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I'm Michel Martin and this is TELL ME MORE from NPR News. Today we want to bring you into one of the most important conversations we are having in this country. It's about our schools. Welcome to our Twitter Education Forum. Today we are broadcasting from member station WLRN in Miami, but the conversation has actually already started.
For the past month on Twitter, using the hashtag npredchat, we've already been hearing from our radio audience and from our digital audience.
NANCY EVANS: Technology and education is so important, but the most innovative tool is the child's mind. How do we help students to integrate all that they learn?
MARTIN: That is scientist and educator Nancy Evans and she is reading just one of the hundreds of tweets that we have already received from around the country. And in fact, many of the issues you raised have helped shaped today's Twitter Education Forum. We're going to pose as many of these questions as we can to our guests so please continue to submit your comments using hashtag npredchat.
And we are going to begin today with two newsmaker interviews. In a few minutes we'll hear from the former education secretary Margaret Spellings who served in the administration of George W. Bush, but first current Secretary of Education appointed by President Barack Obama, Arne Duncan. Welcome back to the program, Mr. Secretary. Thanks for joining us.
ARNE DUNCAN: Thanks so much for having me. I appreciate the opportunity.
MARTIN: The question we asked to get our listeners started in the conversation was: Are America's schools broken? So I'm going to ask you that question.
DUNCAN: We have many schools that are extraordinarily high performing, so I think that's an overly harsh statement. Having said that, Michel, we have a long way to go.
And when I look at a 25 percent dropout rate, a million children leaving our schools for our streets each year, when I look at the percentage of high school graduates that are having to take remedial classes in college, they're not really prepared, and then when I ultimately look at a college graduation rate where the United States is 14th in the world, used to be number one a generation ago, we have a lot of hard work ahead of us.
MARTIN: Now, we didn't just hear complaints from listeners, as you might imagine. We heard a lot of people who had some specific and constructive ideas for what they think the solutions are. I just want to play a tweet that we got from Rowena Lee. She's a recent college graduate in Grand Island, Nebraska. Here it is.
ROWENA LEE: Money needs to be redirected to education. There are too many unqualified teachers. And unfortunately, the highly educated often won't go into teaching because they can work in much higher paying industries.
MARTIN: True or not, Mr. Secretary? Should it be a priority of this administration or the next to make teaching a more attractive career option?
DUNCAN: Absolutely. First of all, education in the best investment we can make. Others see education as an expense and something that we can cut. That makes no sense to me whatsoever. But we absolutely have to elevate and strengthen the teaching profession. We have launched what we call the Respect Project, which is actually being led by classroom teachers around the country.
Our teacher ambassador fellows have done hundreds of roundtables and we want to attract and retain the next generation of talent. How we recruit that talent, how we keep that talent in the profession for the long haul, is going to shape public education for the next 30 years.
MARTIN: You know, many people of course appreciate the administration's focus on education, but you do have your critics as, of course, you know. And that criticism is very similar to the criticism that people had of the prior administration's education initiative. Yours is called Race to the Top. Theirs was called No Child Left Behind.
But the core of the criticism of both is that there's just too much emphasis on testing and that it puts too much pressure on teachers and it doesn't account for other factors in others kids', you know, lives like poverty, for example. I mean, how do you respond to that?
DUNCAN: Well, first of all, no one should have to teach the test. Where we differ tremendously from No Child Left Behind is, I agree, I think there was far too much emphasis on one test and getting students to a proficiency cut score that in many states actually got dummied down.
So I think No Child Left Behind is fundamentally broken. We wanted Congress to fix it. Unfortunately, Congress has been pretty broken. So we've been able to provide flexibility - provide waivers to about 33 states with another 10 or so that we're looking at to allow them to build much more thoughtful accountability systems.
Looking at growth and gain, rather than an absolute test score, but looking, Michel, our high school graduation rates going up, our dropout rates going down. And so, through the waiver process you're seeing, I think, a huge move away from a focus just on a test score to long-term indicators.
And I always say if you have the best third grade test scores in the world, but you have a 50 percent dropout rate, you're not changing your students' lives.
MARTIN: Last week you tweeted this: If we are serious about closing the achievement gap, we have to get serious about closing the opportunity gap, and as a country, we're not even close. Now, that was re-tweeted more than 200 times, so obviously that's something that a lot of people are thinking about. But what does that actually mean? And what does it - what is the single most important thing you think the country needs to do to get there?
DUNCAN: Well, there's a lot there and there aren't simple answers for this. These are complex questions and issues. But, Michel, that's something I believe passionately. And if we are serious about closing the achievement gap, we have to stop admiring the problem and we have to close what I call the opportunity gap.
So my question is, Michel, in how many communities - be it inner city, urban, or rural or remote - are we systemically identifying the hardest-working, the most committed teachers and principals, and putting them in the schools where the children need the most support?
In how many of those communities are we making sure that children have access to a great school 10, 11, 12 hours a day six, seven days a week, with a rich array of after school programming, programs for parents, GED, ESL, family literacy nights? What are we doing around technology to make sure those children in those communities have access to learning 24/7?
And, quite frankly, Michel, I don't think we've been serious enough as a country in closing the opportunity gap. And I'm going to continue to push very, very hard to do that.
MARTIN: Arne Duncan is the Secretary of Education, and he was kind enough to join us from our studios in Washington, D.C. Thanks again, Mr. Secretary.
DUNCAN: Thanks. Take care, now. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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NEW YORK — It's puppy love for the record books: The Labrador retriever was the nation's most popular dog breed last year for a 23rd year in a row, the American Kennel Club announced Friday.
That's the longest any breed has been top dog since the organization's 1884 founding.
German shepherds, golden retrievers, beagles and bulldogs are holding steady in the top-five pack, with Yorkshire terriers, boxers, poodles, Rottweilers and dachshunds continuing to round out the leading 10, which mirrors last year. But the comical French bulldog is newly on their heels after a decade-long popularity spurt.
Surpassing the poodle's 22-year reign some decades ago, the Lab has proliferated as a congenial, highly trainable dog that was developed to fetch game but has taken other roles in stride.
"It does so many different things really well — it excels as a family companion, it's an awesome hunting dog, and it also has a great presence as a service and law-enforcement search-and-rescue dog," AKC spokeswoman Lisa Peterson said.
The rankings reflect newly registered dogs, mostly puppies. The AKC doesn't release exact numbers but estimates its registry has included more than 40 million purebred dogs over its history.
The top 10 remains a testament to the variety of purebreds, from the pert, portable Yorkie to the muscular, purposeful Rottweiler. But overall, the AKC has logged some leaning toward larger dogs in the past decade.
Shih tzus and Chihuahuas have dropped out of the top 10, while Rottweilers and bulldogs have marched in. Such big breeds as the Doberman pinscher, the Bernese mountain dog and even the great Dane have made double-digit gains on the popularity ladder.
But no breed has rocketed up the rankings quite like the French bulldog, now the nation's 11th most popular purebred after its numbers more than quadrupled in the last 10 years. The Frenchie was 14th last year — and 58th in 2002.
With foreshortened faces, large pointed ears and an attitude that's been described as "a clown in the cloak of a philosopher," French bulldogs were in vogue in the U.S. around the turn of the 20th century. Then their popularity waned until recent years, when they've gotten exposure in such venues as Martha Stewart's chic-domesticity empire, TV's "Modern Family" and a 2012 Skechers Super Bowl commercial.
Some people flock to Frenchies because they're compact and don't need a lot of exercise or elaborate coat care.
After 15 years of breeding cocker spaniels, Gale Golden had tendinitis in her elbow from brushing them, so she decided to try the short-coated Frenchie. Now she has eight.
"They have so many funny and endearing qualities," including being people-oriented, said Golden, of Marlborough, Mass. "A Frenchie is everyone's friend."
Still, popularity causes some consternation for aficionados, who fear demand can drive irresponsible breeding.
To be sure, dog breeding in general has critics who feel it's more focused on human tastes than canine health and draws dog lovers away from mixed-breed pets that need homes. Purebred fans counter that conscientious breeding aims to create healthy dogs with somewhat predictable traits, helping people and dogs make lasting pairings.
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subset: commoncrawl


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WASHINGTON (AP) — New taxes are coming Jan. 1 to help finance the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Most people may not notice. But they will pay attention if Congress decides to start taxing employer-sponsored health insurance, one option in play if lawmakers can ever agree on a budget deal to reduce federal deficits.
The tax hikes already on the books, taking effect in 2013, fall mainly on people who make lots of money and on the health care industry. But about half of Americans benefit from the tax-free status of employer health insurance. Workers pay no income or payroll taxes on what their employer contributes for health insurance, and in most cases on their own share of premiums as well.
It's the single biggest tax break the government allows, outstripping the mortgage interest deduction, the deduction for charitable giving and other better-known benefits. If the value of job-based health insurance were taxed like regular income, it would raise nearly $150 billion in 2013, according to congressional estimates. By comparison, wiping away the mortgage interest deduction would bring in only about $90 billion.
"If you are looking to raise revenue to pay for tax reform, that is the biggest pot of money of all," said Martin Sullivan, chief economist with Tax Analysts, a nonpartisan publisher of tax information.
It's hard to see how lawmakers can avoid touching health insurance if they want to eliminate loopholes and curtail deductions so as to raise revenue and lower tax rates. Congress probably wouldn't do away with the health care tax break, but limit it in some form. Such limits could be keyed to the cost of a particular health insurance plan, the income level of taxpayers or a combination.
Many economists think some kind of limit would be a good thing because it would force consumers to watch costs, and that could help keep health care spending in check. PPACA took a tentative step toward limits by imposing a tax on high-value health insurance plans. But that doesn't start until 2018.
Next spring will be three years since Congress passed the health care overhaul but, because of a long phase-in, many of the taxes to finance the plan are only now coming into effect. Medicare spending cuts that help pay for covering the uninsured have started to take effect, but they also are staggered. The law's main benefit, coverage for 30 million uninsured people, will take a little longer. It doesn't start until Jan. 1, 2014.
The biggest tax hike from the health care law has a bit of mystery to it. The legislation calls it a "Medicare contribution," but none of the revenue will go to the Medicare trust fund. Instead, it's funneled into the government's general fund, which does pay the lion's share of Medicare outpatient and prescription costs, but also covers most other things the government does.
The new tax is a 3.8 percent levy on investment income that applies to individuals making more than $200,000 or married couples above $250,000. Projected to raise $123 billion from 2013-2019, it comes on top of other taxes on investment income. While it does apply to profits from home sales, the vast majority of sellers will not have to worry since another law allows individuals to shield up to $250,000 in gains on their home from taxation. (Married couples can exclude up to $500,000 in home sale gains.)


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By AFS-USA (188.8.131.52) on Thursday, November 06, 2003 - 3:56 pm: Edit Post |
AFS (formerly the American Field Service) scholarship deadlines are QUICKLY approaching. Don't miss the opportunity of a lifetime – apply today!
Awards for Excellence Program
The Awards for Excellence Program provides full and partial scholarships to outstanding students who exhibit academic excellence (at least 3.5 GPA), community service, and leadership. In order to be eligible for consideration, a high school student must be nominated by his or her high school teacher, guidance counselor, honor society advisor, or principal. High schools of 1,000 students or fewer may nominate as many as 5 students. Schools of more than 1,000 students may nominate as many as 10 students. The nomination deadline is December 2, 2003.
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program
This year, AFS will award approximately 70 full scholarships to high school students who want to live and study in Germany through the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program. Jointly sponsored since 1983 by the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag, these scholarships cover a family stay, transportation, and medical coverage for a year of study in Germany that is roughly equivalent to $8,000 per student. The beauty of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship Program, now in its 20th year, is that it makes it possible for high school students to immerse themselves for a full year in German language, culture, and society. Previous study of the German language is not required since students attend a month long language course at the beginning of their year abroad. These scholarships will be awarded based on the students' academic record (GPA of 3.0 or higher), emotional maturity, cultural sensitivity, curiosity, and open-mindedness. Students must be U.S. Citizens, nationals or permanent residents, and between the ages of 15-18 at the time of departure. Students must live in CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, MN, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, or WI. The application deadline is December 16, 2003.
German American Solidarity Fund
AFS also offers full and partial scholarships to students who live in DC, NY, or PA through
the German American Solidarity Fund (GASF). GASF was established in response to the
tragic events of September 11, and provides scholarships to students who want to study in Germany for one year. Students must be U.S. Citizens or in the process of becoming U.S. Citizens, and between the ages of 15-18 at the time of departure. The application deadline is December 16, 2003.
Merit-based Scholarships
For students wanting to study in Austria, there are 10 merit-based scholarships available of $750 each.
To learn more about AFS programs abroad and scholarship opportunities, please call
1-800-AFS-INFO. Do it for yourself. Do it for the world.


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- Sebastian Nordhoff
- Harald Hammarström
- Martin Haspelmath
- Robert Forkel
The first aim of this project was to provide an exhaustive list of bibliographical references of descriptive work in linguistics ('Langdoc'). For understudied languages, we aimed at having references to everything available on earth, while for better-studied languages, only the most extensive works were included. A web inteface allows browsing this reference catalogue by language families, areas, document types, or bibliographical data.
The second aim ('Glottolog') was to base definitions of 'languoids' (languages, dialects, and language families) on empirical grounds: a languoid was defined as the sum of the documents which describe it. A number of impasses in discussions in linguistics, most notably the language/dialect distinction, become moot when using definitions based on collections of documents.
Glottolog is part of the CLLD project.


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Fleetwood title loans are an advance of a modest quantity of cash and for a brief time frame. To get the credit, you have to give the loan specialist the title of your vehicle – for instance, your car, truck, or cruiser. You pay the loan specialist an expense to get the cash likewise. You, for the most part, need to reimburse the credit in 30 days.
Vehicle title credits can be over the top expensive. On the off chance that you can't reimburse the cash you owe, the bank can take your vehicle. You don't need to stress over your past money related history, keeping you down while getting such a credit. Much in the wake of acquiring your advance, you get the chance to keep ownership of your vehicle and drive it. Commonly Fleetwood title loans can go from $250 to $1,500.
How American title loans Fleetwood, Pennsylvania work?
American title loans Fleetwood in Pennsylvania are great for acquiring cash against your vehicle. This implies direct lenders will consider your vehicle's value as an estimate to decide your credit sum. For instance, your vehicle's present market value is $6,000. At that point, your advance sum can be up to $6,000 in theory. Borrowers can, in any case, save their vehicle for individual use. However, they should move the vehicle title to the lender to secure their loan. In case of a default on credit, vehicle proprietorship will be transferred to the loan specialist to cover the obligation.
Vehicle title advances are a standout amongst other advances, especially if you don't meet the ordinary bank or other money-related establishment requirements. Banks have a more extended credit endorsement process alongside stricter conditions. And when individuals are hit hard by life's eccentric occasions, banks are not the best choice.
Are America Title Loans Fleetwood costly?
You could get a credit sum somewhere in the range of $500 and $25,000 by applying for affordable title loans Fleetwood in Pennsylvania PA. This is reliant on the value of your vehicle and your capacity to reimburse the advance in full. Online loans are an extraordinary decision when you need money quickly and over a brief period. As referenced before, you can have money in your grasp in practically no time, and you can pick a sum that is enough for you within the cost of your car.
These advances are also a solid choice if you have terrible credit or no credit history at all. They have high approval rates and, once in a while, require a credit check. However, this is not a cheap option. It's common for interest on such a credit to be 100%. The average APR on this credit is around 300%, as per the Federal Trade Commission.
Bad credit car title loans Fleetwood in Pennsylvania PA
Try not to let your record keep you from getting the money you need. Are you stressed that past credit slip-ups will mess you up and shield you from fitting the bill for an advance? Then you've reached the right place. Fleetwood car title loans give you cash secured by the car you own. Hence, your credit history will not prevent you from qualifying for a loan or affect how much you get.
Title loans in Fleetwood of Pennsylvania PA are the ideal answer for all your urgent financial needs. If you have been turned down for an advance on account of your awful credit previously, you don't have to worry. Getting the money you need is easy with car title loans Fleetwood in Pennsylvania.
Easy Online Application for online title loans Fleetwood in Pennsylvania
The Internet has taken up much of our life spheres and we can take advantage of that. A simple online vehicle title credit application process removes the pressure from applying for an advance. Thus, you avoid the long queues at the bank and looking for the proper time for endorsement. You can finish your whole credit application on the web or via telephone in less than ten minutes. While submitting it, you will get your free pre-affirmed advance statement in a split second. The demands for car title loans Fleetwood are a lot less complicated than for other types of advances.
Am I eligible for title loans in Fleetwood of Pennsylvania PA?
Title loans Fleetwood in Pennsylvania can be a lifesaver when startling conditions expect you to think of money in a rush. They are anything but difficult to apply for, which should be possible right from your home. You can see if you are endorsed or not soon after applying. What's more, you get the assets extremely fast! Borrowers need to understand how the system works and what will be on the table when the time comes.
Fleetwood title loans are commonly simpler than your regular individual credit. You don't need to undergo a thorough examination using American title loans Fleetwood in Pennsylvania, because you secure the deal with your car. However, you need to meet a couple of essential requirements to qualify. Your state likewise has laws that might influence the way it works in your area.
You are eligible for this type of credit if:
- You have a steady income
- Your car has a clear title and is in your exclusive ownership
- You are older than 18
- You are a resident of the state
- You have basic car insurance coverage
- You have NOT filed for bankruptcy
Are Fleetwood car title loans legal?
Vehicle title advances in Fleetwood of Pennsylvania PA are the appropriate response you're searching for. And you can go anyplace in the state of Fleetwood. They have an enormous number of advantages. The main thing Fleetwood in Pennsylvania moneylenders ask before you get cash is to offer your vehicle's title as security. This gives lenders the certainty they need to provide you with a good amount of money in a little time. However, the maximum loan amount is $10000. While you pay, you keep your keys. After you're done paying your credit, you receive your car title right back.
Fleetwood laws have some issues applying to the title loans, so you need to take some time and study facts. Read some feedback from former users. If there is something wrong with the lender you've chosen, you'll find out.
How to apply for Fleetwood title loans?
Getting a loan against your vehicle as protection is not the worst decision. Particularly if you are going through tough times that require extra cash, the collateral ensures the reimbursement in case of a default. Title loans are legitimate in some states of America and forbidden in others. A couple of states in the US license title loans openly. While some others simply allow this kind of credit system as a result of legislative gaps. In any case, particular title credit moneylenders work with different systems. So where to begin when you think: «I need a loan?»
Title loan requirements
To acquire a vehicle title advance, usually, a borrower should possess the vehicle outright. There must be no liens against the title. Loan specialists additionally require certain checks, including any or each of the following:
- Unique vehicle title indicating sole proprietorship
- Same name on your ID and your car title
- Service bill or other confirmation of residency
- Current vehicle enrollment
- Proof of regular income or other verification of capacity to reimburse the credit
- Names, telephone numbers, and addresses of two contact persons in case the lender can't reach you
- Working duplicates of the vehicle's keys
A car title credit permits clients to utilize their cars as security for the credit. The sum can be reimbursed in regularly scheduled payments. In case of early installments, you won't be charged prepayment punishment expenses. Once you get the money, a lender will place a lien on your vehicle. The borrower can continue to drive the car while making regular monthly payments. When the loan is repaid in full, the lien is removed.
Things To Consider When Choosing Car Title Loan Company
We all know cash loans online are a neat way to get cash. Borrowers can do this without sticking tight to an extended online endorsement process. Fund offers like these are perfect if you have terrible credit experience. Such credits are offered against your car title. Also, most of the candidates get approval easily.
On the Internet, there are numerous vehicle title credit organizations situated in various states offering advances online. While the procedure is rather convenient and fast, it can make some of us suspicious. The borrowers need to be persuaded that the online specialist is dependable. Most of the applicants check this before starting the process. So how to select the best alternative to get a loan online near me?
Choose the Best Fleetwood affordable title loans
You can find the best title loans in Fleetwood if you follow a couple of tips.
Tip 1: Discover the Annual Interest Rate.
A title credit for a car has a month to month loan cost that remains at 25 percent. That loan cost doesn't sound so horrendous in any case. The vehicle title loan can have an APR of 300 percent. This essentially implies you can end up paying $4,000 if you obtain $1,000 and turn it over for a year. Look into data about the moneylenders online and check out all Fleetwood title loans locations.
Tip 2: Check whether any add-ons are required.
Many lenders charge extra by making you buy unnecessary services. Thus, you may find that your credit contract incorporates costs for making a deal, lien charges, etc. However, this may still be more convenient than credit card advances.
Tip 3: Study the online application and endorsement process
Some online title credit loan specialists will have an application procedure that is available online. Some of others may require further confirmation through phone call. For the most part, it can take from somewhere in the range of 20 minutes or less to a couple of hours.
What are the drawbacks of Fleetwood auto title loans? The most significant advantage of easy title loans Fleetwood in Pennsylvania PA is that they help the borrower to get the cash fast and hassle-free. Vehicle title credits normally take a day or two. This is on the grounds that it is a basic procedure. It just includes the loan specialist taking a gander at your vehicle to ensure it is worth the sum you get. But what about the disadvantages?
Reimbursement Period
Many title loans have a more restricted reimbursement period than individual credits offered by banks. Nonetheless, these advances are still perfect for handling unexpected costs.
Super-high loan costs and expenses
The amount depends on where you live and which moneylender you work with. You could undoubtedly pay as much in interest and charges as you would with a payday credit. Make sure to look around to get the least loan cost.
The greatest disadvantage of a vehicle title credit is that you can have your vehicle taken from you. That possibly occurs when you neglect to reimburse the credit.
A title loan is only legal in 30 states in the US
If you live in a state that doesn't approve the organization of these credits inside it, no problem – you should make a trip to another state to make sure about an advance. Another alternative is to apply for a title credit on the web.
Do the cons outweigh the pros of title loans in Fleetwood of Pennsylvania? The endorsement procedure for auto title loans in Fleetwood of Pennsylvania is rather basic. Especially when comparing with other money services. In contrast to the long list of requirements, your bank may have, this type of deal can be made even if your FICO rating is poor. Your previous relationship with other financial institutions doesn't make any difference. The title of your vehicle is the main thing you need to secure the credit. So you can take out one of these advances without experiencing a credit check. You can even get money for old vehicles. Remember that the estimation of the car should be higher than the sum you need to obtain. But these are not all perks of title loans.
Instant Cash
The main advantage of such credits is that they are easy-to-get and really fast. The procedure is clear and can be finished in a couple of minutes. Due to a firm, structured approach, you can get the cash around the same time.
Credit Does Not Matter
These kinds of advances are otherwise called no credit check vehicle advances. That is because they depend on the guarantee, which is your vehicle. Indeed, they may not demand to see your credit history, but the proof of stable income may be claimed.
Anybody Can Qualify
Anybody can fit the bill for a vehicle title credit. You can get the cash you need anytime, while you have a working vehicle. With being sure, you've learned the contract properly, there is nothing to be afraid of.
Adaptable Payment Terms
Usually, you are offered some options. The flexible terms of reimbursement customized to your requirements are possible trough negotiation. You can also make an early reimbursement, with no prepayment expense.


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Becoming a Dermatologist
Specialist Pathway for Overseas Dermatologists
The Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) welcomes enquiries from medical practitioners with dermatology qualifications obtained outside Australia (International Medical Graduates who may want to practice dermatology in Australia.
The following information outlines the process by which an IMG may become a specialist dermatologist in Australia. The ACD is not directly involved in state medical registration, Medicare provider numbers or medical indemnity insurance, and cannot assist with applications for Australian residency or citizenship, although these matters should be considered by applicants.
The Medical Board of Australia requires that all International Medical Graduates (IMGs) apply directly to the Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) for assessment of their comparability to an Australian trained specialist. Further information on how to apply and the structure of fees can be found in the relevant sections
Before applying to the ACD, applicants must submit an application to the AMC for primary source verification of their medical qualifications. Please refer to the AMC website for more information.


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Studying Abroad
Article Translations: (Spanish)
Have you always dreamed of traveling to cool places, meeting lots of different people, and maybe picking up a language or two? No matter what country you live in, you can fly over the world's highest waterfalls in Venezuela, learn world trade in Japan, study art in France, or take dancing lessons in Ghana.
How? Join a study abroad program, where high school and college students live with a host family in a foreign country. Semester, summer, and year-long programs allow you to attend school, take intensive language courses, or perform community service in another country. Read on to learn more about study abroad programs.
Why Study Abroad?
Besides the excitement of travel, one reason to study abroad is that you will experience new customs, holidays, foods, art, music, and politics firsthand.
"I learned the language and am now fluent, but perhaps more important was how much I learned about cultures, people, and myself. I learned this from the viewpoint of an active member of the community and my [host] family, not from the tourist's point of view," says Andrew, who studied in Poitiers, France.
Another reason for studying abroad is that you'll gain self-confidence. Christina studied in Caracas, Venezuela, a city of 10 million people and a huge change from her hometown of 35,000! Christina says she learned how to better stand up for herself and her beliefs and to express herself in another language. What could make you more confident than that?
Living away from home can also help you adjust in the transition to college and adulthood. Matthew says he returned from studying in Australia with confidence, social savvy, and a genuine interest in international affairs that really set him apart from his peers. "After having gone abroad in high school, I found the transition to college to be a breeze — moving 560 miles from home didn't seem particularly daunting after having lived thousands of miles away."
And speaking of college, improving your language skills might help you get into choice colleges and even land future jobs. Colleges and employers know that studying abroad provides leadership skills in a world that is increasingly globally interconnected.
Most of all, it's fun! You're not likely to suffer from sophomore slump or general boredom while you're studying in a different learning environment.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Although many programs have academic requirements, you usually don't have to have the highest grades or marks to be eligible. And most programs do not have language requirements.
Who you are is as important as your academic record. Study abroad programs look for students who are independent, self-assured, enjoy new experiences and different types of people, and can handle challenges. When you study in a foreign country, you'll be faced with new circumstances, environments, and predicaments.
Ask yourself:
- Am I willing to try new things — everything from foods to social situations?
- Am I comfortable making my own decisions, such as what time to leave for school, which courses to take, and how to deal with conflict and change, without family or friends around to help?
- Do I like to take risks?
- How have I handled complex and new situations in the past?
- Will I be able to fulfill my academic requirements for my school at home and for any future plans? Make sure you won't miss a test or other requirement.
- Will my school at home accept credits from the programs I am considering?
If you really hate change and don't like the idea of figuring things out all on your own, then studying abroad may not be for you. It's important to really think about your comfort zone and to be honest with yourself — you could end up miserable far away from home if you aren't! Of course, if you want to change those things about yourself and don't mind tackling them head-on, then studying abroad may be an ideal way to take the plunge.
Don't let a little anxiety stop you from considering the possibility of a summer, semester, or year abroad, though. Matthew says he will never forget sitting in the airport about to board a plane bound for Melbourne. "I felt overwhelmed, terrified, and thrilled at the same time," he says. "In the end, though, the rewards of living overseas far outweigh the initial uncertainties."
Applying to a Program
Specific application procedures vary from program to program. In most cases, program personnel design applications and interviews to find out if you're a good fit for the program and a host family, if you'll be staying with one. You might need to answer questions on past obstacles you've encountered and what you've learned from these experiences or write an introductory letter to your potential host family.
You will need to provide personal and school references, health information, and practices (for example, if you have allergies or are a vegetarian). Your parents also may need to tell the program personnel how they feel about your studying abroad. You'll also have to go through interviews with schools or sponsoring organizations.
Pitching the Idea to Your Parents
Are you convinced that a year abroad is for you, but you're worried that your parents will never go for it? Use some of the points of view that sold you on the idea to help them understand why you want to study overseas. Point out that studying abroad is a chance of a lifetime and that it offers great academic opportunities — including learning a second language.
You might also sell them on the idea that students in study abroad programs gain experiences by being in a new culture, broaden their horizons, and increase their maturity and self-confidence levels. Study abroad students have an educational edge when entering college or starting careers, where language skills, cross-cultural experiences, and global outlooks are becoming essential.
If your parents are worried that you'll miss a year of school, won't get credit later, or will be stuck in a foreign country without help or supervision, look into the details of what arrangements the program has regarding these situations. Many study abroad programs are well established — the American Field Service (AFS) student exchange program has been been around for more than 50 years.
Study abroad students are well supervised. Programs usually have offices in host countries, many with 24-hour hotlines. Host families are chosen carefully to meet specific students' needs.
Finding a Program
Hundreds of programs are available through organizations like AFS, Youth for Understanding (YFU), American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), and the Rotary Club. These organizations and lots more are online — so try a Web search. You can call or write for catalogs.
Other sources of information are school counselors, religious organizations, teachers, librarians, family, and friends. Ask them for recommendations.
But check out programs early — applications can be due 4 to 9 months in advance. Age requirements vary, although students are usually in the 15- to 22-year age range. Program costs can vary, too. But don't let cost scare you away. Many programs have substantial scholarships available, but make sure you apply early. Some programs help students raise money from schools and local organizations.
Staying Healthy Abroad
Depending on where you are going there are a number of suggested immunizations. You and your doctor or a travel medicine specialist should decide which vaccinations are appropriate for you. Make sure to get this information early (several weeks or even months before traveling, if possible) to give yourself enough time to get the vaccines you need.
Travel health insurance is also available in case you become ill or get hurt while you are away. Most plans include a 24-hour hotline for assistance with doctors, dentists, and other health concerns.
In some countries, you may need to drink bottled water and avoid raw foods. You may want to pack products like antiseptic ointment, over-the-counter pain medication, contact lens solution, and adhesive bandages. Don't forget prescription drugs or items like inhalers if you have asthma. And it's a good idea to see your dentist before departure.
In addition to preparing physically, don't neglect your emotional health. Consider journal writing to help process your experience. And prepare for culture shock when you return — you've grown and so have friends and family. You'll also miss your host family and friends.
Prepare yourself for these feelings by getting support from family, friends, a counselor, or another student who has spent time abroad.
Returning the Favor
If you've studied abroad and want to be a host yourself, or if you've decided you don't want to travel but would like the chance to learn about another culture, your family may be a candidate to host a student. Families fill out applications and interview with organization representatives, reviewing profiles (or videos) of students who might be a good fit.
Whether you host a student or study abroad yourself, you're sure to see the world in a new way./p>
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2024 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com


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text:
Thursday, March 11, 2010
101 comments:
- Julie Barfuss said...
that truly IS a bummer! maybe you can find another amazing tv show that wants to shoot in Hawaii??
- March 11, 2010 at 11:30 PM
- Moeyness said...
stay then! (also, nice picture! keep your eyes on the road brah!)
- March 11, 2010 at 11:32 PM
- Barracuda said...
wow is a beautiful!!!!!
i love rainbow - March 11, 2010 at 11:43 PM
- Alice Thompson said...
I like Rainbows. You are just going to leave temporarily. Once the 'aina has hold of you... it will never let you go.
- March 11, 2010 at 11:53 PM
- ArtforLife42 said...
did you guys ever consider staying there?
- March 11, 2010 at 11:57 PM
- Nene said...
- March 12, 2010 at 12:01 AM
- yellowdoggranny said...
I was 10 years old when I left hawaii in the mid 50's..i cried all the way across the pacific and all the way from la to laredo, texas..talk about a shock to the system..hawii to laredo texas..eeek
- March 12, 2010 at 12:23 AM
- Unknown said...
awwwwwe... sad! well, you don't have to leave! :) that is a nice pic of the rainbow breaking thru the dark clouds!
- March 12, 2010 at 12:23 AM
- Ryan said...
I wish my drive looked like this.
- March 12, 2010 at 12:59 AM
- Unknown said...
Fantastic view.I wish I could be there.
- March 12, 2010 at 1:28 AM
- Tiffany said...
They're so beautiful. There's nothing like it. I swear I drove right through a rainbow in Kapolei earlier this week. It was right in front of me on the road, I could reach out and touch it, and then suddenly it moved. It was the strangest thing...
- March 12, 2010 at 2:26 AM
- Jaime said...
Wow, that's so beautiful. It made my morning. :]
- March 12, 2010 at 4:54 AM
- Unknown said...
You're terribly right Jorge! Rainbows are the things I miss more about hawaii.. like Iz said, you're so lucky to be there..
- March 12, 2010 at 5:14 AM
- Unknown said...
Wow.... Have you caught that pesky Leprechan yet?
- March 12, 2010 at 5:21 AM
- Alisha Rene' said...
that is cool
- March 12, 2010 at 5:26 AM
- Tales of Whimsy said...
- March 12, 2010 at 5:31 AM
- Curt Rogers said...
Sir, don't take a single moment for granted.
I'm sure you won't. - March 12, 2010 at 5:46 AM
- The Shapusens said...
Absolutely gorgeous! I wish my commute looked like that.
- March 12, 2010 at 5:47 AM
- Petra said...
Spectacular! I suppose it is the geography, but I have never seen a rainbow so low and wide before!
Thank you both for sharing a little bit of your lives.
: ) P - March 12, 2010 at 5:49 AM
- Sarah said...
so beautiful!
- March 12, 2010 at 5:51 AM
- Capmaster said...
Beautiful scenery!
When you see that on the way in, are you ever tempted to play hookey that day? Or would that mean Hurley would surely end up as a light snack for Smokey in the next episode? - March 12, 2010 at 5:56 AM
- Michelle said...
so why not stay?
- March 12, 2010 at 5:56 AM
- Unknown said...
Beautiful. My 6 yr old loves, loves, loves to see rainbows and always wants to find the end.
- March 12, 2010 at 6:06 AM
- Catherine said...
That's sad. :(
Do you already know what's coming up next for you? - March 12, 2010 at 6:09 AM
- Shannon said...
Wow, that's gorgeous. I don't know that I could leave there. It's so pretty everywhere you look!
- March 12, 2010 at 6:26 AM
- Zoey said...
That is absolutely GORGEOUS! I'd miss the view too!
- March 12, 2010 at 6:26 AM
- RyGuy said...
That is so beautiful! I wish my commute was that amazing. Enjoy it! :)
- March 12, 2010 at 6:28 AM
- Pam said...
Can't argue with you there. beautiful!
- March 12, 2010 at 6:51 AM
- Jules said...
Ahhhh.. Hawaii rainbow... beautiful...
- March 12, 2010 at 6:53 AM
- Andrew Bruins said...
Wow, that's an awesome picture.
- March 12, 2010 at 6:57 AM
- Lauren said...
- March 12, 2010 at 6:57 AM
- Pelekai said...
I lived on Oahu for 9 years as a kid, I still miss it. There really is no place like it. :)
- March 12, 2010 at 6:59 AM
- JS said...
I thought you were using DIQUS? - March 12, 2010 at 7:13 AM
- Unknown said...
That's gorgeous. I shouldn't complain about my one mile commute... but it sure doesn't look like that!
- March 12, 2010 at 7:21 AM
- Paula said...
- March 12, 2010 at 7:34 AM
- Unknown said...
Why leave, where could you go that's better?
- March 12, 2010 at 7:49 AM
- Kara said...
- March 12, 2010 at 7:50 AM
- Shy Violet said...
wow, that's so beautiful!
- March 12, 2010 at 7:52 AM
- Unknown said...
Rainbows make me smile. :)
- March 12, 2010 at 7:57 AM
- Unknown said...
awesome! how lucky you are! :)
- March 12, 2010 at 7:58 AM
- Hadley said...
If possible, you should have a home/apartment there so you can come back to the rainbows.
- March 12, 2010 at 8:09 AM
- Lindsey said...
It's a double! SOoooo pretty. I want to go to Hawaii some day.
- March 12, 2010 at 8:35 AM
- Shanathalas said...
I didn't even think about the effect the ending of the show would have on where you'd live. I guess it's unusual for a prime time show to be filmed in Hawaii. However, there are plenty filmed here in Vancouver. It's gorgeous here, though it's kinda more rain than rainbows.
- March 12, 2010 at 8:35 AM
- Ralph- said...
That rainbow is cool and all, but damn, look at the traffic! I would kill for that amount of people on the road
- March 12, 2010 at 8:56 AM
- jen said...
Aww! You two don't plan on staying there after? Whatever will happen to our beloved Dispatches from the Island?
- March 12, 2010 at 9:15 AM
- Maxi Bort said...
should I stay or should I go.......
greetings Jorge!!!
YO VOTO PORQUE HUGO SEA EL ELEGIDO!!! HUGO RULES DUDE!!! - March 12, 2010 at 10:17 AM
- Jodi said...
You should stay out there or keep your rental house so you can visit or have long weekends.
What a beautiful rainbow!! - March 12, 2010 at 10:20 AM
- Holly said...
So, don't leave.
- March 12, 2010 at 11:22 AM
- e preston said...
- March 12, 2010 at 11:28 AM
- Stacy Disarrayed said...
Oooh it's a double! Nice. I'd miss it too!
- March 12, 2010 at 11:34 AM
- cathescomicz said...
when I lived in Florida, I loved the smell of Orange Blossoms. When I lived in San Francisco, I loved driving by Ocean Beach EVERY morning. (sand dollars the size of my head, too) I was in Hawaii once, for a week, five years ago- and I will never forget the smell of Plumeria, and the guys who use the word Bruthah, for every thing. (And ABC stores, but they're all over Vegas, too)
- March 12, 2010 at 12:23 PM
- Unknown said...
Hola Jorge,
Bonito arco iris, pero seguro que tambien surgirán alla donde vayas.
Aqui en España ya lo podrás observar, yo te invito a que vengas, podriamos disfrutar de esos arco iris. Pero Hawaii es un sitio especial, entiendo perfectamente lo que quieres decir. - March 12, 2010 at 1:59 PM
- Alison said...
You should tell your agent to get you a recurring role on the new Hawaii Five-O.
- March 12, 2010 at 2:19 PM
- yas said...
wow! this is beautiful, but also sad :(
- March 12, 2010 at 2:57 PM
- Chrissy Conklin said...
Wait, why would you ever leave that place?
Cuz of work? I'll write a pilot and come live out there too. you can be my main character!
... I love Hawai'i's rainbows. I saw three of them right next to each other over the Napali coast once. Stunning. - March 12, 2010 at 3:01 PM
- James Hernandez said...
Dude that is one pretty awesome commute! - March 12, 2010 at 3:27 PM
- Mark said...
LOL @ you'll miss the commute! I take it you thought we'd assume the rainbow... yeah yeah not funny if you have to explain the joke...
- March 12, 2010 at 3:31 PM
- Erin said...
Man. Gorgeous!!
- March 12, 2010 at 3:44 PM
- Unknown said...
That is so beautiful. Thank you.
- March 12, 2010 at 4:09 PM
- V said...
Well... Hawaii is known as the rainbow state. lol
- March 12, 2010 at 4:49 PM
- moon said...
Roy G. Biv!
- March 12, 2010 at 5:10 PM
- mabochda said...
that is awesome!
- March 12, 2010 at 5:19 PM
- Joaquin Joatcher 1 said...
If you're coming back to LA you won't miss too much as we've had some pretty awesome rainbows lately...
- March 12, 2010 at 5:20 PM
- Sarah said...
I'm a little jealous. Roadkill and bad drivers are all I tend to see on my commute to work.
- March 12, 2010 at 5:41 PM
I sure hope you enjoyed your amazing experience! I know I did watching the show :) It's so sad to see it go :'(
- March 12, 2010 at 6:07 PM
- Kailua Fan said...
I have some nice photos from the Sunset on the Beach premier, and of me and you on screen in LA X 2. Is it possible to post photos on your blog?
- March 12, 2010 at 6:37 PM
You & Beth will be missed when you leave! Visit often!
Hey - aren't cell phones while driving not allowed here? (Be safe!)
(ps - Mahalo for the blog & the podcast! Love 'em both!) - March 12, 2010 at 10:02 PM
- Ana said...
What a perfect rainbow!!! It seems like you finally could find a gold pot at the end of it!!
- March 13, 2010 at 3:46 AM
- Unknown said...
We will miss YOU - maybe a spin off - with you as the star character???? Hmmmm!!
- March 13, 2010 at 4:33 AM
- mirwin101 said...
What are you going to call your blog after you leave Hawaii?
- March 13, 2010 at 9:17 AM
- Eugen Caitaz said...
When, I look on this Image, I remeber great hawaii's song by Israel" Over the rainbow ", - my favorite!!!!! Jorge, it's so interesting, when you will move away from the island, you will change name of your blog???
- March 13, 2010 at 10:44 AM
- Josh Taback said...
And we'll miss you sir. Don't know what we'll do without our Hurley fix.
http://joshuataback.blogspot.com/2010/03/our-friend-hurley.html - March 13, 2010 at 1:53 PM
- Unknown said...
please watch Jorge!!!!! It would mean a lot!
http://lost-promo-contest.abc.go.com/published/1113?page=2&starting_with=most_viewed - March 13, 2010 at 4:32 PM
- Rose said...
Thats so beautiful! Pretty colours.
- March 13, 2010 at 5:10 PM
- fer. said...
dude, nice picture. xoxo from very far (brazil)
- March 13, 2010 at 5:49 PM
- Ela and Daniel Asisi said...
It's beautiful! I'm coming to Hawaii in a few weeks, I can't wait to see what the island has to offer. LOL! That sounded a little Lostish. Not intended!
- March 13, 2010 at 10:03 PM
- Ross and Roll said...
We had one of these in Calabasas, CA not too long ago. But it happens, ya know, like once every 5 years. Not on the daily like in Oahu. Love GJB!!! Peace
- March 14, 2010 at 8:15 AM
- Jorge Garcia said...
It's a great sketch Josh
- March 14, 2010 at 12:41 PM
- Josh Taback said...
Thanks Jorge! I'm honored.
- March 14, 2010 at 1:14 PM
- Eric said...
I'm glad you're savoring the moments.
- March 14, 2010 at 2:14 PM
- Tammy said...
I've had a couple commutes this past month that looked just like this.
[I live in the San Francisco area.]
Beautiful photo! - March 14, 2010 at 4:40 PM
- Jeannie said...
That's beautiful!!
- March 14, 2010 at 6:23 PM
- Tiffany Noélli said...
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dream of
Once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow
Blue birds fly
And the dreams that you dream of
Dreams really do come true... - March 14, 2010 at 7:07 PM
- Deb said...
Sorry if this was already answered:
Are you going to continue blogging??
I started following you b/c of the Lost and HI connections (I'm from Maui and just love "visiting" home anyway I can), but stayed following you b/c you make make me smile:)
So I hope this is not the end of Dispatches... - March 15, 2010 at 4:08 AM
Wow, that is an awesomely beautiful view! As far as you leaving Hawaii, that seems really sad as it signals the end of a great TV show. I know I, for one, do not think I will ever find a show as brilliant as LOST. The whole experience has been a blast. Thanks for your part in that. You are an amazing actor and person.
- March 15, 2010 at 6:05 AM
- Shelley said...
While the rainbow is lovely, I was envious of the open, traffic-free road ahead. I think I would miss that the most!
- March 15, 2010 at 7:12 AM
- James said...
So Jorge, are you going to be continuing this blog now that your tour of duty on the island is wrapping up? I've only recently discovered your efforts here, and man, it's been a good time. Hope you keep after it!
- March 15, 2010 at 8:38 AM
- AL-JAZERRA said...
salutti grosso,
alejandro - March 15, 2010 at 9:54 AM
- christa said...
hawaii 5-0 totally needs a sub-plot about how the detectives go to the island to solve cases. like you guys are their oracle or something.
- March 15, 2010 at 12:07 PM
- Zindy S. D. Nielsen said...
This is very dreamlike, rainbows are beautiful.
- March 15, 2010 at 3:47 PM
- Meribeth said...
Absolutely gorgeous.
No traffic either, huh? - March 15, 2010 at 7:13 PM
- Kate said...
Absolutely Gorgeous! I'm jealous!
- March 15, 2010 at 8:08 PM
- SVfzfadasszxdasD said...
I would be sad to leave too. Enjoy it while you're there!
- March 16, 2010 at 10:40 AM
- Unknown said...
Will ya miss the RATS!?
- March 16, 2010 at 2:54 PM
- Mighty Morfin said...
What a beautiful picture! So cool!
- March 18, 2010 at 10:14 AM
- None said...
I've been seeing a lot of rainbows since my little boy died last August. I always think it's his way of saying "Hi" from heaven. And they always take my breath away. You're so lucky-you had two people saying "hi" to you.
- March 19, 2010 at 12:26 PM
- Fargalaxigirl said...
We will miss knowing you are here, it has really been a pleasure having the cast get involved with local goings-on, from fundraisers to symphony events to tsunamis...you'll be missed! Look forward to see what you'll be up to next...aloha oi!
- March 19, 2010 at 3:17 PM
- The Engineering Bureau said...
A personal observation: The thing about leaving is that waking up not being on Oahu just isn't the same. I made the mistake of selling a radio station that I had there a number of years ago and moving back to the mainland to be an "on the road" broadcast consultant and owning a couple of stations and every day I have longed to be back there...Now I able-at last- to be at the point of negotiating to buy another station and finally get myself back there. In the end when all is said and done with modern transportation any of us can live anywhere and get to where we have to be and get back so if you are happy living there -if you will miss the living experience that is Hawaii by all means don't do what I did and consider staying.
- March 19, 2010 at 8:58 PM
Amazing view, I love rainbows.
- March 24, 2010 at 5:18 PM
- Sven & Trin said...
I was shaking my head "yes" at the photo of the rainbow, and then laughed to myself about the commute part. I can't believe the traffic on this island. Ridic.
- March 26, 2010 at 4:25 AM
I moved off the island in December and I miss it so much! Now if only I can talk my hubs into returning...
- April 8, 2010 at 2:15 PM


text:
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Every feature and user interface element was designed to be immediately intuitive and quickly learnable without assistance. In order to handle multiple images easily, Paint.NET uses a tabbed document interface. The tabs display a live thumbnail of the image instead of a text description. This makes navigation very simple and fast.
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Adjustments are also included which help you tweak an image's brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, curves, and levels. You can also convert an image to black and white, or sepia-toned


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WASHINGTON – The United States Helsinki Commission will hold a hearing on the challenges facing the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2005, featuring the testimony of His Excellency Dimitrij Rupel, Foreign Minister of Slovenia and this year's OSCE Chairman.
Slovenia's Leadership of the OSCE
Tuesday, March 8, 2005
192 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Slovenia has assumed the annually rotating chairmanship of the OSCE, just as the world's largest regional security organization seeks to uphold common standards and engage in concerted action to enhance European security.
In 2005, when the OSCE celebrates its 30th anniversary, it can point to numerous success stories, the most recent being its critical support for Ukraine's Orange Revolution. The organization also faces a Russian-led diplomatic offensive designed to dilute its effectiveness and shift its focus away from the development of democracy, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law as core elements of European security.
The OSCE has undertaken a wide array of initiatives regarding issues like human trafficking, organized criminal activity and official corruption, anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance, human rights violations in Central Asia countries and areas of tension or conflict in the Caucasus, the Balkans and elsewhere in the expansive OSCE region.
New and emerging threats from external actors, including terrorist organizations and rogue regimes, have led the organization to take a greater look at its periphery and seek multilateral responses to issues ranging from terrorist financing to arms proliferation. Issues related to OSCE work were on the agenda of the recent Bush-Putin summit in Bratislava and could impact the organization's future activity.
Dimitrij Rupel's diplomatic career includes service as Slovenian Foreign Minister and Ambassador to the United States. His country has achieved NATO and EU membership within 15 years of independent statehood. This will be his first visit to the United States since taking leadership of the OSCE, the world's largest regional body. As OSCE Chair-in-Office, Dr. Rupel has visited Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.


text:
All items in '12 Days of Christmas' now top $107K
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Add seven swans, six geese and five golden rings to the list of Christmas gifts that cost more than they did a year ago.
And if you get all 364 items repeated throughout "The Twelve Days of Christmas" carol, you'll pay 6.1 percent more this year, according to the so-called Christmas Price Index that PNC Wealth Management updates annually.
That comes to $107,300.
"The rise is larger than expected considering the modest economic growth we've had," said Jim Dunigan, managing executive of investments for PNC. He noted the government's Consumer Price Index has risen just 2 percent in the 12 months before September.
Thrifty shoppers may find some reasons for cheer. Six items mentioned in the song haven't gone up in price: maids-a-milking, ladies dancing, lords-a-leaping, calling birds, turtle doves and the partridge. The eight maids-a-milking still cost just $58 because the minimum wage hasn't risen.
Twelve drummers drumming ($2,775.50) and eleven pipers piping ($2,562) might also be considered relative bargains compared to seven swans, which will set you back $7,000. Nine ladies dancing will cost you $6,294.03.
Dunigan said the 2011 drought caused the prices of some birds to soar, partly because of corn and other feed costs.
"The geese were up 29.6 percent, and swans were up 11 percent," Dunigan said, adding that none of the gifts in the song went down in price this year.
The price of a pear tree is $189.99, an 11.8 percent jump from last year's $169.99. Five gold rings jumped 16.3 percent this year, to $750, and three French hens are now $165, instead of $150.
The $15 partridge is the cheapest item, and swans the most expensive, at $1,000 each.
Last-minute shoppers who turn to the Internet will pay a bit more for the gifts. Buying one set of the core items in each verse costs $24,431 in traditional stores this year, but $40,440 online. Part of that difference is the extra expense of shipping live birds, Dunigan said, adding that Internet costs rose 1.5 percent compared to last year.
PNC Financial Services Group Inc. checks jewelry stores, dance companies, pet stores and other sources to compile the list. Some of its sources this year include the National Aviary in Pittsburgh and the Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Ballet Company.


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To the editor:
The arguments that acting City Manager Bruce Johnson put forward for increasing density on the waterfront by 25 to 50 percent are so unreal that they leave me dumbfounded.
First, there is the statement that the City of Alexandria cannot and will not defend portions of the city's master plan adopted in 1992. What city refuses to defend its zoning law?
Far from leading to an orderly redevelopment of underused sites, increased density could lead to chaos. The Robinson Terminal landowners, like many other landowners, came out of the 1992 master plan with fewer rights to alter density and use than they had before. Until 2008, when Robinson Terminal's owners filed a lawsuit, no landowner had ever contested the 1992 zoning in court. City officials certainly have not cited a successful suit. Even so, city leaders want to surrender to the warehouse owners.
It is not because they have a general policy of avoiding costly lawsuits. The city is pursuing its contest with the Old Dominion Boat Club over an easement in Wales Alley all the way to the Virginia Supreme Court.
It is unclear why the city is also giving a 50 percent increase in density to the Cummings-Turner properties on Union Street. Those landowners are not suing us.
Even more important than the added density for the Robinson Terminals is that proposed new zoning would give them the right to build whatever they like on their sites. The zoning in place until it is changed mandates "commercial, residential, mixed use." That is the commonly used standard for development in an urban area. The suggestion that the city can better manage change by doing away with reasonable restrictions on what can be built is Orwellian.
Finally, city officials say that we must have this major increase in density together with a lack of control on what may be built, because we are getting new amenities. What might those be? Until recently, city staff held out the promise of a big new paved plaza, almost as large as Market Square, at the end of King Street. Planning Director Farroll Hamer has told the waterfront working group that amenity will not be feasible in the foreseeable future. I would like to see a list of just what we are getting (that would not be available without this plan) and why so much has to be given away to get it.
– Katy Cannady


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He's threatening to do something lethal if we don't figure this %$#@ thing out soon...
HELP George Clooney! Where R U when we need U?
Bet this 5-year old on Mad Ave could figure out the iPod Touch but we can't :(
Update:I found a book with BIG pictures, My iPod Touch(2nd edition) - they have lots of How-to videos here. Plus I'd set my iPod thing to ZOOM so I had do a 'RESTORE'-easy as tarte citron. We're cookin' BEAR et moi. Open Apps? - Open Sesame!


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Bool XeviQueryExtension (Display *dpy);
Bool XeviQueryVersion (Display
*dpy, int *major_version_return,
int *minor_version_return);
int XeviGetVisualInfo (Display *dpy, VisualID *visual, int n_visual,
ExtendedVisualInfo ** evi_return,
int * n_info_return);
The EVI application programming library contains the interfaces described below. With the exception of XeviQueryExtension, if any of these routines are called with a display that does not support the extension, the ExtensionErrorHandler (which can be set with XSetExtensionErrorHandler and functions the same way as XSetErrorHandler) will be called and the function will then return.
XeviQueryExtension returns True if the Extended Visual Information extension is available on the given display. A client must call XeviQueryExtension before calling any other EVI function in order to negotiate a compatible protocol version; otherwise the client will get undefined behavior (EVI may or may not work).
XeviQueryVersion returns True if the request succeeded; the values of the major and minor protocol version supported by the server are returned in major_version_return and minor_version_return.
XeviGetVisualInfo returns a list of ExtendedVisualInfo structures that describe visual information beyond that supported by the core protocol. This includes layer information relevant for systems supporting overlays and/or underlay planes, and information that allows applications better to determine the level of hardware support for multiple colormaps. XeviGetVisualInfo returns Success if successful, or an X error otherwise. If the argument visual is NULL, then information for all visuals of all screens is returned. Otherwise, it's a pointer to a list of visuals for which extended visual information is desired. n_visual is the number of elements in the array visual. evi_return returns a pointer to a list of ExtendedVisualInfo. When done, the client should free the list using XFree. n_info_return returns the number of elements in the array evi_return.
The ExtendedVisualInfo structure
has the following fields:
VisualID core_visual_id int screen int level unsigned int transparency_type unsigned int transparency_value unsigned int min_hw_colormaps unsigned int max_hw_colormaps unsigned int num_colormap_conflicts VisualID * colormap_conflicts
The combination of core_visual_id and screen number uniquely specify the visual being described.
level returns the level number for the visual, 0 for normal planes, > 0 for overlays, < 0 for underlays.
transparency_type returns the type of transparency supported by the visual. XEVI_TRANSPARENCY_NONE if there are no transparent pixels, XEVI_TRANSPARENCY_PIXEL if the visual supports a transparent pixel, XEVI_TRANSPARENCY_MASK if the visual supports transparent plane(s).
transparency_value returns the pixel/plane value to set for transparency if transparency_type isn't XEVI_TRANSPARENCY_NONE.
min_hw_colormaps and max_hw_colormaps return the minimum and maximum number of hardware colormaps backing up the visual.
num_colormap_conflicts returns the number of elements in colormap_conflicts. This array returns a list of visuals that may cause conflicts in the use of the hardware colormap. For example, if a 12-bit hardware colormap is overloaded to support 8-bit colormaps, the corresponding 8-bit visuals would conflict with the 12-bit visuals.


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A nice way to take a break from Election Day stress about this fingernail-biting-close election is to listen to some panelists talk about something that is truly important — software patents! 🙂
It a great panel, notwithstanding my participation, and it promises to be a lot of fun and informative. So, call in for the teleforum and even ask a question or two of us while you're at it. Here's the information:
Boon or Bane for Technological Innovation?: Software Patents
Intellectual Property Practice Group Teleforum
Although pure software patents are only a couple decades old, they have become the focus of a heated innovation policy debate. On the one hand, new technological innovation once imagined only as science fiction is now a commonplace feature of our lives—tablet computers, smart phones, wireless telecommunication, cloud computing, and streaming television, movies and songs, to name just a few of our modern marvels. On the other hand, the high-tech industry seems awash in patent litigation, especially in the "smart phone war" between Apple, Samsung, Google, Microsoft, and other high-tech firms. As a result of this extensive litigation, commentators in newspaper articles, in blogs, and at conferences now complain about the "problem of software patents." Conventional wisdom seems to be quickly gelling around the proposition that software patents are a problem that demands a solution from Congress or the courts. This Teleforum panel will consider whether software patents advance development of new technological innovation or hinder this vital innovation. The panelists represent all viewpoints on this topic, and they bring their extensive academic, legal and industry experiences to bear on this increasingly important issue in the innovation policy debates today.
- Mr. Robert R. Sachs, Partner, Fenwick & West LLP
- Prof. Adam Mossoff, George Mason University School of Law
- Prof. David Olson, Boston College Law School
- Moderator: Prof. Mark Schultz, Southern Illinois University School of Law
Call begins at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Registration details:
Teleforum calls are open to all dues paying members of the Federalist Society. To become a member, sign up here. As a member, you should receive email announcements of upcoming Teleforum calls which contain the conference call phone number. If you are not receiving those email announcements, please contact us at 202-822-8138.


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Product | JBP NanoLink Fille HA without Lidocaine |
Manufacturer | BioPlus Co.,Ltd |
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Please take into consideration that the products of your order may be unavailable or delayed in manufacturing according to the product's type. Also, In addition, one day delivery is not available.
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The cost will be calculated by EMS price policy. Also, additional shipping cost could be charged depending on the order quantity.
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Once the order is completed, it is assumed that the customer agreed on our exchange/refund policy.
Requests for exchange/refund are accepted only if the requests are made within 3 days of the date of receipt via our "exchange/refund board". The shipping costs occurring from refund process due to misdelivery or product defect are the responsibility of our shopping mall and we will make our best effort to process your request as soon as possible.
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text:
The immune response is how your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful.
The immune system protects the body from possibly harmful substances by recognizing and responding to antigens. Antigens are substances (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, or bacteria. Nonliving substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles (such as a splinter) can also be antigens. The immune system recognizes and destroys, or tries to destroy, substances that contain antigens.
Your body's cells have proteins that are antigens. These include a group of antigens called HLA antigens. Your immune system learns to see these antigens as normal and usually does not react against them.
Innate, or nonspecific, immunity is the defense system with which you were born. It protects you against all antigens. Innate immunity involves barriers that keep harmful materials from entering your body. These barriers form the first line of defense in the immune response. Examples of innate immunity include:
- Cough reflex
- Enzymes in tears and skin oils
- Mucus, which traps bacteria and small particles
- Skin
- Stomach acid
Innate immunity also comes in a protein chemical form, called innate humoral immunity. Examples include the body's complement system and substances called interferon and interleukin-1 (which causes fever).
If an antigen gets past these barriers, it is attacked and destroyed by other parts of the immune system.
Acquired immunity is immunity that develops with exposure to various antigens. Your immune system builds a defense against that specific antigen.
Passive immunity is due to antibodies that are produced in a body other than your own. Infants have passive immunity because they are born with antibodies that are transferred through the placenta from their mother. These antibodies disappear between ages 6 and 12 months.
Passive immunization may also be due to injection of antiserum, which contains antibodies that are formed by another person or animal. It provides immediate protection against an antigen, but does not provide long-lasting protection. Immune serum globulin (given for hepatitis exposure) and tetanus antitoxin are examples of passive immunization.
The immune system includes certain types of white blood cells. It also includes chemicals and proteins in the blood, such as antibodies, complement proteins, and interferon. Some of these directly attack foreign substances in the body, and others work together to help the immune system cells.
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. There are B and T type lymphocytes.
- B lymphocytes become cells that produce antibodies. Antibodies attach to a specific antigen and make it easier for the immune cells to destroy the antigen.
- T lymphocytes attack antigens directly and help control the immune response. They also release chemicals, known as cytokines, which control the entire immune response.
As lymphocytes develop, they normally learn to tell the difference between your own body tissues and substances that are not normally found in your body. Once B cells and T cells are formed, a few of those cells will multiply and provide "memory" for your immune system. This allows your immune system to respond faster and more efficiently the next time you are exposed to the same antigen. In many cases, it will prevent you from getting sick. For example, a person who has had chickenpox or has been immunized against chickenpox is immune from getting chickenpox again.
The inflammatory response (inflammation) occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat, or any other cause. The damaged cells release chemicals including histamine, bradykinin, and prostaglandins. These chemicals cause blood vessels to leak fluid into the tissues, causing swelling. This helps isolate the foreign substance from further contact with body tissues.
The chemicals also attract white blood cells called phagocytes that "eat" germs and dead or damaged cells. This process is called phagocytosis. Phagocytes eventually die. Pus is formed from a collection of dead tissue, dead bacteria, and live and dead phagocytes.
Immune system disorders occur when the immune response is directed against body tissue, is excessive, or is lacking. Allergies involve an immune response to a substance that most people's bodies perceive as harmless.
Vaccination (immunization) is a way to trigger the immune response. Small doses of an antigen, such as dead or weakened live viruses, are given to activate immune system "memory" (activated B cells and sensitized T cells). Memory allows your body to react quickly and efficiently to future exposures.
An efficient immune response protects against many diseases and disorders. An inefficient immune response allows diseases to develop. Too much, too little, or the wrong immune response causes immune system disorders. An overactive immune response can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases, in which antibodies form against the body's own tissues.
Complications from altered immune responses include:
- Allergy or hypersensitivity
- Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction
- Autoimmune disorders
- Graft versus host disease, a complication of a bone marrow transplant
- Immunodeficiency disorders
- Serum sickness
- Transplant rejection
Alternative Names
Innate immunity; Humoral immunity; Cellular immunity; Immunity; Inflammatory response; Acquired (adaptive) immunity
Abbas AK, Lichtman AH, Pillai S. Properties and overview of immune responses. In: Abbas AK, Lichtman AH, Pillai S, eds. Cellular and Molecular Immunology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 1.
Bankova L, Barrett N. Innate immunity. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 1.
Firestein GS, Stanford SM. Mechanisms of inflammation and tissue repair. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 42.
Tuano KS, Chinen J. Adaptive immunity. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 2.
Review Date 1/23/2022
Updated by: Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.


text:
Opeth Marchandise : T-Shirts
Opeth is a Swedish heavy metal band that formed in 1990 in Stockholm. The band, which has been through several line-up changes, currently comprises Mikael Åkerfeldt (vocals/guitar), Fredrik Åkesson (guitar), Martin Mendez (bass), Martin "Axe" Axenrot (drums), and Per Wiberg (keyboards). Since the band's inception, there have been 15 official members, with Åkerfeldt being the one continual member.
Opeth's dominant style of music is Scandinavian death metal, however, the band combines their genre with progressive metal, progressive rock, folk, jazz, and blues, and their songs last an average of ten minutes. A notable exception in their catalogue is the 2003 release of Damnation, a predominantly progressive rock record containing no death metal styled vocals, distorted guitars, double bass drumming, or songs over eight minutes in length.
Opeth has released eight studio albums, two live albums (one of which is only available through the Opeth box set and features the Lamentation DVD audio), one box set, and one DVD. The band released its debut album Orchid in 1995, but would not see commercial success until the release of Damnation in 2003, which charted on the U.S. Billboard 200. Since then, the band has released Ghost Reveries, which debuted at number 64 on the same chart. The band's ninth studio album, Watershed, is set to be released on June 3, 2008.