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***Sorry about the super long post, I just wanted to put all the details so I can reread this in the future and remember the birth of my second child***
My due date for his second pregnancy was April 21st.
When I went in to the doctor for my week 36 check up at exactly 36 weeks, the doctor informed me I was already 2-3 cm dilated and that she would guess the baby was going to be here in a week and a half to two weeks and told me to take week 36 super easy. I wasn't put on bed rest but I was told to keep my activities low.
I called my mom and arranged to have her fly out to Arizona from Minnesota at the end of 36 weeks. She was our plan to watch Cameryn and Quincy while I was in the hospital.
Week 36, 37, 38 and 39 came and went without a baby. My doctor did say I could end up going full term but since I had Cameryn early and was so dilated (I had dilated to a 3 and 90% effaced from week 37) it was looking promising that Luke would follow in his big sister's footstep and arrive early.
Nope, Luke had other plans.
Easter Sunday I was fed up and really wanting to get the baby out of me. Since I didn't experience that last three weeks of pregnancy with Cameryn I wasn't aware at how slow time can go and how uncomfortable those last few weeks could be. I decided to enjoy the day with my family and told everyone that the next day, Monday, I was going to walk on the treadmill until I put myself in labor.
So Monday morning I was at the gym and determined to walk myself into labor. After an hour on the treadmill (I had been doing around 45 minutes on the elliptical or treadmill but in the final week had been walking more since the pounding on my feet seemed to bring on Braxton hicks contractions and some cramps where as the elliptical didn't) I noticed I was getting some cramps. Yay! I had to run to the grocery store to grab a few items and called Keith on the way and told him although I didn't walk myself into labor I was super crampy. He was excited.
I had my week 40 doctor's appointment scheduled for that afternoon and I was excited to go in and have the doctor tell me I was in labor and to go to the hospital or at least tell me I was 5cm dilated. While waiting for her to come into the room the cramping had gotten noticeably worse. In fact, when she walked in I told her I thought I was in the pre stages of labor as my cramps were so bad. None of that happened. She did my check and told me I was 4cm dilated and still 90% effaced. I was bummed but knew my body and knew something was going on. The doctor told me to try and wait until 7am the following morning because that is when she would be on duty at the hospital delivering babies (our hospital's birth center rotates doctors so you don't know who will be delivering your baby. I got lucky and had my doctor deliver Cameryn and really wanted her to deliver Luke as well).
I left the doctor's and went home to play with Cameryn. We did a Facetime chat with my sister and niece and just hung out for a bit. I was still getting cramps so I decided to take a bath. The warm water really helped. In fact when Keith texted to see if I was still getting cramps (he went to workout) I texted him that they went away but I thought I was now having really light contractions. My contractions with Cameryn came on fast and hard so experience light contractions was something new to me and I wasn't sure it they were Braxton hicks or not as I had been having so many of them during late pregnancy.
A few hours passed and I realized my contractions were still coming, unlike Braxton hicks. They also seemed to be coming a bit more frequently so I decided I should maybe start timing them. After I started I realized they were about 3 – 3 1/2 minutes apart and had Keith call labor and delivery to see if we should come in. I was group B positive this pregnancy and needed to try and get to the hospital to get antibiotics four hours before I delivered so even though my contractions weren't painful I wanted to get there early.
While packing for the hospital and getting everything in the car is when I knew I was labor as the contractions were starting to become more painful but still totally tolerable. When a contraction would come it felt amazing to lean over on something like the kitchen counter and sway my hips from side to side. By the time we left our house it was probably just after 7pm. I texted some family on the way and that was at 7:20pm right before we arrived to the hospital.
Once there I got checked into triage. They wanted to monitor me to see if I was in labor and right away could see from my consistent contractions that I was. I was 5cm dilated when I arrived so I had dilated one cm from the time I had left my doctor's appointment.
From triage we were admitted into our room (it was either the same room as I had Cameryn in or the room next door). It was nice being a familiar place with such friendly nurses. Torie was our nurse and she was awesome! I had a lab tech stop by to take blood and then Torie got my antibiotics started. By this time I was getting contractions about every two minutes and they were becoming more painful. This was probably around 8:30-9pm. Around 9:20pm the doctor on duty came in to introduce himself but I was in the middle of a contraction and by the time it was over he was already gone. I was using a birthing ball to try and get the baby down as I knew laying in a bed wouldn't help speed the baby out of me. The doctor was wondering where I was at and Torie told him she was going to check me again at 9:30pm. At 9:30pm I got checked and was only at a 6cm. I couldn't believe I wasn't more as I had been shaking so badly and going from hot to super cold. Torie had said I was probably in transition at around 9pm so I was expecting to be at like an 8 or so. I think she felt bad for me and when I said I'm only at a six, she then added I was a 6-7cm dilated. I knew she was just trying to keep me focused and help me not get discouraged. After a few more contractions I felt like I had to pee so I went to the bathroom. A few minutes after I had returned back to the ball I felt like I had to go to the bathroom again, but this time I felt like I had to go number two. After I returned with no luck Torie said it was the baby on my bladder and also making me feel like I had to go number two. I could hardly listen to her though as I was suddenly pushing.
It was the same pushing feeling I had with Cameryn. My whole body took over and just started pushing. When Torie asked if I was pushing I told her I wasn't trying to but my body was doing it on its own. She then said she had to check me again and I needed to lay on the bed. I wasn't sure if I could and told her and Keith to move back because my water was about break. She quickly got me on the bed and when she checked me said I was now at a 9cm and that she had to go get the doctor. Right when she ran out of the room I heard her yell we need the doctor she's at a 9cm and her water is still intact. Right when she said that I had another urge to push and when I did I broke my water. I yelled out to her that my water had just broke. I knew the baby was coming quickly and the doctor had better get in the room fast. By my next push I had Keith and Torie each holding one of my legs and the doctor was telling me to push. It was all so surreal and happened so fast. I was in a lot of pain and just wanted to get Luke out ASAP. During two of my pushes and it only took four to get Luke out my arm hit the bed buttons and the delivery bed was contorting in a weird L shape. I was so annoyed at the time but now it is so laughable. Everyone was laughing while I was crying out in pain!
I remember saying I need the baby out of me and them all replying to just push when I felt a contraction. I was in so much pain that I couldn't even tell when I was having a contraction or not having one. Luckily it all only lasted maybe 10 minutes and on the 4th push out came Luke! They placed him on my chest right away and I was so in awe over how handsome my new son was. He had perfect skin and a full head of brown hair. I was in love all over again. I couldn't believe I had done it again. I delivered the placenta and asked to look at it- so gross! I also had to get one stich and remember the doctor saying to scoot down he just needed to finish it up and that it only took a minute.
Keith cut the cord once it stopped pulsating and I nursed him right away skin on skin for a good hour. The nurses did his tests while he was on my chest and we refused to let them give him the HEP B vaccine. Something I wished I had done with Cameryn.
Pushing him out was so unreal as with each push I could literally feel him coming down the birth canal. It was super painful going into my final push as he was right there in the "ring of fire". I had pushed for a while with Cameryn and don't remember actually feeling her coming down with each push so with Luke it was such an amazing experience to feel all of that looking back on it now. I had another drug free labor and delivery and would do it all over again in a heartbeat. All in all I was in labor for about 2 1/2 hours and only about 1 1/2 hours was painful. Not bad at all!
I never thought I would be a mom to a boy and now I can't imagine not having a son. I feel so blessed to have had another amazing labor experience. We were discharged at 36 hours (they said we would stay 40 hours to watch Luke for signs of group b but let us go at 36 hours as he was healthy since I had only had one dose of antibiotics under the condition we would bring him in for his newborn pediatrician check up the following day).
My world has completely changed being the mom of two and I'm loving every second of it. Big sister Cameryn is so in love with her baby brother but has some jealously issues over mom not giving her 100% of the attention anymore. My heart melts every time she kisses him, snuggles him and hugs him. She has so much love already for him as does our whole family.
Room 1009
Luke arrived at 10:06pm
Getting checked after nursing for an hour.
About 2 hours after I gave birth and so in love.
Daddy and Luke!
First time in his car seat and not happy.
Leaving the hospital.
Keeping these pictures just from the hospital. I have many more to share!


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It's going to snow here again which means the supermarkets will be like the Mall on black Friday. Yep, I'm going shopping too, although I usually try to avoid the place when I know people will be stocking up on groceries to last until next New Years because, you know, the snow is coming and we're never going to get out of the house. But I haven't been to the store since before year end and I am clean out of stuff.
Except for bananas. I always buy too many and then wind up making banana bread which I usually freeze and then give away every other Tuesday when our local Hadassah hosts a Tea Party — NOT a political one I can assure you — for cancer patients and their caregivers at our local hospital.
So after I use up the browning bananas for the bread I will have to put new bananas on the list along with milk, fruit, sweet potatoes and everything else I'll need until next New Years.
Here's a good recipe for a large Banana Bread that will make at least 12 servings. You can freeze it (or freeze half). Sometimes I add chocolate chips, sometimes raisins.
Banana Bread
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 cup vegetable shortening
- 1-3/4 cups sugar
- 4 large very ripe bananas, mashed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips or raisins, optional
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour an 8-cup bundt pan. Mix the flour, salt, cinnamon and baking soda in a bowl and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer beat the vegetable shortening and sugar at medium speed until well blended. Beat in the bananas. Beat in the eggs. Add the flour mixture and beat the ingredients until smooth and well blended. Fold in the chocolate chips, raisins and/or nuts. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the bread from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes in the pan. Invert onto a cake rack to cool completely.
Makes one bread serving 12-18

subset: commoncrawl


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Professional Chef:
This level requires the participant to prove that they have the culinary knowledge equal to a standard that would be expected from a person who has successfully completed a culinary training course, have 5 or more years full time experience in a typical commercial kitchen with traditional European cuisine, and may also be alternatively described as:
- Line cook/chef
- Restaurant cook/chef
- Sous chef - small brigade (8- )
- Station cook/chef
The minimum score required in this test to be awarded a Salonculinaire Chef de Partie Certificate with the title: Chef (SCP) is 60%
This level:
- Evaluates culinary knowledge at normally expected Chef de Partie level.
- Evaluates culinary knowledge at normally expected Sous chef level.
- Comprises 100 basic culinary questions to be completed in 30 minutes.
- 60% correct is requred to advance to Chef de Cuisine
- Candidates who achieve the benchmark are rewarded with a certificate.
- The certificate is personalised in colour and printable..
- To enter the "Chef de Partie Evaluation" a password is required.
- Score is recorded on the website.
- One attempt is permitted each year.
- Only continue when not disturbed for the time of the evaluation.


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Canon has been losing ground to arch rival Nikon of late when it comes to producing high-performance, good-value digital SLRs (DSLRs). So will the budget-priced Canon EOS 1000D redress the balance?
The Canon EOS 1000D offers all the essentials for an entry-level model: 10Mp resolution, 7-point wide area auto focus (AF) system, JPEG or Raw file capture and three frames per second (fps) continuous shooting until the SD (or higher capacity SDHC) memory card is full.
The Canon EOS 1000D feels reassuringly solid when gripped, with the plastic construction well disguised by matt-black bodywork. Canon suggests it's the lightest DSLR in the EOS family, although with the image stabilised 18-55mm kit lens attached you wouldn't know it.
Unlike more expensive models, there's no top plate display showing key shooting options, so users are reliant on the Canon EOS 1000D's rear 2.5in LCD. Thankfully, visibility is good and functions are clearly presented and logically navigated. You'll find a 12-setting mode dial, forward command dial and four-way controller at the back, all of which fall readily under forefinger or thumb. The screen also boasts a Live View option, which allows for shot composition and review, as you'd find on a compact.
All this ensures that those trading up from a snapshot won't face a steep learning curve. They can continue to use fully automatic settings until confident enough to switch to the Canon EOS 1000D's creative modes of program, shutter priority, aperture priority and full manual.
The Canon EOS 1000D is quick to power up, ready for the first shot in about a second (though the LCD is activated another second later). There's little, if any, shutter delay and it commits JPEGs rapidly to memory. The ability to automatically clean the sensor free of any dust or grit on powering down is a boon for those planning on swapping optics with any regularity.
Light sensitivity ranges from a standard ISO 100 through to a modest ISO 1600, although the latter setting is surprisingly noise free. Generally image colours are rich and stay on the right side of naturalistic when left on standard default settings. Detail is good using the supplied lens, although overall sharpness could be improved.
Anyone choosing the Canon EOS 1000D as their first DSLR is best advised to opt for both camera and 18-55mm image stabilised zoom, as tested, for just £80 more than the body-only price. As typical with a DSLR you'll have to provide your own memory card. With the demise of the 400D, the 1000D is currently the least expensive way to buy into the comprehensive Canon system and therefore comes recommended.


text: With Thanksgiving in the rear view mirror and Christmas around the corner, it's that time of the year when every Southern Belle has their mind on how to arrange their family's holiday tablescape and joyous place settings. Am I right? I always love to see a good tablescape - an eye catching centerpieces, gorgeous place setting, swoon-worthy paper products, candles, runners, glassware -the details just don't stop. With the hopes of inspiring your tablescape, whether it be for your holiday dinner table or your wedding reception, I've rounded up a few that have stopped me in my tracks and I hope they do the same for you!


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North County Wheels & Tires, Inc is Escondido's source for new tires, custom wheels, tire service, and more. We keep you in motion with a wide selection of tires for your car, light truck, SUV, or trailer. Tire maintenance and repair is available, along with replacement automotive batteries, alternators, shocks, struts, starters, tie rods,and ball joints. We also specialize in lowering kits and coilovers. Browse our website to learn more or contact us today for personalized service.


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Your screen is to small to play this flash game online.
Meet the pony Fluttershy. Your task is to put together puzzle pieces to make lovely pictures of Fluttershy from the My Little Pony show. Have Fun!
Do you think ponies are awesome, and do you also enjoy to play an animal flash game online for free? If you are in the same mood as us today, then you probably would have a lot of fun if you play our free Fluttershy Puzzle game online. Am I right? ;)
Use your mouse to play this free flash game.
Fluttershy is a female Pegasus pony and one of the main characters of the My Little Pony show. he lives in a small cottage near the Everfree Forest and takes care of animals, the most prominent of her charges being Angel the bunny. She represents the element of kindness. She is shy of nature, and her inability to speak up often annoys Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy's special talent is communicating with animals, which she uses in order to provide them with food, medical attention and other forms of care when they need it. In addition, a host of animals have taken up residence in her home, which she attends to and looks after on an everyday basis. To learn more about Fluttershy, we recommend that you visit the Fluttershy Wikia Page.
According to the forums at Ponyville.com there are many reasons why fans consider Fluttershy to be the best pony. The main reason might be her heart melting adorableness, her cuteness can make your blood into liquid hot chocolate and your heart into melted butter. She is the pony with the most hidden talents and powers, and is quite frankly like the Supermare of ponies. Fluttershy has the ability to stare anyone down and gain immense verbal and physicall power when needed. She can even outfly even Rainbow Dash while pulling a air baloon with several passengers in it. When it comes to singing, none of the ponies can sing as clear and clean as her. Best of all she doesn't even brag about it herself.
Note: In order to play some of our games, you need to activate Adobe Flash Player. Use our Flash Game Guide to figure out how.


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Is an industry growing, consolidating or emerging? Or is there declining demand for their products? Do people want different things from that industry – say, less white bread and more whole wheat? Are their raw materials and labor costs going up or down? Who has the biggest market share? Are demographics affecting the industry in any way? Is someone way out front with a killer product or service?
Our industry surveys are located in these databases:
ABI Inform
Business Source Complete
Marketline Advantage
Market Research
Standard and Poor's (industries tab is at the top of the screen)


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There is a lot of fear around a rainy wedding day, but as someone who has been there, done that, fear not, they are beautiful, fun and the colors, well the color is amazing on a rainy day. That is exactly what happened on Jenn and Mike's wedding day, it rained. We all embraced the rain, made stunning photos and had a blast doing it. These two were such troopers for going outside with me and I mean, how amazing do they look?!
I was really excited to see the new Pierce Farm @ Witch Hill and it did not disappoint. They have done an awesome job updating and getting the barn ready for weddings. It is open and cozy and was the perfect place to celebrate this adorable couple. Prepped and Primped took Jenn's vision and really made that barn shine. And the florals from Geraniums Red Delphiniums Blue, wow, they stole the show! I am so excited that I will see Jenn, Mike and some other familiar faces when her younger sister gets married next year. Till then, enjoy Jenn and Mike's photos and all their love, smiles and laughter.


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Hair Color for Fall/Winter
By Sumetra Reed
We saw so many amazing, bold and fun hair colors for spring & summer. With the cooler temperatures come warmer hair colors. Many have already added auburn, bronze, copper and honey blonde color(s) to their hair and I must say it looks stunning. Coloring your hair can be damaging so I always say if you don't have experience with coloring your hair, see a professional and get a consultation to make sure coloring is safe for your hair.
Prior to coloring your hair you want to have in mind what look you are going for and how long you want the color to last. Once you know that, you can decide if you want a semi-permanent, demi-permanent or a permanent color. If you have never colored your hair before, I recommend a semi-permanent color. Let's take a look at the differences between the three.
Semi-permanent color is more of a stain. It does not require a developer and contains no ammonia. It's great for lifting your natural color and will fade over time because it sits on top of the hair shaft instead of depositing the color into the hair shaft.
Demi-permanent color does not contain ammonia but it does contain a small amount of peroxide. The peroxide helps to open the hair cuticle allowing the color to deposit into the hair shaft but it doesn't work well for lightening the hair color but great for darkening it. This type of color is great for making more obvious changes to your hair color but similar to the semi-permanent color, it will fade over time, typically after 8 weeks or 12+ washes.
Permanent color is the longest lasting of the color options and will not wash out. To get rid of permanent color it either has to grow out or cut off. Here's what you need to know about permanent color. It contains both ammonia and peroxide so that the pigment of your hair color is lifted and the new color is deposited. It's great for covering grays and is the best option if you desire to lift your hair color 1 – 2 shades lighter than your existing color.
I have had all three. I have never experienced any damage but I also included consistent deep conditioning treatment in my regimen to avoid dry brittle hair. My two go two brands are ION and O'Loreal. They both required a developer but worked great for my hair.
One brand that is getting quite a bit of buzz is Creme of Nature's Exotic Shine Color. They just did a huge event in Jacksonville, FL where several of our favorite bloggers and vloggers had their hair colored and styled by Pekela Riley using Creme of Nature's Exotic Shine Color. It's a box color and easy to use and the results were amazing.
If you do decide to color your hair for the fall, do your research, do what's best for the health and have FUN!
Love y'all!
By Sumetra Reed
Email: email@example.com


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We have a plan to cover you at every age and each step of your health journey.
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Concerns that the eurozone crisis might spread to France have prompted the German government to urge France to push ahead with reforms in order to revive its sluggish economy.
The French government faces an onslaught of bad news. At the beginning of November, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its financial report that the French industry's competitive capacity is meagre on an international scale. France's massive debt could become a threat to eurozone stability if investor confidence continues to drop, the IMF said, warning of a "risk of infection," since French banks are closely involved with the eurozone's southern member states.
The European Union is also worried. Presenting the eurozone economic growth forecast for 2013, Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn pointed out Germany is in much better shape than France. While the Commission expects the French economy to grow by 0.4 percent, the French government predicted twice as much, 0.8 percent. The forecast sees new French debt at 3.5 percent of the country's economic performance next year, rather than the 3.0 percent predicted by the French government.
"The situation is very serious because sluggish French economic performance is not a temporary occurrence; it is based on structural problems within the French economy," says Henrik Uterwedde of the German-French Institute (dfi) in Ludwigsburg. He told Deutsche Welle that the French President, Francois Hollande, must lower the national debt, but that austerity policies would most probably lead to a further weakening of the economy. Hollande faces a dilemma, Uterwedde says.
Overstretched finances
In a government-commissioned report presented last week, the French industrialist and former head of aerospace giant EADS, Louis Gallois, recommended 22 measures to bolster the competitiveness of France's industry. A real "shock" is needed to get the industry back on track, Gallois said after talks with Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault in Paris.
"The French people must support this joint effort that could become a wonderful project for our country to strengthen our industry once again," he said. It would take debates and a social dialogue in the companies, on regional and national levels, "to activate new dynamics and a fresh impetus."
In response, Ayrault announced tax reductions for businesses to the tune of 20 billion euros ($25.4 billion) over the next three years.
What the country really needs, however, are radical reforms in the economic and administrative sectors, says Uterwedde: Hollande has not yet dared tackle structural reforms, but that is what he will have to do.
Uterwedde points out that the most recent, and highly alarming, report by the German Council of Economic Experts on the competitiveness of French businesses says that, without a "competitive jolt," the economy will not really be able to get back on its feet. And the French daily Le Figaro called on the socialist Hollande to "Be our Schröder!" - a reference to former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who pushed through the Agenda 2010 labor market and social reforms despite considerable opposition.
French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault will be meeting with Chancellor Merkel in Berlin on Thursday (15.11.2012) to coordinate economic policies.
The French government is said to be concerned about "panic-mongering" in Germany over the state of the French economy. According to the Liberation newspaper, the government feels that this could create instability in the market. But Uterwedde does not see much disagreement between the two sides.
"They are fated to act together because the two countries are so closely intertwined and both lead the way in the eurozone," says Uterwedde. "We will not be able to overcome the current crisis in the eurozone without the cooperation of the two countries."
Francemust act
Francehas the willpower to launch reforms, Commisioner Rehn says, and he points out that concrete policies can still change the EU Commission's growth forecast for 2013. "At the moment, we are experiencing a possibly significant change in French policies concerning consolidation of the budget and competitiveness," Rehn told reporters in Brussels. He said it is not a static situation at all, but one of change.
Uterwedde, too, sees President Hollande on the verge of much-needed change. Hollande knows that he must lower the national debt, but he has not yet completely thought through how to reduce the country's debt, Uterwedde concludes: "The political debates in France will be difficult."
According to the EU Commission's prediction, French public sector debt will rise to more than 90 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) next year - a critical threshold for the long-term sustainability of debt.
The French government has unveiled a multi billion euro tax break for companies keeping jobs in the country. The measure will partly be financed through a hike of value-added tax. (06.11.2012)
Chancellor Angela Merkel has said it will take five years, or even longer, to overcome the eurozone debt crisis. She restated the need for greater fiscal discipline at a regional meeting of her Christian Democrat party. (03.11.2012)


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|Santa Croce, Florence
The photo is of the main altar in Santa Croce, where Galileo and Michaelangelo are buried, and there is a memorial to Enrico Fermi as well. But you almost miss the cross amid all the beauty of the stained glass and frescoes.
This column appeared at CatholicPhilly.com on 15 December 2015.
Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete: modestia vestra nota sit omnibus hominibus: Dominus prope est. Nihil solliciti sitis: sed in omni oratione petitiones vestrae innotescant apud Deum.
Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice! Let your kindness be known to all, for the Lord is near. Do not be anxious, but in all things, with prayer make your petitions known to God. — Entrance antiphon for the 3rd Sunday in Advent
Rejoice! Shout for joy! The readings on Sunday rang with strength and shimmered with joy. In case we missed it, St. Paul, repeats it. Rejoice in the Lord always, and again, I say, rejoice! I hear fragments of this call to joy everywhere in these last two weeks before Christmas — from the glittery displays in the stores to the houses draped in lights to the relentless cheerful tunes playing on the radio. Rejoice!
But there is a counter-melody threaded through the trumpets and festive choral anthems. Anxiety creeps in. When is the last date I can ship something to California to get there for Christmas? Have I submitted all the letters of recommendation students need? My father has fallen and is in the ICU. Will I need to go to fly to the West Coast? A friend is very ill; another's family is fractured by the loss of a young father. How can I rejoice when the darkness seems to encroach from all sides?
I wonder if amid all the ringing bells and bright lights we miss the ways in which the Christmas story is one of dislocation, of Mary and Joseph — and surely many other refugees — on the road to fulfill the edict of an occupying force, of God infinite and immortal moving into flesh and time. How it is a story, too, of abandonment, of a people who wonder if they have been forsaken by their God, who promised them so much in Isaiah, of Mary, who bore God within her very self, left spent and emptied of God in a stable.
Monday was the feast of St. John of the Cross, the 16th century Carmelite monk and mystic who wrote "The Dark Night of the Soul," a poetic and spiritual exploration of the difficulties that can afflict us on our journey to God. This commemoration always falls in Advent, pinned as it is to the day St. John died, December 14, 1591. Each time we celebrate it, I am struck by the contrast between the scouring darkness St. John experienced and the warmth and light so strongly associated with God's coming among us at Advent — with its images of kindly innkeepers, shepherds and sparkling angelic hosts.
Yet it is just this juxtaposition of light and darkness, where lament plays a counterpoint to joy, that St. John of the Cross embraces: "O living flame of love, how tenderly you wound my soul in her profoundest core!" In his poem "Del nacimiento" (Of the birth), he writes of "God-in-the-manger" weeping, not for us, but in his own distress and confusion, even as humankind rejoices to be swept into the mystery of the Trinity through this incarnation.
The full chord that Christmas sounds for us may have as its top note bright joy, but the deeper, dark notes, are what shake us to our core. For in the end we are sustained, not by the songs of angels, but by the Body of Christ, given up for us.
Read St. John of the Cross' Del nacimiento (in Spanish and English).
H/T to my friend Cindy for this short piece on T.S. Eliot and John of the Cross, which quotes a bit of Eliot's East Coker.


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ROS D&P is a consultancy firm that specializes in providing planning and advisory services to the tourism and leisure industries as well as to other related sectors such as urban planning and local and regional development
ROS D&P's policy is to provide always a highly personal service, based on our strong technical expertise and proven problem-solving experience
This is how we secure our most valued asset: Trust
- Trust in the proven technical expertise on which we base our proposals.
- Trust in the fact that our proposals are realistic, feasible and the result of a thorough assessment process
- Trust in the fact that our proposals strictly adhere to the professional principles and ethics that every consultant must abide by: Honesty, precision, loyalty and confidentiality.
Josep Ros Santasusana
- Masters Degree in Economics and Business Administration (University of Barcelona)
- Diploma in Hotel Administration, Cornell University (NY, USA)
- Diploma in Tourism Planning, University of Surrey (Great Britain).
Mr. Ros has decades of experience in the tourism and leisure industries, leading major projects, both nationally and internationally.
What describes us best is
We know the tourism industry inside-out. Our deep and extensive knowledge of the sector allows us to focus on our client's main challenges and propose feasible and realistic solutions.
We are totally dedicated to our clients. We work side by side with our clients, providing highly personalized solutions, tailored to your specific needs.
Multi-disciplinary approach
The tourism industry is transversal in nature. We draw from the diversity of skills and expertise of our network of consultants while guaranteeing always a very high level of quality and professionalism.
International reach
Our expertise in providing professional advice to the tourism and leisure industry is proven by our large portfolio of successful international projects and our well-established network of partners and associates.
How do we work?
Our "modus operandi" derives from our own corporate philosophy: we work side by side with our clients to support the decision-making process and its efficient implementation.
This implies:
Where are we?
ROS D&P is a consultancy firm with its headquarters in Barcelona and an important presence worldwide.
Our international reach is guaranteed by our network of company associates based in several countries and the extensive international experience of our team of experts
Who are our clients?
Our clients are companies and institutions looking for specialized advice in the tourism and leisure industry and related sectors.
- International Financial Institutions and International Organisations and Agencies such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), UNDP, EU, AECI, etc.
- Public institutions and governments with a role in tourism development and planning such as national and regional ministries of tourism
- Tourism promotion entities (public & private): tourist boards, consortia, tourism promotion agencies
- Regional and local development agencies with a role in the promotion of local economic development
- Agencies and institutions in the field of historical and cultural heritage
- Agencies and institutions in the field of urban and territorial planning
- Hotel chains and hospitality industry
- Restaurant businesses
- Travel wholesalers
- Travel retailers
- Real Estate Developers
- Airlines
- Theme Parks
- Museums and Interpretation Centers
- Leisure & shopping centers
- Financial institutions
- Insurance companies and investment institutions


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Marone-Palmer Same Day Slidehsow/
This wedding at Woodcliff Hotel & Spa simply took our breath away. If you've ever met Jared or Wendy, you would not be surprised to know that their wedding was absolutely brimming with (300!) people who love and cherish them deeply. While they never demand the limelight, everyone present could not have been happier to put them front and center to celebrate their unquestionable love. The sunny weather and beautiful background made for the perfect setting for this celebration - and the Skycoasters kept the party going all night long :) Congrats Jared & Wendy! Enjoy this slideshow we made and displayed at the reception!


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DENIED? If you meet government guidelines, CONTACT us today!
It is important to understand that the Social Security Administration denies a large majority of applicants who will ultimately receive their benefits. If you were denied and have a genuine disability and cannot work, do not get discouraged. The process can be long and frustrating and there is a chance that you will be denied a second time before you are approved.
Fill out our FREE Disability Evaluation form or call us as soon as you hear about your denial. You only have 60 days to appeal the initial denial and we will need to gather your information to do this for you. Once you agree to accept our help, we will make sure you receive the best representation possible. Because the process is long, you will need patience, but we can assure you that our expertise will significantly increase your chances of getting your Social Security Disability Benefits.
If your Initial Application and Appeal is denied, please understand that you are not alone. Most cases that are denied at the Initial Application level will be denied at the Appeal level and argued in a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Assuming you have a medically determinable impairment, this will be your best chance of receiving benefits.
Disability Advisors is critical to your success as we:
- Determine why you were denied
- File a reconsideration (appeal)
- Build your case to fit SSA's guidelines
- Represent you in front of an Administrative Law Judge
Most cases are awarded at the hearing level. We can tell you if you have a good case with one simple call.
To get the guidance you need, call us today at 800-249-7507


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Trump's America goes full Charles Dickens
WASHINGTON -- Donald Trump's America has taken on a Dickensian pall.
The Trump administration floats a plan for tent cities -- modern-day Hoovervilles to shelter the growing number of migrant children it is detaining.
A Honduran man fleeing violence kills himself in a Texas jail after U.S. authorities take his child from him -- part of a Trump policy of separating illegal immigrants at the border from their children.
Immigration authorities force a high school senior in Iowa to return to Mexico -- the country he left when he was 3 -- where he is soon killed, his throat slit.
And in Congress, House Republican leaders fend off a "discharge petition" by Democrats and the meager group of GOP moderates attempting to force a vote on the Dream Act protecting children like the murdered teen.
Whatever the motives behind such policies, they have the appearance of abject cruelty -- not a good look for Republicans as they go into midterm elections.
Cue the compassion!
Thirteen House Republicans, party leaders and a few backbenchers in competitive races ambled before the cameras Wednesday morning after their weekly caucus, but instead of taking the usual partisan shots and performing the usual genuflections to the president, they spoke of their tender concern for the addicted.
Most held 8-by-10 photos of constituents recovering from or killed by opioid abuse, and they touted some 57 bills designed to ease the epidemic. The over-the-top, 20-minute show of heart resembled a telethon.
"It's for the people in these photos that we rallied around bipartisan legislation," announced Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., holding a photo of "Amanda."
"We are united in doing everything that we can to help these families," contributed Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., holding a photo of "Kristin."
"Through our actions and bipartisan work, we will pass solutions that will help many families," inveighed Rep. Erik Paulsen, R-Minn., holding a photo of "Keegan."
The likely next speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who invariably comes up with the wrong word, did not disappoint, promising to "deal with every ability of this addiction."
Outgoing speaker Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis., with exaggerated emotion, spoke of "America at its strongest, people coming together to help each other through these difficult times."
There's nothing wrong with their proposals, per se. Most have broad bipartisan support and will do some good. But they are scattershot and incremental -- more campaign material than substance.
Public-health experts have pushed for a comprehensive approach to the crisis modeled after the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, D-Md., have introduced such a plan, which would cost $100 billion over a decade. House Democrats are pushing for a $5-billion-a-year opioid response fund. But Republicans aren't about to let those become law.
And though Congress has approved $6 billion over two years in new opioid-addiction funding, this comes as President Trump has tried to scale back the two major programs that provide much of America's addiction treatment, Obamacare and Medicaid. (Trump's nearly $1.5 trillion proposed cut is, by coincidence, the same as the cost of his tax cut.) The latest assault on Obamacare -- the Justice Department's refusal to defend current law against lawsuits from GOP-led states -- could leave many more without insurance and addiction treatment.
Meanwhile, the news is full of ugly accounts about the consequences of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, including reports about the tent cities for unaccompanied minors (McClatchy News), the "dreamer" killed after his forced return to Mexico (Des Moines Register) and the suicide of the Honduran father (The Washington Post's Nick Miroff). Vulnerable Republicans, seeking shelter from the gruesome consequences of the administration's actions, tried to force a vote on the Dream Act -- but conservatives prevailed. The House will instead take up alternatives next week that are unlikely to pass.
Ryan explained to reporters Wednesday why the Dream Act, which would prevail if given a vote, isn't going to get one: "Last thing I want to do is bring a bill out of here that I know the president won't support."
This is why the show of compassion rings hollow: Republican lawmakers aren't willing to stand up to the source of their Dickensian dilemma. Rep. Mark Sanford, R-S.C., spoke out against Trump -- and lost his primary Tuesday. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Ala., once expressed concern about Trump -- and was forced into a runoff. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., who is retiring, complains his GOP colleagues won't defend their own trade principles because they don't want to "poke the bear."
Republicans may be afraid voters will see them as heartless -- but they are more afraid of crossing Trump.
Follow Dana Milbank on Twitter @Milbank.


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Calculating representation entitlements of states and territories explains when and how the entitlement determination is achieved.
Once the redistribution of a state or territory has commenced, a webpage will be established which will be updated on an ongoing basis and will include:
Information about previous redistributions is also available.
The name of a federal electoral division can only be changed as part of a federal redistribution in the relevant state or territory.
Interested persons or organisations are able to propose alternative names for existing electoral divisions as part of the redistribution process. Names can only be proposed during one of the following input periods:
Proposals for alternative names received outside of these periods cannot be considered.
The Redistribution Committee for the state or territory will propose names of electoral divisions as part of their proposed redistribution. Interested persons or organisations are able to present alternatives to these names as part of the objections and comments on objections process. The augmented Electoral Commission for the state or territory will make a determination of the names of electoral divisions.
There is no set of prescribed criteria that must be adhered to when considering naming or renaming a division. There is however a set of non-binding guidelines for naming divisions that have been developed following a number of recommendations by Parliamentary Committees. A Redistribution Committee or augmented Electoral Commission may refer to these guidelines to assist with their decision making process.
A Redistribution Committee is appointed for the state or territory in which a redistribution has commenced.
A Redistribution Committee must develop a set of proposals for dividing each state or territory into a number of electoral divisions equal to its entitlement in the House of Representatives. In developing its proposals, the Redistribution Committee must remain within the numerical quotas for the current and projected enrolment. The Redistribution Committee shall also give due consideration to:
Electoral boundaries are drawn so that, as far as practicable, three and a half years after the redistribution has been completed, the enrolment in each electoral division should not vary from the state average by more than 3.5 per cent. This is also known as the 'projection time'.
Note: The Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 provides separate provisions for the projection time if another redistribution is expected sooner than seven years.
There are four times during the redistribution process when interested persons or organisations are invited to have a say on where they think the boundaries for an electoral division should be located or the name of an electoral division.
While anyone can provide input into the redistributions process, it can only be accepted and considered if made during the following times:
The redistribution timetable outlines the legislative timeframes for lodging public suggestions. Once the redistribution of a state or territory has commenced, a webpage will be published which will include an indicative timetable outlining when suggestions and objections can be made.
Anything received outside of these times cannot be considered by the Redistribution Committee or the augmented Electoral Commission.
Guidelines are available to assist people or organisations interested in making submissions to the Redistribution Committee.
An augmented Electoral Commission is established for each state or territory in which a redistribution is occurring.
No, a federal redistribution is a separate exercise to a state or territory redistribution that may be happening at the same time. The two processes are not related as they are governed by different legislation and timeframes.
Electors affected by changes to electoral boundaries will be notified of this change before the next federal election.
For the purpose of electing members to the House of Representatives, the new electoral boundaries do not come into effect until the next federal election.
The enrolment of new electors and changes to existing enrolments are implemented immediately following the determination of the new electoral boundaries.
Note: If a by-election is held prior to the next federal election, the by-election will be conducted on the existing electoral boundaries not the redistributed boundaries.
If the writ for a House of Representatives election is issued before the completion of a redistribution and there is no change to the number of electoral divisions for the state or territory, the election would be contested on the current electoral boundaries. The work of the Redistribution Committee would continue irrespective of the election.
However, if the writ for a House of Representatives election was issued before the completion of a redistribution which was occurring due to a change of entitlement, a mini-redistribution would be required (section 76 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918).
A mini-redistribution takes place as follows:
These electoral divisions would continue to apply until the next redistribution is triggered.
Each electoral cycle the Australian Electoral Commissioner uses population data to determine the number of seats each state and territory is entitled to. This determination can lead to a state or territory either losing or gaining a seat. However, this does not mean that if one jurisdiction loses a seat another must gain one or vice versa.
The calculation of a state or territory's entitlement is made relative to the population of other states but irrespective of the number of seats other jurisdictions are entitled to.


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sunrise from home
December 5, 2012
Gone. This is the label I use in my Google Reader to mark blogs I follow which haven't had new posts in several months. The list seems to be growing by the day. I miss some of those bloggers as if they were real life friends who have moved away. I wonder how they're doing and hope life is treating them well. Every so often someone surprises me and comes back from being gone, like The Ohio Nature Blog and The Skeptical Moth. Dang kids and new jobs seem to get in the way of regular blogging.
I can't say I have those excuses. I have been a bit lackluster in my blogging routine this year. The dry dreary weather and now windy rain have discouraged me from going out as much as I would like. In large part to being otherwise preoccupied, I have also missed posting whole sections from my photo archives, like a camping trip to Morro Bay and a couple outings to Fort Ord. I have already ID'd many things that are easy to photograph and narrow down to species; now all I have left are annoyingly perplexing unknowns and exceptionally crappy photos. However, I'm not giving up, yet. My hiking should inform my blogging, rather than the other way around as it has been in the past year or so. I think this transformation of intent has really shown in a lack of curiosity in my blog posts. I want to get back to truly enjoying hiking for all the things that drew me to this activity in the first place - being outside, clearing my head, getting a little bit of exercise, and simply enjoying nature. I'm not closing the door on Nature ID, even though my posts may become fewer and fewer for a while. I'll see you when I have something fantastic to share. Blog on!


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There are only two more weeks until season 3 of "Game of Thrones," and HBO is rolling out trailers for the show's return.
Since Friday, two new teasers have been unveiled focusing on the War of the Five Kings.
The new season starts March 31 at 9 p.m.
Here's the image from the end of the trailer that flashes by quickly:
Here's the latest teaser:
We finally see who's in boat from the first trailer:


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News Columns & Blogs
A stormy day for central Kansas?
Storm chasers are converging on the Sunflower State today, hopeful that they'll see tornadoes develop in central Kansas.
The Storm Prediction Center has posted a slight risk for severe weather in a large chunk of the state. The better chances for tornadoes appear to be in portions of Missouri and Iowa, however.
The key for strong storm development in central Kansas will be whether the capping inversion, or "cap," erodes enough for the thunderstorms to push into the upper atmosphere. A "cap" forms when a layer of warm air sets up in the upper levels of the atmosphere, which hinders the development of thunderstorms.
Stay tuned.


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Engine? Check.
Four wheels? Check.
Power locks? Ch... Hey, wait a minute! Where are the power locks?!?
Recently, I bought a new car and one thing took me by surprise.
Almost every brochure, salesperson, and YouTube video mentioned power locks and windows. Does anyone ever make a car purchase decision based on a single feature especially power locks or power windows or other table stakes?
And if not, why even mention it? Instead, why not focus on the items that really make the car stand out and the things that differentiate it from all the other vehicles on the market.
In the automobile industry Subaru's current TV ad campaign would be an example. Instead of focusing on features, Subaru focuses on outcomes, like happy, safe families, and not features.
So, assume the target buyer is truly the business person (you know, someone who has a need to drive the bottom line, but probably doesn't care about the fiddly technical details.) What can the business intelligence industry learn from the Subaru ads? Perhaps instead of merely listing debatable features in marketing materials, banner ads and presentations, such as "easy dashboards" and "more widgets" the focus was on outcomes and how they help you achieve them. What if the focus was on the following outcomes:
- Present your data in a way that people understand
- Have collaborative meetings around your data
- Make your data presentations living documents
These outcomes could then be tied to specific features and how those features drive the desired outcomes. Just a thought. By the way, did you see Subaru's sales results its most recent fiscal year?
I'm just sayin'.


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Jesus said, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). We try to prepare a feast of God's Word at every one of our services. Jesus also said, "These are the Scriptures that testify about me" (John 5:39), so Christ and him crucified for us are at the center of worship.
Services are designed with the whole family in mind. They consist of carefully selected Scripture readings, a rich variety of Christian songs both old and new, and a personal message from our pastor explaining and proclaiming what the Lord says. There is a Children's Sermon almost every week. The "visible Word" of Baptism and Holy Communion also appear regularly. Believers of all ages will grow in faith; visitors will meet Jesus and his powerful grace. Everyone is invited. Our Savior invites you: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
You'll find the most up-to-date service times here.
Jesus said, "Study the Scriptures diligently because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me" (John 5:39). In the Scriptures, we do find eternal life. Not when we are looking for what rules to follow or what deeds we must do to save ourselves, but when we find Jesus: "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." (John 5:24)
We offer a variety of Bible studies with the goal of teaching all people everything Jesus has commanded (Matthew 28:19). You'll find our current Bible study opportunities here. Online resources can be accessed here.
Jesus said: "Let the little children come to me... for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). Parents, God entrusted your children to you. The ultimate responsibility for bringing them up in the training and instruction of the Lord belongs to you (Ephesians 6:4). But the church is also commanded to help feed Jesus' little lambs (John 21:16). At St. Mark, we conduct a quality Christian education program for children of all ages.
The Bible tells us: "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-- with great patience and careful instruction" (2 Timothy 2:4) Our pastor is available to give personal guidance at no cost for all stages and issues of life. Use the "Contact Us" form on this page to set up an appointment with him. He will be happy to meet with you and help you with God's Word.
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Has anyone here played schools off each other if you get multiple acceptances? For instance if theres a school thats taking a really long time to make a decision about your admission, if you email them to say that you have other offers to respond to and ask if they please let you know, did you then shortly receive an email back later letting you know they now accepted you?
How about playing funding packages off each other? Say you want to go to school A but school B is offering you more money. Lets say you tell school A "I'd really like to go but B is offering better funding, is there any way you could match that or at least increase what you're offering me?". Will that work and you can get a better offer?


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It was a huge surprise to find out that I was nominated for Model of The Year by the 2010 British Fashion Council Committee last Wednesday evening - and very flattering too.
It's quite rare for a male model to be nominated, so I feel very honoured to be listed alongside two great female models and hope that maybe this is a sign that the vast talent of male models in the UK (in my opinion, some of the best in the world), are being recognised within the industry. For me, it's only taken nine years!
On another note, Hilary Alexander said she liked my outfit at the nomination party - praise doesn't get much higher than that, so a good night all round!
Right, I can't sit around here typing all day, I have fashion award judges to bribe - I mean impress. ;)


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Choosing the right platform for your app (III): single or multiplatform
This post goes along with the next one of this series that is called pricing models. We can start talking about choosing platforms but both decisions should be made together. When you're thinking about developing an app, you should give a deep thought to your target. Once you've identified your target, sometimes is the hardest part of all the process, you just need to identify the plat... Read More »


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The Kubb Snipers played in 10 inches of fresh powder last week. I only had half that to contend with and got 3 really enjoyable snow kubb sessions in this past week. Snow definitely makes baton throws more interesting – sliding, ramping, curves, and ruts and add an element of surprise to the throws.
I didn't see much of a difference inkasting – if anything the ruts in the snow make clustering much much easier.


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Wednesday, September 18, 2019
See this weeks print edition
for these stories:
Action plans needed to meet state standards in several areas of special education
The Upper Perkiomen School District must work to improve upon several aspects of its special education programming, but overall, the district received positive feedback from a recent state assessment.
Kim Rank, director of pupil services and special education for UPSD, presented the preliminary findings of the facilitated state assessment (FSA) at last Thursday's school board workshop. The FSA takes place every six years. State-designated monitors were onsite at the schools, talking to parents and students, May 13-15.
In the current school year (2013-2014), 17.4 percent of UPSD students, or 569 of 3,260 students, were determined to have special education needs. Last school year (2012-2013), the percentage of students with learning disabilities was 18.4 percent, or 604 of 3,251 students.
"In comparison to other districts, Upper Perk is average-fair," Rank said, adding that the data used in the assessment was several years old and some of the items requiring an action plan by the state are already being addressed in the district's three-year-plan. Rank added that school districts must be 100 percent compliant with all aspects of state special education programming guidelines, so even if the district scored high in certain areas, an action plan is still required.
According to Rank, the district will need to develop action plans to improve graduation rates and reduce dropout rates of special education students; increase the amount of time special education students spend in regular classrooms; provide additional professional development opportunities for parents and regular education staff; and create better measurements of student progress and compliance with state education standards.
Board member Dr. Kerry Drake questioned Rank about the amount of time special education students spend in regular classrooms. She said that currently the district is about 3 percent above the state average for special education students not being in regular classrooms for 80 percent of the day, "but we are making gains."
"We can't assume [special education students] won't be successful in regular classrooms," she said. "Kids cannot make gains if they're not exposed to grade-level content."
However, she added that the district will look at individual needs and collect data to determine whether increased time in regular classrooms would actually benefit students.
Rank said she also expects to see an increasing number of students entering the district with emotional disturbances in future years and spoke of the need to develop an action plan to help parents and teachers better serve such students.
To address other areas of the FSA, Rank said the district is re-evaluating its programming and trying to make improvements, as well as adopting a new electronic file management system that will make it easier for teachers and administrators to monitor progress and access information.
The district determines whether a student has special education needs by conducting a comprehensive evaluation that includes cognitive testing and psychological evaluation. There are 14 learning disabilities recognized by the district.
"By being proactive [in the disabilities screening process] we can notice things earlier and really have an impact to get students to where they need to be," Rank said on Tuesday about the district's evaluation system.
Also at Thursday's workshop meeting, the board reviewed an agreement to extend the Freedom Valley YMCA after school and summer programming for one year. The YMCA provides before and after school, as well as summer, programs for children at Marlborough and Hereford elementary schools.
Board member Reann Hoskins asked about the fee the Y pays per use of a classroom, saying that the $39 included in the agreement "seems cheap."
Acting Superintendent Francis Leskowicz said the district is working to increase that fee incrementally to $42, but added that the Y loses about $25,000 per year on the program. "We have a good relationship [with the Y], but the program is at risk because it is losing money," Leskowicz said, adding, "The Freedom Valley Y is giving the Upper Perkiomen School District a lot of allowances in anticipation of the new center generating income."
Michael Tannous will be on hand to discuss the new Y at the next school board meeting June 12 and can answer additional questions then, Leskowicz said.
Leskowicz also noted that participation in the program is lower this year than previous years. The comment sparked a discussion among board members about low participation rates in school breakfast programs district-wide.
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Staff Reports
Charis Health Center outscored Tennessee Kidney Foundation on March 10 to win its Round 2 bracket in Nashville's Brackets For Good fundraising tournament.
There are 16 local nonprofits that remain in the competition to win $10,000.
Charis will compete against The Little Pantry That Could in the "Supported 16" round. Charis' opponent was strong in Round 2, and it needs to put up some significant points this week to advance to the next round, the "Engaged 8."
Each dollar donated to Charis Health Center through bfg.org is a point scored for Charis. To donate, visit nashville.bfg.org/matches/1240. The "Supported 16" competition ends Friday at 8 p.m.
Charis Health Center provides primary health care to uninsured residents in the Middle Tennessee area. Despite the Affordable Care Act, health care is still not affordable to many hard-working people in the community. Charis serves the individuals and families in the coverage gap. Charis operates similar to a regular doctor's office, but it's staffed primarily by volunteers. Through support from the community, Charis is able to limit the cost to patients to $25 for an office visit. For more information on becoming a patient or volunteer, call 615-773-5785.
Brackets For Good is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit charitable organization focused on activating new donors and increasing awareness for other nonprofit organizations through competitive online fundraising at no cost. Since the inaugural tournament in 2012, new awareness, fundraising capacity and more than $2.75 million dollars was raised for hundreds of charitable organizations across the country in an innovative and fun way. For more information, visit bfg.org.


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Home > Comedy and Satire, Entertainment and Media, idiot, Joe Bodolai, Media, Politics, Pop Culture, Satire, Social and Political Satire, Social Issues, World Events > CIA Looking for New Osama bin Laden on Craigslist!
May 1, 2011 at 10:13 pm
Then why is OBAMA going along with it ? Are you trying to suggest that Obama no longer believes that Bush planned 911 ? He's Changed ? Now he calls Bush to congradulate him, that "Their" job is done ? You Ass-Backwards, Pal. Obama, NOT Bush is on the side of Al-Quaeda. A Devout Muslim Anti-American who's goal is to Bankrupt the U.S.


text: A few years ago Bjorn Bauerfeind from Leipzig, Germany asked me to do this painting of Mormon Missionaries painting the "Plan of Salvation" on the Berlin Wall. Bjorn grew up in East Germany and when the wall came down his folks drove him into West Berlin where he came to serve a mission for the LDS Church in Oregon. He presently serves as a counselor in the Stake Presidency in Leipzig, is a business man and he and Asnath, his wife have five children. They are an interesting family and have a great story.


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Our German courses are based on the levels defined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Classes are held with a variety of teaching methods to provide students age 10-15 years with all necessary skills in writing, speaking, listening and reading. Students will be assigned homework.
After reaching the learning goals of level A1, usually after taking the HomeSchool 1a, 1b & 1c class, students will have the opportunity to take the exam for the internationally recognized certificate "Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Fit in Deutsch 1" for children and young people, soon to be offered at the GTHS in Austin (optional and not included in the class).
Course Materials are not included in the tuition fee. Please order your (2) books online.
Logisch! neu A1 Arbeitsbuch with audio download
Logisch! neu A1 Kursbuch with audio download
We recommend the following bookseller:
IBIS- International Book Import Service
161 Main St.
Lynchburg, TN 37352-8188
+1 800 2774247
• A little snack and drink will be provided at our physical location classes. Please let your teacher know about allergies or certain dietary restrictions. Please plan to drop off and pick up your children on time. Parking can be found on the street or surrounding parking garages.


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Timeline of Adam Pally
|Born in New York City, New York, United States
|Married with Anne Pally
|Net worth is $600 thousand
|Graduated from The New School University
|Movie debut from Assassination of a High School President
|Television debut from Californication
|Appeared in a web series The Fuzz
|Date of Birth:
|1982 , March-18
|Birth Nation:
|United States
|5 Feet 11 Inch
The young American actor Adam Pally married to his girlfriend Anne Pally on June 8, 2003. The couple is together since their marriage and they are blessed with two children, a son Cole; born in 2012 and a daughter GG, born in 2013. He is loyal to his wife and never seen dating other girls.
Adam Pally is a drug addict, and once he caught for drug possession. He was arrested for smoking pot and he also found red-handed, taking Marijuana with an e-cigarette.
Adam Pally started his acting career from the movie Assassination of a High School President which was released in 2008. After then he appeared in numbers of movies and some of his hits are Monogamy (2012), Iron Man 3 (2013), Joshy (2016) and much more.
Adam married Daniella Liben Pally, in 2008, after their marriage, the couple gave birth to two children; a son, Cole in 2012 and a daughter, GG in 2013.
Adam Pally had cast in many movies and television series received a good sum of salary. From his acting and endorsement career he has made net worth of around $600 thousand.
Adam Pally facts on timeline
Born in New York City, New York, United StatesMarch 18 , 1982
Adam Pally is a famous American actor who was born in the early 1980s in New York City, New York, United States. Dama Saul Pally born to his parents, Steven Pally and Carlyn Pally and he has two siblings Erica and Risa.
Married with Anne PallyJune 8 , 2003
Adam Pally married his girlfriend Anne Pally on June 8, 2003. The couple is together since their marriage and they are blessed with two children, a son Cole (born in 2012) and daughter GG (born in 2013).
Net worth is $600 thousand2017
Adam Pally is one of the successful personalities in Hollywood and he has appeared in many movies and television series. After his great television success, he has a satisfied financial status. As of 2017, his net worth is around $600 thousand.
Graduated from The New School University2004
Adam Pally joined The New School University and graduated in the year 2004. While he was a student he was good at sketching and he was the member of sketch comedy group "Chubby Skinny Kids".
Movie debut from Assassination of a High School President2008
Adam Pally made his movie debut from the movie named Assassination of a High School President which was released in 2008. In that movie, he appeared as the role of Freddy Bismark.
Television debut from Californication2007
Adam Pally made his television debut on the television series named Californication which was released in 2007. In that series he played the role of Young Hollywood Douchebag and in that series he has featured for two episodes.
Appeared in a web series The Fuzz2011
Besides movies and television series Adam Pally has also appeared in web series. pally's web series, The Fuzz was released in 2011. There he featured as the role of Officer Chop Nelson and after then he appeared in Happy Endings: Happy Rides (2012).


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Supported and Independent Living Services
These services provide vital support to adults with learning difficulties and range of other support needs, including people with complex needs. We support people to live as independently as possible, whatever challenges they face.
Housing Related Support Services
These services help people to manage the responsibilities of running their own homes and can cover help with bills, budgeting, being a responsible neighbour, emotional support or maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Older People's Services
Our services for older people include Extra Care and Domiciliary Care. We're also developing innovative new services for people with dementia and younger people with dementia.


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The 34 worksheet generators listed below are all free and easy-to-use. They all provide a limitless number of questions that are generated together with corresponding answers. The number ranges used as well as other options can be set so the same worksheet generator can produce questions for different grade levels. Click on the links or the thumbnail images of the ones you want to have a closer look at.
Typically suited to 1st and 2nd grades as it allows for numbers up to 100. Questions can be horizontal or vertical (stacked). A maximum sum can be set for addition so you can easily work within 10, 20, or 100.
Questions can be presented with missing addends. e.g. 4 + ___ = 9. There are options to control the number range as well as the order of the numbers and blanks in the equations.
to 5, 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , or, 10. Generates number squares on which pairs of adjacent numbers that add together to make a given number are circled.
Cuisenaire Rod-like challenges with two adjoining "rods" positioned above another with a length equal to both "rods" above. Sum totals can be set and the position of the answer can be controlled. Typically suited to 1st Grade and late-Kindergarten.
Allows addition and subtraction questions to be created and combined with adding/ subtracting zero, one, and/ or doubles. Numbers to 10 or to 20 and beyond.
Shows exchanging of a ten for 10 ones with place value blocks alongside the algorithmic calculation. Note: This is a follow-on from the Decompose a 10 generator in the Place Value sub-section below.
3rd & 4th grade level. For adding and subtracting within 1000 and also addition and subtraction with larger multi-digit numbers (up to 999,999). Questions can be just addition, just subtraction, or a mixture of both.
Allows addition (vertically formatted) with up to 8 numbers. Maximum number can be set as 1-digit up to 6-digit.
Allows addition or subtraction or a combination of both with 3 numbers (horizontally formatted). Maximum and minimum number and total (for addition) can be set.
Useful when learning and memorizing math facts. Questions can be formatted horizontal or vertically and can be just division or can be a mixture of division and multiplication.
Sets questions up with "missing" numbers. e.g. __ x 9 = 27, 48 ÷ ___ = 8
Typically 3rd - 5th grade level. Allows for multiplication of multi-digit numbers with options to make either or both numbers multiples of 10 or multiples of 100.
The range of divisors and dividends can be set to give multiple types of division questions. e.g. 4-digit by 1-digit, 5-digit by 2-digit. There is a "no remainder option" plus optional guide lines to help line up workings.
Creates 1-digit x 2-digit or 2-digit x 2-digit questions for students to answer by multiplying the tens, then the ones, and then adding the partial products to get the full answer.
Follows on from the above with a variation in format. 1-digit x 2-digit questions are answered by multiplying the tens and ones separately.
Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, and Dividing fractions questions. Mixed numbers, whole numbers, common denominators can all be set.
Generates fractions that require to be simplified. Three different levels of difficulty.
Provides conversion of improper fractions to mixed numbers and vice-versa. The degree of difficulty can be controlled by limiting the whole number part and/ or the denominator range.
Questions of the form "4/5 of 25 =". Examples of custom settings include just unitary fractions, a juts whole number answers.
Typically 5th grade level questions. Provides addition, subtraction, addition and subtraction, or multiplication question sets using tenths, hundredths, or thousandths.
The number range and number of decimal places can be set for both dividend and divisor.
The number range for both numbers can be set. Decimals can be limited to just tenths, to hundredths, or to thousandths. Whole numbers can also be used including multiples of 10 and 100.
The place to be rounded to get be set to the whole unit, tenth, hundredth, or thousandth as options or as a singular choice.
Writing the number of hundreds, tens, and ones based on the quantity of place value blocks and then writing the complete number.
Helps prepare students to subtract with regrouping by exchanging a 1 ten for 10 ones. e.g. they are prompted to see 65 as 5 tens and 15 ones. The follow-on subtraction worksheet generator is listed above.
Writing 7,978 as 7,000 + 900 + 70 + 8. Number ranges can be set to 99, to 999, to 9,999, and/ or to 999,999.
Creates four different types of simple equations. e.g. 3r = 6, 5t + 4 = 14, 8n/3 = 16, 3x/6 - 3 = 27. Types can be varied and combined on each worksheet and settings can be done for individual rows.
Provides two types of expression. e.g. 4x + 40 and 7c + 21d. Worksheets can be created with factoring or expanding expression questions.
Creates questions with pairs of linear equations that can be solved to give x and y values. Typically an 8th Grade resource.
creates expressions in the form of a2 + 6a + 8 for factoring. It allows three different degrees-of-difficulty and also includes an option for questions on expanding expressions.
Rounding to the nearest 10 and/ or 100
Rounding larger numbers from to the thousands up to the 100 millions' place.
Provides two question types: e.g. What is 5% of 20, and 12 is what percentage of 40? The number and percentages ranges can be controlled
Generates numbers sequences with a variety of intervals. Number range, interval range, number to show, number to hide, and other parameters can be set.
Creates a single, re-sizable clock face for which the time can be set. Handy for creating single print-outs.
The worksheet generators were made with ease-of-use in mind. All the parameters and options are shown at the top and, when changed, automatically refresh and update the questions. If you want answer sheets it is important that you pick the Show Answers button and print them off immediately after printing the questions as you will not be able to go back later since all the questions are generated randomly.
To print the worksheet click the (yes - you guessed it) Print Worksheet button. Note that all the option and parameter settings will not be sent to your printer.
We would be happy to hear from anyone with a feature request to enhance or add to the above worksheet generators. Contact us to make a request.


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Ten years ago the classrooms at Ducie high school in Manchester looked like bus shelters and visitors were scared to walk the corridors alone. Its academic high point was when 13% of pupils got five GCSEs above a C grade. At 16, the vast majority dropped out with few expectations – except of joining their older siblings on the dole in Moss Side.
"This school was like a badly run youth club of the late 60s, early 70s. Only 50% of year 11 were attending. The Ofsted inspector said he could find nothing good to say about it," said Kathy August, who took over as headteacher in 2003 when the school became Manchester Academy.
A decade later, despite having children from some of the most troubled and deprived postcodes in the country, 39% of pupils got five good GCSEs – including the all-important English and maths – and 60% got five GCSEs. Ofsted rated the school outstanding.
August says she brought in a zero tolerance attitude to poor behaviour and the expectation that every pupil would succeed. "We said to every single pupil: here is a lovely building, the best teachers, we are committed to your futures. Now you have to give something back."
The trajectory of exam results across the country over the past 10 years has been slow but steady in comparison with Manchester Academy. In 2000 only 40.7% of pupils finished compulsory schooling at 16 with five good GCSEs including English and maths. This year that was 50.9%. But that progress has made the gulf in exam results between pupils from rich and poor homes even more apparent. This year only 27% of pupils who qualify for free school meals got five good GCSEs, compared with 54.4% of their classmates.
Today, Richard Lambert, director general of the CBI, enters the debate saying the country "ought to be ashamed" of its exam record, particularly for pupils from low-income homes, and that too many pupils cannot read or write or do not have the self discipline to simply turn up to work on time every day.
John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, attacked Lambert's comments, claiming he was out of touch with modern schools. "The improvements in the education system over the last 20 years are remarkable. They dwarf the achievements of any major company," he said.
"Over the years the CBI has had every chance to make a constructive contribution to the education debate and they have failed on every occasion to do so, preferring to decry the achievements of schools and hark back to an allegedly golden era in which only 20% of pupils got five high grade GCSEs or O-levels. All they do is stand on the sidelines and criticise."
Alan Smithers, professor of education at Buckingham University, agreed that the CBI should "stop whingeing" and start to help to design courses that give pupils the skills they need for their workforce. He said that the Blair government approach of using league tables to track school standards had forced up exam results, but with some unintended consequences such as a shift to vocational qualifications, which are not always properly valued.
"Although we've got better results, it doesn't feel much like that because the qualifications are wrong. The government has emphasised progression to university and hasn't put the same energy into getting good ladders from school to work," he said.
"Because vocational qualifications don't open the doors to employment in ways academic ones open doors to university, they are not as valuable to people. Employers should stop complaining, devise the qualifications, recruit on them and pay people for having them."
In 2004 Mike Tomlinson, a former Ofsted chief, conducted a landmark review of qualifications which suggested that a new diploma, taking in A-levels and GCSEs, should be introduced to span the vocational-academic divide. The government watered those proposals down, to the unified dissatisfaction of schools, teachers and heads.
Tomlinson says that he does not think the situation is as bad as some suggest. "No doubt there are weaknesses, most notably in basic skills, but there is a great deal of improvement at GCSE. I meet hugely motivated children working hard with clear aspirations. I don't go for doom and gloom scenario.
"The main weakness in our system is that we do not offer an appropriate curriculum to every child. The weakness is within the offer of vocational education. That's why we see a long tale of underachievement, too many people doing a curriculum that is not meeting their needs."
He said that although standards had improved in the last decade, the world had changed. "The jobs that existed 25 years ago with no skill have disappeared. What we're seeing is more and more young people not suitable for the jobs available."
Manchester Academy believes it should provide a mainly academic curriculum with around one in five qualifications being a BTec, but that it has to teach pupils the aptitudes to succeed. Pupils attend social occasions with local businesses to help develop networking and a professional approach, to learn to shake hands and look adults in the eye. "We're not just talking about academic results, we're talking about the whole educational experience," August said.


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Kate and Harry in Africa Introduces Kids to Board Games/
If you are a longtime follower of our blog, you would know that Eric loves board games. In fact, he's written about some of his favorite board games on iOS: Cafe International, Stone Age, and For the Win.
But as much as we appreciate these board games, we also realize that they are all made for adults. There are some apps that kids ages 7+ can play, like Bop It! and Boggle for iPad, but apart from Happy Geese, we have yet to find board game apps specially designed for small children.
Well, at least until developers Very Nice Studio contacted us to review their newest app, Kate and Harry in Africa. Dubbed as a "cute, educational introduction to board games", this app works best for children 3–6 years old.
Let's Go on a Safari
Kate and Harry in Africa supports both single and multiplayer modes. Kids can choose to play alone as Kate or Harry, or together with another player. Once a playing mode is selected, the game will reveal the game board: a panoramic scene of an African safari. Colorful circles are laid out atop the board, denoting the path which can be taken by the player.
To move their character across the board, kids roll the dice by tapping on the icon on the bottom left of the screen. The app will then read out the number the player just rolled, and move the character accordingly. The app also keeps count as the character move between circles.
Kids get to sit back and observe these actions until their character arrives at a fork in the path, at which point they decide which way the character should go. The character may also arrive at special circles, which are denoted by naughts or crosses.
The circles with naughts will trigger a quick photo hunt, in which players try to snap a shot of a safari animal or collect a toy by tapping on it. The circles with crosses will either punish or reward. If the players are lucky, their character may get a boost and move several steps forward. If they are not so lucky, their character has to move several steps back.
At the end of the game, players are rewarded with a celebratory scene. Their snapshots (and rewards) are also displayed. They are then free to repeat the game.
Parents Need to Know
Besides fun, Kate and Harry in Africa is also educational. Through the app, kids can learn how board games work, counting from 1–6, as well as the names of various animals that live in the African safari. Fifteen animals are included with the initial download, but you can also purchase 10 extra animals for $0.99
Made specially for small children, the app contains no written instructions. Instead, it relies on visual cues and instructional graphics to provide juniors with hints on what to do next. Because of this, it is quite possible to use the app with non-readers and ESL kids.
The app is also quite safe for kids. All ads, support links, and in-app purchases are put inside a protected section for parents, separate from the game play screen. To access this section, you must tap and hold the menu button for three seconds.
Things I Like
Kate and Harry in Africa is a unique app. As I've mentioned before, board game apps for young kids are rare, so it's nice to see an app that fills that gap. But more than just a grand idea, the app is also executed really well.
The graphics and animations are just lovely, utilizing bright colors that appeal to juniors. I like how the African safari is depicted as a diverse environment that contains human villages, grassland, river, and forest. Although the app doesn't explicitly provide information about the place, it actually makes an interesting topic to discuss with kids.
I also like how the gameplay is so forgiving and stress-free. There is no timer or pressure for finishing the game as quickly as possible, and despite having multiplayer mode, there is actually little distinction between first place and last. The developers themselves mention that the road is that matters, but it is up to kids to decide if they want to compete.
Kate and Harry in Africa is a lovely, well-made app that would make a great companion during road trips. The app features high quality graphics and animations, as well as a simple, intuitive, and stress-free gameplay that is suitable for its intended audience. Kids can also learn to count from 1–6 and explore the diverse African safari. If you have been looking to introduce your juniors to the fascinating world of board games, I would highly recommend this app.
Kate and Harry in Africa is available for iPhone/iPad
Get it on the App Store: iPhone | iPad
App was provided for our honest review.


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I've been with the Darkroom since January 2012, fixing things and making messes. www.calebsavagephoto.com
1. Whats your favorite camera & why?
I've got a lot of favorite cameras, but I really love my Bronica SQ. It's like a Japanese Hasselblad. I also love shooting with my 4x5 Crown Graphic.
2. What type of photographer would you describe yourself as/how would you describe your photographic style?
I'm a documentarian and storyteller, my work (at least in an ideal sense) explores historical narratives at a slow pace. My biggest inspiration is Bernd & Hilla Becher's work.
3. Whats your dream photo shoot?
My dream photo shoot would be either a cross country road trip to Alaska or an Appalachian Trail thru-hike.
4. Whats the longest you've spent on a project/most in depth you've gone?
I've been working on a project about Northeastern Pennsylvania's coal mining region since 2012. I haven't been shooting as much as I'd like to lately, but am hoping to get back out there this fall.
5. How long have you lived in Bushwick/Brooklyn/New York?
It's about to be 5 years - time flew!


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(Principal Investigator: Catherine Hutchings and Sean Samson)
This project will use a design-based research (DBR) approach to investigate how blended learning writing courses in two strategic sites at UCT may be collaboratively designed to contribute to the development of socially just knowledge-making practices.
The study will derive its initial design principles from experiences of an existing online writing course in CHED. This course will then be further developed in collaboration with participants in two UCT sites that have engaged in social transformation dialogues. The sites are the Mellon Mays equity programme (MMUF) and 'block release' courses in the Health Sciences. The courses will be monitored and evaluated over three years in collaborative processes with colleagues and students in the sites, with a view to extending our knowledge about writing courses, blended learning and social justice at UCT.
Core Team:
Aditi Hunma; Sean Samson; Catherine Hutchings; Taahira Goolam Hoosen
Email: email@example.com
Phone: 021 650 2645
Postal Address:
Centre for Higher Education Development
University of Cape Town
Private Bag X3
South Africa


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Lexmark's R&D spending at lowest since 2006
With its inkjet printer operations ending, Lexmark International's spending on research and development in the fourth quarter fell to its lowest point in more than six years.
For the quarter, the company spent $88.1 million on R&D, a 10 percent drop from $98.3 million in the same quarter a year ago. The last time it was less was during the first quarter of 2006, when Lexmark spent $87.4 million as it began a period of increased spending to broaden its product lines.
CEO Paul Rooke said the drop was largely related to the company's decision to exit the inkjet printer business. The company announced last year it would lay off 1,700 employees worldwide — including 350 full-time employees and 200 contractors at the Lexington headquarters — during the next couple of years as part of that restructuring.
While research and development spending is dropping for inkjet, Rooke said, it's increasing for the company's burgeoning software business, which is focused on making companies more efficient. "In the fourth quarter, the negative outweighed the growth in Perceptive," he said.
In the fourth quarter, Perceptive Software's revenue grew 37 percent, to $43 million. That includes the effect of acquisitions completed within the past year, though. Without those acquisitions, the division's sales would have grown 16 percent.
For the year, Perceptive Software's sales grew 62 percent, to $162 million, including the effect of the acquisitions. Factoring those out, its sales grew 21 percent.
While Lexmark executives said that growth is better than that of competitors, it's less than what the company had anticipated. The software division lost $7 million in the fourth quarter and $25 million for all of 2012.
Rooke has said the company is investing in the division to help it grow and expects to make it profitable in 2013.
"We're growing a young business here rather rapidly, and I think that will improve as time goes on," he said.
Printer sales to Dell fall
For the first time since 2003, sales to computer maker Dell did not account for 10 percent of Lexmark's annual revenue.
Lexmark manufactures printers for Dell, which then sells them under the Dell brand. That business, commonly called OEM, for original equipment manufacturer, has declined in recent years.
Lexmark executives did not state the amount of sales to Dell in 2012 because Dell's business no longer amounts to 10 percent of revenue.
But based on Lexmark's 2012 annual revenue of $3.8 billion, sales to Dell must have fallen at least 8 percent from 2011's $415 million to fall below the 10 percent threshold in 2012.
Over the years, Dell has been a key part of Lexmark's revenue, rising to as high as 15 percent in 2005 and 2006. The dollar amount peaked in 2005 at $782 million.
Rooke said the decline for Dell came because Lexmark has pulled out of the inkjet printer market and no longer is making those printers for Dell.
In total, OEM sales account for about 10 percent of Lexmark's business, he said.
"It's not the core part of our strategy," he said.
That drag from OEM affected overall sales of ink and toner. While annual sales of ink and toner dipped 9 percent, Rooke said sales of Lexmark-branded ink and toner were up for the year, excluding the effect of currency shifts.
"As we look ahead, we expect our branded to continue to grow and OEM to have some decline," he said.
Managed print grows
Lexmark's managed print services offering saw growth in the fourth quarter and full year. The program is just like it sounds — Lexmark manages companies' printing by choosing the most efficient printer setups and shipping more toner as needed. In the fourth quarter, sales grew 3 percent; revenue was up 7 percent in all of 2012.
The company recently announced it had signed a five-year managed print services deal with Anheuser-Busch InBev that expands the service into Europe beyond the existing agreement in North and South America.
Inclusive policies lauded
Lexmark has received recognition in recent months for its policies that support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, an LGBT advocacy group, has scored Lexmark a perfect 100 on its 2013 Corporate Equality Index. Lexmark was one of 252 large companies that received a perfect score this year. Louisville-based Brown-Forman was the only other Kentucky company to receive the same score.
Also, members of the Gay-Straight Alliance of Lexmark Employees Diversity Network Group recently shared their stories in a video to support the It Gets Better Project. The project was created to support LGBT teens facing bullying. To view the Lexmark video, go to Itgetsbetter.org and search "Lexmark" in the "Find videos" box.