text:
I will make you a better writer.
I will evaluate your story from macro and micro points of view to tell you if your story works, pinpoint specific problems and recommend fixes that make sense.
I edit using the Story Grid method, a tool to thoroughly analyze any story. Developed by an editor with 25+ years editing experience, Story Grid can significantly improve your writing and inspire your everyday writing work.
Check out the Story Grid website and book to learn more.
Services & Pricing
Cost: Free
This is for you if you want to chat about your story, Story Grid or anything about story structure or editing.
Cost: $500 per month
This is for you if you want to turn a story idea into a manuscript or if I've already evaluated your manuscript with the Story Grid Diagnostic (detailed below) and you would like my help more regularly on your next draft. We'll have weekly 1-hour coaching calls to develop your story and your writing.
Cost: $997
This is for you if you have completed a draft manuscript. I'll read it so I can tell you what works and give specific recommendations on how to improve your writing and your next draft.
I'll deliver five things with my Story Grid Diagnostic:
- A high-level analysis of your entire manuscript through my evaluation of 6 core questions about your draft.
- A 1-hour phone consultation to discuss your current draft and recommendations for how to approach the next draft. I will record and share this conversation with you.
- A Story Grid spreadsheet analysis of the first 5 scenes of your draft.
- A recommendation letter summarizing all of the above and sharing additional next steps for you to consider for your draft.
- Additional recommended reading and resources to improve your writing.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
First Come, First Seated - Will only be seating for Fireworks viewing starting at 10:00pm. Will be open for dinner service.
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: June 24OPEN for LUNCH | CLOSED at 4:00pm for a Wedding Celebration
Later Event: July 6OPEN for LUNCH | CLOSED at 2:00pm for a Private Stampede Party


text:
Thailand's attorney general has pressed criminal charges against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for negligence related to her government's money-losing rice subsidy scheme.
The prosecutors' office on Thursday submitted 20 boxes of the case's documents to the Supreme Court's criminal division for politicians.
They accused Yingluck of dereliction in overseeing a rice subsidy scheme that lost billions of dollars and temporarily cost Thailand its crown as the world's top rice exporter.
The move is widely seen as an attempt to cripple the political machine of Yingluck's brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in the 2006 coup, and to prevent his allies from returning to power.
It came one month after Yingluck was impeached on similar grounds by the military-appointed legislature and banned from politics for five years.
Associated Press
Updated Date: Feb 19, 2015 10:12:31 IST


text:
The rate listed below is for up to 2 people. Additional guests: add $5.00 per guest.
Room Rates:
$98.00/night - house
$20/night - per horse when staying at B n B*
Weekly rates available.
These rates could vary, so it is always a good idea to confirm the rates when making reservations.
Reservations can be made with credit card and are non-refundable.
Reservations can be made by calling 1-817-443-3779
Very nice continental breakfast including beverages, fruit, cereal, breads, pastries, etc.
Covered arena for riding or exercising your horse.
Veterinarian on premises.
Large 14'x16' horse stalls.
Pet boarding available.


text:
(STATS) - There are some big unknowns surrounding the two most well-known programs in the FCS as they prepare to usher in the 2015 college football season with the FCS Kickoff on Saturday.
North Dakota State brings a record four consecutive FCS championships into the marquee opener at Montana, whose Grizzlies have appeared in more national championship games than any other current FCS program.
In a role reversal, NDSU's offense is ahead of the Bison defense, which returns only four returning starters and needs to prove it will answer the call under fire. With Montana, it's all new as Bob Stitt makes his head coaching debut with the Grizzlies, who must prove the transition period will be smooth.
Still, the unknown should not keep top-ranked NDSU and No. 13 Montana from impressing a sellout crowd at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula and a national TV audience (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
"I'm as interested as everybody else is to see how some of these young guys that have not had those snaps in those critical big games respond," NDSU second-year coach Chris Klieman said. "And I hope some of our senior leadership and a lot of veterans on our team can kind of calm those guys down in an unbelievable environment to just go out and play."
"You're anxious and you're excited," said Stitt, who has arrived from a 15-year stint coaching Division II Colorado School of Mines. "I talked to the team about it and you're not gonna be nervous when you're prepared. You're just ready to go. People that are nervous are unsure. We're ready to go and we're prepared."
The buildup to the first game in all of college football has been extraordinary as it gives a spotlight to the FCS and the two national powers. They met last season in Fargo, North Dakota, with NDSU winning 22-10 en route to a 15-1 season, capped by a win over fellow Missouri Valley Conference champion Illinois State in the national championship game. Montana, which won national titles in 1995 and 2001 and was the runner-up five other times, also reached last year's playoffs in a 9-5 season, tying for second place in the Big Sky Conference.
NDSU has built its dynasty upon a suffocating defense - as Montana saw firsthand last season - but the unit is more inexperienced for the Bison's "Drive for Five."
Their defense's returning starters are cornerbacks Jordan Champion and C.J. Smith and interior linemen Nate Tanguay and Brian Schaetz. The Bison lost their top five tacklers, including the national defensive player of the year in end Kyle Emanuel, but expects new standouts to emerge with the likes of linebacker Nick DeLuca and end Brad Ambrosius, a pair of juniors.
"It's been unique," Klieman said. "Obviously, you see (at) the practices just so much more continuity on offense because all of those kids played together with the exception of (graduated running back John) Crockett and (graduated center) Jesse Hinz that were a part of it. So it's fun for me to watch the defense, a bunch of young guys that I think have a lot of talent come together. And we'll find out how we do on Saturday. I don't know, there's going to be some new guys that are gonna make some plays and we're gonna be surprised by it, and there's gonna be some new guys that maybe aren't quite ready.
"Every year presents new challenges and this one just happens to be on the defensive side."
Montana's 4-3 defense has considerable experience with eight starters who are fourth- or fifth-year seniors. It's the Grizzlies' new fast-paced offense that seeks continuity as they will try to run as many plays as possible to keep the Bison from adjusting into different packages.
Stitt is considered an offensive innovator and known for developing the fly sweep, a play in which the quarterback will take a shotgun snap and flip the ball to a wide receiver who is motioning across the formation in a dead sprint.
Montana will utilize formations of four wide receivers, led by All-Big Sky standouts Jamaal Jones and Ellis Henderson. The Griz's new starting quarterback, redshirt junior Brady Gustafson, is untested, but considered a good decision-maker, and he's one of the rare signal callers who is bigger (6-foot-7, 235 pounds) than NDSU counterpart Carson Wentz (6-6, 235), the Most Outstanding Player in the 2014 FCS championship game.
"If you go fast, it doesn't allow them to substitute with different personnel," Stitt explained his team's offense. "They can't get into their nickel-and-dime situations. In 3rd-and-long, they'll have a tough time keeping those guys on the field. And once you start going fast, they're not able to make their calls, and you get a little bit more of a vanilla defense. And also you wear down the defense. You just don't get as aggressive a defense and you get less defensive looks when you're going fast."
An eye-turning non-conference matchup like NDSU-Montana isn't the norm across the FCS - a fan's delight and perhaps a losing team's lament - and especially rare for a first game. But, as Klieman says, "By no means is this going to define the season for either program. I think it's a great test to find out what you need to work on, what's your strengths and weaknesses are."
The Matchup: No. 1 North Dakota State (0-0) at No. 13 Montana (0-0)
3:30 p.m. ET Saturday (ESPN), Washington-Grizzly Stadium
The Series: NDSU leads, 4-3 (most recent meeting: NDSU won, 22-10, last Sept. 20 in Fargo, North Dakota)
The Skinny: Smoke from the wildfires in western Montana have been in the Missoula-area sky. While conditions are expected to be safe at Washington-Grizzly Stadium for the FCS Kickoff, plenty of smoke also has developed from the most anticipated non-conference matchup of the season. During NDSU's dynasty, the offense has overshadowed the defense, but this season the offense will be among the nation's best with a balanced power run game following an exceptional offensive line and quarterback Carson Wentz connecting with wide receivers Zach Vraa and RJ Urzendowski. New Montana coach Bob Stitt's offenses usually had excellent execution during his 15 years at Division II Colorado School of Mines (13 winning seasons), so the Grizzlies hope QB Brady Gustafson will have a quick grasp of the fast-paced attack and find weaknesses in the NDSU defense. Griz linebackers Jeremiah Kose and Kendrick Van Ackeren had game-high tackle totals in last year's matchup.
Prediction: North Dakota State will have more continuity with its offense, winning the battle in the trenches and then the game, 30-20.
Craig Haley's FCS Prediction Records: Last Season: 645-193 (.770); 2013: 636-222 (.741); 2012: 580-187 (.756); 2011: 590-203 (.744); 2010: 590-186 (.760)


text:
2003 Castle Vineyards Pinot Noir Los Carneros
Bought this wine on wine.woot.com and happy I did. Very nice Wine.
The color of this wine is dark ruby with a heavy fruit noise. Lots of strawberry jam, clear vanilla and oak and hints of rose. Soft tannens makes this wine feel lighter then I would have expected. I had this wine with a roasted chicken and it turned out to be a great paring. Had to go 88 because the finish was to short.
Marius' Rating: 88
Cost: 14$
well...first pinot i would willingly and gladly drink again-with food.
delicate subtle strawberry, definite hints of choco and coffee, vanilla and oak.
what i dont care for which is typical pinot is the high acidity and overwhelming pepper.
to me, pinots dont seem full bodied enough to carry these forces.
Shannons Rating: 87


text:
Suggested Hotels
Corinthia Hotel Budapest *****
The ideal, and undoubtedly most convenient solution is to stay right at the venue, in Corinthia Hotel Budapest. You can dive into the world of wines just after breakfast, and there is no worry about getting home after a whole day of tasting. Corinthia's special offer for VinCE visitors:
– Superior single room: 120 euros / night
– Superior double room: 140 euros / night
Prices include rich breakfast from the hotel's buffet, entrance to the spa, internet access in the hotel rooms and taxes. (But the price not include taxis, wich currently 18+4 %.)
Executive extra cost: 60 euros per night
Corinthia Hotel Budapest
1073 Budapest, Erzsébet körút 43–49.
Tel.: +36-1-479-4000
Fax: +36-1-479-4333
E-mail: email@example.com
Continental Hotel Budapest****Superior
The new four star superior design hotel is located in Budapest's downtown offering 272 rooms – standard, executive, deluxe, suites- reflected by art deco features, perfect harmony and fine elegance combining a modern world of colours and forms. The hotel welcomes guests, providing business and tailor-made services with well-equipped conference rooms, Wellness and Fitness center, Massage, ARAZ Restaurant with terrace, Gallery Café & Corporate Lounge, underground private parking garage, two courtyards and Roof garden.
- 75 euros/room/ night single occupancy (Incl. VAT, City tax, Buffet Breakfast, WiFi Internet Access, Entry to the Wellness Area)
- 85 euros/ room/night double occupancy (Incl. VAT, City tax, Buffet Breakfast, WiFi Internet Access, Entry to the Wellness Area)
Continental Hotel Budapest****Superior
1074 Budapest, Dohány utca 42-44.
Tel.: +36 1 815 1000
Fax: +36 1 815 1001
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


text: Congratulations to pupils in Class 3 who led this year's Children in Need fundraising as part of their R.E topic focusing on 'Inspirational People'. They raised and amazing £104.20 from their cake stall, Lego Battle, fun run and book sale. I am so proud of all of the children for all the effort they have put into making a difference to the lives of children in need and to everyone in school who supported them with this event.


text:
Thursday, July 5 2018
Lagoon fightback: minister fishing in troubled waters
Molewa backs plan for fish farms in Langebaan's bay waters despite residents' pollution and shark fears
Not so Great Kei, as municipal workers haven't been paid since April
Workers at Great Kei Local Municipality are facing eviction and repossessions as they haven't been paid for months
Fuel price is starting to hurt everyone - a lot
And ordinary South Africans should brace themselves for even tougher times, economists warn
Big plan to plug SA's leaks now just a pipe dream
Trainee plumbers paid to sit at home after colleges turned them away because they have not been paid by the government
Our best shot: South African HIV vaccine shows promise
Results from a HIV vaccine trial are looking good, with people's immune systems responding well
The end is nigh for plastic bags, whether we like it or not
Plastic bags used to mark World Plastic Free Bag Day are the first in SA to be compostable and recyclable
Aids helpline pronounced positive after 200 spoof calls
Researchers put it to the test and find that, on the whole, it does its job well
We can't pretend we aren't tainted by our past
Whether we want to believe it or not, all South Africans are affected by the country's racially divisive history
High ambition: where are all the female pilots?
It's about education and prejudice, says one of UK's few female commercial captains
Six things about SA you need to know
KZN's non-Zulus 'should know they are visitors'
Cosatu comes out to bat for NHI
Grooms' trike threat to Durban July is off
R3.4-million to sleep in Mandela's cell
Protesters cause a stink in Tshwane
Woman found alive in morgue still critical
Spiders and PTSD: the ordeal facing boys trapped in a cave
As divers prepare to rescue a Thai soccer team, experts warn their turmoil may have a huge and lasting effect
Unicorn nearly kills woman - a pink flamingo and swan were also involved
Fifteen people had to be rescued on a single day in the UK after their inflatables veered off course
She brought him into this world, now she's taken him out of it
A 92-year-old woman has murdered her son over his decision to place her in a care home
Engendered derision: Scarlett Johansson defends trans role
Actress courts controversy after defending taking the part of a transgender man in gangster biopic
Chaps should eat nuts for their nuts' sake
Right, let's try these on the OR Tambo run
Proof that poms had a hand in US independence
WhatsApp with the lynchings in India?
More Russian toxin attacks in the UK?
Grisly criminal war hots up in Nigeria
Little guys force JSE to jack itself up
Smaller stock exchanges have pushed the JSE to lower costs, cut unnecessary costs and improve its IT systems
Get set for whipsaw action on Steinhoff shares
Volatile trading activity as investors vacillate between hopes of recovery and fears of steady demise
Frida Kahlo: Where does the art stop and the person start?
A reflection on the vagaries and charms of fashion
If you're tired of looking at the old mug ...
Use our easy guide to select the perfect mask for your skin
Ronaldo may not be winning the World Cup, but he rocks a moisturiser
What men can learn from this soccer hottie
Meet Daphne Self, the face and figure of the greynaissance
No retirement date for this 90-year-old model. Her tip? Eat well and smile: a smile is as good as a facelift
SPORTS DAY: Uruguay sweat over Cavani's fitness
Your roundup of the sporting news of the day
Bleak Super Rugby showing doesn't have to be a Bok drag
Generally one is insignificant to the success of the other
Blasts from the past: Bobby locked, loaded and on target
Today in SA sports history: July 5


text:
I have been working as web-designer for over 6 years, and have done lots of work over that time. My skills cover many aspects and technical knowledge, Such as CMS & new web technologies
I have a passion for designing detailed, creative and modern graphics, I'm always keeping an eye on the latest trends over typography, shapes, colours, etc.
I use powerful software programmes to create the graphics and animations I am combining graphic design with animation to create computer based movies and presentations& e-learning opjects
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Skybe: mfa.magic
Tell: 00201061878358
Website: www.mohamedfathy.com


text:
An old farmer and his wife always went to the county fair. And, every year they saw the same pilot offering to take people up for a spin in his airplane for $10 a ride.
Every year, the old farmer asked his wife to give him $10 so he could go up. Every year, the wife responded by saying ten dollars was ten dollars and they couldn't afford to be so frivolous with what little money they had.
One year, he told her that he was now 80 years old and if he didn't go up this year, he never would. She repeated again her line that ten dollars was ten dollars. At this point they got into an argument about it.
The pilot overheard them and offered to make them a deal. He would take them both up for free providing he didn't hear one word from either one of them during the entire trip. If either of them said anything at all, they would have to pay him the $10. They agreed.
The pilot put them in, took off and during the course of the next fifteen minutes put that plane through every maneuver known to man, including flips, rolls, and nosedives. And he didn't so much as hear a sound from them.
When they landed, he congratulated the farmer on not making any noise, and asked him how come they never said anything during all the maneuvers. The farmer said, "Well, I was going to say something when my wife fell out, but like she always told me, "Ten dollars is ten dollars!"
If you don't feel the love you can't act the love.
It's not easy handling our emotions the right way. Too many people don't let their feelings show, and yet most people are sure doing just that is the right thing to do. Of course we're talking about our better feelings. Scripture agrees. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
It's important we choose which emotions we're going to follow. So often what arises first in us may not be best. It's easier to get angry, to find fault, to tell others so and so is wrong and means to hurt others. But to do this is to take a chance on not just being wrong but on taking the wrong path.
As Proverbs 28:14 says, "A tenderhearted person lives a blessed life; a hardhearted person lives a hard life."
We can't be blessed if we're not in our right emotions. The Lord can't lead us in our right path if we aren't listening to our best feelings. Question your immediate emotion on something. Be patient enough so that you give yourself a chance to see another way, and to feel a different possibility inside of you.
You know, life shouldn't be just a 9 to 5 job. God didn't create us as those whose truest concerns are above all duty and obligation and getting tasks done.
We're created for freedom, love, creativity, inspiration, kindness, and peace that passes understanding. When God made you the Lord was dreaming of much better things than whether you were going to pass tests and keep things under control.
This is what we hear in today's passage. I know our scripture reading is hard to understand. Paul was known in the Christian world back then to be hard to comprehend. He was a really deep thinker.
The fact is our reading is giving the theological basis for why true religion is about freedom and not about laws. Paul differentiates between Moses and Christ, between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. The Christian faith should be viewed in terms of the Spirit, he says.
This can't be seen in what Moses accomplished because, like a veil that's been placed over their eyes, they are hindered from seeing through to what we really are. There is still a film, a surface that covers over the truth of religion that God really seeks.
Instead, all that can be seen is religion in terms of regulations and requirements. The laws of Moses haven't uncovered God's will for us beyond that of duty and obligations.
But what God did in Christ was, in so many words, to remove this veil, so that now we can see that what we were really created for was freedom and liberty. Christ reveals that God wants us to be transformed through the life of the Spirit in us. What we most deeply are and have always been has been lived, expressed, and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This one life can now connect God to humanity and humanity to God as we have never been connected before.
But how often we resist. How often we keep wearing veils. Instead of loving the Lord, we're willing to follow some rules. We limit the reach of the Spirit. We accept a rote structure for a joyful freedom.
In our personal lives we keep up the veil; indeed, we build walls between us and others. We're afraid to trust. We fear being tender-hearted, sympathetic; afraid of showing these feelings.
We're not romantic enough with our partners, nor close enough with our children, nor fond enough of our friends. We are too willing to feel hardness in our hearts and follow where it will take us but not the kindness in our souls and build our lives around it.
We separated ourselves from the gift of loving someone else even if it's risky. We live out our lives trying not to make mistakes. We fear being transformed and to transform others by loving and caring and forgiving and believing in them.
Too often, the veil grows thicker, the wall higher.
But we don't want to live like this. It hurts to be enclosed in hard places. Be willing to feel deeply again. Seek to live passionately once more. We want to the joy of feeling better and the freedom to live without fears.
As we all know, there are radio and TV shows where the audience gets the opportunity to hear about someone else's emotional dilemma. The troubled guest will talk about something in his or her life they can't figure out. Listeners will often find themselves incredulous that the person is having a tough time deciding what to do: "My boyfriend is an alcoholic, can't keep a job, beats me, and I suspect has other girlfriends—but I love him and I want to marry him." It's so obvious to the rest of us, and yet….
It's hard not to believe this person is an actor portraying a fictional character in order to keep TV or radio ratings high. But they're probably not. What seems so obvious to everyone else still isn't to them. Someone in this type of bind needs prayer, and compassion.
They're not alone.
The thing is it's not easy to understand our own emotional life sometimes. We've all heard it said that a feeling like anger is only an emotion, and emotions are basically neither right nor wrong. They just are. We've been taught that what we do with our emotions is the real issue.
We need to be wiser toward our emotions than this.
You see, a lot of people think emotions are like clouds. They roll across the landscape of our hearts and minds as if they popped up on their own. But that's not true.
Clouds come from the ground first. They rise up first as condensation or evaporation from land or sea. They rise high enough to reach cool enough
air and then start to form into visible water vapor, or clouds. As they rise, they also start to float across the sky. We may only see clouds when they are floating across the sky, but they started from the ground up.
The truth is emotions don't just pop up out of anywhere. They don't have a life of their own that we have to listen to and obey. They rise up out of us. In fact, quite often we manufacture our feelings.
What I mean is we respond to what's going on around us, to what someone has said, to what we're looking at, to what someone does. And we do this in an organized, habitual pattern.
Someone might say, "But my feelings come so fast. They have to be the necessary or the right ones by how fast they come." The truth is our feelings are generated so quickly not because they're necessarily right but because they're habitually patterned. We're on emotional automatic.
Here's the thing: If our habitual pattern is healthy, then our feelings arising from some experience will be healthy. But if our customary interpretation or response to someone or something is not healthy, you can bet the emotion arising from it won't be either. Emotionally speaking then, good clouds arise from good ground while stormy clouds arise from stormy seas.
We don't need to be victims of our emotions however. You don't need to be captive to what they're telling you. Doubt whether you need to be angry at someone, or envious of someone else. Distrust your feelings of lust as normal, and your sense of greed as expected. We no longer need to follow our habitual response to others. We can get out of our rut.
Many couples are in a rut because they've lost a tenderheartedness toward each other. They no longer follow their love instinct. We live with our spouse or partner but really only live alongside them. We don't live in them and they don't live in us.
Couples agree with each other; they stay out of each other's way; they go along in order to get along. But the tenderheartedness toward each other is hard to find. It's not really possible to love your wife or your husband or partner without letting them get to you, in a good way.
Don't put your beloved in the category of merely belonging. There's no heart in that. Rekindle your emotions toward each other. Stop skating on the surface of your relationship. There's no feeling in that. Find where the love is for her. Return to the romance that burned before. That's where you'll find
the joy you've been seeking, and the blessings God has been holding in store for you both.
We all need to take down our wall. Lift up your veil. Rise higher than obligations with your loved ones. Sink deeper than duty toward others. Go beyond mere obedience to the Lord.
Instead, be loyal to love. Find the source of freedom within. Set your course in Christ, who even while we were still far from him died for us, that we might know the depths of God's love. This is the love we have within us. It's who we are and what we want to feel, express, and share. It's where we meet the Spirit and the Spirit of God leads us.
Can the church say Amen?


text:
Leadercast is the largest leadership conference in the world.
Its speakers are world renown. They have a thing or two to say about becoming an amazing leader.
Enjoy our SVP of Marketing's top takeaways:
1. Purpose is always found just across the border from "what's in it for me?"
- Purpose has a price.
- Purpose is a path to meaning.
2. The point of purpose is to determine how you will serve others.
- Look at everything through the lens of means, not through the lens of an end.
- Pay attention to what stirs your heart. Purpose is often found between broken heart, opportunity, and skill.
- Surround yourself with on-purpose people. Our friends determine the quality and direction of our life.
3. Are you willing to be a means and not an end?
- Meaning and purpose begin when you devote yourself to others.
- Bonus: Read "Dare to Serve" by Cheryl Bachelder
Will you be the reason for something instead of the something?
4. You must align your purpose with your actions.
- Take calculated risks.
- Be bold.
5. Little moments create big outcomes in our lives.
- Success can be powered by problems.
- With a well-defined problem, solutions are clear.
6. "People follow leaders who clarify the best."
The brain has two purposes:
- Survive and thrive.
- Conserve calories.
Communicate how you can help clients survive and thrive.
If you confuse, you lose.
7. There are three ways to create meaning:
- Create. Create what you wish existed. You don't have to start a business to create meaning. When you create solutions you find value in your work.
- Learn. Is there a mile out there you haven't run yet? Be unwilling to settle for less.
- Finish. There is great value in finishing. Execute with purpose, not perfection.
8. Employees need to feel like they are making a contribution.
- Purpose is about making a contribution even in small ways.
- It doesn't have to always be about something really big.
Are you making a contribution?
9. Leadership is about lifting others up.
- "Us" is always better than "me."
- Be intellectually humble. Ask others when you don't know the answer. It's okay.
10. When making a decision, consider 10:
- 10 minutes
- 10 months
- 10 years
What will life look like across these timeframes?
11. Be a leader who steps up first.
- People will only be great if they have clear expectations.
- Wise leaders adjust themselves to the truth. Correct a wise person and he will become wiser still.
12. Sometimes you can find your purpose on the other side of pain.
- Don't let dreams die just because something bad happens.
- If you want something, work hard to get it.
13. Celebrate small victories in life.
- Never despise small beginnings.
- Leadership is a gift.


text:
What made you want to become a storyteller?
I came to storytelling from a very different path. I am a cartoonist and storyteller. I draw stories as I tell them. It is very much like watching a picture book be created before you eyes. I have found that all successful cartoonist must also be skilled storytellers. Cartooning is a non-verbal form of storytelling. The difference between me and most cartoonist is a choose to tell my stories both in pictures and words, verbally and visually on stage. There is something wonderful about having an audience. I encourage them to participate in the show, everything from sound effects, to helping decide what a character will look like. I wanted to be a storytelling cartoonist because I really enjoyed that audience interaction. Cartoonist don't often get to hear applause.
Was the journey difficult?
I had been telling stories on stage in schools, libraries and festivals for five years before I knew I was a storyteller. I just thought I was a cartoonist talking about the adventures of my characters. When I started getting more involved in the storytelling community and telling at storytelling festivals, that is when the real journey began. I had been a successful storyteller for almost a decade, but had a hard time getting acceptance from the storytelling community.
There were many who thought of cartoons as the enemy! They felt that cartoons took away the stories, and their audiences. And to some extent they were right. But then they began to see me as a sort of bridge back from television and visual mediums to traditional oral storytelling. My journey continues as I begin to venture into video and television. I just completed a pilot for a tv show which features cartooning lessons, storytelling, animation and much more. I never thought of new media as being a bad thing. Television is another tool to present storytelling in a new way. But there are many storytellers who resist that concept.
I also found many who shared the vision, storytellers like David Novak, Bobby Norfolk and Papa and Jackie Wright. All wonderful tellers who are animated and almost like watching human cartoons!
What were some of your favorite stories growing up?
My favorite stories growing up were the stories in the Peanuts comic strip. Its amazing how much of a story can be fit into four little panels on a page. The magic of comic strips is this: the story doesn't just take place in those four little panels, it takes place in the white space in between where the story ends and your imagination takes over. Peanuts was my inspiration. The adventures of Snoopy as the Flying Ace were amazing. Linus and the Great Pumpkin, all the great characters Charles M. Schulz created. Those were my favorite stories and I would read them like another child would read a picture book or fairy tale.
I had the great honor of becoming the first resident cartoonist of the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California. I return every year to perform there and it is so magical to feel such a strong connection to my hero and those stories.
Is there a difference between writing a story and telling a story?
There is a big difference. Writing a story is a very personal experience. Just the author and some blank paper, or a blank computer screen. You create those characters and situations and then bring them to life. But when you tell a story, those characters and the story have a life of their own. Each person in the audience hears a story a different way. They all bring their own personality and experiences to each of those characters. So writing a story brings a story to life, but telling it gives it a life of its own.
What is the difference between a fable, a parable, and a fairy tale?
A fable didn't happen but explains how something could have come to be, a parable didn't happen but tells us how we should be, a fairy tale didn't happen but it should have, as it would make the world a much more fun place to be.
If you could be one character in a story who would you be and why?
I am a character in a story! I am the boy who drew cats. It is an ancient folktale about a boy who receives a magic brush and draw things that come to life. I may not have the magic brush but I do draw with a magic marker and my stories bring the drawings to life.
If you could have coffee with one famous storyteller who would it be and why?
I have met Mister Rogers who was one of my heroes, Charles M. Schulz was my other hero. But there is one great storyteller, one hero who I admire the most. Benjamin Franklin. He was not only a great storyteller, but he was America's first cartoonist. It often seems he was America's first everything. It has even been said he was the first true American! He would have such amazing stories to tell. His biography should be read by every teenager in America. His stories are very human, he made mistakes and learned from them. He is one of the few American Forefathers who seems human.
What inspires you as a storyteller?
Children inspire me. They have such great ideas. The are unencumbered with the limitations of what can't be done. To a child anything is possible. So in cartoons and stories, chickens can talk, elephants can juggle and thing that never were, are, every day. I am inspired by a youthful imagination, which means everything around me inspires me.
What advice would you give a storyteller faced with writer's block?
Who says you have to write. Very few of my stories are written. I just work them out in my head, get on stage and perform them! The excitement of hearing a story for the first time as you speak it is amazing. You and the audience share in the adventure. It's the best way to work out a story, by watching the reaction of your audience. I tell a story twenty times before I ever think of writing it down.
What stories are you working on presently?
I am working on a tv show right now that I am hoping will air soon. I will have lots of stories on there. Including a new one I am working on about a bumbling bee who wont fly straight so he always miss behives. My son who is four came up with the idea. We get a lot of story ideas at bedtime.
Finally, what advice would you give kids who wish to pursue a career in storytelling?
Get in front of a group of friends, kids or an audience and tell stories. It's the best thing to do is to just get up and do it! So go for it!
Where can kids and parents find out more about your work?
You can find out more about my live performances at www.onceuponatoon.com
You can find out more about my tv and dvd productions at www.wosstudios.com
Top Drawer Tales Cd available at cdbaby.com , How To Toon, dvd at filmbaby.com
Copyright 2005-2011, Jolene Owen. All rights reserved. This interview is free to copy, publish and circulate. You may reprint or publish it without permission in any format. Please credit: Jolene Owen as interviewer. The views expressed herein are those of the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the interviewer or the official position of the publishing company, its various departments and/or the Institute of Interactive Journalism. If you'd like to be interviewed, or would like to send our team an interview, or just send us lots of gifts and candy, contact us at: firstname.lastname@example.com. Please do not try to contact interviewees through the institute. We never release confidential information or fwd messages. No exceptions.


text:
The UK and the EU have reached a historic deal over Brexit outlining several crucial aspects of the terms for the exit of the UK from the European Union. Below are the key terms of the exit:
Exit schedule
The UK will officially cease to be a part of the EU on 29 March 2019. This is as per the referendum held in June 2016 were in the electorates in the UK called it quits from the European Union.
Period of transition
Theresa May said that the UK will seek limited time period of transition after exiting from the EU. This will give the businesses in the UK the time to adapt to the changed situation. This period will last for roughly 2 years. Free movement would remain during the period of transition, as quoted by the New Indian Express.
Bill for Brexit
Theresa May has agreed to keep up its financial commitments made during UK's tenure as European Union member till the existing budget cycle ends in 2020. A senior UK source revealed that this could be between 45 to 40 billion Euros.
Rights of UK and EU citizens
The rights of the EU nationals in the UK will be protected in the UK rule and imposed by the courts in the nation, said May. UK citizens residing in the EU would also preserve their rights. Till 8 years after the exit from the EU, courts in the UK will be able to refer issues pertaining to rights of EU nationals to the European Court of Justice.
Border with Ireland
The deal reached between the UK with the EU assures there will be no tough border with the member of the EU Ireland and the UK ruled Northern Ireland.
If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to the US, contact Y-Axis, the world's most trusted Immigration & Visa Consultant.


text:
Despite the bitter cold, back in December Teaghan Gosley modelled some gorgeous fashion from local designer Conni Zafiris (www.shopzafira.com) around South Park Street near the Public Gardens. With a good number of warm-up breaks between shooting of course.
The photos are a mix of digital and film, D800 and Hasselblad 503CX for the photography-inclined. I'm very much looking forward to working with this crew in the near future!
Model: Teaghan Gosley
Makeup (and shoes): Caitlin Coo
Styling/Fashion: Conni Zafiris, shopzafira.com
Assistant: Paul Vienneau


text:
Trick or Treat
1. Arnie T-shirt from Stella McCartney. 2. Death head bracelet from Scotch & Soda. 3. Black hair bow from Verity. 4. Cat cap from Simple Kids. 5. Hugo the ghost from Oeuf is the perfect pal for a spooky night. 6. Mustard cotton skirt from Miller. 7. Casper tote from Pop Factory. Just the right size for filling with treats. 8. Cross strap sandals from Pepe. 9. Grey socks from Zara.


text:
Gayle has a Bach. App Sc. in Applied Geology. She is the founder and manager/director of Blacklaws Drilling, established 2005. She has more than 15 years experience as an exploration Geologist throughout Australia, with the last five years in Central Victoria.
Senior Driller/Onsite supervisor
Richard has more than 17 years experience in the drilling industry and has been with Blacklaws Drilling since 2012. Richard has extensive experience working in remote areas such as the Pilbara, Simpson Desert, Great Sandy Desert and throughout regional Queensland and the Northern Territory. In addition to conducting drilling operations under remote conditions, Richard's knowledge and experience in safe work procedures has developed from time spent on numerous mine sites for clients like BHP, Xtrata and Iluka. Richard's expertise encompasses diamond drilling, RC/conventional hammer drilling, rotary mud drilling, air core and blade drilling. His ability to both operate and coordinate a drilling program, without compromising on safety and procedural requirements, promotes a high quality relationship with clients at all stages of a job from start to completion.
Rachelle has been with Blacklaws Drilling since 2011. She helps manage the administrative side of Blacklaws Drilling and draws on previous office experience in both the public and private sectors.


text:
Charter an entire ship: Imagine the cachet of making a Windstar ship your own. The intimate scale of our casually elegant ships makes them ideal for a full-ship charter. Every day is yours by design as the Windstar ship becomes an exclusive extension of the company. Create a unique experience for your group with customized itineraries and shore excursions. And with so many inclusions, a Windstar charter offers uncompromising value to fit your budget.
Book a smaller group voyage: Smaller groups can also experience the ultimate award of a Windstar cruise anytime, anywhere we travel. With a ratio of one crew member for each two guests and our exquisite attention to every detail from gourmet cuisine to stateroom luxuries, a Windstar voyage demonstrates appreciation, motivates teams and creates lasting memories.
Download a copy of our Charters & Incentives Brochure for more information.
Contact Information
Windstar Cruises - Charter and Incentive Sales
Phone: 800-628-3354
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
We'll send you the latest deals to your email.
Click here to view our current special offers.


text:
When an employee is hurt at work, most people immediately assume that they will file for workers' compensation benefits. But for railroaders, this is not true. The Federal Employees Liability Act (FELA) provides special protection to railroad employees.
What's FELA?
Under FELA, railroads are liable for injuries to employees that arise from the negligence of the railroad. However, in order for the injured employee to recover damages for lost earnings, medical expenses, and pain and suffering, negligence must be proven.
Almost any injury sustained by a railroad employee will be protected under FELA as long as the injury is suffered on the job, including those of workers whose main duties are not completed in or around trains. FELA claims can be made directly to the railroad company and may also be initiated by filing a lawsuit in federal or state court.
If the employee's injury was not due to the employer's negligence, they will not be eligible to recover damages under FELA, although in the rare situation that the railroad worker does not fall under FELA, they might be able to obtain workers compensation benefits.
What About Workers' Compensation?
The workers' compensation system was designed to provide benefits to injured employees, but certain types of workers are not covered:
Workers' compensation allows injured workers to collect damages without proving that the employer was negligent, but the program might limit the amount that employees can recover for their injuries. Although FELA puts virtually no financial caps on damage awards, the law does not hold railroads responsible for injuries to workers. Employer negligence must be proven in either state or federal court.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
In 1984 the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that injuries developing over time are compensable through the state's workers' compensation plan, although some people question such claims since no distinct accident or event exists that the injury can be tied directly to. Repetitive stress injuries are compensable under FELA, but railroad workers are required to prove that the railroad was negligent in causing the workplace condition that led to the injury.
If you are an injured railroad worker and need help obtaining compensation for your injuries under FELA, contact Murray & Murray online or call 419-624-3000 to schedule your free consultation.
At Murray & Murray we are proud of our family focused culture and way of doing business. Our team of experienced legal and non-legal professionals is dedicated to serving and supporting our clients and each other in all that we do.
Experienced Attorneys since 1931
Murray & Murray is a law Firm based in Sandusky, Ohio representing individuals and businesses in critical matters.
Attorneys Who Mean Business


text:
There is no better feeling when snorkeling than to see a species of fish or coral that is endemic to the area that you're in. When that happens, you know that you may never get to see that species again unless you're a regular snorkeler or diver in the area. It's one of those things that you can talk about for a long time. Be warned, though, only fellow ocean, snorkel, and dive geeks may find any interest in the story.
The first time I saw a fantail filefish was at Hanauma Bay on Oahu, a popular snorkeling location. The orange fantail filefish is endemic to Hawaii and it's a special treat to swim and be among one. I had been snorkeling for about 6 months at the time that this happened and I knew immediately that it was a fish that I had never seen before.
The Hawaiian fantail is a beautiful fish, really. Golden colored with dark, leopard-like spots down its side. Its characteristic is the bright orange tail fin that displays like an old fashioned hand-fan and resembles a peacock's tail feathers. The best part, for me anyways, is that fleshy "horn" that sits right on top of its head, between the eyes.
Imagine coming up, over a reef and through your snorkel mask, you see this bright orange fish, with fantail displayed, hovering in between coral spurs. They are peaceful fish and, in my experience, won't stay around long for photos and videos to be taken. They quickly retreat to the safety of a coral hole. These are considered a "rare" see when diving or snorkeling in Hawaii and that makes it even more of a special occasion.
Much of the information that you find online about these fish is from aquarium sites. Just so there is no confusion; I am totally against taking Hawaiian reef fish and selling them out. Mainly because they won't live for more than a year after being taken and some species like the Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse won't even eat in captivity and dies within 30 days of being capture. However, the information that you find in other locations on the internet says that these are peaceful fish, non-aggressive when in the wild and will grow to 7″. In aquaria, though, they tend to be a bit nippy with fins of other species which is another reason to just leave them in their natural habitat.
The mating ritual of the Hawaiian fantail filefish is another great thing about these fish. This is truly when you get to see the tail and all the colors of this species at its brightest.
The next time you are snorkeling or diving, take the time to note the fish that you're seeing and photographing. Later on, go and do some research on the particulars and characteristics of the fish that you saw. In doing so you just may find some added appreciation for the wonder of marine nature and wildlife.
About the Author: Ken Muise is an active-duty Soldier currently stationed in Hawaii. He runs a snorkel gear review business online and will not stay out of the water…much to the chagrin of those who want to do other stuff rather than snorkel.
Copyright © 2015 by Marine Science Today, a publication of Marine Science Today LLC.


text:
Utility company cuts speeding by 97% with Masternaut telematics
Jul 09, 2015 • Fleet Technology • News • masternaut • Driver Behaviour • telematics
Smart meter installation and maintenance company Trojan Utilities has reduced its fuel usage by 24% after implementing a telematics system from Masternaut across its 100-plus strong fleet of vans. The system is used for a range of purposes by multiple departments across the business.
The Masternaut system provides Trojan with in-depth driver behaviour monitoring, looking at speeding, mileage and harsh events, helping Trojan to determine the effect various improvements have on fuel usage. The system is also used to dispatch engineers to proactively plan jobs and reactive emergency installs. The two-way messaging system allows engineers and Trojan Utilities to import contact numbers and communicate whilst out in the field too.
Since installation, Masternaut's system has helped deliver a reduction in fuel usage through a combination of dynamic scheduling and improved driver behaviour. Reducing harsh events, idling and miles driven by each driver has seen a drop in fuel usage of 24%.
Driver behaviour overall has seen a major improvement with a 97% reduction in instances of speeding, helping make Trojan Utilities' mobile workforce and other road users more safe.
Driver behaviour has seen a major improvement with a 97% reduction in instances of speeding
Gemma Openshaw, Operations Director, commented, "Masternaut has become essential to our business, because it offered us everything we needed in one package. The system is used every day and we can't operate without it. Without Masternaut, our fuel bill would be much higher so the system is effectively paying for itself. As a business, we're operating in a challenging sector and the system has helped us cope with the rigours of installing in excess of 2,500 meters per week. That figure is only going to rise as we get closer to 2020, but with Masternaut, we're confident that we'll continue to stay ahead of the curve in the growing demand for smart meters."
Steve Towe, Chief Commercial Officer and UK Managing Director, Masternaut, added: "The smart meter technology roll out is scheduled to be completed by 2020, and with millions of properties across the country needing them installed, this is certainly a significant challenge for all involved."
He continues, "Telematics is giving Trojan Utilities a significant edge in managing this task, giving fleet managers total control and visibility of their fleet UK wise. In addition, the system is providing benefits in the form of reduced fuel usage and improved driver behaviour, reducing costs and improving driver welfare."


text:
Jay One-Piece in Lilac
or 4 interest-free payments of $60.50
What size am I?
Add to Wishlist
Your wishlist has been temporarily saved. Please Log in to save it permanently.
Get notified via email when back in stock
Designer Notes:
The Jay One-Piece is made of wave textured French Lycra. With delicate covered buttons lined down the center, the Jay creates a classic and sophisticated feel!
French Lycra, 80% PA 20% EA, Wave Textured Fabric, Covered Buttons, Matte Silver Tulip Closure, Fully Lined, Enamel "ML" Logo, Hand wash cold with Delicate Wash, Dry Flat
Let's be pen pals
Sign up and receive 10% off your first order!


text:
COVER STORY: School Is In For the Summer
Photo courtesy Lone Star College System
School Is In For the Summer
Study Shows College Bridge Programs Yield Mixed Results
By Paul Bradley
These are not the lazy, hazy days of summer for growing numbers of prospective community college students. For them, the summer before college is not time to hit the beach — it's time to hit the books.
These students are taking part in developmental summer bridge programs, a strategy growing in popularity as a way to reduce the swelling stream of community college students into traditional developmental education programs. Research shows that only a fraction of community college students placed into traditional developmental courses ever manage to earn a degree.
The bridge programs provide accelerated, focused and intensive learning opportunities over a five- to six-week period to help students acquire the knowledge and skills needed for college success. The goal of the programs is to increase college readiness among recent high school graduates, especially those from low-income and minority groups whose skills may be lacking even after earning a high school diploma. Typical developmental sequences, by contrast, can stretch over several semesters.
But little empirical research has been done on the effectiveness of the programs — until now.
A new study by the National Center for Postsecondary Research found that the programs are producing promising but mixed results. The study found positive impacts for students over the first 18 months after completing a bridge program and entering college, a time period when they are most likely to drop out of school.
Students who took part in a developmental bridge program were found more likely to take and pass college-level writing and math over the first five semesters after taking the program. But the study also found that benefits for students fade after two years, and that the bridge programs have little or no effect on persistence or credit accumulation.
"There are some gains pushing students toward college-level math," said Heather D. Wathington, an assistant professor of education at the University of Virginia and lead author of the study. "But the gains appear to be short-term. It's like a booster shot. You need it, but these students are coming in with significant deficits. They have taken years to accumulate, and they can't be undone in just a few weeks."
The two-year, random assignment study looked at summer developmental bridge programs at eight Texas colleges: El Paso Community College; Lone Star College-Cyfair; Lone Star College-Kingwood; Palo Alto College; San Antonio College; St. Philip's College; South Texas College; and Texas A&M International University.
All of the colleges except for TAMIU are community colleges, though South Texas College offers a bachelor's degree program in applied technology. TAMIU, as an open-admissions institution with large numbers of minority and low-income students, shares many of the characteristics of the community college.
Looking at Texas
Texas was selected for the study because the state has enthusiastically embraced summer bridge programs as a way of increasing the number of college graduates produced by the state. Part of the state's "Closing the Gaps by 2015" initiative was the creation of developmental summer bridge programs — intensive summer experiences that offer eligible students remedial instruction in math, reading or writing, along with an introduction to college. During the past several years, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has provided financial support to colleges establishing developmental summer bridge programs.
The study comes at a time when developmental education is under assault by politicians and policymakers frustrated with their growing costs and questionable effectiveness. Ohio recently joined 21 other states and higher education systems eliminating funding for remedial education.
The National Center for Postsecondary Research uses rigorous research methods to evaluate programs used by two- and four-year institutions and boost college readiness. NCPR is housed at the Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University, and is operated in collaboration with partners MDRC, the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia and faculty at Harvard University. The center was established in 2006 and is funded by a grant of $9.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
The study tracked a cohort of about 1,300 students, mostly recent high school graduates, divided into study and control groups, starting in 2009. Students attended the developmental summer bridge programs for three to six hours a day for four to five weeks and received instruction in at least one area of academic need — math, reading, or writing — and guidance in the "college knowledge" needed to navigate new academic terrain.
All of the developmental summer bridge programs included four common features: accelerated instruction in math, reading, and/or writing; academic support; a college knowledge component; and the opportunity to earn a $400 stipend.
The following are the most important findings from the study:
- The programs had no discernible effect on the average number of credits attempted or earned. Program group and control group students attempted the same number of credits (30.3). Students in the program group earned an average of 19.4 credits, and students in the control group earned an average of 19.9.
- The programs had an impact on first college-level course completion in math and writing that was evident in the year-and-a-half following the program, but no impact on first college-level course completion in reading during the same period. On average, students in the program group passed their first college-level math and writing courses at higher rates than students in the control group during this period. By the end of the two-year follow-up period, however, the differences between the two groups are no longer statistically significant.
- There is no evidence that the programs impacted persistence. Over the course of the two-year follow-up period, students in the program group enrolled in an average of 3.3 semesters, and students in the control group enrolled in an average of 3.4 semesters; the difference in their outcomes is not statistically significant.
Christine Timmerman, director of outreach and retention at Lone Star College-Cyfair, said she was unsurprised by the findings. The summer program is just one tool colleges can use, and more interventions likely are needed for many students who are unprepared for college, might have language shortcomings and come from impoverished backgrounds.
Getting a Jump Start
"We are giving students a jump start," she said. "They get individual attention. They have access to a mentor. They're getting a little bit of extra support."
"We have them for three hours. Some people expect miracles. But the students need ongoing support."
Timmerman's college has had a summer bridge program since 2005. Currently, four college recruiters work with 11 area high schools to identify and recruit students who fall short on standardized tests, are in need of remediation and could benefit from the summer bridge program.
But getting students into the summer course is not easy, Timmerman said. Some students have jobs and parents eager to have them contribute to the family budget. The summer course nearly piggybacks on high school graduation, and some students want a break. A relatively new policy of requiring all incoming students to attend an orientation session has helped, she said, as has the dedication of faculty members.
"The instructors are hand-selected," she said. "They are the ones who are energized by 18-year-olds. We want faculty who really want to work with brand-new students."
According to Concepcion C. Hickey, executive director of TAMIU's University College, the school first offered a intensive five-week accelerated mathematics program that targeted area high school seniors who had fallen short of state standards on standardized tests in 2009.
An aggressive recruitment plan resulted in the enrollment of 126 eligible students. Program goals included the delivery of a diverse curriculum which included individualized pre- and post-assessment, academically challenging curriculum, tutoring, mentoring and academic advising.
Students followed a highly structured program that required them to participate in three hours of interactive classroom instruction and two hours of lab during which time they worked on their homework assignments.
"What we found out is that students who did their homework succeeded," Hickey said. "Those that didn't didn't."
The five-week program ran Monday through Thursday for five hours each day, for a total of 20 hours of classroom and lab contact time weekly. The five-week design afforded students enough time to make significant progress in their learning, Hickey said. Daily lunch was provided as economic support and offered students time to socialize and take a break from their study. Classroom instruction consisted of a 20-minute lecture followed by interactive group work monitored by the faculty and three to four tutors assigned to the classroom.
"The tutors were very important," she said. "It's so easy for the students to get stuck. The developmental students have so many issues. The tutors are told to step in. Their opinion counts for something."
The results were promising, Hickey said. Of the 108 students that completed the program, 76.8 percent (83 students) advanced a math level. Of this total, 11.1 percent (12 students) advanced three levels, 24 percent (26 students) advanced 2 levels, 41.7 percent (45 students) advanced one level; 18.5 percent (20 students) did not advance a level, but
14 improved their score.
"Overall, 48 students, or 44 percent, qualified for college algebra out of a group that was extremely weak since most placed at the basic math or beginning algebra level," Hickey said. "We exceeded our expectations."
The study concludes that summer developmental bridge programs are but one tool educators must use to help underprepared students succeed over the longer term.
"What is clear from this study and other developmental education research is that simple, short-term interventions yielding strong, long-term effects are difficult to find," the study said. "We offer two suggestions for action in advancing the work of supporting underprepared students: (1) introducing new partnerships between high schools and colleges that reduce the need for remediation in college and (2) providing more support and transitional experiences to help students reach and sustain attainment goals. Because educational attainment is the result of a long process influenced by many factors, providing supports to students that span their years in high school and college may help them to develop the skills and knowledge required for postsecondary success."
It's YOUR TURN: CCW wants to hear from you!
Q: Are developmental summer bridge programs effective tools in helping new college students succeed?
Share your Comments: ccweekblog


text:
Reena Gupta
U.S. Opposes Global Breastfeeding Resolution
This is not just another example of prioritizing private profit over public health, but rather, yet another infringement upon women's…
The First Defense
September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and obesity prevention can start as early as the day a child is born.
Happy Mother's Day!
Born 9 years after my parents migrated from India to the United States, I was welcomed into the world of…
The Most Amazing Week
Although Zambia developed the Anti-Gender Based Violence Act in 2011, Gender Based Violence (GBV) still persists at high rates today…


text:
SanDisk ImageMate Pro Multi-Card ReaderDigital Media & StorageThe Sandisk Multi Card ImageMate® PRO Reader/Writer works with SD™ and microSD™ cards as well as CompactFlash® cards.£24.99 Excl. VAT£24.99 Excl. VAT
SanDisk CompactFlash Extreme Pro 160MB/s CardDigital Media & StorageHowever demanding your schedule, however fast your professional-level DSLR or video camera, SanDisk CompactFlash Extreme Pro 160MB/s Cards can keep up with ease Their extreme sp...From £55.82 Excl. VATFrom £55.82 Excl. VAT


text:
When you're ready to live the BDSM world in style, this bondage set allows you and your partner regular, effective action.
This pink and black fetish set consists of an ostrich feather, blindfold, handcuffs with hook and loop fasteners and a short connection chain, a small whip and a paddle.
The gentle touch of the ostrich feather can get your partner dripping, while the handcuffs with hook and loop fasteners gives the sensation of powerlessness, but can be easily removed when the tempo gets faster. The blindfold is both practical and sexy, as is the paddle and whip, making each solid stroke as painful as you need it to be.


text:
Sometimes, legislation introduced in the Georgia General Assembly serves as political theater, designed to entertain, enrage or emphasize a point. I would put House Bill 788 in the last category.
The bill, which has no chance of passage, would allow parents to cite a friend's address to enroll their children in a school outside of their district or zone. For example, a student who lives in DeKalb could attend a school in Gwinnett if the parents have friends there willing to lend their legal address.
The bill imposes no geographic limits but the likely scenario would be parents attempting to move their kids into high-performing adjacent districts due to transportation challenges. (Anyone else see a thriving industry in a "rent-a-friend networks" in high-performing school districts?)
Sponsored by Rep. Valencia Stovall, D-Ellenwood, the bill says, "A student shall be allowed to attend and be enrolled in the school for which a parent or guardian certifies that an individual residing in the school's attendance zone has authorized such parent or guardian to use such individual's address for purposes of establishing residency. A parent or guardian or an individual residing in the school's attendance zone who has authorized such parent or guardian to use such individual's address shall not be criminally liable pursuant ...and shall not be liable for any attorney's fees or other fees for the use of such individual's address to enroll a child in a school."
It is illegal now in Georgia to falsify an address to enroll children in a school out of their attendance zone, which is why some districts require residency affidavits. Most systems don't criminally prosecute when they find families using an illegal address, preferring to send the students back to their home schools.
The subterfuge became national news in 2011 when a district in Ohio chose to prosecute. Parent Kelley Williams-Bolar earned brief jail time for using her father's address and forging documents to enroll her daughters in a higher performing district. (Ohio Gov. John Kasich reduced her sentence of 10 days of jail time.)
A few years ago, AJC reporter Rose French reported:
Enrollment fraud, a growing practice that has districts putting more resources into policing it, involves students and parents lying about where they live. Some do it to attend higher-performing schools, while others want to play in successful high school athletic programs outside their attendance zones.
It costs Georgia school systems roughly $8,000 to $13,000 to educate each student. Local property taxes supply part of that cost, but districts don't get that property-tax revenue for students who actually live elsewhere. Atlanta Public Schools pegs the cost to taxpayers for students who reside outside the city of Atlanta, for example, at $11,379.
The city of Decatur's school board recently approved hiring a full-time staff member to monitor enrollment fraud, with officials investigating 120 to 160 students per year suspected of lying about their residency to attend the fast-growing, high-performing school system. About 30 are asked to leave each year. However, officials believe a lot more are likely to be attending illegally.
I believe the point being made by Rep. Stovall with this dramatic legislation is that some students are zoned to underperforming schools, and those kids deserve an escape hatch. She was among a handful of Democratic legislators who supported Gov. Nathan Deal's Opportunity School District, saying at the time about her own Clayton school district: "Our economic viability is dependent upon an effective school system, which is not what we have now. ... I remain in support of the passage of the amendment because our students can't wait."
The problem is Georgia taxpayers are proprietorial toward schools because they foot more of the bill as the state contribution shrinks and the local burden grows. High-performing school districts in Georgia share several traits: The parents have higher-than-average education attainment and earn middle-class or better wages. The larger communities understand the benefit of good schools and are willing to pay more in local property taxes. Those same communities would fight any effort that could overcrowd their schools and raise their taxes to pay for new students from outside the district.
Your thoughts?
Support real journalism. Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today. See offers.
Your subscription to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution funds in-depth reporting and investigations that keep you informed. Thank you for supporting real journalism.


text:
Welcome to Living Quarters Bendigo
Many products are exclusive to Living Quarters
Locally owned & operated since 2002, One of Bendigo's largest & most diverse stores, over 1000 sqm of floor space.
The most affordable cubby in our range. It is ideal for backyards where space is at a premium, yet still allows the kids a place to let their imagination wander. Gable 1.54m x Side 2.02m x Height 1.95m Elevations Available: 0.45mAdd to basket
"What a great idea" let your kids play, keep an eye on them, & keep them out of the elements all at the same time. Our Kiddy Pergolas also include a floor frame & the deck so it can be sat straight on the ground. Alternatively you can add a 450mm elevation kit (including steps) to cater for uneven ground or just to give it a better look. Options include-Add to basket
- Staining $175
- 450mm elevation kit $199
- Elevation kit staining $155
- Balustrades (there are 4 openings in these pergolas & middle Balustrades can be used to fill these openings in. Mostly used when the elevation kit is purchased) $65 ea
- Delivery POA
- Installation POA
A superior design allows you to attach the roof thatching on the ground. Simply lay the already assembled roof frames on a table & thatch away. This is the easiest DIY on the market. We also have a "Ready To Go" (RTG) option for where the thatching is already attached for you. Options-Add to basket
- Different sizes
- Subfloor & decking
- Staining
- Delivery & Installation POA
3 Speed settings Extra large 75cm wide oscillating head Long life motor Made of durable metal material High velocity bladesAdd to basket
3 Speed settings Oscillating head Safety fan guard Remote control 7.5 hour timer Large LCD Display Mist output: 200ml/h Tank capacity: 1.5L Adjustable humidifier Fully...Add to basket
Facebook Posts
Unable to display Facebook posts.
Show error
Error: Error validating application. Application has been deleted.
Type: OAuthException
Code: 190
Please refer to our Error Message Reference.
Type: OAuthException
Code: 190
Please refer to our Error Message Reference.


text:
I'm tired and not quite feeling well. I'm going to bed so I'm just going to make this quick.
- Went for shooting rehearsal today. It was um.. ok.
- I stepped on a rusty nail. It poked through my sandal and went into my skin. My foot is now in pain.
- My face is peeling. It hurts. And itchy.
- Went to the clinic. Got mc for tomorrow, yay. Also had a jab on the arm.
- The jab on the arm fucking hurt and now my left upper arm is in terrible pain.
- I now have migraine.
- Ear infection is slowly getting better. Swelling has reduced a bit.
- Went to KL..then ate satay.
- Went to night market.
- I miss my home theater stuff..
- My right arrow key is somehow fixed, lol. It started working again all of a sudden. YAY.
- Pictures soon.
Too tired. Goodnight. Zzzzz.


text:
Hot NEWS!
Help us bag some ET's and join our SETI@home group!
All Quadzilla.com visitors are welcome to join, you can help!
|elcome to D.J. Quad's Ultimate HTML Site!
This site serves as a one-stop HTML authoring and design site. You will
find information here to develop and maintain a successful Web Site.
Provided is a wealth of information in the spectrum of web development,
including HTML tutorials, style guides, HTML editors, HTML Standards and
proposed improvements, mailing lists, Usenet Newsgroups, CGI, Java,
ActiveX, reference material, publishing tips including graphic tips and
programs, advanced tips including animation, plugin support, multimedia
info, and anything else we can find. This is a free service. Who
was it that said that nothing is free? Send him here!
There are a couple of small requirements after you've gone through the HTML Site and hopefully learned something, and they are:
This site may be overwhelming at first, especially if you're new to HTML and Web Publishing, so here are some helpful hints while visiting Quadzilla.com:
|Listed as a Resource on Microsoft SBN
|An Official WebCrawler Select Site
|Ranked 16th in WEB NOW's 500 Best Sites
|Listed as a top resource by Excite Web Development
|Published in PC Week (2/16/97): "One of the best sites for HTML reference is D.J. Quad's Ultimate HTML Site. In fact, if you could only bookmark one site for HTML reference, this is the one [Bill Machrone] would recommend."
|Yahoo! Internet Life - January 1999
"The 98 Best Sites of '98"
The Best Web Developer Resource
"D.J. Quad's Ultimate HTML Site calls itself "Your one-stop Web development site, period." And it is, with all the HTML tutorials, style guides, code references, publishing tips, and multimedia information any self-respecting Web developer will ever need."
D.J. Quad's Ultimate HTML Site thought-up, created, updated, and maintained by that D.J. Quad dude.
If you have any comments, questions, suggestions, love notes, death threats, marriage proposals, free computer equipment, party invitations, bomb scares, or just want to say "Hey, nice site!", please Email email@example.com.
D.J. Quad's Ultimate
HTML Site Copyright © 1994-1999 Fort
Wayne Internet, LLC.
Any print or electronic reproduction is prohibited without expressed written permission.


text:
7 Ways to Get the Most from Your Air Conditioning
November 09, 2011 | Posted in: Hot Tips
It's hot out and it can be a hard decision to let go of or reduce the use of air conditioning. For whatever reason, if you have decided that you can't live without air conditioning, there are still ways to minimize environmental impact and optimize power efficiency.
Air conditioning has become ubiquitous and at times over-used, especially in commercial settings. However, your home is one place where you have a certain amount of control over the temperature.
A few things to consider in your decision to use air conditioning are usually related to simple comfort, cost, environmental or health-related reasons. Cranking up the AC not only boosts your electric bill, but depletes natural resources. For some, it can exacerbate asthma, allergies, or sinus problems.
Mary Biddle, Director of Professional Development at Northeast Sustainable Energy Associates has plenty of simple and sound suggestions. Biddle is also a fully trained energy auditor. "First of all, it's all about your comfort. You have to know what's right for you – try to find the comfort balance," said Biddle.
Seven best ways to save money and protect the environment while using air conditioning:
"All of these suggestions seem like common sense, but sometimes we all just need to be reminded or have it brought more clearly to our attention," said Biddle.
1. "Replace all your old air conditioners for those rated as Energy Star," Energy Star is an 18-year-old government backed program that has become the nationally accepted symbol for protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency. Energy Star is becoming the gold standard for any type of appliance. "The people who have created the Energy Star system know that energy efficiency is critical to our country and to the earth's environment," said Biddle.
2. "Have the air conditioner fit the size of the room. If you have a small room and a huge air conditioner, you are wasting money. Conversely, if you have a huge room and a small air conditioner, the unit will be strained and inefficient."
3. "If it's cool at night, open the windows and turn off the air conditioning."
4. "In the morning as it begins to warm up, close the windows and close the shades on the south side of your home."
5. "Turn the air conditioning (thermostat) up a couple of notches. You can be comfortable at 76 or 78 degrees. Try to go as high as you can reasonably tolerate."
6. "Close the doors of rooms that not using, or using very little."
7. "Use a fan!"
Biddle also suggested ductless mini-split air conditioners for their high efficiency and ability to both heat and cool.
General maintenance to get the most out of my air conditioner:
Tune up your air conditioner annually, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
Clean evaporator and condenser coils.
Check refrigerant – especially in central air systems. Too much or too little refrigerant can cause the unit to work less efficiently.
Clean and adjust blower components. Air-flow problems can reduce efficiency up to 15 percent.
How would an energy audit help keep my home cool?
Many utility companies across the country are offering free or low-cost energy audits and low-cost loans for remediation where there are problems. Check with your local electric company for offers. Many now offer a deep energy retro-fit for your home.
One of the more common home energy solutions is to seal your house. Sealing your house is often paid for or subsidized by utility companies. "When you have cracks around your windows and doors, hot air gets pulled in," said Biddle.
HVAC Industry News
Can I Still Install a 13 SEER Unit?
There are three key questions to ask when considering installing a 13 SEER unit. Which region you are in? When was the 13 SEER system built? Was it a heat pump or straight AC? You can still install a 13 SEER unit anywhere in the U.S. if it was manufactured before Jan. 1, 2015. If … Read More »
Emerson Climate Technologies Announces The Release Of CopelandTM Brand Products For R404A/ R507A And R134a Refrigerant Alternatives
AACHEN (GERMANY), October 15, 2014 — Emerson Climate Technologies, a business of Emerson (NYSE: EMR), announces its ongoing investment in sustainable refrigerant alternatives in anticipation of European Union rules. Both the European Union and U.S. EPA have announced plans to transition new applications away from high global warming potential refrigerants (R404A/ R507A). F-gas Regulation 517/2014 … Read More »
New Air Conditioner Standards Would Rank as Biggest Energy Saver in U.S. DOE History
Proposed Standards Would Save Businesses Billions Washington, D.C.—The Department of Energy (DOE) proposed new efficiency standards today that would slash commercial rooftop air conditioner energy use by about 30%. The proposed standards would achieve the largest national energy savings of any standard ever issued by the U.S. Department of Energy. "DOE's new standards are a … Read More »
EPA Warns Against Use of Refrigerant Substitutes That Pose Fire and Explosion Risk
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is warning homeowners, propane manufacturers and sellers, home improvement contractors and air conditioning technicians of potential safety hazards related to the use of propane or other unapproved refrigerants in home air conditioning systems. EPA is currently investigating instances where propane has been marketed and used as a … Read More »


text:
I've been teaching at Thayer Academy since 1998 as a part time photography teacher. Every Tuesday and Thursday I go to school intending to inspire the students to create and absorb the awesomness that is photography, and everyday I come home having learned more from them than they will ever learn from me. High school students are incredible people. They are at that fantastic age where everything and anything is possible but also find the world may crumble if their intended prom date says "no".My intention at the beginning of the year is to teach them photography – camera use and function, compositional skills, Photoshop techniques and Lightroom best practices. However, my goal is to have them experience themselves in a positive creative way that helps to make them better people. If they create beautiful images along the way, well, that is a fantastic by-product.These photos are from a day during which I took them to local parks to be inspired. The attacking geese and swans just made everything that much more exciting. Back at the school, we have the annual student art show up in the gallery. The photography facilities at Thayer Academy, including the incredible computer lab/ classroom, are really top of the line and help me to teach the students on software they will find in real life.I have been so fortunate to have many of my students and colleagues keep in touch through the years and as a result I have had the pleasure of photographing their weddings! Here are the links to Thayer weddings: Andrea & Michael / Lizzie & Mike / Katie & Mark / Anni & Tommy / Erin & LucasI have loved every moment of being a teacher and I look forward to many more to come!
A Day of Teaching – Thayer Academy
[…] graduates prior to their walk down the hill to the ceremony, I came upon Sammy, one of my favorite Thayer students. Turns out Sammy continued with photography at Stonehill and she is going on to be a […]


text:
In today's very tough economy, we should to be able to invest every dollar which people have where it will grow the most while you are managing your business. The initial step in the process in order to have an attractive and effective design package. Should choose an affordable graphic design firm who can put our website to a higher rank in a site so that our customer or clients can see us immediately. Although for people people who have not heard anything about your business, to get their attention might not be that easy. There are many reasons why people are looking for their own website. Regarding its purpose, it should somehow entertain people, educate them and give them vital information.
If you are towards business of selling different products, having a website that can sell goods is a great business opportunity. You may ask your designer to make a custom e-commerce site so that all of your products will be shown to your public in a professional way. If we have a website that is professionally accomplished by an expert design company, more clients will trust us and do business with us. The benefit of hiring a graphic internet site design group is that you are definite to have an attractive custom made website that could attract potential buyers comprehensive the critical buying effort right there and afterwards. Whether you have a big or small business, an affordable wordpress website designer is always there which will help you. Web designer job or as the profession, earn respect nowadays in this economy because their presence is vital in every entrepreneur's business.
Web designers are earning so much especially after being known to provide quality service. Although some individuals don't see it as a profession but merely a part-time job, the benefits provides to a person is substantial that it could be the source of income for the entire spouse and kids. Web designing is not an easy huge undertaking. It requires analysis, proper planning and conceptualization as well as creative arts. It encompasses almost every field of study because communication places a vital role in their lifestyle.
The payment that designers receive depends on several factors such as the complexity of your desired website, if the package includes SEO or web hosting and sometimes the time frame that you require. The faster you need the website; the most expensive it gets because they require to render an overtime just to get things done. The quantity of that you will be spending in your website is incomparable to quantity of customers that you can be in the long go.
The common reason individuals look into hiring a low-cost design company is economic independence survey problem that most company owners experience in the global competition. More and individuals tend to venture company because they can manage their own time and resources unlike being employed in a certain company. Most entrepreneurs tend to hire an affordable web design service because they understand almost all web designers today are fully along with knowledge and experience in web design.
There are so many web designers today as well as many of them give out an excellent service. May perhaps follow some of these tips before you hire one:
A small web designing firm in the neighborhood . composed of at least 10 specialists are more dedicated to doing the work. This is true that they want their business known to everybody. Many people establish rapport to their clients so that more people in the long run will trust them and hire them total a certain task.
Ask your Web Design in Grande Prairie design group to a person their website and a portfolio with the work will stay can see and judge on extremely how good they may be.
An affordable web design company that offers quality or excellent service is the one you appear for. You will if those are the right company once they surpass all of your standards.


text:
Contributed by
Feb 25, 2014
Hook & Ladder 8 is where the Ghostbusters called home. And it's where NYC firefighters paid tribute to Harold Ramis.
We already told you that fans made a small offering outside of the famous Ghostbuster firehouse in Tribeca. But the firefighters at Hook & Ladder 8 themselves made sure to honor Harold Ramis in their own way, too.
We thank the FDNY for their service and for honoring one of our favorite creators.
(via digital spy)
Make Your Inbox Important
Sign in to comment:
Sign out:


text:
The Idiot's Manual to Hair Loss Products for Men Explained
The New Fuss About Hair Loss Products for Men
Most cases of this specific kind of hair loss result from genetic defects. Should you be experiencing hair loss at the moment, it is essential to take action immediately. Procerin can also aid men retain existing hair, even if they're past the development stage, but desire to keep the hair they still have.
If you're a man trying to stop or reverse your hair thinning, you owe it to yourself to settle on a hair thinning product designed particularly for the chief cause of male hair thinning, the hormone DHT. It takes a three-path way of hair loss. This might be an important factor in female hair thinning! Hair loss is considerably common, it normally happens whenever the normal procedure for hair growth gets disrupted.
The product is proven effective at decreasing future hair thinning because of lot of different medical conditions too, making this a terrific hair thinning product for preventing and treating baldness. There are several portals that offer enough data so you can begin working in your complexion immediately.
Profollica Profollica is an all-natural hair re-growth product. We've reviewed many baldness treatments and found the following products are extremely effective to take care of baldness. This product is designed to promote hair development and protect against future hair thinning. The very best hair regrowth product comprises the chemical products that may be used to improve new hair development as well as the herbal remedies which are known to get this done.
Revita is an all-natural baldness shampoo that effectively reduces hair thinning without the usage of harsh chemicals that are often used in lots of other commercial baldness treatment shampoos. It is often shown to halt baldness and promote hair regrowth. Female hair thinning treatment and male hair thinning treatment is not so different. Uses all known hair thinning treatments in a single system.
Top Hair Loss Products for Men Secrets
The product blocks the androgen receptors responsible for this sort of genetic hair thinning and has really been proven to be rather successful for preventing genetic baldness. Oral usage of flutamide can result in serious side effects but it's believed that topical applications might have less adverse side results and may be, later on, used to take care of hereditary hair thinning. This definitely is an all-natural product that does not have any known side effects. The utmost effective baldness goods on the industry, like Procerin, concentrate on stopping DHT.
The drug helps reduce DHT levels which are the most important cause of the majority of hair loss in men. Like both aforementioned herbal extracts, nettle hasn't been used in just about any clinical hair-loss study. It doesn't interfere with testosterone levels or functions and, thus, cannot lead to any type of sexual dysfunction unlike other baldness medications.
The 30-Second Trick for Hair Loss Products for Men
Provillus is a robust solution to resist baldness with a demonstrated history of success. In addition, It can give you the capacity to lose a number of pounds of water weight, that'll motivate you to truly lose more. The loss of hair for a result of nutrient-deficient condition could be corrected with the correct diet including adequate levels of all essential minerals and vitamins. In the previous 5 to 7 decades there has been a boom within the understanding of hair thinning," Cotsarelis tells WebMD.
Top Hair Loss Products for Men Secrets
In addition, a hair thinning product for women could treat unique facets of hair thinning, not treat the DHT that is the reason for the alopecia in men. This site was established to provide details on hair loss products that provide promising solutions for women and men suffering from thinning hair. Procerin Procerin is among the most effective selling all pure baldness product for males today. Weight loss can be hard for men and women.
Groei360 Groei360 is among the very best hair re-growth spray made specifically for women and men. The formula's been around for over 15 decades and has really been recommended by doctors. If you're a male you should begin taking care of your skin today. Works for men and women.
What to Expect From Hair Loss Products for Men?
Minoxidil alone is among the most well-known ingredients for hair loss prevention solutions. Surgical treatments are generally much more expensive than the item that may be bought over-the-counter. All the 3 products consist of quite several critical ingredients. Even the top hair growth products cannot combat this condition.
Dermalogica is globally respected as a brand that is certainly synonymous with a thorough selection of premium high quality skincare solutions. The ideal product to assist you hydrate the skin has to be oil free as well as light weight such that it may be easily applied and absorbed. It really is run by highly-skilled professionals and enables customers select the right product for their entire body.
They're accessible in a similarity to sprays and will build a fake tan that will endure for days. The product comes in a handy mousse form and a topical lotion for easy application.


text:
We are looking for buy gold signals to be activated above the B1 level of $1242.
The silver market came down to $15.70 at about 5 a.m., almost activating the B2 level of the VC PMI, which has a 95% probability of a reversion if activated.
The E-Mini S&P market high today was 2807.25, very close to the S1 level, which for all intents and purpose it met the criteria for activating a short signal there.
The report below is based on the July 13, 2018, Variable Changing Price Momentum Indicator ((VC PMI)) early bird update.


text:
Sunday School – At Church of the Messiah we value children and children's ministry. Our Sunday School programs use a wide variety of materials, from the Desiring God curriculum to original lessons created by our teachers.
We have a great balance of learning from the Bible, singing, and arts and crafts. The kids are divided by age into small groups, from toddlers (2+) through age ten. We would love it if your kids could join us as we learn about and celebrate God together!
Nursery care and Sunday School are available at the 10am service only.
Nursery – Infants under the age of 2 are cared for in the nursery which is located in the Green Room in the basement. Please ask a door host for directions.
Children aged 2 and over join their parents for worship and follow the cross to the lobby area for Sunday School.


text:
Start Networking With Your Colleagues and Friends! Apply For Your Free Membership!
or Sign In
Welcome Back USFRA Members.
stephen s allen has not received any gifts yet
Happy Birthday Stephen. I hope you're having a great day brother.
Happy Birthday Stephen.
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday Stephen!
© 2019 Created by U.S. First Responders Association Powered by U.S. First Responders Association, Inc.
Powered by USFRA.org - Badge | Report an Issue | Terms of Service