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So here I am, after around 30 hours from usual Internet Activity, back online (Article written originally on the 9th of January 2015) ; but from a quite different place. I am on board an Emirates A-380 flight bound for Mauritius from Dubai (EK 701) and I am enjoying and testing the complimentary WiFi service provided on board. This article will be a little walk-through of the service, a quick test and some comments. The whole of this article was written using that service except for minor changes noted when I touched ground and after a good post-tiresome-delayed-flight. – and if my battery does not drain out after usage at the Airport. The tests and screenshots were conducted and taken on the flight itself. I resumed the tests on my return trip.
Emirates, an airline with the UAE as its home, has been serving Mauritius with its A-380's since October 2014 [1] and is now offering two flights daily to Dubai [2]. Being among the leaders in aviation, Emirates decided to offer free Wi-Fi connectivity on board its flight with the collaboration of Switz's based OnAir.
Well let's connect from 30,000 miles above sea level 🙂
The service is provided by OnAir; a company with headquarters in Switzerland, that provides telecommunication facilities on-board airplanes and cruise ships to the joy of passengers who need to sms, call, surf and do almost anything. The service is available on all A-380 flights and select Boeing 777 flights. Obviously, for some advertising, the Wi-Fi connection on the plane had the company name as SSID; onair. Connect to the network and fire up a browser for login purposes. Once you are in your browser, you are caught by the Captive Portal with a nice sky image.
You get a free 10 MB package for starters after 'creating an account'. A meter shows up after the login steps to show your usage. After all the login stuffs, a nice Google Search page appear, with the Emirates and OnAir logo. Should this 10 MB be used up, the connection to the Internet is cut and a link appears for you to purchase a 500 MB upgrade package for $1. The latter is, according to Emirates [3], donated to Emirates philanthropy branch, the Emirates Airline Foundation. After the purchase, your connection is resumed and you are back online. – Full login process and related are available in a photo gallery at the end of this article. –
I used the connection to test it, well I can say that I was quite excited to know that my flight will have this service. I've used the onboard SMS service, Email service and even phone call services and now Wi-Fi. I usually topup my prepaid card to test these services whenever I know I will encounter them.
As far as the speed of the connection, I found it somehow slow (arbitrary feelings). I fired Facebook, Email from Outlook and the Emirates website; it took quite a while to load. Skype was kinda fine. I video-called my family back in Mauritius (who was quite surprised I can say), and also Whatsapped using the account I created on my mobile-phone. I also, as I mentioned in the introduction carried out some tests. I completely forgot to do a traceroute test, but I will carry same next time.
The user is given a UK IP address with Telecitygroup Customer OnAir as ISP.
For a while, I thought that the relatively slow connection was because of the number of users on the network – imagine a 800-pax aircraft! -; that was not the case; the landing page shown 18 users were online; meh.
My two tests while onboard the A380 brought me to list up some likes and dislikes;
- Wi-Fi and Internet connection is a really important service nowadays, be it for business persons or common man; offering same onboard is a really great improvement.
- The upgrade package is not that expensive; maybe 500 MB is a quite small package for $1, but most users would be using the service from their mobile phones; I don't think WhatsApp and Viber will eat up your 500 MB greedily. I had lengthy Skype video calls from the 500 MB and still had around 450 MB left.
- The captive portal and payment platform was developed in RubyOnRails 😀 I really like that framework.
- The $1 is donated to charity! Hats-Off Emirates! 🙂
- Well, on my second trip, I had some issues to connect to the system because during the first trip, I used my Hotmail account to login from my laptop and my Gmail one to login from my mobile phone. I could not use any of them to connect back, and had to resort to my custom irshaad.me emails. That was really an issue for me. Imagine some businessman travelling and login in the system. On his next flight, he tries to log in, but the system does not let him in because he has already used up his email address. Maybe, the system could be made to accept email addresses even if they have already been used.
- Carry-forward bandwidth. During my first flight, I registered with my email ID and created an account. I had around 250 MB left – maybe more – and thought that for my second trip, I can use the remaining. Unfortunately, that was not the case. When I inserted my email into the 'Already purchased' form, I was met with an error that the email cannot be used. Maybe a carry-forward account system can be implemented; users already have a username and password, so using same to login on flights and continue to use from the remaining bandwidth.
As a final word, I am very happy that Emirates is offering WiFi on-board its aircraft; even though extending same to all B777 flights would be great. At some point in time, we are fed up with the movies and Entertainment offered on-board (ICE is great for-the-word 🙂 ) and would like to be online on Facebook, Whatsapp or Viber even from 30,000 miles above sea level.
Hats-off Emirates and On-Air.
This post is in no way an advertising material from Emirates or OnAir. Those are my personal views. This post is not backed by any of the two companies.
Well, maybe I am a little biased towards Emirates as an air-travel provider 😛
Photo Gallery
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="1″ gal_title="Wi-Fi on-board Emirates A380″]
Lil' Extra – How does it work
[1] – http://www.emirates.com/english/about/news/news_detail.aspx?article=1725456
[2] – http://www.emirates.com/english/flying/our_fleet/emirates_a380/emirates_schedule/mauritius-dubai.aspx
[3] – http://www.emirates.com/english/about/news/news_detail.aspx?article=2036339


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Katyn: A Crime Without Punishment, edited by Wojciech Materski, Anna M. Cienciala, and Natalia S. Lebedeva
Katyn: A Crime Without Punishment
edited by Wojciech Materski, Anna M. Cienciala, and Natalia S. Lebedeva
Translated from the Russian by Marian Schwartz
Yale University Press, 2008; paperback ed. 2012
The 14,500 Polish army officers, police, gendarmes, and civilians taken prisoner by the Red Army when it invaded eastern Poland in September 1939 were held in three special NKVD camps and executed at three different sites in spring 1940, of which the one in Katyn Forest is the most famous. Another 7,300 prisoners held in NKVD jails in Ukraine and Belarus were also shot at this time, although many others disappeared without trace. The murder of these Poles is among the most monstrous mass murders undertaken by any modern government.
Three leading historians of the NKVD massacres of Polish prisoners of war at Katyn, Kharkov, and Tver—now subsumed under "Katyn"—present 122 documents selected from the published Russian and Polish volumes coedited by Natalia S. Lebedeva and Wojciech Materski. The documents, with introductions and notes by Anna M. Cienciala, detail the Soviet killings, the elaborate cover-up, the admission of the truth, and the Katyn question in Soviet/Russian–Polish relations up to the present.
- Slavic Review
- Russian Review
- Choice
- Polish American Journal
To purchase directly from the publisher, click here.

subset: commoncrawl


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8 Tips To Plan For Retirement With Only Social Security
Getting close to retirement and don't have a pension here are 8 tips to help!
I am partially retired still working 2 days a week to carry our health insurance benefits, whats left is used for our monthly spending money. Be smart and Frugal with your money
Established an emergency fund and a regular savings account for a cushion.
Pay off miscellaneous bills, credit cards any other bills that you have. When my husband turned 66 he collected full social security and still worked, we used that money to pay off our car.
We still have a small mortgage and are working towards paying it off by the end of the year. The extra money for the mortgage is coming from our selling on E-bay
If you don't have a pension, having a small business like selling on E-bay can help with the miscellaneous bills or to build a savings account.
Share meals when you go out to eat we do this at least once a week, Go out for the early specials, eat left overs, don't waste food.
Use Coupons, shop from the store circulars to plan meals, buy BOGO and use a coupon for the best savings thats a big help. Have a food budget
You don't need to be a millionaire to Live simply and Well on social security in retirement years. You only need to be Wise and Manage your money, use Cash not Credit.


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Environmental Scan of Strengths of Emmanuel College
and Trends Affecting Theological Education
Task Group on Strategic Planning
March 11, 2010
Strengths of Emmanuel College
·Significant heritage of connection with the United Church of Canada, known for its ecumenical stance and its commitment to social justice
·A solid base for scholarships and bursaries, contributed over the years by congregations and individuals associated with the United Church of Canada (over 11 million dollars of endowment) to support both BD and AD students, including the development of new financial packages for doctoral students that compete with the best schools in North America (see Rec. 4)
·Strong and engaged faculty with high morale, dedicated to theological education and the preparation of leadership for both church and world, and active as church leaders and published scholars in their own fields and within the academy
·Small, but highly efficient, knowledgeable, and effective staff
·Students who value their courses, work hard to establish community life in spite of commuting lifestyles, and believe in the importance of their academic preparation
·A dedicated cadre of Alumni/ae who view the College positively and participate regularly in its life
·Highly regarded degree programs, including both a newly designed curriculum for the MDiv program and a new Master of Sacred Music program that is attracting new students to EC and is off to a great start
·Excellent research and library resources between EC, the TST Colleges, and Robarts Library
·Ecumenical context within the TST, and faculty resources within the TST helps to extend educational opportunities for EC students
·Beautiful building, though it continues to need maintenance and renovation in external and internal infrastructure, and in both spaces and furnishings
·A small but effective Continuing Education program (and cooperation with several other programs like the University of Toronto chaplains, the InterChurch Health Ministries program, various United Church of Canada programs, and the Centre for Clergy Care and Congregational Health)
·The financial health and support of Victoria University
·The connection to the University of Toronto and its reputation as an excellent Research University
·A small amount of funds on an annual basis related to Academic initiatives that enable support for faculty research, travel, and lectures that enhance both the intellectual life of the college and bridging of the relationship between church and academy
·A strong visiting scholars program and the consistent ability to attract strong visiting lecturers from across North America
Contextual Trends Affecting Emmanuel College
Global Realities
·A global context that seems to support vast discrepancies (1) in access to health care, education, a living wage, food, and clean water; and (2) in the power of ownership and consumption of the world's resources
·A newly dynamic interaction across the globe due to technology and rapid-fire communication (shrinking of the world – W. H. Auden: "We must love one another or die"), large and developing societies in the global south, and transnational economic entanglements and opportunities that challenge traditional national sovereignties
·A global economic crisis where the contributions and inherent difficulties associated with such things as capitalism, democracy, socialism, and other such commitments are yet to sort themselves out
·Global changes in the nature of Christianity and in its centre highlight the importance of taking more seriously the global context of Christianity: (1) the tremendous expansion of numbers of Christians in the global south (largely Pentecostal and/or evangelical, with vast numbers located in Latin America, Africa, and Asia) and decline of numbers of Christians in the global north (Europe and North America); and (2) conflict within Christianity about what it means to be human (especially in areas relating to sexuality and gender) and in the relationships between faith, economic systems, science, and basic matters pertaining to ecology and environment
·Global religious conflict and misunderstanding highlight the importance of taking more seriously the global context of religion in all its expressions
·A so-called "global war on terrorism," within which misunderstandings of religion and the meaning of religious commitments are often in play
·Growing global dependence on technology and mechanistic means of sustaining life, including new developments in bioethics and scientific engineering that affect the quality of human life without much reference to theological or religious understandings of the world or the importance of human communities
Canadian and Cultural Realities
·Cultural tendencies that often seek to privatize religion, making religion an individual matter that contains no relevance for community or the common good - growing belief in the irrelevance of church and theological education in the culture; a culture disengaged from religion ("culture of disbelief")
·Culture of "salvation by successing" – one saves oneself through development of wealth, personal prestige, reaching the pinnacle of a profession, etc.
·Cultural values that depend on technology as a "legitimating myth": the influence of technology is increasing in the competition for scarce resources; and there is a developing tension between technological commitments, with their accompanying mechanical values (efficiency, practicality, speed and spectacle, "bigger bang for the buck"), and the ethical aspirations toward human freedom, economic justice, personal independence, the enhancement of human dignity, and the well-being of creation.
·A postmodernist context that makes relativism or nihilism seem particularly attractive to many, but that also lifts up the role communities play in the formation of individuals and the need for dialogue between those who differ in their perceptions of, and justifications defending , what they believe to be true: this can create an increase in appreciation for diversity and pluralism
·Educational tendencies that emphasize "outcomes" with a concentration on facts or quantitative (as opposed to qualitative) kinds of aims, often separate learning from how it can or should contribute to the development of better human communities (where concerns with justice and ethical practices are valued)
·A cultural decline in the prestige and prominence of ministry as a vocation, accompanied by a developing form of popular spirituality (the "religiously unaffiliated") that is both "anti-institutional" and distinct from "organized religion" in mindset
·Anti-intellectualism in culture (and also in church) that often carries an accompanying belief in some corners of cultural life that emphasis on "academic excellence" is a synonym for an effort to privilege "white male" perspectives
·16% of the population of Canada in 2006 consisted of "visible minorities." By 2031, Statistics Canada estimates that 31% of Canada's population will consist of "visible minorities," while Toronto is expected to surpass the 50% mark by 2017. In 2006, more than one in five people (just over 20%) living in Canada was an immigrant.
·The aboriginal population of Canada was 1,172,785 in 2006, of 31,241,030 in Canada.
·The English speaking population of Canada was 17,882,775; French was 6,817,655; and other languages spoken in Canada are represented in a population 6,540,600.
·Diversity in Canada is increasingly dominant in the major urban areas, creating "two Canadas" – one quite diverse, the other (in more rural areas) considerably less so
Cultural Trends in Toronto
·The population of Toronto is 2,650,000 and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is 5,500,000
·The city is ranked 3rd in commerce in North America (13th worldwide), and 2nd in innovation in North America (20th worldwide)
·Crime rates in the GTA have fallen for five years in a row – lowest crime rate in any of Canada's metro centres
·3rd largest English language theatre centre after New York and London
·Immigration: every year, the GTA welcomes half of all immigrants to Canada; they come from over 200 countries and speak over 100 languages; 47% of the city's population is foreign born, and an additional 21% of Torontonians have parents who are foreign born; approximately 43% of the city's population in 2006 was visible minorities – estimates now are closer to 47% (2006 numbers included the following: 14% of total population is South Asian, 10% is Chinese, and 7% is Black; 12% is other visible minorities); projections expect that the visible minority population will be in the majority by 2017 (some project earlier) – recent immigrants are three times more likely to lose their jobs as those who are Canadian-born; by 2031, Statistics Canada projects that 63% of Toronto will be visible minorities, with 1 of every 4 persons being South Asian
·There are approximately 60,000-70,000 persons of aboriginal identity in the GTA; 29.6% of aboriginal youth do not receive a high school education; 50% of aboriginals in the GTA live with chronic illness
·The city is quite pluralistic in terms of religion: Roman Catholic (31.4%); Protestants (21.2%); Islam (6.7%); Christian Orthodox (4.9%); Hindu (4.8%); Jewish (4.2%); Buddhist (2.7%); Sikh (.09%); no religious affiliation (18.9%)
·Seniors living in the GTA are approaching the levels of aging populations in Japan and Italy, and 25% of these seniors live alone – in 25 years, there will be more seniors than children and they will require support that is not yet available
·Housing in the GTA has moved into the "seriously unaffordable" category, with median housing prices at about 4.8 times the median household income
·In 1981, there were a total of 30 high-poverty neighbourhoods in the GTA; in 2001, there were 120 such neighbourhoods (A high-poverty neighbourhood is one where the percentage of residents living in poverty is twice the national average or more; more than 43% of poor families reside in high-poverty areas in the GTA) – there has been a significant increase in the intensification of poverty in the city.
·There is a gender wage gap; for every dollar men earn, women make about .71 cents; immigrant women earn about .56 cents for every dollar Canadian-born women earn
·Unemployment is high among youth (over 20% in 2009, or 4% over the national rate for youth)
·Children score poorly on Early Development Instrument in 43% of low income, high immigrant, and single parent families (all these categories are on the rise in the GTA)
Denominational and Church Realities
·Declining membership in the United Church of Canada (approximately 900,000 in 1985; 525,673 in 2008)
·Declining average weekly attendance in United Church congregations (approximately 400,000 in 1985; 193,512 in 2008)
·Declining youth and Sunday School membership (approximately 240,000 in 1985; 74,453 in 2008)
·Declining MDiv enrollments in theological schools across Canada (in 1989, there were 314 MDiv students affiliated with the United Church in 19 ATS accredited schools; in 2009, there were 199 students in the MDiv program spread across 15 ATS accredited schools – this constitutes about a 36.6% decline in numbers of United Church of Canada students preparing for ministry in the last twenty years; as of 2009-10, Emmanuel College has 48 candidates from the United Church in the MDiv program, another 6 inquirers, and 5 candidates on internship, so that a total of 58 United Church students are in our MDiv program, meaning that better than one quarter of United Church candidates currently in the MDiv program are at Emmanuel College).
·The development of denominational alternative tracks to ordination in a wide variety of denominations (decreasing emphasis on the importance of a formally educated ministry)
·Declining financial support from denominational sources, and a general emphasis on providing financial support for local ("money needs to stay at home") rather than regional or denominational initiatives or institutions
·Biblical and theological illiteracy within church culture
Emmanuel College Realities
·Declining enrollments the past five years in all Basic Degree (BD) programs, and declining total enrollments the past five years; consideration of new programs is needed to meet educational goals of potential students outside the ordination stream and to create possibilities for attracting new students to EC (see Rec. 8 and 12 [these Recommendations are found in the 2007 review of Emmanuel College]; see also Rec. 3; a new fulltime Recruitment position has just been added on a trial basis, with the hope that funding for the position can continue into the future)
·A vast majority of part-time students compared to full-time students in BD programs
·Increasing student debt for students in the Basic Degree programs
·Diminishing quality of existing MDiv applicants and students in BD programs (academic quality and preparation for MDiv work is lacking compared to previous decades, information literacy is poor; students come with few research skills or developed analytical abilities)
·Declining revenues and rising expenses; few endowments to support operational expenses; lack of a clear financial picture at EC (see Rec. 26)
·There is no dedicated staff member to help EC in its fundraising endeavors; there is a "catch as catch can" approach to fundraising; no systematic efforts or dedicated staff pursuing it (see Rec. 11 and 27)
·No governance body precisely turned into Emmanuel matters, and the effectiveness and efficiency of both the Victoria Senate and the Emmanuel College Council are in need of review –governance at EC is complicated and complex, given its connections to Victoria University, the Toronto School of Theology, the United Church of Canada, and the University of Toronto (see Rec. 23, 24, and 25)
·Faculty workloads and staff workloads are heavy; the ability to provide administrative support for faculty is difficult if not impossible with current levels of staffing (see Rec. 21 and 23)
·Disciplinary boundaries and structures operating within traditional academic life, and within both EC and the TST create barriers to genuine interdisciplinarity
·College-specific needs across the TST create a strategic inability to engage the genuine value of a TST context, including the possibilities of joint and cross appointments between Colleges, complement planning for faculty vacancies, and cost/resource-sharing opportunities (see Rec. 14, 18, and 28)
·Tension surrounding the institutional relationship with the United Church of Canada (what does the relationship mean and how should it be defined? See Rec. 25)
·How are values emphasizing ecumenical, interreligious, and intercultural practiced in a College that lacks significant ecumenical, interreligious, and intercultural presence in its BD programs and within its faculty?
·Library of EC is operating at capacity in terms of holdings
·Continued tension between Alumni Relations in Victoria University and Continuing Education in EC (see Rec. 10)
·Very limited awareness of the presence of Emmanuel College and its programs (or of other theological schools in the area) on the part of the city surrounding it
·Two academic centres (Centre for Asian Theologian and Centre for Research in Religion) need rejuvenation or redefinition
·The relationship between BD students at EC and their access to University of Toronto courses (see Rec. 15)
·The problems associated with the conjoint ThD (not a research doctorate in the classifications provided by the OCGS) instead of a conjoint PhD – the problem of graduating ThD students within EC switching to the University of St. Michael's PhD just before graduation (see Rec . 13)


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Nov 01, 2014
The LaGrange swim team competed at the University of the South Invitational in Sewanee, Tenn. on Saturday.
Junior Ben Fuller was the Panthers' Male Swimmer of the Meet. Fuller broke the school's 1,650-yard freestyle record with a time of 18:47.06. The record time placed him in the top 15 of the Appalachian Swimming Conference. Fuller had his meet best finish of seventh in the 100 butterfly.
Freshman Ben Ashby barely missed lifetime best swims by mere hundreths in his events. He was 10th in the 200-yard breaststroke with a time of 2:29.68.
Sophomore Kyra Odum was the high scorer for the women's team. Odum swam the 1,650 freestyle for the first time in her career, finishing in a time of 24:34.25. The team put her in the fastest 15 in the conference.
The Panther teams travel to South Georgia College on Nov. 8 for their next meet.


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Food & Drink
Dos Perros delights
When Charlie Deal gets a case of wanderlust, it can mean only good news for the local food scene. The talented young chef moved to the Triangle from California in 2005, bringing with him a passion for ethnic street food and a sense of adventure. Jujube, Deal's first restaurant in Chapel Hill, continues to delight with its refreshing yet respectful updates of Chinese and Vietnamese classics.
Now Deal has taken his show on the road to Durham, where he's focusing on Mexican fare at Dos Perros (200 N. Mangum St.; 956-2750; dosperrosrestaurant.com). It appears that a lot of Jujube fans have confidence in the chef's versatility, judging by the instant crowds that materialized when the restaurant opened two weeks ago. The cuisine may be different, they know, but the emphasis on fresh ingredients and scratch preparation won't change, regardless of which cuisine Deal and his crew (headed by chef de cuisine Josh DeCarolis) are cooking.
The Dos Perros menu lives up to those expectations, offering the chef's distinctively fresh take on a varied assortment of Mexican regional fare, from chile-cured rotisserie half chicken to enchiladas verdes to chiles en nogada, meat-stuffed poblanos with walnut cream sauce and pomegranate. Cochinita pibil, Yucatan-style pork slowly roasted in banana leaves, has been a big hit in the early going. So have the snapper alla Veracruzana, Mayan-style grilled spice-rubbed grouper, and mole poblano -- with a made-from-scratch sauce, naturally.
Fans of Jujube's inventive Asian-inspired cocktails will be happy to know that bar manager Nate Cisco has applied his alchemy to the flavors of Mexico for Dos Perros. His mango cayenne margarita is, in more ways than one, a hot commodity.
Located in the old Rogers Drug Store building, Dos Perros is another welcome after-hours destination in an increasingly vibrant downtown Durham. The building was thoroughly renovated to accommodate the restaurant, transforming the space into a warmly inviting contemporary dining room and bar while preserving historic period details. The restaurant is named for the "two lovable mutts" that live at home with Deal and his wife, Diana. Lucky for us, it looks like that home will be in the Triangle for a good time to come.


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Few things are more frustrating than finding that you've been the victim of a "Porch Pirate". The individuals that steal packages after they've been delivered to your home are often impossible to catch. If you can't prove your package was stolen you may be out the cost of your item as well as the trouble of attempting to order a replacement.
Luckily, there are several steps you can take to avoid having packages stolen at all and, at the very least, provide the proof necessary to ensure that you aren't financially responsible for the replacement of your package.
Have the Package Held
If you live in an apartment complex, it's likely that the front office will hold your packages for pickup. If this isn't already their policy, they may be willing to do so if you ask. If you live in independent housing or your apartment complex isn't willing or able to do this, most delivery companies will hold your package upon request until you are able to come and pick it up.
Some companies, such as Amazon, also provide the option to have your package delivered to a local locker that will keep your package secure until you retrieve it. These options are the only way that you can totally guarantee your package will not be stolen as they will either require photo ID or a code in order to retrieve the package.
Watch Your Back
Including visible security cameras in your home security system are a good option for deterring and capturing would-be thieves in the act. It's important that the cameras be clearly visible in order for them to be an effective deterrent. If you opt for a smart camera, it can alert your smart phone of any motion activated occurrences, such as a thief stealing your package. Some will even emit an audible alarm to scare of thieves. While a camera may not always deter a thief, it will provide the photographic evidence that you'll need in order to obtain a refund or replacement. Even if the company you purchased from isn't willing to offer a refund, you can frequently obtain one from your credit card company as long as you have proof of the theft.
Another option are devices such as the Package Guard, which will notify you when your package is delivered, as well as if your package is removed. It will also emit an audible alarm if someone takes your package. The major drawback to this solution is that it requires the delivery person to actually follow the directions (they have to place the packages on top of the device) and it assumes that a thief knows the device is an alarm. Otherwise you simply have packages stacked on a device on your front porch, and it may be just as simple to direct the delivery person to place the packages in a more inconspicuous area such as a concealed side door or behind a plant.
However you choose to avoid theft, it's important to do what you can to hold the offending parties responsible. The person making the delivery has a responsibility to follow directions (placing it correctly, obtaining a signature, being discreet), and the individual shipping your item should also do their best to send your items in nondescript packaging. When they fail to do this, you are justified in expecting them to take steps to make it right.
If you want to include cameras and smart technology in your home security system, contact J&J Security today to schedule a consultation or get a quote.


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Fun Halloween Spiders
Looking for a fun craft to do before Halloween? I have just the thing for you. These fun and silly spiders are a great project for kids of all ages. Here is what you will need: Styrofoam Balls. Buy half circles if your craft store has them. If not, cut them in half. Make sure…Details


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TORONTO, Dec. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - HOWE&WYE is proud to announce its new partnership with the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®). As a part of OBIO's new member benefit, HOWE&WYE will provide strategic public relations and communications services to OBIO's broad membership of world-class start-ups and bioscience companies. OBIO members will benefit from special access to top-tier agency support with optimized pricing to strengthen PR and marketing to fulfill strategic business outcomes for awareness, investment and commercialization.
As a world-class destination for innovation and investment in bioscience, Ontario's health science industry seeks to grow in an increasingly fractured media and business landscape. With communication expertise, specific to the health science industry, start-ups and technology, HOWE&WYE will support companies as a trusted advisor for sustainable long-term communications and branding.
"As an upstart PR and Public Affairs firm, HOWE&WYE is thrilled to be chosen as the PR partner by OBIO for the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization's membership. The new partnership is proof of our commitment to business growth and delivering surprising results for our clients," says Steve Virtue, President & CEO, HOWE&WYE. "Bioscience innovation in Ontario is well-positioned to lead the future of investment in a global economy."
For the full press release click here


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Beauty Duty for October 9th./
It's time for our weekly Beauty Duty!
A Touch of Blusher asks, "Can I return this, please?!"
Forget about expensive kits to groom your brows, StyleDash dishes about NYC's Brow Kit.
Kristopher gets her hair did, and wonders about her stylist, "Could This Be Love?".
Nicollette Sheridan: Get The Look from Lipstick, Powder 'n Paint.
NARS Holiday 2007 Siren Song at Makeup Bag.
The Organic Beauty Expert tells us how Nude Skin Care launches in the US with rave reviews.
TheMakeupGirl investigates Natura Bisse Diamond Cream...
We Love Beauty asks Beauty Myth: Lipstick Is Loaded with Lead?


text: Facebook and Instagram are two completely different social media platforms with two separate audiences. On Facebook, you have almost every person over the age of 13 years old registered with an active account. This isn't an exaggeration. It's why we reference "Facebook-stalking" as a normal phrase these days. It's a resource used to look someone up on Facebook, with the assumption that every person you come into contact with would be registered on the platform. This gives an infinite level of reach, but when it comes…read more >


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April 26th, 2010 Here's one that I was actively working on for quite some time. It started about 5 months ago with the idea to do a shoot at one of the really interesting locations here in our own backyard, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory Very Large Array (VLA) near Socorro, NM. Finding the outfits was one of the hardest things, but after a couple of months I was able to stumble upon some designs that I thought best fit the idea I had in my head of bright, flowing vibrant colors against muted desert tones. The array itself provides a unique environment that isn't over-saturated with photography (aside from the numerous movie appearances it's had), and lends itself to a story-line of exploring what a fashion model would be doing out there in the first place.
For our model, we selected new-comer Megan from Albuquerque. At 5'9", she's got every requisite a designer would want showing of their latest work on the runway. For me, I cast her previously for the Project New Day ad shoot (see previous post) and saw then someone who really wanted take direction and do the best job they could. I can tell you that I made no mistake casting her this time either, as she again blew us away with shot after shot of usable frames. For me in particular, I enjoy working with someone who actually has a vested interest in the modeling/fashion industry and is a goal-driven individual who works hard at everything, yet is humble and like a sponge at learning. We've gone over just about every bit of advice I can give a new model, and I'm always happy to share all I can. I don't know everything there is to know about being a highly-paid model in the fashion world, but the information I do know is good information. How to look professional and be impressive on camera is one of those things, and it makes a long day go so much better when there is a constant positive-energy on set and your subject is being such a professional. Megan's got a future in anything she wants to do- mark my words.
Her folks not only came along on the shoot, but brought their RV to provide a place to do hair/makeup, a place to change and just get out of the wind and dust. Really nice people that you don't meet everyday. Very helpful with providing anything, and Megs' mom even provided lunch by making delicious croissant sandwiches for all of us. This was a very different shoot for me- not my usual situation, nor my usual modus operand of always being the one providing the hospitality, refreshments and food. But I was welcoming every bit of it. In fact, maybe I should ask more models if their parents can come to the set and bring some sandwiches or something. Might help the expense reports numbers at the end of the year. All kidding aside, it was really a breath of fresh air to have such good people and positive supporters for their daughter along to see how this all comes together and how to capture a compelling, energetic shot in expensive dresses- not something anyone can just walk up and do- trust me. If anyone wants to know the fundamentals to being good at modeling, it starts with always being on time, dedication, and keeping a positive energy and willingness to understand that it's not about having your picture taken, but rather, bringing the photographer's vision to life. That's how professional models get the large checks.
Here's the behind-the-scenes, and I do apologize for the quality, but I did not have my usual behind-the-scenes shooters with me (unavailable) so we were stuck with iPhone cameras and pocket cameras. We just enjoyed the day, hung out and got some great stuff. The results can be seen on my main website, in the fashion gallery. Oh and I totally faked my logo on the side of the RV, I just had to see how cool that would really look. :) Mouse over the thumbnail image to see the photo captions.
[gallery link="file" order="DESC" columns="4"]


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The Absolute! This is the ultimate massage treatment for the most profound body-mind relaxation and re-balance. It combines the powerful benefits of stretch and tissue manipulation in relieving chronic muscle tension, with the cleansing qualities of energy work to melt away the negative effects of stress. It's a complete holistic session from head to feet that restores you from deep inside.
Book now online your Absolute! massage treatment.


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Episode 24: P. J. Evans
Based in LA, P. J. Evans is an actor, writer, and director. We talked about his journey as a creative person--from a stint as a punk rock musician to various projects as an actor on stage and in television and film. He also has some great advice for living and sustaining a creative life.
You can see many of his creative projects on his YouTube page.
Make sure and check out the hilarious web series from a few years ago: Nightlife.


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3 Simple Steps To Flying Pigeon Pose
I am often asked how I stay strong without always lifting weights. To them I say, try Flying Pigeon (Eka Pada Galvasana). In this challenging yoga pose, you support the weight of your body with the strength of your triceps. Got to get those guns, right?!
And you can do sit-ups until you're blue in face, but having the core strength to fire up your leg back in the full execution of this pose takes it to another level!
Here's how I do it:
Photos by Neal Kreuser for mindbodygreen, Graphic design by mbg creative
And are you ready to learn more about how to unlock the power of food to heal your body, prevent disease & achieve optimal health? Register now for our FREE web class with nutrition expert Kelly LeVeque.


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"With languages, you can move from one social situation to another. With languages, you are at home anywhere."
Edmund de Waal
¡Hola! Me llamo
Kerri Hall
I teach Spanish I through IV at Parsons High School, and I love being a Viking! Notes for my classes are included in my calendar, and if you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact me using the link to the left. ¡Gracias!


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Throughout the world, people are living longer and healthier lives. That's due in no small part to advances in simple and relatively cheap healthcare tools, like on-site rapid disease testing and lenses that turn smartphones into microscopes.
A new report from global health nonprofit PATH looks into 30 emerging global health innovations that will further transform the healthcare landscape by 2030. Selected from over 500 ideas submitted by healthcare experts around the world (including many from low and middle-income countries), these innovations could save countless lives over the years.
Here are some of the highlights.


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This hath he sworn by Allah and his sword,
And faithful to his firman and his word,
His summoned prows collect along the coast,
And great the gathering crews, and loud the boast;
Already shared the captives and the prize,
Though far the distant foe they thus despise;
'Tis but to sail—no doubt to-morrow's Sun
Will see the Pirates bound—their haven won!
Meantime the watch may slumber, if they will,620
Nor only wake to war, but dreaming kill.
Though all, who can, disperse on shore and seek
To flesh their glowing valour on the Greek;
How well such deed becomes the turbaned brave—
To bare the sabre's edge before a slave!
Infest his dwelling—but forbear to slay,
Their arms are strong, yet merciful to-day,
And do not deign to smite because they may!
Unless some gay caprice suggests the blow,
To keep in practice for the coming foe.630
Revel and rout the evening hours beguile,
And they who wish to wear a head must smile;
For Moslem mouths produce their choicest cheer,
And hoard their curses, till the coast is clear.
High in his hall reclines the turbaned Seyd;
Around—the bearded chiefs he came to lead.
Removed the banquet, and the last pilaff—
Forbidden draughts, 'tis said, he dared to quaff
Though to the rest the sober berry's juice[1]
The slaves bear round for rigid Moslems' use;640


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I had a solo show at Babylon Falling that was written up in the Guardian and the Chronicle, and here is a video and interview/studio visit that led up to the show. This is my first ever studio visit and video interview that took place for my show at Babylon Falling in December, 2007. It was shot and recorded in my old studio at 22nd and 3rd in the Dog Patch, San Francisco. The photos were shot by amazing photographer and documentarian Shaun Roberts, and the interview was conducted by the owner of Babylon Falling, Sean Stewart. Babylon Falling was an amazing Place!!! We all miss it!http://player.vimeo.com/video/4166588?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0
Studio Visit — John Felix Arnold III from Shaun Roberts on Vimeo.
Babylon Falling Presents John Felix Arnold III
#03 In the Studio Visit Series


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Care for elderly should be capped at £35,0004th July 2011
An official inquiry will recommend that the bill elderly people in England have to pay for care should be capped at £35,000 to help avoid thousands of people having to sell their house or lose all their savings.
The details will come in the report of the Commission on Funding of Care and Support in England, which was chaired by Andrew Dilnot. He said the cap would take away the fear that people would lose everything that they had built up during their lifetime.
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Article Information
Title: Care for elderly should be capped at £35,000
Author: Mark Nicholls
Article Id: 18986
Date Added: 4th Jul 2011


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The major British banking groups saw gross mortgage lending fall by £680m to £5,072m in August.
Seasonally adjusted net lending fell by £242m to £851m. There were 84,289 new loans approved for purchase or remortgaging.
British Bankers' Association director general Tim Sweeney says: "The major banks' loan approvals returned to more normal levels in August after the record figures seen the previous couple of months. The slowing economy and job uncertainty are suppressing demand."
The figures exclude building societies.


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Hard to believe that it's been three months since we served our first bowl of poke at our San Pedro Square location. We've enjoyed getting to know all of our lunch buds (aka regulars). As the day turns to night, the laid back community vibe during the evenings and weekends makes it feel like we're all hanging out a neighborhood block party. Heeeey!
We're grateful for your support and your feedback. You've shared some great suggestions with us and we've been listening!
Here are a few new things we're introducing this week.
1. Easier to read menu board.
2. Four new sides. Pick four of our seven sides for your bowl: New items include: inari, housemade wonton chips, edamame guac, and the ever popular seaweed salad.
3. Island flare. Three new poke inspired snacks that pair perfectly with good friends and good times: Poke Bomb, Poke Crunch and the Pokestada.
Thanks for your patronage and support San Jose! We're just getting warmed up and hope to impress you with more surprises in 2017.


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Jesus said, "Go, make disciples…" (Matthew 28:18-20). The call to be a disciple and a disciple-maker rings loudly for every believer. The model for discipleship that we are given in the Gospels is built around relationships! While Jesus taught both the masses and individuals, the majority of his time was invested in a small group of men that we call the 12 disciples. Within that group were 3 that seems to have been closest to Christ (Peter, James, and John) and with whom Christ most shared (Matthew 17:1; Mark 5:37). From this we see that disciples are best made in relationships, not in programs or classes.
Scripture also teaches that disciples are disciple-makers. The two cannot be separated. Paul told Timothy to take what he heard Paul teach, and the manner in which Paul lived his life, and to turn around and share these things with faithful men who would, in-turn, share it with others (2 Timothy 2:2). Discipleship must always be passed from one generation to the next for it to be biblical!
Anchor Groups are designed to be places where group members grow as disciples of Jesus Christ in relationship with other disciples. They represent a shared journey where group members gather around God's Word to study, pray, grow, and live. Because of the 26-week commitment (minimum), we ask that all members prayerfully consider the need to be faithful, available, and teachable within their Anchor Group before they decide to participate.
Faithful members agree to pray regularly for each member of their group. They also understand the need for accountability and confidentiality within the group. Faithful members are willing to share what they are learning so that others in the group can benefit from it.
Available group members will make meeting attendance a high priority, even though there may be times when absence in unavoidable. Group members should strive to attend as many meetings as possible.
Teachable members arrive at the meeting prepared; having completed the Bible study lesson before the meeting. They also have an open heart that will allow others in their group to speak truth into their lives.
Anchor Group members who are faithful, available, and teachable possess a willingness to disciple others by leading an Anchor Group when the appropriate time comes.
Each member of the Anchor Group will need their own copy of "Discipleship Essentials". This workbook can be purchased at Lynwood Baptist Church or through your Anchor Group leader.
Each Anchor Group will determine the place and time of their weekly meeting.
If you are ready to join an Anchor Group, or if you would like more information, please email Kevin Coffee.


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Muse—the magazine of life, the universe, and pie throwing for kids 9 and up—will bring readers articles, comics, contests and more in each interactive digital edition! Packed with surprises, Muse is ideal for curious and humor-loving kids.
Pricing for subscriptions available:
- Single issue = ($2.99)
- 1 month = ($1.99), automatically renewed until cancelled.
- 1 year subscription = ($17.99), automatically renewed until cancelled
When purchasing through iTunes your account will be charged at confirmation of purchase.
Your subscription will auto-renew unless you turn this off 24 hours before the subscription runs out. You can turn off auto-renewal at any time from your iTunes account settings.
You can manage your subscription through your account settings after purchase on your device.
No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period.


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We request that you write two personal essays. The personal essays give us glimpses of your character and hopes. In each essay, we want to hear your genuine voice. Think carefully about your values, passions, aims, and dreams prior to writing them.
Essay A: What matters most to you, and why? For this essay, we would like you to: Do some deep self-examination, so you can genuinely illustrate who you are and how you came to be the person you are. Share the insights, experiences, and lessons that shaped your perspectives, rather than focusing merely on what you've done or accomplished. Write from the heart, and illustrate how a person, situation, or event has influenced you. Focus on the "why" rather than the "what."
Essay B: Why Stanford? Enlighten us on how earning your MBA at Stanford will enable you to realize your ambitions. Explain your decision to pursue graduate education in management. Explain the distinctive opportunities you will pursue at Stanford. If you are applying to both the MBA and MSx programs, use Essay B to address your interest in both programs. Length Your answers for both essay questions combined may not exceed 1,150 words (1,200 words if you are applying to both the MBA and MSx programs). Each of you has your own story to tell, so please allocate these words between the essays in the way that is most effective for you.
How does the applicant's performance compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples. (E.g., what are the applicant's principal strengths?) – Up to 500 words
Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant's response. – Up to 500 words
(Optional) Is there anything else we should know?


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Pastry chef and author, Gesine Bullock-Prado, returned to The Talk with some decadent Valentine's Day treats. She showed the ladies how to make a "Love on the Inside" Cake, Key Lime Conversation Heart Cheesecakes, Heart-Shaped Fudge Brownies and Pie Pops. Here are her recipes so you can get started baking for your loved ones!
Recipes courtesy of Gesine Bullock-Prado
Love on the Inside Cake
for the cake
1 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups granulated sugar
10 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups, all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 1/2 cups nonfat buttermilk
3 - 5 drops red food coloring
for the buttercream
10 egg whites
2 cups granulated sugar
pinch salt
1 1/2 pounds unsalted butter
for the cake
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a quarter sheet pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick baking spray. Spray a large tube pan or angel food pan with non-stick baking spray. Set both aside
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light fluffy, about 5 - 10 minutes. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating for 30 seconds between each addition. Add the vanilla.
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, salt and baking powder. With the mixer on low, alternate additions of the flour mixture and the buttermilk. Using a large rubber spatula, scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure the batter is well mixed.
Transfer a third of the batter to a large mixing bowl. Add the food coloring and stir well to incorporate.
Spread the red batter in an even layer in the prepared quarter sheet pan and bake until the cake is just barely done and feels firm when touched but doesn't spring back, 10 - 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely and then place in the freezer for at least 1/2 hour before assembling the cake.
Put half the remaining plain batter in the bottom of the tube pan. Using a 2 - 3 inch heart shaped cookie cutter, stamp out 14 to 15 hearts from the red cake. Place the hearts in the tube pan, rounded side down into the batter, pointed end sticking up. Press down gently to secure the heart. Continue placing hearts in the batter, putting them as close together as you can.
Fill a large pastry bag with the remaining plain batter and pipe it into the tube pan, making sure to fill any hard to reach areas and covering the hearts completely. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when gently touched. Allow to cool completely before turning out of the pan.
for the buttercream
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the egg whites, sugar and salt. Constantly whisk the mixture over a bain marie until the sugar has completely dissolved and feels warm to the touch (it should reach 160º on a candy thermometer).
Transfer the bowl to a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and whisk on high until the mixture quadruples in volume and the bowl is cool to the touch.
Add the butter, a few tablespoons at a time, until the buttercream thickens and smooths out. The icing may look as if it's starting to separate and appear chunky; this is perfectly normal. Just walk away for a few minutes while the mixer does its work, and you'll come back to beautiful buttercream.
to assemble
Run a long, thin knife along the edge of the baking pan to release the cake. Place a cake platter on top of the tube pan, face down, and filp the pan over. Gently lift the pan off so the cake remains on the platter.
Coat the cake with a smooth layer of buttercream. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Heart-Shaped Fudge Brownies
Makes 16 small heart brownies
1/2 cup organic, unrefined virgin coconut oil
1/2 cup natural shortening
1 cup vegan sugar
½ cup vegan light brown sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons Egg Replacer, mixed together with 2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoons flax meal, mixed together with 3 tablespoons water. (Allow to sit until the mixture gels)
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, make sure it's vegan
¼ cup coffee
1 tablespoons vanilla bean paste (can substitute REAL vanilla extract)
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
Preheat the oven to 325ºF. Spray a 9 cavity heart mold with non-stick cooking spray and place on a sheet pan. Set aside.
Whisk together the cocoa, all-purpose flour, salt and baking powder for 30 seconds to evenly distribute the leavening. Sift the ingredients to insure there are no cocoa lumps remaining. Set aside.
In a heavy bottomed saucepan, combine the coconut oil, shortening, vegan sugar, vegan brown sugar, coffee, vegan bittersweet chocolate and vanilla. Stir continuously over low heat until the shortening, chocolate and sugars have completely melted. Take from the heat, continue stirring for 30 seconds to dissipate some of the heat.
Add both the egg replacer mixture and the flax meal mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk on high until the two are completely combined. Lower the speed to medium and carefully pour the warm chocolate mixture into the beating egg replacements. Continue beating on high for 30 seconds.
Turn the mixer off and add the flour mixture all at once. Mix on medium-low until the dry ingredients are completely incorporated and the batter is shiny and smooth.
Fill the heart cavities 1/2 way up (you'll have batter left and will have to bake this in batches).
Bake on the top rack for 15-20 minutes or until the tops of the brownie have a fine sheen and a toothpick comes out of the brownie with moist crumbs and NOT slick batter. Allow to cool completely.
Key Lime Conversation Heart Cheesecake
For the crust:
4 graham crackers, crushed
1 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter
For the cheesecake batter:
One 8 ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
4 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup key lime juice
2 tablespoons flour
pinch salt
To finish
Red gel food dye
Preheat oven to 325ºF
Pulse together the graham crackers and sugar in a food processor until a fine powder forms. Transfer to a small bowl and pour in the melted butter. Stir until the mixture starts to clump.
Spray a non-stick, 8 heart cavity silicone mold with non-stick baker's spray. Divide the crust ingredients among the cavities and press down to create an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes and take from the oven and allow to cool.
Place a 9" x 13" baking pan filled with 1 inch of water in the preheated oven.
For the batter
Combine the cream cheese, mascarpone cheese and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Mix on high until smooth.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing in between additions, until smooth. Add the key lime juice and stir.
Using a large rubber spatula fold in the flour and salt. Tap the mixing bowl on your work surface a few times to release any large bubbles.
Divide the batter among the heart cavities.
Carefully transfer the silicone mold to the baking pan with the water, being careful not to spill any batter or get any water into the cavities (the water should just reach half way up the sides of the sides of the mold. (Alternatively, place the unfilled heart mold in the water bath and fill the cavities while the heart mold is in the oven, this keeps you from having to move it filled).
Bake for 20- 25 minutes at 325ºF, or until the hearts of just puffed. Turn the oven off and open the doors slightly, leave the hearts inside the oven in the water bath and allow to cool, slowly, until completely set (about 2 hours).
Gently turn out the cheesecakes onto a piece of parchment. Using a tiny paint brush, dip the brush into the dye and paint loving messages on the cakes.
Pie Pops
for the dough
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small, 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 cup ice cold water
1 teaspoon lemon juice
for the filling
1/2 cup smooth jam
for the egg wash
1 egg whisked together with 2 tablespoons water
to finish
Sugar in the Raw
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
In a food processor combine the flour and salt. Pulse until combined.
Sprinkle the butter over the flour and pulse until the mixture looks like lumpy cornmeal.
Still pulsing, add the water and continue pulsing until the mixture looks uniformly wet but doesn't form into a ball.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough a few times, gently, so that the dough comes together. You should see a few larger butter clumps. That's great.
Divide the dough into two and press each round into a disk. Cover both in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 20 minutes.
Roll one half out, about 1/4 inch thick and cut out heart shapes. Place on a parchment lined sheet pan. Brush with egg wash and place a lollipop stick into each half.
Roll out the second half of dough and stamp out hearts or using a lattice roller, create the lattice and then stamp out the hearts. Set aside.
Put about a teaspoon of jam on each heart with the lollipop stick and spread almost to the edge, leaving a 1/8" gap. Cover with the second heart and gently press along the edges. Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with Sugar in the Raw. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow to cool completely.


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Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get.
One of the hardest things to get used to when travelling between London and Dublin is the weather. The two cities may only by 350 miles apart (or so, depending on whether or not the proverbial crow is using Google maps), but it is not unusual for London to be anywhere from 5 to 10C hotter (and yes, I used Imperial distance and metric temperature. I would also calculate the crow's weight in stones, obviously).
While London melted in the summer heat, Dublin cosplayed as the worst flavour Squishee, ever.
Howth, Dublin, 5th July, 2015
This "summer" (and I use the term very, very lightly in reference to Dublin) saw London hit 36.7C, the hottest July day on record in the UK. The same day in Dublin saw the thermometer skyrocket to almost 22C. In fact, according to Met Éireann last month was the coldest July in fifty years, the wettest in five years and and windiest since 1988 (though not necessarily all in the same place).
Shortly after 1pm on the 5th of July, four days after the record heat in London, I was trapped in my grandparent's house in Howth by the heaviest hailstorm my ninety year-old grandfather said he had ever seen. Looking out across Dublin Bay we watched as a proto-waterspout formed in front of us, making landfall and just missing the house as it passed up and over the hill. The path was covered in a thick carpet of white crystal slush, the size of each hailstone as remarkable as the quantity.
If you ever want to understand our historical propensity for drink and mournful tunes, I invite you all to spend a summer here.
In February 2014 Met Éireann released their report on the predicted impact of Climate Change on Ireland. The full report (.pdf) is well worth reading, but the key findings were that Ireland will see an increase of 1.5 to 2C by 2050, and increase in rainfall in the winter and significant reduction in the summer, stronger winter winds and weaker summer ones. The report summarises:
A grand soft day in Ireland. 1:15pm, the view through a skylight.
Howth, Dublin, 5th July, 2015
• The observed warming over the period 1981-2010 is expected to continue with an increase of ~1.5degrees in mean temperatures by mid-century; the strongest signals are in winter and summer.• Warming is enhanced for the extremes (i.e. hot or cold days) with highest daytime temperatures projected to rise by up to 2 degrees in summer and lowest night-time temperatures to rise by up to 2-3 degrees in winter.• Milder winters will, on average, reduce the cold-related mortality rates among the elderly and frail but this may be offset by increases due to heat stress during summer.
• Winters are expected to become wetter with increases of up to 14% in precipitation under the high emission scenarios by mid-century; summers will become drier (up to 20% reduction in precipitation under the high emission scenarios).• The frequency of heavy precipitation events during winter shows notable increases of up to 20%.• Changes in precipitation are likely to have significant impacts on river catchment hydrology.• The models predict an overall increase (0 to 8%) in the energy content of the wind for the future winter months and a decrease (4-14%) during the summer months.- Met Éireann, Ireland's Climate: The Road Ahead, p7
In this "best-case" scenario, Ireland seems likely to escape the worst extremes of Climate Change, and experts both national and international have labeled Ireland a 'lifeboat" nation, with a moral duty to aid those peoples whose own homelands are destroyed, to take in climate refugees fleeing rising sea levels, drought and extreme weather events.
However given the current political and social climate here it is virtually impossible to imagine Ireland opening up its arms to the wider world beyond. Today's bigoted taxi-driver rant is tomorrow's There-Is-No-Alternative government policy. It is not hard to imagine Direct Provision as the first pre-emptive shots in the coming climate wars, a precursor of Trump-like walls and Spike Island Lampedusas. The Ireland of a hundred thousand welcomes, wrapped up in razor-wire shamrock bouquets.
One thing for sure though, regardless of what happens, we'll still be complaining about the rain.
Labels: Being, Dublin, PoliticsTweet


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Monday, October 27, 2008
Posted by Gabe and Dawn Foster at 3:19 AM 1 comments
Why Not Decorate?
Posted by Gabe and Dawn Foster at 1:57 AM 2 comments
Saturday, October 25, 2008
English Students
Posted by Gabe and Dawn Foster at 11:45 PM 1 comments
English Class
Posted by Gabe and Dawn Foster at 1:50 AM 0 comments
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Our Home
Hello everyone, I want to apologize for not having updated our blog. Well everything is going good over here. Dawn is teaching English to my classmates, which is kind of funny but great. Bible college is a great place to be. You get to be focused on the word, and develop a firm foundation in your Christianity. This is a picture of our new house, we are happy to be in it, and it is the biggest house we have ever lived in. We got a great deal on this rental home and it is only $200 a month, what a blessing from God. Three bedrooms, two baths, which is great for when people need to stay over. It was completely empty when we moved in. There was only one small AC unit in the smallest bedroom, but nothing else. My parents have helped us get some of the big things we needed and some people from the local church gave us some things too. We do have some other pictures of it, so I might have to post some more on here. This place is very cool, but I did catch myself thinking I want to go back home the other day. Me and Dawn appreciate and miss all of you, yall have been amazing to us, and we couldn't have done it without yall's help and support. Sailor is doing just fine, her speech is starting to make sense. She did just recover from some little bug she had. It is hard to see your little girl go through sickness, but she it completely healed now, thank you Jesus. We found out the other day that she is terrified of chickens!!! It was the most hilarious thing ever. Whenever we are in public everyone stares at Sailor. I hope its because they think she is so cute, but she gets fed by random people everywhere we go. Of course she lets them know she wants it, and they are pleased to give it to her. Thai culture is very pleasant to be around, I haven't gotten to learn the language as fast I would like to though, but I do know a few words. Me and Dawn miss you guys very much and I am actually going to try and fly Dawn, and Sailor back for Grace and Jame's wedding. I am not making any promises though, but hopefully they will be able to make it. Well let's see if anything else exciting has happened, we do have a motorbike, for those of you who don't know that. Oh yes, also I am working with their TV show that airs in Canada. It is very cool, and I am learning what I have always wanted to. So God is good, and His blessings are for us, who are in righteousness with Him. We love everyone of you, and miss you very much. I can't wait until someone comes to visit. PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS, WE LOVE TO SEE WHO IS READING OUR BLOGS, THANKS!!!!!!!
Posted by Gabe and Dawn Foster at 12:59 AM 3 comments


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From Left to Right: Realgar, Duchess, Tanzanite, Teal Me Blue & A River Runs Through
I think I tend to dye blues, purples and greens since they are my comfort zone. I'm looking forward to dyeing with other colours as soon as my yarn order comes in. Unfortunately it's been back orderd for about 1.5 months which is a real bummer! Although I've chosen to branch out a bit, so I put an order in for fiber. So there will be something new to my Etsy Shop soon :-)
Happy Knitting :-)


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Cerritos Nissan, Cerritos, CA/
A consumer purchased a used vehicle from Cerritos Nissan in Cerritos, CA. We successfully represented the consumer in receiving monetary damages based on our client's claim that the dealership charged her more than the advertised price for the vehicle. Many dealerships sell vehicles for prices in excess of the advertised price. This is illegal! If you suspect you were charged more than the advertised price for a vehicle, please contact us to discuss your rights.


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From their very first howling notes on down to their present, Byrds-ian mellowed-with-age records — of which the just released Here is as fine an example as any — Teenage Fanclub has captured nothing so much as the sound of crossing the finish line. At least, to this writer, anyway. Even back when they were wrapped in a grungey wrapper at the outset of the 1990s, Fanclub has conveyed a sweetness, a sense of relief, and an almost comfort food level of friendliness. That they're essentially the Gilmore Girls of rock bands should have or would have done them in a long time ago, but for their easygoing style, nobody-does-'em-like-that harmonies and subtle-earworm songcraft. Where so many of their contemporaries long ago turned into abominations, Teenage Fanclub has doggedly turned themselves into a really gorgeous aberration.
With Sam Evian. Tickets and more info here.


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About the Service Division 41
Sex Crimes Unit
Have you been sexually assaulted? Know someone who has? There is help & the survivor has options for what happens next.
The Sexual Assault Response Team at the Health Sciences Centre Emergency is a critical first step in getting medical & emotional care: http://www.hsc.mb.ca/emergencyNurseExam.html
SART includes specially trained nurses, Sexual Assault Crisis workers from Klinic Community Health and investigators from the Winnipeg Police Service.
The level of care you receive and whether or not you make a police report is your choice.
You can also access on-going community supports, such as:
- KlinicCommunity Health;
- Kani Kanichihk;
- Manitoba Justice Victim Services; and
- WPS Victim Services Unit.
If you're unsure about where to get medical attention, would to talk about your options or want to talk to a counsellor, please call the Sexual Assault Crisis Program Line 24/7:
- 204-786-8631
- 1-800-292-7565
It's not your fault, and you are not alone.
There are people who want to help:
- http://www.hsc.mb.ca/emergencyNurseExam.html
- http://www.gov.mb.ca/youarenotalone/index.html
- http://klinic.mb.ca/
- http://www.kanikanichihk.ca/programs/heart-medicine-lodge/
- https://www.mountcarmel.ca/ways-to-give/wish-lists/sage-house/
- https://winnipeg.ca/police/Units_and_Divisions/vss/vss_default.aspx
* * * * *
A sexual assault is any unwanted touch for a sexual purpose. It can be a touch, a grab, a fondle or forced intercourse.
Please take a moment to watch this video message from Inspector Kelly Dennison, presented by Winnipeg Safe City:
What should a person do after a sexual assault?
To report a sexual assault call 9-1-1 in emergency situations or 204-986-6222 for non-emergency situations. To speak to a detective from the Sex Crimes Unit in confidence, call 204-986-6245.
Victims of sexual assault are encouraged to attend the Health Sciences Centre where a formal Sexual Assault Protocal Exam program is in place to help you during this difficult time. You can, however, attend any hospital emergency room for assistance if it is a medical emergency.
To help the police gather evidence, DO NOT:
- shower or bathe;
- change or throw away your clothes;
- wash your hands or comb your hair;
- brush your teeth;
- smoke,
- chew gum,
- take any drugs or alcohol
- disturb the area of the occurrence.
Tell the police or hospital staff immediately if you think you may have been drugged by a date-rape or other intoxicating substances. Testing for drugs requires a urine sample within approximately 12 hours after the drugs were taken, or the toxins are naturally flushed from your system.
There is no time limit for reporting and laying charges for a sexual assault. But in any case, the sooner you call the police, the easier it is for them to collect the evidence needed to prove the charge.
What happens at the hospital?
The Health Sciences Centre has a private suite for victims of sexual assault. This suite includes an examination room, changing and showering facilities, and a private room to meet with detectives and/or counselors.
Specially trained nurses (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) conduct a sexual assault protocol examination (SAP exam). This examination is for your health and well being and to collect forensic evidence, including possible DNA.
If you have been sexually assaulted where penetration has occured, the SAP exam at the hospital must be done within 120 hours of the assault to ensure the collection of forensic evidence. This evidence can assist in the court process and needs to be collected and preserved as soon after the assault as possible.
Trained volunteers from the Klinic Community Health Center are available to every sexual assault victim treated at the Health Sciences Center. These volunteers provide information and support to the victim.
The victim can choose whether or not to speak with someone from Klinic, and whether or not to have the police involved. If the victim speaks with the police, the victim retains the right to decide whether or not the police proceed with the case, with certain exceptions as noted below.
In certain cases, the police must become involved, even if a victim chooses not to proceed with a police investigation. Those exceptions occur when:
The offender is an intimate or domestic partner. The Winnipeg Police Services policy on domestic violence requires police to proceed with the investigation if there are reasonable grounds to believe the victim was assaulted by a domestic partner.
The sexual assault involved a child under 14 years old.
In these cases, the police must proceed with an investigation.
Proceeding with a Police Investigation
If you choose to proceed with a police investigation, detectives may meet you at the Health Sciences Centre and interview you regarding your incident. The interview will be videotaped and may be used for court purposes.
The police investigation is conducted by a team of professionals and volunteers specially trained to handle sexual assaults and provide support to victims. This team includes:
Detectives from the Sex Crimes Unit (both male and female)
Specially trained nurses (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners)
Trained Klinic volunteers for counseling
Follow-up assistance from Victim Services Unit
The Sex Crimes Unit is available to you throughout the entire investigation. The Victim Services Unit contacts you, in confidence, to suggest counseling services and a variety of other services that may help you get through this difficult time.
To report a sexual assault call 9-1-1 in emergency situations or 204-986-6222 for non-emergency situations. To speak to a detective from the Sex Crimes Unit in confidence, call 204-986-6245.
Third Party Reporting of Sexual Assault Offences
The Winnipeg Police Service, in partnership with Klinic Community Health Centre, Heart Medicine Lodge (Ka Ni Kanichihk) and Sage House (Mount Carmel Clinic) is pleased to announce the development of a new protocol in the City of Winnipeg for survivors of sexual abuse. Third Party Reporting offers survivors the option of reporting the details of their case anonymously to the WPS through a third-party Community Based Victim Services Agency.
|Sage House (Mount Carmel Clinic)
|Heart Medicine Lodge (Ka Ni Kanichihk)
|Province of Manitoba - Manitoba Justice Sex Offender Notification Site
|Health Sciences Centre - Sexual Assault Program
| KLINIC Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24-hours - 204-786-8631)
|Provincial Advisory Committee on Child Abuse
|Manitoba Family Services/Child and Family Services
* Top of Page


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to American Dreams: Lost and Found by Studs Terkel
From: The American Dream vs. Reality: Illusion vs. Truth
Barbara F. Aronson
Taylor-Allderdice High School
Man has always been desirous of material success. Countless works of literature have revolved around this particular idea. And yet, desiring material success is not synonymous with attaining it; and attaining success is not synonymous with knowing how to live with it.
The popular term to describe this idea is The American Dream. The American Dream is quite prevalent in today�s culture. We have state lotteries that promise instant millions. We have quiz shows that guarantee untold riches. And to those who can offer in cyberspace a new slant on the micro-chip, life seems very golden, indeed.
In the inner-city high schools of our nation, our young people have role models who seemingly have attained this affluent life-style. And to those living in distant villages and cities around the globe, America has been depicted as the greatest land of opportunity.
Daniel J. Boorstein, the historian, writes in his book The Image or What Happened to the American Dream, the following: "A dream is a vision or an aspiration to which we can compare reality. An illusion, on the other hand, is an image we have mistaken for reality. We cannot reach for it, aspire to it, or be exhilarated by it; for we live in it � (239)".
Boorstein continues with this idea as he states:
The American dream was the most accurate way of describing the hopes of men in America. It was an exhilaration and an inspiration precisely because it symbolized the disparity between the possibilities of new America and the old hard facts of life �if America was also a land of dreams come true, that was so because generations suffered to discover that the dream was here to be reached for, and not to be lived in (240).
Boorstein�s last statement hits home: "The unprecedented American opportunities have always tempted us to confuse the visionary with the real"(240).
This College Now course entitled �American Dreams. . . American Voices. . .� will include a number of readings and writing assignments which reflect the dreams, failures and desires of people who have experienced the challenges of trying to achieve the American Dream.� As a student in this course, you will be asked to reflect on your views of the American Dream, as well as on various readings which are based on this theme.� Let your voice be heard.
Assignment #1 �
What is your definition of the American Dream?
What do you want your American Dream to include?
What is the greatest obstacle that might prevent you from achieving your dream?
What message is Langston Hughes conveying about people�s dreams in these lines from his poem?
����������������������� Hold fast to dreams,
- Compare your attitude toward dreams to his.
Return to the College Now English BW Home Page
Web page created by Dr. Loretta Kasper


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Thursday, July 23, 2009
Make a Good Choice, My Friend!
No, not parenthood!
Anyone who lives near me knows I'm talking about Illinois politics, of course.
We're famous for corrupt politicians on the city, county, and state levels. I've actually heard that people won't come visit us because of our nasty reputation. And I'm not singling out one political party over another in this—both parties in Illinois have their challenges in the integrity department, that's for sure.
It seems that people who run for public office in Illinois tend to have an attitude of looking out for Number One, if you know what I mean.
Which is why I found it exceedingly refreshing to read about our Illinois Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, last week, who made the ever-important decision to put her family above her political career. See, Lisa is a go-getter. She's been a pretty good AG, from what I can tell. She hasn't been caught up in scandal. She's basically kept her nose to the grindstone and done her job.
Which is more than I can say for some. Ahem.
Anyway, Lisa Madigan, probably because she has a pretty good reputation, was being talked about a lot in the media. It was thought that she could probably run for Governor or even Senator (to replace Winnie the Pooh . . . I mean Roland Burris) and get the job. Either one.
But last week, Lisa announced that she wasn't going to seek either the governorship or a senate seat because, according to an article I read in our local paper, "To hear her tell it, she has a job she loves and a family, including two small children, she wants to be with."
The article goes on to quote Lisa Madigan: "At the end of the day, I have a job that I am deeply committed to, and extraordinarily satisfied by, and not everyone can say they have a job they love, and have a wonderful family they love as well. So that's how I came to the decision. . . . Obviously, I'm cognizant of the fact that we have two wonderful, little daughters, and I want to be around to see 'em."
I don't know about you, but I'm pretty much blown away by a woman who could have been Governor, or even Senator, who chose to stay in her position because of her family. I don't have big enough hands to applaud loudly enough for this woman.
And then I think about the example she is setting for her own two daughters, and I think that's pretty great too. She's not saying you can't be a mother and have a satisfying career at the same time. She's not saying you cannot be fulfilled by having a family (she obviously is). She's just saying that sometimes in life you have to make hard choices and, for her, that time had come.
Can you imagine people whispering in your ear, "Come on, run for the Senate. You'll have a beautiful townhome in Georgetown and you'll get to go to all the great parties. Oh, and you'll have the ear of the president because you'll be sitting in the seat he once occupied. Come on. Just do it!"
I don't know about you, but for me the temptation would have been very great. Not so much about the senate seat, but the parties and the townhome in Georgetown would have been reeeaaal sweet. Just keepin' it real here, folks.
I'm sure Lisa thought about those kinds of perks, and probably many others that I'm not privy to, and weighed those in her mind for a long time.
But then, I imagine, she looked at her family and said, "No. The time away is too much. I want to be around to see my daughters grow up." And then she made an intentional decision that will affect all of their lives forever.
I wish more parents thought through the consequences of their actions and made intentional decisions like that.
Choices. Those are what we're all faced with every day. Will we choose to put the needs of others in front of our own desires? Will we choose selflessness over selfishness? Will we choose to affect the next generation instead of worrying so much about our own reputation today?
I talked to my girls about Lisa Madigan's story over dinner one night, and we talked about choices we have to make in life. I told them about how, after Kate was born, I decided to put my Ph.D. on the backburner because I didn't want to have to pour myself into my studies and my baby at the same time. I didn't have it in me to do that. Other mothers have made a different choice in that area that has suited them very well, but, for me, I couldn't divide myself like that. Too hard.
My girls were surprised to hear about that. They asked if I ever thought about going back to school now that they are older. I told them, no, I didn't, because I'm too old (!) and, to be perfectly honest, I just don't want to work as hard as I'd have to work to get it done. I gave up that dream, and it was O.K. Really O.K.
Sometimes I think our kids have to know these things about us. They need to know that we have sacrificed some things for them. It's not a guilt-motivated thing, just a life-lesson thing.
Because life is all about choices.
3 comments:
I've always liked our AG and hadn't heard her recent announcement. I think it's terrific that you're talking with your girls about choices and the responsibility of choosing. These are wonderful times for being a woman. And there is much responsibility that must be taken in choosing between all the options availability to us. It is easy to not make the choices clear to our daughters. Nice work taking the challenging path of interchange and discussion!ReplyDelete
Madigan has been such a pleasant surprise. I really thought with that name and those connections she would have to be corrupt - no evidence of that yet which is so refreshing!ReplyDelete
I'm from your lovely state too, gotta love our politicians. I hadn't heard about Ms. Madigan, but then again I seem to catch very little news lately. I thinks it's important for our kids to know why we choose or chose certain things in our lives, especially with reguards to them. I think it helps them to know how much we value them and maybe it will stick when they get older too! I've thought about going back for my masters, but even now with the kids 16 and almost 13, I just personally can't juggle it all. Maybe later, or then again maybe not!ReplyDelete


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Anyone who is interested, our Wedding Picture Proofs are now available online to browser and purchase. Directions to get to the proofs are outlined in the email I received from Timothy Whaley & Associates:
Dear Family & Friends:
Timothy Whaley & Associates, our official wedding photographer, would like to provide instructions on how to view proofs and order photographs from our wedding.
- Please visit: http://www.twaphoto.com
- Click on: "Weddings"
- Click on: "Photo Proof Login"
- Click on: "Wedding Day Proofs"
- Click on: "After 12/27/06"
- Select our last names from the client list and enter our wedding date, 8/4/2007, as the password in the following format: MMDDYY
You will be able to view and order any of the photographs from our wedding day, directly from the website. Orders will be shipped to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks from the date placed. If you are interested in obtaining information on additional products offered by our studio, please call 630-271-1737 and speak with Kristina.
Thank you for sharing our special day with us and we hope you find this internet feature a great way to order cherished memories of our day!
Thank you!
-- per email from Kristina Manno, Personal Studio Consultant with Timothy Whaley & Associates
You could follow all of those steps, or you can go to the Erickson-Sepcot Gallery login page directly. Enter the password 080407 and (unfortunately) your Name and Email Address to enter the gallery.


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The Rodeo Roundup
Feel the thrill at one of the many Oklahoma rodeos held across the state.Learn More
Witness as Guthrie's Lazy E Arena plays host to the Timed Event Championship, an annual event that features the top 20 PRCA cowboys in the world competing for the world championship title of "World's Best All-Around Timed Event Cowboy." The Timed Event Championship is one of the most prestigious events in professional rodeo and will include three days and five performances of competition.
The Timed Event Championship was developed by the Lazy E in 1985 to determine the best all-around timed event cowboy in the world that could be consistent in all five timed events. Secure your seat in the stands and enjoy a marathon of team roping including heading and heeling, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and steer roping. Join thousands of fans from across the country to watch as the world's toughest cowboys battle the clock and test their talents on rodeo's most exciting stage.


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The lonely book
Once there was a book who sat
On a shekf of wooden slat
He was of paper and a
A golden time, a lost age
Who reads me now, who picks me up?
Who loves me now? I give up!
I can't compete with technology
I feel trapped now, no longeer free
No purpose i serve, no usei have
None to give me a second look,
Cos i'm just a lonely book
A lonely book Life as we live it
From birth to death


text: Traditionally, engineering education books describe and reinforce unchanging principles that are basic to the field. However, the dramatic changes in the engineering environment during the last decade demand a paradigm shift from the engineering education community. This revolutionary volume addresses the development of long-term strategies for an engineering education system that will reflect the needs and realities of the United States and the world in the 21st century. The authors discuss the critical challenges facing U.S. engineering education, and present a plan addressing these challenges in the context of rapidly changing circumstances, technologies, and demands.