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Actively appreciating and valuing diversity on college campuses means knowing the backgrounds and experiences of students. Understanding student Veterans means understanding military culture, battlefield skills, and deployment related stressors. It also means listening to student stories, and understanding the unique stressors faced by student Veterans on campus.
Listen to the stories of student Veterans adjusting to different types of schools (e.g., community college, university, graduate school) by visiting the popular website Half of Us.
Additional stories on the experiences of Student Veterans can be found through the VA outreach program, Make the Connection.
Military culture and battlefield skills can be deeply internalized by many Service Members. Sometimes, core beliefs and principles learned through military service can conflict with the beliefs and principles underlying higher education. For example, following orders and respecting rank and formality may run counter to the independent thinking and informality encouraged in many classrooms.
Take a quiz on your knowledge of military experiences/terms.
View an online training by Dr. Patricia Watson. Dr. Watson provides an overview of the military and military culture, as well as deployment related experiences. The course is designed so that particular sections can be selected and viewed.
Visit "Real Warriors" to understand battlefield skills and their impact on successful reintegration.
Handout on deployment related stressors and war zone experiences.
Veterans returning from combat may face some challenges in adjusting to college life. The Returning from the War Zone Guides provide an overview of these issues. Surveys, special reports, and focus groups indicate that Student Veterans struggle with the administration of their GI benefits, academic engagement, and social relationships. Two recent reports highlight the experiences of Student Veterans on campus, both in terms of engagement with education and academic success.
Preliminary research suggests that student Veterans struggle with school administration, academic performance, and social relationship.
Student Veterans consistently report that the Post 9/11 GI Bill helped with their adjustment to school. Almost 25% of student Veterans report that the Post 9/11 bill was a major influence in their decision to pursue higher education. Nonetheless, negotiating GI Educational Benefits and transferring credits obtained while in the military are two stressful experiences reported by student Veterans.
Negotiating Government Issued (GI) Educational Benefits
Transferring Credits
Student Veterans report mixed concerns about academic success. Some report a readiness for school work that is heightened by their military experience. Other students report concerns about performing up to academic standards. Courses and trainings in the military can be quite duty-specific and practical, while college classes and assignments can be more general and abstract.
As a whole, research findings suggest that Student Veterans spend more time preparing for classes, and talking with instructors outside of class than civilian students. Student Veterans are less likely to participate in experiential learning opportunities, for example, internships or practicums. Despite obstacles and challenges, the Million Records Project found that Student Veterans are as likely to graduate as civilian students.
Student Veterans may find that they do not fit in with other college students. Finding like-minded peers on campus can be difficult. Dealing with younger students who may be perceived as being overly entitled or not serious about their studies can contribute to a sense of being different. It can be difficult for student Veterans to be patient with complaints about the daily hassles of being a student.
For examples of how Veteran experiences may contrast with student life, consider viewing these slides put together by Dr. Bill Burns at North Dakota State University.
Biases against the military may be another stressor for student Veterans. Biases can be expressed in many ways on college campuses. Professors and students may hold strong negative opinions about the military and voice them in class. Readings and assignments may be biased toward a particular perspective. Antimilitary signs and/or protestors against the military may be on campus. These kinds of biases against the military may contribute to a sense of social isolation.
Biases and stereotypes facing student Veterans are presented in this brief video made by Service Members and Veterans. Please note: some viewers may find the language and humor offensive.
Being asked inappropriate questions about their military experience, or being asked to be a spokesperson for student Veterans can also interfere with relationship building. Social interactions are also limited by competing demands. For example, although student Veterans spend the same amount of time studying as non-Veterans, they spend significantly more time working and caring for dependents. Indeed, student Veterans are often considered "nontraditional" students.
Unlike traditional undergraduates who often enroll in college immediately after high school, attend school full time, receive financial support from parents, and are single without dependents, student Veterans are older, married or coupled, attend school part-time, and are more likely to be working and using the GI benefits to pay for their education. Research shows that close to 60% of student Veterans report concerns about balancing school and other responsibilities.
Other problems that some student Veterans face are physical and emotional disabilities. Physical problems may mean that it takes a student Veteran longer to get to class. Other physical problems may interfere with note taking or classroom participation. The two most common physical disabilities are listed below. Take a moment to consider how these may impact school performance:
Up to one-third of student Veterans may be struggling with "invisible wounds" of war: traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, or major depression. These conditions can also impact school performance. For example, all three "invisible wounds" can impact the ability to concentrate and complete assignments. Find out more below in the "What is PTSD?" section of this toolkit.
Did you know?
PTSD stands for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD can develop after someone has experienced a traumatic event, for example, combat or a physical or sexual assault. Although most people have experienced at least one traumatic event in their life time, only a small percentage will develop PTSD. Over 90% of returning Veterans have experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime, however, only 10-30% will develop PTSD.
Did you know?
Traumatic events are different than daily life stressors in at least two ways. First, traumatic events are often experienced as life-threatening, and most life stressors are not. Second, our hardwired fight or flight (or freeze) response is often activated during a traumatic event. Such intense emotional reactions make traumatic events much more salient and memorable than other events. Research on deployment-related stress suggests that most Service Members experienced chronic, daily life stressors as well as traumatic events.
PTSD is a stress related disorder characterized by four symptom clusters:
Below is a link to the full diagnostic criteria:
In the classroom, or on campus, PTSD symptoms may be observable in some of the following ways:
Kyle Hausmann-Stokes created this 14 minute video to capture the experience of going to school with PTSD. Please note that this video clip contains graphic imagery that may be disturbing.
See the What Can I Do to Help? section for suggestions for how to make your classroom and campus welcoming to student Veterans.
Download a booklet with information on PTSD including information on getting help and answers to common questions about PTSD treatment.
Learn about posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from Veterans who live with it every day. Hear their stories. Find out how treatment turned their lives around.


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NA-TUNE MASS AIR FLOW INTAKE KIT 944 8v
Part#: LRA-NA-TUNE
Cart Qty: None Ship Weight: 2.00
NA-Tune Mass Air Flow Intake Kit.
The popular NA-Tune by Rogue Tuning is now available exclusively from Lindsey Racing.
The NA-Tune brings real MAF conversion for the 944NA (all 8-valve variants). Like the 944 Turbo, the 944NA uses a very restrictive air-flow-meter (AFM) from the factory. In-fact, the AFM in the 944NA is even more restrictive than the one used in the turbo cars! The NA-Tune changes this, offering many advantages:
General Specifications & Features:
Kit Includes:
Optional Silicone J-Boot:
The NA-Tune uses the stock J-Boot. Because the aluminum tube is slightly smaller then the inlet of the J-Boot, we supply an adapter sleeve. However we are also offering a custom silicone J-Boot for the 944 and is a direct fit to the NA-Tune intake tube without the need for an adapter sleeve. They are available in the following colors.
Fits Models:
Tips, Manuals and Instruction
Product Videos
Q: Hi,Do you have any mass airflow options for the 3.0L 16v S2?Thanks!
A: Not at this time, however we believe Rogue Tuning is working on a S2 kit so you might see it in the future. We have no time frame yet.
Q: is there a mass air flow option for the 1987-1988 944S 16v?
A: Not at this time and we haven't heard any plans for one from Rogue Tuning. Due to the limited production numbers, I suspect there will not be one coming.
Q: Hi,1989 2.5na 35pin DME is it usable?
A: Any 944NA 8v DME's from '85/2 thru '89 will work. Those have two rows of pins totaling 35. Earlier 944 DME's with cast body and 4 bolts holding on a cover will not work.

subset: commoncrawl


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Meet our new practitioner, Dr. Brian Keenan
ANNOUNCING the addition of Dr. Brian Keenan, our new full time licensed naturopathic doctor! Dr. Brian brings with him the new generation of medicine. He is available for men's health, pediatrics, women's concerns and senior care.
Dr. Brian Keenan completed his doctorate and undergraduate studies at Bastyr University and Bastyr Teaching Clinic in Seattle where he also served as adjunct faculty teaching botanical medicine. Dr. Brian has worked in research and brings with him a deep understanding of how to use natural products to influence and revitalize our health quickly and effectively.
His practice philosophy centers around educating and empowering patients to take control of their health for lasting, life-long, results. Additionally, he believes that our diet and our mood are the two cornerstones for healthy living; as such, he strives to promote kindness and greens wherever he goes! Dr. Brian integrates his medicine with a core understanding that we are all unique individuals and as such our medicine and healthcare must be tailored individually. It is this exciting and vital challenge that brought him to naturopathic medicine and ultimately to serving us here on the Central Coast. He is very excited and eager to get involved in the community, please join us in welcoming him to the practice!


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We were at a Christmas Concert in the local church yesterday evening (Lea plays trumpet as part of Music Education at school, and participated as part of a large student brass band).
I could not get a good picture of her with my camera, due to bad light, and the band leader/teacher getting in my way - BUT, Lea had noticed the noble family crest associated with our family name decorating part of the church, and I took the opportunity to take a photo of it.
'Argent, Three Crows Sable', as it is described in a document from 'The Historical Research Center', which I brought home from my trip to Scotland in 1995.
No, I do not pretend to be of noble birth, but my family name is associated with an old noble family originating in West Jutland, and it is always fun and interesting to find the traces of it here and there (the cathedral in Roskilde actually houses a funeral chapel of said family). The house next to ours also used to be a 'Hospital' (i.e. poorhouse), established by a Lady-in-Waiting of that noble family, somehow tied to Egeskov Castle.


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This month our money will supply nine greenhouses for eighty five foster children and their families in East Africa. This scheme is run by The Mango Tree, which provides this supportive work in Kenya and Tanzania. Apart from this work being aligned with our overall aims, The Mango Tree is a remarkable role model to all charities, because it manages to operate with very low running costs (around 1%).
The aim of the charity is to respect the traditional extended role of local families to look after orphaned children. The impact of parental deaths from AIDS, alongside persistent poverty for some groups in East Africa has placed a particular strain on this role. Families find themselves unable to send their children to school and all members become prone to malnutrition and preventable diseases. Under this burden, rural children drift into urban area and live on the streets, adding to their vulnerability.
Our contribution to the work of The Mango Tree will help to reverse some of these pressures on the families they work with. The focus is on self-sustainability, especially by increasing access to clean water and raising the production of local agriculture, livestock and fishing production. These efforts are targeted on those families most at risk of ill health. The economic model is to facilitate the establishment of micro-business (250 in this region is the target by 2014). The Mango Tree works with other charities locally to advocate for land inheritance rights as part of this aim of self-sustainability.
Building greenhouses with The Mango Tree will will provide a positive practical and environmental impact for these foster children and their families, and we look forward to sharing photos of them later this year.


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Schedule Your Appointment
Not a Sarasota School or Manatee County School Employee? Find your site below:
Corporate and Government Locations
Hillsborough County public School Locations
Pasco County School Board Locations
Pinellas County School Board Locations
Scheduling your appointment is easy!
1. Choose your company from drop-down below.
2. Select the available day that appears on the calendar.
3. From pop-up, select preferred time slot.
4. Complete patient information.
5. Click 'Schedule'.
Note: if you do not properly select your company/event, your registration will not be valid.
6. You will receive a confirmation email from firstname.lastname@example.com with your appointment date and time (check your junk/spam folder). It is important to keep this email because it has a link to easily change or cancel your appointment if needed.
Only screening mammograms (routine, annual exams for women with no current breast problems) are offered by our mobile mammography coach. If you are under 40 you would need a prescription from your physician for a screening mammogram. Ages 40+ no prescription is required. If you currently have concerns regarding your breast health (i.e. a lump you can feel, nipple discharge, pain, dimpling of the breast or nipple changes) please contact your physician immediately.


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Abbey Coins & Medals
We buy most collectables so whether you have a single item or a whole collection that you wish to sell, we would be very pleased to value it and buy it from you. Being in central Norwich right next to the main bus route through the city, we are at an excellent easy-to-find location.
We have experts who specialise in British and World Coins, Banknotes, Medals, Postcards, Stamps, Watches and other Collectable items.
No reviews yet.


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Rockbox mail archiveSubject: Re: Blind, Bluechip, sterile debate, an apology and a recognition to the group.
From: Brian Wolven (brian.wolven_at_verizon.net)
Date: 2004-06-24
Glenn Ervin at Home wrote:
> What the heck is that?
A bad browser pun.
> ----- Original Message -----
I just prefer them to "I.E. sandwiches with the crusts cut off".
Page was last modified "Jan 10 2012" The Rockbox Crew


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Less than 700 m from the beach and cliffs of the Roche Coast, it offers views of virgin beaches such as the Cadiz coast. Enjoy the light of Costa de la Luz at Villa La Alegria!
Totally Reformed! The living room dominates the entrance of the house. This looks over the swimming pool, located in a natural setting ensuring a relaxing and quiet holidays.


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This article is mainly discussing the following topics:
1. What do you know about extractor?
Do you know what an extractor is? Is it a fume extractor?
No, not fume extractor.
Or is it a washer extractor?
Nah, not this either.
Dictionary defines extractor as:
1. A person or thing that extracts.
2. (in a firearm or cannon) the mechanism that, after firing, pulls an empty or unfired cartridge or shell case out of the chamber and brings it into place for action by the ejector.
3. A centrifuge for spinning wet laundry so as to remove excess water.
4. Medicine/Medical, Dentistry, an instrument for drawing out, extracting, or pulling.
But those are not the extractors we are talking about. What we are talking about here is audio extractor. There are various software that have audio extraction function on the market. And Leawo Blu-ray Ripper is definitely one of the best.
2. Best Blu ray Extractor — Leawo Blu-ray Ripper
Leawo Blu-ray Extractor could rip and convert Blu-ray to video and extract audio off Blu-ray to save in all formats for any media player and device. More than 180 video and audio formats are supported for output such as Blu-ray to MP4, Blu-ray to MKV, Blu-ray to AVI, Blu-ray to WMV; Blu-ray/DVD to MP3, AAC, FLAC, etc.
In addition, Leawo Blu-ray Ripper has a high conversion speed. 3 types of GPU acceleration technologies: NVIDIA CUDA acceleration, Intel Quick System and AMD APP acceleration. It delivers high-speed conversion with satisfied quality, saving you're a huge amount of time on ripping Blu-ray/DVD to video.
What's more, this converter can convert Blu-ray to audio file with 100% any quality lossless. The Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD decoding technologies ensure 100% quality lossless audio out, together with up to 1080P HD video image. You can even set the audio parameters as well to get the better audio output quality.
On top of that, the editing function it supports is amazing. Leawo Blu-ray Ripper enables you to personalize Blu-ray videos or audios before or after converting to get more enjoyment, including: file merging, media editing, 3D movie creating, parameter adjusting, etc. You could make movie with your own patent easily. With Leawo Blu-ray Ripper, there's nothing you can't do with your Blu-ray content.
Leawo Blu-ray Ripper offers you two ways to extract audio from Blu-ray DVD:
a.extract the whole audio by converting the whole blu ray to audio;
b.extract part of the Blu-ray movie and then convert it to audio.
Here's a simple tutorial on how to convert Blu-ray to audio using Leawo Blu-ray Ripper.
Method A:
Step 1: Download and install Leawo Blu-ray Ripper on your computer, and then kick off the program to enter the home page as shown below.
Step 2: Settings. Click Settings icon on the right up corner to set language, conversion specification, performances, etc.
Step 3: Introduce source video. You have three options to introduce source videos. Under Convert button, you will see two drop down boxes that says Add Video and Add Blu-ray/DVD. You can add video or video folder by clicking the Add Video button; you can add from CD-ROM (you need to insert Blu-ray DVD or DVD beforehand), add from folder or add ISO file by clicking Add Blu-ray/DVD; or you can drag file directly into the program.
Step 4: Set the output format. Click the drop down box MP4 Video and then click change to launch a new interface where you can choose output audio format and device. You can also search for quick locating. Here I use FLAC Audio for example.
Step 5: Set the parameters of the output audio. Click the drop down box FLAC Audio and then click edit to launch a new interface where you can set parameters to get better output audio quality and then click OK. Here I chose Best and set everything to the highest.
Step 6: Start converting. Click the big green convert button to launch a side bar where you can choose your output folder. Choose Agree to the red notice to activate free conversion. Conversion speed is amazing. It only took me 5 seconds to convert a 3 minute Blu-ray video to a high quality FLAC audio. Several conversions can be made at the same time. With advanced disc protection removal technology, Leawo Blu-ray Ripper could decrypt, rip and convert Blu-ray discs with AACS, BD+ and the latest MKB protection, and CSS-DVD discs.
Method B:
Compared with Method A, You will need to do no more but a simple trim.
Step 1: After you have imported the video, click the film icon on it.
Step 2: Then there you are, in the editing interface. Trim any part you like by moving the little triangle sign beneath the playing bar or input the start time and end time. Then click ok to apply.
Step 3: click the drop down box MP4 video and then choose change to select preferred output audio. Here I use FLAC audio for example.
Step 4: Click the FLAC Audio drop down box again and then choose change to set related parameters of the audio same as Step 5 in Method A.
Step 5: After the set the parameters, you are all set for conversion. Just click the big green conversion button.
3. Conclusion
Leawo Blu ray audio extractor is everything you need to extract audio off Blu-ray DVDs. It offers different modes of audios depend on what quality and how much file size you want it to be. You can set different sample rate and bit rate to it. Set them all to the highest, and you will find the audio quality more than satisfying just like I did.
After the introduction of audio/video extraction from Blu ray as shown above, you can also get to know how to extract audio from DVD here as well.


text: From the Armchair – GLI Expanded Share Comments Funny thing about the GLI. It's an American phenomenon and a non-issue everywhere else. Jettas are for old people says a German friend of mine – a transplant who is now living in the USA. And that's the case really. America's GTI-spec Jetta sells solely in the USA – no surprise as the Jetta is the best-selling European car Stateside. Still, maybe expanding the GLI sub-brand in America and Europe might be a shrewd maneuver as performance enthusiasts also begin to feel the bite of fuel prices and the guilt of global warming. The GTI name and the heritage that goes with it are an asset to be sure for Volkswagen. Thing is, be it Golf, Rabbit, Polo or Lupo, the GTI is a hot hatch pure and simple. Days of slapping that moniker on cars outside the hot hatch spectrum such as the rare Scirocco GTI are long gone. The ground is now too hallowed. Not so with GLI. GLI is a sedan to Americans and an enigma to everyone else. But, GTI owners often grow up, make babies and grow out of their GTIs. Enter the Passat. This generation Passat has been a bit less loved by Volkswagen's loyal owner group. Lackluster equipment packages except for the Euro-only R36 haven't helped things and it can no longer boast being the "affordable Audi" as was the B5 generation with its Audi chassis and drivetrain sharing. Nevertheless, this car is a solid package underneath and I suspect it might be a bit better received if it had a younger spin. That brings us back to the GLI name. Imagine, if you will, a Passat sedan and wagon that subscribe to the same philosophy as the GTI. Blacken the car's chrome snout, add a red border to its grille and give it a more aggressive chin – maybe lifted wholesale from the R36. Throw in some bolstered sport seats with the GTI's trademark plaid surfaces, along with the Jetta GLI's flat-bottomed sport steering wheel and accenting red stitching. Ditch the car's Tiptronic transmission for DSG and offer a manual. Fit a set of 19-inch GTI-design 5-spoke alloys and tune the suspension to handle more like a GTI and I suspect you'd have a real winner. If Volkswagen wanted to get really trick, they could opt for the 280hp 2.0T variant now fitted to the Audi S3 and federalized with DSG transmission for future sale in the US in the upcoming Audi TTS. Add the electronic limited slip differential that VWoA has been playing with in some of their own in-house GTIs and this'd be the icing on the proverbial cake. Want to play the green card even more? Volkswagen could take their Jetta TDI Sport model, basically a GLI with a TDI engine, and expand on that as well. With a Passat GLI sedan and wagon in the lineup, this sort of sporting diesel expansion would offer even more possibilities. If you think about it, Volkswagen is probably the best placed brand to capitalize upon such market expansion. Sporting models of the Ford Fusion or Toyota Camry simply aren't credible to those growing out of the sport compact car market be they GTI owners or drivers of Japanese cars like the WRX or Lancer. A Passat GLI, on the other hand, would be perfect for those looking for honest-to-goodness performance without the gluttonous fuel consumption that comes with more cylinders. Even Europe and its retirement home understanding of the Jetta might accept the badge were it adorned to the Passat and especially Passat variant. For more discussion on this story, click on the link to our discussion forums at the left.


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Narasimhan has told Rajnath that the situation has eased with both the CMs meeting at social events and exchanging wishes. He told Rajnath that both Chandrababu Naidu and KCR have agreed to 'resolve' the pending issues of bifurcation that was done in 2014.
ESL Narasimhan shared with Rajnath that both the CMs have come to the terms in most of the issues and only transfer of a few buildings are due. Apparently, Rajnath praised Narasimhan for his constant efforts to bring peace between both the states.
Narasimhan has explained him a slew of Telangana government programs, schemes (such as Mission Bhagiratha, land purification) that are successful. He also told Rajnath that the law and order situation in Hyderabad and other places of Telangana is in complete control.
Meanwhile, allegations from Congress and BJP leaders from Telangana have it that Narasimhan is "totally biased towards TRS government". While it was Congress who made him Governor, BJP continued his term, but strangely, Narasimhan is showing his favouritism to KCR," alleged a Telangana Congress leader.
Narasimhan has met the Telangana Congress leaders after this and said it was a "family affair'. He compared the hot comments of Congress leaders while responding. "In family children fight with elders and may criticize them for what they need. There is nothing much. It is a regular happening," Narasimhan replied to allegation of Congress leaders.


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Sri Lanka bans sale of glyphosate weedicide responsible for kidney disease
Wed, Mar 12, 2014, 08:06 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Mar 12, Colombo: Sri Lanka has banned the sale of Monsanto's "Round Up" glyphosate weedicide after a study found that the weedicide is responsible for the increasing number of chronic kidney disease patients.
Minister off Special Projects S.M. Chandrasena said the decision to ban Glyphosate sales in the country has been taken on a directive of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Addressing a media briefing, the Minister said several programs have been implemented to prevent the high occurrence of kidney disease among the farming community.
A new study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found a link between the weedicide known as Roundup and the fatal Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown origin (CKDu) affecting mostly, the rice farmers in Sri Lanka and several other countries.
The study found that while the weedicide itself is not nephrotoxic, when it combines with hard ground water containing metals such as cadmium and arsenic, either naturally present in the soil or added through fertilizer, glyphosate becomes extremely toxic to the kidney.
In recent years a significant increase in the number of CKD patients has been observed in some parts of the country, especially in North Central, North Western, Uva and Eastern Provinces.
According to the Minister a national program to prevent the kidney disease will be launched next Friday. The program will encourage the Sri Lankan farmers to produce and use organic fertilizer.
Dr. Channa Jayasumana of Rajarata University, the lead author of the study on glyphosate, told the national radio that paddy has been planted without the use of chemical fertilizer in an extent of 100 acres in the left bank of Rajanganaya and plans are underway to plant traditional paddy varieties in 5,000 acres of land in the right bank also.
The Ministry of Agriculture aims to cultivate paddy in 100,000 acres of land throughout the country in the Maha season using organic fertilizer.


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Working in the food and beverage industry, you are aware that without effective filtration, food, beverages and processes can become contaminated due to poor air quality. We'd like to share our knowledge to educate and inspire you to optimise your food and beverage company to meet the strict regulatory industry requirements.
Companies in the food and beverage industry have a responsibility to ensure the safety of all people, products and processes. Food and beverage contamination grabs people's attention because eating and drinking are vital and necessary parts of everyone's day.
Some processes are more sensitive than others. If you work in the food and beverage or life science industries, you know how tough the demands on clean air are. To be sure you have the right filter, look for the ProSafe symbol.Read the article


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The earth's finest heroes unite to face a fearsome new threat in the big screen epic action adventure JUSTICE LEAGUE and we have three legendary bundles to give away to celebrate its cinema release!
Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Henry Cavill, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller and Ray Fisher,
JUSTICE LEAGUE hits UK cinemas November 17.
Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce
Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only
JUSTICE LEAGUE is released THIS FRIDAY
©2017 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved
TM & ©DC Comics
The Small Print
- Open to UK residents only
- The competition will close 27th November 2017 at 23.59 GMT
- The winner will be picked at random from entries received
- Prize for 3 (three) winners will be 1 (one) merchandise bundle consisting of x1 (one) custom bomber jacket, x1 (one) Grey T-shirt, x1 (one) set of six journals in black box, x1 (one) Tech Sticker Set and x1 (one) Silver Mobile Ring
- Prize is subject to availability. Events may occur that make the awarding of the Prize impractical or inappropriate due to unforeseen circumstances or reasons beyond the control of the Promoter or Warner Bros. In this situation, the Warner Bros. may vary or amend the Prize to provide a reasonable alternative as a result of which the Promoter or parties connected to the Promoter shall not be held liable
- If the winner fails to respond within 7 days of notification, they will be deemed void and an alternative winner will be contacted
- No cash or credit alternative is available and the Prize is not transferable. Eligibility for the Prize may be subject to signing Warner Bros. Prize Acceptance Form
(available on request)
- Prizes may not be sold, offered for sale or used in connection with any other
competition or promotion by the Prize winner.
- Prize details are correct at time of publication.
- If any Prize or element thereof becomes unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, Warner Bros. UK reserves the right to substitute with a Prize of
equivalent rating and audience at its sole discretion.
- The Promoter of this competition is HeyUGuys.
The usual T&Cs can be found here. Good Luck!


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Refine Your Search Results
Within our complete Installation Questions checklist are important questions to consider such as:
Planning: Regardless of whether you hire a professional or do–it–yourself (DIY), there are steps prior to installation that must be taken. First things first: the removal of all furniture, appliances, and area rugs. Protect your furniture from dust and installation debris by designating a secluded spot for these items until installation is complete. Also determine where you plan on storing the shipment of linoleum once it arrives.
Time: Before purchasing linoleum materials, take the time to research linoleum floor types, styles, and options. If you are planning a do–it–yourself project, also make sure to leave yourself ample time to complete the project. In most cases, DIY'ers under budget their time and wind up rushing the job at the very end.
Full Project Budgeting: Use our financing chart to keep track of your linoleum floor budget; this will ensure that you've accounted for the cost of all of the necessary products and materials. Don't forget to add in fees for custom work and accessories.
NEXT: Where to Buy »
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Want to be in our directory? Contact our Sales Department.


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6/28/17 - The Exeter Township Board of Supervisors has finalized an agreement with Penn State Health / LifeLion Emergency Medical Services, Inc. to provide emergency medical services to Exeter Township residents. This is scheduled to be effective as of September 1, 2017.
All 2017 Ambulance Subscriptions purchased by township residents from the Exeter Township Fire Department will be honored through December 31, 2017. In other words, if you purchased a subscription, you will receive the benefit of it for the balance of this year.
Inquiries regarding services or bills received from the Exeter Township Fire Department ambulance can continue to be forwarded using the contact information below.
Inquiries regarding the new ambulance service should be directed to the Exeter Township offices at (610) 779-5660.
Thank you.
Ambulance Service Contact Information
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: 610-655-4911
General EMS Questions: firstname.lastname@example.com
Physical Address: 46 West 33rd Street, Reading PA 19606
Mailing Address: PO Box 3827, Reading PA 19606
Ambulance Billing Department
Billing Department: 1-844-729-3671
Billing e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Online Bill Payment: www.emsbillpay.com


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When you're one of the Marvel Universe's most obnoxious costumed characters it helps to have a healing factor that allows you to recover from any wound. Such is the case with Deadpool. His smart mouth has gotten him shot, stabbed, blown up and torn to pieces, but because of his healing ability he's able to literally pull himself together and deliver a snappy comeback. Lately that power has become a bit of a burden -- that's because Deadpool has decided he wants to die.
This February writer Daniel Way and artist Carlo Barberi will kick of a new arc titled "Dead," which finds Wade Wilson desperately pursuing one last plan that will finally allow him to drift off into the "Big Sleep." CBR News spoke with Way about the "Dead" arc, which begins in the oversized "Deadpool" #50 and was announced by Marvel yesterday at their "X-Men: Regenesis" panel at New York Comic Con.
It is true that deep down inside Deadpool doesn't like himself very much. However, Wade Wilson is not an overly introspective guy so his suicide attempts don't stem from feelings of deep depression or anguish.
"Even when he allows himself a moment of self reflection it doesn't really stick with him. He dwells on it for a second and then he's off to something else. He doesn't have the attention span for something like that. He obsesses over other things," Way told CBR News. "The only reason he's not moving on from this is that he's kind of bored with everything and feels like he's kind of been there and done that. He wants to get to that next level; that next thing that he can completely obsesses over. Because that's what he does, he locks onto something and just does the hell out of it until it's not fun any more. This is kind of the crowning jewel. This is the one thing that he supposedly just can't pull off. He loves a challenge and this is the ultimate challenge.
"In Deadpool's mind what he's doing isn't suicide," Way continued. "This is him attempting to win an unwinnable game and he's willing to die to do it. So it's not really a matter of introspection, although that does come in and out of focus for him. It's just that he has a goal in mind, and to him Death is a beautiful woman who loves him just as he is. In his mind if he does this he gets the girl and gets to tell everybody, 'Fuck you. I pulled it off.' He's not really comprehending what he's doing. The people around him are going to provide that perspective."
Deadpool's quest to die began in "Deadpool" #37, the start of an arc called "Operation Annihilation," which saw him try to provoke the Incredible Hulk into killing him. Unfortunately for Deadpool Bruce Banner took pity on him and delivered a beating the Merc With a Mouth could recover from. That recovery took weeks, and when Deadpool woke up from it, he found he had been shipped off to an asylum for the criminally insane in England. In the "Institutionalized" arc Deadpool carried out a plan that allowed him to escape from the asylum, but not the psychiatrist who was obsessed with him. In the recently completed "You Complete Me" arc Deadpool dealt with his insane admirer and discovered her gruesome trophy collection of body parts that he had lost on various adventures.
Those body parts were knitted together to form the villainous patchwork antagonist in the current "Evil Deadpool" arc, who Deadpool will battle in issues #45-49. During that battle he'll discover the existence of something that might help him in his quest to die.
"This actually comes into play in issue #49. Unfortunately it's beyond his reach at that point. 'Dead' is really about him obtaining this thing that he needs. He doesn't know who has his 'kryptonite.' He doesn't know where this thing came from, why it's out there, or where it's at," Way explained. "The discovery of this thing opens up a world of possibilities. Wade realizes what he has to do is somehow narrow the field and get what he's after back out in the open."
"Dead" begins in "Deadpool" #50, but before that Deadpool's past exploits are recapped in a fun and appropriately bizarre Point One issue. "Issue #49.1 is a musical issue that encapsulates the first 49 issues of the series into four musical numbers. It's a primer of sorts and it builds a ramp towards 'Dead' by bringing people up to speed and refreshing their memories," Way said. "It's a hell of a lot of fun. John McCrea [DC Comics' "Hitman"] is doing the art and it's totally gonzo. I've seen the first several pages from this story and they're nuts."
When "Dead" begins Deadpool devises a plan to help him recover the mysterious thing he needs to die. As the arc progresses several major players in the Marvel Universe will find themselves embroiled in this plan, much to their chagrin.
"Deadpool's plan is massive. He's building a trap for himself, which he can't escape. He's going to eliminate as many possibilities of his own survival as possible. That means getting everybody to point all of their weapons at him and hopefully one of those weapons is the one that can actually kill him," Way said. "This arc takes place in New York, and as Marvel fans know that's the Kingpin's town. Normally he'd be aware of something this big. That's how it starts. By the time he's wrapped his head around it he's surrounded by it. Once he's involved we'll see characters like Typhoid Mary and the Hand.
"Deadpool's teammates on X-Force are also going to be part of 'Dead,'" Way continued. "Since he's one of their own they feel some responsibility for what's going on, so they get drawn into the chaos and before they know it they're deeply enmeshed in things."
The events of "Dead" sprung out of a conversation Way had about "Deadpool" with his former editor, Jody LeHeup. "This was a little over a year ago. He asked me, 'What is the ultimate Deadpool story?' I said, 'That's the one where he actually gets what he wants.' Because he always wins and loses. He pulls off what he's attempting, but fails in some other way. Or he gets what he's after, but then realizes he doesn't want it. What if he actually got an unqualified win though? And what is his ultimate goal?" Way remarked. "He's been obsessing over this image of Death as a beautiful woman with a skeletal face for so long and what if he did everything perfectly and got the girl? Then Jody asked me how do you follow that? I said, 'You wouldn't because he's dead.' And that's really where this arc started."
Giving Deadpool exactly what he wants will have some interesting and immediate repercussions. "There have been several 'Death Of' stories in recent years, but to my knowledge this is a pretty unique take on those stories and readers should be prepared," Way said. "It's going to be tough writing the epilogue to this story. Because one of the themes is be careful what you wish for. What happens if Deadpool gets what he wants and then decides he's done with being dead? At that point it will of course be too late."
Way was unable to comment definitively on whether or not Deadpool dies as the end of "Dead" and what his plans are for the character after the story line. He might not even have any. At the time of this interview the writer hinted that he only had "Deadpool" planned out as far as issue #55, the final issue of "Dead." If "Dead" does turn out to be Way's final issue of the series fans can rest assured he's going to end his run with a bang.
"I like the conversations that I've already been hearing about this story. This is a five-issue arc and the first issue is 28 pages. Deadpool's discovery that he can die happens in the first eight pages of the first part. So there's a lot happening in this story," the writer said. "Our story arcs have been very intertwined lately. 'Operation Annihilation' led right into 'Institutionalized,' which flowed right into 'You Complete Me,' which would have led right into 'Dead' but we did 'Evil Deadpool' beforehand. So for fans that have been reading all the story arcs 'Dead' is the ultimate payoff and I'm extremely grateful for those fans. It's kind of unique to have this long of a run on a book nowadays. That only happens because readers are buying the book."
"Dead" begins in the oversized "Deadpool" #50, on sale in February.


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h+ Magazine - May 4, 2009, by Ben Goertzel
The news media is buzzing with talk of IBM's new DeepQA project, aimed at creating a program that can beat humans at the question-answering game of Jeopardy. This is indeed exciting indeed – although, at the moment, it's a partly-completed plan rather than a demonstrated accomplishment. But let's suppose IBM succeeds at its aim. What will this really mean?
To interpret DeepQA in the proper way, one needs to grasp the notion of "AI-completeness" -- an informal concept that is central to the folklore of modern AI. Here's the basic concept behind AI-completeness: Some problems are so hard that the only way to solve them is to create an artificial entity with human-level general intelligence. These problems are AI-complete. On the other hand, some problems --- even though they're hard for humans and seem to require great general intelligence --- are actually amenable to simple, specialized approaches. These problems are not AI-complete.
Read more>>
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At Fulcrum People, we believe leaders are made not born. There is however a limit to what can be learned from text books and training room programmes.
The originator of Action Learning is Professor Reg Revans, an Englishman who established a reputation in the UK and Western Europe. From first beginnings in the 1970's, Action Learning is now a world wide methodology of choice and is found in various forms in the best MBA and leadership development programmes globally e.g. Harvard, Governor's Leadership Foundation, GE.
Revans spoke of the necessity for finding new ways for managers to acquire skills in a working environment which is subject to constant change. He predicted, as many had before him, the dire consequences for those who cannot cope with change – who turn their back on the inevitable and pray for a "quiet organisational life".
He believes that using wisdom, judgement, street smarts, gut feel, acumen and savvy before taking decisive intelligent action (what he called "Q"), can be accelerated if the right learning and development techniques are employed. Managers don't develop judgement by watching and listening to others, they learn by doing and being guided intentionally through their experience to identify what they have learned.
Revans developed the following formula to illustrate this point :
L = learning
P = programme knowledge
Q = the ability to ask the right questions and apply sound judgement to solution implementation
R = review and reflection on what has been learned
I = integrating what has been learned into future behaviour
The purpose of Action Learning is to have the participant overcome substantial personal discomfort by being placed in an unfamiliar environment, given an unfamiliar task which is not reliant on past experience, but is important to the organisation.
Consult us on the use of Action Learning for the identification of talent and rapid development of executive capacity.
+61 414 104 484


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The Threats of Falling Equipment In and Around Construction Sites
Being struck by falling objects or other debris is always a risk inside and around construction sites. Besides the workers themselves, visitors to the site and even pedestrians are also open to the risk of being hit by objects falling from above, accidents that can result to traumatic brain injury, paralysis or even death. The most common types of falling objects that can cause serious injury are handheld tools, loose building materials, movable concrete and improperly secured loads from cranes or mechanical lifts.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in 2012, about 78 construction workers were killed after being struck by falling objects or debris. Due to the dangers workers and many other individuals are exposed to, OSHA makes it the legal responsibility of construction companies and construction site owners to make sure that construction sites are kept safe. Accidents due to failure to keep construction sites safe may be the result of negligence of construction companies, site owners, workers and subcontractors. These acts of negligence that can result to falling objects or debris and injure someone include:
- Lack of signage that will warn people about work going on overhead;
- Lack of barricades to limit access to construction sites;
- Tools or materials accidentally dropped by workers working on construction scaffolding and platforms;
- Failure to wear or lack of personal protective gear, such as hard hats, face shields, and safety googles;
- Failure to make regular maintenance checks and properly inspect construction equipment before use;
- Failure of workers to secure hand held tools and other materials properly;
- Failure on the part of employers to properly train workers on safety measures and on the proper use of construction equipment and machinery;
- Failure on the part of employers to provide workers with safety gears;
- Lack of safety devices, such as debris nets, shore and brace structures, catch platforms, tool guards, and toe boards; and,
- Failure to properly secure loads that are being lifted, resulting to objects getting dislodged.
There are many traumatic injuries that can occur on construction sites. These injuries frequently require emergency medical services because of the dangerous equipment on these sites. Unsurprisingly, construction workers face the most risk of construction site injuries. They must rely on their employers to provide the safest work environment possible and proper safety training for their jobs. Unfortunately, many employers fail to take adequate safety measures in order to cut costs and many construction workers suffer injuries as a result.
While it is true that a construction worker, who gets injured on the job, may be able to apply for financial benefits paid by the Workers' Compensation Insurance Program, he/she may also waive this legal right and choose to file a civil suit against his/her employer instead; he/she may also be able to file a civil lawsuit against a third party individual whose action or lack of action may have contributed to the accident that resulted to his/her injuries. Having a seasoned personal injury lawyer, who can counsel him/her regarding the best legal action to take, may be an advantage.
Causal Factors of Product Liability Cases
There is a legal concept called product liability, wherein designers, manufacturers, and everybody else involved in trade are legally obligated to make sure that the products they make available to the public are safe, because they can be held accountable for accidents, injuries, and deaths.
According to the website of Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC, all those who have been hurt because of dangerous products may pursue legal action against the responsible parties. But how can consumers get hurt by products anyway? There are three main factors that may trigger a product accident.
Design Defects
A design defect occurs when a product has an inherently dangerous design. It is one of the most common triggers of product accidents and injuries. Designers should first study their proposed designs, determine the possible risks, and come up with a way to avoid these risks by improving the design. Failing to make a competent and thorough study may result into a design defect that may put an unsuspecting consumer in danger. An example of this is how certain vehicle airbags deploy in a way that causes more harm than good.
Manufacturing Defects
A product has a manufacturing defect if it has flaws that have risen because of manufacturing error or negligence. The two most common manufacturing defects include the use of poor materials and the practice of poor manufacturing techniques. Both can make the product suffer from poor quality, and it may even easily break and cause an accident. For example, a bicycle for children may have a crack in the body, making it vulnerable to breaking and making the child at risk of crashing and injuring himself.
Inherently Dangerous Products
The whole product itself may be dangerous. Maybe the product has not been studied well and yet the company that owns it puts it out in the market, such as those surgical implants that turn out to have negative medical implications. Maybe the product has hazardous substances, like arsenic, mercury, and lead, such as those toys that can cause lead-poisoning. Maybe the product has no labels that may inform consumers of the product's safety and hazardousness, such as those construction equipment that do not come with safety instructions and warning signs.


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An autopsy report released Wednesday could lead to charges against a McAlester man involved in a July 4 death during a hit-and-run boat accident.
Gary McIninch, 55, died after he was ejected from a pontoon boat that was hit by a 20-foot ski boat allegedly piloted by McAlester resident Ryan Shumway.
McIninch's body was found in the water two days after he disappeared into Lake Eufaula.
A report ,obtained by the News-Capital from the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner states McIninch died from complications of blunt force trauma of the torso, that he had lacerations to the scalp, fractures of the rib and vertebrae, and spinal cord transection.
The type of death is listed as "violent, unusual or unnatural."
No arrests were made in the case, but Shumway was identified in an accident report filed by the Oklahoma Lake Patrol. Four days after the accident, Shumway came forward to investigators through his attorney and made himself and his boat available for the investigation, according to District 25 District Attorney Rob Barris.
In October, McIninch's wife said the loss of her husband was magnified by the fact that she feels like nothing was being done and no arrests have been made.
"I want the person responsible for my husband's death to be charged," she said.
District 25 District Attorney Rob Barris had said the autopsy report was needed before a decision about the charges could be made. On Thursday Barris said he had not seen the medical examiner's report and that the case was still open.
"I just requested more information yesterday," he said Thursday.
A phone number for Shumway has been disconnected and he could not be reached for comment. His attorney, Warren Gotcher, has also declined comment.
According to report filed by the Oklahoma Lake Patrol, several witnesses reported a boat hit a pontoon carrying 10 people, including McIninch, on July 4 at Lake Eufaula. After hitting the pontoon, the ski boat landed atop a nearby boat that had four people on board.
The witnesses said the boat pilot circled the accident scene and then left, the report states.
A boat driven by an off-duty police officer stopped to help. Two of McIninch's granddaughters were injured and hospitalized after the accident, the patrol report states.
The report states Shumway told police he was traveling at about 30 mph when he hit the vessel.
The investigating trooper also stated in the report that "he believes that alcohol also played a factor but cannot conclude due to the fact that Shumway left the scene and did not come forward until four days later."
Contact Jeanne LeFlore at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Media Circus of Biblical Proportions at Armageddon HQ
The media has been in a tizzy over the Rapture predictions made by end-times prophet Harold Camping, whose followers expected to ascend to heaven after God destroyed the world on Saturday at 6pm. Mostly, it's just been a convenient excuse to bash Christians, even though the vast majority of Christians think Camping is a kook:
I suspect that the media feeding frenzy ... has less to do with an impulse to lampoon the ridiculous than an impulse to ridicule Christianity in general. Despite Camping and his followers being an extremely small fringe group, the media has covered this story as if the entire Southern Baptist church made this prediction. Stanley also concurs that this should be an extremely small story, not a dominating narrative, but also predicts that we've just seen the beginning of it. Come tomorrow morning, we're going to see a deluge of snarky reports about the silly end-timers who got left behind — excuse me, Left Behind — which will all carry an unstated theme of "oh, those silly Christians and their silly beliefs!"
So, the media have a self-serving justification for turning a small story into front-page news. But they do have a big logistical problem with the Rapture: it has no locus, no "main stage" where the whole drama will play out. Instead, Camping's followers are scattered one-by-one across the country, each waiting for Rapture or disappointment in private. So where can you as a reporter stand facing the camera with a meaningful backdrop to show you're in the middle of the action?
Well, Oakland, California famously has "no there there," but it does have the only "there" for the Armageddon story -- the headquarters of "Family Radio," the Oakland studio where Camping records his radio shows which are then broadcast around the world. So I -- along with a veritable circus of pranksters and true believers -- decided to await the rapture at Armageddon HQ, the Family Radio offices on Hegenberger Road near the Oakland Airport. (Two other photographers also showed up and contributed their pictures to the report below.)
Turns out that neither Camping nor any of his followers were on hand, but that didn't diminish the completely ridiculous media circus that ensued -- a self-feeding fiasco that encapsulated the Armageddon-mockery frenzy we're witnessing on a wider scale across the country.
When I first showed up around 4pm, there wasn't a single soul around -- just two hours until the end of the world, and no one is at the headquarters of the group that predicted it? Weird.
I went up to the building, but even that was closed, and no one was inside. Wait -- did they say six p.m.? Or was that Eastern Standard Time? Was I already too late, the last person standing on earth?
I snapped a shot of the inside of the Family Radio office -- didn't seem like they had made any special preparations for Armageddon. What are those folders doing in the "In" box? Pending completion...when, exactly? (Later, a reporter told me that 80% [he was very specific about that -- 80%] of the Family Radio employees don't believe Harold Camping.)
But the desolation was only temporary. Soon, a procession of groups and individuals -- from the completely serious to the utterly absurd -- would show up and transform the parking lot into a media circus.
The first arrivals were the Calvary Bible Church, of Milpitas (a small city south of Oakland). They were disgusted by Camping's self-serving prophecies, and wanted to show that not all Christians were falling for this hoo-ha. Shortly afterwards, a Japanese journalist (seen here on the left) showed up and interviewed them.
The Milpitans said they were there to give counseling to any devastated Camping followers who might show up at the main office after the fizzled Rapture, and prevent them from committing suicide or losing their faith in God.
And from there, it was all downhill.
Next up was a covey of sarcastic hipsters who showed up to, well, just be on the scene. When interviewed by various reporters, they had no real explanation for their presence, other than to satiate their need for postmodern irony.
So they posed for souvenir photos in front of the Christian signs.
More professional jokers arrived a few minutes later: Bishop Joey, leader of a freelance comedy troupe known as the First Church of the Last Laugh, affixed a helium tank to a pole. Why?
To inflate love-dolls and twistable balloons made to look like little people, which were to be released at 6pm, to give the media a "visual" of souls ascending to heaven. Of course!
By this time, the television news crews were arriving in a continuous stream, like Okies fleeing the Dust Bowl. Here the ABC News reporter practices her "very serious" expression in preparation for the 5pm newscast.
And where there are cameras, there will also be attention-hounds. This duo announced that Gay Pride has successfully prevented Armageddon.
The leader positioned himself directly in front of the Milpitas Christians, since most camera crews were using them as a backdrop.
And they just kept coming. A small squad of sarcastic nihilists arrived with the now commonplace parody placards "This Is a Sign" and "Upside Down Sign." (I've seen these same jokes over and over at protests in recent years, and have always wondered: Are these people all part of the same specific group or trend, or do they somehow manage to come up with the same joke independent of each other?)
Right on their tails was a raucous group of young "scientists," with mockery-infused signs trumpeting science's superiority over religion. (Of course, it was quite apparent just from looking at them that not a single one of them knew the difference between a proton and a quasar; by "science," I presume they meant "secularism" or something along those lines.)
They paraded in a circle, trying to draw attention away from the nihilists, comedians, gays, Christians and hipsters.
When that didn't work, they turned on a loud boombox and started doing the spastic dance in front of the assembled camera crews. (I especially like the expression of the Christian woman on the far right, which seemed to hover somewhere between "You have got to be shitting me" and "God, please give me the patience to endure these juvenile asswipes!")
Our burgeoning five-ring circus became a six-ring circus when Santa Claus began encouraging everyone to "drink the Kool-Aid."
One by one, two by two, nuts, kooks and true believers of every stripe managed to find their way to Hegenberger Road as 6pm approached. Here we see a banjo player with a propeller beanie, who serenaded the crowd with his off-key rendition of R.E.M.'s "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)."
Someone handed out trillion-dollar bills that were so unbelievably well-made that they could easily pass for the real thing. Even the paper stock felt like real money. I don't want to get in trouble with the Secret Service for counterfeiting, so I purposely cropped off part of the bill.
(Hey, I have an idea: Maybe if I mailed 15 of these to the government, I could solve the federal deficit! Oh, wait, somebody already thought of that. Never mind.)
A man wearing a priestly cassock positioned himself in front of Camping's offices and began to pompously declaim in churchly Latin -- but who's going to take you seriously with pornographic love dolls drifting in the background?
Another guy showed up with a shirt that announced he was "Rapture Ready." Was he serious? Joking? After a while, I couldn't even tell any more.
A woman offered me a ticket to the afterlife.
I closed my eyes and chose one at random -- looks like my eventual destination is The Great Void, which seems pretty appropriate for an agnostic like me.
Off to the side, a guy carried a sign reading "Homosexuality is caused by child abuse." He and the Gay Rights dudes occasionally stared at each other warily, but luckily their paths never crossed.
By this stage, the whole scene was utterly surreal. Photographers began lining up across the street, and passing cars (most coming from the nearby airport) slowed down so people could snap pictures to show the folks back home. California never disappoints!
Bishop Joey held court in his Oakland A's-styled "Atheists" shirt, the perfect interview subject for the throngs of media crews looking for something to focus on.
Every now and then a helium-filled love-doll would escape and fly up to heaven prematurely. One can only imagine the chatter between the pilots of passing 747s and the airport control tower: "Roger, I have an unidentified flying sex toy off the port side. Please advise."
"This is Southwest Airlines flight 238. Spongebob Squarepants is ascending to heaven in our flight path. Abort landing?"
Someone put snarky signs (this being the most memorable) all over the parking lot.
One of the "scientists" repeated the same joke found in a million blog-comments over the last week.
As far as anyone could tell, there were no Camping followers on hand for the Milpitas Christians to console, so instead they formed a line on the roadside and consoled passing traffic.
As 6pm approached, the whole scene just descended into chaos. Everyone was everywhere with no rhyme or reason, cameras pointing every which way, trying to visually capture Armageddon somehow.
Yes, my son, this is what hell looks like.
The Christians seemed overwhelmed by it all, and retired to the back to the parking lot to have a group prayer huddle. The fact that they tried to do it out of the way where no one could see them -- the first non-performative act I'd seen in hours -- indicated to me that they were sincere, not just showing off.
Finally, 6 o'clock rolled around -- rather anti-climactically as it turned out, since various jokesters had been loudly yelling premature countdowns since at least 5:15, just to confuse everyone -- and the balloon-souls were released. Everyone looked skyward and cheered.
The Rapture!
A prank had gone viral on Facebook earlier in the day: Place empty clothes on sidewalks around your neighborhood after 6pm, to indicate where "raptured" Christians had ascended bodily into heaven, leaving all worldly things -- including clothes -- behind. Someone apparently thought it was funny to surround Camping's office with these prank rapture outfits.
Or could it be -- some in the crowd really had gone "poof" at 6pm, and none of us noticed? If so: had they all been barefoot? Or do you walk around in heaven naked except for your shoes?
The media, grateful to finally have a visual to accompany their Rapture coverage, hung around for hours afterward interviewing anyone who would consent to go on camera.
Harold Camping "flabbergasted" world didn't end
The man who said the world was going to end appeared at his front door in Alameda a day later, very much alive but not so well.
"It has been a really tough weekend," said Harold Camping, the 89-year-old fundamentalist radio preacher who convinced hundreds of his followers that the rapture would occur on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Massive earthquakes would strike, he said. Believers would ascend to heaven and the rest would be left to wander a godforsaken planet until Oct. 21, when Camping promised a fiery end to the world.
But today, almost 18 hours after he thought he'd be in Heaven, there was Camping, "flabbergasted" in Alameda, wearing tan slacks, a tucked-in polo shirt and a light jacket.
Birds chirped. A gentle breeze blew. Across the street, neighbors focused on their yard work and the latest neighborhood gossip.
"I'm looking for answers," Camping said, adding that meant frequent prayer and consultations with friends.
"But now I have nothing else to say," he said, closing the door to his home. "I'll be back to work Monday and will say more then."


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It can happen anywhere in the world, regardless of who makes the voting machines. The Register brings us a story of Irish voting machines that can not only be hacked so as to manipulate the result, they can also be hacked so you can play chess on them.
IT professionals in the Netherlands have demonstrated that the type of e-voting machines chosen by the Irish government for election counts can be secretly hacked.
Using documentation obtained from the Irish Department of the Environment, Dutch IT experts from anti e-voting group, "Wij vertrouwen stemcomputers niet" (We don't trust voting computers), went on the "Een Vandaag" television programme on Wednesday to reveal that NEDAP e-voting machines could be made to record inaccurate voting preferences and even be reprogrammed to run a chess program.


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Format: Audiobook
UNSUB by Meg Gardiner
Narrator: Hillary Huber
Length: 12 hrs
Date Read: June 2017
Genre: Police Thriller, Thriller
More Information:
A riveting psychological thriller inspired by the never-caught Zodiac Killer, about a young detective determined to apprehend the serial murderer who destroyed her family and terrorized a city twenty years earlier.
Caitlin Hendrix has been a Narcotics detective for six months when the killer at the heart of all her childhood nightmares reemerges: the Prophet. An UNSUB—what the FBI calls an unknown subject—the Prophet terrorized the Bay Area in the 1990s and nearly destroyed her father, the lead investigator on the case.
The Prophet's cryptic messages and mind games drove Detective Mack Hendrix to the brink of madness, and Mack's failure to solve the series of ritualized murders—eleven seemingly unconnected victims left with the ancient sign for Mercury etched into their flesh—was the final nail in the coffin for a once promising career.
Twenty years later, two bodies are found bearing the haunting signature of the Prophet. Caitlin Hendrix has never escaped the shadow of her father's failure to protect their city. But now the ruthless madman is killing again and has set his sights on her, threatening to undermine the fragile barrier she rigidly maintains for her own protection, between relentless pursuit and dangerous obsession.
Determined to decipher his twisted messages and stop the carnage, Caitlin ignores her father's warnings as she draws closer to the killer with each new gruesome murder. Is it a copycat, or can this really be the same Prophet who haunted her childhood? Will Caitlin avoid repeating her father's mistakes and redeem her family name, or will chasing the Prophet drag her and everyone she loves into the depths of the abyss?
Publisher: Dutton, Penguin Audio
Series: UNSUB #1
Listened for Review (PRH Audio)
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 3.75
Audio Rating: 4.00 (Not part of the overall rating)
Quick Thoughts: I am a huge fan of Meg Gardiner. She writes thrillers that deliver as the case plays out on the page. UnSub was really good at walking you through, keeping you snared, and slowly peeling back the case so that it keeps you guessing. It took me awhile to get on board for Caitlin mostly because as a rookie detective straight out of narcotics into homicide and she was just a little too good. She just didn't stumble enough and her fellow detectives didn't treat her like a rookie. That was probably the only thing that I didn't buy but about half way through I just let that go. Sometimes you just have to in order to enjoy the story. It is Fiction! The last 1/4 is really chilling and well done! I enjoyed this one!
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated by: Hillary Huber /Length: 12 hrs
Hillary did a really good job on all levels. I thought I was going to miss Susan or Tanya (the two I have listened to the most that do Meg's books) but Hillary fit right in. She did gritty when needed and really nailed Meg's pacing. She brought you further into the story and didn't miss a beat during the twists/turns. I would listen to her do a Meg book in the future!
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It DONE! Reviews
|Overall Rating
|Story Rating
|Character Rating
|Narrator Rating
Felicia S
During her non-reading time you can find her hanging with her rescue furr children named after book characters: Lizzie a beautiful cattle dog mix (Pound Pup), Cinder a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Pound Pup), and Minerva a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Foster Fail). Gathering with friends and family, attending conventions, watching movies/tv shows, rooting for the 49rs, and crocheting.
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- #30DaysofThanks Day 10: #SultryListeners Winner Aaron Shedlock - November 11, 2019


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Acupuncture is popular thanks to its capacity to treat some illnesses normally. The amount of acupuncturist raises every yr. And when it arrives to acupuncture, even with its recognition, you need to have to actually understand what it involves. You'll learn a good deal of what you need to know right right here.
Make sure your acupuncturist is utilizing new needles. If you are concerned about their methods, question them about it. Utilised needles can be extremely hazardous and lead to you to produce an an infection.
Even though you may possibly appreciate the work your acupuncturist is carrying out, never feel the want to tip. These are experts who must not be tipped. They are in the wellness treatment field, and ideas are not something normally provided in that field.
Dress in unfastened, cozy clothing for your acupuncture treatment method classes. Your acupuncturist need to be ready to simply achieve any spot of your body that they are functioning on. Also, there are some acupuncturists that do treatments in groups, so if that's the situation, you genuinely want to wear clothing.
No subject what, never ever give on the acupuncture prepare you have come up with. Buddies and family members may possibly try out and persuade you to quit going. A whole lot of pharmaceutical businesses would like to dismiss these far more organic techniques. Even so, you should not let these items to avoid you from sticking with your plan. By getting strong and focused, you will achieve the final results you want.
Question the acupuncturist if insurance policies is acknowledged. Several wellness insurance coverage programs cover option medication now. If they acknowledge your insurance policy, you may conserve tons of income with your ongoing therapy. By not carrying out this, you must pay out for the whole charges of treatment method. These costs can turn into expensive over time.
Make certain to teach by yourself about acupuncture. The higher your knowing, the much better equipped you will be to make sensible conclusions. Maintain this suggestions in thoughts so that you can add acupuncture to your health routine.


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Thursday, February 27, 2014
The Math of Shopping
You probably do not realize how much math is involved in your everyday life. Mathematics principles include not only numbers, but logic and probability. That's where retailers get you. They use math to entice you to buy what they want you to buy.
When you enter a store, you may notice you cannot walk straight through to the back. You are interrupted with obstacles that you must move around. There's a reason for that. They want you to run into tables and merchandise that they are promoting and want you to buy. You probably know that most people are right handed. This also causes them to turn to their right more often if given a choice. So, where do you think stores and shops are most likely to put the items they want you to buy or are pushing? On the right hand side of the store, of course!
Taking a penny or a dollar off the price tag has been common for years. Even at gas stations. 99 cents sounds so much cheaper than $1, right? Even though you are essentially paying a dollar anyway. Even a little more sounds like a bigger bargain. $5.89 as opposed to $6 or even $5.99. Retailers are using math to trick you into buying an item and thinking you are getting a bargain.
How about shelving items? What products do you think are at eye level? Most likely, the most expensive. Shop owners are betting you won't bend down or stretch way up to find the cheaper one.
And let's not forget to mention those impulse items at the cash register. A candy bar sounds great about now, right? You may have shopped for bargains, but now the store has used your urges to make a better sale!
Coupons are great, right? But only if they are really bargains. A store is going to make 3 times the money on 3 items than it would with one. So a coupon that gives a dollar off for buying three, is a great way to get you to buy 3 items, when you really only need one!
The math of shopping. Watch out for it!
Read about The Top 10 Women in Math History
Posted by Stephen Carr at 9:57 AM
Labels: math, real world math, shopping
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If you are interested in Che Guevara write me and i will send you his autobiographis, speeches and letters.
File that contains that is text file:
text file: 215 MB , zip file : 75 MB
write me:
By Richard M. Ruiz
Much has been written about Ernesto "Che" Guevara, but none describe the
man as I knew him. I am 65 years old, and yes I knew El Che. El Che that I
knew was a man of conscience, a crusader against injustice, oppression and
misery. Ernesto was a man concerned for the poor, not a demagogue. He was a
symbol of rebellion against hypocrisy, injustice, human suffering and a
society without soul.
In the midst of the confusion about El Che and Latin American, some quiet
reflection on the matter seems to be in order. There two sides to every
coin, and the truth about the man I knew is probably to be found somewhere
between two extremes. But here in the United States people are seldom able
to evaluate both sides of the man without divorcing themselves from the
prejudice that rules their minds.
At the time when some of us were active in promoting changes, Latin America
was the classic continent of military dictatorship and pronunciamientos of
coup di' etat in which one military tyrant was replaced by another, and
often with the blessings of the American government, whose only interest
was in the Americas natural resources. That's where Ernesto Che Guevara
came into the picture.
Guevara grew up in a regimented society. He saw the unfairness of the
American's evaluation of the oppression inflicted by the military tyrants
in Latin America and declared a personal war against it. Born Ernesto
Guevara de la Serna on June 14, 1928, in Rosario Argentina to Ernesto
Guevara Lynch, a Civil Engineer of Irish descent, and Celia de la Serna of
Spanish descent. Ernesto was the eldest of five children of the
middle-class family with strong liberal tendencies. During his childhood,
Ernesto developed bronchial asthma; a choking sensation that would always
accompany him. As one stood next to him, one could hear a wheezing sound
coming from his lungs whenever he got too uptight about anything that
didn't go his way.
Although he was called cold and inhuman by his enemies, Ernesto was warm
and compassionate toward those people deprived of fundamental social and
economic privileges. The latter was a dominant part of his life; the part
that made him the world's most known insurrectionist. He was a man that
trembled with indignation at the sight of any injustice committed against
the poor.
In 1952, El Che disengaged himself from his school work to tour South
America with Alberto Granados, a pharmacist and a biochemist. The journey
started on a motorcycle and ended-up in hitchhiking. They visited Chile,
Peru, Colombia and Venezuela. It was in Peru where for the first time
Ernesto "Che" Guevara came in close contact with South America's Indian
masses. He saw how the Indians of the Peruvian high plateau, whose
ancestors were the great Incas, were being exploited and brutalized by
foreign investors. Later on he cried when he saw the brutal inhumanity of
the lepers in San Pablo Leprosarium, located along the Amazon River. After
spending a few weeks around the Leprosarium, Ernesto returned to Argentina
where he resumed his studies at the Medical School in Buenos Aires.
Granados stayed behind as an employee of the Leprosarium.
However, After his graduation from Medical School, El Che once again set
out to visit Granados and tour other countries of Latin America. In
Guayaquil, Ecuador, he met Ricardo Rojo, Argentinean attorney who had been
expelled from his Country by dictator Juan Domingo Peron. Rojo convinced
Ernesto to go to Guatemala where a real social revolution was taking place.
That's where I met Ernesto "Che" Guevarra. I was in Guatemala City with a
group of students trying to convince the people of Guatemala to fight for
their democratic elected government, under the presidency of Jacobo Arbenz.
Arbenz was elected by promising land to the landless Indians who were dying
of starvation. As a result he expropriated 225,000 of uncultivated acres of
arable land from the American Fruit Company who was monopolizing
Guatemala's agriculture. The move became too much to bear by the American
Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles, also a stockholder and an attorney
for the American Fruit Company. Therefore, in March 1954, Dulles accused
the Arbenz government of being a communist regime and succeeded in forcing
the AOSmembers to prepare a mercenary invasion force in neighboring
Honduras. Cherecognized the necessity of the land reform, and supported
Jacobo Arbenz actions against the American Fruit Company and tried to
organize a fighting force to resist the CIA sponsored invasion of
Guatemala. Howeverhis efforts availed him nothing. The people and the
Guatemalan Army, whose high echelons sold out to the CIA, refused to fight.
The Arbenz government collapsed ahead of the invasion. For El Che, it was a
personal failurethat nearly cost him his life. Luckily, he was given asylum
in the Argentine Embassy in Guatemala City. Later arrangement was made to
securehim a guarantee of safe conduct so he could travel to Mexico City.
While in Mexico City, El Che married Hilda Gadea Acosta, a girl he first
met in Guatemala while she was working for the Arbenz government. A female
childwas born out of the marriage and all went smoothly until Ernesto met
Raul Castro, Fidel's brother.
However, immediately after Che met Fidel Castro, who at the time was
preparing the plans for the Cuban invasion out of the Hotel Imperial in
Mexico City, Guevarra managed to talk himself into the plan as the troop
physician. The sixty-two men invasion force left Mexico in a 43-foot yacht
named Gramma on November 25, 1956, from the port of Tuxpan. After landing
in Cuba Ernesto "Che" Guevara rose to the rank of major.
Less publicized than his legendary epoch as a guerrilla, Che Guevara's work
as one of the builders of the new society represented a very fruitful
period in his life. Che's talents in that context were already apparent
during the battles of the Sierra Maestra, where he organized workshop of
weaponry, tailoring and shoemaking and the production of bread, beef jerky,
cigarettes and cigars as logistical support for the guerrilla campaign.
Then in late 1958, He led one of the forces that invadedcentral Cuba,
capturing Santa Clara. That was the decisive victory of the war against the
forces of Fulgencio Batista. After the revolution, El Che held various
positions in government from where he reoriented Cuba industry towards
socialism, establishing concepts that ranged from the infrastructure to the
smallest production unit. He was the driving force behind socialist
planning, creatively applying to this system the principles, criteria and
objectives identified with Fidel Castro, although he was not interested in
power. Then, in April, 1965, Che wrote the following letter to Fidel
"I formally renounce my position in the national leadership of the party,
my post as minister, my rank as major, and my Cuban Citizenship... other
nations of the world call for my modest efforts."
In mid-1965, Che wrote his parents: "Once again I feel between my heels the
ribs of Rosinante; once more I must hit the road with my shield upon my
arm...I believe in armed struggle as the only solution for those peoples
who fight to free themselves, and I am consistent with my belief. Many will
call me an adventurer, and I am, only, one of a different sort; one of
those who risks his skin to prove his platitudes. It is possible this may
be the finish. I don't seek it, but it's within the realm of
In his last letter to his children, he said: "Grow up as good
revolutionaries. Study hard so that you will have command of the techniques
that permit the domination of nature. Above all, always remain capable of
feeling deeply whatever injustice is committed against anyone in any part
of the world. This is the finest quality of a revolutionary."
In October 8, 1967, in his struggle against injustice he was captured near
Vallegrande, Bolivia, by a unit of the Bolivian Army, under the direction
of the American CIA. Next day, while he laid wounded and deprived of
medical treatment, he was killed in cold blood by the cowards who have
captured him. The order came from Lyndon B. Johnson, president of the
United States of America.


text: I could get into all that has been going on, but that can be another time. difficult child and his wife are expecting a baby at the mid of next month. All was going well , he has a great paying job, took on a paper route on top of that, has his new rented house in order, and just basicallt been in Maniac mode with-o a diagnosis of it. When this happens usually then the S--- hits the fan and it has on my husband face an I. We have fiancially in a big way helped the 2 of them, and now he is setting good. But, he got it in his head that he needs a second car loan on a 4 door car. He cannot unload his other car because even though he has the moeny he would never pay on time, andmy husband co signed on that. This time we put our foot down and said, we cannot afford to help him. He wanted us to borrow from our Equity line . We havle already helped him from it and he owes use 24000.00 and my parents 1000.00 We did this knowing he was coming into cashing the rest of his college money. Well to our surprise he now has gotten the check, cashed and placed into his acct till it clears. He informed us he will not be paying us back or my parents. He has a message n his cell phone that says"Me and his wife have no parents anymore, that we are nothing by liars, with money that is owed back into our equity line , that wont come from them", and then he begins to laugh. I am so devastated, if anyone remembers my past posts this always happens , but this is the worse yet. I dont know what to do, or to tell my parents. We are now in the whole. Sad to say my son has more acess to money than we do, cause we have helped him, and my daughter alot lately, putting ourselves last. He has our cell, adn hoping to get it back. He is on our cell plan, adn my husband has cosigned for his car. That is only ties, any ideas , or ways to respond to this.? My son has 3 other children that it took us yr to fight to see them, and now he is doing it all over again with this new one. The difference, the first set of kids were taken away from him. Jen /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/919Mad.gif


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This summer, I was gang ho on growing my own vegetables, so I got the seeds, soil, compost and garden divider.
I was SO happy to see my faithful watering was bringing up sprouts all over the place in my little garden. I just knew that I was going to get great things out of this little garden of mine…
…then we went on vacation…
…and July struck….
…and a colony of ants invaded…
I lost most of my plants. The watermelon plants only grew to about 4-5 inches long-they produced a couple of melons about a golf ball in size before they split. The cucumber plants flowered, then got eaten by the ants. My bean plants grew-but never flowered. And my 2 carrots-rotted out at the top. My basil is doing well, and I have been able to pick a lot off of it.
All in all, my garden was a failure. I know why…the barrier I used between the top soil and the ground. It didn't allow for the roots to get deep and tap into the moisture below.
A few weeks ago, my sister-in-law posted what they have done in their garden. It is based of a film called Back to Eden. I sat down and watched most of it-I still have about 30 minutes to go. The last part of the film is about other Back to Eden Gardens around the country. I really liked what I heard, and thought if anywhere was going to prove what this guy says about the wood chips helping to retain water and crops growing even in drought-it would be here in Texas.
I knew I wanted to get most of the back yard used for a garden and get the soil ready for next spring. I started looking up tree trimming companies, but had not yet started to call them yet.
Today, when I was coming home from grocery shopping, there were tree trimmers trimming trees along the alley for the utilities. They just happened to be right next to our house, so I asked one of the guys what they were going to do with their chips. Then I asked if they could dump their load in my yard, so I could get a start on my own Back to Eden Garden. I cleared things away, mowed my back yard to start laying down the chips this weekend.
About 4 hours later…this appeared in my driveway.
If you want to learn more about Back to Eden gardening, head over to http://backtoedenfilm.com/ and check out their web page. If you have time, watch the movie-it is about 1 hour 30 min long, but worth it. Check back every so often as I document my own experience in my garden!


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Check-in: 14:00 - 23:59
Check-out: 00:01 - 12:00
BML Homestay is a accommodation in a good neighborhood, which is located at Kuchai Lama.
The accommodation is located only 2.31 km away from Salak Selatan Station.
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About BML Homestay
Have fun with various entertaining facilities for you and the whole family at BML Homestay, a wonderful accommodation for your family holiday.
If you plan to have a long-term stay, staying at BML Homestay is the right choice for you. Providing wide range of facilities and great service quality, this accommodation certainly makes you feel at home.
The accommodation's fitness center is a must-try during your stay here.
Have an enjoyable and relaxing day at the pool, whether you're traveling solo or with your loved ones.
WiFi is available within public areas of the property to help you to stay connected with family and friends.
BML Homestay is a wise choice for travelers visiting Kuchai Lama.


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Role Reversal – What It's Like To Need Caregiving Support
A View From The Other Side Of Caregiving
In mid-December, I went in for surgery. It was supposed to be one surgery, but in the end, I had three surgeries in three weeks. I also had the flu in between my surgeries. My second round of surgery was a far more difficult recovery. I'm not sure if it was difficult because the surgery was more invasive, or maybe I wasn't completely healed from the first surgery. It could also have been more difficult because I have an autoimmune disease and Fibromyalgia, which make healing more difficult.
Whatever the case, it has been close to two months of being a caree. I had a tough time getting around. I couldn't drive for a chunk of time. I couldn't do much for myself since I had physical restrictions from the surgery. I'm a really independent person so this period was unbelievably difficult for me. I needed to rely on others for caregiving support and I didn't like it one bit.
Before my first surgery, a good friend gave me a card with this quote:
"There's strength in needing others, not weakness." – Emma Thompson as Dr. Rosshilde in Burnt
As someone who prides herself on her independence and strength, this was just what I needed to hear. This was the first time I have truly needed to ask for help, even though I've had almost a decade of living with a painful autoimmune condition. Usually I'm able to push through and make things work, but this time, I was seriously limited.
What Your Caree Is Feeling
I've been a caree off and on over the years, but this is the first time that I truly was limited in what I could do and had to ask for help. Let me tell you, it was hard. Extremely hard.
If you are dealing with a difficult caree, part of the difficulty may be due to their frustration. If your loved one was once a strong, independent person, it can be incredibly difficult to suddenly need help. The more caregiving support they need, the harder it may be to accept.
We have an idea of what we are capable of in our heads. When our bodies don't cooperate, it can be frustrating. And if you're frustrated about your inability to do things that you used to be able to do, you may express that frustration by lashing out at those who are closest to you. You can resent the caregiving support, even if you know it is in your best interest.
For example, my mom stayed with us to help with the kids. She insisted on taking my kids to school. This was in my best interest because it was difficult to drive after my surgery and parking is tough, which means we usually walk a block or two to get to school. It also was beneficial because the last thing I needed was to be around germs while recovering. While I rationally knew this was what was best for me, it was incredibly frustrating to not be able to do what I should be able to do.
If your loved one is struggling with health issues while his/her contemporaries are still active and healthy, it can be really frustrating. Watching everyone get to live life how they want to while you're limited or dependent on others can be depressing, particularly if the prognosis is long-term. It's one thing to go through a health challenge knowing that soon enough, you'll be back to your old self. If there is no end in sight, it can be frustrating, at minimum.
Helping Your Caree Accept Caregiving Help
If your caree is struggling with accepting caregiving support, there are some things you can do to help make it more bearable.
- Anticipate their needs. One of the most difficult things for me was having to actually ask for help. I'd rather just skip whatever it was I needed than verbalize my need. Dumb, I know, but for someone who is independent, it can be hard to ask for help. Now, I know you're a caregiver who already has a lot on your plate, so I'm not suggesting you cater to their every need, but doing certain things that you know they need without waiting to be asked goes a long way. For example, my mom made smoothies and had some of my favorite foods ready to go in the fridge. I didn't have to say I was hungry, I could just get what I needed without requesting help. Little things like bringing in the mail or stocking toiletries or the panty goes a long way.
- Lay low. While I obviously knew that I needed some caregiving support, I didn't want to feel like an invalid. One thing that helped was that my caregivers didn't make a big deal out of the things they were doing for me. Things just got done. I know that my mom was cooking meals for me and my family and cleaning up around my house, but she was doing it so subtly that it was kind of just happening in the background. When my mom specifically offered to do something for me, it felt intrusive, whereas, when she just quietly did things, I appreciated the help without feeling helpless.
- Let them lead. The first few days post surgery, I was able to do very little. I needed a lot of help. However, things got better and I started feeling a bit resentful that my caregivers weren't "letting" me do things I was able to do. Let your caree take the lead. If he/she wants to make a sandwich, let them, rather than racing to do it for them. No one wants to feel like an invalid who can't do anything for themselves. While you may think that you're being helpful, they may get frustrated because there are some things they just want to do for themselves. Of course, if it isn't safe for them to do so, find something that is safe for them to do for themselves.
I'm very fortunate that my need for a caregiver had an end in sight. I was diagnosed with early stage cancer that required surgery and I will take medication to keep its return at bay. I can now start returning to my norm, which still involves an autoimmune condition (that is in a flare because I couldn't take medication for two months) and Fibromyalgia. While those issues aren't a walk in the park, I've been living with them for a long time and know how to manage them without needing much support.
Living with illness and needing caregiving support from others is really hard. I know being a caregiver is also really hard, but it is a different kind of hard. No one wants to feel like an invalid. No one wants to have to depend on others for basic or not-so-basic needs. If your caree isn't treating you the way they should, understand that they may be struggling too. It may seem like they have it made, having people who love them enough to want to help them but it is also really difficult to ask for – or accept – that help.