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84th Academy Awards
In a year when movie attendance was at its lowest, so is my interest in Oscar, despite the good news that Billy Crystal will host the show. More than ever, this evening devoted to film excellence is becoming a popularity contest, and all attempts to correct the course are failing. The addition of five more films in the Best Picture category, a move designed to be more inclusive of popular films, only succeeds in omissions in that the Best Director category still limited to five nominees. Case in point: "The Help" received a nomination but director Tate Taylor didn't. Then there were the inexplicable snubs in some of the major categories, some of which simply defy explanation.
For those wondering if this ceremony is even relevant anymore, as it's now so focused now on fashion and faux pas, read Gavin Polone's recent article in New York magazine. He doesn't think so, and I agree with him on most points, particularly regarding the bunching up of prestige pictures at the end of the year so these contenders will be fresh in the minds of Academy voters, many of whom anonymously claim they don't even see the films they vote for. It stacks the deck against any worthy mainstream films released earlier in the year and reinforces this silly practice when indeed they don't get nominated, although "The Help," released last August, is an exception.
Of the nine picture nominees, only two were not shown in Beaumont — "The Tree of Life" and "The Artist." Unfortunately, "The Artist" may well win the Best Picture Oscar with many not residing in a "select city" having never seen it. In the remaining major categories, there are four more films most of us will have to see on DVD post-awards. But one thing a win guarantees is future profit, so whatever we think about this one night of the year salute to cinema, it will continue because the simple fact is it makes money.
This year I am divided in many categories, by who I think will win and who I want to win. I have favorites who weren't even nominated like Shailene Woodley, the edgy teenager in "The Descendants" and Albert Brooks, who was brilliant as the ruthless gangster in "Drive." Brooks, especially, was touted as a frontrunner right up until the day the nominations were announced; now he's just a curious bystander, as are we. So here it goes:
Best Supporting Actress:
This is the one sure bet of the night, and the Oscar goes to Octavia Spencer, the sassy-mouthed Minnie in "The Help." She's won every other award she can possible carry home, and there is no one standing in her way. Not Melissa McCarthy for "The Bridesmaids" (although her acceptance speech would surely be a highlight) and not Jessica Chastain, also for "The Help." No one saw "Albert Nobbs," so Janet McTeer is sidelined and Berenice Bejo ("The Artist") will enjoy the show from her seat, as well.
Will win: Spencer
Should win: Spencer (But didn't you love McCarthy?)
Best Supporting Actor:
The favorite in this category is Christopher Plummer as a widower who decides to come out of the closet – finally – in "The Beginners." The only actor standing in his way is Max von Sydow, the mute grandfather in "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close." Jonah Hill ("Moneyball") was the surprise nominee, as was Nick Nolte ("Warrior"). They, along with Kenneth Branaugh, who played Laurence Olivier in "My Week with Marilyn," can watch Plummer pick up his first Oscar.
Will win: Plummer
Should win: Plummer, but only because Brooks can't.
Best Actress:
This is a nail biter and impossibly close to call with Meryl Streep and Viola Davis (top) literally in a photo finish. A month ago I would have bet on Streep for her phenomenal turn as Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady." But Viola Davis as Aibilene, the heart and soul of "The Help," is just as likely to take the prize. I'd be happy with either, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel a tug for Glenn Close, who plays a woman masquerading as a manservant in "Albert Nobbs." Nominated five times in a career spanning 30 years, she has already lost to Streep twice. It's going to sting again for her, as it will also for Rooney Mara ("The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo") and Michele Williams ("My Week with Marilyn").
Will win: Viola Davis
Should win: Honestly, I can't make up my mind. It was a great year for the ladies.Best Actor:
This is also a very close race between Jean Dujardin (below) of "The Artist" and George Clooney, the jilted husband in "The Descendants." Clooney has a slight edge, but it may be Dujardin wins in a carryover from the film's frontrunner status in the next two categories. As much as I liked "Moneyball," I didn't get the nomination for Brad Pitt, and I didn't see "A Better Life" with nominee Demian Bichir. For my money, this race should come down to Clooney and Gary Oldman, who was riveting as George Smiley, the tired old MI6 agent who ferrets out the mole in "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy." That's how it's done, folks — with dialog.
Will win: Dujardin
Should win: Clooney
Best Director:
Now this is interesting. The most nominated film this year is "Hugo," directed by Martin Scorsese, with 11 nominations. Right behind is "The Artist," directed by Michel Hazanavicius, with a total of 10 nods. They are both nominated in this category, and one will be the winner, mostly likely Hazanavicius, who conceived the homage to silent films and executed it perfectly. In fact, all five nominees here delivered projects that were very close to their hearts. Woody Allen won't win this category, but will most likely take home the Original Screenplay Oscar for "Midnight in Paris," his first crowd pleasure in ages. Likewise Alexander Payne for the Hawaiian family dramedy "The Descendants," who is the favorite for Adapted Screenplay. When Terrence Malick premiered "The Tree of Life" at the Cannes Film Festival last summer, there were audible boos from the audience. Although it persevered, it would be a huge upset if Malick or the picture won. We won't speak it aloud, but …
Will win: Hazanavicius
Should win: Payne
Best Picture:
Does it really matter that there are nine (a maximum 10 are allowed) nominees in this category? So what? There can only be one winner, and the odds are it will be "The Artist." I enjoyed this film: it was clever and entertaining, but it lacked the heft that some of the other nominees have, namely "The Descendants," which throughout this pre-Oscar season has stumbled as its star picked up more buzz than the picture. There are Woody Allen fans, too, for "Midnight in Paris," but sadly Oscar tends to overlook comedies. And most of "Hugo's" 11 wins will come in the technical categories, not here. Here are the rest of the nominees: "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," "Moneyball," "The Tree of Life," "War Horse" and "The Help" — all save "Tree" go without director nominations, which will hurt. Barring an upset, there is a clear winner.
Will win: "The Artist"
Should win: "The Descendants"
All will be revealed Sunday, Feb. 26, beginning at 7 p.m. on ABC.


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Taking Steady Investment First Steps
Before you invest in anything, you first must make sure that you have a strong economic foundation. If you don't, your situation is like building a brick house on shifting sand. You need to ensure that your debts are under control, your assets exceed your liabilities, you spend less money than you earn, and you regularly save a portion of what you earn. If you need help with any of these areas, seek a financial advisor who can help you locate and remedy the weak spots in your investment program's foundation.
A second prerequisite to investing is a complete understanding of the types of investments that are appropriate for your current situation in life. For example, if you're retired or near retirement, you need more safety and stability in your investments than people in their 30s do.
Finally, you must take the time to educate yourself about financial and investment matters. The average person spends more than 80,000 hours during a typical working lifetime yet may spend an average of less than 15 minutes a month finding out how his money can work for him.
Have adequate insurance
Do you have proper coverage for potential problems, such as disability or the death of a breadwinner in your family? Many stock portfolios get liquidated pretty fast when the dependents of the deceased need money for daily living expenses. You may work a lifetime to build your stock portfolio. If you don't have appropriate insurance, it could be wiped out very quickly and needlessly. See an insurance professional to guarantee that you and your family are protected.
Update your career skills
No matter how secure your job or company is, you should periodically update your resume and job skills to maintain your employability. At least once every two years, bring your most current resume to an employment agency and ask, " How quickly can you get me a job?" If your question is met with hesitation or a grimace, update your skills and expertise immediately, while you're still employed.
Establish an emergency fund
An emergency fund is a critical component of your financial well-being. Investors make a huge mistake by not having one. They assume that their stock portfolio and/or mutual fund investment will do, but they're wrong. Your stocks and mutual funds are meant for long-term growth, not short-term cash needs. Set up an emergency fund by putting at least three to six months' worth of gross living expenses in a safe, interest-bearing bank account or money market mutual fund.
Set up a budget
Budgeting is a crucial part of your financial foundation. Budgeting is the act of regularly monitoring and controlling what you make (income) and what you spend (expenses). The bottom line is that if you can't (or won't) budget, then you probably won't succeed as an investor. Fortunately, budgeting is easy, and many resources are available to help you set up a budget that suits your needs and goals.
Understand basic economics
The average citizen is incredibly ill informed about economics. Yet knowledge of economics is extremely important to everyone's investment goals. In fact, plenty of financial advisors and stock experts have lost a lot of money for themselves and their clients because they were woefully uninformed about basic economics. Concepts such as supply and demand aren't distant, arcane abstractions; they affect your money and financial success every day.
If you do read up on economics, look for authors who are well versed in free market principles, which lie at the heart of sound investment decisions. Some of the better economists that the serious stock investor should read are Ludwig von Mises, Mark Skousen, and Kurt Richebacher. Some Web sites that offer excellent economic research are Puplava Securities, Inc., and American Institute for Economic Research.
Read about investing
One behavior that separates successful investors from unsuccessful ones is reading. Just as in almost every discipline, people who read more learn more and gain more benefit.
Become an avid reader of stock investing publications and books. Browse investment newspapers, such as The Wall Street Journal and Investor's Business Daily. Read books written by (and on) the great investors in history and the strategies they employed. Read commentaries from financial writers and advisors that present both bullish and bearish opinions on the market. Look for different points of view on the stock market to develop and challenge your ability to be a logical and independent financial thinker.
Be independent-minded
More often than not, the herd mentality is wrong. Think as a contrarian investor. Contrarians usually make a fortune on the simple premise of buying when others are selling and vice versa. Contrarians look for stocks that are generally ignored by the market at large. They look for stocks that are hidden values that the public hasn't yet discovered. If the contrarian hears a dozen high-profile stock experts say, "Buy Quagmire Inc.," he won't buy it, because the public has already bought up the stock and there's usually little growth left in it.
However, if you do your own research, you can find great stocks before the market does and then watch the stock price rise when experts and the public start to notice your stock. As the public bids up the price of your shares, look for great opportunities to sell and lock in a handsome profit.
Discipline yourself
Successful investors do their homework on a stock, stick to their principles, and use a disciplined approach to stock buying (and selling). At the very least, they invest by using disciplined techniques that will help ensure a profit or limit loss.
Discipline is your ally in stock investing. Frequently, investors lose money or destroy their wealth as they let their emotions rule. Fear and greed are emotions that have driven bad investment decisions throughout history. Develop a rational and disciplined approach, and your long-term investment success will be more assured.

subset: commoncrawl


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NEW YORK, NY-The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's track and field team broke another school record on the first day of competition at the two day Eastern College Athletic Conference Championships at the New Balance Armory Friday.
In the 4 x 200 meter relay, the team of freshman LaQuaysha Anderson-Jenkins (Brighton, MA/Brighton HS), freshman Barbara Okafor (Hyde Park, MA/Boston Latin HS), freshman Michele-Le Miranda (Somerville, MA/Somerville HS) and senior Jill Van Ness (Agawam, MA/Agawam HS broke the school record by nearly two seconds, finishing fourth overall in 1:43.66.
Van Ness finished in 8.11 seconds in the 60 meter trials, but did not advance, while freshman Grunde Brandso (Dartmouth, MA/Dartmouth HS) threw the shot put 45 feet, three inches.
"Our women did a great job in the relay," said UMass Dartmouth Head Coach Steve Gardiner. "Our assistant coach, Hal Miller, has done a great job with them all year, and I'm looking forward to seeing them run the 4 x 4 tomorrow. Grunde had an outstanding freshman season, and I'm pleased with the job he did."
The meet will conclude Saturday.


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UK recovery set to drive up pensions
MILLIONS of workers are set for a pensions boost as Britain's economy soars to record levels in the coming months, experts have predicted.
Blue chip firms saw billions of pounds added to their value in 2013, with the FTSE 100 Index closing yesterday 14 per cent higher than its level at the end of 2012.
Economists say this recovery will continue into 2014, with the stock market breaking through the benchmark 7,000 barrier.
Pension funds will directly benefit, allowing the newly-retired to buy more generous annuities with their savings.
James Baxter, of pension specialists Tideway Wealth, said: "This is terrific news, especially for those about to retire who have not yet bought an annuity, because their pension funds will be worth more money."
An annuity is the guaranteed retirement income bought with a pension pot. In recent years rates have been abysmally low, leaving many people struggling. A surging stock exchange will offer savers a welcome boost.
This is terrific news, especially for those about to retire who have not yet bought an annuity, because their pension funds will be worth more money
The FTSE 100 finished at 6,749.1 on the last day of December, trading, more than 800 ahead of its level of 5,897.8 at the end of 2012. The final session of 2013 saw the FTSE climb by 17.8 points, leaving it less than 200 off a record of 6,930.2 during the dotcom boom on December 30, 1999.
IG market analyst David Madden said: "Traders are preparing to pop the champagne corks. But they will not just be celebrating New Year's Eve – 2013 has been a stellar year for the stock market."
The FTSE 100 rose strongly over the last 12 months as the UK economic recovery accelerated well ahead of expectations and shares have been boosted by major stimulus policies.
Shares in British Airways and Iberia owner International Airlines Group have done the best, more than doubling in value. Low-cost rival easyJet also rose nearly 100 per cent.
More importantly for the internationally-focused index, prospects for the United States and the rest of the world have also been looking up.
A pledge that US interest rates will stay low longer than expected helped markets react positively, alongside the knowledge that a "tapering" policy will see Quantitative Easing continue.
An even better FTSE performance is expected next year amid a slower fall in commodity prices, a weakening pound and an upturn in UK productivity. Capital Economics is predicting it will climb as high as 7,500 by 2015.


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Food & Drink
8 seriously playful hotels
By Chadner Navarro, Special to CNN • Updated 12th March 2014
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13 Pictures
From swimming pool slides and oversized LEGO stations to Plinko walls and Wii consoles, hotels all over the world have committed to having fun.
Some have transformed their lobbies and public spaces into the kind of playgrounds children and grown-ups alike can enjoy, inspiring a bit of healthy competition among guests.
Here are eight properties that stretch and bounce and slide beyond a place to lay your head:
Sea Island
, Georgia
This massive resort on Georgia's coast packs in a lot: Nature lovers are especially spoiled with plenty to do, from salt marsh exploration to kayaking to an after-dark survival skills course where younger guests are groomed for the outdoors with lessons in pitching tents, lighting fires, reading a compass, etc. The resort can also provide a very thorough primer in
gyotaku fish printing
that includes dissecting the fish. For guests who prefer a more traditional take on play, there's a life-size chess set on the lawn, and a very civilized weekly Bingo service, where men age 12 and up are required to wear a jacket.
8 elegant U.S. mansion hotels
Hotel Zetta
San Francisco, California
This months-old Viceroy Hotel Group property in San Francisco's Union Square neighborhood was meant to attract those traveling to the city for business -- the startup variety. To appeal to that "work hard, play hard" mentality, a massive Plinko wall greets guests in the lobby. The rest of the hotel's playful perks can be found in the sharply curated Playroom, where Wii consoles share the space with ping-pong and pool tables, a massive assortment of board games and life-size Jenga. The phone booths, which have been updated with Samsung tablets that will allow users to Skype, are a nice touch. Heading up to your room? Have an Atari game sent up on request.
10 record-setting natural wonders
Martinhal Resort
, Sagres, Portugal
Located on the southwest corner of continental Europe in the Portuguese fishing town of Sagres, Martinhal Resort is a true family-friendly destination, where every member of the brood can find something to do. Everything from stand-up paddling to kayaking to jeep safaris to surfing to Pilates on the beach are on offer. Or give Padel a try. This racquet sport, popular in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America, is a combination of tennis and racquetball. Martinhal has two glass-sided courts in which to learn. The resort's Village Square acts as its entertainment hub, where children can let loose at the playground while older children head to the Blue Room to play foosball and video games. Bonus: All dining venues here are outfitted with play areas separate but visible from and near to the actual dining room, allowing adults to eat in peace without totally losing sight of the kids.
Primland Resort
, Meadows of Dan, Virginia
This resort in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains sits on 12,000 acres -- that's roughly the size of Bermuda -- so there's always a variety of activities available for guests. One of the most fun, given the abundance of space, is a game of geocaching, a high-tech treasure hunt in which a GPS device helps participants locate hidden canisters, or geocaches, that reveal interesting information about the resort's surroundings as well as local fauna and flora. Some of the geocaches might reveal a puzzle to solve for an added challenge. In addition, clay shooters will enjoy the Game Trail Virtual Simulation Hunt, featuring 10 challenging scenarios. Younger guests, on the other hand, can take on the Blue Ridge Tree Climbing contest.
7 secret Caribbean islands
, New York
This pod-style hotel right next to the Lincoln Tunnel may not win points for space -- a luxury in New York City (though its 4,000 square-foot terrace is the largest hotel terrace in town), but it certainly delivers if it's whimsical playfulness guests are after. For example, luggage storage is manned by a mechanical robot, programmed to collect suitcases and backpacks and stuff them into their assigned lockers. But Yotel's pièce de résistance is its Lego wall, which was unveiled in January 2014. The 30-foot long lobby wall includes thousands of colorful bricks, tools for Yotel guests' next masterpieces. Some have drafted messages while others used the Lego bricks to create more ambitious visuals (flags, animals, cartoon characters, even NYC landmarks).
See some examples of them online
, Austin, Texas
Playful activities at the original Travaasa property (there's also one in Hawaii) are heart-pounding but fun. Take the mechanical bull exercise as an example. Guests who have completed Pilates or the core-conditioning workout can take on this core-strengthening task -- cowboy hat not included. There's also an adventurous bike track for riders of all levels and the renowned Prickly Pear Challenge Course -- with its multistep, vertical climbing elements and zip-line finish -- is sure to push all sorts of physical boundaries. To unwind, guests can always participate in a game of Texas Hold'em.
Four Seasons Hotel
, Hampshire, England
The Four Seasons property in the English countryside is so committed to its family-friendly programing that it has planned activities during key school holidays. So, it might be a Segway adventure during the Easter break or themed tea parties during the February half-term holiday. There's also Henry's Hangout -- a wooden playground stocked with swings, slides and a climbing wall. "Tweens" may prefer the Rose Cottage with its games. The grand estate, however, is better suited for outdoorsy endeavors -- think boat rides on the canals, croquet, falconry, quad bikes -- especially when a new equestrian center opens this spring, featuring stabling space for 12 horses and a petting zoo.
Hotel Unique
São Paulo, Brazil
Hotel Unique lives up to its name. One of the most design-forward hotels in the world has an exterior resembling a slice of watermelon. While this hotel doesn't offer the games of many of the hotels on our list, its curvaceous silhouette merits a mention -- and takes the edge off the see-and-be-seen vibe that attracts local glitterati to the rooftop terrace and bar. Many guests have not been able to resist trying to slide on a sloping wall near suites on the edges of the property. And fortunately, the multicolored indoor pool has something few city pools do: a slide.
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Glass Boundaries specialises in stylish, modern and durable glass pool fences?and?balustrades. We supply and install superior quality pool fences, balustrades, gates, and screens throughout Perth, Western Australia.
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Skay's Camp is the resident home of Satyendra and Kay (Kathleen Mary Hassall) Tiwari and houses a small lodge run by both with the help of Satyendra's brother Hariom and his wife Sonu and daughters Munmun and Mahi. Skay's Camp is one of the few lodges in Tala (Bandhavgarh National Park) run by residents of the area.
Skay's Camp consists of seven double rooms with running hot and cold water and is located within the old Tala village off the main street. A small number of local staff helps maintain the land and run the kitchen. Satyendra and Kay endeavour to run the facilities in as eco friendly way as possible. Rooms have emergency lighting when power cuts strike and the land has WiFi connectivity. Skay's camp has gained a Quality grading under TOFT (Tour Operators for Tigers U.K.)
You will be welcomed in to a family home where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the garden and orchards amongst birds, butterflies and flowers and partake of the fruits and vegetables that grows throughout the year on the land.
You may also enjoy informal talks and stories around the campfire and browse Satyendra's photographic display and Kay's artwork for your interest or simply relax as you wish amongst the calm surroundings.
Skay's Camp caters for individuals, couples and small groups offering personal attention at all times. Satyendra and Kay's knowledge of the park, its tigers and other inhabitants are unsurpassed. You will leave much more knowledgeable about the tiger's plight and the full story of Bandhavgarh than through others.
Satyendra and Kay offer Jungle plan inclusive of accommodation, meals, park entry fee, vehicle for park drives and guiding. Elephant rides and tiger shows, trips to the Fort plateau, tips and expenditures of personal nature such as laundry and beverages etc are extra. There are two park drives per day, which give visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife and also the beauty of Bandhavgarh. Though a tiger sighting cannot be guaranteed on every occasion, we can say that few visitors leave disappointed from Bandhavgarh and it is usually a question of how many rather than did you see one.
We are also happy to offer tours for both Bandhavgarh and Kanha or any personal itinerary the guest might require. We have many long-term stay and return clients who come to India to experience true wildlife watching and gather genuine information on the park situation. Satyendra also works with photographers who value his skills as a wildlife photographer himself. We offer competitive tariff to those who wish to travel direct to the Heart of India, Land of the Tiger. For further information and tariff please contact us at any time and we will be happy to assist in planning your Tiger Tour.


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Graham faces down primary challenge
COLUMBIA, S.C. — If any Senate Republican up for re-election next year would seem ripe for a primary defeat it's Lindsey Graham.
Running in a conservative, Southern state that has proven friendly to insurgents in recent years, Graham has repeatedly poked his finger in the eye of the GOP base. He supported both of President Obama's Supreme Court justices, muses about higher taxes to get a fiscal grand bargain and is among the leaders of the push to create a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants.
Story Continued Below
Yet a year out from his primary, Graham is in surprisingly good shape. He had over $5.4 million in the bank at the end of March, second only to Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell among senators up in 2014, and his approval ratings remain solid if not spectacular. What's more, the intensity on immigration has receded here and a set of issues has arisen that have benefited the incumbent.
( PHOTOS: Senators up for election in 2014)
The irony of Lindsey Olin Graham is that he's significantly responsible for both his stronger political positioning and the fact that he's in jeopardy in the first place. As much as any other politician on the stage today, he's his own best friend and worst enemy. The same tart tongue and ambition that created his problems have lifted him in recent months, his role as chief inquisitor on the Benghazi tragedy being exhibit A.
( Also on POLITICO: Graham on Benghazi)
Some South Carolina conservatives loathe Graham, and will express as much next year, but right now they're outnumbered by the ranks of those who like him or at least respect his leadership role.
"The 30 percent of the Republicans who don't like him really don't like him, but generally speaking Lindsey is very highly regarded back home," said Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C).
Graham's fortunes could yet turn. Particularly if the immigration bill sparks a backlash, Graham could find himself in danger of suffering the same fate as other deal-making Republican senators who got outflanked on the right and lost primaries.
But for now, the South Carolinian appears to be a much safer bet for a third term than many would have predicted a few years ago when he backed Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan for the Supreme Court.
( Also on POLITICO: Graham targets Clinton on Benghazi)
For the 57-year-old bachelor and Air Force reservist, politics and policy are his life's passions and he's determined to play a central role in the country's big debates. This hunger for the limelight, and for addressing difficult issues, can lead him to trouble with his own party. Look no further than immigration. Representing a state with a minimal Hispanic population, there's no political incentive for him to become so associated with such a contentious issue.


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There is constant evolution in my kitchens… constant growth. It's creative, crazy, exciting. We love what we do."
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TomTom belts up with Renault
New satnav integrated into new Clio
You'll be kicking yourself if you recently bought a top-of-the-range Renault Megane. Because the French car maker's now updated its faithful Clio line with a swanky integrated TomTom satnav option.
Renault's new Clio with optional TomTom Carminat satnav
The Carminat TomTom has a 5.8in display and its controls have been integrated into the Clio's steering column. This save's you from reaching too far forward while planning your next Sunday afternoon jaunt to feed horses in the countryside.
All the usual features come with the Carminat model, including traffic warnings, speed camera locations, speed limit information and, oh yes, maps.
You'll also be able to update the satnav's knowledge using its integrated SD card slot. The satnav isn't removable though, which some security-conscious drivers may not like.
Best of all, TomTom and Renault claim to have slashed the cost of integrating a satnav into the Clio so that you can have it for just under £500 ($733/€572) – much cheaper than scotch-guarding. ®
Sponsored: How to Process, Wrangle, Analyze and Visualize your Data with Three Complementary Tools


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International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs. Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, International Medical Corps is a private, voluntary, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life through health interventions and related activities that build local capacity in underserved communities worldwide. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency situations, International Medical Corps rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance. International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.
When catastrophe hits, International Medical Corps is often one of the first humanitarian aid organizations on the scene—providing rapid and effective aid that saves lives, reduces suffering, and promotes self-reliance.
International Medical Corps has established an International Emergency Roster to ensure that emergency positions are filled in a timely manner with professionally qualified, gender balanced, geographically diverse, linguistically able, and a highly motivated corps of professionals. The team includes coordinators, logisticians, doctors and water and sanitation experts. It also includes specialists who focus on protection, prevention of sexual violence and aid for rape survivors and mental health.
Selected Emergency Response Team (ERT) members are always on standby to deploy to a crisis within 72 hours, whether they are launching into new areas or lending support to International Medical Corps teams already on the ground. International Medical Corps maintains a roster of volunteers, staff and available specialists who have been interviewed and have completed pre-deployment paperwork, orientation and training. The roster is updated on regular basis as new responders are identified and members update their areas of expertise and other relevant information. Through this expression of interest, applicants are encouraged to submit their profiles so that their information is readily available in the International Medical Corps applicant tracking system.
Job PurposeThe primary responsibility of the surgeon is to provide inpatient and outpatient surgical services in a humanitarian crisis setting.
Main Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation. The tasks listed are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Code of Conduct
It is our shared responsibility and obligation to prevent matters involving Sexual Exploitation & Abuse, Trafficking in Persons, Child Safeguarding and any suggested violation to our Code of Conduct, which may involve Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption or Harassment. If you see, hear or are made aware of any suggested activities then you have an obligation to report.
Equal Opportunities
International Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.


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The GMD's beauty routine
I don't like the word "regimen". I think because it's often confused with "regiment" and I hate when people sound dumb. Like when they add a "d" in "whirlwind" and make it "worldwind". Britney used to do this all the time. And Justin Timberlake too, until he started using big words like he's some kind of celebrity thinker. Anyway, that's why I've chosen to title this "routine" instead.
Many of you have remarked that the GMD has looked better than ever during this press tour for Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol. Now The Hollywood Reporter (in an article that has Janice Min's direction all over it) is suggesting that Tom Cruise's new youth may be a result of his friendship with renowned Brazilian plastic surgeon, Dr Ivo Pitanguy. Pitanguy is known to be the pioneer of plastic surgery in Brazil. Katie Holmes is apparently a big fan of his skin care line. To soften the suggestiveness behind this story, The Hollywood Reporter hints that perhaps Tom could simply be using Dr Pitanguy's creams.
Whatever it is, it's working really well.
Tom doesn't look overly injected. He's still able to show us his full range of emotions: excited, more excited-er, and crazy. I wonder if this bothers Nicole Kidman. That all around her, so many people are able to do it without alarm, while her attempts, all of them, have resulted in her becoming the unofficial ambassador for Botox.
Check out Tom on Letterman the other night, his face and skin closer to 40 than it is to 50, handsome in his grey sweater, and riding a very satisfying high for his new movie. It's a Happy Christmas for Tom Cruise. He got his face and career back.
Click here to read more about the GMD's alleged beauty habits.


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Nancy O'Dell weighed in for the second time on the leaked Donald Trump and Billy Bush tape, saying Monday afternoon there was "no room" for the objectification of women and that included "in the locker room."
The "Entertainment Tonight" co-host told viewers the following heartfelt message: "I feel it's very important that I address you all directly. As a journalist for 26 years now, it is my job to bring you the news about others, rather than turning the focus on myself. But by now, I'm sure that most of you have heard the audio tape, which became national news and part of the presidential race."
O'Dell continued, "My name was mentioned and, unfortunately, the release of it has thrown me into the middle of the political arena of which I didn't ask to be a part of. I released a statement on Saturday and I truly mean what I said. There is no room for objectification of women, or anybody for that matter, not even in the 'locker room.'"
In a leaked audio recording from 2005, Trump is overheard telling Bush while riding on an "Access Hollywood" bus about his failed attempt to seduce a married woman.
"I moved on her and I failed. I'll admit it," Trump said. "I did try and f--- her. She was married."
The woman being discussed was O'Dell, Access Hollywood later confirmed.
In O'Dell's earlier statement from this past weekend, she explained that "as a mom I feel I must speak out with the hope that as a society we will always strive to be better."
She also shared that "the conversation needs to change because no female, no person, should be the subject of such crass comments, whether or not the cameras are rolling."
During Sunday night's second presidential debate, Trump was asked to address the lewd conversation that took place 11 years ago.
The Republican presidential candidate told the millions tuning in that he was "not proud" of the conversation that took place.
"I apologize to my family. I apologize to the American people. Certainly I'm not proud of it. But this is locker room talk," he explained. "I have great respect for women. Nobody has more respect for women than I do."


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You will receive an email notification with tracking when your order has shipped. If you have questions regarding existing order status, you may log in to check the status of your order or contact us at email@example.com.
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Gift Certificates are not returnable, and cannot be redeemed for cash.


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Friday, 14 March 2014 02:41 PM
U.S. farmers this week finalized their crop insurance plans for spring planting with critics of the government-subsidized program saying insurers are set up for a bonanza after passage of the new five-year farm bill last month.
Farmers who sign up for crop insurance by March 15 won't in fact enjoy the enhanced subsidies of the new federal law, which go into effect with the 2015 crop year.
But grain farmers in 2014 will still see up to two-thirds of their insurance premiums paid for by the government. Private insurance companies will also still benefit from the government as their "reinsurer," an arrangement which critics say limits their losses while boosting underwriting gains.
With the new farm bill, the government's largesse gets even bigger next year.
"I think taxpayers lost on that farm bill for sure. There was lots of money that could have been saved to reduce the deficit but they chose not to," said Bruce Babcock, an agricultural economist at Iowa State University who has studied crop insurance for more than a decade.
"The industry lobbies heavily," Babcock told Reuters. "It's just rub my back, I'll rub yours."
A new farm bill was held up for more than a year by wrangling over cuts in food stamps and subsidized programs for the poor. Backers also touted cuts in direct payments to farmers estimated by the Congressional Budget Office at $40 billion over 10 years. But 80 percent of those savings, some $33 billion, according to CBO data, reappear in the new farm bill as "enhanced" crop insurance, reformers say.
"The crop insurance program survived essentially unscathed in this farm bill," said Craig Cox of the Environmental Working Group, which sees U.S. farm policies as wasteful to taxpayers. "This was the first farm bill where there was a lot of attention paid to trying to reform the crop insurance program. None of those reforms made it into the final bill."
Crop insurers, on the other hand, praised the new law.
"For the taxpayer, it eliminated direct payments and reduced some of the price support policies of the past in favor of expanding crop insurance, which is purchased by farmers on an individual basis," David Graves, president of the American Crop Insurance Association, said in a written response to questions.
"For crop insurance companies, the farm bill underscored the fact that crop insurance is the top risk management tool for America's farmers and ranchers."
Critics say it is not the theory but the economics of crop insurance they quarrel with.
At the turn of the century crop insurance was still a minor part of U.S. farm policy, averaging about $2 billion a year in the 1990s. By contrast, CBO estimates, even before the new farm bill government crop insurance costs will average $9 billion a year over the coming decade. The new law adds in another $3.3 billion a year to those costs, according to CBO data.
Critics say no one knows if such "savings" will actually be realized since most farmers today opt for insurance that covers expected crop revenue, due to lower prices or crop losses.
"The new savings could turn out to be mythical. If prices decline from astronomical levels which USDA is projecting, these new subsidy programs could pay out far more than CBO estimates of their costs," Cox said.
Pat Westhoff of the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri said FAPRI now projects those additional costs at closer to $5 billion a year, not $3.3 billion, and comparable to the old direct payment program.
"The new crop insurance provisions, all else equal, will push up the costs of the crop insurance program," he said.
Reformers zero in on three costly aspects of the giant crop insurance scheme: subsidized premiums; billion-dollar government payments to insurers for "administrative and operational" costs; and the government's safety net as "reinsurer" of private insurers.
Bankers and extension advisers say that the government's share of premium payments averages 60-65 percent for corn, soybean or wheat acreage. Next year, the government will pick up a higher percent of the premiums for up to 86 percent of harvest.
The new law "caps" annual administrative payments to the 19 private insurers at $1.3 billion, an average of $68 million each just for participating in the program. Even so, Graves said that was too low to meet insurers' costs.
The third government support derives from government as "reinsurer." Private insurers say they need the government because no one else will insure against crop risk based on the weather.
"If that's true, then the taxpayer would be better off taking on all the risk and not paying a huge fee to induce the private sector to take on some risk," Babcock said. "They say it because they don't want to lose that subsidized reinsurance. Call them on their bluff: OK, if it's too risky, we'll take it all on and save billions of dollars doing it."
But if crop insurance seems wasteful, it is also extraordinarily complex and secretive.
"Crop insurance is hidden behind a really unprecedented veil of secrecy," Cox said. "There's actually statutory language in the federal Crop Insurance Act that prevents the government from revealing a lot of the details."
Critics point to a special clause tucked into the 2014 Farm Bill diluting the power of the U.S. Agriculture Secretary from trimming payments to crop insurance companies if the basic Standard Reinsurance Agreement is renegotiated.
© 2019 Thomson/Reuters. All rights reserved.
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Rachel ALLAN Shorts 4600
- Brand: Rachel Allan Shorts
- Style #: 4600
- Availability: Available to Order
- $438
The Rachel Allan Collection is arriving at Miss Priss. These gowns are perfect for homecoming, pageant, opening numbers, prom, sweet 16 parties, and all of your social and formal occasion needs. For current availability, please call the store or place your online order and you will receive an email regarding the order status. Rachel Allan Prom Pageant Evening Short Formal Dress
The fabric in this Rachel ALLAN Homecoming style is Jersey
The fabric in this Rachel ALLAN Homecoming style is Jersey


text:
The Amiga Explorer networking software makes it possible
to access the resources of an Amiga computer from one or more Windows
systems. Configuration is extremely simple and by default requires only
a few mouse clicks on the Windows side.
Amiga Explorer is shareware, i.e. it is free to try without functional
limitations. You can download the software from this page, and register it
if you feel like supporting the project. If you have a copy of Amiga Forever Plus Edition
Premium Edition, that includes an Amiga Explorer license, so just use
the Amiga Forever license key to register Amiga Explorer. Stand-alone
licenses are also available.
Amiga Explorer upgrades have always been free, i.e. once you have an
Amiga Forever or Amiga Explorer license key, that works with all versions of
Amiga Explorer.
Amiga Explorer is shareware, i.e. it is free to try with no functional
limitations. In this way, you can make sure that your hardware and cabling
work fine and that the software satisfies your needs before purchasing it.
To install the evaluation software just download it from the link on
this page and follow the setup instructions. If you like the software you
can purchase a license key at any time.
Thank you to all customers who register the software and contribute to
the project.
The same version of Amiga Explorer that is downloadable from this page
for evaluation purposes can also be used to upgrade a previous installation, in which
case previous
registration and configuration settings are preserved.
Amiga Explorer also includes the optional
Software Director component, to
allow you to easily check for news and updates.
A serial cable connection is a standard and inexpensive method to connect different
types of computers and other communications devices. While it is not the fastest type of
cabling for networking, it is probably the simplest to implement on the most different
systems, and it allows for the initial installation of the Amiga side of
Amiga Explorer without requiring additional software to transfer the files
from the PC.
If you would like to use Amiga Explorer over a serial connection, the following articles include schematics to assemble
the null-modem cable yourself,
as well as part numbers and pricing information for standard cables, and
for Bluetooth serial adapters:
If you prefer to use Amiga Explorer over TCP/IP, which allows for very
fast connections over Ethernet, the Amiga Explorer documentation includes a complete tutorial on the installation of
Ethernet and TCP/IP in mixed Amiga/PC environments. If you already have a
network you only need to enter the Amiga's host name or IP address in the
Amiga Explorer settings on Windows. If there is a firewall or router
anywhere between the two, make sure that port 356 is not blocked. Change the
default connection password on both the Amiga and the Windows side as an
additional safety precaution.
If you would like to your Ethernet-enabled Amiga to join a WiFi network
(e.g. 802.11b or 802.11g) you can attach a "wireless game adapter" or
similar device to the Amiga Ethernet port, and Amiga Explorer will work over
that as well.
- Download
- Buy
- Serial Cables
- Troubleshooting
Amiga Explorer and Windows Explorer
Amiga Explorer and Directory Opus


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A warrior in a scene from Star Wars: The Old Republic. (LucasArts / BioWare / Electronic Arts)Link
A gunslinging smuggler in a scene from Star Wars: The Old Republic. (LucasArts / BioWare / Electronic Arts)Link
A space combat scene from Star Wars: The Old Republic. (LucasArts / BioWare / Electronic Arts)Link
A Jedi in a scene from Star Wars: The Old Republic. (LucasArts / BioWare / Electronic Arts)Link
It may be the largest entertainment production in history. More than 800 people on four continents have spent six years and nearly $200 million creating it. The story runs 1,600 hours, with hundreds of additional hours still being written. Nearly 1,000 actors have recorded dialogue for 4,000 characters in three languages.
The narrative is so huge that writers created a 1,000-page "bible" to keep the details straight, and the director recently asked a colleague not to spoil moments he hadn't yet seen.
It's not a movie or a TV series. It's Star Wars: The Old Republic, the most expensive, ambitious and riskiest video game ever produced.
Created out of a 60,000-square-foot converted warehouse next to a cooking school on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, the Old Republic is proof that while box-office, network TV ratings and music sales are slumping, games are holding their own, thanks to steady growth from online games. Revenue from games played online last year topped $7 billion, up from $6.5 billion in 2010, according to Parks & Assoc.
Even among its interactive peers, the Old Republic is touted as a great leap forward. Much as the first "Star Wars" movie in 1977 changed film history, its makers hope to create a new gold standard for gaming.
"We want to do to other video games what talkies did to silent films," said Rich Vogel, co-director of the studio leading the game's production.
To recoup its massive investment, the Old Republic's publisher, Electronic Arts Inc., will have to snag more than 1 million customers willing to spend $60 to buy the game and an additional $15 a month to play for years on end. The game, released in late December, already has more than a million registered users, but many could leave after a free 30-day trial.
"The real test is whether they can retain subscribers in the long run," said analyst Doug Creutz of Cowen & Co.
At the Austin home office of game developer BioWare, a subsidiary of Electronic Arts, more than 400 designers, programmers, writers and artists have immersed themselves in the imagined Star Wars universe, surrounded by maps of the ice planet Hoth, armor designs for bounty hunters and even a five-day weather forecast for Princess Leia's home world of Alderaan.
Art has been outsourced to Russia, Estonia and China. Motion capture filming is done in L.A. and Vancouver, Canada, with voices recorded in New York, London and Paris in English, French and German. Quality assurance testing takes place in Romania, Argentina and India, while technical operations are run out of Virginia and the customer service center operates in Ireland. A regular plane shuttles employees between Austin and Electronic Arts' headquarters in Redwood Shores, Calif.
"Coordinating it all is like teaching elephants to do ballet," said Greg Zeschuk, who co-founded BioWare with Ray Muzyka.
The Old Republic's builders are trying to fundamentally change the online gaming experience. In most such games, players, alone or in groups, go on generic quests interspersed with narrative moments. But what players see and do in the Old Republic is shaped by the players' own decisions. On one mission, an imperial agent in search of clues can flirt with a female character or threaten to kill her — and then do so, after she talks.
Those choices take place in the context of eight distinctive storylines inspired by movies and written for different character types whom players choose at the beginning of their adventure. Players who choose the smuggler will see hints of "Big Trouble in Little China," for instance, while the trooper's tale is loosely based on "Band of Brothers."
"With each character class, you create and star in your own 'Star Wars' adventure," said head writer Daniel Erickson, who with 16 scribes created every detail of the Old Republic's galaxy down to details about Sith art, interstellar wedding protocol and the look of the elephant-like Bantha's excrement. It's all collected in a digital library, accessible available only to BioWare employees, called BioWiki.
And as with every online game, it allows players to join together on missions or engage in mortal combat against one another.
The idea for the game has its origins at a 2005 meeting between Vogel and BioWare's Zeschuk and Muzyka, two Canadian physicians-turned-game developers. After attempts to adapt "Lord of the Rings," "A Game of Thrones" and Marvel comic book super-heroes like such as Spider-Man, the team signed a co-publishing deal with "Star Wars" creator George Lucas.
The filmmaker, who declined to comment for this story, blessed the idea of setting the Old Republic in "Star Wars" pre-history and gave Muzyka and Zeschuk virtually free rein. His LucasArts' staff stepped in only to soften content they found too risque, such as scenes involving sex slaves. To avoid contradicting established tales of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, the game takes place 3,000 years before the "Star Wars" films.
From a business perspective, potential rewards are huge: World of Warcraft, the most successful multiplayer online game to date, has generated more than $3 billion in profit over the last seven years.
"There's no other opportunity to make money like this in the entertainment industry because people keep paying to play continuously," said Bruce Hack, a former chief executive of World of Warcraft publisher Vivendi Games.
It's also a great risk. In addition to the nearly $200 million spent to create the game, tens of millions of additional dollars per year will be required to keep it refreshed with new stories and adventures.
When the makers of the Old Republic began their work, subscribers were flocking to multiplayer online games. But that trend has reversed recently. Even the mighty World of Warcraft has lost nearly 2 million players over the last year as customers have embraced free online titles such as FarmVille and League of Legends.
In addition, although "Star Wars" is among the most popular and recognizable entertainment brands in history, characters and story lines familiar from the movies are not part of the game's landscape, because its setting is so far in advance of the film narratives. There is no Han Solo or Chewbacca in sight.
Some who participated in pre-release testing last fall have already developed a devout passion for the Old Republic. Jeff Hollis and his wife, Deirdre, have matching "Star Wars" tattoos and help run TORWars.com, a fan site devoted to the game.
On a recent Sunday night, while their 3-year-old son slept nearby, the Burbank residents fell just short of their goal of capturing a Jedi ship when the beta test ended and the game went offline. "We both let out a cry," Jeff recalled. "We had already become accustomed to having the game as a part of our lives."
– Ben Fritz and Alex Pham
Reporting from Austin, Texas; and Los Angeles
Star Wars: The Old Republic sells million-plus copies
Nintendo's Miyamoto isn't ready for 'game over'
World of Warcraft suffers steep decline in subscriptions
No high score for video game sales in 2011
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 clocks $1 billion in sales
Zynga and EA do battle over social gaming
Game trailers take a page from Hollywood
Bob Anderson, who wielded Vader's lightsaber, is dead
Dungeons & Dragons reunion: Campaign reform?


text:
Plasticor Corrugated Boards
Plasticor is corrugated polypropylene boards. It is much like corrugated cardboard in the weight, thickness, the way it folds and the way it cuts, but it is made of plastic which makes it insect and water resistant. Great for making storage for artwork and papers; just use 3M colored plastic tape to connect pieces together making sleeves and boxes. Nothing works better for making yard graphics and lightweight outdoor signs - just use adhesive sign lettering and plastic tape to achieve a real professional look. 4mm thick.
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The Clark County School District Human Resources Division is in the process of transitioning to a new application system. The current system will be available to applicants until December 13, 2019. Applicants should download and save attached documents from the current system PRIOR to December 13, 2019. Positions will begin advertising in the new system and available for applicants to apply starting on January 13, 2020 (using your previously downloaded documents). Applicants will have the ability to update their CCSD applicant profile starting on January 2, 2020. Thank you for your continued patience during this transition.
Job Opportunities
Opportunities abound in The Clark County School District (CCSD), one of the largest and fastest growing districts in the United States. Serving more than 315,000 students in a unique combination of urban and rural schools, CCSD seeks exceptional teachers, leaders and staff who are committed to helping all students thrive.
Join Our Team
View Available Jobs
- View Open Administrative Positions
- View Open Licensed Positions
- View Open Substitute Positions
- View Open Support Positions
To learn more about working in our district, available opportunities or how to apply, click here.
You can also learn more about specific opportunities by following the links below:
- Teach our students to succeed
- Lead a school to excellence
- Join our central office administrative team
- Support our school and staff
- Substitute in our classrooms
- Serve as a licensed specialist
Current CCSD Employees
- If you are a current CCSD support staff employee and want to view current support staff positions (Please note support staff position vacancies will not be posted during Spring Break.)
- If you are a current CCSD temporary or substitute employee and want to apply for a regular-status position
- If you are a current CCSD support staff employee and want to apply to be a teacher
- If you are a former CCSD teacher or administrator who separated from the District within the last 3 years and want to apply to be a substitute, click below to complete a shortened application. If you separated more than 3 years ago, you must complete the full online application. Begin the application process. PLEASE NOTE: Retirees cannot apply until officially retired from the Nevada Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), not just CCSD. Retirees will receive a letter from PERS confirming the official date of retire. Per Nevada Revised Statues, no PERS retiree can seek employment until the official date of retire has passed.
Recently Separated/Retired Teachers/Administrators Application
- In-District CCSD teachers and support staff who wish to substitute during the summer or track break (limited positions available), may apply online by completing the below shortened application.
- If you are a current CCSD employee and want to apply for an administrative position
- If you are a current CCSD teacher and want to apply for a non-classroom licensed position (counselor, facilitator, etc.), please refer to Search Soft in the "Filter results on the page:" box, type in the non-classroom licensed position (i.e. counselor, facilitator, etc.).
- If you are a current CCSD teacher wanting to express an interest in another CCSD teaching position, you may do so only during the First Voluntary Transfer Season (March 18 – April 12) or the Second Voluntary Transfer Season (after Spring Surplus – April 25). Please refer to Search Soft click on "Job Title" to alphabetize the list and to select the position of interest click "view", then apply for the position.
In-District CCSD Teacher Substitute Application
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Job Descriptions
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You have your medals,Now, give one to Them.Spouse MedalChild MedalParent MedalLet them know you care.
Save Our Benefit DoD Podcasts In The FightASM Job Advantage
Posted by Edward Metz and Bob Collom
On August 27, 2019, NASA launched a national contest for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students to name the Mars 2020 rover, the newest robotic scientist to be sent to Mars. Scheduled to launch aboard a rocket in July 2020 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and touch down on Mars in February 2021, the to-be-named rover weighs more than 2,300 pounds (1,000 kilograms) and will search for astrobiological signs of past microbial life, characterize the planet's climate and geology, collect samples for future return to Earth, and pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet.
By Lance Cpl. Marcos Alvarado, Defense Media Activity
DEFENSE MEDIA ACTIVITY, Md -- Marine Corps MARADMIN 539/18 announced three major changes to MCO 6100.3A affecting the standard Physical Fitness and Combat Fitness Tests, beginning January 1, 2019 for the PFT and July 1, 2019 for the CFT to increase the Corps' overall physical fitness and combat effectiveness.
The first change will be to the rest times between CFT events. Instead of no less than five minutes of rest between events, three minutes will be the new rest period. This is to decrease the time it takes to complete the test and make the CFT more challenging.
New Software Install May Delay Some Household Goods ReimbursementsFrom NAVSUP Public AffairsMECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- If you're moving between October and December, your paperwork may not be processed until January 2019 due to a software upgrade.
The software installation will ensure Navy's Household Goods (HHG) processes are auditable. It will upgrade the ability to process Personally Procured Moves (PPMs) and determine excess weight.
By Glenn Sircy, Center for Information Warfare Training Public Affairs
PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Sailors continue to benefit from the Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-line (COOL) program with the latest Navy COOL app update released, Sept. 19.
Navy COOL provides information about licenses and certifications applicable to all Navy occupations, offering resources and funding to help Sailors gain appropriate civilian desired, and in many cases, required credentials. COOL also provides other key resources such as Advancement Bibliographies (BIBs) and Learning and Development Roadmaps (LaDRs).
By La Toya Graddy (USACIDC)
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is alerting the Army community to be on the lookout for "disaster fraud" charitable schemes and repair scams.
"Disaster fraud occurs after man-made or natural catastrophes such as the recent damage, storm surge and flooding caused by Hurricane Florence. Often dishonest individuals or contractors will use this opportunity to inflate damage estimates, or swindle homeowners in home repair, debris removal and other cleanup scams," said Chris Grey, CID spokesman. "These scammers will also exploit the disaster by seeking out those wishing to support and assist affected victims by soliciting fictitious charitable donations, sending fraudulent e-mails or creating phony websites to solicit contributions or personal information resulting in identity theft."
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy has expanded the eligible categories for advanced dependent travel (ADT) and delayed dependent travel (DDT), personnel officials announced September 13.
For permanent change of station (PCS) moves within the 50 states, the policy allows for dependent travel of up to six months before or after the sponsoring Sailor's PCS move in the following situations: spousal employment or education, dependents in elementary or secondary school (K-12), dependent enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, or caring for an immediate family member with a chronic or long-term illness. The previous approved policy that allowed DDT for the length of the school year is unchanged by this expansion.
Military Health System
FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- Hurricane Florence's imminent arrival is a reminder for people to prepare for their health care needs during severe weather.
TRICARE experts recommend making a list that includes your physician's name and contact information, medications with dosage and frequency, and type and model number of medical devices. Those with chronic health conditions or issues with vision, hearing, or mobility should get medical alert tags or bracelets, and identify how to get to safety.
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Victoria Granado, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs
ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- For many Sailors this year marks a somewhat surprising reform in the Navy's female hair regulations. Rules that have stood for so long have been expanded or just plain changed. It's a new era of styling hair for female Sailors, and, according to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, it makes for a more "inclusive environment."
Like with any changes to Navy traditions, new regulations mean new challenges. Senior Sailors aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) know there will be a period of adjustment.
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Benjamin Waddell, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs
ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Federal Voting Assistance Program allows Sailors aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) to make a difference both at home and while at sea.
"While you are out at sea, underway or in a combat zone, you are able to participate in your state and local elections through absentee voting," said Senior Chief Legalman Earl R. Brown, Harry S. Truman's absentee voting program lead.
By Alexandra Shea, Evans Army Community Hospital
FORT CARSON, Colo. --
Terry Chapman isn't a soldier, but she does serve as a GI Granny. Her uniform, a black polo shirt with an embroidered patch, reads: "GI Grannies and Gramps, Soldier Support."
DALLAS -- Budget-minded service members, families and retirees can kick off their holiday shopping early by taking advantage of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service's fee-free layaway
The Exchange will waive the $3 service fee for items of $25 or more--including toys and bikes— that are placed on layaway starting Sept. 1 and paid for by Dec. 24.
From U.S. Naval Forces Public Affairs
PYEONGTAEK, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Republic of Korea (ROK) President Moon, Jae-in presented Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) Rear Adm. Brad Cooper with the ROK Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) during the 69th Annual ROK Armed Forces Day Ceremony in Pyeongtaek, Sept. 28.
The ROK PUC is the highest unit-level award given by the ROK government and was awarded to all the Sailors of CNFK for "outstanding contribution to the defense of the Republic of Korea." The award follows closely behind the 2016 relocation of CNFK headquarters from Seoul to Busan, where it is now situated next to ROK Fleet (CRF) headquarters. CNFK is the only U.S. military major command to be located on a ROK military base.
October 26 is annually designated as National Day of the Deployed.
National Day of the Deployed honors all of the brave men and woman who have been deployed, are sacrificing, or have sacrificed their lives to defend our country. The day also acknowledges their families who are separated from them during deployment and the sacrifices they make in order for their family members to serve our country.
From Naval Supply Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- Naval Supply Systems Command, in cooperation with the U.S Postal Service, Military Postal Service Agency, and Joint Military Postal Activity, released mail-by dates for pre-Dec. 25 deliveries of holiday cards, letters, and packages.
By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2017 — DoD leaders announced the Interim Final Rule that charts the way forward for transforming TRICARE, the military's health care system.
The transition goes into effect Jan. 1, said Tom McCaffery, the acting assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.
fm Exceptional Advocate eNewsletter, October 2017
TRICARE has expanded mental health and substance use disorder, or SUD, services, adding outpatient programs and expanding options for opioid treatment. The expansion improves access to care and increases opportunities for mental health and substance use disorder treatment. The changes include:
Increased substance use disorder treatment options. Improvements to SUD options include opioid treatment programs and office-based opioid treatment. Office visits with qualified TRICARE-authorized providers may include coverage of medications for opioid addiction.
When you have a family member with special needs, financial planning is vital. Be prepared to take good care of your family member by tackling the money issues today.
Military OneSource is here to help you—with financial planning related to issues like disability tax credits, Supplemental Security Income and much more.
How to start your financial plan
Research has shown that all students and especially those receiving special education who follow a carefully crafted transition plan are more likely to achieve post-secondary success. Helping professionals can craft these plans, but many may not be aware of the various resources available to ensure students' successful transition. One of the main resources available to parents/guardians and students are their classroom teachers. Teachers who incorporate transition-related content into instruction using universal design for learning (UDL) principles are in the best position to set up students for post-secondary success. It is thus necessary that parents/guardians and students are trained to inform teachers about UDL and advocate for their use in classroom instruction on an ongoing basis.
By Tammy CournoyerAFPC Airman and Family Division
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - The Air Force family tree has many branches and one branch, representing the services Gold Star families, has leaves that glow consistently with the rest.
Gold Star families are survivors of military service members who lost their lives during armed hostilities, including deployments in support of military operations against an enemy and/or during an international terrorist attack.
By Yan Kennon, Public Affairs Senior Writer, Naval Hospital Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Newborn screenings identify conditions that can affect children's long-term health or survival. Each year, millions of babies in the U.S. are routinely screened for certain genetic, endocrine, and metabolic disorders, and are also tested for hearing loss and critical congenital heart defects, prior to discharge from a hospital or birthing center.
The screenings are a vital public health program that tests babies for congenital disorders that aren't outwardly visible.
From Sea Warrior Program (PEO EIS PMW 240)
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy announced today that this week's update to My Navy Portal (MNP) includes a low bandwidth version that can be accessed afloat, or ashore in areas with limited bandwidth. This latest updated version gives users the option to choose the low bandwidth upon login, or from any page within the portal. By removing all photos, graphics, and formatting found on the standard version, the low bandwidth option is designed to load faster, perform smoother, and enables users to quickly complete Navy career tasks within the portal.
From Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. Commander, Navy Installations Command's (CNIC) Ready Navy Program educates Sailors and their families on how to be prepared when an emergency occurs. This year's overall theme is "Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You Can."
Each week in September will have a focused theme: Make a Plan for Yourself, Family and Friends; Plan to Help Your Neighbor and Community; Practice and Build Out Your Plans; and Get Involved! Be a Part of Something Larger.
By Joe Lacdan, Army News Service August 25, 2017
FORT MEADE, Md. -- The Army reached a number of milestones over the past two years as it continued service-wide integration of female Soldiers into combat career fields and other areas of service.
This summer, women made history at Fort Benning, Georgia, graduating as the first female cavalry scouts and M1 tank crew members. Earlier this month at West Point, the U.S. Military Academy named the first African-American woman as First Captain of Cadets.
By US Army CID September 1, 2017
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is cautioning the Army community to be on the lookout for charitable schemes and scams associated with "disaster fraud" donations.
With these scams, criminals will use manmade or natural catastrophes, such as the recent damage and flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey, to get individuals to donate to charities claiming to support affected victims. Some of these organizations are fraudulent, or misleading at best because they do not have the infrastructure to support the affected disaster area.
By Lisa Ferdinando DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2017 — The Defense Department released guidance today to clarify the liberal consideration given to veterans who request upgrades of their discharge saying they had mental health conditions or were victims of sexual assault or sexual harassment.
The new guidance clarifies that the liberal consideration policy includes conditions resulting from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, sexual assault or sexual harassment, said Air Force Lt. Col. Reggie Yager, the acting director of legal policy in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.
Everyone's college experience is unique—and probably not quite what they were expecting, but here are some tried and true tips on how to get through it.
1. Get involved.
This point may be the most overhyped, but it's still valid. Go to your school's activities fair if they have one; otherwise, keep your eyes open for opportunities to join different clubs or teams. Joining a club or team can often provide a much-needed relief from your everyday classes or responsibilities, and it's a great way to meet new people or to try something new! Many schools even have niche groups such as unicycle clubs, quidditch teams (of Harry Potter fame), and virtual reality clubs. If you don't find a club that aligns with your interests, you can always start your own!
2. Learn how to network.
By Terri Moon CronkDoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2016 — The Defense Department today recommitted itself to its solemn pledge to make every effort to bring home all of its missing men and women to their families, Defense Secretary Carter said at the National Prisoner Of War and Missing in Action Recognition Day ceremony on the Pentagon's River Terrace Parade Grounds this morning.
By Lisa FerdinandoDoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON September 23, 2015 - Female veterans, trailblazers who served in the military decades ago, received a hero's welcome yesterday after arriving in the nation's capital on the first all-female honor flight.
"Best day of my life" is how retired Army Sgt. Maj. Sue Williams described the visit, which included stops at Arlington National Cemetery and the World War II Memorial.
By Shannon Collins DoD News Features, Defense Media ActivityWASHINGTON September 22, 2015 —
As part of ongoing Defense Department and Department of Veteran's Affairs efforts to continue to combat suicide, Pentagon officials recently emphasized the powerful role of individuals -- as well as peer support and other resources -- in suicide prevention.
DoD, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, is promoting the "The Power of 1" campaign during September in observance of Suicide Prevention Month. The theme underscores the belief that individuals have the power to teach reliance, recognize warning signs, intervene, chat or make a call; it only takes one person or one act to save another person's life.
By Mark Wyatt 66th Air Base WingHANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. September 22, 2015 —
When Air Force Senior Airman Kara Watts was a college student and searching for inspiration, she said she only had to look as far as her mother's military service.
Now, Watts and her mother, Air Force Maj. Tobie Wethington, an information management information technology fellow at Defense Information Systems Agency, are both serving on active duty.
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Paul Selva will host an award ceremony at 2 p.m., Thursday, in the Pentagon's center court yard for the three individuals who stopped a gunman on a Paris-bound train on Aug. 21.
At the ceremony, Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone will receive the Airman's Medal & Purple Heart medal, Specialist Alek Skarlatos will receive the Soldier's Medal, and Anthony Sadler will receive the Department of Defense Medal for Valor.
Secretary Carter and Gen. Selva will provide remarks during the ceremony. Stone, Skarlatos and Sadler will conduct a brief media availability in the Pentagon's center courtyard immediately following the awards ceremony.
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2014 - Defense Department officials today announced a proposed overhaul of the Military Lending Act, which is designed to protect service members and their dependents during consumer credit transactions.
The proposed changes to the regulation would reduce predatory lending practices, expand protections provided to service members, close loopholes in current rules and help to ensure military families receive important consumer protections, officials said.
TRICARE Updates
Transitioning from active duty status may leave some beneficiaries with questions about their health care. Military families are offered several options to transition from active duty as smoothly as possible. Once you leave active duty status, you will need to take be proactive to ensure that you and your family have health care that meets minimum essential coverage (MEC) as required by the Affordable Care Act.
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2014 - A national nonprofit organization assists military families in making the transition from "battle-ready to family-ready."
Project Sanctuary, founded in 2007, continues its deliberate efforts that to date have provided help to over 450 families here, and in 44 of the 50 states.
Jason Strickland, chief development officer for Project Sanctuary, discussed the nonprofit's mission and how it is uniquely qualified to help troops and their families.
By David VergunArmy News Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2014 - Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins and Army Spc. 4 Donald P. Sloat were awarded Medals of Honor, the nation's highest award for military valor, for actions in Vietnam.
President Barack Obama presented the medals yesterday during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. Adkins was present to receive his medal and Sloat's was awarded posthumously. Dr. Bill Sloat, Donald's brother, accepted it on his behalf.
By Navy Seaman Kameren Guy HodnettNavy Public Affairs Support Element East
BALTIMORE, Sept. 14, 2014 - Visitors and special guests watched today as members of the U.S. Army's 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), with the help of War of 1812 re-enactors, hoisted a 15-star, 15-stripe, full-size replica Star-Spangled Banner flag over Fort McHenry here at the "By Dawn's Early Light" flag-raising ceremony.
by Janis El ShabazzAir Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
Release No: 202Sept. 12, 2014
"JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas"* - Nearly 1500 Airmen are still missing and unaccounted for from various conflicts. There are more than 83,000 Americans still unaccounted for across the Department of Defense.
Every year the nation pauses on the third Friday of September to remember the sacrifices and service of prisoners of war, members still missing in action and their families. This year the observance falls on Sept. 19.
By Jim GaramoneDoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2014 - Anyone who saw the American flag unfurled at the Pentagon on Sept. 12, 2001, knows how Francis Scott Key felt two centuries ago when he was inspired to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."
The day after the terrorist attack on the Pentagon, the scene was still chaotic. Only essential military and civilian workers were required to come to the building. Parking was at Reagan-National Airport, as all U.S. airspace was still closed. As employees got off the Metro train, Pentagon police stood with weapons examining everyone's badge. Those without a Pentagon ID were told to keep traveling on. The conversation in the building was about friends who remained missing.
By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2013 - DOD officials today issued guidance to the force in the event appropriations lapse Oct. 1 and a government shutdown results.
Officials emphasize they still hope Congress can avoid that but say it is prudent to take such steps.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2013 - President Barack Obama has issued a proclamation designating Sept. 29 Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, to honor the families of the fallen. The following is the text of the Presidential Proclamation:
In our city centers and our bustling parks, monuments stand dedicated to visionary leaders and singular moments in the life of our Republic. But in empty seats at family dinners and folded flags above the mantle, we find the constant thread of our Nation's character -- the truth that America endures because it is home to an unbroken line of patriots willing to lay down their lives for the land they love. As we honor the men and women who gave their last full measure of devotion, we hold close the families left behind.
By Amaani LyleAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2013 - The Defense Department has announced the transition of the Kosovo Campaign Medal to the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, effective Jan. 1, 2014.
In a Sept. 19 memorandum, Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica L. Wright stated that the KCM recognized the significant contributions of U.S. military personnel in support of Operation Joint Guardian since 1999 as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force.
Department of Defense Education Activity News Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 24, 2013 – Three Department of Defense Education Activity schools were recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan as 2013 National Blue Ribbon Schools.
Seoul Middle School in Korea, Lakenheath Middle School in England, and Kingsolver Elementary School at Fort Campbell, Ky., all received the honor. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program annually recognizes approximately 300 public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students are performing at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in student achievement levels.
by Staff Sgt. Ian Hoachlander Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
"JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas" – The Air Force Personnel Center plans to reduce access Airmen have to the Automated Records Management System – better known as ARMS – on AFPC Secure Sept. 30.
ARMS consolidated active duty, Reserve and Air National Guard military personnel records from each installation during the last few years. This has reduced manpower, cut costs and improved customer service.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 670-13September 19, 2013
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of Air Force pilots Maj. James E. Sizemore of Lawrenceville, Ill., and Maj. Howard V. Andre Jr., of Memphis, Tenn., have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors on Sept. 23 at Arlington National Cemetery.
On July 8, 1969, Sizemore and Andre were on a night armed reconnaissance mission when their A-26A Invader aircraft crashed in Xiangkhoang Province, Laos. Both men died in the crash but their remains were unaccounted for until April 2013.
We are a national military charity, a registered 501c3 non-profit, www.thanksabunch.org . Our charter is to give away $50 Dinner Cards to all military and 'First Responders' - police, firefighters, and paramedics.
In order to get these free dinner cards in the hands of as many servicemen, servicewomen, veterans, and 1st responders as possible, we solicit one auto dealership to run a Hero Appreciation Week where these American heroes can stop by the business location and pick up a $50 dinner card, with no strings attached and no obligation to purchase anything.
By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2013 - If you're mourning the end of summer ? and with it, the annual vacation season ? take heart that military lodging facilities remain open for business, offering year-round escapes at a fraction of the cost of commercial hotels.
Now might be the perfect time for qualified fun seekers to use their military, retiree or Defense Department identification cards to book lodging at one of hundreds of military-owned accommodations all over the world.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 664-13September 18, 2013
National POW/MIA Recognition Day is Friday, Sept. 20, 2013. Each year the president issues a proclamation asking Americans to observe the day as a remembrance of the nation's service members who were held prisoner or are still missing, and their families.
The day's events include a Pentagon commemoration ceremony hosting former prisoners of war, family members, military service members and distinguished guests. Traditionally held on the third Friday in September, the event will include formal military honors and remarks from a keynote speaker.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2013 - President Barack Obama will award the Medal of Honor to former Army Capt. William Swenson for conspicuous gallantry during Sept. 8, 2009, combat operations in Afghanistan's Kunar province.
At the time, Swenson served as an embedded trainer and mentor of the Afghan national security forces with Afghan Border Police Mentor Team, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2013 - Fantasizing about an exotic getaway but finding yourself strapped for cash? A "Space-A" seat aboard a military aircraft might be just your ticket to that vacation of your dreams.
Military-owned or -contracted aircraft fly to more places than many people realize, even to areas without U.S. military installations. When all mission-related passengers and cargo are accommodated, empty seats are offered up to eligible passengers on a space-available basis.
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