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WilmerHale compiles lists of certiorari petitions that raise patent-law issues. This page contains a consolidated list of all recently pending petitions, organized in reverse chronological order by date of certiorari petition.
Fivetech Technology Inc. v. Southco, Inc., No. 15-381
Questions Presented:
In United States v. Adams, 383 U.S. 39, 49 (1966), this Court stated that "it is fundamental that [patent] claims are to be construed in light of the specifications, and both are to be read with a view to ascertaining the invention." In Markman v. Westview Instruments, Inc., 517 U.S. 370, 389 (1996), this Court referenced the required "standard construction rule that a [claim] term can be defined only in a way that comports with the instrument as a whole." (Emphasis added). In Phillips v. AWH Corp., 415 F.3d 1303 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (en banc), the Federal Circuit rejected a line of Federal Circuit opinions that limited the role of the specification in defining claim terms only to instances of explicit redefinitions or explicit disavowals of claim scope. However, since Phillips, the Federal Circuit remains divided as to the role of the specification and file history (intrinsic evidence) in construing claim terms. Specifically, some panels of the Federal Circuit have adopted a rigid standard of "lexicography and disavowal" for defining claim terms which limits the relevance of the intrinsic evidence only to those instances of explicit redefinition of a claim term or explicit disavowal of claim scope. See, e.g., GE Lighting Solutions, LLC v. Agilight, Inc., 750 F.3d 1304,1308-09 (Fed. Cir. 2014) ("The standards for finding lexicography and disavowal are exacting."). This has raised the following questions for this Court.
- Whether it is proper for the Federal Circuit to limit the role of the intrinsic evidence in construing patent claims under the exacting "lexicography and disavowal" standard.
- Whether the Federal Circuit's exacting "lexicography and disavowal" standard improperly circumscribes the objective standard of the person of ordinary skill in the art in construing claim terms.
Cert. petition filed 9/28/15.
Automated Merchandising Systems, Inc. v. Lee, No. 15-326
Questions Presented:
- Must the federal judiciary await the substantive conclusion of an agency proceeding before it can evaluate whether an express statutory limitation on that agency's jurisdiction requires that agency to terminate its proceeding?
- Did the Federal Circuit err in refusing to order the United States Patent and Trademark Office to terminate the subject inter partes reexaminations under 35 U.S.C. § 317(b)?
Cert. petition filed 9/11/15.
Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. v. Apotex Inc., No. 15-307
Questions Presented:
Years ago, a branded pharmaceutical company disclaimed one of two patents that underlay its brand name blood-pressure medicine in response to petitioner's Abbreviated New Drug Application ("ANDA"). Under the well-established law of this Court, that disclaimer rendered the patent a complete nullity that could not be infringed. Nonetheless, years later the respondent filed a declaratory judgment action seeking a judicial declaration of what no one did or could dispute—namely, that a generic version of the blood-pressure medicine did not infringe the disclaimed patent. Respondent's incentive for filing this action in the absence of any dispute over the question to be litigated is clear: Respondent believes that a judicial declaration of non-infringement will benefit it at petitioner's expense by effectively eliminating the period of generic exclusivity petitioner secured by filing its ANDA first. While the District Court recognized that a statutory incentive to sue was no substitute for an actual controversy, the Federal Circuit reversed in a decision that will open the doors of district courts nationwide to non-disputes over disclaimed patents.
The questions presented are:
- Whether Article III's case or controversy requirement can be satisfied when the suit seeks a judgment of non-infringement of a disclaimed patent.
- Whether Congress can create Article III jurisdiction by imposing statutory consequences that turn on obtaining a judgment of non-infringement of a disclaimed patent.
Cert. petition filed 9/8/15.
Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd. v. Eidos Display, LLC, No. 15-288
Questions Presented:
In Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. v. Sandoz, Inc., 135 S. Ct. 831 (2015) ("Teva"), this Court put an end to the Federal Circuit's universal de novo review of all district courts' claim constructions by holding that: "a court of appeals 'must not . . . set aside' a district court's '[f]indings of fact' unless they are 'clearly erroneous.'" Id. at 836. "In our view, this rule and the standard it sets forth must apply when a court of appeals reviews a district court's resolution of subsidiary factual matters made in the course of its construction of a patent claim." Id.
Teva also confirmed that Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 52(a)(6) "does not make exceptions or purport to exclude certain categories of fact findings." Id. at 837. This Court went on to specifically hold that "[e]ven if exceptions to the Rule were permissible, we cannot find any convincing ground for creating an exception to that Rule here." Id.
The question presented is as follows:
Whether a district court's factual finding(s) underlying its construction of a patent claim term must be reviewed for clear error under Rule 52(a)(6) as this Court held in Teva, or is an exception created to clear error review where the appellate court finds the intrinsic record clear after a de novo review of that record, as the Federal Circuit held in this case.
Cert. petition filed 9/8/15.
Arthrex, Inc. v. KFx Medical Corporation, No. 15-291
Questions Presented:
Under the 1952 Patent Act, an invention is not eligible for a patent if it is "obvious," ie., "if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious . . . to a person having ordinary skill in the art" at the time the patent application was filed. 35 U.S.C. § 103. This Court has stated that, in deciding obviousness, it can be important "to determine whether," at the time the patent application was filed, there was "an apparent reason to combine the known elements in the fashion claimed by the patent at issue." KSR Int'l Co. v. Telefax Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 418 (2007). The questions presented are:
- Whether the "reason to combine" inquiry is a subsidiary question of fact, subject to deferential review on appeal, or a legal question for the court, and reviewed de novo.
- Whether the ultimate legal issue of obviousness (or even predicate factual issues bearing on obviousness) should be resolved by the court rather than submitted to the jury for resolution.
Cert. petition filed 9/4/15.
Sankyo, Inc. v. Apotex, Inc., No. 15-281
Questions Presented:
Whether an action seeking a declaration that a patent would not be infringed presents a justiciable case or controversy under Article III of the Constitution where the patent at issue was previously disclaimed and thus cannot be enforced.
Cert. petition filed 9/4/15.
Butler v. Balkamp Inc., No. 15-273
Questions Presented:
Is summary judgement proper in a District Court when a factual dispute exists in a Design Patent action and the District Court substitutes its own opinion for that of the ordinary observer?
Factual Disputes:
In Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242 (1986), this court articulated the standard that a District Court must consider evidence presented by the non-moving party: "the evidence of the non-movant is to be believed, and all justifiable inferences are to be drawn in his favor." Since, Anderson, and without further guidance from this Court, lower courts have reformulated the standard to allow summary judgment when there is a genuine issue as to material fact. The specific questions presented in this case:
- Was the District Court in error in granting summary judgment of non-infringement when the record included competent and unrefuted evidence that ordinary observers considered the patented and accused designs to be substantially the same?
- Was the District Court's decision to ignore the evidence presented by Plaintiff, the non-movant, in direct conflict with the standard articulated by this Court in Anderson, 477 U.S. 242?
Design Patents:
Infringement of a design patent is a question of fact not a question of law. (cite) The standard for determining design patent infringement was established by this Court in Gorham Co. v. White, 81 U.S. 511, (1871). In Gorham, this court created a test that expressly favored the ordinary observer's viewpoint when considering the overall similarity of a patented design to an accused design. Since, Gorham, and without further guidance from this Court, lower courts have reformulated the test by substituting the opinion of the District Court for that of the ordinary observers. The question presented in this case is:
- Can a District Court substitute its own observations on substantial similarity for the observations of ordinary observers and thus change the "facts," without impermissibly altering the Gorham's ordinary observers test for design patent infringement?
Cert. petition filed 8/31/15.
Luv n' Care, Ltd. v. Munchkin, Inc., No. 15-242
Questions Presented:
Did the Federal Circuit err by rejecting the law of at least the First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, and D.C. Circuits when it affirmed a PTAB administrative judgment based on new issues raised sua sponte by the PTAB at the Final Hearing, thus depriving the patent owner of notice and a meaningful opportunity to respond?
Cert. petition filed 8/24/15.
Bodum, Inc. v. Meyer Intellectual Properties Limited, No. 15-185
Questions Presented:
In determining whether this patent case was "exceptional" requiring an award of attorney fees to a prevailing defendant pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 285, does the successor District Court Judge's reliance upon the decision of the predecessor District Court Judge, which decision was vacated by the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, instead of reviewing de novo the prior record in the case, deprive the Petitioner of its right to have the case fairly adjudicated?
Cert. petition filed 8/11/15, conference 10/16/15.
Tyco Healthcare Group LP v. Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., No. 15-115
Questions Presented:
Title 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) (2006) prohibits the issuance of a patent where "the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which said subject matter pertains." (Emphases added). This statute will continue to govern hundreds of thousands of patents (those with effective filing dates before March 16, 2013) for many years to come.
The question presented is whether a mere conception that was neither known to the public nor reduced to practice at the time a patented invention was made is "prior art" to that invention under the pre-2013 version of 35 U.S.C. § 103.
Cert. petition filed 7/27/15, response requested 9/21/15.
Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc. v. NuVasive, Inc., No. 15-85
Questions Presented:
In this case, the Federal Circuit affirmed a judgment of indirect infringement, solely on the ground that defendant Medtronic was aware of the patent and instructed doctors to use its products in a manner that was later determined to be infringing. The Federal Circuit did not discuss whether Medtronic's reading of the patent claims—under which it did not infringe—was reasonable.
Two months later, this Court decided Commil USA, LLC v. Cisco Systems, Inc., 135 S. Ct. 1920 (2015). That decision rejected the proposition that "even if the defendant reads the patent's claims differently from the plaintiff, and that reading is reasonable, he would still be liable because he knew the acts might infringe," and held that a plaintiff asserting a claim of indirect infringement must provide "proof the defendant knew the acts were infringing."
The question presented is:
Whether the Court should grant the petition, vacate the judgment below, and remand to the Federal Circuit for further consideration in light of Commil USA, LLC v. Cisco Systems, Inc., 135 S. Ct. 1920 (2015).
Cert. petition filed 7/17/15, waiver of respondent NuVasive, Inc. filed 8/19/15, response requested 9/14/15.


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From the Guardian's Photo Blog:
Damaged house in Bareges, southwestern France, two days after unseasonal storms caused havoc across huge swaths of the country. France said today it would declare a state of natural disaster in the southwest of the country after floods claimed three lives and devastated Lourdes. Photograph: Laurent Dard/AFP/Getty Images
It's been a week in which I've felt like I've been under a lot of pressure from multiple directions, and for multiple reasons; I woke up today with a sense of Thank God it's finally Friday after all. I feel like I know where this house is coming from, in other words.

subset: commoncrawl


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1. A pseudo-Latin phrase that translates to "caffeinate the day" or fill your day with coffee without concern for the future.
"The Starbucks barista was concerned for his well-being one morning when he unlocked the front doors 20 minutes late. The surly crowd of nearly 300 people were chanting "cafe diem", and there was an old lady in the background holding a pitchfork."
Credit: Unknown | Date of Origin: 03/30/2006


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"I have some great ideas for my employer, should I tell them?"
Well that is a big question isn't it? It's also one I hear often when I'm running workshops. My main feeling is one of sadness. How sad it is that members of staff have ideas that they don't feel able to share with their employers. Let's have a think for a moment why might that be.
Why would staff not share ideas with the boss?
I often hear it's because previously when either they or someone else has done this they are dismissed immediately as being of little value or importance. Often they are told it's not their job to have ideas, only to implement the ideas of others. Lovely, how to make someone feel part of a team(!)
In addition, they may have put ideas forward in the past where those ideas didn't work, or they have seen other people's ideas cause problems and in some circumstances lead to that person being moved on from the company. Again, a great way to make others feel willing and able to share!
Then you have people who have an idea but don't have the confidence in the idea or themselves to highlight the idea with their boss. This is about helping staff to feel safe in bringing the idea forward, that they and the idea will be supported and not judged.
Plus you have some staff members who have a vague idea but it isn't fully formed yet. This is such a shame as often it just takes someone talking through the idea with them to help them form it into a clearer and more cohesive plan which they can then happily take forward to their boss.
What can you do to encourage staff to bring ideas forward?
Help them to feel it is a safe environment where ideas can be put forward without judgement. That everyone will help to develop the idea and move it forward and that if it fails it will be used as a learning tool, not an opportunity to apportion blame.
Create sessions either as part of your regular team meetings, or dedicated sessions, where you facilitate discussions and provide open opportunities for people to put forward their ideas for discussion in a positive and constructive way. When done regularly this will enable staff to see this is a suitable and safe time to put forward their idea.
Why do you want staff to bring ideas forward?
Often staff members will have ideas which senior team members may not have because they are more involved in the day to day delivery of your service or product. They will often hear the comments of purchasers and suppliers about what you can do to improve, who else they are working with and how that relationship differs. They may also hear the reasons why people do and don't work with you and do and don't work with others. All these conversations are often triggers to generating ideas which can be used to improve something, develop something in a different way or create something new.
Your staff can be a real asset in helping the organisation to become a more successful, profitable and stable organisation for the future. They just need to know you want to hear their ideas.
Need help to get ideas from your staff or to develop a safe culture for idea sharing? Then call me to discuss my workshop on developing ideas for your organisation on 02921 175020.


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Centuria Medical Makati is a one‐stop, outpatient medical-IT facility located at the heart of Century City, Makati, Philippines.
Property Description:
64 square meters located on the 25th floor facing Century City Mall
fully fitted bathroom with tiles
2 units Cassette type airconditioner
bare ceiling and floor
Sale Price Unit: Php 14,100,000.00
Parking Sale Price: Php 1,000,000.00
Lease Price: Php 800.00 per sqm plus VAT plus Dues
Contact John Yu, Licensed Real Estate Broker at 0917-5235646 or email at firstname.lastname@example.com
Excepts from the news feature on Inquirer:
Medical tourism in the country has escalated in the recent years. There has also been an increasing demand for properties that are specifically centered on medical facilities.
Century Properties Group has opened the doors of Centuria Medical Makati, the country's largest outpatient IT-medical building located in Century City, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati.
Now on soft opening, the 28-story, 74,000-square-meter facility serves to revolutionize preventive health and outpatient care, the delivery of wellness services as well as open greater opportunities for medical tourism in the Philippines.
Centuria will host more than 500 doctors' clinics specializing in its centers of excellence in primary care, multispecialty surgery, dermatology and cosmetic laser treatment, multispecialty dentistry, cosmetic and facial surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology/laser eye surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, urology, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, orthopedics, dialysis, breast cancer treatment and wellness and complementary medicine.
Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/207662/centuria-medical-makati-opens-greater-opportunities-for-medical-tourism-in-ph#ixzz4vNfhBeHo


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Hopdoddy Burger Bar's new Addison location gives us more reasons to feast on a burger and fries!
Never have I ever been disappointed with my order here. With consistently delicious cuisine in a comfortably upscale tavern, you can't go wrong.
With all the new foodie spots in Dallas, sometimes we forget about the chef-driven restaurants that have been doing it right for years.
Addison Gets a Neighborhood Services
It's no secret that we are big fans of Neighborhood Services. If you've read our previous blog on the Preston/Royal location, you know one thing for sure: the food is consistently delicious. That level of consistency has successfully carried over to their newest location in Addison. Similar to its sister locations, the outside is a bit nondescript. While still boasting classy exteriors, NHS folks seem to have a knack for tucking their outstanding eateries into a space without a lot of flash. It almost allows for patrons to feel as if they've discovered the best hidden gem ever.
The new location is a bit roomier than the others, with more tables and a larger bar space. It's still a good idea to make reservations, but waiting at the bar while sipping on one of their delicious cocktails isn't a bad way to kill time.
Martini Salad
The interior design is impeccable. With warm, dim lighting, cozy booths, and a well-stocked bar, that classy tavern vibe is alive and well. Modernly rustic with plenty of Texas-themed décor {and a giant American flag on the wall}, this place is comfortable, casual elegance at its finest. Oh, and the service is outstanding – always a plus.
The offerings are similar to the other two locations but include some new and unique options. Don't fret – trusty staples like the Butcher's Meatballs, Cheeseburger, and the London Broil {yes, with voodoo sauce} are all available. In addition, they continue the tradition of nightly pasta and seafood specials. Choose from mouthwatering options in the following categories: A/Q Specials, Bar Snacks, Cold Apps, Hot Apps, Soup & Salad, Main Plates, The Funk Room Cuts A/Q {steaks}, Seasoned Oak & Mesquite Grill, and Side Orders. Every item below is highly recommended.
Jonah Crab & Sonoma Dry Jack Gratin
Short Rib Pot Roast Enchiladas
"London Broil" Steak Frites
Creamed Kale
We weren't offered a dessert menu. Instead, our wonderful waitress rattled off the options, and we stopped her at this one. No regrets.
Double chocolate cake {warm}, with sourcream frosting and a scoop of Henry's vanilla ice cream.
Bathrooms aren't typically blog-worthy, but these deserve a nod.
Lovely, fresh, and clean.
Well-stocked for any date crisis.
Seriously. Well-stocked.
While this is especially exciting for Addison dwellers, the dining experience you'll get here is worth a drive. This is especially true since this location has a larger capacity and features a respectably sized patio. Did ya hear that, Uptowners? Two thumbs up!
Neighborhood Services Addison {Official Website}
TAGS : Far North Dallas/Addison , Neighborhood Services-Addison


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My blog has remained abused this year. My last entry was announcing my interview with Switch radio, which has been and gone. Sadly it wasn't recorded by the station so I have no evidence. On the bright side I have been invited back so watch this space.
I haven't used my blog to my advantage this year for two reasons: The first reason is just pure workload, which is a good thing. Secondly(and not so great) has been for personal reasons. In a nutshell I am in the middle of a divorce, so most of this year has been spent either in mediation or between solicitors. The hardest part is over but this does mean that we will have to relocate premises next year but hopefully still in either Braintree or Notley.
So for sure this has drained me and I have felt down. But I am not out.
I have plans for 2018 and this is where I need your participation in a little product research: I am asked so many times by people I meet at networking and exhibitions to look at websites that are under-performing and offer my advice and recommendations. I am just throwing out ideas but if you could get a detailed analysis report about your web's responsiveness, performance and ranking (to name a few), would you be prepared to pay for that privilege?
Would you be prepared to pay for a complete audit of your website?
- Yes. About £50+ (0%, 0 Votes)
- Yes Between £25 and £50 (0%, 0 Votes)
- Yes under £25 (0%, 0 Votes)
- No not at all (£0) (0%, 0 Votes)
Total Voters: 0
For an extra measure of cheekiness, could you leave a comment with how much you would be prepared to pay for such a detailed analysis.
I greatly appreciate any feedback.


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Lower Back Pain!
Minute Treatment
Back pain does not have to keep you away from your favorite activities. This is an ailment that responds well to MLS Laser Therapy. For most conditions, MLS laser therapy is an effective solution to comfortably treat the complaint without the use of drugs or surgery.
The number and length of laser therapy treatments depends on the exact nature of the ailment. Muscular problems generally respond faster than disc or other spinal ailments. After an examination, the doctor will be able to tell you the approximate number of treatment sessions necessary to gain relief.


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'All things come from You' (1 Chronicles 29:14)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above; creatures apart from God are empty cisterns, dry wells, deceitful brooks. All good dwells in your God, and flows from Him to you. Every crumb is from Christ. What He gives freely cost Him groans, sweat, and blood to procure for you. View Him as the source of all good, and His atonement as the medium through which all flows to you.
He gives you your temporal mercies as well as your spiritual blessings; He also gives you the ability to enjoy them and to employ them for His glory. He directs all events, whether pleasing or painful. "Do not be angry with yourselves", Joseph said to his brothers, "It was not you, but God who sent me before you to preserve life" [Genesis 45:5].
To Him, therefore, your mind should be directed, in prayer, dependence, and praise. Look above creatures and see the Lord's hand, just like Job, Eli, David and Paul. Rest with unshaken confidence and devoted resignation on His word, power, providence, and love; always remembering that all things come from Him. The Lord will give us that which is good, and a blessing with it, if we are looking to and walking with Him. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above – from Jesus.
He sank beneath our heavy woes,
To raise us to His throne,
There's ne'er a gift His hand bestows,
But cost His heart a groan.
THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)
Journal Jottings
'One very important petition that I have been presenting to the throne of grace of late is, "That I may enjoy peace through Christ, peace in Christ, and peace with Christ." Then I shall have peace with God, peace in the church, and peace in my own soul. O how important does this appear to me at this moment! "Lord, all my desire is before thee, and my groaning is not hid from thee".'


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Course Title: Business Management: Situational Leadership
Course Language: English
Qualification Required: All Level are welcome
Mode-Of-Training: Classroom
Duration: 9am - 6pm (Lunch break 1hr)
Job Level: Team Leader, Supervisor, Executuves and Project managers
Being a good leader need to know different leadership styles depending on the situation and team member. Depending on team members' competency in their task areas and commitment to their tasks, your leadership style should vary from one person to another. You may even lead the same person one way sometimes and another way at other times.
The purpose of this course is to support managers and supervisors in flexing their management style to match the (situational) development level of their people and 'task needs' on an individual and team 'task by task' basis. This experiential course is designed to create a safe environment for the participants to practice and receive coaching on varying Leadership Style to match the situation. You will find that your effectiveness in managing people, time and resources will increase. You will be able to respond to the many different personnel needs and situations in the most appropriate manner.
SkillFuture Reference: CRS-N-0040533
This course is full day, starting at 9am until 6pm. The cost is inclusive of all materials, refreshments and snacks. Course date/venue subject to change if warranted by circumstances.


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The Library
Housed in the modern John and Joan Cooke Centre, the School Library provides a pleasant, flexible study area for independent, group and class learning, kitted-out with PCs and laptops to give students access to the latest e-resources as well as up to date access to newspapers, magazines, journals, DVDs and a wide selection of books.
Open daily, it provides a variety of different resources including classic and contemporary fiction, graphic novels, textbooks and background reading for subject work, reference books including dictionaries and encyclopaedias; a stock of nearly 22,000 items. Our dedicated Librarian (Mrs Attwood) is available for advice and help with finding information.
In preparation for our first co-educational cohort in September 2018, we have purchased a wide array of books to suit our boys' and girls' reading taste.
The user-friendly Library catalogue can be accessed internally and externally from the Crypt Intranet where searches can be made for Library resources. Users can access their own library account and can search their loans and loan history, access reading lists and set up reservations.
Library activities include topical displays with suggested reading, project lessons and celebrating literary events such as World Book Day with competitions and quizzes. We even have a Harry Potter club every Wednesday lunchtime! Leaflets are provided to help with a variety of library-related topics including alternative search engines, referencing, citation and classification.
There is also access to Career and UCAS resources to support our in-house careers advisor.
Library opening hours are: Monday to Friday: 8:15am to 4:15pm with a supervised Homework Club taking place in the Library from 3.15pm-4.15pm every day.
Library Overdues Policy
We welcome book donations – especially Children/Young Adult (YA) fiction. Please drop book donations off at the school office marked for the Library.
Our Amazon 'Wish List' (http://amzn.eu/gh7NV5B) is continually updated with books we are after in the main library so if you have one of these books collecting dust, we would love to give it a new home!
The Archives
The school is fast approaching its 500th anniversary and we are extremely fortunate at Crypt to have a rich collection of treasures gathered by Old Cryptians and staff over the past 200 years. The Library has a large number of books by or about past students (such as William Henley and Sir Robin Day) and staff (TE Brown, Dr Crees and Dr Rudge). There is a complete run of The Cryptian magazine from 1907-2011 and a whole plethora of educational and sporting memorabilia. The rarest book that we have is a hand-written and bound copy of a book on Latin by Dr Rudge (Headteacher, 1788-1803).
Useful Links
In the search field, type in a book or an author that you liked and recommendations from other members will be listed


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Thirteen of fourteen Upper Hunter air quality monitoring stations record poor air quality
Upper Hunter doctors are bracing for an influx of patients with respiratory-related illnesses in the next week following a significant decline in air quality on the weekend.
Strong north easterly winds stirred up tonnes of dust from the barren mine sites across the region.
Thirteen of the 14 air quality monitors in the Upper Hunter air quality monitoring network recorded hazardous levels of coarse particle pollution (PM10) late on Sunday night.
"It usually takes a couple of days but we usually see an increase in people with airway irritations like sinusitis and asthma when the air quality gets bad," Singleton GP Bob Vickers said.
"I drove into town today and there was an awful brown haze hanging in the air."
The Upper Hunter has had a higher proportion of people suffering from respiratory illnesses than elsewhere in the state for more than a decade.
"It's not unusual for someone's symptoms to disappear when they stay on the coast for a week," Dr Vickers said.
The air pollution spike comes a week after the Doctors for the Environment Group issued a report that showed coarse particle pollution had worsened in many parts of NSW over the past 12 months, including the Hunter Valley.
The study's findings show the average value for fine particles across comparable monitors rose from 7.51 micrograms per cubic metre in 2017 to 7.98 micrograms per cubic meter in 2018. This is moving away from the stated national objective that all sites should be below 7 micrograms per cubic metre by 2025.
Coarse particles also exceeded the annual standard at nine locations, up from two locations in 2017 and none in previous years. All but one of these locations are in the Hunter Region. These sites include Singleton North West, Muswellbrook, Mayfield and Wagga Wagga North.
The Newcastle Herald reported in June last year that residents living in Camberwell, which is located near eight mines, were considering abandoning their homes because of poor air quality.
The village's air quality monitoring station recorded 126 exceedances of national air quality standards for coarse particle pollution (PM10) between 2011 and 2017.
The Office of Heritage and Environment said last week that high levels of particulate matter was the result of an increase in broad-scale dust storms from drought-affected areas and smoke from wild fires and hazard reduction burns.
A spokeswoman said the state's air quality for the last 15-20 years has been improving until the current drought.


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The world-class talent pool and proximity to other leading technology organizations is highly desirable, and we are confident in our ability to continue to hire and retain top engineering talent.
Waterloo, Ontario (PRWEB) January 07, 2016
Aeryon Labs, the premier manufacturer of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), commonly known as drones, announced today that it has opened a second office in Waterloo Region. The additional 30,000 sq. ft. office space, in Waterloo, ON, enables the company to continue to scale all aspects of its operations, including, R&D, manufacturing, and sales and marketing.
"We remain committed to Waterloo Region as our primary base of operations," Aeryon President & CEO, Dave Kroetsch said. "The world-class talent pool and proximity to other leading technology organizations is highly desirable, and we are confident in our ability to continue to hire and retain top engineering talent."
According to Kroetsch, the expansion is a result of the substantial growth the company has experienced over the last few years. Aeryon's sUAS continue to gain global recognition, with customers in over 35 countries worldwide, and the company has over 125 employees as of December 2015. The additional support gained from the $60 million investment by Summit Partners will help the company realize its ambitious vision for the sUAS market, which sees widespread adoption across military, public safety and commercial operators worldwide.
"Discovery and entrepreneurship are hallmarks of our community, and Aeryon Labs embodies those traits," said Waterloo Mayor, Dave Jaworsky. "We are a talent-rich city and by continuing to invest in our quality of life, companies like Aeryon Labs find Waterloo an attractive city to grow and create jobs."
"The future of the Waterloo Region tech sector depends on companies like Aeryon Labs scaling from startups into successful, high-growth tech companies," said Iain Klugman, CEO of Communitech "This expansion is a great milestone for Aeryon Labs as they continue their impressive growth, but is also an important event for the region as a whole."
All company contact information will remain the same, including the company address, 575 Kumpf Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, N2V 1K3.
For more, information visit: http://www.aeryon.com
Media Contact: Andrea Sangster, Sr. Marketing Manager
media(at)aeryon(dot)com | +1 519-489-6726 x360
About Aeryon Labs Inc.
Aeryon Labs is the premier manufacturer of small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) which are at the center of major world events and international media stories. The company is the trusted partner of civil and military customers, resellers, and other commercial business partners around the globe. Aeryon Labs is headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Field-tested and mission-proven, Aeryon sUAS set the standard for immediate aerial intelligence gathering by anyone, anywhere, anytime, for a wide range of military, public safety and commercial applications.


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House Captains this year have been chosen from Years 2 and 5. They represent their House in Celebration Assemblies and other events and throughout the year are working on a range of inter-house activities and competitions.
Inter-House Boggle Competition
This term we had our first inter-house competition. Children across the school took part in a Boggle Word competition to find as many words as they could from a selected group of letters.
It was great to see children using their phonic skills and spelling learning to try and do their best for their house.
Winners in Phase 2 were Rowan.
Winners in Phase 3 were Hawthorn.
Winners in Phase 4 were Oak.
Overall school Boggle champions 2018-19 were Hawthorn, closely beating Oak.
Well done everybody.


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Search by tag: dod
The difference between acceptance criteria and definition of done
Back in August I wrote a post called "How do you know when you're done?" in which I explored the agile concept of the "definition of done" or "done done". However, in conversations with developers over the last few weeks I've observed a confusion between acceptance criteria and definition of done. So, let's use this…14 December 2016Agile


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Dear Neighbors:
The following is the agenda for the April 26, 2017 City Council meeting: https://takomaparkmd.gov/meeting_agendas/city-council-meeting-agenda-wednesday-april-26-2017/. Starting at 7:30 PM we have public hearings on the property tax rate, the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget, and synchronizing our local elections with Federal, State and County elections. We'll also have an initial vote on election synchronization, a Council discussion on the budget, a vote on a one-day closure of part of Grant Avenue, and a presentation on traffic calming. Tonight the Council has a 7:30 PM work session on the budget, with a focus on Council priorities. I'll also be hosting a meeting for Ward One residents who wish to discuss budget and tax issues on Tuesday, May 2 at 7:30 PM in the Community Center Azalea Room.
Last week, the Council unanimously approved a resolution requiring us to consider all our official actions through a Racial Equity lens. This is an exciting and important change to the way our work is structured. And it will be valuable for us right away in our votes on the budget and election synchronization.
Tax and Budget issues. https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2017/council-20170426-1.pdf.
As the Council considers the budget and property tax rate -- with final votes in mid-May -- my overall approach will be working to keep Takoma Park an affordable place to live with high quality services and amenities, and supporting initiatives that help promote greater inclusiveness in the City. That approach includes working for a tax rate that's lower than the rate proposed in the budget, and continuing to support programs that strengthen our community and benefit lower income residents. I'll be talking more about the budget and taxes in the next couple of weeks. Meanwhile, here are some of the key issues, and my thoughts on the direction I think we should be heading.
The current property tax rate is $0.5675 per $100 of assessed property. The proposed budget (which starts on July 1) calls for cutting that rate to $0.56 per $100, which is higher than the Constant Yield rate of $0.5358. Constant Yield is the rate at which the City is estimated to take in the same overall amount of revenue as in the current year. Even under Constant Yield, it's still possible that individual residents could see upticks in their tax bills based on whether their assessments have risen.
The proposed .56 rate would mean a tax burden of $560 for each $100,000 in assessed property value. For a home assessed at $400,000 the annual tax would be $2,240. At Constant Yield, the same home would have a tax of $2,143, $97 less than at .56. Compared to Constant Yield, the .56 rate is estimated to bring in approximately $543,000 in additional revenue. To the extent the Council can reduce proposed spending by a net amount close to that figure, we can bring the rate nearer to Constant Yield.
I acknowledge that seeking spending changes that move us toward Constant Yield and supporting new initiatives to provide important benefits to our community, including youth and lower income residents, might appear to work against each other somewhat. However, we can save hundreds of thousands of dollars by, for example, reducing reserve accounts that are higher than needed, not adding additional funds into the Police pension system beyond what's recommended by the independent actuaries, and holding off on funding for commercial area upgrades connected to the economic development strategic plan that's still being developed by our outside contractor.
In that context, I think it's reasonable to support some new initiatives. For example, I'm a strong supporter of the proposed new money for the Library renovation project and the Affordable Housing Fund. While the construction for the Library project will cost in excess of $5 million, with additional costs for equipment, moving, temporary operations, etc., the budget calls for funding the project through a 30 year bond. In my view this type of long-term funding makes sense for a project that will benefit residents well beyond 30 years. Instead of asking current residents to bear a disproportionate share of the costs, we would spread it out over time, with an annual cost of just under $400,000. I believe the Library and the Affordable Housing Fund (funded at $300,000) are two important examples that fit into the overall approach I'm following, and they also mesh with the goals of the new Racial Equity lens.
Election Synchronization Hearing and Charter Amendment. https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2017/council-20170426-3-4.pdf. As I've noted in previous messages, because voter turnout figures are low for our local elections in odd years (10 – 20 percent), I think it makes sense to synchronize out elections with the Federal, State and County elections that occur in even years (when turnouts run from 40 – 75 percent). The data strongly suggest that with this change we would see substantially larger votes and higher turnout from racial and ethnic minority communities. I also think there's a good chance we would see more contested local races, in contrast with the current situation where there's very little competition in our municipal ballots.
In order to synchronize, we have to change the City Charter to not only move to even years, but to make these changes: set the term for the Mayor and City Council elected in 2017 to one year (the other option would be three year terms – I don't think as an elected official I should vote myself a longer term); move our nominating caucus to the second Tuesday after Labor Day (a week or two earlier than our current system); extend the time for certification of election results (from 24 – 48 hours, in case it takes longer to count the ballots, given the other races being counted); and change the day when the newly elected Mayor and Councilmembers take office (this reflects the change in our regular Council meetings from Mondays to Wednesdays). I'll be voting in favor of these Charter changes
Grant Avenue Market. https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2017/council-20170426-5.pdf. For several years, the Old Takoma Business Association has sponsored the one-day Grant Avenue Market, an event that features vintage collectibles and requires closure of part of Grant Ave. where it intersects with Carroll Ave. The Market will be held on Sunday, May 14, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and the street closure hours are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. I'll be voting for the resolution to carry out this closure.
Traffic Calming. https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2017/council-20170426-6.pdf. I look forward to the presentation from City staff on this set of issues, which follows up on the recommendations from the Safe Roadways Committee that were provide earlier this year. Among the key recommendations by the Committee – apparently shared by City staff -- is to move toward a single type of speed hump. I agree with that idea.
Please let me know if you have questions or comments about any of these agenda items.
Peter Kovar, Takoma Park City Council, Ward One


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Our Philosophy
At Jack City, we understand the balance between working hard and enjoying the game and we strive to pass that along to each student we have the privilege of instructing. Our goal is not just for your child to leave a better player, but also to take away a passion to play the game the right way all the time. We look forward to helping your child in his/her pursuit of excellence.
Jack City offers professional instruction:
- Baseball & Softball
- Basketball
- Personal Training
Hitting and Fielding Instruction
Hitting instruction includes one-on-one batting instruction to evaluate and improve batter posture, eye contact, swing, stance, and overall performance at the plate (pitch selection, bunting, and hitting). Sessions also include position-specific fielding lessons to improve catching and throwing skills as well as overall knowledge of the game.
Pitching Instruction
Pitching instruction includes pitching analysis and one-on-one instruction to evaluate and improve appropriate pitches as well as specific fielding functions and conditioning workouts.


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- Home
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|Full + babe in arms
|Family - up to 4
|Groups 10+
Funbox present The SPACE RACE - Sunday 5th May at 1pm and 3.30pm
Tickets: Full £12.50 | Adult & Babe in Arms £14.50 | Family (maximum 4) £44 | Groups £11 (10+)
Space...the final fun-tier.
The countdown is on to blast off into the unknown in FUNBOX's brand new show for 2019; THE SPACE RACE.
Join Anya, Kevin, Gary and Bonzo as part of the crew of the Starship FUNBOX as they take a space odyssey across the universe to explore strange new worlds and dimensions on their galaxy hopping quest to find their keys. Find out if the moon is really made of cheese? What is the stinkiest planet? Where are the friendliest aliens?
Packed with classics like 'Apples and Bananas' and 'Aiken Drum', Funbox favourites and brand new songs, THE SPACE RACE is out of this world singalong fun for all the family.
Come dressed for adventure - come as an alien, a space princess or an astronaut - and remember in space everyone can hear you sing!


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When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth
Rom 3:24: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Let us Pray ...
Today's Readings ... (June 01, 2011)Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr
First Reading: Acts 17:15,22-18:1
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 148:1-2,11-12,13,14
Gospel: John 16:12-15
Meditation on Today's Gospel: (John 16:12-15)
Jesus told his disciples that he would fire them the Spirit of truth who will direct you into all the truth as Gospel says John 16:13 …and declare to you the possessions that are to come. From end to end the gift and functioning of the Holy Spirit poured out on the new community of faith on the day of Pentecost, we also are gifted to profess the same creed which the apostles declared - that Jesus died, and was buried, and rose again on the third day, and will come once more to judge, raise the dead, and give eternal life. We not merely have the same faith given to the apostles and early believers, but we have the similar Spirit in us who raised Jesus from the dead. The Lord Jesus gives every one of us his Holy Spirit because our divine Teacher and Assistant that we may cultivate in the knowledge and wisdom of God. Do we listen carefully to God's word and let his Holy Spirit to provide us understanding of God's truth and will for our life?
(Tomorrow Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord)


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An uplifting evening prayer service, Maariv, led by Hazzan Basya Schechter on Tuesday nights before Romemu's Beit Midrash at 7:45pm.
Healing in Spheres Human and Divine: Unexpected Principles from Sacred Jewish Literature Tues. 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12 @ 7:45 PM This program follows a Musical Maariv program at 7:15 PM with Hazzan Basya Schechter with Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses What does it mean to be physically or spiritually wounded? To become whole in mind, body Continue Reading »


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Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
View All Calendars is the default. Choose Select a Calendar to view a specific calendar. Subscribe to calendar notifications by clicking on the Notify Me® button, and you will automatically be alerted about the latest events in our community.
This is an interactive workshop that explores influential and little known African American contributions and the road they paved to make it possible for African American leaders we have today such as Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, and Maya Angelou. This special program is cosponsored by AZ Humanities and is part of their AZ Speaks program.


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Interested Companies, Organisations, Inter-Governmental Organisations, United Nations, Media and stakeholders are invited to express their interest in setting up exhibition booths during the conference. Download request form.
The ACECD 2017-Africa Conference on Economic Costs of Disasters: The Role of the Private Sector in Disaster Risk Reduction exhibition provides you with an excellent opportunity to showcase and promote your products and services to customers from all over Africa and beyond.
The Exhibition will offer you the prospect of:
- Launching new products and services to the widest and largest international audience.
- Creating demand for your products & services by giving potential clients' first-hand experience and a chance to a trial for your products.
- Increasing your sales and customer base within a short period of time.
- Raising awareness, recognition and building brand image by keeping your brand and solutions right in front of customers.
- Accessing senior decision makers from various international, private and public organizations for lead generation and networking.
Book your space now to secure a spot at one of Africa's largest high level events of this year!
In addition to exhibition booking costs, the cost of setting up the booth, including banners, transportation, and shipping, will be met by the applicant. If you would like to know more about the
exhibition, please do not hesitate to contact the Conference Coordinator, Ms. Lonje Mwendera:
Physical Address:
|Gravitazz Continental Initiative – GCI
Unit 35/Constantia Square Office Park, 526, 16th Road
Midrand, South Africa


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Fortress Investment Group and its growth
Fortress Investment Group has been experiencing growth due to some factors. The right people are leading is one of the main factors that have led to the increase of the Fortress Investment Group. The founders of the company had the vision to ensure it is one of the best financial companies in the world and this vision is becoming successful. The company has been there for over two decades since it started in 1998. It has been operating successfully for all those years and has become one of the best companies in private equity, in mergers and acquisition. It is based in the United States, and its major role is …..Read Article


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Whether it's a little getaway, family reunion, girls weekend or in my case a wedding up north that has brought two families together from all places along the east coast of Aus you obviously have to make the most of it.
Monday morning it was officially holiday time so on the drive up here i got out my fantastic bullet journal for a few brain dumps on some minor and major do's and don'ts for this holiday. I wanted to set myself up to succeed and have not only an enjoyable holiday for myself and my fiance but to make sure i was a joy to be around with the family, one thing i didn't want to be was the person everyone silently complained about and didn't want to be with.
*Be present in all moments.
Whether it's playing cards, watching the baby sleep or joining in the conversation, be there! also in spirit, there is nothing worse than sitting at the table while everyone is having some laughs and your body sits there but your mind is drifting to other things out of your control or worse, stressing about what you can't change.
*Be genuinely interested in other people.
This is our family we are spending a whole week with and we haven't seen them since november last year so there is a lot to catch up on. Without being rude ask questions to either get to know them or catch up on events and ideas you's maybe texted or spoken about previously.
*Express gratitude.
Show your support when someone helps you out or they do something for the house hold like dishes, vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom 6 adults are sharing lol. A simple thank you or doing something in return is usually enough.
Be courteous if friends and family don't like swearing-don't do it. If there are people who don't smoke-don't do that either. This isn't a don't though this is about making it a comfortable environment for everyone.
No complaining about how boring it is when you're sitting around having a chat. Think about what you'll be like when you go home, complain again about how much you miss them, how you'd give anything to be with them again. So take advantage and relax as much as possible, how long until you see them again?
*Pick fights
If someone is annoying you be mature about it and talk to them in private to get it over with. Do not let it stir inside you and explode when they just walk by. Trust me you're making it worse for everyone. Also don't bitch behind people backs because you're annoyed or they said some goss, chances are everyone already knows.
Some activities I plan on completing while on holidays…
*skateboarding – Oh boy! it has been years. Better buy a helmet.
*Paddle boarding – this is on my 2016 bucket list. I am hoping the wakeboarding place in front of us hires these out. wakeboarding is not on my list because someone has to video the fiance and uncle failing for our holiday memories.
*Meditation – my mother in law is amazing with guided meditations and as soon as she completes her training she will be feature on my blog. (very soon)
*fishing -must have! but I must admit it will be sad without my dad.
*Ping pong – Baker family tournament. BRING IT ON!
*walk – a good walk to free the mind and a closer view of my fiance wakeboarding.
I hope these either help you at your next family event or holiday or makes you want to plan a reunion.
Let me know how you go at email@example.com


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World Language (Spanish) FLES Teacher
Crozet Elementary
2019-20 School Year
Seeking a highly qualified, VA licensed, elementary Spanish Foreign Language FLES teacher. Oral and written proficiency in English and Spanish required; Elementary Education Certification and Responsive Classroom training preferred.
Are You Ready To Unleash Each Student's Potential?
In Albemarle County Public Schools, our mission every day is to establish a community of learners and learning, through relationships, relevance and rigor, one student at a time. We work to ensure that all learners believe in their power to embrace learning, to excel, and to own their future.
Albemarle County Public Schools is committed to providing all students the opportunity to learn from talented, diverse teachers who represent the varied cultures and experiences of our community. We seek to hire educators who demonstrate the ability to work with culturally diverse students, and who see themselves as lifelong learners – always willing to learn new things to best meet the ever-changing needs of our students.
Is that you?
General Definition of Work:
The Spanish immersion teacher fulfills all of the duties of a typical classroom teacher while also supporting students' multilingual development by teaching in Spanish for at least half of all instruction. The Spanish immersion teacher instructs the core curriculum in English and Spanish and provides support for students to become fluent in both languages.
Essential Functions:
The minimum performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following actions:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
The Spanish immersion teacher must be biliterate in English and Spanish and demonstrate knowledge of bilingual development in children.
Education and Experience:
Candidates must hold or be eligible for a Virginia teaching certificate with endorsement in Elementary Education covering primary grades. Candidates should have an endorsement in Spanish or be willing to attain one upon hire. Teaching in the K-1 classroom is preferred, and would welcome a reading or ESOL background.
Physical Conditions and Nature of Work Contacts:
Duties performed typically in school settings to include: classroom; gym, cafeteria; auditorium; and recreational areas. Frequent walking, standing, light lifting, up to 40 pounds, and other limited physical activities are required. Occasional travel with students on field trips may be necessary. Occasional movement of students by wheelchairs and other mechanical devices may be required. Regular Instruction to special needs children may be necessary. Occasional lifting of equipment such as audio-visuals weighing up to 50 pounds may be required. Daily personal and close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required. Regular contact with other staff members, and parents is required. Occasional contact with medical professionals may be required. Frequent contact with parents by phone and in person is necessary.
Performance will be evaluated on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities.


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Cut the Cord and Save $123 a Month
This video is part of our 2015 #MoneyMinute contest. Click the "thumbs up" below to vote for this video as one of your favorites and check out all the video entries here. Remember, voting occurs daily!
Name: Peter Anderson
Website: Bible Money Matters
Entry Category: Saving Money and Frugal Living
#MoneyMinute Voting is closed
This is Peter with biblemoneymatters.com, and this is my one minute money tip. Pay TV customers have an average monthly bill of $123 dollars according to the NPD group. My tip to save money is just to get rid of your expensive cable TV package and become a cord-cutter. These days there are a ton of free, over the air content options as well as streaming online options. First thing you need to do is get an over the air DVR like the Tablo TV DVR. You can record all of your ov- favorite over the air shows, and watch them on all of your different devices. Second, get a video streaming device. Something like the Amazon Fire TV Stick, which is my favorite, for $39 dollars. Third, subscribe to a video streaming service. Some of my favorites are Sling TV, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu, and HBO Now. Once you're set up, you're going to be saving about $100 dollars per month, and who wouldn't want an extra $1,200 dollars per year? Check out more at biblemoneymatters.com/cordcutter.


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Reports and Parent Meetings
Parent - Teacher Meetings
Academic review is a parent – teacher evening, where parents meet with the Form Tutor rather than with subject teachers. It is easier for the parents to gain an holistic view of their child's progress by meeting with the Form Tutor. Traditional parents' evenings often mean that many teachers cannot be visited in the time allowed.
Academic reviews take place twice a year for Key Stage 3 and once for Year 10. Year 10 also has a subject based parents' evening.
Parents can still meet with their child's subject teacher. The Form Tutor will arrange this if it is requested by either the child's parent or the subject teacher.
Years 11, 12 and 13 have two traditional parents' evening per year.
All of our parent – teacher meetings are designed to strengthen the relationship between school and home.
DBS' reports to parents are designed to inform parents about their child's progress and are intended to help raise learner attainment. Reports are issued three times during each academic year. They indicate the end of Key Stage Target and a rating that indicates whether the learner is making appropriate progress.
Our assessment, recording and tracking and reporting procedures ensure that effort and independent learning are also acknowledged. Doing so ensures that teachers and parents are focused on praising effort and progress rather than just attainment.
Monitoring and tracking learner progress is fundamental to raising standards. Each learner is set a challenging target for the end of the Key Stage based on the predictions from internal and external attainment data. A learner's progress is then monitored and tracked across time and across subjects using both 'Assessment for Learning' and 'Assessment of Learning' approaches. These data allow us to monitor whether learners are 'on target', ' above target' or 'below target'. Underperforming learners are identified and necessary interventions are put in place.


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About Renee Marie
Holistic Healing all started when…
I have been practicing holistic therapies for nearly 25 years. I started this journey of self discovery in my mid-20s I suffered with chronic TMJ pain that led me to a serious break down. I tried many main stream therapies utilizing western medicine without much success. I was a cosmetologist at the time, where I worked in a salon for many years, doing what I loved. Since my struggled with chronic pain, I started working as a nail technician (since it was easier on my body.) What I discovered was that after giving many pedicures and manicures, my clients were amazed how I helped ease their pain physically and emotionally. Just by massaging their feet and hands! This is when I discovered reflexology after finding a reflexology book at the local bookstore. Now with a clear understanding how I was helping so many. I found a reflexologist in the area where I had received my first reflexology session. I was so amazed by the treatment and how much it helped me with chronic TMJ pain Iv'e been struggling with for years. My first reflexologist and mentor Allen Burt told me about the International Institute of Reflexology this was where I received my first reflexology certification. I joined the Reflexology Association of Illinois. Within the same year I started my own business. The Healthy Touch Wellness Center
I've continued learning many alternative therapies expanding my knowledge to aide in healing…: lymphatic drainage, crystal therapy, Reiki Master and Reiki Master Teacher, Craino Sacral Therapy. I am a natural medical intuitive blessed with the gift of feeling and following your energy knowing what therapies are needed to help you achieve mental, physical and spiritual balance. I will give you nutritional recommendations and tools for growth and self healing.
Flowing Fabrics all started when…
My first experience with sewing started in ninth grade a semester of sewing. I made A night shirt with a matching cap. I loved the feeling it gave me. When I was young I made a few shirts, skirts and maternity clothing when I was pregnant in my early 20s. My next sewing project was 20 years later when I needed curtains for my yoga studio in Crete in 2008. My husband Michael surprised me with a sewing machine for my birthday. I was so excited, I sewed 35 feet of curtains. My next sewing project started in 2017 making curtains for my home .This time I kept on sewing…pillowcases, pants, shirts & different styles of clothing. My friends kept telling me I should start my own fabric line. Abby was my biggest fan. I finally got Abby out of sweatpants and wearing my "Renee Marie" clothes as she calls them. I decided to call my creations Renee Marie's Flowing Fabrics since everything I make is comfortable and flowing with healing energy. I sew all of my clothes in my little cabin on the river in Clifton Illinois. I mostly do custom orders for my clients they give me their measurements and the style they prefer. Clients can choose their own fabric or I choose the fabric (as I do most frequently) since I'm a intuitive/visionary. They love the element of surprise with a new garment to enhance their wardrobe . Either way I sew with love.
Love to Sew you Soon
Blessings Renee Marie


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Hong Kong's privacy watchdog wants the government to tighten regulations on telemarketing after a survey showed nine in 10 people have received such calls, with almost a quarter getting six or more calls a week.
Privacy Commissioner Allan Chiang said the government should expand the do-not-call (DNC) registers to person-to-person calls.
At present, the registers ward off unsolicited commercial electronic messages including fax messages, short messages and pre-recorded telephone messages but exclude person-to-person (P2P) calls.
The survey showed a growing number of P2P calls, with more people responding negatively to them and fewer people reporting any benefits.
"If someone has received a direct marketing call, they are entitled to request the telemarketer not to use any personal information," government broadcaster RTHK reported, citing Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So.
"The government is open to proposals on how to better protect consumer rights," he said.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data polled 534 residents for the survey conducted in March.
It found the number of respondents who reported receiving P2P calls had increased to 91 percent this year from 84 percent in 2008.
About 23 percent said they received more than six calls per week, up from 8 percent in 2008.
Also, people are running out of patience for such marketing tactics.
About 49 percent of the respondents told the telemarketers that they were not interested at the beginning of the call and 21 percent said they discontinued the conversation immediately compared with 11 percent in 2008.
– Contact us at [email protected]


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Best designer swimsuits from Miami Swim Week
Indulge sent contributing fashion correspondent Cata Balzano to roam the runway shows and VIP parties of Miami Swim Week, scanning for the latest swimsuits, swimwear styles and bathing suit fashion trends. These six designers' looks caught her eye.
1. Aguaclara Swimwear is bold and beautiful
Cata says: "Aguaclara designers Jorge and Liliana Villalobos found a harmonious combination between bold colors, elegant patterns, and unique cuts and shapes. This yellow-and-black look is one of my favorites." aguaclara-swimwear.com.
2. Agua Bendita shows star power
Cata says: "Agua Bendita fabulously combined earthy tones with intricate detailing, including plenty of fringe. Designers Catalina Alvarez and Mariana Hinestroza, who take pride in the brand's initiative of employing artisan women in Colombia, tapped Colombian model and actress Ariadna Gutierrez to open the show." aguabendita.com.
3. Beach Bunny has sexy swimsuits
Cata says: "Beach Bunny's Heaven on Earth collection was an array of black, beige and bubblegum pink. Each of their bikinis are sexy in unique ways, especially this one." beachbunnyswimwear.com.
4. Gottex Swimwear exudes elegance
Cata says: "Gottex Swimwear presented the most elegant swimsuit I saw. This white halter-top two-piece is almost bridal — definitely for a special occasion." gottex-swimwear.com.
5. Keva J does sporty swimsuits with a twist
Cata says: "Keva J Swimwear's black bikini is sporty and casual, but the razor-front cut of the top gives it an edge." kevabykevaj.com.
6. Liliana Montoya gets inspired by wanderlust
Cata says: "Liliana Montoya's latest collection, inspired by a trip to the Maldives, includes this vivid bikini with double straps on the bottom: high-rise and low-rise."
See more of Miami Swim Week trends and fashion recaps at Indulge's sister site, Miami.com.


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A 26-year-old man charged in connection with a 10-hour standoff with police in C.B.S. last weekend has agreed to remain in custody for now.
James Christopher Tyson, 26, appeared in court Wednesday, when the Crown indicated it was opposed to his release. He'll be back before a judge Feb. 7.
Tyson was arrested around 2 p.m. Saturday at a home in the Bayview Heights area of C.B.S., in which he had allegedly barricaded himself with a weapon.
Police received reports of a man in distress inside the home around 4 a.m., and members of the RNC's patrol, forensic identification, criminal investigation, K9, tactical and rescue and explosive disposal units were dispatched to the scene. Members of the RCMP's explosive disposal unit also attended.
Police advised neighbours to remain inside their homes as things unfolded, and employed a surveillance drone and a robot over the course of the standoff. At one point, officers were seen using a loudspeaker to tell someone to answer their phone.
Police say Tyson eventually came peacefully into custody.
Tyson has been charged with two counts of carelessly using a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm while prohibited and breaching court orders in relation to the standoff. At the time of his arrest he was wanted on a number of warrants, and has thus also been charged with more court order breaches, three assaults, operating a vehicle with no valid licence, driving an unregistered vehicle and failing to appear for a scheduled court date.
Related story:


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Send report to us, if you can't play game or has other problems (try reload page again)
Interact with objects using the←mouse button.
Playing Dress Up games online never gets old! Blushing Bride Dress Up will be another game that surely keeps you engaged. You are equipped with multiple kinds of outfits to try on. This time, you will give a hand to a bride who wants to look the most beautiful possible on her wedding day. Pick a nice wedding dress for her, put on her face some makeup, and drag some amazing accessories on her. Do you think you are the best stylish for this bride? Join the game now!


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Welcome to FULL BLEED
The premiere publication from IDW's new imprint, WOODWORKS. IDW & WOODWORKS intend to make smart books, for smart people…and do what they can to help make more smart people.
Full Bleed, The Comics & Culture Quarterly is a 200 page hardcover magazine celebrating the best in comics, fiction, non-fiction, long interviews and more. Combining music, film, history, opinion, politics, fine art and design—Full Bleed is a reading experience like no other.
Publisher: Ted Adams
Creative Director: Dirk Wood
Art Director: Robbie Robbins
Curated & Edited by Dirk Wood & Ted Adams
With Editorial contributions, assistance and advice from:
Chris Ryall, Chris Staros, Shawna Gore, Diana Schutz, Charles Brownstein, Alex Cox, Sarah Gaydos, Leigh Walton, Jeremy Atkins, Scott Tipton, Scott Dunbier, Greg Goldstein, David Hedgecock
Designs by: Robbie Robbins, Ben Brown, Jack Rivera, Richard Fowlks, & Chris Ross
Cover, logos and endpapers designed by Ben Brown
Art for endpapers by Joe Macca


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Deep Work gives insights into the importance of mastery and the value of doing deep work. I really like, and agree with, the thesis and hypothesis of the book. Every one should find value in this book and I often recommend it as one of my favorites.
Category: Reading
The ONE Thing Book Summary
The ONE Thing is incredible and is on my list of best books of 2018. It shares several similar concepts with Essentialism. The main concepts that helped me are learning to use the focusing question, being aware of the domino effect, and time blocking.
The Ideal Team Player Book Summary
Insights into building company culture, what makes good team players, and specific tactics for interviewing and hiring. The book has value for any leaders, managers, employees, and especially for anyone involved in hiring and human resources.
Bluefishing Book Summary
Bluefishing exceeded my expectations. Steve Sims makes many key points covering topics of passion, relationships, career advice, learning, failure, creating experiences for people and customers, brand building, and more.
The New One Minute Manager Book Summary
"Your job is to show people how to manage themselves and enjoy it. You want them to succeed when you are not around." This quote summarizes the message of the book. It is written as a narrative. Contains many good insights. I recommend it for anyone, and especially managers and leaders.
The More of Less Book Summary
The author's stated goal of this book is to introduce you to a lifestyle of owning less, without letting you lose sight of the purpose for it. Mainly, finding the freedom to pursue the things that matter most to you.
The Virgin Way Book Summary
Richard has some great thoughts about passion, note-taking, listening, leadership, hiring, and delegating. I especially recommend reading if you are looking for advice on these topics.


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Greetings! The purpose of this website is to share information with the members of the Southwest Harbor Fleet. All are welcome to see what is happening and join. (see the membership section)
The different pages have: the current sailing instructions and calendars, the minutes of recent meetings and other notices, the race results and also useful links. Since we'd like to think this is a collaborative effort, feel free to suggest useful links to Ken Brookes, our Commodore, (email@example.com ) or Ken Fox, (firstname.lastname@example.com), our secretary.
The view pictured here is of the waters we love to sail, and race upon. The foreground is of Somes Sound, with Valley cove on the right, a favorite destination for the Picnic Race, and then with the racing area more in the background.


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Have I made it clear how much I love cheese? If not, allow me this opportunity to make it perfectly clear.
I love that shit.
And like laila does, when she loves something, she poems about it. Yeah I just made poem into a verb. Here we go…
You bring me to my knees.
And combining stink and creaminess,
is when you most appease.
I love you upon breaking fast.
On lunch you definitely shall not be passed.
Although I try to keep you out of dinner.
For fear that I will never be thinner.
But in general I hate to leave you out.
You make everything better, without a doubt.
Like veggies that I'd like to avoid,
Seeing you nearby gets me overjoyed.
Screw the rules of no cheese with fish.
Those people are unnecessarily squeemish.
Cheese goes with everything,
and can be under them, above, or in between.
Sometimes I find myself near tears,
When I find that there is no cheese near.
Or when I order a burger to go,
And they forget to insert that golden pillow.
Why must you taste so good to me?
Why must you come in a million varieties?
It's a dirty trick to be so nice.
And make me try all of them twice.
Yes twice because I have to ensure,
that I properly investigate that which allures.
I love you cheese, I really do.
I don't care if your soft, hard or bleu.
If they ever try to take you away,
The taker-awayers will rue the day.
For I shall not be without.
I shall forever remain devout.
To you and all for which you stand.
Peace, harmony, and death to the bland.


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We are now in Carcassonne again. We have a favoured mooring spot between the lock by Marengo bridge and the SNCF lock and we were lucky enough to be allocated it once more. Today is market day and so we nipped up to the market in the Bastide Saint-Louis which we found a bit lacklustre, though we did manage to find some tasty looking sausages in the Halle. We then finally succeeded in having a meal at Le Cathare, a restaurant we have been trying to eat at since last year. We had a nice lunch preceded by a coupe de champagne to celebrate our wedding anniversary which was yesterday. Le Cathare was a little bit eccentric - not at all ritzy, though excellent food, and a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We were happy.
The journey from Toulouse has been not without incident. Indeed Toulouse itself was rather action-packed. As we arrived at our mooring in the port our engine stalled and once restarted refused to go into gear. Luckily, we were able to tie up and then try to work out what was going on. There being nobody remotely mechanically inclined aboard Cassandra, it really was a team effort by all the other plaisanciers in the port. Steve diagnosed that there was something wrapped around the propeller; Tony provided the goggles and the sharp knife; Pierre heroically donned the mask and dived under the hull to cut away and carry up large quantities of tarpaulin. The rest of us stood watching in admiration, or in my case calling out incessantly to Pierre not to take any risks with his own safety. The pompiers (from the fire station conveniently situated nearby) stood by disapprovingly saying that they would have happily checked it out for us and that their guys had all the kit, not to mention inoculations for diving in the dirty city water. But Pierre was young, impatient and up for a challenge and in no time he had removed the tarpaulin and Cassandra had moved to another more suitable position in the port. We were delighted and hours later were travelling back to London for a long weekend at home.
On our return to Toulouse we set off up the canal du midi after a rather unsatisfactory shopping trip. It was yet another holiday day in France and the shelves in the only open metro shop near the port were pretty bare. It really didn't matter though. We had plenty of food for the five days it took us to reach Castelnaudary, including one day when we were mostly tied up because of high wind. We always enjoy stopping at the summit of the canal du midi and walking through the centre of the space which was meant to be the reservoir for the canal, but proved unsuitable. This year we stepped in to the rather tumbledown mill which is now a sort of brasserie/restaurant run by an English/French couple. Our French friend Marie-Anne who was with us for this stretch ( and excellent crew she was too!) commented that the cuisine or at least presentation of it was distinctively British, but I don't think I would have recognised this without her insight. In any case, the food was good, as was the beer.
When we were stopped by the wind we were beside the Not pottery which we had never previously visited, so it was a chance to go in and see the artisan pottery for garden and kitchen use which they have been producing for almost two hundred years. The style of their dishes for the local dish of cassoulet are now very much associated with the dish itself.
The next day the wind died down and we cruised calmly down into the port of Castelnaudary where Marie-Anne jumped in her car and rejoined the 21st Century. We do love this place, not least because we feel the spirit of our dear little Bonnie is still here. We know a lovely Cairn also called Bonnie ( and her owner, Michèle) who live near the port, so it was good to catch up with them as well.
This year we have been moving the car along with us as we did last year. It is a bit of a mixed blessing. It means that the car is sometimes with us and available for a trip to an out-of-town supermarket, but it also means that skipper has to do convoluted and time-consuming trips by train to fetch the car and repark it in the next port. This time it was at least available for us to drive ahead to recce ports for Cassandra for the month of July. We had a day out visiting the ports of Capestang, Béziers, Colombiers and Narbonne with a nice meal at Poilhes, a port we would have liked to consider, but we were told emphatically that it is full. It was a very useful trip and we managed to meet the capitaine and fill out forms for him at Capestang, our chosen port. Once we had done this, we were back on board and ready to head towards Carcassonne. The first lock out of Castelnaudary is a splendid staircase of four locks which always seems to be manned by the same super-efficient lockkeeper. He has to be quick as there is a popular hireboat base in Castelnaudary and he has to send many boats through in quick succession. There were already boats travelling down, but we managed to start off our journey with a lock to ourselves for the staircase. This is a luxury we shall not have much for the busy part of the canal du midi which we are now entering.
Between Castelnaudary and Carcassonne there are some delightful rural and village moorings, and one of the bonuses of being in a busy and much used part of the canal is that there are plenty of mooring posts for tying up for the night securely. We are now entering a section of the canal which we have not been in since 2015, so we plan to slow down even more and stop often. We are already total snails compared to the hire-boats who all cover enormous distances at high speed, and often in unsafe conditions. This afternoon there has been a high wind with gusts of 60 kph. Cassandra is safely tied up, but we have watched a succession of hire-boats crash into Marengo bridge and one poor crew-member fall overboard in the lock when the boat crashed into the lock side. I was glad to see him swim safely to the ladder on the lockside, and emerge just a bit wet, but otherwise unhurt.


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Join the Boys and Girls Clubs 'Day for Kids'
Oxnard, Calif. – Children thrive when they have a caring adult in their lives. To encourage quality family time and to celebrate children for who they are, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme invites everyone to join them at their free event, the Seventh Annual "Day for Kids". This year's family-oriented event will be held 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sept. 22 at the Martin V. Smith Youth Center, 1900 West 5th Street, Oxnard. There is no cost to attend.
Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/jul/23/join-the-boys-and-girls-clubs-day-for-kids-5719/#ixzz23eLoUt7x
– vcstar.com
– vcstar.com


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Hi-Power LED Gel Light
Advanced LED light technology is the fresh new trend in the nail industry.
Cures gel polish in seconds. Other UV lights take 2 mins to cure while the Hi-Power LED UV LIght.only takes seconds!
LED lamp features:
-Sleek design
-Fast curing
-10 sec for base coat, 30 seconds for colors, 10 seconds for top coat.
-Automatic Heat/Hand On/Off sensor
-Consistent, even LED curing
-Lightweight, durable easy portability, pedicure ready, easily sanitized, safe visible light technology, comfortable, ergonomically designed.
-10 sec, 30 sec, & 60 sec settings.
-120v input; 19.5dc v output
-30 watts
-Light source life: 30000 to 50000 hrs
-1-year Limited Warranty


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Video Quality
The Blackvue DR750LW is a front and rear dashcam with a 4″ Touchscreen LCD.
The Blackvue DR750LW comes as a 2 camera package, one front facing and one rear facing ensuring you capture video both in front of and behind your vehicle. The camera's 4″ LCD screen allows you to set PIP mode (picture in picture) so both front and back cameras can be viewed in a single screen. The front and rear screens both support full 1080p hd (1920×1080) at 30 frames per second.
With multiple recording modes the camera can automatically capture accidents, standard journeys, and can work in parking mode capturing any movement around your vehicle whilst it is parked up – excellent for capturing a vandal or potential thief in the act. The camera itself comes packaged with everything you need to get going, both the front and rear facing cameras, a cable to connect these together, windscreen mounts for both, a power lead, a 16gb SD card and an SD to USB adapter.
Main Features
- 4 inch LCD Touchscreen allowing you to review videos and real-time video on the fly
- Front and rear facing cameras with supported pip mode – capture both in one video.
- Emergency recording – in event of an accident the camera's g-sensor will automatically save and protect your latest video
- OTA Firmware Updates (firmware updating "over the air" rather than having to manually update firmware.
Installing and setting up the camera is simple, with everything you need provided in the box. This is slightly different as it contains 2 cameras instead of the usual single camera – a cable is provided to connect the front and rear cameras together, and cable clips are also provided to keep the cables neatly out of the way.
Both the front and rear mount cameras come with simple, quick release window mounts so if you wish to remove the cameras you can do so quickly and easily. If you wish to leave the cameras in on parking mode, you can feel safe in the knowledge that the DR750LW contains built in battery protection, so will shut itself off if your car battery begins to get low on power (Parking Mode requires the camera to be hard wired into your car so it can have a constant power supply).
- 4 Inch LCD Touchscreen allowing you to easily manage the camera and settings without having to connect it to a smartphone or PC/Laptop
- Front and rear cameras meaning you can capture footage of incidents behind you as well as in front
- Built in power protection – no need for power magic pro or similar external power unit
- Quick release windscreen mounts
- Rear camera output is reversed/flipped so it is not a true representation of what is behind – don't try and use it for reversing!
- No GPS as standard – requires purchase of an external GPS Antenna – this is the biggest downside in our opinion
- This camera can be picky about the SD card used – we'd recommend sticking to Blackvue's recommended cards or recording quality can be poor.
Summary Of The Blackvue DR750LW Dashcam
This camera, whilst excellent at what it does, is a little bittersweet for us. The price of the camera itself is quite high but not ridiculous, until you take into account the requirement for an external GPS antenna which pushes the price that little bit higher and makes it a top end price in our eyes. If the GPS was built in, this would be almost perfect.
That said, you do get a lot of device for your money, with both front and rear cameras both supporting full HD, and a 4″ touchscreen, it feels like it has that little more finesse than some of the more basic models. The camera itself is quite bulky but can still be fitted neatly without obscuring your view of the road, and the size is of course the price you pay for having a 4″ screen, which we feel more than makes up for the bulkyness.
The dashcam includes built in power protection, so if you intend to use it in parking mode you'll not need to purchase a power magic pro unit (perhaps the saving on power magic pro could be used to purchase a GPS antenna?) so you do save some money there.
The camera saves videos in 3 minute files which is either a help or a hinderance depending on exactly what you use your camera for, but playback is seemless and it will play through each file without any pausing or stuttering, so you won't even know it's moving to the next video. If you plan to post a journey video online you'll need to use a video editor to stitch the files together, but that's a fairly simple task with today's editing tools.
So – do we recommend the Blackvue DR750LW?
If you can afford the price of this dash-cam then it's certainly a contender as one of the top cams available on the market, the front and rear cameras and the touchscreen display really sell it to us, we added the optional GPS antenna and it was just about perfect, if the GPS was built in as standard then this would also get a 5 star for features, instead it gets a close 4.
Video Playback from the Blackvue DR750LW


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Hearts of Palm Pasta with Sausage Ragu/
I've often thought that a convincing low-carb pasta was almost impossible. In theory, I thought that maybe a food scientist would someday concoct something made from wonky processed food ingredients that could be believable. But pasta made out of real food that is low-carb? No way.
Palmini pasta was kind enough to send me a couple cans of their hearts of palm pasta. At only 90 calories, 18g of carbs, and 12g of fiber per can, I was skeptical. How could it be so healthy, but taste so similar to pasta?
I figured I could at least give one can of Palmini a whirl with a basic sausage ragu. To say I was impressed with the result would be an understatement.
When I opened my first can, I started snacking on the pasta right away. Luckily I didn't eat too much, so I didn't have to open up a second can to complete the recipe! I can't wait to cook up my next can soon!
Whether or not you're cooking with Palmini, this ragu is amazing and will be great with regular pasta too. Or if one person at your dinner table is living a low-carb or keto lifestyle, but you need your wheat noodles, why not make pasta two ways? Yep, now everyone's palates can be pleased!
Hearts of Palm Pasta with Sausage Ragu
Time: 35 Minutes
Serves: 4
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
5 bratwurst sausages (about 1 lb), casings removed
1 tbsp fennel seeds
1 medium carrot, grated
2 tbsp garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp oregano
1 tsp red pepper flakes (or more if desired)
1/4 cup Ruby port wine
1 28-oz can whole peeled tomatoes
3 bay leaves
1 can Palmini pasta, rinsed and drained
2/3 cups parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add bratwurst and fennel seeds and cook until the sausage starts to brown, about 5 minutes. Add grated carrot and cook until sausage is completely cooked through, about 5 more minutes.
Add an additional tablespoon of oil to the skillet and stir in garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in port and bring to a boil and cook until the wine almost evaporates, about 1-2 minutes. Add the whole peeled tomatoes and bay leaves. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes, until the flavors combine. Discard bay leaves.
Add Palmini pasta to the ragu and stir in parmesan and parsley until combined, about 3 minutes. Serve on plates and garnish with additional parsley and parmesan if desired.
If you liked this recipe, you will love my recipes for Fresh Pasta with Favas, Tomatoes, and Sausage, Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Garden Greens, and Fettuccine with Guanciale and Garden Fresh Tomato Sauce!


text: Description of a new Batrochoglanis species (Siluriformes, Pseudopimelodidae) from the rio Paraguai basin, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Oscar Akio Shibatta Carla Simone Pavanelli Zootaxa 2005 1092 21 30 urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:56D3F375-873A-42A6-8B2E-3B5AEFF4F90C Actinopterygii Pseudopimelodidae Batrochoglanis CoL Animalia Batrochoglanis melanurus Shibatta & Pavanelli 2005 Siluriformes 23 Chordata species melanurus Figs. 1 and 2 Diagnosis. The new species can be differentiated from all of its congeners by having a homogeneous dark-brown caudal-fin coloration pattern. In addition, it can be distinguished from B. acanthochiroides ( Guentert)by having a deeper head (39.5 to 46.2 versus 26.0 to 38.7), a wider pectoral girdle (30.7 to 31.9 versus 28.4 to 30.4), and a longer adipose-fin base (16.0 to 21.5 versus 12.5 to 15.5); from B. raninus (Valenciennes)by a deeper head (39.5 to 46.2 versus 29.0 to 39.4); and from B. transmontanus (Regan)by having a longer adipose-fin base (16.0 to 21.5 versus 11.5 to 14.3), and a longer pelvic-fin length (19.8 to 22.4 versus 14.0 to 16.3). Description. Morphometric data are presented in Table 1. Body depressed from snout to dorsal-fin origin, and posteriorly compressed. Profile gently convex from snout tip to dorsal-fin origin, slightly inclined upwards. Dorsal-fin base profile more pronouncedly convex, due to well developed musculature. Profile from dorsal-fin end to adipose-fin end almost straight (not considering adipose fin), inclined downwards. Dorsal profile more straight in young specimens (Fig. 2). Ventral profile from tip of lower jaw to anal-fin end slightly convex, almost straight. More straight on isthmus region. Profile pronounced convex in young specimens from pectoral girdle to pelvics, and from this point to anal-fin origin (Fig. 2). Procurrent rays present just after adipose and anal fins. Head large, its length about 3 times in SL; its width greater than its depth. Mouth terminal, with lower jaw a little shorter than superior. Adductor mandibulae muscles and rictal fold at the corners of the mouth well developed, giving thickset appearance to head and lower jaw. Opercular membrane large and well developed. Eye relatively small, in upper lateral position and covered by skin. Tubular anterior nostril over lip. Maxillary barbel surpassing distal opercle edge, sometimes reaching vertical through dorsal-fin origin in young specimens. Outer mental barbel reaching pectoral-fin base. Anterior cranial fontanelle extending slightly beyond posterior orbit border. Dorsal fin trapezoidal, with posterior border rounded and origin situated before midpoint of standard length; not reaching adipose-fin origin when adpressed; first lepidotrichium ("spinelet") small and rigid, forming dorsal-fin locking mechanism; second ray elongated, forming spine; six branched rays. Adipose fin slightly elongated, with posterior border angular and free. Pectoral fin triangular, not reaching pelvic-fin origin when adpressed; first ray rigid and strongly serrate on both sides; six branched rays. Pelvic fin rounded, originating just after vertical through dorsalfin end, reaching anal-fin origin when adpressed; one unbranched and five branched rays. Anal fin rounded, its base length smaller than adipose-fin base; three to five unbranched rays and six or seven branched ones. Caudal fin almost rounded, with rounded lobes, with upper lobe longest in smaller specimens; 13 branched rays. Lateral-line pores present until just beyond adipose-fin end. Eight to eleven total gill rakers. Axillary pore absent. Color in alcohol. Coloration pattern variable with ontogenetic development. Largest specimen, the holotype, dark-brown with blotches light-brown irregularly disposed on dorsal, pectoral, pelvic and anal fins; adipose-fin anterior and posterior borders, nape, adductor mandibulae muscles region, and median region of the flank lighter than other parts of the trunk; caudal fin entirely dark-brown. Smaller specimens (three paratypes) with coloration pattern of body and pectoral and pelvic fins dark-blotched. Regions of head, just after nape, below dorsal and adipose fins, and caudal-fin base darkened by concentration of dark dots. Dorsal and anal fins dark with median hyaline band. Smaller specimens have a dark-colored tail similar to the holotype. Distribution. The new species is known only from the type-locality, corregoCancela, affluent of rio Cuiaba, rio Paraguai basin, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil (Fig. 3). Etymology. The species name melanurus, from Greek melan, black, and ouras, tail, referring to the dark coloration of the caudal fin. An adjective. Discussion Whereas Lundberg et al. (1991) demonstrated the monophyly of the family (subfamily in that paper), and Shibatta (2003b) determined the phylogenetic relationships among the genera, the taxonomy of pseudopimelodid species remains obscure. Three color patterns of the caudal fin in Batrochoglanisspecies are known. The first pattern, in what is henceforth called the " raninus Group", containing B. raninus, B. transmontanusand B. acanthochiroides, is a light caudal fin, with a dark band on the posterior third. The second pattern, shown only in B. villosus, is a light caudal fin, with dark dots irregularly distributed. The third pattern, found only in B. melanurus, has the caudal fin completely dark. The coloration pattern is useful for separating species, but apparently does not allow inferences about phylogenetic relationships to be safely made, since this character is widespread in this family. A light caudal fin with a dark band is also displayed by species of Pseudopimelodus, and Microglanis, and the completely dark caudal fin probably arose independently in Batrochoglanis, Cephalosilurus, and Microglanis. Otherwise, the variation in coloration of B. melanurus, from on ontogenetic perspective, suggests that the presence of dark blotches on the body is a plesiomorphic condition, and that the homogeneously dark coloration pattern of the body is an apomorphic condition. The same blotches occur in B. villosus, but with the formation of a homogeneous spotted pattern. The fact that the pattern with dark blotches is found in species of Pseudopimelodus, Microglanis, and Cephalosilurusreinforces this hypothesis. However, adults of B. raninusand B. transmontanuspresent a black body rather than a dark brown one, while in B. acanthochiroidesit is spotted. The morphometric similarity between B. melanurusand B. villosusis perhaps the best clue to infer possible phylogenetic relationships. These two species would therefore compose a group, sister group of the " raninus Group". The absence of the axillary pore in B. melanurusalso occurs in the other species of the genus, as well as in Microglanisspecies. Shibatta (2003a) presumes that this character is synapomorphic for these two genera. The type locality of B. melanurusis situated in the upper rio Paraguai basin, near the rio Arinos one of the headwaters of the rio Tapajos, a large tributary of the Amazon basin. Several specimens of B. villosusfrom the rio Tapajosbasin were examined (see appendix); however, none presented a dark caudal fin. Even if there previously occurred an episode of ichthyofaunal transfer by headwater capture, the elapsed time since would be enough for the new population to establish a character that differentiates it from the others (assuming a sister-species relationship between B. melanurusand B. villosus). It is possible that other new species, sympatric to B. melanurusand related with Amazonian forms, will be discovered in the region. 2000-04-19 MZUSP Nupelia Brazil -14.70835 corrego Cancela, affluent of rio Cuiaba, rio Paraguai basin; Nobres -56.2641667 MZUSP 87240 State of Mato Grosso Holotype 2000-12-14 NUP Nupelia Brazil -14.70835 corrego Cancela, affluent of rio Cuiaba, rio Paraguai basin; Nobres -56.2641667 NUP 3430 State of Mato Grosso Paratype 2002-11-18 MZUEL Nupelia Brazil -14.70835 corrego Cancela, affluent of rio Cuiaba, rio Paraguai basin; Nobres -56.2641667 MZUEL 3669 State of Mato Grosso Paratype 2002-11-18 MZUEL Nupelia Brazil -14.70835 corrego Cancela, affluent of rio Cuiaba, rio Paraguai basin; Nobres -56.2641667 MZUEL 3670 State of Mato Grosso Paratype 2003-05-21 MZUEL Nupelia Brazil -14.70835 corrego Cancela, affluent of rio Cuiaba, rio Paraguai basin; Nobres -56.2641667 MZUEL 3671 State of Mato Grosso Paratype