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Now let us switch roles and imagine that we are driving a first responder vehicle, a fire truck or an ambulance to the airport, in response to a major fire. Where initial reports suggest that many are seriously injured, which includes a few fatalities whose number might grow if the situation is not brought under control. Needless to say, the sooner we get to the airport, more the lives that can be saved.
As an emergency responder our drive to the airport is filled with the percussive blare of the sirens wailing, lights flashing; including, a variety of in-vehicle radio communications (voice and data), which provide continuous updates to us, on issues ranging from coordination to what to expect on the scene. So that we are mentally, physically and organizationally prepared when we arrive on the scene.
An emergency response driver may have to participate in these communications as s/he must build a mental model of the unfolding emergency situation. He does this when driving at or above the speed limit, and deftly maneuvering the vehicle, through heavy traffic. Stated otherwise, the emergency vehicle driver's situational awareness of the road, traffic conditions and heading (navigation) should be above the norm to avoid collisions or getting lost -- which only delay the emergency response.
Distraction takes on an entirely different meaning when you compare the citizen-driver with that of the emergency vehicle driver. However, you would be surprised to hear that for all the attention "distracted driving" has received with regards to the citizen / consumer car (texting, cell phones, etc.), the emergency vehicle has received little attention, if any, in research, design & engineering and the popular press.
The current approach to designing the emergency vehicle, be it a fire truck or a police car, is simply to pack it with more and more technology (2-way radios; data terminals; lights & siren controls; etc., etc.). Furthermore, in most cases, general consumer vehicles conceptualized and designed with very different goals, have been adapted (retrofitted) with emergency responder vehicle technology. It is akin to taking a pleasure yacht -- then stripping and retrofitting it with suitable technology and offensive capabilities -- to turn it into a navy frigate. (see below).
|Retrofitting a pleasure yacht to do the job of a naval frigate (USS Bainbridge, shown above) to patrol the pirate infested seas off the Horn of Africa is not the kind of solution that would be desired by the US Navy
Much needs to be done in the design of emergency responder vehicles. Just adding (literally) bells & whistles won't do. They under serve the emergency responder due to poor ground-up human engineering and top-down human-system integration of technology within and without the vehicle -- compromising safety for all concerned.
Distracted Driving
Driver Distraction due to onboard technologies -- voice calls or text messaging on cellphones being the most ubiquitous culprit of our times -- has received widespread attention both in academic research and the popular media. It is a very serious topic because a distracted driver can inflict great harm to him or herself, and others on the road. Cell phones aside, there are many other interactions (and distractions) due to onboard technology, e.g., the entertainment system, navigation device, HVAC -- and other non-technology-related activities (eating to rubbernecking).
This is in the consumer world. But let us now dive deeper into the world of emergency responders.
This is in the consumer world. But let us now dive deeper into the world of emergency responders.
Professional Emergency Responder Drivers
- Disparate human-machine interfaces (HMIs) or user-interfaces (UIs) and their spatial location of the various C3nS technologies inside the cabin or cockpit (see Figure below).
- The emergency situation or danger-induced emotional modulation and impoverishment of cognition (a.k.a., High Velocity Human Factors; Rahman, 2007)
Emergency responder technologies (2-way radio communication, mobile data terminal, etc.) found in a police cruiser. Note the disparate human-machine interfaces and technologies, including their spatial locations.
Distracted Driving: The Emergency Responder Case
Several definitions for distracted driving have emerged over the years and there is no one generally acceptable definition (Trezise et al., 2006). In its most basic essence, one of the best definitions for distracted driving is described as "attention given to a non-driving-related activity, typically to the detriment of driving performance" (Pettitt, Burnett, & Stevens, 2005).
A vast cornucopia of research and literature on driver distraction, including reviews (e.g., Reagan, Lee and Young, 2009; Young & Regan, 2007), naturalistic studies (Dingus, et al., 2006), and distraction mitigation (Engstrom & Victor, 2009; Donmez, et al., 2008), which address the topic from multiple perspectives (theory, empirical research, modeling, design, engineering, etc.) in the consumer and commercial vehicular is available. However, there is a paucity of driver distraction research insofar EVOs are concerned.
Nevertheless, the issue of injuries and fatalities resulting due to emergency vehicle crashes has been recognized and has been reported (FEMA, 2004; USFA, 2011). Driver distraction and human factor elements of emergency vehicle operations have been recognized (FEMA, 2004; IAFC, et al., 2010) as safety issues and guidelines (policies & procedures) have been published. No literature that report findings on driver distraction caused by in-vehicle emergency responder technologies – basic or applied research (simulator or naturalistic driving) – to my knowledge is available in the public domain. However, a recent initiative by the United States Fire Administration (USFA, 2011) was announced to initiate a public safety emergency vehicle study.
Emergency Responder vs. General Public Driver
Emergency responders differ from the general public drivers in a number of ways, given their overarching goal of arriving at the scene or transporting the patient to the hospital in the shortest possible duration; or in some cases, embarking on hot pursuits (law enforcement). These cognitive and behavioral differences, as it applies to the in-vehicle experience and driving, are listed below:
- Emergency event or [high speed] driving caused affective arousal (neural, hormonal, physiological) and its positive and negative modulation of perception, cognition and decision making (Rahman, 2011).
- Time pressure: high speed driving; distortion of time perception; and speed induced under-estimation of speed and trip related durations (Cœugnet, et al., 2013)
- Knowledge, skills and abilities specific to emergency vehicle operations (e.g., police officers; Coyne, 2000)
- Differences in vehicular platforms (motor bikes to heavy vehicles), between consumer/commercial vehicles and emergency responder vehicles, including in-vehicle technologies.
- Emergency responder drivers are usually not in a position to exhibit operational-level, compensatory behaviors on the primary task of driving, unlike regular drivers who, for example, may reduce their speed when performing secondary tasks (e.g., talking on the cell phone) [Young & Regan, 2007].
Research, Design & Engineering (RD&E) of Emergency Responder Vehicles
Consider fire trucks. Pumpers, ladders, rescuers and tanker trucks are highly customized creations for the Fire Department from an operational standpoint. A truck maybe fitted with a 2000 gallon tank or with a pump capable of delivering 500 GPM. But scant attention is likely to have been paid to the in-vehicle technologies the crew and the driver have to interact with enroute to an incident. Same applies to a police car. The communicate, coordinate, collaborate, navigate and signal (C3nS) capabilities might have just been retrofitted. Driver distraction, human factors and social intra- and inter-crew(s) interfacing, during a mission within and between first responder agencies may not have been addressed at all.
The RD&E must move away from the current retrofitting paradigm of civilian vehicles. This neither serves the emergency responders, citizens nor industry as it compromises safety and results in poor efficiencies. From a business standpoint, the incentives are lacking for industry -- automobile manufacturers to emergency communication vendors -- to change this paradigm.
As a first step, mobile radio and computing technologies that are currently being retrofitted into a range of vehicles should stop taking the one-size fits all approach. Their design should be considered from the standpoint of what they need to do -- and assist EVOs and first responders in transit -- from an emergency communication and information transaction standpoint without causing "cognitive distractions" (taking the mind off the road and/or other higher priority tasks pertaining to driving and navigation.) Next, their user-interface design should go beyond run-of-the-mill ergonomics -- such as where to place knobs, size of push buttons or graphics of the screen -- but should also consider the cognitive, social and affective aspect of interaction brought about by high velocity human factors / HVHF (stress-induced emotional modulation of cognitive and perceptual capabilities of the body and the brain).
Ultimately, creative business models, public-private partnerships, and human factors standards and guidelines are required to design emergency vehicles ground-up that deliver unrivalled safety and utility. This is contrast to the piecemeal and ad hoc retrofitting of consumer or commercial vehicles that is done today to transform them into emergency responder vehicles.
In the engineering world, the vehicle Controller Area Network (CAN) interface is designed with great attention to detail so all digital components in the automobile work flawlessly, lest they cause a critical malfunction resulting in a safety hazard. Now the time has come to pay equal, if not more, attention to the emergency responder vehicle Human-Machine Interface (HMI). This is to ensure that emergency responder vehicle's onboard technologies do not result in driver distraction -- compromising safety -- where the emergency responder vehicle ends-up costing lives instead of saving lives.
Moin Rahman is a Principal Scientist at HVHF Sciences, LLC. He specializes in:
"Designing systems and solutions for human interactions when stakes are high, moments are fleeting and actions are critical."
For more information, please visit:
HVHF Article Archive: http://hvhfsciences.blogspot.com/
HVHF Article Archive: http://hvhfsciences.blogspot.com/
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Key References
Cœugnet, S., Miller, H., Anceaux, F., & Naveteur, J. (2013). How do time pressure drivers estimate speed and time? Accident Analysis & Prevention, Vol. 55, 211-218.
Coyne, P. (2000). Roadcraft: The Police Drivers Manual. London: HMSO.
Dingus, T.A., Klauer, S.G., Neale, V.L., Petersen, A., Lee, S.E., Sudweeks, J., et al. (2006). The 100-car Naturalistic Driving Study, Phase II: Results of the 100-Car field experiment (Tech. Rep. No. DOT HS 810 593). Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Donmez, B., Boyle, L.N., & Lee, J.D. (2008). Mitigating driver distraction with retrospective and concurrent feedback. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 40, 776-786.
Eisenberg, C. (2006). SLP-11: Law Enforcement Vehicle Pursuits - Policies, Training, Tactics and Technology. Retrieved on May 13, 2013, from http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/getdoc/f2088557-2016-418e-8f5e-8f6e87635200/eisenberg,-clyde-paper-pdf.aspx
Engstrom, J., & Victor, T. (2009). Real-time distraction countermeasures. In M.A. Regan, J.D. Lee, & K.L. Young (Eds.), Driver distraction: Theory, effects, and mitigation (pp. 465-484). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
FEMA (2004). FA 272: Emergency Vehicle Safety Initiative.
Hedlund, J. (2006). International Conference on Distracted Driving. Summary of Proceedings and Recommendations. International Conference on Distracted Driving. October 2005.
IAFC, AFL-CIO & CLC (2010). Best Practices for Emergency Vehicle and Roadway Operations Safety in the Emergency Services. Washington, DC: Authors.
Moore, G.A. (1999). Crossing the Chasm: Marketing and Selling High-Tech Products to Mainstream Customers. New York: HarperBusiness
McGehee, D.V. (2011). The Building Blocks of Driver Distraction Policy. Ergonomics in Design, Vol. 19(4), 25-27.
Pettitt, M., Burnett, G., & Stevens, A. (2005). Defining driver distraction. Paper presented at World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, San Francisco, CA.
Rahman, M. (2007). High Velocity Human Factors: Human factors in mission critical domains in Nonequilibrium. In Proceedings of the Human factors and Ergonomics 51st Annual Meeting (pp.273-277). Santa Monica, CA: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.
Rahman, M., Balakrishnan, G., & Bergin, T. (2011). Designing Human-Machine Interfaces for Naturalistic Perceptions, Decisions and Actions occurring in Emergency Situations. Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science. Vol. 13(3), 358-379.
Rahman, M. (2012). Emergency Medical Responders and Physicians: Diagnostics, Decision Making and Therapeutic Care in High Stakes Situations. Proceedings of the 2012 Symposium of Human Factors and Ergonomics in Healthcare. Santa Monica, CA: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.
Regan, M.A., Lee, J.D., & Young, K.L. (2009). Driver Distraction: Theory, effects, and mitigation. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Trezise, I., Stoney, E. G., Bishop, B., Eren, J., Harkness, A., Langdon, C., & Mulder, T. (2006). Report of the road safety committee on the inquiry into driver distraction. Rep. No. 209. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Road Safety Committee, Parliament of Victoria.
USFA (2011). USFA, Justice Department Initiate Public Safety Emergency Vehicle Safety Study. Retrieved on May 8, 2013, from http://www.usfa.fema.gov/media/press/2011releases/102411.shtm
Young, K. & Regan, M. (2007). Driver distraction: A review of the literature. In: I.J. Faulks, M. Regan, M. Stevenson, J. Brown, A. Porter & J.D. Irwin (Eds.). Distracted driving. Sydney, NSW: Australasian College of Road Safety. Pages 379-405.


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ISV Testimonials
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"Working with Danny, Tommy and the great team at ThreeWill has been a pleasure for me. Their high ethical and work standards stood out from the moment I met them and their passion for SharePoint and satisfying their customers has been proven over and over to me. I look forward to many more years of ongoing collaboration with ThreeWill."Jonathan Foulkes, CEO & Co-Founder – Rover Apps (now a part of Kaseya) http://www.roverapps.com
"I worked with ThreeWill for some strategy work with Jive and SharePoint. They were professional, creative and most importantly knowledgeable when it came to how to implement SharePoint along with a robust community platform like Jive. They had a clear vision around how to meet our needs and requirements as well as deep knowledge on how SharePoint works with Jive as well as expertise on usage of these types of platforms. I would not hesitate to work with ThreeWill in the future."Natalie Lopez, Senior Business Analyst, Web Applications – Informatica http://www.informatica.com
"ThreeWill helped us use SharePoint to create a new VersionOne user community platform, extending our product support and open-source integrations availability. They worked closely with us to get it up and running, and helped our team pick up SharePoint to support and extend it long-term."Ian Culling, CTO – VersionOne, Inc. http://www.versionone.com
"ThreeWill helped us build the SharePoint Connector for Confluence. They delivered exactly what they promised, beat our aggressive deadline, and helped us ship an awesome product that is still going strong!"Jonathan Nolen, Director of Developer Relations – Atlassian Software http://www.atlassian.com
"We've enjoyed working with you guys and I'm really happy with our latest releases that we worked on together. We appreciate the high level of quality people that you put on the project — Eric Bowden and Sean Hester have been fantastic to work with… We look forward to working together in the future."Gary Heath, CEO – Informative Graphics http://www.informativegraphics.com
"ThreeWill did a fantastic job helping us refine the scope of our planned SharePoint integration to yield a plug-in that was on-time, on-budget, and high quality. Their agile development process allowed us to assess the trade-off impact of several mid-course changes based on effort, budget and timing. The ThreeWill members are truly SharePoint experts while also being very professional and hard working. We recommend ThreeWill."Chris Badger, Enterprise Business Development Director – Hightail http://www.hightail.com
"It has been a pleasure to work with ThreeWill, and I've always been happy to represent them as a development company with integrity when other software companies ask about them. ThreeWill understands that helping software companies build a SharePoint-compatible product that can be shipped is different than helping a SharePoint customer with an implementation. It requires a slightly different approach to the project. The focus has to be on the long term sustainability of the product and has to take into account the culture of the client with much more depth. ThreeWill gets this, and works hard to work well with software companies. I look forward to seeing their list of clients with SharePoint integrations continue to grow!"Owen Allen, Microsoft 365 Technology Specialist – Microsoft http://www.microsoft.com
"Working with ThreeWill has been a great experience from the outset, when Microsoft first recommended ThreeWill to us as a leading SharePoint development organization, to this day as Polycom continues to lead the market video enabling SharePoint and other enterprise applications. ThreeWill has been consistently committed to our success, our partnership with Microsoft, and the needs of our customers as we provide video access and scale to the SharePoint user community."Steve Pattison, Vice President, Business Development – Polycom http://www.polycom.com
Key Highlights About ThreeWill
We help companies craft modern digital workplaces on the Microsoft Cloud.
- We are ranked in the top 5% of Microsoft partners based on four independent surveys.
- We have built over ten connectors for SharePoint for over twelve software firms including Atlassian, Jive, and Salesforce.
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- Established in 2001,we are based out of Alpharetta, Georgia (the Technology City of the South).
All our consultants are Microsoft certified (many at the highest level), and each has an average of over ten years of Microsoft development and/or product development experience.
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Partnerships are central to ThreeWill's success. We have been a Microsoft Gold Partner for over fifteen years. We currently hold the Gold Application Development and Gold Collaboration & Content competency. We are ranked in the top 5% of Microsoft partners based on four independent surveys.
Our promise to our business sponsors:
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subset: commoncrawl


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Sell by dates - a bugbear
Modern packaging, beer bottles included, is extremely sophisticated and keeps the product in tip top condition. However, food safety rules dictate that there has to be a date before which the product is declared optimal. For many food products this is well in advance of the date at which the food starts to develop off flavours or to deteriorate, unless of course the packaging is compromised in some way. I'm not going to write at length about other types of food as my main focus for this piece is beer.
Beer comes to you in a sterilised bottle and in many cases with a pasteurised product, once it's inside the bottle it is in a pretty sterile environment, unless of course the beer is bottle conditioned, which means that it contains live yeast and continues to mature inside the bottle - effectively like a real ale does in the barrel. Beer sell by dates are largely governed by the fact that a lot of beers are sold in clear bottles under the harsh neon lights of modern supermarkets and these lights can affect the product in the bottle, creating off flavours. This is the reason many brewers prefer brown bottles as they are more effective at keeping out artificial light.
Beer kept in cool dark conditions will not go off anytime soon, regardless of the best before date. I keep all my beers in these conditions and I am drinking beer that is over two years 'out of date' but is still as delicious as the day I first received them. I even have beer that is over 10 years old in a bottle conditioned format and they are still good to drink.
I am often asked how I can sell the beer that is supposedly past its best and the simple answer is that if I can guarantee the quality of what's inside the bottle then I can still sell it. So don't be put off by the best before labels and keep your beer in the right conditions to ensure that it avoids strong light that can have a detrimental effect on whats inside the bottle.
For the record, I currently have some excellent bottle conditioned beers from Wooha, (in brown bottles), with a 2 year shelf life. I think that these can be laid down for 2 - 3 years and the beer will be as good as it is now - but time will tell.....
In the meantime, enjoy your beer!
For further reading on this subject, have a look at the link below to the Amstein website as they have a very good piece on this subject.


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Home > Education > The Federal Reserve and You, Version 2.0 > Chapter 4: Monetary Policy
< Chapter 3: Money and Banking 101 Chapter 5: The Payments System >
In this chapter, learn more about the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. Find out how changes in the money supply can affect interest rates and, in turn, affect economic growth and the price level. Learn more about the importance of price stability and the Federal Reserve's goals of monetary policy. Explore four of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy tools — open market operations, the discount rate, reserve requirements, and interest on reserves.


text: A lot of people ask, "How long does a bankruptcy filing stay on their credit record?" The technical answer is 10 years. But the real effect is about two years after you receive your discharge, you can get a mortgage. Within a couple of months of receiving your discharge, you will be offered more credit. In many cases, we have delivered a copy of a discharge letter to a car lender, so that a borrower can get a new car. The real impact is very little impact on your credit and for houses about two years.


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Sioux Falls, SD, June 12, 2013 – Raven Industries Applied Technology Division (NASDAQ: RAVN) announced its newly designed responsive website, Ravenprecision.com. Visitors to the new site will have a consistent experience from any internet-enabled device. The move comes as more and more businesses are realizing the benefits of optimizing web content for mobile devices like tablets and smart phones.
The ability to access information in the office and in the field is vital to agricultural producers. Michelle Lavallee, Raven Applied Technology Division's leader of marketing and sales, had this to say about the unveiling of the new site, "We are a technology company, and staying ahead of the curve is always a priority. Our goal is to give visitors to our site the most user-friendly experience possible. Now, Raven information is available across devices in one easy-to-read site. Our precision agriculture products are color agnostic, it follows that our website is screen size agnostic as well."
In the past, many businesses had a standard site for desktop browsing and a mobile site that may or may not display properly. As mobile web browsing is expected to surpass desktop internet access by 2015, the importance of responsive design is increasingly important.
The new design works by building a site based on ratios, so that elements are not fixed but rather relative to each other. This allows better rendering of content on mobile devices and eliminates the need for multiple versions of a company's site.
Stay up-to-date on the latest in precision ag by becoming a fan of Raven on Facebook.
About Raven Industries Applied Technology Division: Since 1978, Raven has helped define the concept of precision agriculture, and continues today to bring groundbreaking new ideas and precision ag products to growers around the world that improve agricultural efficiency, productivity and stewardship of the land. Raven has earned an international reputation for agricultural innovation, product reliability and unmatched service and support. In partnership with a network of Raven dealers and distributors, they are helping growers of all sizes and all types work smarter, reduce input costs and increase yields and profitability.
About Raven Industries, Inc: Since 1956, Raven Industries has designed and manufactured high quality, high-value technical products. Raven is publicly traded on NASDAQ (RAVN) and has earned an international reputation for innovation, product quality, high performance, and unmatched service. Raven's purpose is to solve great challenges in areas of safety, feeding the world, energy independence, and resource preservation. To realize this purpose, we utilize our strengths in engineering, manufacturing, and technological innovation to serve the precision agriculture, high performance specialty films, aerospace, and electronic manufacturing services markets. Visit www.RavenInd.com for more information.
Contact Information:
Jessica DeJong
Marketing Communications Coordinator
Raven Industries
The post Raven Industries Applied Technology Division Launches New Responsive Website appeared first on Raven Industries.


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Book Review - Stephanie Burgis's Stolen Magic
Stolen Magic by Stephanie Burgis
Published by: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 2nd, 2013
Format: Hardcover, 400 Pages
Rating: ★★★★★
To Buy
Kat Stephenson and her family are off to Devon to the Carlyle's great estate on the coast for the long delayed marriage of Kat's sister Angeline to Fredrick Carlyle, her true love. Why the delay? Because Fredrick's mother was none too keen on the match, hoping to marry Fredrick to her niece Jane; besides being against the whole Angeline's a witch thing. One thing is clear, Mrs. Carlyle is going to put Angeline through the ringer in a final effort to see the back of her. But would Fredrick's mother resort to attempted murder to get her way? Because the Stephenson's have had a perilous journey, their coach almost rolling off a cliff to the ocean far below, and it was no accident. But who was behind the accident? Unbeknownst to most of the family they have not been travelling to Devon alone. There is a mysterious and magical person shadowing Kat, and she's not sure of their motivation.
Much like the hurtles Angeline has faced to reach her wedding day, Kat has had many obstacles in her induction to the Order of the Guardians. The induction is finally approaching when yet another delay happens. Kat sacrificed her magical portal to save England and her need for a new one has caused much consternation in the Order. You would think it would be easy to get a new one, but all the replacement portals have disappeared and the lovely Lady Fortherington is gleeful to point her finger at Kat once again, especially when it looks like the portals are somewhere in Devon. So not only does Kat have to prove her innocence, yet again, she has to work with her nemesis Lady Fortherington, prepare for the wedding, keep everyone alive and safe, and hope that all the delays end happily for all involved.
What I most loved about this "final" installment in Kat's magical journey is that while still channelling Jane Austen, Stephanie Burgis has decided to throw a little Daphne Du Maurier into the mix. Devon, being so close to Cornwall, has had it's fair share of wreckers and smugglers, and spies! The cliffs are honeycombs, hiding secrets that could imperil our erstwhile heroine. Not to mention you can get some damn good spirits down the local pub. The environment permeated the book with it's sea air and wind swept clifftops making me think longingly of Jamaica Inn. Burgis has been able to fuse the feeling of propriety that is Austen with this wildness that belongs to Du Maurier as she emulates the Brontes for yet another strong middle grade book that shows that there are great books for this age group.
Despite the fact that Kat is the youngest sibling in her family it just struck me how unique this is if we compare it to other literature set during this time, versus other middle grade books. The younger children, if mentioned at all, rarely figure into the narrative other then just part and parcel of the chaos of everyday life. We will excuse Lydia Bennet because she doesn't play by anyone's rules. Look at Sense and Sensibility, the youngest daughter, Margaret Dashwood, she's just there doing whatever and is hardly mentioned, in some adaptations they even just drop her all together. What I'm saying is that usually we get the older, "wiser" POV, but here there's something magical about seeing it through the eyes of a rambunctious youngster. Kat has an advantage being the youngest, because not only has she observed her older siblings all their lives, but being the youngest, there's a little leeway. She does love to cause trouble and there seems to be an indulgence in this, even if she's frowned upon at the same time.
Also by being the youngest she is allowed a certain excess of emotion. She is allowed to cry without it being viewed as indulgent. Yet what I love in the way Burgis writes Kat is that Kat is allowed to be vulnerable, she's allowed several times to break down and cry because of the emotional drain and chaos that surrounds her. She is allowed to give way to her emotions but at the same time she is strong. I always hate, what I will call the "There's No Crying in Baseball" rule. That you must be strong or vulnerable, there is no middle ground. This isn't how humans work. We aren't just strong and we aren't just weepy, we are a combination of the two. The strongest amongst us can also be the easiest to cry. By showing this complicated nature that is humanity, Burgis is showing young girls and boys that you don't always have to be strong, you can be a hero or a heroine and still cry. I love that this is such a positive message, such a true message.
And Kat is able to have periods of vulnerability because she is surrounded by people who love her. Kat has always been a little rebellious and more the a little self sufficient. Over time though, while she can still handle all these hurtles thrown in her path, she has realized the strength of family. The hardest thing for any headstrong girl, yes, here I'm pointing the finger at myself, is when to acknowledge you can't do something on your own and when you realize it's not a weakness to ask for help. Here Kat's family knows her so well that she doesn't even need to ask for the help, it's just there. I love that Charles has really stepped up. In the first book he was little more then a lump in bed that caused the family untold troubles. By the second volume he was central, but as a source of consternation and also in need of rescue. By this volume we see that he has mended his ways and is taking on the role of protector of the family, even if this mainly means protecting Kat from herself. I kind of fell in love with Charles a little for how he's matured.
As for the magic? I like that there appears to be an entente brewing between the warring factions of Guardian magic and witchcraft. To me it seemed silly that they should hate each other just because they are different forms of the same thing. They are both reviled by society so it makes sense that uniting their powers together to form a united front is a logical step. But far be it from people of any kind to be logical. They latched onto their differences instead of embracing their similarities. Of course the French had no such compunction when it comes to this missishness. All for victory and that. So I'm glad that the prejudices will hopefully start to break down if only out of necessity. But I'm even more excited for Kat who has vindicated her mother's opinions all these years later.


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B.S. Computer Science/Mathematics
M.A. Education
Telephone: 303-655-????
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
With nearly over 20 years in education, Mr. Startzer has taught multiple levels of mathematics in the middle and high school levels (Algebra - AP Calculus). He has also served as a administrator in Mesa County Schools and Cherry Creek School District. With a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Minor in Mathematics, and a Masters Degree in Education, he aims to bring energy, enthusiasm, and real life application to the classroom. Mr. Startzer is finishing his second Masters Degree, focusing on Coaching and Athletic Administration.
Coach Startzer also serves as the Head Football Coach at PVHS. His 20+ years of coaching experience includes seven years experience in the college ranks (NJCAA and NCAA DII levels), and seven as an offensive or defensive coordinator in CHSAA's 5A, 4A, and 3A high school classifications. Coach Startzer has had coaching stops at Colorado Mesa University, Regis Jesuit High School, Rifle High School, and Lutheran High School among others.
Coach Startzer grew up on the western slope of Colorado. Immediately upon graduating high school, Coach Startzer joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he discovered his passion for coaching and developing student-athletes in the classroom and through football, wrestling, and baseball. He and his wife, Mavie are very proud of their three children, Quinnie, Robbie, and Cade.


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Tag Archives: Millennium Cohort Study
Autism training: the one-eyed wo/man in the land of the blind
The number of people diagnosed with autism is on the rise. According to figures revealed in the Millennium Cohort Study (n= 13,287 families), autism prevalence rates in the United Kingdom (UK) are 3.5% of 11-year-old children. In


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Kate Gilmore "Love 'em, Leave 'em"
This performance was created specifically for an exhibition at MOCA Cleveland. Love 'em, Leave 'em will be exhibited at ArtPrize in its video form. "…It is impressive, yet the detritus left behind abounds with ambiguity." The performance involves Gilmore carrying hundreds of vases with paint up each side of a structure and dropping them through a hole in the top, resulting in a three-dimensional painting referencing Jackson Pollock's abstract expressionist action paintings. "The ceramic pots (which shatter as she drops them from above) reference femininity and, in this piece, the historical vision of the female body as a container and reproductive vessel." — Lyz Bly of the Collective Arts Network.
Category – Time-based
Kate Gilmore was born in Washington D.C. in 1975 and lives and works in New York, NY. Selected exhibitions include: "Body of Work", Museum of Contemporary Art, Cleveland (solo with catalogue), Moscow Biennial (4th edition, 2011), Moscow, Russia, Whitney Museum of Art (Whitney Biennial 2010), New York; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco, California; National Academy Museum, New York; Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, New York; PS1/MoMA, Queens, New York; Herzliya Museum of Modern Art, Israel; The Kitchen, New York; Portland Institute of Contemporary Art, Portland, Oregon; Parasol Unit, London, England; Weatherspoon Art Museum, Greensboro, North Carolina; Decordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln, Massachusetts; J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, California; Rose Art Museum, Waltham, Massachusetts; Bronx Museum of Art, Bronx, New York; Haifa Museum of Art, Haifa, Israel; MAK Museum of Art, Vienna, Austria; Istanbul Museum of Art, Istanbul, Turkey; Contemporary Art Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; and Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. Solo exhibitions include: Museum of Contemporary Art, Cleveland, Ohio (March 2013); Bryant Park (Public Art Fund), New York; Locust Projects, Miami, Florida; Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Franco Soffiantino Arte Contemporanea, Turin, Italy; Maisterravalbuena, Madrid, Spain; Smith-Stewart Gallery, New York; White Columns, New York; Catherine Clark Gallery, San Francisco, California; and Artpace, San Antonio, Texas. Gilmore received her MFA from the School of Visual Arts, New York, New York and her Bachelors degree from Bates College, Lewiston, Maine. She has been the recipient of several international awards and honors, such as the Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome (2007/2008), The Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Award (2009/2010), Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Award for Artistic Excellence, New York, (2010), the Franklin Furnace Fund for Performance, New York (2006), The LMCC Workspace Residency, New York (2005), New York Foundation for The Arts Fellowship, New York (2012 and 2005), Rauschenberg Residency Award, and the Marie Walsh Sharpe Space Residency, Brooklyn, New York (2010). Her work is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York; Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, New York; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Massachusetts; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, California; Weatherspoon Art Museum, Greensboro, North Carolina; Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indiana; and Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, Illinois.


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Senior Conservatives will today tell the prime minister to set a firm date to step down rather than being forced out by her own MPs.
Theresa May is holding talks with members of the executive of the 1922 Committee of backbench Tories, as the clamour for a change in party rules to enable a leadership challenge grows.
At the moment she cannot be ousted until December, after a failed attempt to remove her last year.
1922 Committee treasurer Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown told the Press Association: "It would be infinitely preferable if she set a date rather than us force her out.
"It's better that she does it than we have a vote of confidence.
"What I would like to see is her set out a timetable to trigger a leadership contest."
Brexit deal 'dead' if MPs reject it again
Theresa May's Brexit deal will be "dead" if MPs reject it for a fourth time next month, a senior minister has admitted
Next week's EU elections are expected to heap more misery on the Conservatives and it is expected that the Withdrawal Agreement Bill will be defeated when its presented to the Commons in June.
The legislation writes the Brexit agreement into law and represents a fresh attempt to secure Parliament's support for a deal which has already been rejected three times by MPs, including the heaviest defeat ever suffered by a
Another defeat would be the final nail in the coffin for the agreement Mrs May negotiated with the EU, a fact not lost on the Brexit secretary.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Stephen Barclay said it would lead to "more fundamental questions" about whether to stop Brexit or leave the EU with no deal.
Labour confirmed it would vote against the bill if its contents had not already been agreed by Brussels.
"That would put the cart before the horse," shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer told the House of Commons.


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What does breast cancer look like on a mammogram? Any area that does not look like normal tissue is a possible cause for concern. The radiologist will look for areas of white, high-density tissue Author: Claire Sissons.
My doctor found a lump in my breast during my yearly mammogram and then brought in an ultrasound technician to follow up with an ultrasound for a closer look. Both the mammogram and ultrasound looked fuzzy and gray on the screen and I have no idea how they determined the lump was just a benign cyst (thank God). What does breast cancer look like on a mammogram?
Nov 02, 2018 · What does breast cancer look like? We'll show you breast cancer pictures to help you identify any physical traits of the condition. Finding breast lumps Author: Valencia Higuera.
What does breast cancer look like on a mammogram? Doctor's Response. A mammogram is basically an X-ray image of the breast. The breast is compressed between two firm, flat surfaces to spread the tissue out. A mammogram can show breast changes such as calcifications, masses.
What Does Breast Cancer Look Like on a Mammogram? Facebook. Twitter. Google+. Pinterest. WhatsApp. Telegram. A mammogram is a type of X-ray of the breast. Screening mammograms may be ordered as a routine check to reveal the early signs of breast cancer. The routine screenings are used to set a baseline of what is normal.Author: Positivemed.


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Reviews stars filter
About www.mytruehost.comNovember 23, 2016
Mytruehost best webhosting forever
I can't even begin to explain how great their service is; i haven't been with them for long but for the short time i've been using their service, i already know i'm going to be using ther service for a long time. Great customer service, great bonuses for businesses and resellers, kind and courteous staff. Everything is just awesome there, its like your own special little place that not a lot of people know about.Is this review helpful to you? Helpful?G


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Nico Rosberg says his offer to Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel still stands. After dominant Mercedes finished first and second in Melbourne, 34 seconds clear of Vettel in third place, there was an amusing exchange in the post-race press conference between the two Germans. After Rosberg said he hopes Ferrari can catch up soon, Vettel hit back: "Be honest. Seriously? You hope you slow down?".
Rosberg insisted he was in fact serious, as it is "important for the sport and the fans" that Mercedes has some other teams to race this year. So Vettel jokingly proposed that Mercedes should make its garage "public for Malaysia" so that "everyone can have a look". Rosberg answered: "You can come if you want. We can invite you. Friday, Malaysia, ok?". "Engineers' room, debrief. I'll be there," Vettel hit back.
Rosberg, however, has now told the German newspaper Bild that he is dead serious. "Sebastian assumed I was not telling the truth when I said I would be glad if Ferrari closes the gap on us," he said. "So I invited him to come and see what we are doing. I'm thinking about the big picture, as a strong Ferrari helps formula one. I have now clarified this with our team boss Toto Wolff. Sebastian may come. So, Seb, I hope you're reading this. I hereby invite you officially to our engineer meeting on Friday in Malaysia at four o'clock. We look forward to seeing you!".
Qui sotto i tweet con cui Nico ha ufficializzato l'invito a Sebastian. Adesso vediamo se l'invito sarà accettato. Certo che, se così sarà, come minimo Vettel dovrà ricambiare l'invito al GP successivo, questione di cortesia e buona educazione. Ma la Scuderia sarà d'accordo? Stiamo a vedere…
Barbara Premoli
i spoke to Toto and Paddy about an invitation for Sebastian and they are easy with it.
— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) 17 Marzo 2015
Dear Seb, this is the official invitation to join our debrief Friday 16.00 at Sepang. See you there, don't forget your notebook! 🙂
— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) 17 Marzo 2015


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Michael Scudder: Photographs
March 5 – 27, 2016
Opening Reception: March 5, 4-6 PM
My process resembles a shamanic journey in which I encounter configurations of meaning –quintessences, as it were– incorporating visual, emotional, metaphysical, and spiritual elements. These images are artifacts of these encounters – postcards. I speak of capturing images, yet really an image demands of me to be captured, so in a sense it captures me. My work and action is to surrender to the imperatives of the journey, to be present, and to pay attention with every cell of my being – fearless and ferocious. One must venture out of time to capture a timeless image. The Platte River images in the current show illustrate my approach. I enjoy the challenge of using the limited aesthetic capabilities of photography to produce art, of using an analytic medium to synthesize an experience or, as I would prefer to think of it, an understanding. The capabilities I rely on the most include the frame, tonality, time, and the juxtaposition of disparate elements. Many of my images encode metaphysical concepts – an approach I call Philosophy in Pictures. For example, the images in this show were all originally captured on black-and-white film, thus rendered in silver particles. The image structure itself – i.e., the film grain– is a metaphor both for the fundamental structure of physical reality and for consciousness – subtle, delicate, vibrating, ephemeral, tenuous. The silver grains which form the image are randomly distributed – thus another aspect of the metaphor is how reality – order – emerges from chaos. The metaphor is related to the concept of māyā in eastern philosophy, where experienced reality is an illusion, comprised of constantly changing appearances, which conceal spiritual reality. The images reveal the unseen via the māyā of experienced reality. My hope is to produce art that transforms and heals; that delights, comforts, and sustains; that helps you to see better and deeper; that engages all of your senses; that makes you cry in a thousand different ways and laugh in a thousand different ways.


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Heads up! We're working hard to be accurate – but these are unusual times, so please always check before heading out.
La Fête du Graphisme 2016
Events celebrating the art of poster design give the capital a new look from January 6-February 17 2016
When? January 6-February 17 2016
What? A city-wide festival celebrating the art of poster design.
Where? Across Paris
Sometimes labelled a 'museum city' by its detractors, Paris will be celebrating the start of a new year with a funky six week makeover (from January 6-February 17) as part of the third edition of the Fête du Graphisme. Inviting forty or so cutting-edge poster designers to showcase their latest creations in various public spaces – from the Hôtel de Ville to the Cité Internationale des Arts – the festival this year aims to celebrate the brilliance of Parisian urban life, while also tackling social, political and environmental issues. The main attraction will be special open-air and indoor exhibits, as well as conferences, film showings and talks. The festival will also be taking over advertising space in the 1,600 bus shelters owned by event partners JC Decaux, replacing the usual commercial ads with the featured artists' designs.
For more information, click here.


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Sandara Park, no regrets!
May 31, 2009
Sandara Park has no regrets in leaving her showbiz career in the Philippines and tries her luck to Korea. She said to her interviews that she was promoting as an entertainer in the Philippines, but she took the bold step and went on as YG trainee. But she has no regrets about not being able to continue her entertainer career in the Philippines.
Being a YG trainee, she have no guarantee for debut and for success but because she has a dream of becoming a Korean entertainer, she worked hard for it. Because of her experiences as an artist in the Philippines, it gain interests and KBS introduced her in one of the programs. She lives in Korea and trained for 3 years before debuting as 2NE1.
2NE1 is an all girl group in Korea and also dubbed as the girl counterpart of Big Bang. Hip hop songs and hip hop dance is their main forte. Sandara prepared for this one, she worked hard for it. She kept listening to hip hop music and learn hip hop dance to have this hip hop vibe.
She also answered the questions about her sexy photos taken here in the Philippines. She said that the photoshoot concept turned out to be different from what she thought. Plus back then the atmosphere to the shoot was serious; she thought she could not run away from it. And with that she did a 'sexy' pictorial.
I hope that Sandara will become successful in Korea. I know she can do it because she works hard for it in able to achieve her dream. This will be the start of her dream career in Korea. She belongs to Korea and she's more comfortable in working there. So, good luck to Sandara Park!
6 Responses to "Sandara Park, no regrets!"
July 19, 2009 at 9:22 am
OMG 2NE1. Sandara rules!!!
Ibang-iba kana talaga sandara park…
We want you to perform here again in
Pinas! You're Dara now, i think your
supporters here in Pinas miss you so much…
2NE1 rules!!!
July 30, 2009 at 12:07 pm
yes! we should be proud of our "krung krung".. even now that she's famous in korea, she can still speak tagalog and even on their song "Let's Go Party" we can hear her say "Punta tayo sa piyesta".. i'm sure a lot of her fans here in the Philippines are very excited to see her perform again in Pinas..
August 11, 2009 at 6:42 am
Wow Sandara's doing pretty good now. I just can't help but react how those that used to laugh at her are now taking a 360-degree turn.


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Tag Archives Game
Corsair Gaming SCIMITAR RGB game mouse review
For the hooked MMO gamers out there we review the Corsair Gaming SCIMITAR RGB game mouse, the device is sturdy in design, aesthetically pleasing with configurable RGB LEDs and has a grip that is intensely impressive. The looks are all about the configurable thumb buttons though as that jumps out like a cannon. The high […]
Sennheiser GAME ZERO Review
Sennheiser, if you werenreplace_num_entityt aware, was
founded in 1945 post-war Germany and have since shaped the
audio market with the innovation and manufacture [...]
Corsair Gaming M65 RGB game mouse review
The 8200 dpi mouse has three-some RGB color customization
that allows for 16.8 million color selection backlighting
per one of the three LED location. The M65 advances on t [...]
Trials Fusion PlayStation 4 Game Review
When Redlynx first launched Trials to the world many years
ago, it was probably beyond its wildest dreams how popular
the series would become. When you look at it on paper, [...]
Next-gen Wolfenstein game is 1080p at 60FPS
Bethesda has confirmed that Wolfenstein: The New Order will
be running at 1080p, but also at a silky smooth 60FPS on
both the next-gen consoles. Bethesda announced the n [...]
Razer Game Booster Now Saving Game Progress to the Cloud
Razer, the world leader in entertainment devices and
software, today announced a new feature for Razer Game
Booster that automatically saves game data and settings [...]
The Lego Movie: The Video Game PlayStation 4 Review
There has to be a point where we get a bit sick of these
Lego games. It seems that every time a major film franchise
is announced that a Lego game follows, but they continue [...]


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This summer, I worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Saint Bartholomew's Cathedral on Lexington avenue. Originally, I planned to lifeguard exclusively, but when the need arose for an extra swim instructor, I was also put in that role. I worked with kids between the ages of 3 and 13, with varying levels of ability; I found myself keeping one child afloat while shouting at another to slow down! This was hard work, as aside from remembering names, I also had to remember levels of ability, fears, and other crucial pieces of information. The work was, however, extremely rewarding, as in explaining techniques, I gained a better understanding of them myself.
I gained a much better understanding of how to relate to people through this experience. One of the most difficult things that most children have to overcome when learning to swim is learning to get over the fear of going underwater and floating on one's back. Trying to persuade a terrified six year old to do either of these things is an arduous, and often extremely frustrating process. I quickly learned that just asking them to do it over and over was NOT the way to go. Instead, I found that if i did it first, and showed that although it might look scary it is not that difficult, the children who i taught were very reassured.


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Electronics Architecture Evolution Towards Automated Driving
Electronics Architecture Evolution Towards Automated Driving
An autonomous car is the main vision of the automotive industry for the next decade. In 2017, many OEMs started implementing intermediate milestones through advanced driver assistance (ADAS) functions to achieve a fully autonomous car. From the industry point of view, realizing the new technology with reasonable costs and reliability is a key requirement for deploying autonomous cars.
The upcoming "Automotive E/E Architecture China Conference 2017" to be held on the 25th-26th May. in Shanghai, has invited Mr. Akhilesh Kona to make a presentation that will provide an overview of the vehicle networking challenges and trends with a deep dive into ADAS sensor architecture evolution to support different levels of automated driving from L1 to L5. Mr. Akhilesh Kona covers the area of automotive electronics and semiconductor with a focus on autonomous cars, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and body electronics. He is primarily responsible for market research on sensors and semiconductors content including various technology trends and architectural developments in the field of autonomous cars. Before joining IHS, Akhilesh worked in the automotive semiconductor industry at Freescale Semiconductor and also on embedded systems for industrial automation at CMC Limited. Akhilesh has a Master's degree graduate in Electrical Engineering from Deggendorf University of Applied Sciences in Germany.
"Automotive E/E Architecture China Conference 2017" will help you build and establish the key industry contacts and generate new business leads with China local automotive OEMs and Tier1s, including Great Wall Motor, Yutong Bus, Yundo Auto, Dongfeng Auto, Haima Auto, Weltmeister Motor, Singulato Motor, Faw Automotive, Geely Auto, BAIC New Energy Vehicle, Mentor Graphics, UAES etc.
For more information and registration about the event please contact:
Liz Geng
Tel: 86 21 5271 0299*8010
Email: email@example.com


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Co-design of a Virtual Training Tool with Emergency Management Stakeholders for Extreme Weather Response
- 2.9k Downloads
Emergency services usually prepare for the most frequent or predictable types of disasters, such as fires. However, preparation for complex, unpredictable disaster scenarios is infrequent, probably because of high resource demand and difficulty of covering dynamic training needs of multiple stakeholders. The use of serious game techniques as the core of simulated or virtual training tools opens for new ways of training and learning in emergency and crisis scenarios. However, the number of virtual training tools customized to specific disaster or crisis scenario that address needs of diverse user groups is limited. Existing tools are often tailored with a particular geographical setting and local threats, requiring an extensive adaptation outside the pre-defined settings. This paper describes the co-design process aimed at the creation of an emergency and disaster virtual training tool prototype linked to a Norwegian context. Two co-design workshops were run involving local emergency management actors. The general setting included an extreme weather scenario because of its high probability of occurrence and societal impact. The first workshop was used to gather end-user requirements for the training tool, explore the current gaps in the training practices, information needs and elements to improve training on decision making. In the second workshop, we focused on scrutinizing the detailed design, user interface, training use-case and learning points. Finally, we ran a small-scale usability testing of the initial prototype using SeGUE (Serious Game Usability Evaluator) instrument. The results of the prototype activities and the testing are reported in this paper.
KeywordsEmergency management Co-design Training tool Extreme weather User testing SeGUE Serious game
The KriseSIM project is supported by Aust-Agder Utviklings og Kompetansefond and Sparebanken Sør, Norway. We thank the emergency management stakeholders in Sørlandet, Norway, for fruitful discussions of the KriseSIM project, and all volunteers who tested the game. This project has been approved by Norwegian Data Protection (NDS), Project No. 54141. We are grateful to Mattias N. Tronslien, Max Emil Moland, Christian A. Kulmus, Kristoffer K. Thomassen who worked on the prototype.
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In the first Market Outlook of the year we not only look ahead to February, but reflect on the wave of volatility that began the New Year in January. At Rocco & Associates we see the volatility in January continuing through the first half of the year, but we see the volatility staying within the same 2,000 point band it has been fluctuating between. Also, we believe that there are investment strategies, namely dollar cost averaging, that can be leveraged to take advantage of the unpredictability and increase share count. Dollar cost averaging is the process of investing over a set period of time, with the same investment amount being purchased at each interval. Ultimately we believe the market is strong and this period of volatility will only delay the slow growth many are predicting over the next few years.
The sharp drop in oil is another hot button topic. As we sit below $50 per barrel, the world has its collective breath held to see what it will do next. We believe that the drop in crude has offset economic effects. On the one hand many large corporations' bottom line will benefit from lower crude prices, as will the average consumer at the gas station. But the uncertainty will adversely affect the market, the only question is which side effect will be greater. While it may be a while before oil reaches its previous highs of over $100 per barrel, even the countries with the lowest breakeven price can only let it drop so far before production will be cut.
Another potential opportunity to keep an eye on is the economic recovery in Europe. Europe has been able to get their economy on track, but soon the European Central Bank will begin to employ the similar strategies that the U.S. used to drive our own recovery. This monetary policy, which includes a bond buying program similar to the United States' Quantitative Easing, could spur growth in Europe similar to the growth we experienced in the United States over the past several years.
However, we still see a number of geopolitical risks in February and beyond. The Islamic State continues to create uncertainty in the Middle East, and any military action taken by the U.S. could shock the market. Further, the disintegration of the Yemen government is receiving very little press and as the country falls into anarchy the global markets may feel the effects. Lastly the Ebola outbreak is improving, but still presents a threat in Africa with thousands of its population still at risk.
The Federal Reserve's action (or inaction) will continue to impact the market like it did in 2014. While they have seemingly done a great job thus far in rebuilding the economy, they are truly in uncharted territory. The way the market reacts to the Fed will be a theme in 2015, but the more the Fed sees the reactions and understands the impact the better prepared it will be as the year moves on.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
No strategy ensures success or protects against a loss. Prior to participating in dollar cost averaging, an investor should consider their ability to continue purchasing through fluctuating price levels.


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The Retail CMMS software to ensure the best return on your assets
Retail Maintenance CMMS software
Managing a large number of retail stores on different locations is a hard and complex job to do mainly because of the difficulty to be everywhere at the same time, and to control maintenance work on-site.
With Valuekeep's CMMS software for Retail, we've developed tools that give you the framework to get the job done right, the way you want it, regardless where your store is located.
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All the features you need
Create free unlimited work requesters
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José Ribas, PARFOIS


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WASHINGTON, PA, May 22, 2020 -- Before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down harness racing March 16 at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, veteran trainer Randy Bendis had 25 horses in his stable. That's down to 23, as Bendis was forced to sell two mares to raise cash to pay his bills and avoid laying off staff.
Now, that number may decline even further as racing venues in states other than Pennsylvania are reopening, forcing Bendis and his owners to consider moving their horses outside the Commonwealth for a chance to earn money. Not only would that reduce income for Pennsylvania horsemen, horsewomen and their supply chains, but a diminished horse population also could make it harder for The Meadows and other Keystone State tracks to assemble full, quality fields when racing does resume.
All harness racing in North America shut down in mid-to-late March and has been dark since. But because trainers, grooms, security personnel and track and facilities maintenance staff still report to work each day to feed and exercise horses, the vast majority of people needed to stage live racing already are on the backside and following stringent CDC safety measures. Live racing would require only a few more people, including state judges and a broadcast production crew, action that would have negligible impact on public health.
States have begun to realize this and have announced reopening schedules for their racetracks. Ohio venues will resume racing today, while the states of New York, Delaware, Indiana and Minnesota, as well as the Province of Ontario, have announced June reopening dates. (All venues will race without spectators.) If Pennsylvania doesn't take a similar step soon, Bendis, says, he'll be forced to ship some of his horses to jurisdictions where they can earn purses to offset ongoing expenses.
"If we don't get any news here, two of my horses will go to Hoosier Park (Indiana), four to Ohio and two more to Yonkers (New York)," says Bendis, who owns a piece of most of the horses in his stable. "My partners have suggested sending their horses to trainers at jurisdictions that are racing, and I really can't argue with them."
Bendis indicates he knows of horsemen who have taken part-time work delivering groceries and driving for Uber to keep some cash coming in. Things haven't reached that point yet for trainer Sarah Andrews, but she can see a time when they might.
At the start of this week, Andrews' stable at The Meadows had nine horses. That has changed.
"I sent one to Indiana on Monday," she says. "My owner has horses in four different states, so there's no reason not to move them to states where they can race. I can't hold my owners hostage."
What really hurts: the Indiana-bound horse is Statham N, a fast-class pacer almost certain to turn a healthy profit this year. If Pennsylvania racing doesn't reopen soon, Andrews and her staff may not see any of it.
"I'm hoping my owners will send their horses right back here once we start racing," she says. "If they don't, my stable will slowly disappear."
By Evan Pattak for The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association


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The world of cosplay is full of fun characters and exciting adventures. When it comes to choosing a character to play, you want to make sure that every element of your costume accurately portrays the character from head to toe. Since horns are a dramatic and often used aspect of character design and can dramatically ... (Read More)
Category: Custom Foam
How to Make a Cosplay Foam Mask
The world of cosplay is a great way to show your creative side and experience childlike play as an adult. It is also a great way to be creative and test your skills. Many characters in the world of cosplay have masks and you will need this element to complete your look as the character. ... (Read More)
How to Make a Cosplay Helmet
When it comes to creating a fictional character you love for cosplay reasons, you need to make sure every element is perfect. Since many characters popular in the cosplay inverse wear helmets, you don't want to leave this detail out of your look. Whether for a Power Ranger helmet or a Lord of the Rings ... (Read More)
How to Make a Cosplay Sword
When it comes to the overall versatility of foam, the possibilities are endless. While most people think of foam as a couch cushion or housing insulation, it can be used in a variety of craft projects as well. If you are a cosplay fan, it might surprise you to find that foam can be used ... (Read More)
Car Seats for Children Foam Padding
The safety and comfort of your little one is of the utmost importance for any parent. When it comes to riding in the car day in and day out, many parents look for ways to make their baby as comfortable as possible. While car seats are made with an emphasis on safety as the top ... (Read More)
Using foam to help during cold/flu season
We all know cold and flu season can take a toll. This dreadful time of year, it seems everyone around you is hacking, coughing, and sneezing and it's only a matter of time before you are in the same predicament. Did you know foam can be beneficial in regard to cold and flu season? Let's ... (Read More)


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The Leading Voices in Real Estate podcast series interviews some of the most successful, interesting, entrepreneurial people who shape our cities and the built environment.
Host Matt Slepin gets to the personal side not often heard from these legends and visionaries, their career stories and advice, and their role in creating vibrant communities with character, beauty, and a high quality of life.
Chris Rising
CEO of Rising Realty Partners and Host of The Real Market
Chris Rising
In this episode, Chris and Matt talk about the lessons learned from hosting their podcasts and their experiences interviewing leaders in commercial real estate. You'll also learn more about their journeys as they swap questions in this joint interview.
This episode is made possible by our sponsor JLL. Learn more at jll.com/voices.


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The fantastic Peter Kay tribute act Lee Lard will be visiting One Call Stadium as part of our Christmas entertainment programme!
With over 2,500 career performances, Lee Lard is still being voted as the UK's number one tribute act and he will be visiting the 1861 Suite on Wednesday 21 December at 7pm.
The comic brought his superb tribute to the Bolton-born Peter Kay to One Call Stadium last year and we didn't hesitate in re-booking him after the success of the evening!
The price for the event is just £25 per person which includes a delicious two-course Christmas meal and a disco after Lee Lard's hilarious act.
The comedian is an expert in making the crowds cry with laughter, and this is the perfect pre-Christmas show to attend, so don't hesitate in booking your tickets now!
To book your place, please call our commercial department on 01623 482 482 or email email@example.com.


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Proverbs 31:1-31
Uncertain who King Lemuel was – some declare it must have been Solomon, the mother Bathsheba; others say that's impossible, it's not even necessarily a Jewish king. No certain indication in the text who it was; simply presented as a king who had a godly mother still involved in instructing him as an adult. She doesn't mince words, speaks directly to those things hardest to resist for someone inexperienced and new to power – pleasures, but of the sort that will entangle and cloud judgment.
Lemuel's mother warns against the dangers of wine and loose women; she reminds him of the need for wise and just government. Then she gets intensely personal: who he should pick for a wife. This portion of the text is useful not only as portrait of the ideal woman; it has value for parents of both daughters and sons, for those already wives, for those who have wives.
Verses 10-31 are structured as an acrostic – 22 verses, each beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Probably intended by his mother this way: If you want to marry a girl who's a perfect 10, here's what to look for. Mom then assigned a statement or virtue to the 22 letters, maybe to make it easier for her son to remember.
A. What are major qualities of the ideal woman?
Notable by their absence: appearance, charm, swimming ability (wink, wink) – things that are transient, surface, able to be pretended. What is included: things that are expressions of character, that reflect inner rather than external qualities and beauty. This is godliness in action, lived out in all the details of every-day life.
See v.30a, also1 Pet. 3:3-4
energetic v.15a, 17, 18b, 25, 27b
arises before dawn to prepare herself and those in her care for the day ahead, setting the example for them to follow.
begins the day vigorously, energetically, "tucking up her skirts" so they won't be a hindrance to activity and duties
puts in a full day's work, not stopping until after dusk; she exemplifies the injunction to "redeem the time" (Col. 4:5)
maintains good health and strength, necessary to keeping up physical activity demanded by her daily schedule
is not characterized by laziness nor does she tolerate it in any of her household; requires similar diligence and energy from her servants as she expects from herself
capable v.13, 14, 15b, 16, 18a, 19, 22, 24
enjoys working with her hands at a variety of occupations and does so skilfully
keeping herself and family well-clothed v.13, 18a, 19, 21b-22
procuring material in the most suitable and cost-effective form, then producing high quality clothes for her family, linens for the home
skilled at spinning and weaving complex patterned fabrics; that means she has an eye for colors, how they would work together in visually pleasing designs
the colors referenced indicate a measure of wealth; the fact that she can sell at wholesale what she produces indicates the quality of her work v.24
acquiring and preparing food for the family v.14b, 15b
staying within the food budget, purchasing that which is sufficient and truly nourishing (so as to maintain her health, etc.), preparing it in ways that are enjoyable
competent in business, making provision for future family needs v.16
recognizes a wise investment opportunity, a property that can be used to generate income
uses income earned from other business dealings to improve the property, increase the return on investment, make it more valuable for future sale
she's not just a pretty face; there's a real brain behind those eyes. All her activities are done with purpose – busyness with a goal in view, generally the betterment of others in her care or within her sphere of influence
compassionate v.12, 20, 26, 28
her purpose is to be a helpmeet, an asset to her husband, not a liability
care of her husband extends outside the home, reflecting well on him, influencing his standing and respect in the community (see verse 23)
the result is – she inspires confidence in her husband; he is content to leave management of household affairs to her
her profit-making is not self-centered; out of the abundance she acquires through her own diligence, she gives liberally to those in need while still providing for her own family
conversation characterized by wisdom foremost, secondarily it is wisdom expressed with loyal kindness – the best interests of the other person in view, desiring to maintain a good relationship and seek their improvement
godly v.30-31
in v.28 her children praise her, in v.29 her husband praises her
v.30 explains why she is to be praised and rightly so: she fears the Lord
the characteristics described ideally and eloquently are the outward evidence of true godliness, exercising her God-given gifts and abilities for the blessing of her family and others
B. Why included in the Bible?
what to look for v.10
if you're single like King Lemuel
God is concerned that relationships be established on right principles. Relationships based solely on transient things do not endure either. This is a reminder – make enduring qualities the ones on the short list.
treasure v.11, 28b
if you're married to her
recognize the great blessing God has given and treasure her. Cherish the gift, praise her to others – the husband of our text was a leader in the community yet he made the effort to praise her publicly
train up v.28a
if she's your daughter – the goal
the standard applies regardless of spiritual condition; we must recognize that regeneration is necessary for her to meet God's standard. However,… even the natural person can and should strive to develop qualities and abilities presented here.
if he's your son – the desired mate
needs to understand to the greatest extent possible
why these and not other considerations are on the short list
how godliness will result in good for him and his family
that he will be disappointed if he settles for surface and transient qualities
be v.29
if you're her
this is the ideal; it's important to remember not every individual matches all the characteristics of the ideal. God has gifted and equipped each with a different set of qualities matched to their particular circumstances and future place of service. Your responsibility is to use what God has given you to the best of your ability, for the good of others, in a way consistent with "the fear of the Lord".
Really, it's about being like Jesus, being conformed to his image so that others see him when they look at us and how we conduct ourselves in the world. Approaching the ideal, teaching the ideal, properly treasuring the ideal is only possible when we are enabled by the Holy Spirit to be Christ-like and have the desire to follow him.


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It's being called the "Anti-Social Social." Globally-known DJ Kid Koala is hosting three consecutive Mondays of sonic boredom. The unspoken concept here is that creative types need background music to get their juices flowing, but the music can't be any good or else it will distract them. Crazy Canadians!
I'm almost willing to spend the five dollars (is that Canadian money or real money?) just to sit and watch all the sad little emo kids pretend not to check each other out. And, free pencil. Score! As my father-in-law can prove, with his bags upon bags of acquired writing instruments, you can never have too many pencils. Especially when they're free.
Sure, I understand the concept of this event. And I applaud Koala's ability to come up with a new way to market himself and his minimalist talents. The crux of the argument is that even the irony makes no sense. If I'm having trouble concentrating in my own chosen environment and I don't want to be bothered by others, then why would I subject myself to some public event where I'll be in even less control of my own process? What if I don't want other people to see me scrawling my racist screeds onto the pages of recycled bibles in my own blood? Maybe the pro-life fetuses I've been crocheting aren't for public consumption. Or, hey, you know those nude sketches of my next door neighbor's kid? Yeah, maybe those are just creepy and illegal. Do you really want that paired up with the purity of a free cup of hot chocolate? Is it hot enough to burn away the sins that will take place at this outing?
In my eyes, an "anti-social social" is just me yelling at the screen while playing No More Heroes on the Wii. I'll definitely be thinking about all the people I've decided not to hang out with (mostly Canadians) and all the music I've chosen not to listen to (*cough*KIDKOALA*cough*). Plus, it'll save me five bucks. And my wife can make brownies for me. She'll just be happy that I'm not following her around the house asking her what she's doing. No, I don't want to help fold the laundry. No, cleaning the bathroom does not appeal to me in any way. To be quite honest, I was just mildly annoying you so that you wouldn't be mad when I finally disappeared into the warmth of video game land. Two wrongs DO make a right.
And only 5 hours of music? Dude, my creativity lasts longer than that. I do not have a problem with premature creation. Ask anyone. They'll tell you. When the music stops, you're going to ruin my whole train of thought. The walls of Nirvana will come crumbling down upon us all. Everyone will leave completely unsatisfied, yearning for just those few extra minutes of creative bliss, trying desperately to achieve creative climax.
No thanks, Canada. I won't be attending your creepy little creative key parties. I can, by definition, be completely antisocial on my own!


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Blackbird & Cattails
A recent visit to the West Rutland marsh with my camera yielded some good shots of the resident Red-winged Blackbirds.
I love the way they perch on a tall reed or cattail to sway in the breeze and sing their distinctive song.
I'm pretty sure this male was telling me (and the rest of the marsh) just how handsome he was.


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Free US shipping in 5-7 working days.
Free UK Standard (mainland UK only) dispatched within 3-5 working days.
All International dispatched within 7 working days.
Please see our shipping policy for more details, including a full list of delivery options and costs and information on duties.
Amazonite Gold Calima Ring
Inspired by the artistry and rich heritage of Colombia, the chunky Calima Ring is made to stand out. Finished with green Amazonite stones, the studded detailing adds a contemporary textured element.
Metal: 18ct Gold Vermeil on Sterling Silver
Dimensions: 6.5 mm band 1.7 mm thickness
Weight: 5 g
Product Code: ZU-G-R2-AMZ-J
Free US shipping in 5-7 working days.
UPDATE: We will be accepting domestic and international returns again from Monday 8th June.
We have extended our returns period to 60 days to give you more time to send orders back to us during this time. Please see our Returns page for more info.
Please note: Engraved and Monogrammed items are non-returnable / non-refundable unless faulty.
Every piece of Missoma is covered by our one year warranty. Should your jewellery suffer a breakage or tarnishing due to a manufacturing defect, we are committed to ensuring that your piece is replaced at no cost to yourself if returned in under one year of receipt of the product.
To ensure your Missoma pieces stay bright and shiny for as long as possible, keep them away from chemicals such as perfume and chlorine, and store them in a cool dry place in an individual pour of box to avoid your jewellery tangling or scratching each other.
If you have any questions, please do Contact Us


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Première version de La Mariée perpétuelle
Monday, April 27, 2009
A D. Kimm production — Sunday and Monday, May 24th and 25th, at 9:30pm, part of the OFF.T.A. (Off Festival TransAmériques).
The Constant Bride. A world as white as winter, fragile as a fog crystal, womanly as lace, and disturbing as the day after a wedding.


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On June 28, the Mental Health Justice Team at ONE Northside rallied in front of the Margaret Manor Central to urge Gov. Rauner to sign SB1353, which would raise the personal needs allowance (PNA) for the first time in 30 years to $60 a month. The crowd engaged in cheering and chants demanding healthcare and dignity for all. MCed by Mental Health Justice Team Leader Sam Wickham, the rally held testimonies from people who have lived in nursing facilities and know what its like to live off $1 a day.
Among devil horned "Rauner Bucks," Otis Thomas, former nursing home resident, expressed gratitude to the IL Senate and House for passing SB1353 while also sharing his own struggles to save up to buy his wife her wedding ring off of $30/month. He condemned the stigmatization and stereotyping of mental illness.
In the dripping rain, John Finley, a leader with ONE Northside and past resident of a nursing facility, shared how undignified it felt to be forced to live off of the $30/month PNA. He shared how the PNA goes directly to necessities like clothes, underwear, transportation, and hygiene products and almost immediately upon receiving it is completely spent.
Fred Friedman shared how the current PNA leaves no chance of savings, no possibility to live independently, or even a chance to buy a coffee or newspaper. His shirt stated, "I am one of those people" to fight against the dehumanization of people like him experiencing deep poverty and mental illness. He also attested how many of his fellow residents are forced to panhandle or perform sexual acts just to get by. He ended his speech affirming that his role in life is not defined by his illness and that people living on the current PNA deserve a higher quality of life.
Joshua Sullivan, member of ONE Northside, concluded the testimonies with a call to action. He invited attendees to call Governor Rauner's Office to raise the PNA and invited folks to sign letters to Rauner in support of SB1353 for healthcare and dignity for all.
Finally, the action ended with leaders delivering the 400+ signed letters in support of raising the PNA to Governor Rauner's office, declaring that people with mental illness should be able to live with dignity.
In addition, Senator Heather Steans (chief sponsor of SB1353 in the Senate) wrote a Letter to the Editor on the subject of SB1353 the same day as the action. Click here to read: http://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/sen-steans-raise-monthly-allowance-for-the-disabled/


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Did you ever go there?
Express your EcoOpinion about this place and become a GreenWatcher, the trend setter of Sustainability.
The EcoOpinion is based on the algorithm of The GreenWatcher which is used to express the value of ecosustainability that you see with a score from 0 to 5.
- 07 July 2015XAVIER84TallinnCity, Tartu County
Numerous shops offering fashion and footwear, for adults and children alike, play a starring role in this modern, downtown shopping centre. It's also home to popular dining spots such as Bonaparte Bistroo and the Cuban restaurant, Cubanita.2.6
Is this your company?
Whit just a few clicks you can... EcoAssess it and certify your level of Eco sustainability!


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Customer Service Advisor Vacancy
Hours: Full-time
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Plymouth
Salary: £17,100 – £19,360 OTE + benefits
Join one of the biggest and most respected national eCommerce successes in our industry. Construction Materials Online is an online supplier of building materials, sold across four specialist eCommerce stores. As the company is expanding, we are seeking self-motivated, organised and experienced Customer Service Advisors to join our growing team based at our head office in Plymouth.
The position of the Customer Service Advisor is to act as the first point of contact for the Company, dealing with routine and specialist product enquiries in a pleasant and helpful manner and to be responsible for providing quotations, selling products and processing orders received either online, by phone or email through liaising with customers and suppliers.
Duties include:
- Liaise with suppliers, as required, to fulfil customer orders.
- Help promote the company through a positive attitude and engaging with the customers.
- Escalate product or customer issues to the Store Manager/Operations Director.
- Ensure effective creation and follow up of sales quotations.
- Maintain and follow up on-going queries.
- Be reactive and well organised with demonstrable ability to prioritise and effectively complete multiple tasks.
- Up-sell products to existing customers, including key products and special offers.
- Enter notes into a database, including dates for follow up calls.
- Develop and retain product knowledge by attending supplier training events.
The successful candidate will be results driven with excellent selling skills. They will be a confident communicator with a good telephone manner. They will need to be computer literate and have a high standard of written and spoken English. It is essential to also be a team player with a 'can do' attitude. The ability to absorb new information quickly is essential as well as being organised with a demonstrable ability to prioritise and effectively complete multiple tasks.
Experience of a similar office-based customer service and sales role is desirable.
Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, accuracy under pressure, a consistently 'right first time' work ethic, flexible in approach and the ability to meet deadlines are essential in this role.
Construction Materials Online is an equal opportunities employer
Visit our stores
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Contact information
Registered office
Burrington Business Park
Burrington Way
Devon PL5 3LX


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When you dispose of cans, make sure to crush them. It will prevent things like what you are about to see from happening. When this man went to inspect his backyard upon hearing a terrifying scream, he found this cub stuck in a can. Thankfully it has a happy ending!
Please "Share" this footage to encourage other animal lovers to be careful with cans!


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Saved Vehicles
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There's a luxury SUV out there that's not too large, and not too small. If you want one that fits in that sweet spot, then you should check out the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV at our Riverside dealership. It's got a lean look that's artfully refined with a mighty powertrain ready to roar to life when you find some open road.
Starting at 39,150
We appreciate your interest in our inventory, and apologize we do not have model details displaying on the website at this time. Please fill the form out below and our team will quickly respond, or, please call us at 951-441-6188 for more information.
An SUV doesn't need a huge engine to produce the thrills you crave on the highway. The new GLC SUV has a turbocharged engine with direct injection, multispark ignition, and an ECO-START®/STOP system that shuts the engine off automatically when you come to a complete stop. That all adds up to a powerful engine that churns out 241 horsepower while gently sipping fuel. The nine-speed DYNAMIC® SELECT transmission shifts smoothly so you effortlessly get up to cruising speed with style and grace.
From the soft-touch materials to the ample legroom, the cabin is intricately designed to ensure that every seat is the best seat in the house. 40/20/40-split seats give you plenty of versatility as well when you have irregular shaped cargo to move with a power liftgate to make it easier to load and unload. The driver gets everything they need from a driver-centric dashboard decked out in fine wood-grain that creates a refined ambiance that soothes the soul on even the most crowded commutes in your Mercedes-Benz GLC near Orange County.
This midsize SUV looks like it's spent some time in the gym because it has a powerful presence on the roads around our Riverside Mercedes-Benz dealer. The 2017 GLC has a long wheelbase and an angular approach that gives it a predatory feel. The sleek lines and bold contours aren't just for looks either, they also boost efficiency through aerodynamic excellence. If you want some extra flair, then you can opt for AMG® body styling or mesmerizing 19-inch wheels.
Not only do you have a world of technology at your disposal in the new Mercedes-Benz GLC, it's conveniently placed so that you have what you need at your fingertips. A console-mounted controller lets you cycle through entertainment and convenience features, or even navigate when you're in a new area. The best part is that it's customizable so you can put what you use most on the home screen. You can even go for an available head-up display that puts all your important vehicle data right on your windshield.
This SUV is fun to drive, but it also takes safety seriously. The GLC has a long list of the latest driver assistance technologies that are designed to prevent trouble before it finds you. Available features include DISTRONIC PLUS®, which alerts you when you should be braking, and even a system that can spot hazards in your path or anywhere else around your vehicle. This SUV is so smart that it has an optional feature that can automatically brake to avoid a pedestrian that you may not see.
Contact Walter's Mercedes-Benz of Riverside today if you'd like to test drive a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC near Orange County. For more info, give us a call at 888-347-1436.
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