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Welcome to Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus****S in Olang!
Enjoy outstanding holidays in South Tyrol and let pamper you in Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus****S in Olang. Our hotel is located in the heart of the Dolomites, at the foot of Mt. Kronplatz – South Tyrol's skiing area no. 1. We will welcome you with warm hospitality and attentive service in an inviting and luxurious ambience.
For sure, the absolute highlight at Hubertus is our heated 25 m sky pool of transparent glass, which completes our extraordinary water world. Enjoy dreamlike moments of relaxation in our 5,000 m² big Alpenreych Park with 6 heated outdoor pools, oases of relaxation, a new Blockhouse sauna and a panoramic Alpine sauna. Hotel Hubertus offers furthermore a sensory pool indoor (30°) and a sauna area with herbal sauna, steam bath, infrared cabin and much more. The Alpenreych Spa provides a rich programme of classic, alpine and Ayurveda treatments. Our ¾-board takes you on a culinary world trip with typical South Tyrolean specialties and Italian evenings. You can enjoy a view of an impressive mountain panorama from the roof terrace of our hotel.
In the surroundings of Olang you can find numerous possibilities for exciting leisure time activities all the year round. The private shuttle bus brings you directly to the 120 km slopes of the skiing area Kronplatz, which are only 500 m from the hotel away. We offer also snowshoes to lend for free. As member of the best alpine Wanderhotels (hiking hotels), we offer a varied programme of guided hikes in different levels of difficulty.
We are looking forward to your visit!
The Gasser Family


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What influences a traveler's decision to book a hotel room or commit to a flight? Understanding the research they put into travel booking and the reasoning behind their decisions is important for both the industry and those of us who travel frequently. Understanding the psychology behind travel affects us all. And so Sojern, a performance marketing platform for travel brands, created an interactive Hotel Insights Report, based on the analysis of more than a billion traveler intent data points across the globe. As they begin to consider a purchase, today's consumers have more tools and better technology at their disposal than ever, which is changing how they shop for hotel rooms and flights.
"We found that two major behavior changes are rising in the consumer hotel world," said Kurt Weinsheimer, Sojern's SVP of property solutions. "Firstly, travelers are spending more time on the hotel path to purchase than they do when looking to buy an airline ticket – US travelers, for instance, spent nearly 25 percent more time on their hotel path to purchase then when booking flights. Secondly, even as the path to purchase lengthens, last-minute bookers are multiplying."
Though only 5 percent of all hotel searches by Europeans and Americans are initiated seven or fewer days prior to the stay date, these last-minute shoppers represented 11 percent and 13 percent, respectively, of all hotel bookings in the two regions. Flight search sees a similar phenomenon, with larger proportions of people booking last-minute travel than searching, for both Europeans and Americans.
Guests of Luxury Hotels Most Likely to Book the Same Day they Search, But Make More Searches Before Booking
More than half of all hotel searches are conducted in the two weeks before the booking. The number of searches conducted prior to a booking is directly proportional with the price of the room being booked: the higher the hotel segment eventually booked, the more searches were made. For travelers who start to research hotel options three days before making the booking, the Luxury segment hotel guests make on average 20 searches, while Upper Midscale guests make an average of 12 searches.
Regional Differences in the Relationship Between Flight Class and Hotel Segment
Looking at the global average, guests staying at Luxury segment hotels are more likely to have arrived at their destination on a Business or First class ticket than guests of all other hotel segments: 15 percent flew first class and 4 percent Business class.
Travelers to Asia-Pacific and, to a lesser extent, the Middle East stand out from the rest of the regions studied. In the Asia-Pacific region, Business class flights are significantly more likely for travelers across the Hotel segment spectrum: almost 26 percent of guests staying at Luxury hotels, 23 percent of Upper Upscale and almost 20 percent of Upscale, flew in Business class. In the Middle East, 18 percent of Luxury and 17 percent of Upper Upscale hotel bookers flew in Business class.
Business Travelers More Interested in India and Indonesia than Leisure Travelers
Over the past two quarters, leisure hotel travelers searched for lengthy stays in every region. In the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, destinations like Dubai, Istanbul, and Bangkok propelled their respective countries to the top ten. In the Americas, leisure travelers looked at the US, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean for getaways, often in parties of two.
Business travelers showed much more interest in Asia-Pacific destinations like India and Indonesia, two popular launchpads for travel in the region. Popular leisure destinations like Mexico and Spain still rank in the top ten of business destinations, but fall to spots nine and ten respectively.
The big takeaway here is the travelers like to research their trips and know what they're getting into before getting on a plane.

subset: commoncrawl


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Music fans rejoice! This will make you smile! If you adore wheels of fortune with loads of exciting bonus features and filled with great music, the following machine created by the renowned manufacturer is definitely worth the wait. Being recently launched, Michael Jackson games by Bally casino software provider makes a wonderful pastime option for you because it will keep you on the edge of your seat for long. Indeed, this amazingly designed game is a blast to play from the beginning to end. So, all music enthusiasts are welcome! This slot is similar to Money Talks.
Watch Out! Michael Jackson Comes Back!
Once you play Michael Jackson games online, you will certainly adore it completely. You will enjoy the great man's tunes, awesome graphics, and stunning animations. The greatest hits are here to be enjoyed! What is more, its rules are easy to understand and its functions are rather rewarding. Keep an eye on Locking Wilds, and Pick Bonuses! To add more thrill, you can become the lucky winner of mind-blowing sums of money! But before risking your money, make sure to play free demo.
To sum up, Michael Jackson slot machine is going to rejoice you with bonus rounds. Besides, you can win gigantic payouts. This wonderful wheel of fortune gives you the possibility to enjoy the benefits of being an absolute winner! Even when you wish to play casino games for free, this slot will make you feel and behave like a winner!


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Moving to another state? Check out our useful moving tips to help you ease the hassle & stress of your next long distance move.
Help U Move is the leading self-service moving company in the USA. Learn what makes us the fastest growing moving company in the country.
Have a question for us? Visit our Moving FAQ section to see our most asked questions. We probably already have an answer.
72% of our customers chose Help U Move after comparing our price to a rental truck.


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I feel like I'm living in an alternative universe when I read about the state attorneys general who are suing President Trump over his purported decision to end DACA (the subject of Alexandra's post below), or read about President Obama's grousing over Trump's supposed termination of the program (the subject of Rich's earlier post).
I have a new column up on the homepage explaining that Trump has not ended DACA. For the most part, Trump hasn't even suspended DACA. It is still going to be operating throughout the next six months, during which he hopes Congress will codify it in federal law.
Moreover, the president has now made it clear that he wants the program legalized. Trump is in a box because he likes DACA but opportunistically railed against it as a candidate. In trying to square that circle, hoping his core supporters won't notice the difference (though I suspect they will), his formerly thunderous objection to DACA has been reduced to a whimper over its formal legal niceties (executive action rather than statutory law – as if Trump cared about such things). But the reality is: This president, like the last one, fully supports the substance of DACA. As Rich has explained (and as I discuss in the column), Trump has undermined any leverage that could have been used to win concessions on border security and immigration law improvements. He has made it clear that he's willing to work with his new pals "Chuck and Nancy" to get that done (there go Mitch and Paul, thrown under the Trump Train). He has further signaled that, if Congress can't get DACA done legislatively, he'll continue the program through executive action, just like his predecessor.Read the rest from Andrew McCarthy HERE and follow links below to related stories:
Trump's 'Never Mind' DACA Tweet
There Is No Such Thing as a 'Deserving DREAMer'
If you like what you see, please "Like" us on Facebook either here or here. Please follow us on Twitter here.


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Planet Mavo is a new app that connects restaurants with diners. The app allows restaurants and cafes to provide special offers and deals to people searching for nearby restaurants to dine at. The task was to launch the app, selling the benefits to both restaurant owners and diners.
We created a fun, light-hearted campaign in keeping with the joy people feel when dining out. The line "It's happening on Planet Mavo" tapped into the excitement of being at a happening restaurant as well as the live, real time nature of the Planet Mavo app – these offers are happening right now.
The campaign has only just gone live. Watch this space!
We would love to chat to you about
how we can help your brand.
Simply give us a call or complete the
form and we'll get right back to you.
Level 1, 580 Church Street,
Richmond, VIC, Australia. 3121
+61 3 8001 8088
© 2020 Sphere, All Rights Reserved


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Looking for the best homemade soap recipes? When it comes to cool DIY soaps, creativity is the answer. You will be amazing when you see these 34 cute, clever soaps you can make with just a few simple ingredients. Learning how to make soap is easy, most of these just require melting and pouring various colors of soap to make a cool design. Whether you want some awesome soaps to make for yourself or you need some cheap DIY Christmas gift ideas, these homemade soap ideas are sure to impress.
34 Spectacular DIY Soap Recipes


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I'm in the middle of my "busy season" in work, so I'm sorry I don't have more time to post.
I was given a surprise gift certificate for Christmas and splurged on the Celtic Woman DVD. I've been watching it this evening. Those girls can sing!! Their performance from Slane Castle was something I used to dream of doing when I was little. A little song, a little dance.
I hope to be done soon and back to a regular routine of sleep and play along with the work.
Until then, please – enjoy!


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You Got Game
This story appears in the February 1999 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe »
When Jim Fall faced the task of building team spirit, explaining his company's mission statement and helping break the ice before an important trade show, he went to pieces. To focus on the company's goals for the upcoming show, Fall asked the 50 employees of Manufacturing Data Systems Inc. (MDSI), an Ann Arbor, Michigan, factory automation software and services supplier, to assemble a 10-foot jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle's message, "Putting the Pieces of Manufacturing Together," not only unified employees from various parts of the country but revealed MDSI's marketing slogan for the trade show.
The 45-minute exercise challenged everyone and encouraged communication, Fall says. "It went very well," he reports. "Everybody got down on the floor and worked together. It really drove home what we were trying to do--plus, we had fun."
Businesses smaller than MDSI and even larger than Microsoft are finding that puzzles and brainteasers are not only fun, but effective tools for evaluating job applicants, creating camaraderie and improving problem-solving and communication skills.
Mark Chester, owner of Rex Games Inc. in San Francisco, says his company has found a growing market for its Tangoes puzzles among trainers, in particular. Tangoes, a modern version of the ancient Chinese tangram puzzle, can be played by one or two people, or in teams. Combining artistic and mathematical elements, the puzzle enhances visual perception and helps develop problem-solving, creative thinking and teamwork skills.
Business interest in puzzles is attributed to the increasing emphasis on teamwork, the switch to an information economy, and the expanding need to come up with novel ways to engage employees' attention. Some claim doing puzzles makes employees smarter and happier. "Puzzles help develop visual, logical and strategic thinking," Chester says, "and they're entertaining."
Puzzles' Past
The best-known corporate user of puzzles is probably Microsoft. For co-founder and chairman Bill Gates, puzzle-solving has been a hobby since childhood. Today, Microsoft asks many job applicants to solve puzzles, brainteasers and logic problems during its screening process.
Microsoft applicants are often asked to answer such questions as "How many gas stations are there in the United States?" or "What is the rate of flow of the Mississippi River?" according to Michael Cusumano, MIT management professor and co-author of Microsoft Secrets (Free Press). The basic idea is to examine how they attempt to solve the puzzle. "They're screening for very smart people," explains Cusumano. "They want to find people who can think on their own and think logically."
More widespread business use of puzzles began five years ago when trainers started adapting them for their classes and seminars, says Chester. Rex Games, in fact, now produces a manual specifically for Tangoes use in training. "Tshe idea that it's easier to teach problem-solving to managers using manipulative, kinesthetic gadgets is coming to the forefront," he adds.
Putting It Together
Businesspeople who use puzzles say they're a quick, easy, inexpensive and flexible way to get information and impart training. San Francisco communications consultant Sharon Marks often asks teams of clients to solve Tangoes puzzles as part of her evaluation and training process. "Moving pieces around is similar to what people do in their work," she notes. The puzzles, which use seven angular tiles to create a variety of abstract shapes, also help her appraise communication and problem-solving skills.
One exercise calls for an employee to tell another how to build a shape with the puzzle tiles. The instructing employee can't touch the pieces or show the other employee a drawing to illustrate what he or she has in mind. All instructions have to be verbal. "Immediately, you get information about questioning styles, acknowledgment of skills and how much they check out fact vs. assumption," Marks says.
Puzzles may be useful in pre-employment assessment because they're different than the standard tests many companies use, says Bill Hendricks, president of Dallas human resource consulting firm The Hendricks Group. "Brainteasers are valuable for getting away from the typical testing devices," he says, "People can figure out how to beat those."
Puzzles are generally inexpensive. The basic Tangoes retails for $12 while the do-it-yourself training guide to using it costs $129. Custom puzzles, such as the giant jigsaw created by MDSI, cost more. Fall says he spent less than $5,000 on that puzzle, which included hiring a graphic artist to design it and a specialty advertising agency to produce it. Other puzzles, such as the word problems posed to Microsoft applicants, cost next to nothing, whether you use an existing puzzle or create a new one.
But puzzles do pose special challenges for those who use them in business. The main risk is that the skills needed to solve the puzzle won't be related to any skill needed at work, warns J.P. Whalen, president of Human Resource Development Technologies, a Wilmington, Delaware, performance development company.
"You have to make certain [the puzzle] is job-related," Whalen says. "If you're hiring a typist, give a typing test." For top-level executive applicants, Whalen often administers psychological tests designed to measure verbal, mathematical and reasoning skills. For sales jobs, he tests for motivation, whether a person is outgoing or introverted, and basic selling skills. In general, Whalen says puzzle assessments are best suited to jobs requiring logical ability, such as engineers and programmers.
Handing a job applicant a puzzle to solve may irritate some people, warns Cusumano. "I've run into some very smart people who consider it a little demeaning," he says. "But if you want to work at Microsoft, you do it."
Other people may simply be confused by the puzzle if its relevance isn't clear, says Marks. She stresses the importance of explaining in advance to those involved in a puzzle exercise the reason the puzzle is being used and how it relates to the job.
Finally, for puzzles to be effective tools for businesspeople, those administering the puzzles have to believe in their value. "If the assessment says `no,' are you willing to turn the candidate down?" asks Hendricks. "If not, then the assessment is worthless."
Solving The Puzzle
Entrepreneurs are finding new ways to use puzzles. Carole Berger, a management consultant with Ayers Group in New York City, has her client teams design prototypes of imaginary products using Tinkertoys. Other teams then attempt to reproduce the design based on a verbal description.
The exercise reinforces the need for simplicity in design, as well as sharp communication skills, Berger says. "It allows people to be creative and competitive with other people and [experience] relatively limited risk," she says. "It provides for complete and total involvement on everybody's part, and it's fun."
MDSI's Fall had so much fun using the giant jigsaw to build teamwork and communicate his marketing message, he plans to make puzzles part of the company's standard management toolkit. "The reaction was so positive," says Fall, "that we're asking how we can use puzzles again."
Next Step
- Bits & Pieces is a mail order catalog that offers hundreds of puzzles and brainteasers of all varieties. Contact Bits & Pieces, 1 Puzzle Pl., Ste. B8016, Stevens Point, WI, 54481-7199, (800) 544-7297, http://www.bitsandpieces.com
- A catalog for Rex Games may be requested online at the company's Web site, http://www.rexgames.com , or by calling (800) 542-6375.
Contact Sources
The Hendricks Group, (214) 880-0802, email@example.com
Human Resources Development Technologies, (302) 656-7024, fax: (302) 656-5887
MDSI, (734) 769-9112, http://www.mdsi2.com
Rex Games Inc., (800)542-6375, http://www.rexgames.com
TOP MARKS Consultants, (415) 752-4011, firstname.lastname@example.com
Steven C. Bahls, dean of Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio, teaches entrepreneurship law. Freelance writer Jane Easter Bahls specializes in business and legal topics.


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We love playing with magnets and magnetic toys, but for a long time we didn't have a strong enough one in our materials storage. All those that I bought turned out to be quite cheap (though weren't cheap…). Luckily we visited a wonderful store Kabum during our stay in Poland were we given for test several things to play with magnetism – a magnetic wand (sturdy and powerful), 10 magnetic balls in red and blue, little transparent counters and golden sand. They are in almost constant use, both in free play and in prepared activities. Today I want to show you some of the ways we play with them.
One of Rascals' favourites is searching for the counters with the magic wand in the styrofoam balls. They totally love the jumping balls and the counters coming out of nowhere. They were also intrigued by the fact that the tiny styrofoam pieces were electrifying when in contact with the plastic container, their skin and the wand.
There are 20 counters in the package and S likes to count them every now and then – he's mastering the teens :)
Playing with wand and counters is also a good fine motor skills activity. V had problems in detaching the counters from the wand – the magnet is strong enough to keep circles coming back to it.
After that we moved to play with magnetic marbles. First kids were trying them alone – making shapes, moving them around and exploring their possibilities. N tried to make a bracelet but to her disappointment the magnets weren't strong enough for that.
Kids also decided to search for marbles with the wand. I thought earlier about this version of activity but when trying it out I noticed it wasn't as nice as with the counters. Well, Rascals didn't agree with me on the subject ;-)
We have only 10 balls and it turned out to be way too little for 3 kids to play at the same time. To avoid the blood battle I suggested playing in turns. Meanwhile the waiting child was looking around for things to check if they would be attracted by the magnet or not. We learned that magnets don't attract wood, plastic nor paper, but they do attract metals (I skipped the part "not all of metals" for the moment).
After that part it was time for pretended cooking play. It's the one V will never miss!
We also did some magic!!! We drew in sand using only a magnetic marble and the power of our minds. And well, the magnetic wand as well ;-)
I put the golden sand on a thin tray and placed the tray on two chairs so there was easy access from the bottom. When we were moving the wand it made the little marble move on the tray. We all loved making the little ball go crazy and N came up with an idea of writing and drawing with it different shapes.
We also like using the counters on our light table – they look so beautiful on it!
Here you can see the materials in action
I was given all materials to try in our homeschool setting and write a review based on our experience.


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It's Friday, and that means it's time to share some of my favorite things!
How could I not start with this??? I mean, really.
My parents have been building their dream home and finally got the keys to move in, yesterday. This, my friends, is their new view. Mt. Rainier in all her glory. And even though it's a beautiful picture, it really doesn't do it justice--imagine the mountain looking much bigger! So hard to capture on an iPhone camera. We are so lucky and blessed to live in a state with this backdrop. I try not to take that for granted.
My next favorite, is brussel sprouts. I'm pretty sure I've shared a recipe or two on here, but I could eat these every day! They totally get a bad rap, but are one of the most delicious vegetables!! Here, I sautéed them with olive oil and sprinkled garlic and salt on top. So yummy.
If you are looking for a super easy project, here's a favorite. We made these in MOPS last week. You need a piece of wood, sand it down, primer, and then use chalkboard paint to cover it. Then, either use stickers or transferable letters (like we did). I have chalkboard markers, which make it really easy to change daily and seasonally. Our next countdown will be Thanksgiving, followed by HAWAII!
I love a good fall mantle. We are super limited with what we can do, because of the very narrow lip on our mantle, but I manage to do a few hanging items. One of my hopefully near projects is to redo our entire fireplace. I want a fresher looking brick and a big thick white mantle. Just dreaming a little.
Okay, I'm sure I'll be doing more blog posts about these products, but I've recently jumped on the doTerra bandwagon and I've got to share a favorite, for now. My friend put together these spray bottles of On Guard and so far, so good! The other morning, Jake came downstairs with a sore throat. I sprayed this in there and within 5 minutes, he told me his throat was feeling much better. I'm a big skeptic when it comes to this kind of stuff, but no denying when his throat is so much better that he can go to school.
And how can I leave out some sweet, matching sisters. I'm a sucker for matching anything these days! I found these tops at Target for $5 and thought they'll be perfect for fall. Stripes are my favorite, too.
That's all folks! Can't wait to share more favorites on the blog next week. =)


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Move over VHS cameras, night vision skate videos are coming
As camera quality increases and all the large skate companies are shooting everything in HD, there has been a push back from many independent filmers and small companies. There are purists holding on tight to their their Sony VX1000 digital video cameras. And then there are brands like Krooked and Palace who have taken things even further back, shooting videos with VHS cameras. With so many options, where are things heading to next? We're going with night vision. The CHOBiCam Pro3 with Night Vision will only set you back about $54 and is small enough to fit in your pocket. Sure, sessioning a spot in the dark is a little more challenging, but think of how cool the footage will look. Also, it's a great tool for stalkers.


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Retrograde: 11/06 at 6:04 pm EST (Election Day in USA)
Direct: 11/26 at 5:48 EST
Release: 12/13 (also the day of the New Moon)
Those most effected by Mercury Retrograde:
Virgos and Geminis (Sun sign and Rising Sign)
Mercury rules all types of communication, including listening, speaking, learning, reading, editing, researching, negotiating, selling, and buying. Mercury also rules all formal contracts and agreements, as well as important documents such as book manuscripts or term papers, agreements, deeds, contracts, leases, wills, and so forth. Included under this planet's domain are all types of code, including computer codes, as well as transportation, shipping, and travel. When this planet retrogrades, these areas tend to get scrambled or spin out of control. Why does this happen? When a planet retrogrades, astrologically it is in a resting or sleeping state. Therefore, while Mercury naps, the activities that it governs don't have the benefit of a well-functioning, wide-awake planet to supervise them. Expect a certain degree of pandemonium to ensue!(1)
I wrote a whole blog on this back in July (Mercury Retrograde – July 15 to Aug 8), seeing as its a subject that I find very important, not just because I'm a Virgo that lives with a Gemini, and I was born during a retrograde, because its something that even the most 3-D person can take a look and realize that these time periods always seem to have a similar effect on everyone.
Btw, there's a Full Solar Eclipse on 11/14, and a partial Lunar Eclipse on 11/28. links to previously written info below…
Blog about spiritual significance of Lunar Eclipses
Blog about spiritual significance of Solar Eclipses
Mercury Retrograde Meaning
Mercury goes retrograde and the traditional advice is "Don't travel", "Don't sign contracts", "Don't marry" or "Don't look at your computer or it will blow up!" But the whole Mercury retrograde cycle actually lasts eight weeks and happens three times, sometimes even four times in a year! That's a long time to hide under the duvet and a real waste of a truly magical time. Mercury generally zips between two worlds, or rather, the two hemispheres of our brain. So during the retrograde period it is like Mercury has gone down into the Underworld. In the realm closer to spirit we become more right-brain orientated. It is dark, so other senses are heightened. We will feel extra sensitive here, psychic even. Everything will seem hyper-real… you will notice things you had overlooked before. This will prompt you to re-evaluate, renovate, re-invent, re-form, and reinvent. It's true you might have to redo things, because Mercury will hit the same degree three times, but what this transit won't let you do is to go into autopilot.
There are danger spots though. When Mercury is stationing retrograde we are at the wobbly stage where we are likely to slip up, make mistakes, and misread another's communications. But once we are over the threshold and into the Underworld, we can safely go about out business knowing we are in another realm. The same goes for when it is stationing direct – give our brain a few days to adjust back to solar thinking. Whichever houses Mercury retrogrades in, will be your Underworld zone. Here you will question everything. It will make you jittery about signing contracts, because you will be constantly thinking, "Is this what I really want?". Before the retrograde, is a good time to finish off those Solar left-brain projects and gather information to bring down into your cave at its retrograde point. Then you can slow things down, let yourself be taken into other dimensions, try on different filters, experiment, shine a light on your demons, then recharge and reboot.(2)
(1)Miller, Susan (2012-04-17). SUSAN MILLER THE YEAR AHEAD 2012 AND BEYOND (Kindle Locations 6603-6609). America Direct Book Service. Kindle Edition.
(2)Excerpt from http://darkstarastrology.com/mercury-retrograde/


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If an unlimited bounty should offer kingdoms,
If a buried treasure should grant me gems . . .
I would bow my soul low, lay my face in the dust
And plead: 'Grant me instead, the Love of God!'
Those devoted to the path of the 'knowledge of God's realisation' (Irfaan ) have nothing to speak of except God.
~Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
"Don't be arrogant with knowledge. A little bit of learning is a dangerous thing.
Drink deep, because shallow drinks intoxicate the brain."
Imam Ghazali
"Man is either your brother in faith or your equal in humanity." – Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib
In a Hasan/good Hadith, related by Imam Bukhari in his book on manners = al-Adab al-Mufrad. There is from Iyad ibn Khalifa that he heard 'Ali, Karam'Allahu Wajhahu, say at Siffin,
"The intellect is located in the heart. Mercy is located in the liver, Compassion is located in the spleen. The self (nafs) is located in the lungs."
حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدُ بْنُ أَبِي مَرْيَمَ، قَالَ: أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مُسْلِمٍ قَالَ: أَخْبَرَنِي عَمْرُو بْنُ دِينَارٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ عِيَاضِ بْنِ خَلِيفَةَ، عَنْ عَلِيٍّ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، أَنَّهُ سَمِعَهُ بِصِفِّينَ يَقُولُ: إِنَّ الْعَقْلَ فِي الْقَلْبِ، وَالرَّحْمَةَ فِي الْكَبِدِ، وَالرَّأْفَةَ فِي الطِّحَالِ، وَالنَّفَسَ فِي الرِّئَةِ.
{Section ~ Illness and Visiting Those Who are Ill ~ 250 #547 ~ The intellect is located in the heart}
Actions are lifeless forms, but the presence of an inner reality of sincerity within them is what endows them with life-giving Spirit.
Ibn Ata'illah
"Don't be dead or asleep or awake.
Don't be anything.
What you most want,
what you travel around wishing to find,
lose yourself as lovers lose themselves,
and you'll be that."
The home we seek is in eternity;
The Truth we seek is like a shoreless sea,
Of which your paradise is but a drop.
This ocean can be yours; why should you stop
Beguiled by dreams of evanescent dew?
The secrets of the sun are yours, but you
Content yourself with motes trapped in its beams.
Turn to what truly lives, reject what seems —
Which matters more, the body or the soul?
Be whole: desire and journey to the Whole.
Shaykh Farid ud-Din Attar
"Love Is The Cure,
for your pain will keep giving birth to more pain
until your eyes constantly exhale love as effortlessly as your body yields its scent."
"The knower of secrets, the key to Sainthood, the helper of the needy, the King of the friends of Allah, the one who uttered "My foot is on the neck of every Wali (Saint)."
Sultan al-Awliyah Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani


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Sanitiz EZ Solid Quat Sanitizer
Sanitiz EZ is an effective multipurpose, no-rinse sanitizer when used at 1 oz. per 16 gallons of water. Recommended for use in food handling areas, hospitals, nursing homes, medical offices, schools, child care centers, hotels, motels and office buildings.
- Solid Quat Sanitizer
- No-rinse, Deodorizer
- Food Handling Areas
- Medical Facilities
- Schools & Child Care Centers
- Hotels, Motels & Office Buildings
- Highly effective quaternary ammonium chloride sanitizer
- Effective against: -Pseudomonas aerugionsa -Salmonella choleraesuis -Staphylococcus aureus -Escherichia coli -Listeria Monocytogenes
- Deodorizer—kills odor causing bacterial agents. Pleasant fragrance leaves area clean smelling
- Effective in hard water conditions up to 750 ppm
- EPA Reg. #670-1
- One capsule yields approximately 750 gallons of sanitizing solution


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On Wednesday, Dr. Joshua Weiner discusses binge drinking with News4 Midday at 11. Dangers face both teens and students back in college.
Dr. Weiner will return to the Midday show next Wednesday, and he'll be answering viewers' questions.
Have a health-related question for the doctor? Send it in, and you may get it answered on the air.
Email us at firstname.lastname@example.com
Send us a tweet @nbcwashington
or leave it on our Facebook page here.


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There are many things that you can do to reduce the chances that you or members of your family will be injured, or that your property will be damaged, by earthquakes. Use the following resources to help make your family, your home, and your community more resistant to the potentially dangerous and damaging effects of earthquakes.
Below are links to earthquake-related information of use to individuals and families.
- Safety at Home
Learn about what to do at home before, during, and after earthquakes. Topics include how to strengthen your home, secure its contents, and prepare yourself and your family to react safely, take cover, survive on your own, stay in contact, and care for people, pets, and property.
- Publications
Browse and access FEMA publications that provide in-depth guidance on protecting residential structures, their contents, and their occupants from earthquake hazards. All can be downloaded online, and most can be ordered in print or on compact disc.
- Building Codes
Learn about two of the most important strategies for mitigating earthquake risks, the adoption and enforcement of up-to-date building codes and the seismic retrofitting of vulnerable structures.
- Contacts
Find individuals and organizations that you can go to for more information about earthquake risk-reduction activities in your state, in your region, or at FEMA.
Last Updated:
01/14/2019 - 07:24


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View or Download 2017 U.S. Open Sporting Clays Championship Criteria (PDF)
View or Download 2017 U.S. Open Sporting Clays Championship Bid Form (XLS)
Criteria for 2017 U.S. Open Sporting Clays Championship
1.The U.S. Open will be awarded to a qualified club that can provide the necessary experience and, at a minimum, the following facilities needed to host the shoot:
a) At least a 200-target main event of three courses with a minimum of 12 stations each to be shot over 3 days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
Example of target distribution each day is 66/66/68 (3 courses).
300 target main event shot over three courses with a minimum of 13 stations each to be shot over 3 days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
Examples of target distribution each day are 100/100/100/ (3 courses).
300 target main event shot over four courses with a minimum of 10 stations each to be shot over 4 days (Thursday through Sunday).
Examples of target distribution each day are 76/76/74/74 (4 courses).
b) 100 bird FITASC (old or new style)
c) Minimum 50 bird Small Gauge event that must be shot on a course.
d) 100 bird NSCA Five-Stand event.
e) One 100 bird practice course with a minimum of 10 stations. Minimum of two Practice 5-Stands
f) ALL Events including the PRELIMINARY EVENTS will be squadded
g) 2-3 shooting games are DESIRABLE but Not Required
h) Adequate facilities (i.e., clubhouse, restrooms, catering, space for vendors)
i) Acceptable hotels and restaurants nearby, camper facilities for at least 20 campers.
j) Adequate parking space on or very near venue and shuttle transport if required.
2.The dates of the shoot must be published at least 12 months prior to the shoot.
3.The club will provide practice fields prior to the first day of registered events and at least 30 minutes before event flight times. (Practice 5-Stand and Practice Course)
Example: Main Event starts at 8 a.m.; Practice opens at 7:30 a.m.
4.Awards will be Olympic style medals designed and paid for by NSCA for event Champion, Runner-up and Third and for Champion, Runner-up, and Third for Sub-Junior, Junior, Lady, Veteran, Super Veteran and Senior Super Veteran. NSCA will also provide Olympic style awards for Class 1st – 3rd in Master, AA, A, B, C, D and E. Additional medals for this event may be purchased by the host club.
5.All competitors may register in advance for this event with a $100 deposit.
6.The shoot shall use certified and experienced referees, preferably at least 18 years of age and, ideally, experienced shooters not shooting in the Main event.
7.Options for the U.S. Open will be determined by the host club. All payouts and awards will be mailed out within 15 days of shoot completion. All participants will receive a mailer showing all winnings and payout information.
8.Shoot-offs shall be held the same day the event is completed. Shoot-offs for ALL events must be conducted near the clubhouse with traps used exclusively for shoot-offs. The shoot off procedures will be determined by the host club. Adequate lighting is required to hold shoot-offs.
9.The host club is encouraged to host a social function.
10.All U.S. Open events (including small gauge) will be REGISTERED and NSCA daily fees charged. State daily fees will also be collected if required by an approved state association at time shoot is approved.
11.If any additional fees are to be added to the published entry fee, such as state sales taxes, the amounts must be disclosed in the application and all programs, shooter forms and advertisements if fees are quoted in those ads.
12.For the purpose of hosting the U.S. Open, the Mississippi River will serve as the dividing line between East and West. In even numbered years the shoot will be awarded to a club in the western region. In odd number years the shoot will be awarded to a club in the eastern region. This geographical rotation will present an opportunity for our members in different parts of the country to participate in a major event.
13.Ranges desiring to be considered for the U.S. Open will submit an application to the Selection Committee thru NSCA Headquarters a minimum of 45 days before theU.S. Open two years prior to the desired year (called the Application Open). Ranges meeting the selection criteria will be announced at the U.S. Open. They will be invited to make a 10-minute presentation to the Advisory Council at the National Championship. After all presentations, a vote will take place at the Advisory Council meeting at the National Championship and a winner will be announced.
14.Host club must have a Contingency Plan on file with the NSCA. The Contingency Plan will cover course layout, parking, facility management, scoring, how to determine U.S. Open champions, and registration in the case of a natural disaster such as flooding, tornado, etc.
15.Any changes from the U.S. Open shoot criteria or original bid from the host club must be approved by the Advisory Council through the Competition Committee.
16.First time host clubs are required at their own expense to assist the prior year U.S. Open host club in all aspects of the event during the week of the U.S. Open.
Ranges applying to present at the 2014 National Championship for the 2016 shoot, must:
1. Apply for the shoot by April 18, 2015.
2. At the 2015 U.S. Open (June 2015) an announcement will be made at the Advisory Council Meeting of all the qualified ranges that have submitted a bid.
3. At the 2014 National Championship Advisory Council Meeting a 10-minute or less presentation to the Advisory Council will be made by the ranges with the plans for the 2016 U.S. Open.
17. To be qualified, the shoot management must:
1. Be in good standing with the NSCA at the time of the application and must retain that standing through the year the U.S. Open is held.
2. Have managed a State, Zone, or Major Shoot (200+ NSCA registered shooters in the Main Event) in at least one of the three years preceding the invitation.
18. All applying clubs that have never held a US Open shall host an NSCA pre-bid committee prior to submitting their bid. The U.S. Open bid deadline is April 18, 2015. The pre-bid committee shall consist of a representative from the NSCA and representatives from two former U.S. Open clubs (from the opposite geographical region) or by individuals assigned by the Executive Council. The pre-bid committee shall meet with the applying club's ownership and management to view the host club's current facilities and, if applicable, plans for expansion. The pre-bid committee shall also provide assistance to the applicant club in preparing their final bid and presentation to the Advisory Council. The intent of this requirement is to assist clubs in assessing their readiness and likely success in applying for a US Open. The pre-bid committee shall provide current, knowledgeable, first-hand information to the Advisory Council on the potential host club's site and facilities. The applying club will pay the actual travel and per diem expenses of the pre-bid committee.
19. If no qualified applicant from the appropriate region submits an adequate application 45 days prior to the U.S. Open Advisory Council meeting, the Advisory Council will invite qualified applications from the other region at the U.S. Open Advisory Council meeting without changing or in any other way affecting the rotation of geographical regions.
20. The NSCA Advisory Council will be involved in decisions as well as assist at registration, scoreboard, shoot-offs and awards presentation.
21. Voting Procedure:
A. Only members of the Advisory Council that are in attendance during the presentation are eligible to cast a vote.
B. All Advisory Council members in attendance will receive a ballot and a pre-printed envelope with their name on it. Only ballots in the pre-printed envelope will be counted. If there is a tie the NSCA Director will have another set stamped 2nd Ballot and only those ballots will count in the runoff.
C. The ballots will be counted by the Executive Council and they will announce the winner. They will also announce the total votes received by each Range. The Advisory Council member vote will not be disclosed.
Please return to Headquarters by April 18, 2015:
National Sporting Clays Association
c/o Brett Moyes
5931 Roft Road
San Antonio, TX 78253
If you have any questions, please contact Brett Moyes at 210-254-1515 or by email at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Home / Contact Us
Open for you
Group of Architects & Interior Designers. A dedicated professional team, we have built an enviable reputation for providing consistently high levels of service and excellence in design.
Adress: #56, 7th 'B' Cross, 4th 'B' Block Near BDA Complex, Koramangala,Bangalore-560 034.
Phone: +91-98807 12311 / +91-9620610015
LandLine: 080-41217151
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
With propositions


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This is our first Memorial Day post and we will repeat this post henceforth in future years. To all veterans, we wish to honor and recognize you today. Thank you for what you have done for all of us. On this day, let's recall the words of our only poet-President as he stood at a… Read More
SNAP Selling – new book by Jill Konrath of Selling to Big Companies
I've not yet read it, but I've heard nothing but great reviews to date. If you are in Sales, run to Amazon right now and buy it. More info here. SNAP Selling Check out our Thought Leadership Interview series. Every business today needs a Chief Content Officer. Join us every Thursday at 8pm ET/5pm PT for… Read More
New white paper class for both experienced and new writers
White paper class with the Appum Group White Paper Class Information: LEARN HOW TO CREATE HIGHLY ENGAGING WHITE PAPERS THAT GENERATE LEADS AND DRIVE NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Now a step-by-step approach to creating great white papers! New Online Class: White Paper 101 – A Step-by-Step Approach to Creating Highly Engaging White Papers. It seems that… Read More
60 Seconds with the Fearless Competitor – Episode 3
Our popular Friday feature – 60 Seconds with the Fearless Competitor. Enjoy! Check out our Thought Leadership Interview series. Every business today needs a Chief Content Officer. Join us every Thursday at 8pm ET/5pm PT for Twitter chat about b2b demand generation. Just go to http://tweetchat.com/ and enter hashtag #b2bchat. Jeff Ogden, the Fearless Competitor, is… Read More
Engaging your audience with top experts – Revenue Master Series
Brilliant idea by Marketo. Jon Miller (at left) and Phil Fernandez (VP, Marketing and CEO) have hit on something. Take the smartest people, invite them to participate and create a series of expert webinars around the issue customers care about most. Marketo calls it Revenue Master Series. As a B2B marketer, you can do this… Read More
What do you change every day?
If your company is implementing sales lead generation, here's a good lesson for you to get the attention of prospective customers from your B2B lead generation program. Change something. Notice what Google does with their logo? They continually tweak it. That holds the interest of people because they don't know what's coming. Marketers should learn… Read More
Gobbledy-Gook Words Don't Work
If your company is trying to implement a lead generation program to provide quality sales leads for sales teams, don't do this. And believe it or not, there is a Boston area software firm that suffers from the same problem, which hampers B2B lead generation programs. This is a real company, believe it or not.… Read More
Here's how you can help me
http://mackcollier.com/heres-how-you-can-help-me/ Love this post. Mack takes the giving metaphor to the nth degree. Kudos to him. You need a Chief Content Officer. Check out our Thought Leadership Interview series. Join us every Thursday at 8pm ET/5pm PT for Twitter chat about b2b demand generation. Just go to http://tweetchat.com/ and enter hashtag #b2bchat. Jeff Ogden, the… Read More
Who's in charge? Why you need leadership.
One of my favorite B2B marketers, Paul Dunay, (@pauldunay on Twitter, Buzz Marketing for Technology) recently wrote a great blog article entitled "Who's Your Social Media Lightening Rod?" Paul's article is so important, I wish to share it with my readers. Paul's point is that you need a leader for social networks. I agree with… Read More
Good content isn't enough, Mr/Ms CMO. You must publish.
I'm seeing a trend. Finding a lot of companies that offer white papers, webinars, and other content. The company thinks "Hey, we're doing a great job." But in the eyes of search, you are a robust and static web page. Your job is not done. You MUST publish – regularly. This is why a… Read More


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Los Angeles, California – May 26th, 2017 – We are pleased to announce that after endless efforts and months of hard work by our Web Development we have finally launched our new website, with a new fresh look.
The new website takes a more contemporary and clean look while maintaining easy navigation and superior interactivity throughout the website. The website also has separate sections for each service; Custom 2D Explainer, Whiteboard Animation, Typography, Motion Graphics and Logo Animation, where you can read about each service in detail and place your order smoothly.
The color scheme for the website is inspired from shades of orange and yellow which exhibits our energy and excitement and the enthusiasm we share at Animation Sharks. The reason why we chose this scheme for our website is because we want to the share the same zeal with our customers as well.
The website gives clients access to hundreds of videos for all animation types to make a calculated and confident choice. But that is not all! The website also has informative videos that explain why animated videos are your best bet for promotions and communication over the internet and otherwise.
Animated videos have undoubtedly become the ultimate marketing tool and there is no way an ordinary animation company can make it work for you in such a competitive business arena. At Animation Sharks we not only create custom animated videos but we also help you with getting them out there more effectively to attain your ultimate objective of selling better.
We believe we can keep you hooked to our new look and our services once you try our services. We offer round the clock free animation consultation so feel free to visit our website https://animationsharks.com/ and take look at our website and get free consultation. If you have a story to set in motion, Animation Sharks have millions of ways to do it for you.
In the world of animation there are no limitations as to what we can create and our animation experts can work with all types of animations – be it whiteboard animation, motion graphics, 2D explainer video, typography or logo animation.
About Animation Sharks
Animation Sharks is an explainer video company out of LA, California with a team of creative professionals eager to empower entrepreneurs, startups and enterprises to enrich their marketing campaigns through creative digital content.
We've searched and put together a team of passionate dreamers, creators, designers and animators and together we work towards the same ambition – helping your brand unleash its true potential and making it loveable again. The bottom line: conviction is where we stand, committed we are to make it work for you. Give us a shot and we won't let you down. Ever!
If you any suggestions or ideas to make Animation Sharks work even better, feel free to write to us at firstname.lastname@example.com and if we find your idea interesting we promise you an amazing discount for your first animated video with Animation Sharks.
Media Contact
Company Name: Animation Sharks
Contact Person: Brian William
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Phone: 1-888-233-3032
Country: United States
Website: www.animationsharks.com


text: The US president, Donald Trump, gave reporters a glimpse of what he said was a deal with Mexico on Tuesday, but offered few details on what was in the document. Trump was speaking to reporters before departing for Iowa when he took a piece of paper from his jacket pocket, held it up and said it was the deal with Mexico. He said it was 'a very good agreement' for both countries, but said he would let Mexico announce it


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The Middle School team continue to monitor every students' well-being and attainment, in line with lower school procedures.
In the Middle School more focus is placed on preparing students for their GCSE option choices.
Students work with careers programmes such as KUDOS to identify possible careers they would be interested in and then produce presentations, to share ideas with others, in the year group, about what is required to be successful within selected careers.
Support is given by form tutors, subject teachers, the Head of section, the Head of careers and the Deputy Head for the curriculum through a range of activities, including the parents' and students' consultation evening and the options information evening. In addition to this students are given access to the careers library and are encouraged to research and discuss their options choices in detail.
In the Middle School students are encouraged to develop their independence and develop key skills learnt in the Lower school, which will allow them to achieve their individual potential and ensure success in the future.
Temple Hall, Wellsborough,
Leicestershire, CV13 6PA
Telephone: 01455 293 024
Market Bosworth,
Leicestershire, CV13 0LE
Telephone: 01455 292 244
Leicestershire Independent Educational Trust (LIET) is a Company Limited by Guarantee (No 1751466) and registered as a Charity (No 514407).
Registered office is: The Dixie Grammar School, Market Bosworth, Leicestershire, CV13 0LE | © The Dixie Grammar School
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Websites for Schools By Finalsite UK


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Guitar Interfaces offer comprehensive recording solution for guitarists and bassists.
Direct line inputs make it is easy to connect your guitar
No need for a microphone or guitar amp.
Many interfaces come bundled with built in virtual effects and amplifiers offering a wide variety of sounds and tones.
Come view in cape town or order online
We stock a large range of Guitar Interfaces for both computers and iOS devices.
Irig 2 Guitar interface for Iphone Ipad Iphone touch Mac and Samsung Pro audio
Price R775
Price R775
Skysun pty ltd Kirstenhof Cape town and Norwood Johannesburg South Africa
Copyright © 2020 Musical Instruments for sale and hire Skysun Pty ltd


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Storage cabinets play an important part in every office environment. When it is a working space, it is natural that there are many documents which have to be stored in a safe place. A messy office can lead to a lot of problems such as misplace of documents or files, theft, spoilage and lots more when the things are scattered in the entire place.
Besides the storage aspect, there is another concern of leaking information and loss of crucial data. Hence, office storage cabinets are significant aspect that has to be focused on when designing. Investing amount in storage for office use can further bring more benefits to the company itself. In addition to this, it makes the place look cleaner and much more organized than it was earlier. When the office is messy, clients coming to your place can get a negative impression, which might hit the work performance too. Think about having modular office storage that eventually brings in a lot of advantages.
Choices with respect to office storage cabinets
There are a lot of options that one can come across; however we shall have a look at the two basic office storage solutions as follows.
1. Vertical storage: This is popular and effective in any office space. It is easy to organize stuff in vertical storage cabinets, and also one can quickly find anything. One of the favourable reasons of choosing this style of office storage furniture is that it consumes very less space and can be fitted in any corner.
2. Lateral storage: These can be found in cubicle office environments. If you have a huge amount of work force in the office then lateral office storage systems does all your work efficiently.
It is finally your decision to choose any style of storage based on your requirements, budget, space available and other concerned factors.
Finding suitable office storage supplies
With the increase in demand for office storage containers, there is a rise in the number of manufacturers and suppliers too. This opens up new horizons for the buyers and gives them a relief with inexpensive price tags.
A trustworthy and reputable manufacturer for office storage furniture solutions is no more difficult to find, all you have to do is spend some time in research and use your smart tricks to pick up the best one. Do not compromise as storage of documents and files is important in every company.


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© Kana Okada
For a playful presentation, slide a fat, flat slice of cucumber onto the bottom of each skewer so these hors d'oeuvres can stand upright on a serving platter. More Fast Hors d'Oeuvres
How to Make It
Step 1
In a small bowl, using a spoon, mash the anchovies and garlic to a paste. Whisk in the vinegar, followed by the mayonnaise. Gradually whisk in the olive oil and transfer to a small bowl.
Step 2
Arrange the cucumbers on a work surface. Top each with a cube of feta followed by a tomato. Poke a 4-inch skewer or toothpick through each stack and transfer to a platter. Serve the skewers along with the aioli.
Make Ahead
The Greek salad skewers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 4 hours.
Suggested Pairing
Floral, complex Greek white.


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Speaking of vagina, I just realized that our household has 5 vaginas or vaginae. That's a lot of poonany.
4 Responses to "A House Full Of Vagina"
For more context, calculate the volume of said genitalia. Forget growth charts, this is a new millenia.
It's probably better than the alternative…
Good grief man, how many women do you live with? You and Em did not strike me as the polyandry types.
And still, the overstimulated internet types are still keeping my hits above 500 everyday now. dumbasses. I hope they like the looks of the inverted uterus. Seriously I am considering trying to get a copy of that last movie I watched in class…it will scare any chick straight into never having sex. We may convert to some type of religion when Chica gets older cause her sassy shit is already too much to take. I will be requiring some nuns, some kind of chastity belt and for her to never learn of her mothers past.
Yay, vaginas.
Please don't calculate the volume of my genitalia.
Or is it genitalium? I only have one.


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Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, Autobooks CEO Talk Detroit Startup CultureWednesday, January 24, 2018 - 6:17pm | 792
Kristin Hope wanted opportunity. "Growing up in Silicon Valley but never really being able to break into the tech industry there, I thought, 'maybe this is my shot,'" Hope, a copywriter and digital marketer at fintech startup Autobooks, said Wednesday during a roundtable...
AOL Founder Steve Case Awards $100K To Detroit StartupThursday, June 26, 2014 - 10:39am | 513
As part of of the "Rise of the Rest" road tour, Detroit-based Stik.com received a $100,000 check from former AOL (NYSE: AOL) CEO Steve Case. "Rise of the Rest" is a four-day, four-city bus tour put on by UP Global, Revolution and Google for Entrepreneurs. It features pitch competitions by local...


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Digital literacy isn't new. We have had computers in schools since the 80s. We have mobile phones since the 90s. The big shift was in the 90s. It has only really been since 2009 that there has been a massive push to get technology up and running in classrooms – all classrooms. Not just a computer room for occasional use. In Australia we have made a big commitment to this and used a lot of time , energy and thinking to ensure our students are comfortable with technology and digitally literate. So what is the headline?
School computer use may be affecting literacy and numeracy skills, OECD study says
If you read the article it suggests technology doesn't teach literacy – teachers do. The article did not highlight the real strength of Australian schools for which we do need recognition. It has been hard work . There have been numerous stakeholders and the level of collaboration across school communities and key technology providers and advisers has been a J learning curve and pretty impressive:
"By analysing international test results for 15-year-olds, the OECD found Australians perform significantly above the average in digital reading, and in particular, have strong web-browsing skills, are better able to plan and execute a search, evaluate the usefulness of information, and assess the credibility of sources online."
We need recognition for that but we are also aware we are at the stage now where we can enhance and improve what we are doing. Getting the juggernaut rolling was a monumental team effort and the best learning and teaching I have seen in education. I have seen a lot of rollouts in 42 years as a teacher. The technology roll out has been a demanding and appropriate learning programme for teachers because they have been challenged very thoroughly and tested really well.
For this reason I think we need to be careful about what we say about technology and literacy. Everything in books is on the net. A computer , its application and use , is far more demanding than any print based course both as a teacher and learner. The literacy demands are complex and can be met but it is not as easy as getting out a book and putting pen to paper. Computers and mobile technology offer so many different forms of communication and each has to be weighed up, quantified and analysed. Additionally, as teachers, we have been providing a significant role in language development. Technology has been critical in evening the playing field in this area. In Australia , differentiation of the curriculum really matters. Our classes comprise students from different cultures, language backgrounds and we include students like those on the autism spectrum and with special needs. We include everyone as much as we can because we have a belief that is right. We have become quite expert in creating learning environments for all sorts of students because it is about their needs.There has been a better accommodation of a broader range of students in classroom because technology has helped us create and find suitable materials. We have been working on personal learning plans and technology has facilitated that.
National and international tests are important and the results are always interesting but drawing hasty or illogical connections from results is not doing us or the testing justice.
- What was being tested when the OECD tested for literacy?
- How were these tests performed?
- Were the tests performed so students could operate from their natural strengths?
- Did they look at the composition of classes across countries?
- In Australia we are teaching students who have English as a first, second, third, fourth and even fifth language. Did we account for that in our testing?
- Were students allowed to take the test in their strongest language?
- We have a highly transient world population for all sorts of reasons. Were those factors considered?
We need to ask the questions, get the answers and look at how we can use technology to improve what needs improving. We have access to everything. How we effectively use that is what teaching is about.
Filed under: classroom, e-learning, methodology, resources, software, technology | Tagged: 2015, Australia, education, literacy, OECD, teaching in the 21st century, technology, technology and literacy | Leave a comment »


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Yes, I think that the United States would have been a better place if Barry Goldwater had been elected President, because he would have been a more moderate leader. Goldwater would not have put us on the fast track to socialism, with the war on poverty, and the Great Society initiatives. Goldwater was more conservative.
The way that the founding fathers set up the government of this country, there are so many checks and balances in the government that the president does not have a huge amount of power over the senate and house of representatives, so if the senate was still bad nothing would change.
Had Barry Goldwater been elected president in 1964, the Civil Rights movement would have been dealt a huge blow. He believed in the rights of states to determine their own destiny and that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was not appropriate legislation for the federal government. Had Goldwater been elected, a second Civil War could have happened as more and more African Americans would have been discriminated against. Riots would have broken out and anarchy ensued with a conservative in the White House at that time.
Barry Goldwater wouldn't have made the United States better. His policies would have caused some problems, especially international, that would make the U.S. look bad. Granted, some areas of government would have run much more efficiently, but it wouldn't have made the United States better compared to other presidential candidates.
When Barry Goldwater ran for president he received 52 electoral votes, a very low number. I do not believe it is possible to know if the United States would have been better, had he been elected. Each presidency is different and I believe the president has a lot of sway over things, so what Johnson oversaw may have been entirely different if Goldwater had been elected.


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This is my letter of appeal to the Nigerian youth: NIGERIA NEEDS YOU!
It takes a spark to light up a forest, be the spark in your circle of influence.
The import of the popular saying that where the mind goes, the man follows can never be overstated. We cannot put into action things our minds have not accepted; if we do not get a proper picture of what we want, it would be impossible or extremely difficult to accomplish it.
Spending time with the youths here in Nigeria, whether in schools or in other youth groups, I have discovered that when it comes to the development of Africa, a high percentage do not believe that there is anything in store. It is either they are seeking to go overseas; get out to more developed societies or they want to get wealth, by crook or by hook, to enjoy the good things of life.
Martin White-Ufuah says " a closer look at the way Nigerians think of themselves shows a people that were completely indoctrinated into believing that they were primitive, savage and lazy because of the western world's misconception that they are late comers to history and civilization."
In addition to this negative and damaging self-image, they have also completely lost faith in the government to provide the enabling environment to function or help them live the kind of life they desire. Many are not interested in creativity, entrepreneurship or good governance; they just want to fulfil the basic needs of life and die when their time comes. The compelling purpose of this book is to help youths change the way they think about themselves and what they can contribute to the development of this nation.
· How do we make the youths achieve mental independence?
· How do we make them believe in their God-given potentials?
· How do we sell to them the idea of national restoration and pride?


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Following uproar, CJP suspends mentally-ill prisoner's execution
ISLAMABAD: After appeals from human rights advocates to suspend the execution of a mentally-ill prisoner Khizer Hayat, the Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar deferred the order late Saturday night.
The top judge took notice of the execution orders after media reports that a district and sessions judge scheduled Hayat's execution on January 15 at the Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail.
The mentally-ill convict was diagnosed as a schizophrenic by medical authorities at the correctional facility.
Justice Nisar not only suspended the order, but has also fixed the case hearing on January 14.
Rights' organisations and activists were campaigning to have his the mentally-ill prisoner's execution suspended, as well as, his case be reviewed in court.
Earlier in the day, Iqbal Bano, the convict's mother, moved the court calling for the suspension of his death sentence on the grounds of mental illness. – The Express Tribune, 15/1/2019 https://tribune.com.pk/story/1887029/1-following-uproar-cjp-suspends-mentally-ill-prisoners-execution/


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From here.
The Anglican District of Virginia is planning approximately 30 trips with 100 to 200 Virginian missionaries in 2007. Its focus is aiding people's practical needs. Each trip will last one to two weeks. One church may sponsor the trip while members from other congregations can join it.
Fairfax and Falls Church missionaries have been making trips to New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005.
"There are tens of thousands still homeless down there and we need to help them," said Oakes, a member of Truro Church - an Anglican church in Fairfax.
This summer, Truro is again sending its team to work in Anglican Rev. Jerry Kramer's flooded city. The Anglican Church is also sending teams to Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya in East Africa to provide help with schooling and provide educational services. Locations are chosen based upon the church's historical tie with the region.
"We look for relationships and existent structures with which we can work versus just blunder in and about in these places," Oakes said.
Oakes has personally been on eight African mission trips. He has never felt danger.
"Our hosts are looking out for our welfare and will never let us go into dangerous places," he said.
In Kenya, the church's "Five Talents Missionary" will set up small micro-businesses. Africans will be lent $100 in start-up money to buy tools, for instance. The goal of the mission is to teach basic business skills.
The Lakota Sioux in South Dakota are also being helped.
"They are very needy," said Oakes. "We will provide food, training, coats, encouragement and Bibles. In South Dakota it gets very cold during the winter months."
In Ohio, mission teams will be building houses, in undisclosed locations, for battered women.
Although the mission trips are moving forward, the church's ongoing legal battle is still an issue.
It began with the 2003 ordination of the Rev. Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire, making him the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church's history. Robinson was elected with a simple majority of 62 of the 107 votes needed to be confirmed.
Opponents of Robinson's appointment warned his ordination could split the 2.3 million-member U.S. church from the Worldwide Anglican Community, which numbers 73 million members.
"Episcopalians have fuzzy logic and post-modern beliefs, and by Episcopalians I do not mean the good people sitting in the pews, I mean their leaders," said Oakes. "We concluded we needed to sever our ties with the Episcopal Church in order to retain our identity as Anglicans and Christians."
"We believe the Episcopal Church has gone off the rails and has departed from the Christian belief that homosexuality is contrary to scripture," said Oakes. "Homosexuality is a sin and a person practicing it is not capable of holding a high church office. This, in the eyes of the scripture and of Jesus Christ, is the same as having an openly adulterous relationship [which is also sinful]."
Oakes said the Episcopal Church nationwide is hemorrhaging its membership and many Episcopalians are joining Anglican congregations.
According to Father Cuthbert H. Mandell, the priest at Stafford's Aquia Episcopal Church, his church is not breaking away.
"Mr. Oakes states the position of the Anglican District of Virginia, but is tars the Episcopal Church with a rather broad brush," Mandell said. "His comments do not apply to Aquia Episcopal Church at all and other Episcopal Churches. We are not fuzzy in our logic. We opposed in a written resolution to the Episcopal diocese, after the fact, the ordination of Bishop Robinson. We said his ordination was not in compliance with scripture, but we were not going to break away."
Mandell said that the litigation going on with the break-away churches is "unfortunate," and taking away people's time serving the Lord and money from the church. He also noted that the scriptures state, "we are not supposed to sue one another."
"We are all part of a greater church and it's called the Anglican Communion. Any talk of leaving the church then leaves them with the question, 'Where are you going to go?'" Mandell said, adding that this is not to say the congregations leaving made a wrong decision.
The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and the Episcopal Church is trying to stop Anglicans from severing their ties.
They are suing the Anglican congregations of Truro, Falls Church and nine other congregations stating that the Episcopal Diocese owns the properties upon which Anglican churches sit so they cannot leave the denomination.
The first hearing on the issue is set for November 2007.
Anglicans use the same prayer book, sing the same hymns and use the same order of worship as do Episcopalians. Both churches allow women to participate in the worship service and become ordained ministers. The Anglican Church embraces Protestantism, Catholicism and the entire 2000-year history of the traditional Christian Church.
Read the whole thing here.
Check out the comments over at T19.


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From the March 2012 issue of BetterInvesting Magazine and submitted by Michael C. Thomsett
Online Calculators Can Help You Work Out the Long-Term Numbers
Everyone knows that mutual fund fees come in a wide array of confusing and often hard-to-decipher titles. So when you're comparing one mutual fund with another, how do you know when your analysis is accurate? Even more important, how do you know whether what you're being forced to pay is a good deal? You might come to the realization that you can do better making your own decisions and building a portfolio directly.
Even if you understand how these mutual fund fees work, side-by-side comparisons are tough because of how they're calculated and the often confusing titles they're given. Some fees are taken right off the top when you invest; others come out every month, at the end of the year or when you sell shares.
Making an accurate comparison is further compounded by terminology. Many mutual funds have figured out how to obscure what they charge by using different names for the same kinds of fees.
As a starting point you can go online and compare fees using one of several free calculators. There are many of these, offered by fund families or other services. Following this story is a listing of some calculators offered by regulatory agencies and financial sites.
Each calculator is a little different and some are variations of the same basic idea: Plug in the fund name and fees listed in the prospectus and then compare a typical investment amount over a period of years.
The comparison often is limited to no-load versus load funds. A load is a sales commission, deducted the minute you invest. At a rate of 8 percent, for example, this means that only $92 of every $100 invested goes to work for you; the rest goes to pay a sales commission.
If you're capable of picking your own mutual funds based on performance evaluation and comparison of fees, there's no need to pay a sales load. You can work directly with the management of a no-load fund by telephone or the Internet. Although salespeople promoting the load fund will claim that their funds outperform no-load funds, there's no evidence that this is true.
A Fee for This, a Fee for That
Besides the well-known front-end load (meaning the fee is deducted when you invest), some funds also charge a back-end load, or a contingent-deferred charge. This charge comes out of funds when you redeem shares. The longer you leave funds on deposit, the lower this deferred load becomes. For example, the total fee might be 5 percent, with a 1 percentage point decrease each year.
Both front-end and deferred loads range between 4 percent and 8 percent. But the load fee is only the best-known of a range of fees that mutual funds charge. By obscuring the names and titles of fees and then deducting many of them each month, mutual funds don't make it easy for shareholders to figure out what it costs to buy and own mutual fund shares. It amounts to more than most people might believe.
Management fees may also be called "advisory fees" and represent payments to professional managers for making portfolio decisions. For example, if the management fee is 0.75 percent, you're charged $7.50 per year for every $1,000 invested. It's deducted in small dollar amounts each day after the net asset value has been computed.
If you believe that this fee isn't necessary, you might take a look at one of the dozens of exchange-traded funds, where management fees are much lower. This is true because the portfolio is fixed, so very little management is needed.
Directors' fees, also called trustee fees, are paid by funds organized as trusts to the board of directors that monitors the management's activities.
Administrative service fees cover the expenses of the management company in running the fund, researching and making portfolio decisions.
Other fees include legal expenses, audit fees and shareholder service fees, which cover the customer services provided, correspondence and sending out monthly statements. Shouldn't this be part of the overhead covered in administrative service fees? This is a good question. Funds may also charge service fees, which are used to pay banks or brokerage firms for maintaining customer accounts.
Brokerage fees are charged for buying and selling securities. So the more volume of trading management executes, the higher the fees.
Custodial and transfer fees are paid to a bank or trust company to protect and keep the fund's assets.
Interest is charged if and when the fund borrows money. This occurs to enable the fund to remain as fully invested as possible, while having funds available to pay investors who sell shares. This activity is likely to increase during volatile markets, so a fund is allowed to borrow up to one-third the value of its assets.
Redemption fees are flat fees taken whenever money is removed from an account. This is easily confused with a back-end load fee, but the redemption fee is charged regardless of how long shares were owned.
12b-1 fees are named for the Securities and Exchange Commission regulation that allowed funds to assess this charge. To many investors, this is an unfair charge. It's used to pay for the effort of attracting new shareholders — in other words, to advertise the fund — and is taken out of each account every month, adding up to about $7.50 per thousand dollars, per year.
The many fees and charges of mutual funds are confusing and frustrating, because there's very little about these charges that's uniform. The management fee, a compensation for portfolio managers, can be among the highest of costs. But there's a way to avoid these.
Now for Something Different: ETFs
A newer kind of mutual fund growing in popularity is the ETF, which is different from the traditional mutual fund in several ways:
1. The ETF has a predetermined "basket of securities." Because the portfolio components are known in advance, management fees should be quite small. The only decisions to be made come up when a component has to be dropped and replaced from the basket. A predetermined basket of securities doesn't improve diversification, though; in fact, it makes it worse. For example, a sector ETF is likely to see all its components lose value because of events that hurt the sector.
2. Shares are traded on the open exchanges just like stocks. This means they have greater liquidity. Traditional mutual funds are always bought or sold based on day-end net asset value (NAV). The ability to trade shares on the exchanges may also mean that fees for buying and selling are going to be much lower than transacting directly with a mutual fund's management.
3. ETFs are set up to specialize in market sectors and many non-stock products. These include countries or regions, currency, commodities, debt securities and many other alternatives.
4. Fees are likely to be lower across the board. Because ETFs trade just like shares of stock, they're easier to buy and sell, and it is much more difficult for fund management to "nickel and dime" shareholders with an array of expense fees, service fees, and administration and other charges.
Taken Together, It All Adds Up
The problem with mutual fund fees is that each specific one is quite small, but added together they represent a fairly big hit on your asset. This is especially the case of a front-end load, with money taken out of funds before they're even invested.
The ETF solves some of the fee problems of mutual funds. But the real bottom line for anyone using mutual funds is this: The convenience of diversification and professional management can be very expensive. Making the fees even worse, most traditional funds underperform when compared with market indexes such as the Standard & Poor's 500.
This is because as funds get larger, they have to diversify more broadly. The percentage they're allowed to hold in any one company is limited by law; so the success of popularity translates to having to buy many stocks that the fund might not otherwise want to hold. Remember, too, that most of these fees are deducted from your account even when the fund loses money.
In other words, success has a price. And whether it's an overt fee or a hidden cost, mutual funds don't solve the problem investors face when seeking safety and convenience. A wise method for deciding whether to invest through mutual funds is to compare the cost to the alternative of buying stocks directly. For many investors, the alternative of researching and buying stocks through an investment club is a more sensible method for building a portfolio. It's also much cheaper.
Mutual Fund Cost Comparison Calculators
Securities and Exchange Commission
Michael C. Thomsett is the author of more than 70 published books. Among these are Getting Started in Stock Investing and Trading (Wiley), which includes practical suggestions for picking stocks based on fundamental analysis. He is also the author of Annual Reports 101 (Amacom Books), Getting Started in Fundamental Analysis (Wiley) and Investment and Securities Dictionary (McFarland). He lives in Nashville, Tenn., and writes full time.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
BetterInvesting Magazine is published monthly by BetterInvesting.
BetterInvesting is the brand identity of the National Association of Investors Corporation, a national, nonprofit association with members consisting of individual investors and investment clubs. Founded in 1951 and with headquarters in Madison Heights, Mich., BetterInvesting is considered the voice of the individual investor, as well as the pioneer of the modern investment club movement. BetterInvesting is dedicated to providing a sound program of investment education and information to help its members become successful long-term, lifetime investors. For more information about BetterInvesting, visit its website at www.betterinvesting.org.


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Bus driver brings Storrow Drive to a halt, but narrowly avoids peeling his bus open
Or is that side of the BU Bridge still technically Soldiers Field Road? In any case, if he has any passengers, they're probably relieved he had good enough reflexes to stop before plowing into the lower train bridge there.
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Bus company name?
At original resolution, can you read the bus company name?
No legible; still Soldiers Field Road
The company name isn't legible at the maximum resolution of Ms. Popko's Twitter post. The logo doesn't resemble any bus company logos that I'm familiar with -- and I work with charter buses a lot. When I enlarge the photo, the license plate looks sort of orange, which would make it a New York state plate.
That section of parkway is officially Soldiers Field Road. The transition between it and James J. Storrow Memorial Drive is at University Road, which is the side street leading to Commonwealth Avenue, just to the east of the B,U, Bridge.
College Tour?
I don't remember the company name, but I'm pretty sure I saw this bus on Mt. Auburn in Harvard Square today.
Soldiers Field Road existed before Storrow Drive
When it ended here, did traffic just continue through BU onto Bay State Road?
That is correct. The first segment of Soldiers Field Road was in the vicinity of Harvard Stadium, opened as a through road in 1904. It was extended eastward in segments and reached University Road in 1929, just after the Cottage Farm Bridge opened in August 1928. (Boston University began relocating its campus in the 1930s, and the bridge was renamed after the university in 1949.) At that time inbound traffic on Soldiers Field Road had the option of turning right onto University Road to access Comm. Ave., the bridge, or nearby Brookline neighborhoods; or it could continue straight onto Bay State Road.
Storrow Drive opened as a 4-lane road on June 15, 1951. It proved too narrow to meet traffic demand and was widened to 6 lanes in 1954-55. Soldiers Field Road, also originally 4 lanes, was likewise widened to 6 lanes in 1954-55, which is also when its underpasses were built.
Four lanes, not six, here
This part of Storrow Drive, from the BU Bridge to Charlesgate, is four lanes, not six. So is the connecting part of Soldiers Field Road as it follows the bend of the Charles River towards Cambridge Street in Allston. The six-lane parts are further east and further west.


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As temperatures drop into the single digits, Maryland residents will continue to bundle up and face the winter chill. The inclement weather presents a variety of challenges, but it can also have a negative effect on the health of your hair. Discover several types of hair damage that are more likely to occur this winter.
Dry Hair
Low temperatures affect the moisture level in the air, which is why so many homeowners click on the humidifier every winter. A lack of humidity in the air can lead to a variety of issues, from sickness to dye eye. It can also cause your hair to become dry and more susceptible to breakage.
Dull Hair
Dry, brittle hair can cause your hair to look dull and unattractive. Ensure that you're maintaining moisture during the winter months by using a hydrating hair mask at least once a week.
Seasonal Hair Loss
Due to a lack of hydration and humidity, you are more likely to experience hair loss or hair shedding during the winter months. More than often, seasonal hair loss is temporary, and hair growth will return once the warm temperatures and humidity return.
Static Hair
Have you noticed a few hairs straying from the pack? The cold temperatures and lack of humidity present an electric charge, which causes your hair to cling to your clothes and particles in the air.
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At Wigs and Hair Solutions, we help our clients with their hair loss. We specialize in human hair wigs, partial pieces, and toppers to cover any level of hair loss. Whether your hair loss is only temporary or a permanent occurrence, or is medically-related, Bonnie will be able to create the look you want with a high-quality wig, topper, or partial piece.
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Monday, November 14, 2011
Follow Your Bliss!
6 comments:
- Barbara said...
After a few years of freelance writing, I stopped because I had to go back to a full-time job and a time-consuming commute. Then I retired but found myself stalled and five years later I'm still stalled. Thanks for this post. I just need to stop reading so much and start writing.
- November 14, 2011 at 10:42 AM
- Kate Collins said...
Barbara, I've been stalled a few times, too. It took me almost a year of being stalled between writing historical romance and mystery because I was too afraid to fire my then agent. Once I did that, it freed me up somehow and I started moving forward. Is there anything that's holding you back?
- November 14, 2011 at 10:49 AM
- Nancy Lynn Jarvis said...
Every time I give a book talk I open with, "Show of hands, please, how many of you have or want to write a book?" Most hands go up. Then I ask, "How many of you have?" The hands go down. It's easy enough to have a dream, harder to follow it because fear comes into play.
At the end of the talk, I tell them to be brave and take the first step because they will have so much fun if they do!
- November 14, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Believing in yourself is probably, indeed, the key to achieving your goals, but it is also an easier-said-than-done issue for a lot of people. I think self doubt and insecurities plague everyone...some to a greater degree than others, perhaps. Those degrees may be the difference between those who've found their bliss and those who haven't.
- November 14, 2011 at 1:33 PM
- Authors Write said...
The phrase "look before you leap" comes to mind when reading this blog. In creative situations there is no greater fear than rejection. So sometimes we tend to stare before we leap. We analyze before we leap, and before too long we just get used to standing on the edge.
I have found that if I feel the fear creeping up then I better leap and hope for the best. This does not apply to skydivers, however, so i better think before i speak. But that's a whole different blog.
Thanks, Kate, for this post. I always enjoy your positivity.
- November 14, 2011 at 4:46 PM
- Barbara said...
Thanks for your reply, Kate. I am working on my first attempt at fiction after writing nonfiction (mostly history) for years. I'm stuck at a plot point and fearing that I just can't write fiction. At least I think this is why I'm stalled. Also, there is another novel I want to write which is based on a real person. I can't write his biography because I've only been able to find out facts about one, fascinating, part of his life, so I want to write a novel about him. Maybe I should ditch the mystery and get started on him?
- November 15, 2011 at 11:21 AM


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SANTA FE — The New Mexico House of Representatives on Wednesday sent a $6.2 billion state budget bill to Gov. Susana Martinez, who called the spending plan a "good compromise" providing for key needs.
The 30-day legislative session ends at noon today, with the Republican governor's final say on the budget still to come.
With adjournment nearing, lawmakers were scrambling to agree on a solvency fix for the state's cash-strapped lottery scholarship program.
Meanwhile, a proposal to submit a minimum wage increase to voters failed on a busy day in the House, while the Senate decisively voted down a gambling compact for the Navajo Nation.
The Senate on a 42-0 vote passed and returned to the House for concurrence an amended, $233 million package of public works projects. The package, to be financed mostly with severance tax bonds, included $86 million for water projects.
The budget for the coming fiscal year appeared to be a rare bipartisan deal in a session full of deadlock, as House members voted 58-8 in favor of the spending plan approved unanimously in the Senate a day earlier.
A spokesman for Martinez, who had opposed a House-drafted budget plan that stalled earlier this month, gave signs of support for the new-look bill lawmakers sent her Wednesday.
"This budget properly prioritizes the importance of investing in education reforms and key job creation efforts, as well as efforts to expand New Mexico's health care workforce in rural areas," Martinez spokesman Enrique Knell said.
However, Knell said the Republican governor remains concerned about the total spending growth in the budget and said Martinez will scrutinize it closely before March 12, her deadline to act on legislation approved during the session's final days.
Top-ranking House Democrats said the budget would help invigorate the state's economy, in part by providing 3 percent pay raises for all state workers and teachers. State Police and social workers would be among those in line for even larger pay hikes.
"This is an initiative that will move New Mexico forward and put us on the path to recovery," said Rep. Luciano "Lucky" Varela, D-Santa Fe.
In all, the budget proposal endorsed Wednesday would increase state spending for the coming fiscal year by $293 million — or 5 percent — over this year's spending levels. Nearly $171 million of that increased spending would go toward K-12 education.
All eight of the "no" votes on the budget on the House floor were cast by GOP lawmakers, some of whom raised concern about the possibility of decreased state revenue because of falling oil and natural gas prices.
"I think 5 percent growth in the budget in a year our economy is struggling might be a little bit excessive," said House Republican Leader Donald Bratton of Hobbs.
The annual task of passing a budget was complicated during this year's session by fierce disagreements over control of public education spending.
Some Democratic lawmakers objected to the Martinez administration's request that more spending authority be given to the Public Education Department for school initiatives. Instead, they sought to keep almost all education dollars flowing through a formula that distributes money among the state's 89 school districts and is controlled at the local level.
Under the budget compromise, about $17.5 million was tacked onto a House-drafted plan for the school initiatives sought by Martinez. Of that amount, roughly $7.2 million would be available for various recruitment and retention initiatives, which could include merit-based pay for teachers.
However, school districts would be able to decide whether to seek that funding from PED. In addition, language would stipulate that not all of the $7.2 million could be used on any single program.
The educational portion of the budget was praised Wednesday by one of the state's largest teachers unions, the American Federation of Teachers-New Mexico.
Rep. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, also claimed the bill would give school districts much-needed flexibility, saying, "I think education will be much improved with this budget."
In other legislative action Wednesday:
- The House voted down an overhauled proposal to maintain the current payout level from New Mexico's largest permanent fund. The measure, which failed on a 32-34 vote, would have allowed the State Investment Council to decide whether to maintain the current 5.5 payout rate from the Land Grant Permanent Fund or drop the rate to 5 percent, starting in 2016. The SIC opposed the constitutional amendment, which in its original form would merely have given the agency more leeway to invest in international securities.
- Lawmakers were scrutinizing a proposed "Omaree's Law," which would require the Children, Youth and Families Department to immediately take custody of children showing certain signs of abuse.
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