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It was 2003, I had a one year old son and I was working part time as a Speech Language Pathologist in Early Intervention. I was suffering from what I like to refer to as "Mom guilt." I loved my job, I loved my son but I hated dropping him off at daycare. My husband and I decided it was time for a change. We determined private practice was the answer. I could work from home in the evening while my husband watched our son. I put in my notice at work and immediately went about setting up my own private practice. I'm not going to deny that I was a little nervous. How was I going to get clients? How was I going to pay for all the materials I needed to provide adequate services? How would I set up my home environment in a way to allow me to provide therapy for my clients without interrupting my family's life? How would I handle billing? What about liability?
Over the last few years several SLP's interested in setting up their own private practices have asked me similar questions. While I am no expert, I am happy to share what has worked for me. Hopefully, those of you interested in working for yourselves will gain some insight as to how you might make it a reality.
My first concern of course was clients. How would I get them? Having worked in early intervention I was fortunate enough to know some people looking for private therapy now that their children were over the age of three. I started with those clients and went from there. Next I made sure my name was on the ASHA web site as a private SLP in my area. After that I contacted the local hospitals and Universities and got my name on the referral list for private speech therapists. I also contacted other private therapists in the area and let them know that I would appreciate any referrals they might have in the event that their caseloads were full. I have also found it useful to share my business cards with local pediatricians and school teachers. Between my efforts to get my name out there, and word of mouth I have always had all the clients I have time to see.
With a handful of clients interested in beginning therapy my next question was how would I afford the materials I needed to get started. After consulting with my husband we decided we'd make the investment in a few key things, my own personal computer, Boardmaker, a copier and a laminator. With those tools we figured I could make what I needed to get started and continue to acquire what I needed as I went. I was armed and prepared (at least I felt like was making progress). Even still the task of making all the materials I needed was daunting so I just took it a week at a time. I prepared what materials I needed in therapy for the upcoming week. As the weeks went on I appreciated how quickly I was able to acquire the materials I needed. Over time, I have been able to acquire some basic assessments for the school age population I work mainly with, as well as other therapy tools and treatment programs. The trick was to not expect to have everything right away, just start with your clients immediate needs and build from there.
Now that I had clients coming, and the therapy materials I needed, my next question was how would I set up my home environment in a way to allow me to provide therapy for my clients without interrupting my family's life? Well to be honest, when I first started my therapy setup wasn't ideal but we figured a way to make it work. I tell you this because if you are determined you can find a way no matter what your circumstances may be. At the time I started my husband and I lived in a three bedroom, two bathroom condo on the second floor. We decided to turn the first bedroom into my therapy room. The second bedroom remained my son's room and the third bedroom was ours. I organized all my son's toys on shelves in my therapy room. I used the closet for all my therapy materials I didn't want my son to get into during the week and I put a small table with two chairs in the middle of the room. When I opened my closet doors on therapy day my room was immediately transformed from my sons play room to my therapy room. I had easy access to all my therapy materials.
With my therapy room all setup I had to determine where I would have the parents wait while I did therapy with their children. So I put a video camera in my therapy room that would always be on my client and I. Then my husband connected the video camera to the television in my family room so the parents of my clients could wait on the couch in the other room while they watched what we were doing in therapy. It has turned out to be a great system. The parents love that they can see everything that is going on, and I love that having the parents in the other room reduces client distractions.
Another way I have tried to reduce distractions for my clients during therapy is to put a sign on my front door, like the one pictured above, with my clinic name on it that invites clients to just walk in instead of ringing the doorbell. When the next client arrives they simply wait in the family room until the previous session has ended. This makes for a smooth transition between clients.
When my second child was on the way my husband and I looked for a larger home. While we made therapy work in the condo, meaning my husband and son pretty much hibernated in the back bedrooms while I did therapy, we decided it was time to look for a home that would work a little better. Our goal was to find a home that could have a separate entrance for my clients and a space we could divide from the rest of the house that included a therapy room, a family room/waiting room and a bathroom. With a little patience we were able to find what we were looking for within our budget. And the best part is I can do therapy without it affecting the lives of my family quite as much.
With clients coming, materials ready and a place to provide therapy I knew it was time to tackle the uncomfortable subject of billing. To start with I had to determine how much I would charge for my services. I did this by comparing how much other private therapists in the area were charging before I determined my rate. Then I decided that I would offer therapy sessions in 30 minute or 1 hour increments only. From there I was able to prepare my invoices. I was sure to include my clinic logo and information, the client name, the billing month, the dates of service, the hourly rate for service and the total due. I also include at the bottom of every bill an outline of the payment agreement.
The payment agreement states that the client will pay for services one month in advance, if a client is more than two weeks late in paying their bill a late fee of $10 will be applied to their bill. The client is allowed two free cancellations a year and after that they are charged 50% for every additional cancellation. It also states that if a client misses therapy with no notice that they will be charged the full amount for services. In addition if a client check bounces a $25.00 fee will be applied to their bill.
This type of stuff can be difficult to talk to clients about, but it's certainly necessary to let them know up front what your expectations are. I simply put it in the parent contract I have the parents sign at my first parent meeting before I begin therapy, then follow up and ask if they have any questions. I have found that having it all outlined for the parents makes it easier on them and me. It helps them realize that my time is important and they seem to be more committed to therapy as a result.
With committed clients, therapy materials, a place to practice and invoices ready I only had one more concern. What about liability? That can be kind of scary for an independent private therapist. First I made sure I got a business license through the city in which I reside. Then I decided to handle this the same way most health care providers handle it. I have my clients sign a contract before therapy begins that essentially releases me from any liability.
In my contract I state that I am an SLP with my certificate of clinical competence through ASHA. I state that I am licensed through my state as well as have a business license with my city. I state that I will provide services that both parties agree on but that ultimately it is the parents' responsibility for bringing the goals to therapy. It is stated that the parent will not hold me responsible for any claims or damages of any kind, for injury to any person or persons and/or for any damages due to loss of property arising directly or indirectly out of participation in these therapy sessions.
Then I review the payment agreement, which I outlined above. Finally I have the parents sign their name and the date. I'm sure my contract may not be legally air tight, but it gives me a little more peace of mind as I try to do what I love to do. Be a mom and a speech language pathologist out of my home.
With clients, materials, a place to do therapy, invoices handled and less concern about liability the only thing left to do is just do it! I know that everyone's situation is different and what has worked for me, may not entirely work for you. I hope that sharing this information will at least give you a place to begin when starting your home-based speech therapy business.
Running my own private practice has truly been a joy of mine, and the best part is that I feel like I'm still home with my kiddos. I get to do it all, stay connected to the world of speech language pathology on my own time and never miss putting my kids down for nap or greeting them when they get off the bus. I love it! I hope you will too.
Heidi Hanks, MS, CCC-SLP, lives in Utah with her husband and (soon to be) 4 children. She graduated from Utah State University in 2000 with her Master's degree in Communicative Disorders. She worked in early intervention for 3 years and has been doing private therapy from her home for the last 7 years. She also writes the blog Mommy Speech Therapy, which is aimed at helping parents take a more active role in helping their children with speech and communication development. Heidi can also be found on Twitter @mommy_slp.


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How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn't identify? Here's your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else's work from the safety of your living room or office. Joe Tedesco, who has a knack for finding shoddy electrical work, did the dirty work and found this mess. Now it's your turn to identify the violation.
Find the Answer
Nicholas Volpenhein, a project manager with Volpenhein Brothers Electric in Cincinnati, came upon this icy installation, although it was not his company's doing. "This is what happens when you forget to seal a conduit in a freezer," he says.
What's wrong with this picture? NEC 300.7, Raceways Exposed to Different Temperatures (A) Sealing, states: "Where portions of a cable raceway or sleeve are known to be subjected to different temperatures and where condensation is known to be a problem, as in cold storage areas of buildings or where passing from the interior to the exterior of a building, the raceway or sleeve shall be filled with an approved material to prevent the circulation of warm air to a colder section of the raceway or sleeve. An explosionproof seal shall not be required for this purpose."

subset: commoncrawl


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Today the king of all wild things is gone. Maurice Sendak has passed away at 83. A big inspiration to me. I would have loved to have the chance to have met him, but I did get to see his original works on display in NYC.
The characters pictured here are from Where the Wild Things Are, Little Bear, In The Night Kitchen, Higglety Pigglet Pop, Bumble Ardy, The Griffin and the Minor Canon and The Nutshell Library.
Rest in peace, Maurice, take care in that big rumpus in the sky. Thank you for all your wonderful gifts. When I look at your work I feel like my supper will always be hot.


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Joe Student
If you don't enjoy the things I write about — entertainment, nightlife, music, booze, gadgets, sports, Playboy models and more —you're probably dead. I enjoy when you read what I write. (And, yes, it's my real name. Stop asking.)
World Series MVP Ben Zobrist and catcher Miguel Montero drove in runs in the 10th inning, and the Chicago Cubs edged the Indians, 8-7, to win their first championship since 1908 in Game 7 in Cleveland early Thursday morning.
The Vikings defense forced two turnovers that led to 10 points, and Minnesota squashed the New York Giants, 24-10, on Monday night.
The Denver defense had seven sacks and forced four turnovers, and the Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers, 24-10, in Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sunday night.
The top seeds in the AFC and NFC each won on Sunday to advance to next week's conference championships. Here's a recap of the action:
The higher seeds prevailed in the NFL divisional round playoffs on Saturday. Here's a recap of the day's action:
NFC teams squared off on the second day of the NFL playoffs. Here's a recap of Sunday's games:
The first day of the NFL playoffs saw two drastically different games. Here's a recap of the action from Saturday:
The NFL playoffs begin this weekend with four games in the Wild Card round. Though four division champions will host games, the 6-seeds in each conference are the teams to watch.
It took until the last play of the NFL's 2015 regular season, but the playoff field is finally set. Here's a recap of the action from NFL Week 17:
Three big upsets of Super Bowl hopefuls highlighted the results of Week 16 of the 2015 NFL season. Here's a recap of this week's action:
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About Freiburg General Information about the region
Discover what the warmest, sunniest city in Germany has to offer and learn how it evolved into what it is today
Freiburg im Breisgau has plenty to offer for you and your family
|TIP: Click here for online reservation of hotel rooms in Freiburg. Sorted by price and booking agent.
Let your hair down Pub and Nightclub Guide
A city with tens of thousands of students MUST be a good place to party and Freiburg is no exception.
- Cafe Movie
- Hausbrauerei Feierling
- Shooter Stars
- Enchilada Freiburg
- O'Kellys Irish Pub
- Martins-Bräu
- Greiffenegg Schlößle
- Freiburg Bar
- Isle of Innisfree Irish Pub
Sport in Freiburg Keeping fit in Freiburg
For the active types, Freiburg is no stranger to sport. Here's a few suggestions:


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Romney kicks off final push where campaign began
NEWINGTON, N.H. — Mitt Romney kicked off the last weekend of the 2012 campaign in the state that set him on pace to win the Republican nomination, the first of four stops in three states today.
With three days left before the election, Romney and President Obama are dashing across key swing states where they have been virtually deadlocked since mid-October. In addition to the New Hampshire event, the Republican nominee will have a rally in Iowa and two others in Colorado today. Romney launched his presidential campaign at a New Hampshire event in June 2011.
This morning, about 2,000 people, according to the campaign, huddled in coats and hats on a chilly tarmac to hear Romney. The GOP nominee declared that the campaign has become a movement.
TIMELINE:Candidates sprint to the finish
"It's not just the size of the crowds. It's the conviction and compassion in the hearts of the people," Romney said. "It's made me strive to be more worthy of the support I have received across the country and to campaign as I would govern, to speak for the aspirations of all Americans, not just some Americans."
OBAMA:President campaigns in swing states
After the event, Romney, his surrogates and staff boarded the campaign plane and Ann Romney — who has been traveling solo to stump for her husband — walked to the back of the cabin offering pastries to reporters. Asked how it felt to campaign on her own, she said the experience has been "humbling" and "extraordinary."
"It's very touching for me," she said. "It was very emotional when I gave my last sort of address by myself, because I hear the voices and the passion of the people out there that are really hurting, and they are etched in my mind and my heart, as they are with Mitt."
As to her husband's state of mind? "I'm not going to — that's it, guys. It's pumpkin whoopie time!"


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Sequester Likely to Begin and More
What's News: President Obama and congressional leaders plan to meet on Friday to discuss the sequester, Exxon wins a reversal of $1.5 billion in damages in court and a Rosa Parks statue is unveiled in Statuary Hall. Photo: AP
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... looks like it's happening this is what seems on WS J live I'm Joann ... president Obama and congressional leaders are planning to meet Friday over the sequester ... at the same day the eighty five billion dollars in automatic budget cuts are set to begin ... that I mean the meeting effectively an acknowledgment at the start of the sequester will not be averted ... and Exxon range a legal victory ... in Maryland Court of Appeals reversing about one point five billion dollars in damages stemming from a two thousandsix gasoline fell ... the court says residents and businesses to accuse the energy kind of fraud ... to be proving their case ... the two thousandsix fills up twenty six thousand gallons of gasoline ... me from underground tank and fueling station ... meantime Rosa Parks finding the place of honor at the United States Capitol ... with the simplest of gestures ... she helped change America ... and change the world ... president Obama and House Speaker John painter unveiling a faction of the civil rights icon at a ceremony today ... parks becomes the first black woman to be honored with the full links that you at statuary Hall ... will keep you posted on all the latest news about the rapid and what's in front of you SJ lie ...


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For this months Epic List, I decided to mix things up again much like I did for Novembers's Epic Mustache List. I present to you a list of 101 Bacon Related Products for Fans of the Other White Meat. Why bacon you ask? To which I reply, why not! Bacon is one of my favorite breakfast comfort foods. It's just so amazingly good. It's bacon!
I broke the list up so that the first 51 products are bacon related T-Shirts and the last 50 are funky, weird, strange, odd bacon related products. Everything bacon related is covered in the list, from an I Heart Bacon Thong to Bakon Vodka to a custom bacon themed Flip Mino HD.
I'd love to hear which one of these are your favorites and whether or not you own any of these tees! And if you know of a BACON related shirt not on this list then please tell me about it. Leave a comment below in the comments section and let me know!
If you enjoyed this post then please, please, please, tell you're friends about it! A simple Tweet or post on your Facebook page will help to get the word out, and a link back on your blog would be greatly appreciated!
If you stumbled on this blog via Twitter, Facebook or elsewhere then welcome! Please feel free to peruse the site and if you like what you see then I'd recommend adding Co-Tee TV as a friend on Facebook so that you can stay up-to-date on future posts!
1. Bacon by Rizzo Tees, $16.00.
2. Bacon Makes Everything Better by Snorg Tees, $18.95.
3. Bacon It's That Good by Crazy Dog T-Shirts, $6.99.
4. Bacon Rules by Crack Smoking Shirts, $15.
5. Bacon is Meat Candy by Road Kill T-Shirts, $14.99.
6. Bacon Is Kosher, Right? by Kosher Ham, $17.
7. Push Button, Receive Bacon by sudeTEES (CafePress), $22.
8. Bacon by Baconation (CafePress), $24.
9. Kevin Bacon by Busted Tees, $10.
10. I Like Bacon by Nerdy Shirts, $19.99.
11. xBacon Edgex by Crispy Tees, $15.
12. You Had Me At Bacon by Snorg Tees, $18.95.
13. Something On Top by Uneetee, $18.99.
14. World's Oldest Person Credits Bacon by CNN Headline Shirts, $15.
15. Bacon Makes Everything Better by Road Kill T-Shirts, $14.99.
16. Bacon: It's What's For Dinner by Need That Shirt, $14.95.
17. Bacon Is Meat Candy by strk3 (CafePress), $24.
18. Bacon Surprise by sappymoosetree (Etsy), $15.
19. I Heart (Love) Bacon by eVision Arts, $22.99.
20. Bacon Pig by BAC'N, $13.95.
21. Delicious by LMNO Tees, $15.99.
22. B Is For Bacon by Snorg Tees, $18.95.
23. Swine Flu: Bacon's Revenge by Neatorama, $9.95.
24. Hail Bacon by econographics (Etsy), $20.
25. Bacon Is The New Jesus by BaconBacon (CafePress), $24.
26. Periodic BaCoN by ThinkGeek, $15.99.
27. Pocket Full of Bacon by KCGraphics (CafePress), $24.
28.Baconfish by hamburgerpanda (Etsy), $15.
29. I Heart Bacon by Bacon Shirts, $20.
30. Sliced Bacon by Collective Revolution, $15.
31. Love At First Bite by Snorg Tees, $18.95.
32. This Calls For Imaginary Bacon by mindlesspursuits (Etsy), $15.
33. Bacon Is Not A Weapon by CafePress, $24.
34. Macon Bacon by Howe, $20.
35. Bacon Heart by Quote Snack (CafePress), $24.
36. MMMM Bacon by missketodesigns (Etsy), $18.
37. Mr. Bacon by Archie McPhee, $11.95.
38. Bacon Fest by Glamorous Monkey, $19.99.
39. Baconman by EventualTee (Skreened), $22.99.
40. Bacon Butcher Diagram by Bacon Shirts, $20.
41. Bacon: The Gateway Meat by T-Shirt Outlet, $10.
42. Crispy Bacon by Off World Design, $20.
43. Bacon's Made of What? by Greasy Grandma (CafePress), $24.
44. I'd Be Vegetarian If Bacon Grew On by T-Shirt Outlet, $17.95.
45. <bacon>eggs</bacon> by Di Harrison (RedBubble), $25.93.
46. Bacon Slice by Bacon Shirts, $20.
47. My Invisibility Cloak Smells Like Bacon by JayHolt (RedBubble), $23.94.
48. Jews For Bacon by Cult Classics, $17.99.
49. Natures Greatest Miracle by 6DollarShirts, $6.
50. Bacon & Lettuce & Tomato by Diculous Designs (RedBubble), $20.95.
51. Vegetarian (Except For Bacon) by The Cotton Factory, $15.99.
52. Mr. Bacon's Big Adventure Board Game by Accoutrements, $26.99.
53. Keep Calm Aand Eat Some Bacon Magnet by Design Dude (Etsy), $3.99.
54. Man Bait – Bacon and Maple Syrup Lollipop by Das Lollo, $0.50.
55. Bacon Jam by Skillet Street Food, $12.
56. Bacon Scented Soy Candle by LizaBam83, $15.
57. iBacon iPhone App by G-Monkey Productions (iTunes), $0.99.
58. Bacon: A Love Story: A Salty Survey of Everybody's Favorite Meat by Heather Lauer, $12.23.
59. Bacon Pillow by Bacon Today, Currently Unavailable.
60. Bacon Bandages by Accoutrements, $6.18.
61. Saint Anthony – Patron Saint of Bacon by eParty Unlimited, $6.95.
62. Bacon Shoes by Dawn Grace (Zazzle), $60.
63. Bacon Is Meat Candy Wall Clock by Strk3 (CafePress), $40.
64. You Had Me At Bacon Necklace by Sincerely April (Etsy), $12.
65. Swine Flew Bacon Soap by Geeky Clean, $4.75.
66. Bacon Wallet by Rapscallion, $18.
67. I Love Bacon Mousepad by Nounos Son (Zazzle), $11.60.
68. I Love Bacon Thong by Baconation (CafePress), $12.
69. Will Work For Bacon Tote by Super Food Shop (CafePress), $17.
70. Bacon Dome Lunchbox by Accoutrements, $29.99.
71. Bacon Wave by As Seen on TV Products, $6.50.
72. Bacon Arts Series: Amen (9″x24″ print) by M. Brady Clark, $18.
73. I Put Bacon On My Bacon by Good To Go Tees (Zazzle), $19.95.
74. I Love Bacon Mug by I Heart T-Shirts and I Love Shirts (CafePess), $15.
75. Fake Bacon Headband by purpleandlime (Etsy), $17.
76. Bacon Wood Print by Tee & Cakes, $5.
77. Pull Tie, Receive Bacon by 1777Cheese, $17.95.
78. Bakon Vodka by Bakon Vodka.
79. MMMMVelopes by J & D's, $6.99.
80. Bacon Belt by Accoutrements, $29.99.
81. DQM Bacon Frogskins for Oakley by Daves Quality Meat, Sold Out.
82. Don't Fry Bacon Naked Apron by Mo Go Lounge (CafePress), $22.
83. 6 Reasons Bacon Is Better Than True Love Poster by matthewinman of The Oatmeal (Zazzle), $13.95.
84. Bacon Man Flip Mino HD by Baconation (CafePress), $199.
85. Raw Bacon Magnets by Design Dude (Etsy), $4.99.
86. Bacon Flavor Dental Floss by Accoutrements, $3.95.
87. Bacon Tuxedo by Perpetual Kid, $7.99.
88. The Bacon Necktie by Smoked Bacon Neckwear, $19.95.
89. Bacon Bourbon Caramel Popcorn by Salted Caramel, $12.
90. Bacon Lip Balm by Accoutrements, $2.95.
91. Bacon Head Boy and his Pet Pig (Polymer Clay/Plastic Figurine) by Sleepy Robot 13, $15.
92. iPod Shuffle Bacon Case by Antjes (Etsy), $19.
93. Amazing Bacon Lavender Lime Soap by Juicy Bath (Etsy), $5.
94. Tac Bac Tactical Bacon by ThinkGeek, $15.99.
95. Bacconaise by ThinkGeek, $5.99.
96. Push Button, Receive Bacon Magnet by Design Dude (Etsy), $2.99.
97. 2GB Realistic Food Bacon USB Flash Drive Make Memory More Meaty, $10.49.
98. Bacon and Eggs Apron by Snappy Shop, $43.
99. Bacon Skateboard by StargazerDesigns, $127.40.
100. Mo's Bacon Choco Chip Pancake Mix, $15.
101. They Call Me Bacon Face (9″x9″ Original Drawing) by Hollow Tree Design, $30.
Wheww, you made it to the end of the list! If you enjoyed this post then please, please, please, tell you're friends about it! A simple Tweet or post on your Facebook page will help to get the word out, and a link back on your blog would be greatly appreciated!
Bacon Photo (Top) by Flickr User Dave77459.


text: Share Stanley S. Grossel, Russell Kahn, Daniel E. Silva, Robert ZaloshDecember, 2005Understand some of the accident scenarios that result in dust explosions, and follow these suggestions for preventing them. Would you like to access the complete CEP Article? No problem. You just have to complete the following steps. You have completed 0 of 2 steps. Log in You must be logged in to view this content. Log in now. AIChE Membership You must be an AIChE member to view this article. Join now. Copyright Permissions: Would you like to reuse content from CEP Magazine? It's easy to request permission to reuse content. Simply click here to connect instantly to licensing services, where you can choose from a list of options regarding how you would like to reuse the desired content and complete the transaction. More in "Fluids and Solids Handling" Find Mixing Success Through Failures - Part 2 December, 2008 General Rules for Aboveground Storage Tank Design and Construction December, 2002 A Simplified Approach to Water-Hammer Analysis December, 2006 Selecting a Membrane Filtration System December, 2004 Take the Guesswork Out of FRP Corrosion December, 2001 Assess the Performance of Positive-Displacement Pumps December, 2007 Troubleshoot and Optimize Chiller Performance November, 2003 Consider Single-Use Equipment for Biomanufacturing November, 2013 Ease Control Valve Selection November, 2002 Improve Solids Handling During Thermal Drying November, 2004 Size Letdown Lines for Pressure Surges November, 2001 Nitrogen: A Security Blanket for the Chemical Industry November, 2011 View all Topics: Plant OperationsSolids Handling & Particle TechnologySolids Flow, Handling, and Processing


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Cassetty leads Tech with 71.6 average
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Tech has had at least one player place in the top 10 in three of its last four tournaments and has been compiling increasingly more consistent team scores over the course of the fall season.
These facts are enough to make head coach Polk Brown excited about the possibilities that await his squad in their final tournament of the fall season this weekend.
The Golden Eagles will begin play in Western Carolina's Hummingbird Intercollegiate on Monday and will attempt to end the 2011 portion of their season on a positive note.
"Our team scores have gotten consistently better over the course of September and October and several different players on our team have shown the ability to go low," said head coach Polk Brown. "I feel as though we have made substantial progress since our season-opening event, and in light of recent rounds played, I have a good bit of confidence heading to Sapphire Valley. I'm pumped for our team and excited to end our fall season on what I have heard is an outstanding venue."
The event will be hosted at the Country Club of Sapphire Valley in Sapphire, N.C., and will consist of two rounds and 36 holes slated for Monday and Tuesday. Players will take part in a practice round on Sunday.
Groups will tee off both the front and back nines with front nine tee times beginning at 8 a.m. CDT with the back nine beginning at 8:05 a.m. Five players will compete for each team with the best scores of the top four counting each day.
A combined 17 teams and seven individual players representing eight different states will comprise the 92-golfer field. In addition to the Golden Eagles and host Catamounts, Vanderbilt and UAB highlight the field. UAB comes into the tournament ranked No. 21 in the nation while Vanderbilt is a top-100-ranked squad.
"This is neat for our guys to face such strong competition," Brown said. "We rarely, if ever, compete against top 25 squads."
Also playing in the tournament will be defending champ Jacksonville, Appalachian State, Elon, Furman, Samford, Wofford, Colgate, Francis Marion, Gardner-Webb, Guilford, High Point, Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne, Radford and UAB.
The Country Club of Sapphire Valley course will play at a par 71 and a yardage of 6,767. The course sits on a level valley floor despite its mountainous surroundings.
Tech's lineup will consist of Tyler Cassetty, Greg Kitts, Mason Griffin, Lee Maxwell and Travis Ramsey.
Cassetty leads the Golden Eagles through four tournaments this fall, posting a 71.6 average and two top-five finishes. The senior native of Whitleyville, Tenn., tied for third at the Murray State Invitational and took fourth at the Skyhawk Classic.
Kitts sits just behind Cassetty with a 72.9 average and is followed by Griffin (74.0), Diegel (75.3), Maxwell (77.1), Ramsey (77.7) and Maxx Verble (77.8).
Results from the Hummingbird Intercollegiate will be published on TTUSports.com as they become available.


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Broward schools' Runcie says Bible controversy 'should've been handled differently'
Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie on Tuesday publicly apologized to a fifth-grade student who says his teacher wouldn't let him read his Bible in class, with the superintendent saying "this is a situation that should've been handled differently."
"This does not represent the values of our school system," Runcie said. "This was a isolated incident at the school."
The case attracted national attention — particularly among conservative news sites and commentators, many of whom were critical of Broward's actions.
"Epic failure on this one," wrote Sarah Palin on her Facebook page.
The family of 12-year-old Giovanni Rubeo says their child wasn't allowed to read his Bible during "free reading" class periods that gave students the option of reading any book they wished. The Broward school district disputes this version of events, and says the boy wasn't allowed to read the Bible because there was an "accelerated reading" program taking place.
Had there been a "free reading" session going on, Broward officials say the Bible would have been permitted. Rubeo is a student at Park Lakes Elementary in Lauderdale Lakes.
In his comments on Tuesday, Runcie said administrators at Park Lakes — and schools across the district — are being reminded that the Bible is permitted during free reading sessions. Students are also allowed to read their Bibles before and after school starts, and during lunch.
A voicemail left by Giovanni's teacher last month further fueled the controversy. A recording of the message, which was left for Giovanni's father, includes the teacher stating "I noticed that he has a book — a religious book — in the classroom. He's not permitted to read those books in my classroom."
Rubeo's family is being represented by the Texas-based Liberty Institute, a conservative legal group that has launched similar battles against schools across the country. In multiple cases, the accusations of the Liberty Institute have been disputed by school districts — for example, Florida's Seminole County school system last month found no evidence that a five-year-old girl had been scolded for praying during lunch, as had been claimed.
The Liberty Institute had blasted Seminole County's treatment of the little girl as "outrageous." The kindergartner involved, Gabriella, is the daughter of Marcos Perez, who is vice president of sales at Charisma House, a Lake Mary-based Christian book publisher. The company is promoting the book "God Less America: Real Stories From the Front Lines of the Attack on Traditional Values," by Fox News host Todd Starnes.
Perez rejected the notion of ulterior motives when speaking to the Orlando Sentinel.
"I'm a father first, a VP of sales second," he said.
In Broward, the Liberty Institute's attorneys had threatened legal action against the school system unless it publicly apologized and allowed for the Bible to be read during "free reading" periods.
With Runcie's public apology — and the district's insistence that the Bible had all along been acceptable during "free reading" — those conditions appear to have been met.
But in a letter e-mailed to the school district on Tuesday, Liberty Institute director of litigation Hiram Sasser demanded assurances that Giovanni be allowed to read his Bible during "accelerated reading program" class periods as well.
"If we do not receive a satisfactory response, we will proceed with the appropriate legal steps up to and including litigation," Sasser wrote.


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Agile Coach Camp Canada – Here we go!
June 10th, 2010 Comments off
Tomorrow morning will be the kind of easy wake up as I'll attend Agile Coach Camp Canada in Waterloo (Ontario) with 3 colleagues of mine from Pyxis.
Looking forward to meet you there with all the others great agile coaches 😉Agile Coach Camp Canada
An Open Space Conference for Agile Coaches
Peer-to-peer Learning in a Collaborative Setting
June 11-12, 2010
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Free! And it's SOLD OUT
Follow #accca on Twitter
To know more about registred people, have a look at postion papers.
Categories: Agile, Canada, Coaching Agile, agile coach camp, agile coaching, Scrum


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I am in Bradley Beach and looking to play doubles.
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Then came the day I found MSM Aloe Gel. The aloe soothes and almost completely minimizes itching while the MSM works to reduce inflammation and redness. The peppermint extract gives the gel an amazing and refreshing smell and cools the infected areas. It doesn't make me drowsy like antihistamines, and has never given me any adverse reactions. It is even safe for my daughter to use! I highly suggest MSM Aloe Gel to anyone with pets or a passion for the outdoors!" – Hannah, Sunfood Customer
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Industry Achiever: Yamiche Alcindor
By: Nu Yang
USA Today breaking news reporter Yamiche Alcindor has been selected by the National Association of Black Journalists as the 2013 Emerging Journalist of the Year. At USA Today, Alcindor has reported from the scenes of some of the biggest stories this past year. In 2012, she traveled to Sanford, Fla., to cover the Trayvon Martin story; to Tallahassee, Fla., to cover the Florida A&M University hazing scandal; and to Newtown, Conn., to cover the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. "It is inspiring to see young journalists like Yamiche take advantage of every opportunity presented them to learn, to grow and to thrive," said NABJ president Gregory Lee Jr.


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In ancient Greek comedy, parabasis named 'a part sung by the chorus, addressed to the audience in the poet's name, and unconnected with the action of the drama.' Calling themselves 'the bodies of rage and longing,' six artists and filmmakers based in the United States - Dimitri Kotsaras, Mr. Flo, Melissa Longenecker, Jennifer Nelson, Michael Wilson, and Natalie Zimmerman - have devised an ongoing, collaborative project to promote parabasis transnationally. With foci in Los Angeles and Athens, The Book of Rage and Longing stages an interrogative return to the putative birthplace of Western democracy. Viewers submit textual or visual rants, connected or unconnected with the daily unfolding dramas of wars worldwide. Unedited, these texts and images are projected on a rooftop facing the Acropolis. An 'interpretive/administrative committee' modifies these contributions, reshaping them into the titular book, segments of which a group of Greek singers then performs. Read in the aftermath of this year's presidential election, these instances of parabasis have begun to seem rather more tragic than comic, as when one self-styled poet opines, 'From those who live like leeches on the people's lives,/ We must take back our land again,/ America.' - Ramsey McGlazer
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Unleashing Growth and Strengthening Resilience in the Caribbean
- Chapter 1. Unleashing Strong, Sustainable, and Inclusive Growth in the Caribbean
- Chapter 2. Reinvigorating Growth in the Caribbean
- Chapter 3. Caribbean Tourism in the Global Marketplace: Trends, Drivers, and Challenges
- Chapter 4. Cuba Awakening: Potential Risks and Opportunities
- Chapter 5. Fiscal Challenges in the Caribbean: Coping with Natural Disasters
- Chapter 6. Tax Incentives: To Use or Not To Use?
- Chapter 7. Managing Economic Citizenship Program Inflows: Reducing Risk and Maximizing Benefits
- Chapter 8. Debt Restructuring in the Caribbean—The Recent Experience
- Chapter 9. Financial Development and Inclusion in the Caribbean
- Chapter 10. Financial Interconnectedness in the Caribbean: Challenges for Financial Stability
- Chapter 11. Problem Loans in the Caribbean: Determinants, Impact, and Strategies for Resolution
- Chapter 12. Loss of Correspondent Banking Relationships in the Caribbean: Trends, Impact, and Policy Options
- Chapter 13. Energy Diversification: Macro-Related Challenges
- Chapter 14. Emigration and Remittances in the Caribbean
- Chapter 15. Violence in the Caribbean: Cost and Impact
Chapter 9. Financial Development and Inclusion in the Caribbean
- Krishna Srinivasan, Inci Otker, Uma Ramakrishnan, and Trevor Alleyne
- Published Date:
- November 2017
Show Summary Details
Joyce Wong
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Cheater, cheater, mango eater
Cheating, crying and Thai-ing one on in Wonderland are the themes for tonight's trip to Tassie with the MKR team and the mother and daughter who continue to hang around with them as they haven't realised they're dead yet.
After the insanity of the Spice Girls, MKR needed a scandal, and in a competitive world embroiled in betting scandals, doping scandals and pope-ing scandals – and if Vatican's Next Top Mitre isn't a reality show waiting to be made I don't know what is – tonight it's the trip to Tasmania. And if there is one thing the promotional advertisements have made clear, it is that Tasmania means cheating. Yes CHEATING. There may be food. There may be Alice and/or Wonderland. But there will be cheating, served with a side of tense music infused montage.
Of course for there to be cheating, there will need to be rules first, or at least soon after, but they can be added in post-production.
So, once we get past the promo that always opens the show, just in case people tuning in hadn't decided whether to tune in yet, we cut to Hobart to discover that Samuel is wearing a massive hat while he cooks breakfast because it's a "massive day" and not because he's a massive tit. That's just a bonus.
A bit of background voice over then tells us that Ali is recently separated from her husband, and Samuel is a friend of her ex-husband who calls her "Mum or Mama" while she "knows him too well to ever find him attractive" and if you've wrapped your head around that, then Seven hopes you'll enjoy Tasmania's next sitcom All In The Family which is presently writing itself.
The pair jump in the car and Ali reminds Samuel to use words, because this isn't a silent movie. Then the plot thickens (and curdles just a little) as Samuel points out that they're arguing like an old married couple, to which Ali responds "yes, because you're acting like my child."
Okaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay. I'll just let you all piece together your own Tasmanian stereotype gag out of that.
Miles away in a restaurant that has a wine rack, Peter looks over the menu planned for tonight and suggests Wonderland may in fact be Thailand … because … wait for it … they're cooking a Thai curry. Evans you larrikin, I bet you even thought of that yourself!
Speaking of larrikins, tonight's chefs arrive at the supermarket that I really wish they'd name because it's all so subtle and mysterious and Samuel grabs a kids trolley. And ... Ok, I'll be honest, it's three minutes in and I'm already over this weird mum/child dynamic they've got going on. We get no respite though as he calls her "darling" once more and then "mama" a few times in the car park and I'm wishing he'd forget Ali's advice and NOT use his words if that's all he's got.
Ali and Samuel get home, set up their theme which is Alice in Wonderland as interpreted by a two dollar shop and before you can say "why not call it that Mad Hatter's Thai Party?" Samuel screams out for Ali because a whole minute of the allotted three hours of cooking time has expired. Remember that minute later kids, if we've learnt anything it's that these guys will RUE the day … well minute they made this crucial error.
Only a few relatively dull and uneventful moments later, Ali says, in a particularly calm voice that her stress levels are through the roof. Also that she's freaking out. Hmmm, iif this is her at full panic it'll make for pretty bland television. It's a pity the producers don't have some way *cough*cheating*cough* to ramp it up.
Speaking of bland, they're making a custard, so we get a round of "it better not scramble" that suggests the contestants have been watching earlier episodes while the producers hope we haven't.
The pair cook effectively, while worrying successfully and tempting fate forebodingly, then the teams arrive, walking up the path past the sign that says "Wonderland" towards the doorbell that says "really clunky sound effects," and Lisa and Candice read the word Wonderland aloud to prove they can, then talk about reading their star signs to undermine any credibility that might accidentally give them and prove there is a little bit of The Shire in every program now.
The doorbell duly rings and Samuel, parrot that he is, mimics it. Ali admits that's when "the heart starts to flutter." Samuel who has been hoping his constant use of the word "Mama" was the trick to getting Ali stirred up is shocked to learn that he only had to imitate a ding dong to get her going. Then again, he's already a dill, so at least it's not much of a stretch.
The other contestants sit down and participate in a brief round of staring silently at each other across the dinner table in order to facilitate a bout of group bitching about Lisa and Candice in cutaways. We learn that Lisa and Candice are not only unpopular, but also coming last and because this is a reality television show and not a Disney movie, this means we are meant to want to storm their houses with flames and pitchforks, not take off their braces and glasses to reveal that they were secretly '80s prom queens all along.
All of which is clearly meant to make us want to hate them in the same way we hated the Spice Girls - that is by watching this show and no other - but really just comes off as a bit of kicking the team that anyone with basic arithmetic skills has already backed heavily to be the next team eliminated.
After an ad that once again refuses to tell me the name of the obscure and bashful supermarket chain that have so kindly donated their product and locations to this show, the teams … bitch about Lisa and Candice, while Ali and Samuel cook.
So the theme for tonight's episode is well established and suddenly it feels like it may actually last for days rather than minutes, which is lucky as apparently that's how long Samuel needs to prepare his curry paste.
Hmmm. I. Wonder(land). How. He'll. Get. Around. That. *cough*StoreBoughtCurryPasteCheating*cough*
As if scripted, the judges choose this moment to arrive and sure enough, Peter walks into the kitchen and as though psychically enlightened (by producers) as to the events that have lead to this moment, he asks instantly about the curry paste.
Gosh, if only he'd asked about the squid. Or not come into the kitchen straight away like he normally does. How does he know?!
At least they've dealt with it now and we can be sure they won't make much of this later.
Back at the table, Jenna says she doesn't want to sound blonde, so instead sounds daft as she speaks of how "inspirated" by the prospect of an entree of granita down the rabbit hole she is. The others all dutifully pile-on in what quickly becomes a inspirat-a-thon. All I'll say is when you have two blonde personal trainers mocking you for being a bit dim, you know you've hit rock bottom, or at least you would if you hadn't recently inspirated which can really dull your senses (as well as inhibiting your ability to operate heavy machinery).
Entree is served – in part, all over Samuel's arm – which Lisa and Candice like to think would have meant instant elimination, because dropping one dish is the same as dropping your bundle like they did. "That'd keep us in the competition. Imagine that!" says Candice. Australia does so. Australia shudders.
On the entree, which is Thai Beef Strips with a Mai Tai Granita, Peter says he's going to be blunt, which will really contrast with his pussy-footing to date. He doesn't think the Mai Tai belongs. He also thinks the curry paste out of a jar is a "no no." This confuses Lisa who screeches "yes" to camera. Manu agrees with Pete and adds sagely that cooking is part of this cooking competition.
Trying the dish, the other teams are split. Dan and Steph feel sorry for Samuel and Ali. Sam is pleased to discover a taste explosion. Jenna is now randomly saying the word "Malibu." And Lisa and Candice ... are inspirated to find more fault, they do this mostly by Candice saying "jar" a lot and Lisa saying "didn't really work for me" even more. Weirdly the other teams judge that criticism to be slightly strategic. So they bitch about Lisa and Candice some more.
At least this isn't getting repetitive. Or repetitive.
Next Anthony Field turns up in the ad break to prove that retiring from the Wiggles hasn't slowed him down at all – he can make just as big a fool of himself without a primary coloured skivvy thank you very much.
Oh and here's an ad for the Gate Crashers who arrive next week and promise something completely different: they will be snarky about the other team's meals. They are compared in the ad to the Spice Girls, and they are Asian, so imagine our surprise when 9 seconds later a Twitter pop up declares the Asian Spice Girls to be on their way. Vive la difference!
In the kitchen, Ali reminds Samuel that Manu really likes sauce and he points out they're ok, because they can always use some sweet chilli out of a bottle. Oh. Um. Wow. He'll never learn. I don't mean the bottle quip, which presumably was a joke, but the fact that he said it while Ali was holding a knife. I think she almost sliced his squid and stuffed it with pork right there.
Speaking of crazy … Scott, the personal trainer, has an intriguing problem. It seems he doesn't like to eat squid (or cuttlefish or octopus), not because he has a tattoo of an octopus on his arm and likes the word "cephalopod" - though its nice to give the other teams another plaything to garble - but because they have 3 brains, 9 hearts and the ability to camoflage.
Ah yes, camoflage, one of the world's three best reasons not to eat something and for that matter, the exact reason I passed on an Abrams Tank Amuse-Bouche at a party the other day.
While some of the others seem bewildered by this, Sam gets it. He points out that he wouldn't eat lions if they were on the menu, because he likes lions. It's lucky he's pretty when he smiles. Of course, by the reverse logic, he'd all be happy to sup on a soup of boiled Lisa and Candice if given the option. But let's not focus on that.
Back in the kitchen, Samuel is cooking with gas, though I mean that purely metaphorically as he's actually run out of gas. Until he finds gas, attached to the gas barbecue.
There may actually have been a gas leak as for the talent portion of the evening, Miss Congeniality is now singing for reasons best known to herself. Presumably she believes if Pete and Manu feel ill then they'll score tonight's chefs lower. She points out to us that she knows people will tell her to shut up if they don't like her singing. Sadly the other teams aren't aware of their safety words, so they just grimace and try to politely ignore it because they don't habitually provoke the mentally disturbed by yelling at them.
And now Candice is attempting sign language so it seems that Ali and Samuel's decision to offer up a crack pipe as a palate cleanser has really worked.
Oh crumbs! The crumbs haven't set properly on the squid. And sauces!! The sauce is looking thin. And vegetables!!! The vegetables are looking, well, crap. It turns out plating doesn't come in a jar so Samuel doesn't know how to do it. Ali contributes by bursting into tears because it has been a hard night and so she asks if she can have a minute … to which Samuel yells "No! Remember, you wasted that minute at the start?!!!" Well, no, he doesn't. He escorts Ali from the cupboard she has chosen to hide in towards the door to the outside world where she can actually escape.
Then its an ad with Kochie and Mel promising hard hitting journalism on Sunrise tomorrow and now I'm wondering how far that gas leak has spread.
After the ad Samuel demonstrates his ability with words. He helps Ali shake it off by getting her to actually shake it off. Nifty.
Having left their dish to cool, or as some might say, congeal, on the bench for a little bit, they finally serve the dish to the table. Faced with Ali's tears, the teams sympathise. Pete and Manu eat. Oh and Lisa bitches and moans. Same old, same old.
Ali is still crying as the judges try to discuss their Squid hood stuffed with pork. Manu tries to charm her by liking her food, while Candice tries to charm Australia by pointing out that crying is a sign of weakness, really demonstrating a strong understanding of the butch, macho, testosterone-fuelled male audience that watches this show.
Peter calls the dish delectable and Ali runs back to the kitchen to celebrate their tactical decision to have her cry and not Samuel.
Then, hold on to your mad hats, the other teams love the dishes, except …
… can you guess? …
… ok yes, Scott passes on the squid, because his arm told him to, but also …
… that's right Lisa!
Lisa has, contrary to all expectations, some complaints. They are entirely reasonable of course. She is upset at the squid for not being lion, disappointed in the pork for being chalky yet not enough that anyone without acute chalkitis could spot it, and apoplectic at the overall plate for not smashing itself into razor sharp shards that she can insert into the skin of the villainous dictators in the kitchen, pinning them to their thrones of evil while she slowly sings them to death.
In the kitchen, Samuel wants to add corn flour to the custard because he sees a good opportunity for a visual gag in it, but Ali sees custard soaking into her sponge and declares it her worst nightmare come true.
Clearly Ali hasn't spent any time in Lisa's head.
And now, here's a phrase you may not have heard before: Mango to the rescue!
Pureed mango is mixed with the custard to form mang-stard the mang-nificent. And if that isn't enough bad word play for you, while this is happening the teams join in by coining a few puns on the word Thai. The Thai-rifle is Thai-riffic but the pun is Thai-rrible and Thai-rsome. All of which will be the names of restaurants in your local area by the end of this sentence.
Having run out songs, Lisa chooses to entertain the group with some impressions. Her first impression is of a complete lunatic. Specifically a mad woman who rants about her need for carbohydrates to help absorb her proteins, and bemoans the lack of carbohydrates in her life.
Dessert is glassed up and Peter calls it … "interesting" before asking Ali and Samuel if they like it. He's really just hoping he can get Ali to cry again. Disappointed at the lack of tears, he says he likes the taste but not the technique. Peter is such a good chef he can taste technique. To him, the technique tastes a bit like chicken.
Meanwhile Manu is reminded of pina coladas. So much so that he regales the teams with a tale of a time he, three kitchen hands and a particularly large spatchcock spent a crazy week on a beach together. As the show is neither long enough nor broadcast in a suitable adults only time slot to permit that story to air, the production team finally locate the gas leak that has taken us all to this place and the anecdote sadly hits the cutting room floor.
Hold the press. Lisa is set to be hospitalised having exhibited multiple symptoms of a mercury-poisoning induced mental episode. Not only can she taste phantom rice in the dessert Thai-rifle in front of her, but she is nice about it. Actually nice. Pleasant even. It's disconcertingly congenial. That is until the other teams start singing the word 'rice' in a moment of musical mocking that helps remind them and us that they are to only be Awful Human Beings (TM) as their contract states.
The teams retire to score Ali and Samuel, a segment with a theme of "just give them more than Lisa and Candice" running through it, with one obvious exception being Lisa and Candice who give it 3 for reasons that are about thought and about themselves and they actually don't reference the meal at all.
The jovial voice of MKR then informs us that Ali and Samuel need to score more than 57 to not be in last place and sent to the seventh level of Hell. The guest score of 30 helps them out and surprises Lisa who has suffered a relapse, now exhibiting symptoms of paranoia with a hint of conspiracy theory as she suggests with a straight face that the other teams are scoring Ali and Samuel higher because they aren't as much of a threat as she is. Not as much of a threat to their ears perhaps.
The judges judge the meals:
Entree: Peter 3, Manu 2
Main: Manu 8, Peter 9
So they need a total of six for their Thai-rifle, which means this isn't a very Thai-t compeThai-tion at all. Sorry, I'll get my coat … and Thai!
Back to the judging:
Dessert: Manu 5
And Peter gives them nothing to make it a tie.
No, sorry Peter gives them a 6 for a total score of 63 which means they aren't coming last, a fact that surprises two people at the table and also two people in the entire universe.
Ali and Samuel then kick everyone out so they can try to find the recipe for romantic chemis-Thai that they know they left around here somewhere.
Giles Hardie is a film critic and entertainment reporter for Fairfax.


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NZ Posts lifts first-half profit by 18 % by slashing costs faster than sales fall
New Zealand Post Group, which plans to eliminate up 2,000 jobs in the next three years and reduce deliveries to just three days a week as volumes plunge, said first-half profit rose 18 percent as it slashed costs faster than revenue declined.
Profit was $71 million in the six months ended Dec 31, from $60 million a year earlier, the state-owned postal service said in statement. Sales fell to $860 million from $872 million, while operating costs dropped 4 percent to $761 million, or declines of $12 million and $32 million respectively.
NZ Post expects its full-year result to be "close to plan," chief executive Brian Roche said. "We will balance ongoing cost reduction with a strong focus on growing new and profitable revenue and developing new ways to serve customers and meet their changing needs."
The company is grappling with the continued slide in the volume of letters posted as consumers switch to the internet, email and social media for everything from paying bills to sending birthday greetings and keeping in touch with loved ones. It estimates letter volumes have tumbled 30 percent since 2006.
In the same period, parcel volumes have increased and today Roche said growing its parcels and logistics business "is a top priority."
NZ Post is preparing to reduce delivery of standard mail to urban households to alternate days in mid-2015 and is trialling different modes of delivery over the next six months, it said. In November, the company said it aims to eliminate between 1,500 and 2,000 jobs in a three-year shake-up, by reducing deliveries, closing Post Shops and trimming costs.
"New Zealand Post will continue to reduce its property footprint, including owning fewer corporate Post Shops in its network of 880 service points, with more services being hosted by local businesses," Roche said.
The company will pay an interim dividend of $2.5 million, unchanged from a year earlier.


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How to make a claim, contact customer service and product information.
Travel insurance
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Maine festival celebrates dark night skies at Acadia National Park
BAR HARBOR, Maine (AP) � The star-filled night skies at Maine's Acadia National Park are being celebrated.
The fifth annual Acadia Night Sky Festival kicks off Thursday and runs through Sunday. The festival is a community celebration to promote and protect Acadia's dark night skies.
The event features nearly 40 programs and events, including hikes, workshops, lectures, films, art exhibits and stargazing opportunities, including what's being billed as a "star party" on top of Cadillac Mountain on Saturday night.
The festival is organized by the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce and is a collaboration among a number of organizations, including the National Park Service.
More information is available at www.acadianightskyfestival.org.


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Iceberg sermon
Given by Mike Hoffman
November 20, 2011
We're a family to where you can come home to God's love.
Are you looking for an inviting place to worship in Southeastern Michigan? Join us at First Presbyterian to see how God is moving right here in Dearborn.
Sunday 9AM: Education Hour
Sunday 10AM: Worship
The First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn
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The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative announced this morning that Iowa has placed in the top 10 in the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index for a second consecutive year. Iowa ranked No. 10 in the 2013 state rankings and was one of just four states to have shown year-over-year improvement in their overall well-being scores each year since 2010.
Iowa's goal when Gov. Terry Branstad announced the initiative in 2011 was to make the state the healthiest in the nation by 2016, as measured by the index. Iowa moved into the top 10 in the 2012 index, moving up to No. 9 from No. 16 in 2011. When the initiative was announced, Iowa was No. 19 relative to other states.
"There is still a lot of work to do, but Iowans continue to demonstrate they are committed to taking tangible steps toward higher levels of health and well-being," said Ric Jurgens, president of the Healthiest State Initiative board of directors.
Iowa's index number for 2013 was 68.2; the states' index numbers ranged from a high of 70.4 for North Dakota to a low of 61.4 for West Virginia. The index is based on six separate measurements: life evaluation, emotional health, physical health, healthy behavior, work environment and basic access to medical services, as reported by residents based on daily telephone surveys by Gallup.
Research shows a strong link between well-being, health care costs and engagement in the workplace. Each point in well-being improvement equates to a statistically significant decrease in the likelihood of hospital admission and emergency room visits and in the likelihood of incurring health care costs. For a community, the achievement of higher well-being for its citizens yields competitive advantages for economic development and job creation.
As a key part of the initiative, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Healthways partnered to bring the Blue Zones Project, a community-based well-being improvement program, to Iowa. Fifteen Iowa communities are now designated as Blue Zones Project sites, and two of those cities, Spencer and Cedar Falls, have achieved Blue Zones Community certification. Additionally, more than 150,000 Iowans statewide have pledged their support for the Blue Zones Project.
"We are so proud of Iowans for accepting the challenge to make Iowa the healthiest state and the communities that have embraced the Blue Zones principles to make life-changing improvements to their environments," said Laura Jackson, Wellmark executive vice president and vice chair of the Healthiest State Initiative. "The hard work being done in each community is a testament to the passion Iowans can demonstrate when something like their health and longevity is the goal."


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"NSI has been professional every step of the way. They are trustworthy. Every call I made to them was returned immediately with courtesy, professionalism and an upbeat attitude."
"NSI did an excellent job of conducting the interview process. I was impressed with the staff and how professional and informative they were. This was an opportunity that I am glad I did not miss."
"NSI was a wonderful company to work with all the way, from start to finish. That, I appreciated greatly... knowing they cared."
"You are so supportive, organized and helpful. You have made this negotiation extremely smooth. Hospital personnel report that they are delighted with you and the team at NSI. Congratulations for a job very well done."
"This was the most enjoyable interview process I've been through. NSI has been 100% accommodating and I will refer RNs to NSI."


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Listed below are the institutions with graduate programs that submitted Quality Enhancement Plans (QEP) reviewed by the Commission for reaffirmation in December 2010. The list includes the title of the QEP and the link to the summary as provided by the institution. The summaries are provided as information only; the list does not reflect the quality of the QEP as reviewed by the Commission. For additional information about each of the institutions, please access the Membership Directory: http://www.sacscoc.org/membershipInfo.asp.
Alabama State University, Montgomery, Alabama
Enhancing Cultural Competence in Healthcare Delivery
Clearwater Christian College, Clearwater, Florida
Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Peace with Creation: Sustainability from an Anabaptist Perspective
Florida International University, Miami, Florida
Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, Georgia
Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics, Dallas, Texas
Grambling State University, Grambling, Louisiana
The Improvement of Mathematical Skills and Knowledge
The Institute for the Psychological Sciences, Arlington, Virginia
Kentucky Christian University, Grayson, Kentucky
Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina
PRISM: Purposeful Reasoning, Inquiry, and Scholarship at Meredith
North Carolina A & T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina
Critical Thinking: Learning to Make Informed Decisions
North Greenville University, Tigerville, South Carolina
Becoming a Difference Maker
iREAD: Increasing Reading and Engagement for Academic Development
St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, Florida
Salem College, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Questions Empower People: Enhancing Student Learning Through a Senior Interdisciplinary Seminar
The Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, Georgia
SCAD Collaborative Learning: A Triptych for Collaboration
Southern University and A & M College at Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Improving Student Learning through Writing across the Curriculum
Southern Wesleyan University, Central, South Carolina
Scholarship Transforming Tomorrow: A Plan for Enhancing Quality of Information Literacy among Southern Wesleyan University Undergraduate Students
Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas
Keeping it R.E.A.L.: Real-world Experiences Applied to Learning
Texas A & M University – Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas
First-Year Islanders (FYI)
Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas
Thomas More College, Crestview Hills, Kentucky
Critical Thinking for Productive Living
Tusculum College, Greeneville, Tennessee
Problem-Solving with Reflective Judgment
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana
Write to the Top: Enhancing Student Writing through a Writing Intensive Program
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Ft. Worth, Fort Worth, Texas
Building Higher Order Thinking Skills in Tomorrow's Health Care Professionals (the "HOT" plan)
The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
Beyond Silos: Enhancing Ethics Education in and across the Health Professions
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Odessa, Texas
C4: Enhancing Critical Thinking
Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia
Write Here, Write Now!
Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Long-term (chronic)
allergic rhinitis may cause a number of health
problems, including:
Children who breathe through the mouth for years because
their nose is plugged can get:
Allergic rhinitis can also affect your quality of life. You
may avoid seeing people, have problems sleeping, and feel tired or irritable.
You may have trouble with school or work and be less productive.
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Last Revised:
June 30, 2011
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Rohit K Katial, MD - Allergy and Immunology
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Here is a really awesome drawing on a newer version for a torn heart lesson. Today I will add another heartbroken addition to the how to draw hearts tutorials and show you all "how to draw a torn heart", step by step. Instead of a typical child drawn heart, I went for the real deal. Our hearts are as real and for real pain I thought drawing what a heart really seems it feels like when it breaks would be really cool. I think I have conveyed my message on how the hearts from our chests look if they where torn. I hope you all enjoy this tut, I had a lot of fun with you all today and I hope you see you all join me again tomorrow. Adios people, and enjoy.
DragoArt members upload artwork and drawing tutorials! They are also allowed to leave comments on tutorials, profiles, etc. Many more features, as well; it's way better than just being a boring guest! Register Now!


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1601 North Tennessee Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37130(615) 893-1843 • (615) 895-1150 (fax)Hours | M-F 8:00 - 12:00 & 1:00 - 4:00
Are you new to St. Rose? Learn how to get involved in learning and serving opportunities.
Bautizos - CeciliaMatrimonio - Lupita y Jesus Cruz
Mission Statement: The Formation Office of St. Rose of Lima exists to assist the parishioners in the evangelization of people of all ages through Christ's merciful love.
We, at Saint Rose of Lima, strive to provide the Young Church an opportunity to build community with not only the local congregation of believers, but also strive to create an awareness and vision of unity with the whole Universal Church. Our goal is to empower discipleship; encourage participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic Church; and to foster personal and spiritual growth of each young person. Here at St. Rose of Lima, we dare the Young Church to strive for sainthood.
Ministerios - Luis Adonay Lopez
Adults! Join us on Sunday mornings at 9:45am (following the PSR schedule) in room 117. We will be studying the acclaimed series Symbolon: The Catholic Faith Explained. Open to all adults - bring your coffee and donuts!


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Nationals, Strasburg ready to take next step
The last time we saw the Washington Nationals, they were blowing a 6-0 lead in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series with the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Nationals lost the game and the series, but the end result skews what otherwise was a memorable season for the franchise. During the regular season, they won a major league-best 98 games with a base of young players acquired to help Washington contend for the long term, not necessarily in 2012.
"I would say it surprised us," Bob Boone, the team's vice president of player development, says about the club's success last season. "We knew we were very competitive. I don't know if we really expected to do as well as we did. If you would have said, 'You guys can win 98 games this year,' I think we would have probably amended that a little bit, so we certainly had no expectations of doing that."
MORE:Nationals want to see Strasburg pitch 200 innings
Entering 2012, the Nationals were trying to break through as legitimate contenders after years of rebuilding. Entering 2013, the Nationals look to have a legitimate shot at the World Series, thanks to the lifting of Stephen Strasburg's innings limit and some hefty offseason acquisitions.
Strasburg, 24, went 15-6 with a 3.16 ERA in 28 starts last season in his return from Tommy John elbow surgery. The Nationals indicated before the season he would have an innings limit, and they stuck by their decision despite absorbing criticism for it.
Manager Davey Johnson said in December that Strasburg has no restrictions for this season.
"To say there's no restrictions really means, 'Hey, we'd like him to pitch 200 innings,'" Boone says. "But, you're not gonna say no restrictions like you might have on Steve Carlton, who would throw 320 innings. You're not gonna do that. There's always restrictions, but the meaning is, 'We're not gonna shut him down after 160 innings.'"
Strasburg leads perhaps baseball's best rotation, which added veteran Dan Haren with a one-year deal. Washington also acquired top-tier closer Rafael Soriano and speedy center fielder Denard Span and re-signed productive first baseman Adam LaRoche.
"We like the team that we have," general manager Mike Rizzo said in a conference call last week, according to CSNWashington.com. "We think we're a very balanced, well-rounded, athletic club. We pitch well, we defend well, we have power and speed."
In their ascension to become one of the majors' top teams, however, the Nationals have had to deplete their once-loaded farm system.
They dealt power-armed Alex Meyer for Span and three of their top pitching prospects (Tommy Milone, Brad Peacock, A.J. Cole) as well as catcher Derek Norris to the Oakland Athletics last offseason for Gio Gonzalez, who went 21-8 with a 2.89 ERA in 2012.
They re-acquired Cole this week from the A's in part of three-team deal that sent outfielder/first baseman Mike Morse to the Seattle Mariners. Morse was a productive player but the re-signing of LaRoche made him expendable.
"The minor league system is healthy," Boone says. "There's people up and down the ladder now, and we've had some successes with people so that Mike Rizzo's had the luxury of trading some people.
"Certainly compared to where it was eight years ago when I came on board, we're miles ahead of that. There are a lot of people that have big upside."
Where the Nationals stand at each position
The starting job firmly belonged to Wilson Ramos before he was lost with a torn anterior cruciate ligament 25 games into 2012. He'll have to win his job back from Kurt Suzuki, who established himself after arriving in an August trade from the Oakland Athletics. Strong defender Sandy Leon and tough-minded Jhonatan Solano, who both saw major league time last season, give the Nationals exceptional depth.
First base
The Nationals re-signed Adam LaRoche, who hit 33 homers and drove in 100 runs last year, to a two-year deal. Prospect Matt Skole, the team's minor league player of the year in 2012, played first base in the Arizona Fall League. Skole, 23, batted .291 with 27 homers and 104 RBI in 119 Class A games, most of them in low A.
Second base
Danny Espinosa struggled offensively after a miserable second half in 2011, but the Nationals love his arm, range and power and think he is improving as a hitter. If he slumps again, Steve Lombardozzi could take some of his playing time.
Third base
Ryan Zimmerman signed a long-term deal to remain in Washington through at least 2019, and last season's team success was a reward. He remains a steady producer, reaching his highest RBI total (95) since 2009, and he's a team leader. The Nationals have two high-end prospects here in Anthony Rendon and Skole and could be faced with the decision of whether or not to move Zimmerman to first base in a couple of years.
Ian Desmond had a breakout 2012, batting .292 with 25 homers and 73 RBI. The Nationals think they have a cornerstone combo up the middle in Desmond and Espinosa and also have two strong middle-infield prospects in Zach Walters, 23, and Carlos Rivero, 24, who both reached Class AAA last year.
Left field
Bob Boone, the Nationals' vice president of player development and a former major league catcher who played with Pete Rose, says he thinks of Rose when he watches Bryce Harper play. Harper, to a large extent, lived up to his enormous hype, winning 2012 National League rookie of the year honors. He played all three outfield positions for Washington in 2012, committing seven errors, noteworthy given his tenacious style.
Center field
Denard Span, acquired in an offseason deal with the Minnesota Twins for top pitching prospect Alex Meyer, gives Washington a needed natural leadoff hitter as well as a go-get-it center fielder. He is signed for two more seasons, when 2011 first-round draft pick Brian Goodwin might be ready to take over. Goodwin has speed but also adds power Span doesn't possess.
Right field
Jayson Werth, who is signed through 2017, will play the outfield in Washington for the foreseeable future. Despite missing significant time with a broken wrist last season, he had a performance more palatable to fans than his dud in the first year of a $126 million deal. Werth hit .300 for the first time in his big-league career and slugged .440, a 50-point jump from 2011. Roger Bernadina can back up at all three outfield positions.
The rotation that led the NL in ERA (3.40) is back, minus Edwin Jackson, who will be replaced by Dan Haren. If Haren regains his previous form (16-10, 3.17 ERA in 2011; 3.66 career ERA over 10 seasons), the starters collectively will be better, especially considering the Nationals will have Strasburg for more innings. His pitch counts will be closely monitored, but he is likely to be available all season and in the playoffs if they qualify. Zach Duke is the projected long man out the bullpen but has 168 career big-league starts. The Nationals could add depth here. They have traded many of their top pitching prospects over the last year and perhaps their top three remaining ones — Matt Purke, Lucas Giolito and Sammy Solis — are recovering from injuries and appear to be a year or two away.
Despite losing left-handed setup man Sean Burnett, who signed a free agent deal with the Los Angeles Angels, the Nationals return a strong core to pitch ahead of newly signed Rafael Soriano. Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard both served as closer last season. Regulars Craig Stammen (2.34 ERA) and Ryan Mattheus (2.85 ERA) are back, and the Nationals signed Bill Bray to a minor league deal. Injuries limited Bray last season, though he had a 2.98 ERA in 79 games for the Cincinnati Reds in 2011.
Soriano, signed to a two-year, $28 million free agent deal, saved 42 games for the New York Yankees last season filling in for injured Mariano Rivera. In 2010, he saved 45 games with a 1.73 ERA for the Tampa Bay Rays. He has two qualified backups. Storen saved 43 games in 2011 but was limited to 30<AF>1/3<XA> innings by an elbow injury last season. Clippard proved to be a solid closing option in 2012, saving 32 games in 37 chances.
Prospects to watch
OF Brian Goodwin: Goodwin, 22, is coming into his own as a professional ballplayer. He hit .280 with 14 homers, 52 RBI, 64 runs and 18 steals in his first minor league season, spread between low-Class A Hagerstown (Md.) and Class AA Harrisburg (Pa.), and he had an .815 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in the Arizona Fall League. He's the Nationals' projected center fielder of the future, though Eury Perez, 22, could put himself more firmly in the picture with another strong year.
3B Anthony Rendon: The sixth overall draft pick in 2011 played some middle infield as an amateur, but the Nationals see him as a third baseman going forward. That's where he finished at Rice University, where he was an offensive force. Rendon, 22, was recovering from a shoulder injury when the Nationals drafted him and is healthy and starting to assert himself. He reached Harrisburg in 2012 and batted .338 with a .930 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, 11 RBI, six stolen bases and 17 runs in 22 games of the Arizona Fall League.
LHP Matt Purke: Purke, a first-round pick in 2011, is coming off shoulder surgery and has pitched in three minor league games. Purke, 22, was a power pitcher at TCU who threw in the mid 90s with a curveball and changeup. He needs to compile some minor league innings.
RHP Lucas Giolito: Giolito could miss the season, but when healthy, he could be the franchise's top pitching prospect. He threw a high-90s fastball in high school, but after being drafted in the first round in June, the 18-year-old required Tommy John elbow surgery.


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By Simon Hooper, Special to CNN updated 9:31 AM EST, Fri December 21, 2012
(CNN) -- For something intended to bring pleasure to loved ones and keep the economy of the entire Western world afloat, Christmas shopping in the Internet age can be a peculiarly joyless and atomized activity.
Online shopping is all very well for sociopaths and agoraphobes, but here are eight destinations to put the glühwein and gluttony back into your seasonal splurge.
Just lay off the gingerbread if you like your teeth.
Vienna: Grand old aristocrat of Advent
The former Habsburg capital shakes off its otherwise haughty reputation during lavish festivities, with baroque architecture that makes for a stunning backdrop as the decorative lights of Christkindlmarkt twinkle amid snowflakes.
Buy: The Adventmarkt, in front of the Karlskirche, is the place to go for handicrafts, ranging from stained glass sculptures to handmade wooden instruments, with workshops in glassblowing, leather work and other traditional techniques.
Drink: Weihnachtspunsch, accompanied by roasted chestnuts, is the Austrian capital's spirit-fortified variation on the hot alcohol formula. The mugs are considered collector's items.
Watch out for: The Krampus -- looking like extras from A Christmas Nightmare on Elm Street, these gruesome goat-headed long-haired monsters maraud menacingly through the markets at night.
Berlin: Festive fashions and hipster hangouts
You hardly need an extra reason to visit the fashionable German capital, but ice rinks, Ferris wheels, fairground rides and toboggan runs are among some of the attractions competing for attention at more than 60 markets scattered around the city.
The Gendarmenmarkt is considered one of the most beautiful.
Buy: Original works by the next big things of art, design and fashion, idiosyncratic decorations and contemporary jewelry at TrendMafia's Christmas Design Market.
Drink: With so many markets to see, a currywurst-fueled glühwein (mulled wine) crawl should keep the cold at bay, loosen the purse strings and liberate the legs for an evening of moving and shaking in some already passé Kreuzberg pop-up nightspot.
10 sparkling spots to ring in 2013
Sing along to: Traditional German carols are hard to beat. "Stille Nacht" (the song so imbued with Christmas spirit it briefly halted World War I on the Western Front) and "Oh Tannenbaum" will get the festive endorphins flowing in even the most battle-hardened Yuletide veteran.
Birmingham, England: Glam rock and glühwein
Pretty much every self-respecting British city these days goes Deutsch-verrückt for December, but Birmingham's Frankfurt Market claims to be "the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria."
Buy: The adjacent Christmas Craft Fair sells an array of local produce for your Christmas table, including organic sausages and homemade chutneys and cheeses. Or you might pick up a Birmingham edition of Monopoly for those long winter nights in with the family.
Drink: Glühwein and German beers aplenty here, but a short walk to The Old Contemptibles pub will get you seasonal English ales including "Ding Dong" and "Elves' Bells."
Listen out for: "Merry Christmas Everybody" and "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day," by local bands Slade and Wizzard. It's traditional in the UK for these festive glam rock stompers to be played on loop in every department store, as increasingly dead-eyed shoppers desperately scour the emptying shelves.
Nuremberg, Germany: From brat to wurst
One of the most fabled markets in Germany, the Christkindlesmarkt dates to the mid-sixteenth century with more than 180 wooden stalls set amid the picturesque surroundings of the Bavarian city's old town.
Buy: You can indulge your inner child with lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread), locally produced wooden toys and zwetschgenmännle (traditional decorative figurines made of prunes).
Eat: The glühwein here is stronger than average so it's smart to fill your stomach with plenty of local speciality Nürnberger Rostbratwürste, traditionally served on a heart-shaped tin plate. The Bratwurstküche zum Gulden Stern has been serving sausages here since 1419.
Look out for: It's hard to miss the Christkind, a local teenage girl dressed in a gloriously Wagner-esque crown and golden robe. Selection criteria for the role include a "willingness to work in any weather."
Copenhagen, Denmark: A fairy tale festive wonderland
The Danish capital's Tivoli Gardens fun park this year celebrates Nordic and Russian traditions with Christmas-themed rides, reindeer, an illuminated miniature replica of Moscow's Saint Basil's Cathedral and half a million fairy lights.
Buy: You can support the Inuit people of Greenland by buying a sealskin accessory from the Inuit Sila stall. In Greenland, seals are hunted sustainably for meat and every part of the animal is used.
Eat: Aebleskiver are donuts baked in a special pan with round holes. They're traditionally served with glögg, hot wine flavored with almonds and raisins.
Watch out for: The nisse. These mischievous pixies were traditionally believed to live in attics and barns, bringing good luck to those who cared for them. Many Danes still leave out a bowl of porridge on Christmas Eve to keep them sweet.
Strasbourg, France: Alsatian treats and Christmas trees
With a market dating to 1570, the French border city of Strasbourg has adopted the title of "Capital of Christmas."
Fir trees have formed a part of festivals in this forested region since pagan times, a tradition symbolized by the largest natural Christmas tree in Europe in the town square.
Buy: Regional delicacies, including foie gras and traditional Christmas biscuits known as recettes de bredele, abound for those seeking gifts for gourmands.
Drink: Alsatian monks, and recently breweries, have been producing malt-heavy Christmas beers -- spicy in flavor and amber in color -- since the Middle Ages.
Say: Alsace has its own regional language, recognized as vulnerable by UNESCO. Give it a boost by wishing locals "E gueti Wnchte & E glecklichs Nej Johr" ("Merry Christmas").
Gothenburg, Sweden: Northern lights and smorgasbords
Sweden's "Christmas City" is a blaze of light, warmth and color in the dark Scandinavian night, with the dazzling, illuminated market at the Liseberg amusement park among the season's central attractions.
Buy: For cutting edge and playful Scandinavian future design classics, the place to be is the ever-popular Julform Pop-up market. It's now an annual December fixture.
Eat: You can gorge on a multi-course Christmas smorgasbord, the Julbord, a table laden with dishes including pickled and smoked fish, meats and cheeses, and the hearty Janssons frestelse, a casserole of anchovies and potatoes.
Listen to: Gothenburg's tourism website has put together a classy Christmas playlist (Cliff Richard aside) featuring hirsute local rockers The Soundtrack of Our Lives, currently rounding off their last-ever tour with a six-night stand in Stockholm.
Hamburg, Germany: Kinky Christmas fun
Hamburg's legendarily louche St. Pauli district offers "Santa Pauli" -- its ribald take on the traditional German market, with strip shows, drag queens and "sexy angels." Probably not one for the kids.
Buy: The handmade wooden toys that sell here are not the sort that you'd usually associate with Santa's little helpers. Those crafted by WaldMichlsHoldi, a long-running family business, are the most famous.
Drink: The Amaretto-laced hot apple wine packs a dangerous punch.