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The engagement session is the perfect excuse to hang out with my clients, get to know a LOT about you, and allow you to get used to being photographed by me. These are big advantages in crafting a comfortable, smooth, positive experience for my couples.
The key to a great engagement session is trust.
The location and clothes and backgrounds are all factors that help to build that trust and confidence in you and your partner so that you will fall even more in love with what I do.
Here's some crazy simple tips I have learned over the years that help me to maximize these shoots and craft a relationship of trust with every couple.
1. Hang out for a bit
My goal with every wedding that I photograph is to show up on the wedding day like I was an old friend that just happen to have fancy camera. The more comfortable you are with me as a person, the more you will open up in front of the camera and enjoy the experience.
2. To document the love story
I am photographing the love stories of everyday people who have never been in front of a professional photographer before. Even the cutest, most outgoing couple has no idea what you're doing in front of a camera, but you will thrive under direction from me, the photographer. I will tell you when you are looking fantastic, and get excited when the images are turning out amazing.
Start by I will tell you where to put your hands, where to look with your eyes etc. Eventually you will learn how to be fabulous in front of the camera.
3. Tips
If you love shoes, please wear cute shoes during the session, or a pair of smokin' hot heels! Even your partner loves to get in on the action and he also can wear his favourite pair of shoes. Think outside of the box with your clothing. Love vintage? How about bring a vintage bicycle and pin up clothing?
Remember you have the permission to be creative!
4. Bring some props
One of the tips that I give my couples is to bring a prop that is either fun or significant to their relationship – bikes, hats, skateboards, surfboards, their dogs, or even their cars! This brings an element of spontaneity, creativity, and originality to the shoot which makes the session all the more fun for us and memorable for you!
5. Choose locations that are significant
Much the same as the prop, I like to shoot at locations that are significant to the couple in order to tell a more complete picture of your love story – your new house, the spot where he proposed, the place where you two met, a hobby you both enjoy together. Remember that the engagement pictures are about capturing who you are at an incredibly special time in your live.
Remember be authentic with your personality. The more authentic and honest you are in front of the camera, the more authentic and honest the images will be.
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Create lyrics explanationSelect some words and click "Explain" button. Then type your knowledge, add image or YouTube video till "Good-o-meter" shows "Cool" or "Awesome!". Publish your explanation with "Explain" button. Get karma points!
Eminem – Lounge lyrics
I never meant to
Give you mushrooms girl
I never meant to
Bring you to my world
And now your sittin da corner crying and now it's my faultx2
(Wooh! Yeah!)
Lyrics taken from http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/e/eminem/lounge_lyrics.html

subset: commoncrawl


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Tens and Ones to 50
Lesson 11 of 11
Objective: SWBAT group objects to show numbers to 50 as tens and ones.
Activating Strategy
In this lesson, children use base-ten blocks to represent tens and ones. Base-ten blocks are pregrouped models that are efficient to use, but children cannot take them apart or put them together to show number relationships. Children may ask why they are using blocks instead of connecting cubes. I explain that with the blocks it is quicker to show greater numbers. Instead of connecting 10 cubes to make 1 ten, they can trade 10 ones for 1 ten.
I like to begin this lesson by reading, "One is a Snail, Ten is a Crab". I like this book because it is engaging for the students, and they love counting the feet on the animals. The book uses various combinations of animals' feet to count to 100.
(A video of the read aloud can also be found here on You Tube.)
I then distribute connecting cubes to pairs of children and have children show 15 cubes.
- Predict how many tens you can make. How many ones will you have left over?
Partners should then work together to connect cubes to model 15 as 1 ten and 5 ones.
Teaching Strategies
I then display the Tens and Ones to 50.ppt, and read the following aloud:
Use 23 connecting cubes and show them as tens and ones. I then have a student come to the board and draw their model.
- What have you learned about making a ten that can help you show 23 as tens and ones? (I know that 10 ones are equal to 1 ten. So I can make tens, and the leftover cubes are the ones.)
After children represent their work, allow them to share their pictures.
- How many tens did you make? How many ones are leftover? (I made 2 tens. I have 3 ones leftover.)
Some children may have made 1 ten with 13 ones leftover. Explain to children that this is a correct way to show the tens and ones in a two-digit number, but that it's not efficient because they can still can trade 10 more ones for 1 ten. Encourage them to make as many tens as possible.
Distribute tens and ones base-ten blocks. I then explain to children that these models can also be used to show tens and ones. Show children how to use base-ten blocks to model the number 23. As a class, discuss how this new model compares with the model that used connecting cubes.
Have children explore showing the numbers 18, 31, and 27 as tens and ones.
In this lesson, children represent tens and ones with paper and pencil for quick pictures and with concrete models in the form of base-ten blocks. (MP5) They begin to move from a concrete stage of representing numbers using connecting cubes, to modeling by drawing abstract pictures with quick drawings.
Resources (1)
Independent Practice
Work through the model on the top of their Tens and Ones to 50_worksheet.docx with children (also found on the PPT). For 24, have children count the tens and trace the number below them. I then have children count the ones and trace the number. Repeat for the model of 42.
- What do the two digits in the number 24 stand for? (The digit on the left is the number of tens. 24 has 2 tens. The digit on the right is the number of ones. 24 has 4 ones.)
- Is the value of the digit 2 the same in both 24 and 42? Explain. (No. In 24, the 2 has a value of 2 tens, or 20. In 42, the 2 has a value of 2 ones, or 2.)
- How do you know that 42 has 4 tens? (The 4 is on the left and the 2 is on the right, so 42 has 4 tens and 2 ones.)
I then allow students to continue to work independently on the rest of the worksheet.
Some students may reverse the digits when writing the numbers. To help connect 3 tens 5 ones to 35, suggest that children work from left to right, recording the number of tens first, and then the number of ones. To help students work from left to right so that they understand the place value of tens and ones, I encourage them to draw a T chart on their paper, labeling the sides "Tens" and "Ones"
Resources (1)
To close out the lesson, I have students get their math journal. I instruct the students to write a number from 20 to 50 that has both tens and ones. Use pictures and words to show the tens and ones.


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The new Alcina LED Touch Sensor Mirror from HIB is a wonderful modern mirror that has been manufactured to the highest standards with filmed backed glass for added safety, which is great for the family.
Elegant Modern Design :
Switch on and off the LED lights of your Lara Mirror at the touch of a button. Thanks to the touch sensor technology, this mirror is convenient and easy to use. It features two strips of small LED lights at each end for a modern elegant look that will instantly enhance the overall look of your bathroom.
Suitable for Zone 1 & 2:
As you would expect, when choosing electrical lighting for your bathroom, you need to ensure you place it in a position which is safe. Here, zones are used to denote the specific safe areas of electrical products.
This means that the Alcina Mirror can be fitted anywhere within 0.6 metres of a basin or similar water source.
LED Technology: :
LED mirrors are the economical, environmentally friendly option as LEDs have a long lifespan and require very little watts to run - up to 90% less consumption that traditional bulbs.
Peace Of Mind:
This mirror comes with a 12 month guarantee for peace of mind and carefully packed so you won't have to worry about anything.
Heated Pad:
This mirror is fitted with a heated pad that helps clear the condensation from the central area of the mirror.


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April 6, 2003 · Lessig
So this story continues to amaze me. Pennsylvania has a law that gives the Pennsylvania Attorney General the power to order an ISP serving Pennsylvania citizens (read: any ISP anywhere) to block a site which the Pennsylvania Attorney General says serves child porn. There is no judicial review of the order, and as no ISP is likely to resist the order, the law results in unreviewed censorship of internet content. According to this report, the AG is now refusing to even reveal the list of sites his secret orders have blocked.
There are hard cases in the law of cyberspace, no doubt. But this should be a slamdunk easy case — if anyone would have the courage to challenge it. CDT is exploring a challenge. Good for them. If the First Amendment means anything, it must mean that the government can't order the censoring of a publication without any judicial review at all. You might want to tell the Pennsylvania AG what you think. Here's a form.


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The media really is freaking out over Golf-gate… at least, to the extent they're willing to get truly upset with Barack Obama about anything. Yesterday brought a really remarkable Politico article about "Obama the Puppet Master." I picked it apart in depth here; suffice to say, it's a marvel of passive-aggressive resentment mixed with admiration.
Taken with other media anguish about Obama ordering them off the golf course, it might also be a very low-caliber shot across the bow at the White House – "even you can only abuse us so much, Mr. Obama." Above all, it's a limited mea culpa designed to shift the blame for media bias, peppered with repeated insistence that conservatives have it all wrong. The media's not serving as willing cheerleaders for a President they ardently support. No, they've been seduced by Obama's awesome media manipulation skills and advanced technology! They're really the victims here. They're basically American heroes for bravely stepping forward and softly muttering about the way they've been treated for the last four years… months after Obama's second term was secure.
It's a lot of fun to read the Politico piece – which includes some quotes very unhelpful to their "conservative are wrong about media bias" protests – and try to imagine the press falling for any of the tactics that supposedly overpowered their objectivity with respect to Obama, if they were employed by a Republican. Try to imagine them sitting quietly and nursing their grievances while a Republican who treated them so briskly ran for re-election. Imagine them happily running with stories and spin they knew were planted by the operatives of a Republican White House.
Media bias didn't make Obama's manipulation tactics unnecessary. It made them effective.


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In a food processor, combine all the ingredients and blend until a dough starts to form. Add peppermint extract by teaspoon until it tastes good to you (different nut butters will require different amounts). Roll into 1" balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Store in the fridge to firm them up, about 20 minutes. Makes about 15 balls.
Thursday, 20 February 2014 13:46
Chocolate Peppermint TrufflesWritten by Michelle
1/2 cup nut butter (pecan, peanut, sunflower, almond)
2/3 cup chocolate chips
9 dates
1 tsp. to 1 tbsp. peppermint extract
Additional Info
Modified from My Whole Food Life
Read 3392 times |
Published in Desserts/Snacks
Tagged under


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UMass Dartmouth graduated 1,573 undergraduate students, including several dozen from Fall River, at a May 27 commencement ceremony. The graduates accepted their degrees before a crowd of 10,500 family members and friends — among the largest number of attendees a UMass Dartmouth Commencement has ever drawn.
UMass Dartmouth graduated 1,573 undergraduate students, including several dozen from Fall River, at a May 27 commencement ceremony. The graduates accepted their degrees before a crowd of 10,500 family members and friends — among the largest number of attendees a UMass Dartmouth Commencement has ever drawn.
Roxana Saberi, an award-winning author, journalist, and human rights advocate who was jailed by the Iranian regime in 2009, delivered the commencement address. Drawing on her harrowing personal story, Saberi encouraged graduates to "follow your passions; listen to your conscience and be true to your core values," reminding them that, "even if we can't control anything around us, we can always control how we look at things; and finally, you may be just one voice, but always remember that voice can make a world of difference."
In her last commencement as chancellor, Jean F. MacCormack reflected on the power of education as a "great gift," telling the graduates, "You will face your share of challenges, as every class before you has. We have confidence that you will use your talents, passions and knowledge to confront and conquer those challenges."
Sigute "Siggy" Meilus of Millbury was the undergraduate student speaker.
"I stand here and proudly say I am a member of the UMass Dartmouth community and will be for the rest of my life," she said. "Here, there is a long tradition of giving access to education that is truly world-class within reach. As a student at UMass Dartmouth, that is exactly what I received. "¦ I urge you, do not just dream, do. A dream is what you want but still have not pursued."
Also honored with the Chancellor's Distinguished Service Medal was Rep. Barney Frank, who has represented the SouthCoast for more than 25 years and is retiring at the end of his current term.
Hubie Jones, a civic entrepreneur and educator who has played a key role in the formation, rebuilding and leadership of at least 30 community organizations across Boston, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
Gil Santos, a Fairhaven native educated at a UMass Dartmouth predecessor institution and famous for his decades of work as the Voice of the New England Patriots, also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
This year's graduates represented a diverse class, coming from 14 countries, 28 U.S. states and more than 200 cities and towns across the Commonwealth.
The following Fall River residents received degrees:
Tyshell Allen, Torey Almeida, Elaine Almeida***, James Almond, Karen Alves**, Molly Anderson**, Justina Andonian***, Brandon Andrade, Audra Arruda, Kourtney Arruda*, Andrew Boyd, Courtney Branco, Ashley Branco**, Sarah Brower*, Taryn Brune, Kirsten Bryan**, Ashley Cabral, Corey Cabral, George Cantin, Erika Cashman*, Samantha Chapman, Michael Christian, Sean Connell, Linda Costa*, Robert Costa Jr., Kendra Couto, Luis deOliveira, Cherif Diakite, Angela Dispirito**, Sara Dupere, Jordan Durand*, Tasha Estrella**, Stephen Faria, Brenda Francisco*, Andrew Franco***, Rachel Freitas***, Shaun Frias*, Tabitha Gendreau, Taylor Green, Katie Greene, Brandon Habib, John Anthony Joaquim Jr., Chloe Lemaire, Karen LePage***, Matthew Lincoln, Kevin McCarthy Jr., Candice McKenna, Daniel Medeiros, Ashley Medeiros, Kevin Medeiros, Joyce Melker*, Katelyn Melo, Brandon Melo, Clayton Michaud**, Megan Moniz, Sarah Oliveira*, Lisa Orlowski, Jocelyn Pacheco, Jeffrey Pedro, Jonathan Pelletier*, Kendra Pereira, Kaitlyn Piela*, Jonathan Ponte, Kayla Pontes, Andrew Poole, Debra Quinn***, Aliaksandr Razumkou***, Kamyla Rodrigues, Olivia Sahlin*, Sonia Sambun, Alexander Silva, Sarah Silvia**, Leanne Silvia, Zachary Sinkevich***, Alexander Sinkevich**, Benny Smith, Taylor Souza, Karen Tavares, Lacy Taylor**, Ryan Teixeira, Angela Tieng***, Daniel Trenholme*, Linda Tso*, Soksiny Ueng, Diogo Ventura, Robert Yarbough.


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Indian food rarely lacks for flavor. Packed with exotic spices and chutneys, the dishes brim with colors and culinary delights. This dish is no different. And better yet, this dish won't send you scurrying to exotic markets or stores; all of the ingredients are staples of most pantries and refrigerators.
A vegetarian and Indian take on the classic American burger, this Curried Lentil, Rice and Carrot Burger packs a healthy punch. Sandwich it between two toasted buns and adorn with a little mayonnaise, and this vegetarian burger is bound to please. Serve alongside roasted sweet potato fries or, for the sake of regional consistency, prepare a side of Aloo Gobhi Masala.
A word of warning: this recipe Continue reading


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The Fremont Diner is looking for positive, hard workers who enjoy a fast paced environment and works well with others. We offer a variety of positions from those just starting out to restaurant pros. No experience is necessary, we would love to train you on a new position. We believe in promoting from within.
Flexible schedule. Full & part time available.
Please fill out application below. Please feel free to come in for an interview Tuesday-Saturday between 8am-3pm. Ask for Chad or Erika. We look forward to meeting you.


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Photo Studio
I am a freelance photographer doing : events, weddings, corporate events, birthdays, Real Estate, e-commerce photography for websites etc., animals, Landscape, sport and more. Slideshow, 360' panorama, etc. The work will be of the highest quality - specialize in reporter style photography focus on capturing moments, emotions. I enjoy capturing the moments that will be treasured forever by your family. There is nothing more precious than our memories, and my role is to provide you with the best photographs possible to be looked on for years to come. I will offer sufficient quantity for you to choose from. as a gift. Work will be transferred online - free, or any preferred format. The largest possible quantity is guaranteed. I guarantee 100% satisfaction from our photoshoot or design.
Thanks for your time and attention.
I will be glad to work for you.
Business Owner: Sergiy Dolinni.
Established in 1989.
Thank you!


text:
Meadville Space Center Forum
Meadville Space Center Sourceforge Site
Meadville Space Center Historical Documents
Orbiter Sim
Virtual AGC computer for Apollo
Manned Spaceflight PDF Documents (Apollo PDFs)
Orbiter Modules-Current Release
Orbiter Modules-Januray Release
Orbiter Modules-April Release
File Upload for Developers
Temp files for Developers
Earth 1962 2.0 (4/19/02)
All the 1962 tracking stations, and launch pads you want. This include the Mercury Tracking Network.
textured Vandenburg AFB, Baikonur, LC 19 (Gemini-Titan), and LC 14 (Project Mercury) at the Cape. This file
is required to run all scenarios for the historical rockets on this site.
Authored by Rob Conley, and Brad Hodges
V2 & Bumper-WAC Rocket 2.0 (4/19/02)
The V2 was used during World War II and for upper atmospheric studies at White Stand during the late
The Bumper used for upper atmospheric studies at White Stand and Cape Canaveral during the late
40's and early 50's. It was an example of an early staged rocket with a V2 first stage and
a WAC Corporal for the upper stage. *SCENARIOS REQUIRES EARTH 1962
Authored by Rob Conley, and Dealer McDope
Sputnik R7 8k71 (4/19/02)
Russia's (and Earth's) first satellite launched by Korolev and his team. *SCENARIOS REQUIRES EARTH 1962
Authored by Rob Conley, Voyager, and Dealer McDope
Project Mercury 3.0 (5/16/02)
United State's first manned space program. Includes both Redstone rocket for sub-orbital flights
and Atlas for orbital flights. *SCENARIOS REQUIRES EARTH 1962
Authored by Rob Conley, Dealer McDope, Shrox, Vinka, Brian Sikkema, and Brad Hodges
Gemini Titan 3.01 (4/29/02)
The forgotten manned program of the United States. However without the expertise and skills
developed during Gemini, Apollo would have never made it to the moon. This includes Gemini III, IV, and VIII and
EVA capabilities. This version includes titan2 auto-pilot, agena docking, two point suspension on the main chute and more. *SCENARIOS REQUIRES EARTH 1962
Authored by Rob Conley, Dealer McDope, and Brad Hodges
Atlantis Space Shuttle with MMU, RMS, and Satellite Deployment 2.11 (6/5/02)
The excellent Atlantis module, included with Orbiter, as been improved with the ability
to use the MMU for EVA, use of the RMS, and to configure a Atlantis scenario with the ability to launch the
satellite of choice. Also you can grapple and position your satellite payload with this module. This version
updates the modules to the latest version of Orbiter.
Authored by Rob Conley, and Dealer McDope
Space 1999: Eagle Transporter 1.1 (4/19/20)
From the late 70's sci-fi series is a Eagle Transporter with EVA, detachable module, and pod.
Authored by Rob Conley, and Roger Long
Permission is granted to any orbiter related site to mirror any of the orbiter
related files found on this site.


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Posted by BE on November 6th, 2012
On Sunday on The Nation Bill Ralston, Rachel Smalley and I had the pleasure of interviewing Cameron Slater of 'Whale Oil' fame. I hadn't expected it to be a pleasure. Slater's politics are at the opposite end of the spectrum from my own and his and his Whale Oil followers' perpetual use of gratuitously offensive language had merely served to persuade me of their intellectual poverty.
Meeting Slater did not change my view of the morons who have made his blog the most widely read in the country. (Nothing attracts a following like intemperance of thought and expression.) But it did change my view of him.
Cameron is highly intelligent, has a great sense of humour and is… well, I'm reluctant to use the word 'charming' so I'll tone it down a bit and say 'extremely engaging'.
And I didn't get where I am today by not being able to penetrate all that 'don't give a fuck' bluster to recognise a capacity for being wounded that, needless to say, will never be confessed.
But what I really wanted to say is that I found Slater hugely interesting and entertaining. He is a character and we are woefully short of characters in New Zealand politics at the moment. In fact, in terms of personality, politics in this country has never been duller.
Where the two major parties are concerned 'tired' is the word that most readily springs to mind. The tone is set by their leaders. Shearer is plain dull. And, in the sense of something that was once shiny but has now lost its gloss, 'dull' will do fine for Key as well. I look at both of them and long for a Kirk, a Muldoon, a Lange or a Clark. I'd even settle for a Holyoake, Bolger or Shipley – leaders with personality.
And the front bench pickings are meagre as well. Tedium thy name is Steven Joyce, all too ably assisted by Gerry Brownlee, Bill English, Jonathan Coleman, Phil Heatley et al.
Labour does not fare any better – dull, dull, dull.
The notable exceptions in both major parties are women Judith Collins in National, Annette King in Labour. Both strong, both intelligent, both charismatic. Collins will almost certainly be Prime Minister of New Zealand one day; King should have led the Labour Party, but didn't want it – a minor tragedy in my view for the party and the country.
There is in fact no shortage of forceful, charismatic women in Parliament; it's the men who are the drones. Pondering suicide, Hamlet observes, 'How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable seem to me all the uses of this world!' Which is more or less how I feel watching Joyce or Brownlee on television. Could anyone be more lacking in verve, more mind-numbingly dreary? Well, let's not forget Peter Dunne.
And the gender pattern is continued among the Greens. Yes, Russell Norman is both intelligent and articulate, but his flat, Aussie delivery and lack of perceptible warmth pale against the energy, vitality and passion of his co-leader Metiria Turei.
So who does that leave to rouse and inspire us, to infuse us once again with zest and enthusiasm for Parliament and politics? Where is the joker in this pack of dullards? Where he's always been of course: hiding behind his naughty boy smile, up to no good, and waiting to steal all the pies.
Three cheers for Winston! Can't live with him, can't live without him.
…I find it particularly alarming that over 40 per cent of New Zealanders approve of John Key's poor memory and insulating remarks…
I generally agree, party systems seem to filter out most of the people with character or character in people. Or people with character just aren't interested in opening themselves up to extreme political exposure.
But…what are politicians supposed to be for? Aren't they supposed to be lawmakers and managers of government services? Parliament wasn't originally intended as a stage of performance, where the most colourful characters are applauded and rewarded regradless of whether they can run a country or serve a constituency.
Put another way using a couple of your examples, there's no doubt that Winston Peters is and always has been a much more colourful character than Peter Dunne.
There's also no doubt that Peters attracts far more media interest. And party votes.
But who has been the best and most effective MP?
That's a genuine question. What do we (the country) actually want of our MPs? And what do we need? Flashy? Controversial? Hit or miss? Bland? Reliable?
I suspect we need a variety, but not a variety show.
I'm glad you're not the only one Brian. I'd put it down to irascibility brought about by advancing age (though perhaps it is…) but I can barely bring myself to listen to the drone of the various Parliamentary drones.
I suppose I'm finding out how other people feel when the All Blacks or the Black Caps turn in a series of mediocre performances and their favourite sport loses its lustre.
In Australia they're constantly on about "the faceless men" – the otherwise dull backroom apparatchiks, focused only on their own careers, who engineered the rise of Julia Gillard – but at least Gillard and Abbott are interesting characters. NZ politicians on the other hand seem faceless men themselves, and the country is the worse for it.
Why would anyone in their right mind want to enter politics in this country. This site is a prime example of what to expect if you do.
People who have probably never met you, let alone really got to know you, are able to instantly sum you up just by looking at you or listening to a soundbite.
Behind the scenes you have to endure hours of boring Select Committee meetings that 'tedious' barely defines. Local body council meetings are thrilling by comparison.
You generally have to vote on party lines that tends to stifle any free thinking on your part. The insecurity of tenure makes it difficult for most to have a fall back career if you are tipped out every three years, unless you count 'shockjock' radio announcing.
Our talented people tend to go into business, or the professions, where their options are so much wider and more fulfilling, usually better paid, and with less abuse or risk.
Your example of Winston Peters answers your question. Peters is the perfect opposition MP. Smart, witty, quick thinking and absolutely useless in government. We all know what's wrong with things, it's finding someone who can put things right that is in short supply.
I favour the US system, whereby the leader is able to select his cabinet across party lines, and more importantly outside the political sphere, where the real talent lies.
BE: Have a look at this, Rick. An earlier post on the politician's life. http://brianedwardsmedia.co.nz/2011/01/i-invent-a-new-law-of-politics-called-catch-23/#more-4515
I couldn't agree with you more Brian. There is a lack of character, zest and passion in the majority of today's Politicians on so many levels. Apart from a couple of exceptions, where is the warmth and humanity I ask you? Truly, Parliament is on the whole chocka block full with dullards. Is this merely bad luck? A sign of the times/ our political processes? It's obvious that this is as mindnumbingly boring for our media commentators as it is for the general public. Collective groans can be heard all over the country during the iconic six o'clock news… Maybe you should consider running for Parliament, Brian! Pretty certain you'd spice things up and bring more much-needed intelligence into the mix. While you ponder a career change, I'll just close by saying I miss the kind of debating chamber oratorical wit and brilliance that had us all talking over the dinner table back in the day…
BE: In 1972 I did stand for the Labour Party in Miramar. The election was a landslide for Labour and Norman Kirk and I should have won the seat. But my chances were scuppered a few days before the election by Truth which revealed that I had been married before and was living happily in a de facto relationship with my partner and three children. It was a difficult time for all of us, but I'm grateful to Truth for saving me from Parliament and Parliament from me. I'd have been a useless MP.
Politicians are trying to be all things to everyone which makes innovation virtually extinct.
"it's finding someone who can put things right that is in short supply."
This appears to me to be a worldwide problem. My guess is that the institutions that guide and enable political careers evolved to select for managerial politicians because we have had managerial politics for such a long time. Now that we need actual leaders, there are none.
The same seems to be true of other sectors of society. Chris Hayes has a really good book identifying meritocracy as the problem. It's called "Twilight of the Elites". I've yet to see a better explanation.
Like I always say: the root of any seemingly intractable problem is invariably the thing people least want to give up.
I've summarised the current state of play for you Rex and Brian – referring back to one of your recent blog posts, Brian where I agree with you about Collins' Leadership prospects.
The underlying sentiment of your post, Brian, seems to be that some bloggers are the persuasive and politically influential characters that politicians once were.
I agree. The current batch of politicians are mostly Instant Pudding.
BE: Thanks Monique. Interesting post.
..Hone certainly stands out from the rest. He speaks with a passion and a refreshing honesty which is pretty rare in politicians.
BE: Agreed
John Clarke would have possibly been 'thee' most entertaining NZ PM of all time.
But if it wasn't for all the 'Slaters' about, you wouldn't need gumboots.
"Shearer is plain dull".
"Labour does not fare any better – dull, dull, dull."
Shearer is the culinary equivalent of lettuce-and-parsnip soup, without any seasoning.
The Labour vehicle can't be started with a dodgy battery, especially, when the headlights are on full beam before the ignition key is turned on a cold winter's morning.
His continuing leadership is draining away what little dynamism is left in the Labour Party.
Personality-wise, he's as faceted as a blank sheet of white A4 paper. "Blank" being the operative word.
I put it down to the way we now have a professional political class with a career structure going from school to Parliament.
Being dull keeps you on the up escalator. Being interesting is just too threatening to party grandees.
Where are the engine drivers, red squad coppers and farm hands? I'd like to see more people who got their hands dirty and lived real lives before telling the rest of us how to live ours.
Perhaps its time to add how not to appear boring to your list of media training exercises?Im in agreement with Bill Bennett with regard to our political makeup(with the exception of The Red Squad Coppers)
I am not sure that I particularly want 'characters' or those with charisma or personality in positions of power. I would settle for leaders who are honest, competent and boring.
Leaders with 'character' do not have a good track record. At the extreme end we have Hitler, Stalin, etc. Muldoon was a character but would we really want him back again?
Lange may have been entertaining but looking back I am not sure he was a particularly good prime minister. NZ is still suffering from many of the decsions made during his time in office.
I certainly would not say Clark had 'character'; dull as ditchwater would be the best description but against that she was an effective leader and prime minister regardless of whether one disagreed with her politics.
No, when it comes to those in power i will stick with boring, thank you very much. It is great to have Winnie in opposition but his brief forays into the baubles of office do not inspire a desire for a repeat performance. And God have mercy on the souls of NZ if Collins ever gets the top job; hard as nails.
BE: Well, style and substance are certainly not incompatible and Helen Clark was anything but dull. And you (and others) do yourself no favours by resorting to preposterous comparisons with monsters like Hitler and Stalin.
I've come to the conclusion that very little separates a National-led government to a Labour-led one. They are both irredeemably hopeless. The Kate Wilkinson — faux — resignation was the final straw.
This country will continue to slide further down the OECD ladder, so long as our two main political parties are comprised of teachers and lecturers and academics, social workers and trade unionists. Instructive-type personalities; much more inclined to "speak and be heard" than to actually "listen".
Much of what Brian Edwards says is true: there is a heavy strain of "dullness" that permeates the political parties; however, he is plumbing for "style over substance". As if his being amused and entertained, is more important than having talented politicians (dull or not) who can articulate their vision and put it into practice for this country's long-term benefit and economic prosperity.
It has to be a sign of Edwards' frustration — or desperation — over the lack of personalities, that he is suitably impressed by the 'style' incarnated by two artful and polarising Maori chameleon MPs.
John Key and the Nats may be coming apart at the seams, but this is of little consequence when Labour is already deconstructed and scattered.
No need to wonder, "Why?", many of our best-and-brightest continue to leave for overseas.
BE: Style and substance are not incompatible. There's no necessary choice between the two. But I do like your comment, "Instructive-type personalities; much more inclined to "speak and be heard" than to actually "listen". That could be very wise.
Brian, your summation of Russell Norman as being "both intelligent and articulate", but having a flat, Aussie delivery and lack of perceptible warmth seems to be at odds with your opinion expressed on The Nation recently that Norman, like Shearer, is as he is and not able to be changed by training. What say you?
BE: I don't see any contradiction there, Keith. You can't train people to be charismatic. This doesn't mean that Norman will not be highly successful in politics. He already is. My personal view is that the leadership combination of Norman and Turei is just about perfect.
I was not making any comparison with Hitler or Stalin. I was just pointing out that charisma, character or whatever, when taken to extreme produce extreme results.
I would not for one minute compare Muldoon with either of them but he was still a lousy leader and did untold damage to this country.
Agree Brian…..actually you might say it is women AND Maori who bring life into politics these days…not just Winston, but Tau is a character, as is Hone, Shane Jones is always good for a quote (and a shrug)..it is the pakeha males who ar eletting the sid edown (speaking as one…). The Native Affairs political discussion the other night was great stuff….which proves my point!
"But my chances were scuppered a few days before the election by Truth…"
The very same publication of which Mr Slater has just been appointed editor, with the promise to return it to its former glory. God help us!
BE: Yes, Truth certainly had its dark side. I sued them twice for defamation and have no reason to like them. But it's also the case that in the 60s and 70s Truth was an effective investigative journal which exposed many wrongdoers. It was also the court of last resort for consumers, the Fair Go of its day.
As one of the "morons" with "intellectual poverty" who read and comment on Whale Oil (along with reading plenty of other blogs such as your own), I find it ironic that meeting Cameron dramatically changed your view of him, yet you continue to make gross assumptions about his readers.
BE: I think it would be clear from what I wrote on the post that I was referring to the 'intellectual poverty' of people who sprinkle their comments on Whale Oil (and elsewhere of course) with four-letter words and other vulgarities. I've always regarded that as indicating a poverty of intellect and expression. So I stand by that comment.
However, you're probably correct that my dismissal of Whale Oil's readers as 'morons' was offensive and over the top. That's not my normal style. I must have caught a bug somewhere.
"I've come to the conclusion that very little separates a National-led government to a Labour-led one."
The End of History inevitably produces the Last Man.
Harvindar, I am one of the 40% of New Zealanders who approve of Mr Key's insulating remarks. With the cost of electricity anything that helps keep me warm is appreciated.
"Whale Oils readers"
"Caught a bug"….!?
Come on Brian, a spade is a spade. Surely!?
The thing that disturbs me about Cameron Slater isn't his personality but that he chooses to remain ignorant when it comes to man-made climate change, even though surely he must be intelligent enough to understand what a huge number of scientists have been saying on the subject. I just can't take such people seriously, other than as a bit of a worry.
As the wife of a wharfie, during the POA dispute I naively followed a link on Bryce Edwards column to Cameron Slater's blog and was really shocked and disturbed at the vitriol and hatred he incites on his blog. I literally felt sick after reading the ugly personal attacks on people I know and who'd done nothing to warrant that treatment. He comes across as a complex personality, to me he's a bully who claims to hate bullying, a christian who seems to hate people who have a differing opinion to him, a man who considers his opinion and "the truth" to be the same thing. If he's an example of an "engaging" person, give me "dull" any day.
NZ Politics…….
The demands for openness and transparency
I have been around the block-30 years in business, spent $5.5m on fiduciary litigation and dealt with the most powerful people in the government system so what did I learn.
I have found the Attorney General refuses accountability and fairness.
I have also found the Prime Minister refuses accountability and fairness.
In fact I have found the Law Society, Law Commission, Ministry of Justice all all refuse accountability and fairness.
Yet it always been it's a simple question regarding the rules and their responsibilities. And so if they don't answer we clearly don't have the democracy we are being told our politicians provide us with.
What we are Sold
Last week Former New Zealand Prime Minister and now UN number 3 Helen Clark gave a speech at Victoria University on global governance.
The topic was "Improving Global Governance: Making global institutions fit-for-purpose in the 21st century."
It was Helen Clark's conclusion that got me thinking:
"Finally, accountability and fairness;"
It's a line I so often hear from politicians. They sell it as being the benchmark, the bastion of what they stand and fight for- "democracy."
What do we get?
Yet those of us who have been to find the accountability find it's just not there. It's true and that's why people all over the globe are unhappy with politicians and governments.
I have spent the weekend reading Cheshire & Fifoot's Law of Contract 8th Edition trying to determine the contract politicians make with the public when they sell that line of "I stand for Accountability and Fairness"- when they don't. They just sell that line in order to gain votes to get the employment they are seeking- to govern us.
Australia law guru Paul Finn underlined, "the most fundamental fiduciary relationship in our society is manifestly that which exists between the community (the people) and the state, its agencies and [[officials]."
Voters trust politicians to manage the communities on their behalf- and so the relationship is actually a fiduciary one.
Who owns government?
Government is a trust structure and politicians are entrusted the power to manage that structure on behalf of the people who have conferred that power for the purpose of good management. Yet year after year we so often witness complete incompetence being dished out by our political leaders and nothing is ever done to rectify the problem.
Test Case?
I would be interested to see a test case put to the courts with a claim a politician has both breached their fiduciary duty and breached their contractual undertakings they gave regarding accountability and fairness.
Democracy or Fiction ?
I charge that the politicians and support groups who call themselves honest people are nothing of the kind.
They are public relations manipulators. They secretly lobby each other for power and privilege, enjoy the benefits of public office then retire leaving us the tax payers the bill and the mess to deal with.
They are crushing democracy, they are being driven by big business and other hidden powers and the 99.99% have had enough.
The link for Helen Clark's paper is here;
I hear that Hitler was terribly entertaining fellow and great speaker apparently, very gestural hands – just happened to go on to murder millions of ethnic minorities in Europe. Seems age & the PR industry is blunting your intellect Mr Edwards.
BE: A preposterous analogy. I can think of a dozen great humanitarians who were entertaining fellows and great speakers. There's no connection between one thing and the other. Seems ageism, prejudice and arrogance have blunted whatever intellect you may once have had.


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Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is getting used to being banged up every time he takes a snap from his team. Rumors are swirling that Wilson suffered a major knee injury in their win over the 49ers Sunday that could lead to an uncertain season career.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll on Monday told 710 ESPN Seattle that their ace quarterback is doing well despite the results of his MRI. Carroll explained that Wilson managed to escaped a serious MCL injury and that his sprain knee will be closely monitored. He also stressed that Wilson's previous ankle injury is a non-factor as they prepare for the Jets this coming Sunday.
#Seahawks QB Russell Wilson (MCL) has been getting treatment since last night. The team is optimistic he'll be ready to roll Sunday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 26, 2016
ALSO READ: Patriots signing T.J. Yates or Sean Renfree with Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett injured
In a press conference, Carroll tells the media that Wilson is okay and will report to practice on Wednesday. He explained that they are hoping to give Wilson the much-needed rest after the game against the Jets. Carroll wants Wilson fully healed after the team takes a bye after Week 4 wherein they stake a 2-1 win-loss record against the Jets (1-2).
"We'll see what happens. Wednesday is a big day to see where he is. He looks fine, so I'm not that deeply concerned about it. I wish it didn't happen, that he didn't get banged, but I think he's doing all right," Carroll said.
Carroll explained that they will do the right thing and assess Wilson by Wednesday but stress that injuries have never slowed Wilson down. He added that they are doing everything in their hands to protect their valued asset in the team, whom he considers as an extraordinary player.
ALSO READ: Pittsburgh Steelers threaten to "destroy" Carson Wentz
Wilson was able to play through with an ankle injury which he suffered during their season opener against the Miami Dolphins. Now, Wilson battles through an injured knee that he plans to play through again. Carroll stressed that Wilson's response to the workout set for Wednesday and Thursday will find how ready he is for Sunday's match.
#Seahawks coach Pete Carroll says on his weekly radio show that Russell Wilson's MRI confirms just a MCL sprain. Optimism was warranted
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 26, 2016
Aside from Wilson, the Seahawks also expect the return of their players listed as injured. The lists include running back Thomas Rawls, rookie guard Germain Ifedi, rookie tight end Nick Vannett, and rookie running back C.J. Prosise.
Photo Courtesy: Larry Maurer/Flickr


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Do you ever feel discouraged and think to yourself; "I wish that somebody would come cheer me up"? Sometimes when we're feeling really down it can be hard to see the forest for the trees. So what do you do when you're feeling down and no one comes to cheer you up? You "strengthen yourself in the Lord". What does that mean, you ask. Good question! Check out these verses taken from First Samuel, chapter 30, out of The Message.
"And suddenly David was in even worse trouble. There was talk among the men, bitter over the loss of their families, of stoning him.
6-7 David strengthened himself with trust in his God. He ordered Abiathar the priest, son of Ahimelech, "Bring me the Ephod so I can consult God." Abiathar brought it to David.
8 Then David prayed to God, "Shall I go after these raiders? Can I catch them?"
The answer came, "Go after them! Yes, you'll catch them! Yes, you'll make the rescue!"
David was "in even worse trouble" because his own men were talking about killing him. That's a pretty good reason to be discouraged, I'd say. When your own friends are talking about killing you, you're probably going to feel down. I can get discouraged over a whole lot less than that!
I don't know what's been bumming you out lately, but hopefully it's not as bad as your friends contemplating your murder. Not only was he down, but he certainly couldn't get any encouragement from those around him. They were too busy plotting his death. So what did David do? David, "strengthened himself with trust in his God". He talked to God about what was going on, and he asked God for direction, knowledge, and wisdom. You know what? He got it.
Often we're not going to get the encouragement that we need from someone else. We're going to have to encourage our own selves! Just like King David we'll have to go the Lord and ask for what we need. We can seek to get the encouragement that we need from praying to God and also through His written word. As we meditate on The Truth in scripture we'll find ourselves getting stronger and stronger.
I've learned that I can't rely on anyone else to give me the encouragement that I need. So I encourage myself by seeking God, by meditating on what God has already done for me in the past, by listening to "happy" music, and by getting to the root of why I'm discouraged. But getting to the root of a matter is for another day…


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Southern Literature
Rural 1950s Arkansas is the setting for John Grisham's Southern thriller, A Painted House. It's the beginning of a summer full of sweltering days, acres of cotton to pick, dangerous desire, and deadly secrets to keep.
Eudora Welty, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer hailing from Mississippi's Delta region, authored The Robber Bridegroom, a steamy and chaotic story set during her home state's antebellum years. Although loosely based on a fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm, this Robber Bridegroom is no murderous Bluebeard. Jamie Lockhart is, however, a handsome scoundrel with no more compunction against relieving pretty ladies of their virtue than their jewels. He meets his match in beautiful Rosamond Musgrove, who goes on everyday errands wearing her one silk gown while singing love ballads.


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AIAA is committed to sponsoring world-class conferences on current technical issues in a safe and secure environment. As such, all delegates will be required to provide proper identification prior to receiving a conference badge and associated materials. All delegates must provide a valid photo ID (driver's license or passport) when they check in. For student registrations, a valid student ID is also required. We thank you for your cooperation.
All participants are urged to register online. Registering in advance saves conference attendees time and up to $200. A check made payable to AIAA or credit card information must be included with your registration form. A PDF registration form is also available on the AIAA website. Print, complete, and mail or fax the form with payment to AIAA. Address information is provided. Payment must be received in order to process registration.
Early-bird registration forms must be received by 12 August 2013, and standard registration forms will be accepted until 8 September 2013. Pre-registrants may pick up their materials at the advance registration desk at the conference. All those not registered by 8 September 2013 may do so at the on-site registration desk by paying the on-site registration fee. All nonmember registration fees include a one year AIAA membership.
*Discounted Group Rate - * 10% discount off early-bird member rate for 10 or more persons from the same organization who register and pay at the same time with a single form of payment.
Cancellations must be received no later than 26 August 2013. There is a $100 cancellation fee. Registrants who cancel beyond this date or fail to attend the conference will forfeit the entire fee. For questions, please contact Lynne David, conference registrar, at +1 703.264.7503 or email@example.com.


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Freedom of Information Act 2000
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives the public a general right of access to information held by public authorities. South Yorkshire Safety Cameras is constituted of public bodies and therefore is subject to the Act.
The Act also recognises that there are valid reasons for withholding information by setting out a number of exemptions from the right to know. For further information regarding exemptions, please see 'The exemptions' in the guidance page on the Information Commissioner's website.
What is covered?
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 covers recorded information in any form. It covers information rather than data or documents and is fully retrospective.
Our Responsibilities
The Act confers two responsibilities:
- the duty to confirm or deny whether the information exists
- the duty to communicate the information
However, the public authority does not have to confirm or deny the existence of the information or provide it if an exemption applies, the request is vexatious or similar to a previous request, or if the cost of compliance exceeds an appropriate limit.
Please see the Information Commissioner's Office website for further details about the Freedom of Information Act 2000: 'The basics.'
If you are unhappy with the way your request for information has been handled, you can request a review by following the advice contained in the internal review document, available here.
If you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request or complaint, you have a right to appeal to the Information Commissioner at:
The Information Commissioner's Office,
Wycliffe House,
Water Lane,
Cheshire, SK9 5AF.
Telephone: 08456 306060 or 01625 545745
Website: www.ico.gov.uk
There is no charge for making an appeal.
For details of Complaints to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) please visit the ICO website by clicking here.


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text: AdExchange.com launches as online buying resource Published on April 19, 2000. AdExchange.com will announce April 19 it is launching as an online exchange for Internet advertising, working to automate buying. AdExchange intends to connect buyers to inventory systems of participating sites, allowing buyers to execute transactions for online media--and eventually offline media--electronically in real time. The Beverly Hills, Calif., venture, which had been using the temporary name AdHarmony (adage.com, Jan. 17), will begin transacting orders in June. It's backed by Idealab and Palomar Ventures, with board members including Dennis Holt, founder of Western International Media Corp. Computer Sciences Corp., which has built online buying exchanges in other industries, developed the technology for AdExchange. The venture will compete with such online transaction rivals as AdOutlet.com, BuyMedia and One Media Place, formerly Adauction.com (adage.com, April 18). The company was founded by Paul Grand, who earlier co-founded Digital Planet, bought by iXL, and founded NetCount, acquired by Internet Profiles Corp. Joining him as a co-founder and exec VP-business development is Kent Valandra, who was exec VP-general manager of new media at Western before joining the new venture. AdHarmony paid "less than a million dollars" in cash plus stock to buy its new URL, Mr. Grand said.Copyright April 2000, Crain Communications Inc. Most Popular In this article: News


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Benefit Calculation and Duration of Benefits
Weekly Benefit Rate (WBR)
The weekly benefit rate for a State Plan Family Leave Insurance claim is based on your average weekly wage. The average weekly wage is generally based on how much you earn in the eight weeks immediately before the week in which your family leave begins. The total wages earned during all base weeks worked in the eight week period are divided by the number of such base weeks to obtain the average weekly wage. Each claimant is paid two-thirds (2/3) of his/her average weekly wage up to the maximum amount payable set for that calendar year.
For claims beginning January 1, 2017, the maximum weekly benefit rate is $633.
For claims beginning January 1, 2018, the maximum weekly benefit rate is $637.
The daily benefit rate is one-seventh (1/7) of the weekly benefit rate.
If you believe that the average weekly wage used to calculate your weekly benefit rate is too low, you may request a recalculation of the average based on the 26 weeks prior to your claim. This request must be in writing.
If you file a State Plan claim for Family Leave Insurance benefits immediately after an eligible State Plan temporary disability claim, in most cases the weekly benefit amount you receive will be the same as your State Plan temporary disability benefit amount. No one may receive more than the maximum weekly benefit amount allowed by law.
Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA)
You may receive benefits for up to six weeks (42 days) during a 12 month period or until you receive benefits equal to one-third (1/3) of your total wages during your base year, whichever is less. The 12-month period is the 365 consecutive days that begins on the first day of a valid family leave insurance claim.
If you have not claimed your maximum benefit amount you may re-establish a claim within the same 12-month period:
- To care for a different family member, or
- During or following employment with a different employer
No one may receive more than six (6) weeks or forty-two (42) days of benefits during the 12-month period, for any reason.


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Emily VanCamp Says Trust Is Most Important in Relationship with Josh Bowman!
Emily VanCamp graces the cover of InStyle Australia magazine's April 2014 issue, out on newsstands now!
Here's what the 27-year-old actress had to share with the mag:
On her upbringing in Ontario, Canada: "My mom would lock us out of the house. [Even in Winter]. Are you kidding me? We come from tough stock. It gets freezing there and you'd just see little snowsuits running around. It was part of my childhood that shaped me."
On her relationship with boyfriend Josh Bowman: "Trust is the most important thing in any relationship, because everything falls into place after that."
On her fame from Revenge: "There's no more hiding on the sidelines. Revenge happened and it was like, 'Who do I want to be in the public eye?"
For more on Emily, visit Instylemag.com.au!
Bigger pic inside…


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What's the Latest Development?
Facebook senior engineer Lars Backstrom and Cornell computer scientist Jon Kleinberg spent two years checking in on over a million Facebook users aged 20 or older who listed themselves as "married" or "in a relationship" and had between 50 and 2,000 friends. They did this check-in once every two months, and among the many things they learned -- and described in a new paper available on Cornell's arXiv Web site -- was that couples who shared the same groups of tightly-knit friends were 50 percent more likely to break up within a two-month period than those whose circles of friends didn't overlap as strongly.
What's the Big Idea?
Backstrom's job involves managing engineering for Facebook's News Feed, and a study like this could help the social network deliver more relevant content to individual feeds. He and Kleinberg noticed that a typical user's friends list might consist of people that person met through work or school, and those groups would contain people who were likely to be connected to each other as well. Meanwhile, the significant other would serve as "a bridge between a person's different social worlds," says Kleinberg.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com


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Dr. Scott Edwards is a dentist in Memphis, TN, who has served the area since 1982, providing comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. Our offices utilize state-of-the-art dental technology and the most updated techniques, ensuring our patients receive the highest quality dental care possible.
With two convenient dentist offices in Memphis, located in Midtown and East Memphis, we are better able to serve our patients. Dr. Scott Edwards and his associates, Dr. Julia Prince & Dr. Kenny D. Groshart II, regularly attend continuing education to ensure our practice stays on the cutting edge of technology.
Our practice is committed to providing the highest caliber of dental care in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for the entire family. We are an exceptional team, who comes to work truly excited about what we do. Only through excellence in dentistry and quality relationships can we make a positive contribution to the oral health, happiness and self esteem of those around us. Excellence in everything is expected.
For dental care you can trust for your whole family, come to Scott Edwards, D.D.S. today!
6250 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38119
Office Phone: 901.681.0011
Fax: 901.681.9725
Contact Us
East Location
266 S. Cleveland, Suite 103
Memphis, TN 38104
Office Phone: 901.728.6515
Fax: 901.728.4005
Midtown Location
I cannot think of anything that would make a visit to the dentist better! I was greeted right away, the office is clean and spotless, the staff is friendly which makes me feel comfortable, and procedures were explained to me. My favorite visual in the office is the view outside of the windows - the trees and the birdfeeders which do attract the birds. Very calming. What is better?
I always feel more like family than a patient. Everyone from the front desk to the back office makes me feel like they truly care about me and my family. From my very first appointment with Scott he made me feel comfortable and at ease with everything he and his staff was doing. Great Dentist- wonderful group of people. I feel very blessed to be able to be part of his practice.
I have been with Dr. Edwards for approximately 28 years, he has kept me smiling ever since. My wife and two daughters are also patients and I have referred several friends who have referred others. This is a five star practice.
Dr. Edwards and his staff are the most professional dental practice I have ever encountered. They take every opportunity to educate while providing outstanding care. I could not be more confident or comfortable in their services.
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I'm a graduate of Notre Dame High School of Sherman Oaks, California in 1974: A college prep school focusing heavily on the arts and sciences. I graduated as a California State scholar and chose to attend Loyola University of Westchester, California. I am also a graduate from Loyola University of Westchester, California 1978: I got my degrees in the field of the technical Communication Arts and Sciences, as well as a second degree in Music, focusing heavily on original music composition and arrangement before graduation. I never stopped studying and learning after graduation at age 23.
My background is heavy in the arts, sciences and religions of the world. I have a great deal of experience in the financial industry, as well as entrepreneuring my own consulting business in the field of technical publications consulting, which resulted in my own consulting business called Opal Star Industries back in the early 1980's.
I've experienced two full NDEs (Near Death Encounters). The first was at age 25 and the second was at age 44. Both experiences changed my view of the Universe heavily and my understanding of man's destiny forever. My entire focus in life has been uncovering absolute truth through the arts, sciences and religions of the world prior to the first experience.
My ventures into the arts include the field of music, especially in composing and arranging original compositions and works. My latest effort is the new orchestration titled "AIRWOLF RETURNS – The Motion Picture". You'll find this on my CDbaby artist page.
I was able to get fully involved in the study of music, starting at age 15 and going into college. In addition to these entrepreneurial fields are my ventures into the Toy & Game Industry and eventually into the field of private medical research on the Chronic Disease Syndrome in man.
During my growing years, as I entered into college, I loved working out with weights, running on the Beach, being with friends and enjoying life. When my health failed at age 37, due to contaminated sausage I bought at a local Von's Supermarket in my residential area. Vons had been into financial difficulties from 1988 to 1996. They had hosptialized 600 people, including myself and killed 6 young kids in the bargain. They did a good job covering up my case and even bought out one of my doctors. It's a long complex story you can read about on my LinkedIN page where I offer a 74 page treatise of my story.
Just look under OWNER – KFFMenterprises. You'll not only find my 74 page treatise of my story, but also articles connected to Vons supermarket. What these people got away with is deplorable.
The result is that life turned my path heavily into our medical sciences, which walked me into my destiny, as I worked to uncover intense new insights into how the chronic disease syndrome works in the body. I took my body from a cancer state and put it into full remission, while I wrote about my discoveries, now being offered in my new book titled THE MASTER'S KEY TO UNLOCKING AND MASTERING CHRONIC DISEASE. This manuscript is available for purchase on this website also.
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Rodrigo Duterte, that saint of the Dissident Right, has made headlines yet again, this time by bragging that once, while the mayor of Manila, he threw a kidnapper out of a helicopter to his death. Or in Duterte's words: "If you are corrupt, I will fetch you using a helicopter to Manila, and I will throw you out. I have done this before, why would I not do it again?"
Sadly, the boast has been officially retracted, with Duterte himself walking the claims back (although he still insists that he personally killed at least three people, just not via Helicopter). Regardless of the claim's authenticity, the real significance of it always lied not in its factuality but rather in its plausibility. After all, if the same boast had been uttered by another Charismatic Nationalist like, say, Donald Trump, it certainly would have caused a brief uproar and a new round of hand-wringing from Neoliberal moralists, but it wouldn't be taken literally. No one would have had thought that Trump possibly could have literally thrown someone from a moving helicopter.
With Duterte on the other hand, we have no such assurances, and this is what makes him such a compelling figure. The fact that, especially in light of his recent actions, personally throwing a man from a helicopter would be completely consistent with everything we know about him. This is the allure of Duterte: however blustery and ridiculous his rhetoric may seem at first; he means every word of it.
From our perches atop the mountain of broken images and social refuse which is the Post-Modern West, we can't help but take notice of such clarity of intention. We are all, in our own way, like Dennis Hopper's character of the photojournalist in Apocalypse Now, admiring Kurtz's ruthless clarity: "He said: If you take my picture again, I'm gonna kill you. And he meant it. "
And he meant it.
The Neoliberal caste of international social workers, however, wasted no time in issuing stark condemnations. With UN Human Rights Chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein declaring that: "The killings committed by [President Duterte of the Philippines], by his own admission, at a time when he was a mayor, clearly constitute murder...It should be unthinkable for any functioning judicial system not to launch investigative and judicial proceedings when someone has openly admitted being a killer," Duterte is the source of such particular ire, not simply for his alleged "crimes" (which in this context merely equate to doing what is necessary to preserve the well-being of his nation) but much more importantly because of what he represents: genuine sovereignty.
For as Carl Schmitt taught us in his short but magisterial treatise Political Theology: "Sovereign is he who decides on the exception." As Schmitt explains, in the course of every constitutional legal order there will arise circumstances which call for the suspension of said order. The actor who decides just what constitutes such a circumstance (the Schmittian "exception") and the actions to take after said legal order has been suspended is the sovereign.
The decision is an inherently personal one, as there is no neutral legal framework that he can appeal to for guidance. As Schmitt points out
"Here, too, it is always asked who is entitled to decide those actions for which the constitution makes no provision; that is, who is competent to act when the legal system fails to answer the question of competence...There exists no norm that is applicable to chaos. For a legal order to make sense, a normal situation must exist, and he is sovereign who definitely decides whether this normal situation actually exists."
Of course, this logic, airtight as it may be, offends the Liberal bureaucrat, that superstitious figure who amusingly believes that he is a representative of a universal moral order hence his constant prattling on about "universal human rights" and other similar fictional concepts. The Liberal seeks to abolish the sovereign, and the exception itself, but the most he can ever manage to accomplish is to temporarily obscure the obvious. Namely, that the norm he fetishizes is, by its very nature dependent on the exception and what constitutes the exception depends on the discretion of the Sovereign.
Thus, we must conclude, with Schmitt, that:
The exception is more interesting than the rule. The rule proves nothing; the exception proves everything: it confirms not only the rule but also its existence, which derives only from the exception. In the exception, the power of real life breaks through the crust of a mechanism that has become torpid by repetition.
Rodrigo Duterte has, wisely, made the decision that the rampant chaos and lawlessness which had reigned in the Philippines ( in large part due to the ravages of the drug trade) caused a situation which constituted an exception. Thus, the precepts of the former legal order no longer applied as the "normal situation" had been suspended.
Though Duterte has never publicly made any statements that would lead one to believe that he is aware of Schmitt's principles, on a certain level, it is hard not to conclude that he has, somehow, intuitively grasped their essential meaning. As was evidenced by a speech he gave during his presidential campaign in which he stated:
"I will issue 1,000 pardons a day, Pardon given to Rodrigo Duterte for the crime of multiple murder, signed Rodrigo Duterte."
Does not this statement perfectly encapsulate the essence of the Schmittian exception?
For as Rodrigo Duterte knows and as the soulless bureaucrats at the U.N. are slowly learning:
And Rodrigo Duterte is Sovereign.


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What's the Latest Development?
An Earth-like planet in the 'Goldilocks zone', i.e. at the right distance from its star to support life, will likely be found in the next two years, say NASA scientists. Given the success of the space agency's planet hunting mission, which has already found 750 planets outside our solar system, and another 2,300 candidate planets awaiting confirmation, astronomers outside NASA are hopeful as well. "I believe Kepler will find a 'Goldilocks planet' within the next two years," said NASA's Shawn Domagal-Goldman, an expert in the biology of exoplanets.
What's the Big Idea?
Any planet that resembles Earth will be extremely far away, meaning its dim light will be easily overwhelmed by its parent star. Using a technique known as spectroscopy, however, scientists can scrutinize "starlight that bounces off the atmosphere of an alien Earth on its way to our cosmic neighborhood. Such starlight carries a sort of fingerprint of the atmosphere, which astronomers can study to learn about the atmosphere's composition." That data might also tell scientists about the planet's physical composition and whether the conditions necessary to support life are present.
Photo credit: shutterstock.com


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NBA 2K12 First Roster Update Is Now Live
As we count down the clock to the start of the NBA season, 2K Sports has finally released its first roster update for NBA 2K12. The update isn't much to holler about though, with very few of the moves that have happened so far being reflected and only 4 rookies added. As far as moves that you will notice, Brandon Roy has been removed from the Blazers due to his injury-related retirement and along with all those players still stuck in China. We see that Shane Battier has been moved to the Heat, Caron Butler is now on the Clippers, Tyson Chandler has found his way to the Knicks and Tracy McGrady is now an Atlanta Hawk. The players formally known as Ron Artest has been updated to Metta World Peace and though the PA announcer gets it right, the commentators still refer to him by his former name. I guess it was too expensive to get those announcers back in.
Now the bad news, the update misses a large amount of moves that have already happened including Lamar Odom's surprising move to the Dallas Mavericks and David West to the Indiana Pacers just to name a few. None of the bigger rookies like Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker have been added either. We can only hope that this is just a pre-emptive update and that a larger and more comprehensive update will follow in a few days.


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Based on a novel by Robert Hichens, The Paradine Case concerns Anna Paradine (Alida Valli), on trial for the murder of her wealthy husband. British barrister Anthony Keane (played by the aggressively American Gregory Peck) takes on the case-and in the process, falls in love with Anna, despite being married himself...more
All The Paradine Case cast + crew photos
Movies.com, the ultimate source for everything movies, is your destination for new movie trailers, reviews, photos, times, tickets + more! Stay in the know with the latest movie news and cast interviews at Movies.com.
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Ásgeir's climb on the international music circuit has been methodical and deliberate; slowly gaining the momentum of a shooting star and leaving in his wake Afterglow (One Little Indian Records, 2017), the chart topping third album from the Icelandic signer/songwriter. Ásgeir's melodies and aura embody an ethereal otherworldly feeling that further enhance the notion there is a weightlessness to his sound that can transport anybody to another universe. On Wednesday night he landed at New York City's Irving Plaza to showcase his folk-inspired electronic stylings.
Ásgeir appeared onstage caught among his band and a charming instrumental synergy, signing in waves of English and his native Icelandic (with little banter between or warning of transition). There's something calm and relaxed about his stage presence, it's infectious and not overly pretentious (you can read it in his face and hear it in his lyrics, Ásgeir is humbled by his stardom). Fans are easily lost in lulls of ecstasy and seemingly intoxicated in stretches of movement and rhythm. Songs like "Unbound" and "Dreaming" resonate and linger in the room, in its darkest regions, haunting and captivating with their chilling ebb and flow. Ásgeir's live performance on the whole is a work of art, it's something to be observed, interacted with, and talked about. It's memorable and in ways magical--to witness a cosmic force so emotionally lifting and to be a part of a show so terrestrially grounding at the same time.
Be sure to check out Ásgeir at asgeirmusic.com and on iTunes.


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David Corner
David Corner is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy. He received his PhD from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Dr. Corner's main teaching and research interests are Philosophy of Religion, History of Western Philosophy, Asian Philosophy, and Environmental Ethics. He is the author of The Philosophy of Miracles.
Other information about Dr. Corner, including his contact information, office hours and current class schedule may be found on his personal website.


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HISTORY MAKER: Tessa Sanderson
BY THE end of the 1990 season, Tessa Sanderson had established herself as a living legend in the world of international javelin-throwing.
Over a 17-year career in senior international competition, Sanderson won one Olympic and three Commonwealth gold medals.
Sanderson was also the dominant force amongst British javelin throwers for a decade, before the emergence of Fatima Whitbread, who eventually usurped Sanderson's dominant role and surpassed her Commonwealth record. However, by her sheer longevity at the top level, Sanderson outlasted Whitbread, who retired in June 1990, resulting in Sanderson, at the age of 34, once again finding herself as Britain's premier javelin-thrower.
In 1991, despite easily heading the UK annual list with her 65.18m victory at the European Cup on June 29, Sanderson decided to withdraw from the World Championships at Tokyo in August due to a back injury.
Instead of starting to slow down, Sanderson's career seemed to accelerate in 1992, the year in which she won her ninth WAAA javelin title.
In her fifth Olympic Games in Barcelona, Sanderson briefly took the lead with her first attempt of 63.58m, but was unable to improve upon this effort, which eventually earned her fourth place. She followed this with a victory at the World Cup in Havana, her final competition before retiring to pursue a career in television.
Sanderson returned to competition in 1996 after a four-year absence, establishing a number of over-40 world bests throughout the season, while still remaining competitive in open competition.
During the year she won her tenth and last WAAA title, and competed at her sixth Olympic Games in Atlanta, equalling the record of Romanian discus thrower Lia Manoliu, but unfortunately she was eliminated in the qualifying round.
She is particularly interested in sports development for young people, and has worked for a number of children's charities. She was awarded the OBE in 1998 for her work with sport and charities.
Read every story in our hardcopy newspaper for free by downloading the app.


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Quiche (disambiguation)
(Redirected from Quiché)Jump to navigation Jump to search
Quiche is a kind of pie with a savory custard filling; quiche lorraine is one variant.
Quiche may also refer to:
- Kishu or Quiche of Tokyo Mew Mew, a manga and anime character
- Quiche Lorraine is a minor character in Bloom County (comic strip)
- Quiche Lorraine is a song by The B-52's from their album Wild Planet
Quiché was Spanish for the Maya K'iche' and may refer to:
- K'iche' people of Guatemala, a subgroup of the Maya
- K'iche' language, spoken by the K'iche' people
- K'iche' Kingdom of Q'umarkaj, pre-Columbian state in Guatemala
- Classical K'iche' language, the 16th century form K'iche'
- Quiché Department of Guatemala, often referred to as El Quiché
- Santa Cruz del Quiché, the administrative seat of that department
See also[edit]
| disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Quiche.
If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article.


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Nothing is more important to a person than their family's financial security - at
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Not long ago, positive year-over-year affiliate revenue numbers provoked approving nods from around the conference room. "Get top spots on some of the big coupon sites and you'll be golden," I heard in the hallway.
Today, merchants pull down codes, commission rates are scrutinized and advertisers are leery of coupon affiliates. So, what happened? Are coupon sites suddenly bad for merchants?
Inquiring affiliate managers with better internal and network analytics are uncovering patterns in attribution that lead them to question the incremental value of some affiliate sales. However, before we start slashing commissions and expiring publishers, we need to understand the whole landscape.
Research Confirms the Value of Coupons
More than 50% of U.S. Internet users (92.5 million) say they plan to use online coupons this year, according to eMarketer.com, and 74% of these online coupon shoppers say they search multiple coupon sources each and every week. Consumers who earn $100,000 or more per year represent the biggest percentage of online coupon consumers.
The vast majority of consumers (88%) who visit coupon sites say that coupons "close the deal" when they are undecided on a purchase, according to a 2011 report conducted by Forrester Research on behalf of WhaleShark Media.
Start From Within
Many brands have a coupon box within their check-out—inviting consumers to leave in search of a coupon. Before cracking down on coupon affiliates, consider testing this coupon box. What happens if the box is hidden?
What coupons do your competitors offer? Are there certain products that can't support a price cut? Perhaps adding exclusions or lowering the discount may allow your codes to stay profitable.
Understand Traffic from Coupon Sites
Some large coupon sites may have only a few minutes between the click and the sale – suggesting consumers got a coupon code during the purchase process. Other coupon publishers may have a delay between click and sale – suggesting greater incremental value.
Publishers using paid search, social media, newsletters or blogs to promote their sites may reach consumers earlier in the buying process. Compare the data on publishers appearing on page one in natural search for keywords such as "[Your Brand] coupon" versus "Shoe coupon."
Perhaps it makes sense to increase commission or offer a vanity code for certain coupon publishers in exchange for category and newsletter placements to improve brand awareness.
Case Study for Merchant Focused on Incremental Sales
To meet one client's goals, we recommended and implemented attribution tracking. This technology allows merchants to create specific rules for awarding commissions. For example, if an affiliate's click occurred less than 5 minutes before the sale conversion, they are awarded 0% commission.
Since implementing click stream, revenue increased 150% and cost per sale decreased more than 30%, saving as much as $3,000 per month for the advertiser. This solution allowed the merchant to realize the sales benefit of coupon publishers while only paying for incremental sales.
Jillian McGary is a Senior Affiliate Manager at Schaaf-PartnerCentric.
This article appeared in issue 23 of FeedFront Magazine, which was published in August 2013. Read issue 23 of FeedFront Magazine.


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Dining Possibilities X Back Chair - Set of 2
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Dining Possibilities X Back Chair - Set of 2
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- Assembly: Assembled
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- Wood Finish: Espresso
- Dining Height: Standard Height
- Measurements: 38 Height/Inches, 22 Width/Inches, 20 Depth/Inches
- Joinery: Butt Joint
- Maximum Weight Limit: 250 Lbs
- Seat Depth: 20 In
- Seat Back Height: 22 In
- Seat Height: 17 In
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- Weight (lb.): 30 Lb
- Base Material: 100% Wood
- Care: Wipe Clean
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Sea Otter Experience
In celebration of Sea Otter Awareness Week, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is excited to announce a new, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have an up-close encounter with a Southern sea otter. This unforgettable, 30-minute experience gives a behind-the-scenes look at the Aquarium's sea otters through a protected interaction area.
The new encounter is available for purchase online and will begin on October 13. Guests will learn about conservation efforts while animal care professionals share the wonder of these charismatic, endangered animals.
- Meet a sea otter up-close!
- Go into the behind-the-scenes sea otter area with Aquarium staff.
- Learn about sea otters and see some of their trained behaviors.
- Take a photo to capture the unforgettable moment.
- Available Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am.
- Tickets must be purchased 24 hours in advance.
- Includes admission to Audubon Aquarium of the Americas before or after your scheduled time.
- Tickets are $65 per person for Audubon members and $75 per person for non-members (plus sales tax).
- Encounters are limited to two guests, 10 years of age and older.
- All participants 16 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult chaperone (21 or older).
- Every person attending must have a ticket.
- Guests with food related allergies should be aware that their aquatic animals are offered shellfish, finfish, and crustaceans.
- Participants must be able to climb stairs to enter the behind-the-scenes area.
Click here for more information.
Scales & Ales
Soak up the sights and sounds at the 7th annual Scales & Ales event with wine and beer from open bars and delicious cuisine from more than 40 local restaurants. Live entertainment and a unique aquatic atmosphere are highlights of the event as it flows throughout the Aquarium and onto the plaza overlooking the Mississippi River. All proceeds benefit the Aquarium's valuable work in education and conservation.
Music Under the Oaks
The fall series of Music Under the Oaks, a complimentary concert series in Audubon Park, begins on Friday, October 7, 2016, at Newman Bandstand with a performance by the Polymnia Quartet from 5pm to 6:30pm.
The concert series will continue on Friday, October 14 and Sunday, October 23.
Food and drink for the Audubon Clubhouse Cafe will be available for purchase during the performances. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs to sit back and enjoy the music.
The New Orleans Concert Band will perform on Friday, October 14, followed by the Loyola University School of Music on Sunday, October 23. All concerts begin at 5pm and end at 6:30pm.
Music Under the Oaks celebrates Audubon Park Conservancy. Contributions to the conservancy directly support maintenance and improvements in Audubon Park, including lawn care, seasonal plantings and the protection of historic live oak trees.
For more information, click here and here.
For more information about the Audubon Zoo, please visit their website.


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When a race against cancer begins, thoughts of angels — and the pearly gates — take center stage.
"It's a shock," Seattle sales executive Pat Purcell remembers about the news he had prostate cancer, "and an immediate realization that you're coming to grips with mortality kind of a time out."
But the triathlon athlete wasn't the kind of person to let the August 2011 diagnosis put him on the sidelines. From the start, he was determined to find the right path for treatment — and it began with prayer for God's guidance.
That's when "angels on earth" came alongside him — one already in his life, others unexpectedly.
"The first angel was my wife Sharon," Pat says with a catch in his voice as he recalls her supportive words, "'we're going to do this together.'"
It became a team effort both emotionally and physically.
With the race against time straight ahead and the clock ticking, the thought that dogged their steps was that the cancer might spread. As they pursued a 'cure' among myriad choices, it was not only exhausting, but none seemed to be the perfect fit for an active 50 year-old with his life stretching before him.
Feeling a slight sense of defeat but still praying, a second angel came alongside.
Because of a chance conversation with a friend — and Sharon's first time to share the cancer diagnosis with others — she excitedly encouraged Pat to contact the woman's father who was a prostate cancer survivor.
It was a meeting made in heaven.
"Richard Wright was my angel that convinced me to choose proton therapy," Pat enthuses about the former U.S. Coast Guard intelligence officer who had interviewed 100 prostate survivors, and then had chosen proton treatment instead of other options.
At the time, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance was still a year and a half away from being able to provide proton therapy, although it is now available as of this month.
This meant another hurdle — a place to stay — since the 9-week treatment would be in Southern California's Loma Linda University Medical Center, the nearest facility. But when "Angel Annie" came to their rescue after countless dead-ends during their one-day condominium search in California, her condo tour was an answer to prayer.
"When we walked into the guest bedroom," Pat says almost reverently about the prospective rental, "there was a picture of Pope John Paul II in the guest room and in the master bedroom a picture of Jesus."
It was the only apartment available during the week set for Pat's proton therapy.
Since his cancer treatment in December 2011, Pat remains enthusiastic about the route he took — one with virtually no side effects. In July 2012 he completed the Lake Stevens Iron Man 70.3 — a half Iron Man — consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike course and 13.1-mile run.
His health and athletic intensity remain unchanged. But his perspective on life is different as a result of his cancer experience.
"I got involved in Gilda's Club to give back," Pat reflects about his desire to help others. "And also All About Hope that provides a 'bucket list' wish to adult cancer victims."
But his support doesn't end there. Through Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Pat is a resource who shares his prostate cancer proton therapy experience with men in the race — one he understands well.
These days, it's Pat who is the "angel on earth."


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Pore Space
Lesson 9 of 18
Objective: SWBAT identify how pore space in soil components affects water retention in soil.
Warm Up
To begin the lesson, I review the class anchor chart created in the previous lesson. I ask students to review the properties of each soil component. This review activates the students' prior knowledge and increases their chance of success in today's lesson.
Student-Conducted Lab
In the port space lab, students will create a scientific drawing of each soil component, add water to the soil components, and determine how much water is held by the soil components. To start, each student group gets a sample of gravel, sand, clay, and humus. They add the soil components to a graduated cylinder and use a stick to push the soil components down until the graduated cylinder has 20 mL of the soil component. The students then predict where the water line will be in the graduated cylinder after they add 30 mL of water. Next, the students add the water and compare their predictions to their results. Finally, the students pour the water out of the graduated cylinder to see how much water the soil component holds. The students record their observations and results on the pore space lab worksheet. A sample of a student's completed work can be found here. A video of my students engaged in this lab can be found here.
Resources (3)
Resources (3)
To close the lesson, I assign each student group one soil component. I ask the student groups to present their findings (where the water line was, how much water was returned) for their assigned soil component. I record the students' findings on a class chart and we use this chart to discuss any outliers or surprising results.


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Microsoft's artificial intelligence experiment called the Tay chatbot had to be aborted less than a day after its introduction after the tweeting bot launched a series of racist outbursts.
Mimicking the language patterns of a 19-year-old American girl, the bot was designed to interact with human users on Twitter and learn from that interaction. However, the experiment didn't go as planned as users started feeding the programme anti-Semitic, sexist and other offensive content, which the bot happily absorbed.
Microsoft shut down Tay's Twitter account on Thursday night and apologised for the tirade.
"We are deeply sorry for the unintended offensive and hurtful tweets from Tay, which do not represent who we are or what we stand for, nor how we designed Tay," Peter Lee, Microsoft's vice president of research, wrote in a blogpost.
Tay's offences included answering another Twitter user's question as to whether Holocaust did happen by saying 'It was made up', to which the bot added a handclap icon. The bot also re-tweeted another user's message stating that feminism is cancer.
Following the setback, Microsoft said it would revive Tay only if its engineers could find a way to prevent web users from influencing the chat bot in ways that undermine the company's principles and values.
"Although we had prepared for many types of abuses of the system, we had made a critical oversight for this specific attack," Lee wrote. "As a result, Tay tweeted wildly inappropriate and reprehensible words and images."
Tay is already the second experiment of this kind conducted by Microsoft. An earlier chat bot called XiaoIce, launched in China in 2014, has since developed a followership of 40 million. It was the positive experience with Xiaolce that prompted Microsoft to create Tay, to see whether the technology would also work for American teenagers.
However, Microsoft insisted the embarrassment won't put the firm off further exploring AI for the purposes of entertainment.
"We will remain steadfast in our efforts to learn from this and other experiences as we work toward contributing to an Internet that represents the best, not the worst, of humanity," Lee wrote.