vita title that manages to engage the player with tactile controls, Tearaway is perhaps Media Molecule's greatest triumph yet. In a year when Sony is attempting to reconfigure the Vita's selling point from standalone handheld to PS4 companion, this game makes a stronger case than ever that it's capable of standing up against the 3DS as a proper gaming platform. The nature of the game means that each of you will have played in a slightly different Tearaway universe, making your ending all the more affecting once it pulls back and reveals the scope of your influence on this tiny, papery world.
1. Bioshock Infinite
I, for one, couldn't believe Irrational did it. They had a lot to live up to by bringing the Bioshock name into this, and not only did they disprove those who thought it a cash-in on brand value, they went a step further and justified the move so deeply within their own lore that you can't ever make another one of these without calling it Bioshock! Like GTAV, this is a game that reaps the benefits of a patient development cycle. Ken Levine's writing is better than it has ever been, Elizabeth and Booker are amongst the best double act of the generation and the whole thing has the production values of a blockbuster movie. Stunning, stunning, stunning.
Honorable mentions: Divekick, Tomb Raider, Pokemon Y, FIFA 14 (PS4), Zelda: A Link Between Worlds


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Arlington, Texas — Another day, another starter down for the Tigers.
On the heels of putting pitchers Jordan Zimmermann (shoulder impingement) and Alex Wilson (plantar fascia strain) on the 10-day disabled list Monday night, manager Ron Gardenhire had to pull hot-hitting center fielder Leonys Martin out of the lineup Tuesday.
"The knee swelled up," Gardenhire said. "Same place as before. In the back of his left knee."
Gardenhire was told it was an inflamed tendon in the back of Martin's knee, not a hamstring. But, the Tigers aren't taking any chances. They were scrambling Tuesday afternoon to get him an MRI.
"He said he could play but we watched him last night and he was pulling up and not trying to steal bases," Gardenhire said. "We knew something was up."
It's a continuation of buzzard's luck for the Tigers, who last week put first baseman Miguel Cabrera (hamstring) on the DL. And like Cabrera, Martin was sizzling at the plate. In May, Martin was hitting .367 with a .424 on-base percentage, slugging .600 with a 1.024 OPS.
"I told him, 'I can't afford to lose you for two months,' " Gardenhire said. "That's why we're going to get this thing checked out and make sure it isn't anything serious. We've got to keep him healthy. We can't let him go out there and screw something up.
"We have to make sure we know what this is first."
JaCoby Jones moved over to center field Tuesday, batting in Martin's lead-off spot. Niko Goodrum got the start in left field.
"This is a long season and you're going to go through stretches where guys get beat up," Gardenhire said. "We have to weather the storm here and keep playing."
Zimmermann, who took a cortisone shot on Monday, fully expects to be back in the rotation when his DL stint ends a week from Wednesday.
"I should be able to start throwing again in a couple of days," Zimmermann said. "I pinched something (in his right shoulder) and it caused inflammation. The only way it would get better without a shot is if I take a lot of time off. Or, I could get the shot and take a few days off."
He chose the latter. Zimmermann has had several nerve-blocking shots in his neck and his back to deal with the pain and stiffness that essentially ruined his last couple of seasons. This shoulder impingement, he said, is completely unrelated to that.
"I am not worried at all about that," he said. "I would tell you if I had any fear of anything else being wrong. This is just a soreness in the throwing shoulder, an injury that happens to a lot of guys."
If Zimmermann can be ready to return a week from Wednesday, the Tigers would need a spot starter for Tuesday. Blaine Hardy could be an option for that.
As for Wilson, he was awaiting the results of an MRI he had Tuesday and was walking with a protective boot on his left foot.
"I took off to run (to cover first base Monday) and felt a pop," he said. "All the pain is in my heel. It's pretty sore today."
Wilson has been dealing with this since spring training and he said it had no effect on his performance. The best-case scenario, he said, would be if it was torn.
"Yeah, if it ripped completely, not partially," he said. "I lose the arch in my foot but I will never have more problems with plantar fasciitis."
If it's torn completely, Wilson said the recovery time could be a few days, a few weeks or a month.
"It depends on how my body handles it and how everything heals up. Cortisone shots are a treatment option," he said. "Now it's just a waiting game. The timetable on my return will depend on my pain threshold."
Which has already been proven to be high.
Twitter.com: @cmccosky


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To the Editor:
Debbie Gallagher is a natural to be a Crystal Lake Park Commissioner. She is dedicated to providing recreation, stewardship of natural areas, fair and safe use of the Lake and park lands.
She is a fiscal conservative having reduced the tax rate for the past 4 years. While serving on the Board the district has received over $1,000,000 in grant money and received the Certificate of Excellence for Financial Reporting all while maintaining an AA bond rating and Distinguished Accredited Agency status.
Debbie is highly experienced and qualified. She has been active in community organizations for 45 years. She worked for the Park District for 25 years and has been a Commissioner for 10 years including being President.
She is genuinely concerned about what happens within the Park District and how it effects residents. Both of her daughter's families including 4 grandchildren live in Crystal Lake and participate in many programs, sports, and enjoy the parks and Lake.
Please vote for Debbie Gallagher.
Candy and Bob Reedy
Crystal Lake


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Bosch News Update: Modules To Be Produced
Bosch News Update: Bosch Modules continue to be produced, was a recent headline and referred to the engineering giant's photovoltaic modular manufacturing.
Bosch announced that they would continue production of the photovoltaic modules until the end of 2013 according to a news update that has appeared in the German press. After that Bosch will cease to manufacture crystalline solar modules. Speculation is rife as to whether a new investor has been found for the Arnstadt plant although reports say that production at the Bosch Solar plant is seemingly continuing at its normal rate at present.
It had been a pretty uncomfortable week for solar as Suntech finally announced that they had moved into insolvency and then Bosch confirmed that the rumours that it was to cease its solar activities not long after it began its association with the solar market in 2008, were true. Bosch have also let it be known that they will be selling off the individual business units that it has as quickly as it can and that it will cease all marketing and development activity. It will also come as a blow to Malaysia where Bosch had panned to open another manufacturing plant in the future, that it will now abandon.
Bosch owns 90.7 % of Aleo solar AG, which will also be severely affected by the decision by the electronics giant to move away from the solar market. Bosch will now be seeking to to sell its shares. But Bosch has apparently reassured Aleo Solar AG that they will continue to finance the operation until the end of March 2014.
Reports have also been written about the continued struggle of the IG Metall industrial union of metal workers who have appealed repeatedly to the German chancellor Angela Merkel to help them save around 2900 jobs that are currently at risk due to the closure of the engineering giant's photovoltaic modular manufacturing operation. The union have had recent talks with the chancellor and the State Minister for Thuringian, Christine Lieberknecht.
Updates on Bosch
The works council have put forward their demands and their proposals in the hope that they can save the jobs that have been put at risk at the Arnstadt site after the cessation of Bosch's solar business, IG Metall commented. Additionally there has also been very lengthy initial discussions with Marion Walsmann the Thuringia Head of State, and General Hermann Gröhe the Christian Democratic Union Secretary. It is thought that both the German chancellor Angela Merkel and Christine Lieberknecht have both pledged their support for the metal workers.
To call the Bosch contact number click the link.
5,015 total views, 1 views today


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The Markets
"TODAY, WE'RE LOOKING AT SCIENCE FICTION BECOMING TOMORROW'S REALITY," said California Governor Jerry Brown in late September at Google's headquarters in Mountain View, CA. So, what "science fiction" was the governor referring to and what are the investment implications?
About 120 years ago, a German mechanical engineer named Karl Benz coupled an internal combustion engine with a chassis and four wheels. Today, we know it as the automobile. While the internal combustion engine was the transforming technology that made the modern automobile possible, we don't define, value, and think of cars in terms of how well they process gas. Instead, we think of what cars can do for us.
Cars dramatically changed our lifestyle. They allowed the rise of suburbs. They enhanced the family vacation. They played host to many dates and first kisses. They created millions of jobs in road construction, manufacturing, dealerships, repair shops, and, in fuel exploration, processing and distribution.
Likewise, Governor Brown's announcement of a new law making it legal for driverless – yes, driverless – cars to travel on public roadways in California could dramatically reshape the impact cars have on our lives.
Here are a few ways society could change:
- With no need for steering wheels, pedals, and other manual controls, manufacturers of those parts would be out of luck.
- With no driver and very few road accidents, say goodbye to expensive car insurance policies.
- With few road accidents, say goodbye to most of the roughly 2 million hospital visits per year in the U.S. caused by car accidents (many lives saved!) and say goodbye to all the time and resources spent by doctors, nurses, and staff, devoted to helping these accident victims.
- Say goodbye to taxi drivers and limo drivers and hello to a driverless "Zipcar" or similar type service.
- Say hello to electronics and software companies who will provide the sensors and computing power needed by these cars.
- Say hello to an expanding suburb and rising suburban housing prices as the driverless car will make a long commute more palatable since you can work or play while the car goes on its merry way.
- Say hello to increased mobility for people with certain disabilities.
Sources: The Economist; Forbes
The driverless car is no longer science fiction. Google already has a fleet of them and some of its employees "drive" them to work.
From an investment standpoint, this is an example of the type of deep research and thinking we do on your behalf as we strive to meet your goals and objectives.
Weekly Focus – Think About It…
"The best way to predict the future is to create it."
Peter Drucker, management consultant, educator, author


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Shipping + Returns
SHIPPING is generally sent via USPS Priority Mail and, for most paintings and larger pieces, we will ship via UPS.
We have included shipping in the price (which also includes the handling, packing and, when necessary, insurance).
TO COMBINE ITEMS FOR ONE SHIPPING FEE, please contact us directly and we will be happy to do that for you and invoice you directly for the total bill: (603) 662-2074 or firstname.lastname@example.com
You will be sent a tracking number once the item is shipped off to you. If, in a rare scenario, we are delayed shipping your package because of weather or an unforeseen circumstance, we will contact you immediately by e-mail or phone. We will always strive to ship out your purchase by the next business day.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL SALES ARE FINAL. Because we consign work from our artists and do not purchase outright, we cannot issue refunds for any reason other than damage while in transit. In the event an item is received damaged, please contact us within three (3) business days. We will ask you to send us photos of the damage, the box and packing materials, and any other information. Any damage refunds will be issued by PayPal ONLY. No cash or check refunds will be issued. We over-pack our items to ensure their safe delivery, therefore we reserve the right to determine whether the damage was the fault of the carrier or damage caused by the customer. We do not issue refunds for items dropped and broken by the buyer once the package has been opened.
LOST IN TRANSIT? If an item is lost in transit, we will do our best to track the item, but you may be asked to check with your local post office. You should also note that shipping during bad weather will delay the arrival of your package. Contact us within 3 business days after the expected delivery date if your package hasn't arrived.
DO YOU HAVE MAIL/PACKAGE THIEVES IN YOUR AREA? It is the responsibility of the buyer to be sure their delivery site is safe and theft-proof! Verify that the address you give us is (a) correct and (b) not a target for thieves. If you are not in a safe area, we recommend you have your package sent to the post office directly, or to a trusted neighbor, friend or to your place of work. The Cassidy Gallery is not responsible for items stolen from your porch or box and will not issue refunds for theft.
In the event a piece you purchased was sold before we received your order, you will receive a full refund for the sold item.
If you need additional information before purchasing an item, please contact Nancy at firstname.lastname@example.com or (603) 662-2074 and we will help you out.
Using our website
The images and text on this site are property of The Cassidy Gallery. Copyright of the art/craft on this site is that of the artist. Please do not copy the work of one of our artists! That is considered copyright infringement and it is illegal. We protect the intellectual property rights of our artists and will prosecute those who steal those rights from our artists.
Please report problems found on our website to: email@example.com. Let us know on which page you found the error, and what happened.
The Cassidy Gallery At Jackson Village
PO Box 1712
Conway, NH03818


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The Moment it All Changed
During a single month in 2012 we turned away two pregnant women. We just didn't have the capacity to serve them in our downtown LifeChange program. We had a small recovery program for single childless women only. We knew that wasn't enough. We were already talking and thinking about a new way to serve not only women, and we wanted to add children. I remember we floated the idea on our Facebook page of expanding our women's program and a homeless woman wrote, "We need this. I'm living in my car and I'm scared … "
Telling two pregnant women "We can't help you" and the words "I'm scared … " from a vulnerable woman, that was a turning point. We began trusting God for the resources as we found a property for the new women and children's center in Beaverton and relied on donors, volunteers and churches to provide the essentials to get us up and running. We opened in December 2013, and have been blessed to help so many women and children escape abuse, homelessness and addiction. On the day we opened we had been so stretched that we didn't have the time or funds to buy food! That afternoon a church brought in dinner and a week's worth of food. God began to multiply our loaves and it hasn't stopped!
Our women and children's center is a place of safety and healing. It is a place full of what we call "happy noise" as children are getting the care and stability they need to thrive. It is a place where moms and children heal together. A mom does not have to face the prospect of giving up her child to the foster care system because she needs help to recover from addiction or homelessness.
Mother's Day is just around the corner. I think of all the moms who are learning great parenting skills and becoming healthier mothers every day at the women and children's center. This will have an amazing impact on each child's future. The bonds of abuse and addiction are being broken.
I encourage you to recognize a mom you care about by making a donation in her honor to help moms in need at Union Gospel Mission. This is a simple way to do two very important things – 1. Honor a wonderful mom 2. Help a mom and child in need create a new, happy future.
Executive Director of Union Gospel Mission, Bill Russell, wrote this blog post. Bill has been a leader at Union Gospel Mission for 25 years. He is the co-founder of Union Gospel Mission's LifeChange recovery program. LifeChange helps men, women and children escape abuse, addiction and homelessness to transform their lives.


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Home »Nursing School Books »Nursing School Books
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Implementing mindfulness technique in educational settings, Pre-K – 12
For over a decade, presenters Susan Kaiser Greenland, author of the Mindful Child (Free Press, 2010) and Dr. Suzi Tortora, author of Dancing Dialogue (Brooks, 2005) have worked to integrate contemporary dance movement therapy techniques with classical mindfulness practice.
This interactive lecture provides an opportunity for students, educators, health professionals, administrators and parents to learn from each other.
It will:
- Explore the relationship between theory, practice and research of mindfulness practices
in educational contexts
- Provide an opportunity for you to strengthen and support how you communicate and teach
with activities that develop greater mind-body awareness, compassionate life skills and help manage stress
- Introduce ways to bring attention, balance and compassion into your personal and
professional lives
For more information: Teachers College, Columbia University


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Chris Wood had a chat with Alloy Entertainment to talk about his new show that was picked up by The CW, Cordon and The Vampire Diaries Season 6 finale.
Alloy Entertainment: In the promo for episode 6×22, we spy a confrontation between Damon and Kai. What can you tease about this?
Chris Wood: It's shocking that Damon and Kai would fight, that never happens on the show. [Laughs] I can definitely say we have some good moments with that and whatever is happening with Elena, Damon is extra mad at this guy who he's hated and loathed from the beginning. But, we also get the Kai/Bonnie sort of face off that we've been hoping for all season, because they have a lot of unfinished business and they get a moment to sort of really duke it out. It's epic, it's messy, it's exciting and dark. I think that fans will like it.
Alloy Entertainment: Speaking of fights, Bonnie lured Kai over to the 1903 prison world, only to stab him and leave him behind to rot. How did this act of betrayal affect his psyche, and does his revenge plan reflect this at all?
Chris Wood: I think Kai was really trying to change and trying to be good, and everyone in his life rejected him. The one person that he maybe cared about the most is Bonnie, and that fact that she is responsible for trapping him – I think this is a moment where his mind breaks. He has a mental snap. Anything good about this guy seemingly has vanished; and at least the parts of Luke in him are dormant and suppressed. He's on a mission to destroy lives and bay back anyone who has ever wronged him, he wants his cousin dead, he wants Bonnie, Damon, and Elena and anyone whose involved with him getting screwed over again, he wants dead. It's pretty simple and I he's willing to do anything and doesn't care about the consequences for himself.


text: Keep your cargo safe while in transit with Ford Aeromax cargo equipment designed to protect and prevent damages to goods on board. Shop our selection of custom and aftermarket Ford equipment such as cargo straps, clamps, chains, hooks, and more. Whether you are a professional driver or just getting started, 4 State Trucks has everything to make your trip a success.


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Maybe it's the cool weather or maybe it's all of the leaves that we get to play in, but Noah really loves the fall. We make big piles of leaves and run through them or just throw the at each other. When we have some extra time, we setup a little fire in the fire pit and roast some marshmallows. The only downside: the sun sets too early.
Finally! Claire takes some pictures
Claire and I finally had some time to take pictures without driving each other crazy. They weren't quite as smooth as I had expected, but we managed to get a couple good shots.
Maybe this is why...
Lately, Claire's been having some, uhh... difficulties with me. I usually spend my time with Noah, so I don't get much time with Claire, but my recent time with her has been pretty tough for both of us. Here's a typical interaction:
Claire is calm, either from Yilin holding her or from being in her swing. Then I pick her up and a few minutes later, WHHHAAAAAA!!!!! Big time melt down.
Maybe it's because I've been trying to get her to take some cute pictures and she's not having any of that.
It's been really cold here the last few days and we've pretty much been home the entire weekend. I decided that I wasn't going to let the weather make the weekend a wash, so I decided to have some photography fun!
When Noah was six months old, we got a 'new' couch. One of the best things about this couch was that i was long and white and offered a fun place to take pictures. I decided to use a similar setup to try and highlight some of Noah's favorite activities.
Lately, he's been very active. He does summersaults, jumps off things, and runs everywhere! That's not all the surprising, though. What's amazing is that he can now sit quietly as we read through several books. I never though he'd be able to do such a thing. Of course, he still loves to eat, so that's not big news.
Today was also the first time since Noah's really been mobile and independent that I've actually tried to setup all of the lighting gear. There were one or two close calls, but he was generally very respectful of what was mine and off limits. I think I'll be able to try taking more creative pictures in the future. After all, our boy really does love himself.
Happy Second Birthday!
It's crazy to think that it's already been two years since Noah was born! We had a simple little family party, but I think this was the most fun that Noah's had in awhile. Sure, he woke up and earned himself three consecutive timeouts, but then he got to open a present. Somehow he knew it was for him, but I guess he just assumes everything is for him.
Then he got to go to Whole Foods where he chose his own cake. Even with strong suggestions from Yilin to choose something with more fruits, he insisted on chocolate mousse cake. He really enjoyed the cake and since it was his birthday, we let him loose and have two pieces of cake!
Check out a few more pictures on flickr.
A post about snow, but really about vanity
We got some snow last week and had a chance to play in it. It's not the first snow of the season, which is probably a good thing. The first time it snowed, we had a really hard time getting Noah to put on his snow pants and mitts. I think he learned his lesson after the first time it snowed because when he saw the snow this time, he exclaimed, "SNOWING!" then ran to the closet and said, "SNOW PANTS!"
He was so excited to go outside, but the temperature outside was around 13F, so we had to wait until closer to lunch time when it was around 23F. When we finally could go out and play, I had these grand visions of putting Noah on his new sled and sliding him down the snow banks from the parking lot.
As is usually the case, reality didn't match my imagination. In fact, most of our conversation went something like:
Noah: Carry! Carry! Carry!
Me: No, Noah. You have to walk. Doesn't the snow look fun?
Noah: Carry!
Me: Noah, do want to touch the snow?
Noah: CARRY!
Me: Noah, I'm not going to carry you. Do you want to inside?
Noah: AHHHHHH!
I eventually got him to play in the snow by letting him throw snowballs at me, but my ultimate goal was still to get him on the sled. I tried all sorts of tricks like going on it myself, using it as a shovel, piling snow on top of it. Nothing worked. I gave up and we went in for lunch.
In the afternoon we went out again, but this time with Yilin. We tried showing him how fun the sled can be by pulling one another, but he didn't like it. We tried just plopping him on the sled, but he'd thrash himself around. Finally, mostly as a joke, I said to Noah, "Hey, do you know what would be really fun? If we made a video of you on the sled so you could watch it."
Without even thinking about it, he said, "Yeah!" and moved towards the sled. I actually had to stop him so that I could take my phone out and record him. The video is the first time he got on the sled. I can't believe it actually worked.
You'll also notice that we're pretending to swim. That was another tactic we tried to get him on the sled. We made believe that all of the snow was a giant pool. Pretending that something is a pool is one of the ways I try to tire him out.
December Recap
This December was pretty great. Our little baby is definitely a toddler now and is piecing multiple words together. This month Noah began to ask for things 'nicely'. Some example of things he asks for are:
- 'Can I have bagel please?' -- usually followed by 'BAGEL! BAGEL! BAGEL!
- 'Can you have lap please?' -- this translates to 'Can I sit on your lap please?'
- 'Can snack please?" -- at some point he lost focus and skipped all the unimportant parts
December was especially awesome because Noah got a chance to spend a lot of time with both of his aunts. It was great for him to get to know the rest of our family especially since it feels like his long term memory is beginning to mature. It was also a good break for Yilin and me as there were more people around to keep him busy.
We celebrated Yilin's birthday with a super excited boy exclaiming 'BIR-DAY!' and really eager to blow out the candle. Noah loves blowing out candles. We even sometimes light a candle and put it on a dessert just for kicks or make a fake cake with fake candles out of blocks.
Noah's imagination is also fully active now. He'll randomly say 'whooo whooo', 'cheep cheep', or 'meow' and look around in bewilderment asking 'where?' as he looks for the owl, bird, or cat. Most of the time they're either hiding behind his neck or in pocket. He always lets the go, but they frequently end up pooping (usually on my head).
I've also started to try keep his energy levels under control by introducing various obstacle courses. They usually involve things like going under a stick, climbing up the couch, crawling through a tunnel, and running into me. We commonly refer to this game as 'crash' -- probably because we usually have to stop because he ends up crashing into something.
Yilin has also ramped up Noah's learning time. I won't pretend to know it, but I'll say that we have a lot of Montessori books and activities now. The picture of Noah playing with the rice is actually one of the Montessori activities.
If you want to see more pictures from December, check out our flickr gallery.
Happy First Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Noah! It has been such an amazing year for us. There were great days and some really awful days, but it was all just a giant adventure. Now that you're older and we're more experienced parents, the second year shouldn't be as tough...Read More
Noah Eating
Here's a short video of Noah eating. It was taken in October.Read More
So busy! September Family Picture
It's been almost three months since my last post! I can't believe how busy we've been. We're all still pretty busy, so there won't be any updates other than new pictures from September and our September family picture. I'll try to post an update a...Read More


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Tasmania Opposition Leader Rebecca White has cast her vote in the state election, confident Labor can win majority government.
Ms White appeared relaxed alongside husband Rod and daughter Mia at her home electorate of Lyons on Saturday morning.
At age 35, she could become the youngest premier in the Apple Isle's history.
"I'm feeling really excited. I'm very optimistic because we've run a very positive campaign talking to people about the things they care about," Ms White said at Sorell Memorial Hall.
"I hope today that with our candidates, that have worked so hard across the state, having contact with 200,000 people, that we can win."
Labor won seven lower house seats at the 2014 election and needs to pick up six to form majority government.
Ms White will spend the afternoon at the Hamilton Show where she plans to have an ice-cream before results begin to trickle in around 6.30pm (AEDT).
"I've spent an enormous amount of time away from them," she said of her family.
"There's been a lot of campaigning on the road. So it's nice to be able to spend some time at home with them."
Roughly 330,000 Tasmanians are expected to head to the ballot box, with 50,000 pre-poll votes already received by the state's electoral commission.


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Old Fashion Sugar Cookies/
If you didn't already know, sugar cookies are my favorite kind of cookies. I know that may seem bland or boring, but I love them. I've posted a few times about my signature iced sugar cookies, but today I'm giving you a new recipe!
They are a simple cookie but packed with flavor. The combination of almond and vanilla extract makes them mouth watering! They are friend and family tested and approved so you need to make these and try them for yourself!
My laptop is one of the most important tools when I bake.
The dough is crumbly, but bakes up perfectly.
The cross fork technique gives them rustic look and creates little crevasses for the sugar to sit in.
Old Fashion Sugar Cookies adapted from Eat, Live, Run
yields 3 dozen
1 cup sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. baking soda
4 cups all purpose flour
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Combine the two sugars, then add the vegetable oil, extracts, salt, eggs and baking soda. Whisk well to combine. Add the flour and stir to combine. The dough will seem crumbly and dry (I had to get my hands in there to finishing combining). Use a cookie scoop or roll out ping pong size balls of dough onto parchment paper lined baking sheets. Make a cross with the bottom of a fork then sprinkle with sugar or colored sprinkles. Bake for 8 minutes.


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WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — As an increasing number of people seek career changes in the new year, U.S. News & World Report today released its Best Jobs of 2014, featuring rankings and information on 100 jobs in category-specific lists. For the first time ever, the No. 1 Best Job isn't in the health care sector. Software developer jumped 6 slots from last year to claim the top spot, thanks to a combination of excellent job prospects, faster than average job growth, low unemployment rate and a good salary.
Despite losing the top spot, health care jobs still dominate the overall Best Jobs of 2014 rankings. Seven of the top 10 jobs are from the health care sector, including registered nurse, dentist and dental hygienist. For the second year, market research analyst is the No. 1 Business Job; dentist is the No. 1 Health Care Job; school psychologist is the No. 1 Social Services Job and public relations specialist is the No. 1 Creative Job.
New in 2014, U.S. News ranked 18 additional jobs. Some of the stand outs include nurse practitioner, operations research analyst, information security analyst, nail technician and structural iron and steelworker.
"In this economy, it's important to look for a job that offers long-term growth and stability," said Jada A. Graves, senior career editor for U.S. News. "The Best Jobs of 2014 were developed to help job-seekers identify occupations within an industry that most suits their needs and talents – and also offer a good salary and opportunity for advancement."
U.S. News used data comprised by the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics to identify jobs with the greatest hiring demand. Jobs were then scored using seven component measures: 10-year growth volume, 10-year growth percentage, median salary, employment rate, future job prospects, stress level and work-life balance. For further details on how the rankings were calculated, see the methodology.
In addition to the rankings and data, Best Jobs of 2014 features profiles of each job, including expected openings, advancement opportunities, career fulfillment and salary expectations. Related editorial content also offers a look at "High-Paying Jobs on the Rise," "What it Takes to Land the Hottest Tech Jobs of 2014," "Top Jobs for Work-Life Balance," and more.
U.S. News Best Jobs 2014 Rankings
*See the full list of the Best Jobs online
|100 Best Jobs
|Best Business Jobs
|Best Technology Jobs
|1. Software Developer
|1. Market Research Analyst
|1. Software Developer
|2. Computer Systems Analyst
|2. Operations Research Analyst
|2. Computer Systems Analyst
|3. Dentist
|3. Accountant
|3. Web Developer
|4. Nurse Practitioner
|4. Financial Advisor
|4. Information Security Analyst
|5. Pharmacist
|5. Business Operations Manager
|5. Database Administrator
|Best Health Care Jobs
|Best Social Service Jobs
|Best Construction Jobs
|1. Dentist
|1. School Psychologist
|1. Construction Manager
|2. Nurse Practitioner
|2. Maintenance and Repair Worker
|2. Cost Estimator
|3. Pharmacist
|3. Speech-Language Pathologist
|3. Glazier
|4. Registered Nurse
|4. High School Teacher
|4. Plumber
|5. Physical Therapist
|5. Nail Technician
|5. Structural Iron and Steelworker
|Best Creative Jobs
|1. Public Relations Specialist
|2. Art Director
|3. Architect
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is a multi-platform publisher of news and analysis, which includes the digital-only U.S. News Weeklymagazine, www.usnews.com and www.rankingsandreviews.com. Focusing on Health, Personal Finance, Education, Travel, Cars and Public Service/Opinion, U.S. News has earned a reputation as the leading provider of service news and information that improves the quality of life of its readers. U.S. News & World Report's signature franchise includes its News You Can Use® brand of journalism and its annual "Best" series of consumer Web guides and publications that include rankings of colleges, graduate schools, hospitals, mutual funds, health plans and more.
SOURCE U.S. News & World Report


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Saturday, September 15, 2018Add to Calendar 15-09-2018 14:00:00 15-09-2018 14:00:00 35 Various Former Chicago Blackhawks - (Chicago Blackhawks) United Center - 1901 W Madison St. Chicago, IL CSAC CSAC false DD/MM/YYYY
Time: 9:00 am
Who: Various Former Chicago Blackhawks (Chicago Blackhawks)
Where: United Center - 1901 W Madison St. Chicago, IL
The Blackhawks Training Camp Festival will be held at the United Center on Saturday, Sept. 15. The marquee event of the day will allow fans inside the arena to watch a Blackhawks training camp practice and scrimmage at 11 a.m., and the first 10,000 fans to enter the building will receive an Alex DeBrincat bobblehead. All seating within the United Center will be general admission. Outside, the Festival will open at 8 a.m. and will include appearances from Blackhawks Alumni, live music, food and drink and entertainment for fans of all ages.
More information here:


text: Peso Da Mafia have cemented themselves as the most adored rap group coming out of Baltimore through building a reputation for exciting showmanship and infectious hooks. Earlier this year, the Northeast Baltimore trio of Shordie Shordie, PDM Purp, and Lor Dee took the city by storm with their sure fire hit "Money Man," which now has nearly three million views on YouTube. It's no only the song's perfect balance of PDM Purp's raspy, cutting delivery and Shordie's dragged out drawl of a flow, but also the track's accompanying dance created by hypeman Lor Dee that have made it the city's most impactful tune since Lor Scoota's "Bird Flu" in 2014. And with their penchant for anthems and unbreakable chemistry, Peso Da Mafia is looking to validate their high demand.


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Our latest Level 3 Sketch class work hard to produce a stellar show, and it's evident they succeeded with Sixth Floored. Performer Jonda Robinson and assistant director Julia Cotton fill us in about the revue and how sketch writing can help make you better improviser. How did the group land on the theme of the show? What is the through-line in each scene connecting with the overall Dallas/Kennedy title?
Jonda: Because this is the first sketch show at the new Dallas Comedy House (DCH), we thought it would be nice to try to write some things that were inspired by Dallas. Nick Scott (our director) asked us to bring in pitches that involved the city, and almost all of them had to do with the Kennedy assassination in some way. This made us think about how that event is still such a big deal for the city, and Dallas has never really moved on from it. In our scenes, we saw this related theme of characters being stuck in situations, unsure of how to move forward, and that became that thread that runs through the show.
Julia: Nick and I had them go around the table and just tell what was going on in their lives. In everyone's response there was some mention of not knowing what was coming next in their lives. Everyone seemed to hint at the need to move on to the next thing, but not quite being sure what that next thing was or even if moving on would be the right thing to do. So that's something underlining the show, for sure: staying stuck in a situation or moving on from it. JFK came along because I think we had them bring historical pitches and Dallas centric pitches in the same week. There was some grim holocaust stuff, some grim 9/11 stuff, but I think mostly JFK stuff came through the pipe that week, and we ended up running with that. There was a joke about the JFK assassination being the thing Dallas is most known for and there's like this weird sense of pride about it. The title Sixth Floored, though, is also a reference to the band Sugar Ray, which is another prominent element in the show (their second studio album was titled Floored).
How does working together as a sketch group differ from working together as improv troupe?
Jonda: When you are onstage as an improv troupe, you don't have time to overthink—you just have time to react, and once a scene is finished, you'll never do it again. In sketch, you get to take your basic idea, write it, and rewrite it until it's something you really like. Sketch involves a lot of bouncing ideas off of each other and, as a group, picking the ones that work best. The collaboration is different, because you get to actually explain the reasoning for your choices and hear other ideas to see which is best before putting anything up for the audience.
Julia: You're getting to explore each other's ideas further, which is great on a lot of levels. Not only does that mean you're digging into the sketch and what can make it great and better and finding different directions it can go, but you're also digging into each other more. In improv, you make things up on the spot and scenes and moments pass so fast and you forget about them so quickly. With sketch, obviously you're planning things, so you can ask someone, "How did you get to that thought," which prompts a lot of conversations in and out of that writer's room. Being able to bounce ideas back and forth, you end up getting a deeper look into each other's psyche. I like that, because there's the opportunity for writing specific things about the people you're working with.
How does writing influence your improv skills?
Jonda: Writing sketch has helped me become more aware of just how important the basics are in an improv scene. When you write something, you know that you need to get the set-up of the scene out as quickly and efficiently as possible. Without this foundation, the audience is left missing out. Writing sketch has also forced me to take the time to analyze the game of a scene and figure out how to best heighten it, which in turn has made it a little easier to recognize the game when I'm in the heat-of-the-moment of an improv scene.
Julia: I think both skill sets go hand in hand. I signed up for improv with the intention of getting into sketch writing. Doing improv makes you focus on things like "who, what, where" and "relationships" and "finding the fun" and "burning the leaves." When you go into writing a sketch, all of those improv "rules" are so vital in giving you places to take a scene and finding out which one of those places is most interesting to explore and make a sketch out of. I feel like going back to improv after writing, you end up finding those interesting places faster.
What kind of work goes into putting on a sketch show?
Jonda: The work is basically four phases:
- Pitch a million ideas and pick the few that you like and have the most potential.
- Write, perform, rewrite, perform, rewrite again, rewrite some more, etc., until you have your sketches where you want them.
- Memorize your scripts and rehearse to get your performance down.
- Spend the entire run of your show having lots of fun with your group, because you've got it all down and are excited to show an audience what you've created.
Julia: Each week, everyone meets together in a "writer's room" environment. The first couple of meetings everyone pitches ideas based on whatever's happening (in their life, in the world, etc.), or maybe a prompt or theme is thrown out there ("pitch something about Dallas," "pitch something about a particular historical event," "pitch something about sports"). We go through all of the pitches, pick the ones that jump out enough for everyone, talk about them for a bit, and then improvise them. If something is working as an improvised scene, someone is assigned to take it and write it out. When there are enough scenes that kind of lean toward a similar theme, we get a few more pitches specifically for that theme and go through that same process with them. The directors take them all and come up with a preliminary show order and after that, it's much like doing a theater production: Everyone needs to get "off book." Usually there's some rewriting. There are ALWAYS sketches that get cut. There are revisions to the show order. There's a prop list. There's blocking/staging. There's sound and lighting. There are rehearsals. There are tears. And then there's a show!
Which skills does one need to be a good sketch performer?
Jonda: To be successful as a sketch performer, one needs the dedication to memorize lines and the willingness to try to play scenes in different ways, even if it pushes you out of your comfort zone. To use a term from my days playing team sports, you've got to be "coachable" and willing to listen to your director and fellow performers to make the performance the best it can be.
Julia: Having an improv background is definitely helpful, not only for writing but for the nature of live theater (because who knows what will happen that one time when someone forgets to bring the birthday cake prop on stage!). Also, all improv fundamentals are relevant in putting on a sketch show: support, react, use the environment, make eye contact, etc.
Confidence. If you don't believe in what you're doing, it comes across in your performance, so the audience won't believe it either.
Thick skin is important. Not only are there ALWAYS sketches that get cut, not all pitches get the reaction you're hoping for. That doesn't mean you can't write them and prove everyone wrong! But also, writing them doesn't always prove everyone wrong… :)
Patience with yourself, your cast mates, your directors, your tech people, and those people building a brand-new theater for you to perform in. Sketches don't always come together the way we expect them to come together in our heads. You may write something for a long time and it end up making no sense to you or anyone else. There are always technical challenges. There are sometimes new theaters being built in the middle of trying to put together a show, and you don't have a stage to rehearse on for a while. Trust that all will come together as it should.
Also, night vision is good if you have that, because sometimes it gets dark on that stage.
Are there any scenes left on the cutting room floor that you wish could have been performed? If so, which ones?
Jonda: I don't want to give away too much information about those top-secret scenes, as we might want to pull them out at some point, but the one that comes to mind was entitled "Peanut Butter Slap" and involved Ashley in the role of an office janitor who violently interrogated us all because someone was slathering peanut butter all over the workplace. Sometimes those sketches that never make it to the stage are the most fun because you're trying hard to make some crazy premise work, and along the way inside jokes are created within your group.
Julia: SO MANY!!!
Katie had a really good idea that no one really latched on to that I was kind of in to. Something about a woman that talked to people that kept leaving or dying, but someone else would come in and be there for her to keep talking to. Then I saw an episode of Louie later this season where he did EXACTLY THAT! It was a good idea. Louis C.K. thought so.
Also, there was a "Middle Aged Mutant Lawyer Turtles" thing that never quite came together.
Jason Hackett had one that I really loved, but I do believe he's still going to perform it somewhere, so I don't want to ruin it. Stay tuned for that.
Plus, who knows what we can add back throughout the run of the show...
Speaking of the show, you can catch Sixth Floored May 21, May 28, and June 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available for advance purchase.
Sixth Floored was written by and stars Ashley Bright, Jessica Dorrell, Jason Hackett, Jon Patrick, Katie Pedroza, Jonda Robinson, and Cesar Villa. It is directed by Nick Scott and assistant directed by Julia Cotton.


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Roberta Beary is the haibun editor of Modern Haiku; she tweets her photoku @shortpoemz. Her book The Unworn Necklace was awarded a William Carlos Williams finalist award by the Poetry Society of America in 2007, the first such honor for a book of haiku. Her most recent book is Deflection, her collection of haibun and haiku sequences. She is a frequent haiku contest judge and presents workshops worldwide on the art of haiku. More
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Inflation has been in the news a lot lately. Most of the talk has centered on gasoline and food prices. Pets eat too and feeding them is going to cost more even if prices stay the same.
You say 'How is THAT possible'?
The folks that sell pet food to your local supermarket will soon be selling less product for the same price. You will have to buy more packages in a given year. Continue reading and see Math Analysis below.
You may have to make extra trips if the food doesn't last as long as before. In the past you might have been able to go two weeks between purchases. With the smaller packages you might run out a few days early and have to drive to the store to purchase more.
What Might Consumers Do?
- They may buy an extra bag when purchasing. This may lead to increased out-of-stocks. [lost sales to the brand?] [store reputation is damaged by out-of-stocks leading to channel, chain or store switching]
- They may buy a bag of store brand as a hedge against running out. [Big Brand sales decline] [Store brand and retailer gain margin points and dollar profits]
- They may switch to the next size up [Big Brand volume, market share and dollar share increase] [Store gets bigger basket size / register ring].
- They may move category purchases to Wal-Mart, Costco or specialty pet stores to take advantage of larger package sizes and lower cost per unit. [Big Brands lose pricing power as buyers gain more market share] [Supermarkets lose as high dollar item purchases move to other sales channels]
- They may try another brand [Big Brand A loses sales to Big Brand B,C, D, E or F]
Math Analysis
If the consumer makes no changes in purchase behavior and buys the Big Brand they will buy a few extra packages per year. An example is as follows. Before the cost/size changes the customer buys a 4lb bag at $5.89, lets call that $6. We will also assume that this amount lasts two weeks [14 days]. In a year they will buy 26 packages at $6. Total yearly spending is $156.
With the package size reduction perhaps the consumer can only get 13 days out of it. With a 13 cycle per package the consumer will need to buy 28 packages in the same 52 weeks. This means this consumer will be spending about $12 more per year for pet food.
What Are Your Thoughts?


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Staying Authentic With Hard Business Decisions
One thing I see business owners constantly struggle with is staying authentic when multiple business decisions come to their door.
As soon as you start down a path that is not authentic to who you truly are, you will feel this tension in your soul and this will lead you to experiences of self-sabotage, anxiety, self-doubt, stuck energy, or quitting on all your goals.
If you are someone who naturally leans toward speaking, people may demand that you engage in daily blogging. If you go along with this instead of honoring you desires to perhaps record a daily video, you will feel stuck and overwhelmed. The last thing you want and/or need is to commit to tasks that drain your time, energy and resources.
One of the biggest obstacles I coach people through is stuck energy. You know that feeling when you have every available resource at your fingertips to get something done, but you can't seem to make any progress? That's stuck energy.
My goal is to keep you as far away from that as possible.
With the New Year coming around the corner, you are probably thinking about where you want to take your business.
You see all the people in your industry doing new things and you're wondering what you should do, where you should take your brand, what products you should release, where you should speak… It's all a long list of potential projects you can bring to your brand.
Each of these decisions will have an impact on who you are and what you do.
Making decisions that align with our ultimate vision and our most authentic selves isn't always easy. Most of the decisions you make throughout this year will either make you extremely happy or extremely miserable depending on how much closer you feel to your authentic self.
Here are some of the steps I take to create authentic business decisions:
1. Create an ultimate business and personal vision.
When I know the end goal of where I'm trying to go, I can figure out when decisions get me closer to that vision and when they don't.
Making decisions without an end point is like driving without a destination. You will ultimately end up driving in circles with any final point so it is ultimately confusing and never ending.
Write out what you want your legacy to be. Create a vision board if you must.
2. Make a list of "yes" and "no".
What I mean by this is for you to decide what you will and will not do along your path as a business owner.
We all know what we enjoy to do and what we don't enjoy doing. If there is a way to outsource or completely cut out the things you don't enjoy, then be sure to budget for those services. If it is something you must do, find a way to make it enjoyable if you can.
Sign up for speaking gigs if that energizes you. If website design makes you too stressed out, hire someone. If you want to travel make sure to attend events in other states and countries.
3. Take a break.
Sometimes taking a break can give you the clarity you need to break through. When we are overworked, stressed, and exhausted, it can prevent us from hearing our hearts calling. Our passions get hidden under ever-growing To-Do lists and demands from the people around us.
This could be anything from a weekend off to a few weeks off to recharge the batteries. It is within silence that we can hear our inner guidance tell us our next steps.
4. Ask someone we admire or hire a coach.
After doing all the steps above, sometimes you will come to the conclusion that you need even more guidance. This is where a mentor, coach, or asking someone who has been in this position before can benefit you.
5. Any decision is better than no decision at all.
Don't let your dreams and goals stay in your to-do list. I see far too many people stay in stuck energy because they aren't sure what to do at all.
I can guarantee that taking no action at all won't get you closer to your goals. While you might feel productive thinking about what choice you want to make, you must take action.
6. Always adjust as you go.
There are many things that might sound good in theory but don't work for you and your life once they are executed.
You might find that a project or goal no longer suits you and your vision. It is perfectly okay to let go and adjust your course with this new knowledge.
Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash


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The Ashley River Ramble is a fun event for all to walk, run or bike.
The Ramble follows an 11km course along the southern stopbanks of the Ashley River, starting at Waikuku and finishing at the Ashley Picnic Grounds, Rangiora. And when you buy your ticket, you'll be supporting a worthy local cause – in 2019 this was the Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group.
The Ramble has finished for another year – thanks to all those who participated and helped and see you again next year for the 2020 Ashley River Ramble
See pictures from the 2019 Ramble
Sunday 3rd March 2019. Cyclists start at 9am and walkers / runners at 9.10am
Start at Waikuku Beach North Oval (90 Park Terrace) near the river estuary.
Finish at Ashley River Picnic Grounds (off Milton Ave) near the BMX Track, Rangiora
* Transport back to Waikuku Beach will be available after the final ceremony at midday. People only (sorry, no space for bikes) and gold coin donation please.
$20 each adult, $10 each school age child … OR $40 total for a team or family of 4 !
Online ticket sales are now closed – BUT you can still register! Come along to Waikuku North Oval on Sunday 3rd March at 8.00am and buy your tickets (cash only.) See you there!
This year your entry ticket will go towards supporting the Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group, a volunteer group which protects endangered birds while recognising recreational use and river control works.
Buy your ticket and support this worthy local cause.
Buy your ticket, get your wristband on the day and you'll be in with a chance to win:
Spot prizes – check the whiteboard at the Ashley Picnic Ground for your wristband number to see if you're one of the lucky spot prize winners. These prizes have been kindly donated by our local sponsors.
Major prizes – be in to win one of two night's accommodation at Hanmer Springs or Christchurch, courtesy of the Heritage Hotel Group:
– 1 bedroom suite at Heritage Christchurch (prize #1)
– deluxe room at Heritage Hanmer Springs incl. breakfast for two (prize #2)
* Please note – you will need to be present at the final ceremony at midday to be eligible to win a major prize.
Every entrant completing the event will also receive a participation certificate.
Come along to the start of the event at Waikuku Beach at 8am in your craziest costume – could be bird-related, beach fun or river themed … your choice! – and be in to win a gift hamper. Three hampers in total, one awarded to 'best adult', 'best child' and 'best group.'
The winners will be announced at the final ceremony, midday, at the Ashley River Picnic Grounds.
View maps here >>
The 11km route follows the river stop banks from Waikuku [A] to Rangiora [B] with its changing vistas of farm and river.
The Ashley River Ramble is being run by Rangiora Lions, Rangiora Lionesses and Woodend Lions Clubs.
The Organisers would like to thank the following sponsors for their generosity in supporting the event.
Major sponsors
Heritage Hotel Group
Wilsons Print
Hortons Signs
Spot prize Sponsors
Paper Plus
Town Hall Cinemas
SNAP Fitness
Rangiora Fitness Centre
Warehouse Stationery
Noel Leeming
Christchurch Casino
The Little Book Company
Stirling Sports
The Warehouse
Push Bikes
Dudley Park Aquatic Centre
Aaron Clark-Property Brokers
Other Supporters
Artisan / Rangiora Bakery
Lamb & Hayward