text:
Golden State's Transfer Guarantee
Last month, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act, guaranteeing community college students who earn certain associate degrees meant for transfer acceptance into a California State University baccalaureate program with junior status.
Last month, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act, guaranteeing community college students who earn certain associate degrees meant for transfer acceptance into a California State University baccalaureate program with junior status. And though the intent of the legislation is to simplify what many students report is a scattershot transfer process, the work California community colleges and CSU must do to achieve this goal by next fall is complicated and will test their resolve in the wake of the state's recent budget crisis.
The new legislation charges California community college districts to develop and grant associate degrees explicitly meant for transfer. It stipulates that these degrees should consist of 60 credit hours, all of which must be eligible for transfer to CSU. The degrees must consist of courses to meet the CSU general education breadth requirement. Also, at least 18 credit hours should be within a single major or area of interest. The legislation explicitly states that no additional local graduation requirements may be added.
While many states, community colleges and four-year colleges talk about articulation, the new California law is unusually ambitious in scope and notably detailed on just how to make it work. It also could lead to more standardization of the community college curriculum across the state's vast system of two-year institutions. Given that many community colleges and their students complain that past articulation efforts haven't had enough backbone, and given California's large population, the law is likely to be closely examined by many states.
Under the California law, if a student completes one of these associate degrees with at least a 2.0 grade point average, then CSU must guarantee him admission with junior status. The legislation states that students with these degrees should be given priority admission, ahead of those who transfer without such a credential. There is, however, a catch. Admission to specific majors or campuses is not guaranteed, though attempts will be made to give students their preferences.
Once these students are at CSU, the legislation continues, they should not be required to repeat courses that are similar to those taken at community college that counted toward their transfer associate degree. Additionally, CSU cannot require these students to take any more than 60 additional credit hours for majors that require 120 credit hours overall for baccalaureate degree completion. Both of these provisions directly speak to the complaints of community college graduates about their experiences all over the country.
Easier Said Than Done
The California Community Colleges and CSU Chancellor's Office have already started working together to figure out how their institutions will ensure that this transfer guarantee can be ready by next fall. But while CSU can make sweeping changes as a system, California's 112 community colleges technically operate independently of one another, potentially making transfer alignment between the two sectors difficult. That's where the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges comes in.
"The most important caveat is that these new degrees will need to accomplish two ends: prepare students for transfer and comprise an associate degree," wrote Jane Patton, academic senate president, in a recent letter to faculty groups around the state. "Although the bill does not mandate a statewide solution, it would not make much sense if 112 colleges devised 112 different responses to the bill. One hundred and twelve different solutions would not provide simplicity or clarity for students and would not encourage the intersegmental discipline discussions that we know would improve student preparation."
Patton's group is convening groups of faculty members from the community colleges and the CSU campuses in various disciplines to develop a "transfer model curriculum," or rough outline of what courses "are appropriate for an associate degree, providing a foundational understanding of the discipline, and prepare the students for transfer to any CSU." So far, first drafts of transfer curriculums for 11 disciplines have been made and are awaiting further vetting by other faculty groups around the state, Patton told Inside Higher Ed. She expects final drafts for many of the more popular disciplines before the end of this academic year.
And though local colleges can "take or leave" the final models ultimately produced by the statewide Academic Senates, Patton explained, those that do adopt them will virtually guarantee "fast-track" approval by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office. Those institutions that decide to go their own way will likely face a longer approval process along to the way to ultimately assuring that they meet the new state law. Though Patton was uncertain whether any of the state's two-year colleges would choose to create their own degrees, she dismissed concerns that the templates being developed by her group would "homogenize" community college curriculums throughout the state.
"I don't know that homogenization is what's happening here," Patton said. "This is a coordinated and concerted effort to ensure that we make transfer possible with more consistency. There are plenty of local varieties and options for students to take. Also, this isn't the only option available to students. The other [associate degrees] aren't going away, but this will be a very targeted degree for those that are interested."
Eloy Oakley, president of Long Beach City College and member of a new task force charged with carrying out the new transfer legislation, echoed Patton's sentiment. Any "standardization" of community college curriculums across the state, he argued, is worth it if it increases student completion. Oakley admits, however, that his institution, located near two CSU campuses, will likely have an easier time complying with the new legislation than some other community colleges around the state.
"Some [community] colleges are more geared to transfer than others," Oakley said. "If they're nearby a CSU or a [University of California], then they're expected to have those types of agreements in place. For instance, we already have a number of degrees intended for transfer. Most urban colleges do. But some of the more rural colleges in the state have other issues to focus on, such as terminal degrees or workforce development, if they don't have a CSU or UC in the area. They may not have the full complement of transfer associate degrees."
Oakley noted that the current transfer associate degrees available at his institution do fall short of the expectations of the new legislation because, among other issues, they require some extraneous local requirements such as physical education and health that do not transfer to CSU. Still, working from these degrees already in place plus whatever templates are made available by the Academic Senate, he said he expects his institution to be fully compliant before next fall, offering a wide variety of transfer-centric, no-frills-added associate degrees.
Working Out the Kinks
As part of a plan to meet unprecedented state budget cuts, Cal State didn't admit spring transfers this past academic year, a decision that left many community college transfer students without a public four-year institution where they could further their education. Earlier this month, however, the state legislature approved a budget that will provide new money for CSU enrollment expansion for the first time since 2007, allowing it to resume spring admission again.
Despite news of state budget expansion and the passage of new transfer legislation, memories of the recent budget cuts remain. CSU officials insist, however, that capacity will not be an issue for community college transfer students when these new degrees are introduced and honored by their campuses next academic year.
"We will accept every fully eligible student for transfer," said Allison Jones, CSU assistant vice chancellor of student academic support. "The law mandates that."
Jones explained that future transfer students with these new associate degrees will be given preference when filling CSU's rolls, ahead of community college transfers without these specific degrees, transfers from UC campuses and private institutions and, ultimately, first-time freshmen, who he noted are already at the bottom of this preferential list. This means that, in theory, an incoming freshman class could be trimmed to accommodate large numbers of qualified community college transfers. Jones noted, however, that this already happens within the system in extenuating circumstances.
Officials from the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office also did not think capacity would be an issue for transfers in the future.
"There are no worries about implementing this bill," said Linda Michalowski, vice chancellor for student services and special programs. "There's no doubt there will be savings to ease capacity issues. It's designed to streamline things for institutions … but, at the same time, it's not going to solve all problems."
The Chancellor's Office estimates that, once implemented, the transfer changes will generate approximately $160 million annually in cost savings, providing access to about 40,000 additional community college students and nearly 14,000 CSU students annually.
Another bill signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger earlier this month, overshadowed by the larger transfer bill, could help expand this effort beyond CSU to the UC system. The secondary piece of legislation encourages the system to "consider offering guaranteed eligibility for admission" in a UC campus for students who complete an associate degree specifically designed for transfer. Unlike with CSU, however, the state legislature cannot mandate that UC accept transfers in such an all-encompassing way. Community college officials such as Patton, however, are hopeful UC will at least consider the suggestion.
Read more by
College Pages
Inside Higher Ed CareersHiring? Post A Job Today!
Browse Faculty Jobs
Browse Administrative Jobs
Browse Executive Administration Jobs
Today's News from Inside Higher Ed
Inside Higher Ed's Quick Takes
Popular Right Now
Students' admission rescinded in response to racist online speech
Academic libraries will change in significant ways as a result of the pandemic (opinion)
Envisioning a day in the life of a faculty member on campus this fall (opinion)
Professor resigns after criticizing protesters and another faces calls for his termination
Advice to department chairs on how to foster inclusion among the faculty (opinion)
Republicans encourage campuses to reopen; Democrats want safeguards
Safetyism Was Never Real | Just Visiting
Students demand universities break ties with local police but few have
Scholars must actively help inform the creation of policies that protect unarmed black people from p


text:
President Barack Obama is in the Bay Area for a short fundraising visit, drawing some criticism.
Some are questioning the timing of the president's trip and the message it might be sending in light of the current international crisis.
The streets surrounding the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown San Francisco were filled with onlookers Wednesday morning hoping to catch a glimpse of the president, who attended an event at the hotel.
Obama made it to the hotel, located at 757 Market St., just before 9:20 a.m. to speak at a House Majority PAC event, which was not a ticketed or fundraising program.
The president had stayed a few blocks away at the InterContinental Hotel after arriving at San Francisco International Airport on Tuesday night.
Crowds gathered to wait for Obama to exit the Four Seasons as San Francisco police on motorcycles instructed onlookers to remain on the sidewalk.
A family of five visiting from Holland on vacation was waiting at the corner of Fourth and Market streets around 9:30 a.m.
The mother said they were "in a bit of a jam. We want to see Obama, but we have to go to Alcatraz."
The father was busy snapping photos of the heavy police presence and blocked streets.
A couple from Barcelona was on their honeymoon and decided to wait for Obama mid-block on Fourth Street near Mission Street. They also had plans to go to Alcatraz this afternoon, but were willing to spend their morning outside the hotel to see the U.S. president.
Eventually Obama's motorcade zoomed down Fourth Street just before 10:30 a.m. and the president could be seen waving and smiling from the back of a large black SUV.
Obama was headed to a noon event at the private residence of Judy and George Marcus in Los Altos Hills to raise money for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
George Marcus is the founder of the real estate brokerage firm Marcus & Millichap.
Other dignitaries expected at the noon event, which had tickets ranging from $10,000 to $32,400 per couple, include House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto.
Protesters supporting net neutrality plan demonstrated outside the presidential visit.
The group, organized by MoveOn.org, is urging Obama to support unrestricted, equal access to the Internet.
Organizers have said they are demanding Obama keep his promise to preserve the "open Internet" and publicly state that he supports the Federal Communications Commission treating the Internet as a public utility.
Net neutrality advocates have been rallying against FCC chairman Tom Wheeler's proposal to create a two-tiered system that would allow service providers to offer faster connection speeds for fee-paying content providers and a second, slower speed for others.
Hillary Clinton is also in the Bay Area Wednesday to help launch a reading program in Oakland. She was in Silicon Valley earlier this week, visiting Facebook, Twitter and Google to promote her new book.
Obama will continue onto Los Angeles on an early Wednesday afternoon flight from SFO to end a three-day West Coast fundraising trip.
Prior to his Bay Area visit, Obama was in Seattle on Tuesday.
With his travels coinciding with crises abroad in Ukraine and in Gaza, Obama made a last-minute decision to scrap an appearance with late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel.
In Washington, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell faulted Obama for not being in town while Congress debates vital legislation.
"I'm not going to give him advice about how to allocate his time, but he's certainly not spending the kind of time with the people he needs to pass legislation and convince people who have a vote, who were sent here to legislate, of the virtues of whatever position he has," McConnell said.
White House officials say Obama is more than able to carry out all his duties and attend to crises while on the road.
"In terms of fundraising, it's a responsibility that presidents in both parties for generations have been responsible for," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Tuesday. "And the president, like his predecessors, is interested in supporting members of his party who are on the ballot in 2014 and that's part of what he'll be doing over the course of this week.
Bay City News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
#potus to raise $ for congressional candidates at Marcus residence in #losaltoshills. $10k-$32,400 a plate. pic.twitter.com/3aAfqF0Y2G — Bob Redell (@BobNBC) July 23, 2014
About 50 protestors in Los Altos await #potus motorcade. Message: support net neutrality & stop #gazabombing https://t.co/WchFGFsbS6 — Bob Redell (@BobNBC) July 23, 2014

subset: commoncrawl


text:
If the proposed new rules are applied, the number of Chinese stocks that would have to be included would drop dramatically by two-thirds to 169 stocks leading to a sharp drop in market turnover, a crucial source of costs for passive funds.
Bloomberg: MSCI Shuns Most of China's $7 Trillion Market in Index Proposal
Only 169 mainland China-listed companies will be considered for inclusion by benchmark gauges, down from 448 under a previous proposal, and all will be large-cap shares currently accessible to foreign investors through exchange links with Hong Kong. The weighting of yuan denominated stocks, known as A shares, would be just 0.5 percent of the MSCI Emerging Market Index, half the previous suggested level, according to a consultation paper published on MSCI's website Wednesday.


text:
2013 Crossmen Blog Day 21
The day started bright and early for Crossmen on Independence Day. The wake up music started at 5:30 am and after only 6 and a half hours since our show departure. Everyone seemed in really good spirits and very animated this morning. Our Independence Day was to consist of three parades in Chicago in the communities of Niles, Skokie and Morton Grove. This marathon requires some pretty detailed logistics and cooperation by all. Our drivers, admin volunteers and staff really had their act together today. The members were into making this day special for everyone that they encountered along the routes. The last 6 years we were in New England for the fourth so this is my first experience making the rounds in Chicago. Like clock work we loaded up the Gotta Go Trailways motorcoaches. and headed for Niles from the Cultural Center in Devonshire. The convoy consisted of the Mobile Command Center, Volly Van and the 4 motorcoaches. The three trucks and trailers stayed behind. All of the brass and battery instruments, guard gear, parade banner and flags were loaded under the coaches. The convoy dropped off members, staff and equipment at the Niles staging area and then went to find the end of the route to park. The drivers discovered a haven like none other. Roxie and her friends that lived in and around the parade terminus started bringing out furniture, food, coffee and refreshments for our crew. Little did we know but this is their tradition on Independence Day each year. They host a corps' drivers and provide a place for them to wait out the parade. Our Mobile Command Center pilot, Franklin, couldn't stop raving about the reception. As soon as the corps could set up to play after the parade the neighbors were treated to the Crossmen version of "She's Too Good For Me". Roxie and her neighbors were delighted and there were hugs and well wishes all around! They opened up their homes to the corps in order to use the facilities and sent us on our way with 200 home baked brownies after feeding them fruit crepes! We won't forget this stop. We have Roxie's contact information for next time we are in Niles! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200922113108192&set=vb.1026439132&type=3
Read the rest of the article here.


text:
Yes, Amazon made news this year—more than once—for its leadership in ecommerce and packaging. But sustainability challenges and packaging strategies for this flourishing market also captured your attention in 2017.
Continuing our review of the year's top articles on PackagingDigest.com based on page views, we now focus on packaging for online sales, which Deloitte predicts will exceed in-store sales this holiday season for the first time. Why does that matter to packaging departments? Some 65% of respondents to a Packaging Digest poll say ecommerce is either partially or fully integrated into their core business—meaning it's also their responsibility. Ecommerce—and its impact on packaging—matters.
Here is a countdown of the top seven articles about ecommerce packaging posted this year:
#7. What best practices for ecommerce packaging are emerging?
Packaging Digest conducted the poll mentioned above during our highly successful July webinar "Ecommerce Packaging: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting it Right from the Start." (If you missed it, you can still watch it on-demand by clicking the link.)
To get a sense of where the industry currently is, during the 1-hour event, we asked participants to answer two burning questions:
1. Is there a standard transit test packaging departments are using for their ecommerce shipments?
2. Are most companies integrating their growing ecommerce enterprise with their brick-and-mortar business?
We've already spilled the beans on the second question: Yes, about two-thirds of respondents say they are integrating ecommerce into their core businesses.
Results to the first question, however, revealed that there isn't a transit test that stands out as the "standard" yet (see chart above). Perhaps that will change as time goes on.
NEXT: Why you now need a strategy for ecommerce packaging


text:
A trip to the Goodwill a few weeks ago yielded an excited Ruby, squealing at her reflection in the dressing room, and this slip dress. I paired it with my chunky combat boots and (what else?) baby backpack to channel that girlie-grunge thing the 90s did so well. I think this outfit is da bomb! (Couldn't help myself.)
|Criss-cross or Kris Kross?
|Dress, Tank, Backpack: Goodwill; Shoes: Steve Madden (DSW)


text:
I'm looking for a multi-monitor PC set up, ideally with 4-6 screen
capabilities. I have been digging around on the net and have found four
companies that provide what I am looking for:
DigitalEGA - They provide four base model PC's with a
wide variety of upgrades available that can power anywhere from 2-14 monitor
set-ups. They also sell monitor configurations separately and offer a number
of value combo's (PC and Monitors).
Multiple Monitors - These guys sell a decent
selection of monitors and PC's but their PC's seem a bit dated, Intel i3
processors etc.
Digital Tigers - Well established company with an
extensive range of monitors and PC configurations, I found them to be a
little pricey, especially as I would have to have paid a lot in shipping and
import duty.
Quad Vision - They seems more for large corporations
but do offer workstations and monitor configurations, although there site
does not seem to have e-commerce or pricing available.
Has anyone else got any other suggestions on other sites? Or things i would need to search for when looking for the best setup possible.
I am in the UK so ideally I would like free or cheap shipping


text:
EPA Advances Efforts to Determine Risk of Chemical Substances
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued separate final rules that advance its efforts to determine the risk of chemical substances, a process that could ultimately result in new requirements or restrictions on some chemicals.
Prioritizing for Risk Evaluations. The first rule establishes the process and criteria the EPA will use to identify chemical substances as either high-priority substances for risk evaluation or low-priority substances for which risk evaluations are not warranted at the time. Prioritization is the first step in a new process of existing chemical substance review and management established under recent amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act.
This rule describes the processes for formally initiating the prioritization process on a selected candidate, providing opportunities for public comment, screening the candidate against certain criteria, and proposing and finalizing designations of priority.
Conducting Risk Evaluations. The second rule establishes a process for conducting risk evaluations to determine whether a chemical substance presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment (without consideration of costs or other non-risk factors) under the conditions of use. The EPA is required to mitigate any risks determined to exist, which could include labeling requirements, use restrictions, or outright bans.
This rule identifies the steps of a risk evaluation process, including scope, hazard assessment, exposure assessment, risk characterization, and risk determination. This process will be used for the first ten chemical substances undergoing evaluation from the 2014 update of the TSCA work plan for chemical assessments (to the maximum extent practicable). Chemical substances designated as high-priority substances during the prioritization process, and those for which the EPA has initiated a risk evaluation in response to a manufacturer request, will always be subject to this process. The rule also establishes the process by which manufacturers would make such requests and the criteria by which the EPA will evaluate them.


text:
My Own Story
I am being raised as a Seventh Day Adventist with three other siblings. I am blessed to have at least one understanding parent when it comes to modesty.
As most of you know by now, I was raised in jeans. This does not mean they were necessarily immodest, my mom tried to get me the loosest jeans possible. But when I was 12, some plain women ( Mennonite, I believe. ) were in a store. For some reason I felt ashamed with my attire. Soon I began researching modest attire ( skirts and stuff ) online.
I gradually transitioned into skirts. Unfortunately, I was going to wear a skirt to youth group ( I think it was for the first time ) and I became so scared that I slipped into jeans at the last minute.
Now I feel somewhat more comfortable being myself at youth group. Thankfully two of my homeschooled friends go there and they ( somewhat ) understand why I wear what I wear.
Then I realized dance was slowly becoming an issue. I didn't really have a chance, because we don't get our costumes until a few months before the first performance. I was wearing booty shorts ( ughh ) and a gold top. I was embarrassed but I didn't really have a choice, as some of you might think.
Finally, I found the courage to discuss the dance issue with my mom. She suggested that I talk with my " main " teacher about it, and perhaps she could get more modest costumes and/or start a seperate ballet/lyrical class.
Anyway, I still stumble during my modestt journey. I don't always wear modest clothing, I sometimes go against my convictions, but that doesn't make me a bad person. Everyone makes mistakes, no one's perfect, but we try our best to follow God's commandments.


text:
Hunting is a very general term and can mean a lot of different things for different people. What it means to each person will be a direct result of where that person hunts and what he or she hunts for. Different gear is needed to hunt different areas and different types of animals. Therefore, the best boots for hunting are going to be different all around the world. In this article we will break it down and give you our opinion on the best boots for hunting separated into categories.
Best Boots for Hunting: Stand Hunting
LaCrosse Hunting Boots: The most common type of stand hunting is for whitetail deer out of a tree stand or some type of blind. Of course, many other deer species and animals are hunted this way too. When participating in this type of hunting, you are letting the deer come to you. Therefor it is most important to control your scent, as this is one of the best senses a deer has. Scent eliminating boots have become the best boots for hunting any game animal out of a stand. They are waterproof, comfortable, warm (if insulated), and built to reduce the amount of scent that can ruin a hunt. There is a lot of competition in this market, but one brand that has gained significant market share is LaCrosse. These are actually neoprene boots that are designed for hunting. Hunting happens through out the year in most areas, so there are several different models and camo patterns to fit your needs. The Alpha Burly are the best boots for hunting that LaCrosse makes, and you will pay more for them as well. But you get what you pay for and the Alpha Burly are available in many different camo patterns and insulation weights, so there is sure to be some hunting boots that are just right for you.
For more information or to buy, Click Here:
LaCrosse Hunting Boots Best Price: Cabelas.com
Best Boots for Hunting: Easy Hiking
Danner Pronghorn: Made to be light weight and offer great all round support for your feet in an array of different environments. Danner has been making high quality boots for a long time, and the Pronghorn model has proved itself over and over again as they continue to manufacture it after 10 years since its inception. I have used this boot many times when archery hunting mule deer in September and also while sneaking up whitetail trails during the November rut. The Pronghorn is a "one boot fits all conditions" product and does well in most situations I have put it up to. The only thing it is not ideal at is on nonstop side hills where it proves to be a little loose, but this is nice when not on side hills as the Pronghorn Boots are very comfortable.
The Danner Pronghorns have become so popular over the years, that now there are several different models to fit your feet and the conditions you will most likely encounter while out in the field. Danner has even built a snake proof boot featuring a height of 18 inch. I would not suggest a hiking / hunting boot that was not waterproof, and Danner covers that by using Gore-tex to keep water out, yet let your feet breath keeping the sweat down on those long days afield.
For more information or to buy, Click Here:
Danner Pronghorn Boots Best Price: Cabelas.com
Best Boot for Hunting: Mountain Hiking
Schnees Granite Boot: When hunting in the steep country where the big Bulls, Bucks, and Rams like to call home, the ordinary hiking boat will not quite cut it. Schnees Granite boot is made for steep country and sidehilling all day long. This type of hunting is brutal and you need a boot that is stiff sided, yet comfortable enough to wear all day long. Built with serious outdoorsmen in mind, the Granite is the pinnacle of the Schnee's Montana Mountain Boot Series. 10″ tall, 2.8mm thick leather uppers provide excellent ankle support while full
length heavy duty 7mm nylon insoles provide rigid torsional support for carrying heavy loads on uneven terrain. The Granite, as well as all of the Schnees' boots are 100 % waterproof and lightly insulated with 200g of PrimaLoft.
- Premium Vibram 'Tsavo' outsole featuring our signature rubber compound for maximum traction and durability
- 100% waterproof, breathable eVent® Membrane
- Polyurethane midsoles for lasting support and incredible shock absorption
- Fully reinforced rubber rand protects against rock cuts and abrasion
- Triple and Double stitched in key areas
- Handcrafted in Italy Exclusively for Schnee's
Here is a video of all three hunting boots in the series: Schnee's Mountain Boots Here is a video of just the Granite Boot: Schnee's Granite Boot
For more information or to buy, click here:
Schnee's Granite Hunting Boot Best Price: Schnees.com Only available here!


text:
Not so much about tutorials, because every remodelling project is different. But some of my proudest work!
Check it out.
I remodelled a lumpy hoodie for Jon.
I made this unbelievable piece of hideousness into a wearable shirt.
|It should be obvious that this is the before...
|And this is the after. Duh.
I brought sexy back to this spotty dress.
|So it was free...
|Better like this.
Stay tuned!


text:
The incision to place the implant can be placed in the crease below the breast, in the armpit (axilla), in the areola (pigmented tissue around the nipple) or even through an incision in the umbilicus.
The incision below the breast is not visible to you or others, and is the most direct approach to the space above or below the muscle. It is my preferred incision.
The armpit and areolar incision will be visible to you and others while healing. Usually they fade to a fine line when healed. However, they may have permanent pigmentation following healing resulting in continued visibility to you and others.
The umbilical incision is quite a distance from the breast and although it has been used successfully, if a complication such as bleeding should arise, the incision below the breast will be used to treat the complication, since visibility will be better.
Posted in: Breast Augmentation


text:
Blog Archives
South Sudan. A failed state.
In the beginning;
A few years ago, the greater Sudan used to be a country of conflict. Since 1956, they have always been in a civil war having peace for only a period of 10 years between 1972 to 1983 after which, another civil war begun. The end of the war saw the breaking of Sudan into two countries, Republic of Sudan and the new country South Sudan coming to birth in 2011. Just 3 yrs ago. After this, Kenya as a neighbour thought it was all over. The international community saw light at the end of the tunnel and UN saw a free country. Well, there is the ICC issue where Albashir, the president of Sudan is wanted for crimes against humanity but that's another thing.


text:
Chicago - Paine/Wetzel / TCN Worldwide is pleased to announce that the team of, Gregory Wright, Les Spinner and Adam Naparsteck, have completed a land acquisition of nearly 80 acres on behalf of their client, Sunstar Americas, Inc. in unincorporated Cook County, Illinois.
Sunstar Americas has purchased the land from the Archdiocese of Chicago with plans to break ground later this month on a 300,000 square foot North American headquarters and manufacturing facility. The new building will accommodate the expansion and relocation of their operations from Foster Avenue in Chicago. Located north of I-90 and east of Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament and Roselle Road, the new site will be annexed into Schaumburg, Illinois.
"This is the culmination of a 4 ½ year search for the appropriate North American headquarters site befitting this significant client," stated Greg Wright of Paine/Wetzel / TCN Worldwide. "While we regard every client as special, with this assignment we put our heart and soul into achieving the perfect opportunity for them."
Originally founded in 1932 as a manufacturer of rubber glue for bicycle tires and metal tubes, Sunstar has grown into a global company. Today Sunstar is widely known in a variety of industries, ranging from Oral Care and Health & Beauty to the Automotive and Motorcyle components markets. The company, headquartered in Etoy, Switzerland has businesses worldwide.
Wright, Spinner, and Naparsteck of Paine/Wetzel / TCN Worldwide worked on behalf of Sunstar Americas Inc. in the transaction. The seller was not represented.
Paine/Wetzel / TCN Worldwide, headquartered in Chicago, is a full-service real estate firm providing comprehensive brokerage services to investors, users and owners of commercial, office and industrial properties.


text:
What exactly is our relationship with Earth, its wilderness, its gardens and its green spaces?
Of course we all value this place in some way. I won't call it our home, although we all live here; we can live nowhere else. To me, the idea of ownership seems inappropriate at least and inaccurate at best. This place may be closer to owning me, in fact. And 'home' makes it seem so domesticated. Is that what it is? Or is it unapologetically wild and autonomous? I have decided to approach this place as I would an equal: with humility and respect for both of us. That seems to be the best moral decision I can make at this time.
Others don't agree. They consider this place a servant in need of stewardship. They talk of 'eco-system services' and measure the value of this place by the benefits it provides to one species, a single leaf on the great Tree of Life – Humans. They extract the elements that serve them, but they are not producers, like plants; they are consumers. They talk in economic terms, like 'board feet', but the only thing they truly produce is waste, of which only a minimal amount can be absorbed and re-used. They concern themselves with 'management', imagining a parental responsibility for the growth and training of this place. It's ironic to me that the child they attend is billions of years their senior.
This place is often valued for its beauty, prized for delicate and powerful sensual elements that fill the soul and spark the imagination. Many who praise it lift it far up on a pedestal of mysticism but decline to offer it their understanding or their presence. To them, it can become remote, surreal and alien, a romantic fantasy on an epic canvas.
Some view this place with disinterest, perturbation, or downright disgust. Standing on it just means that it's beneath them; they will not allow themselves to be grounded. It takes a great expenditure of energy to maintain this separation, but they achieve this distance by employing every distraction and applying every veneer currently available.
This has been called the "Athropocene Era", the geological epoch of Humans. We are the dominant species at the moment and the major force impacting the Earth. We're no longer a hunter-gatherer society, and our advancing technology is always at the expense of natural resources, even if our intention is to use it for conservation efforts. For example, the 'progress' we have made in recycling plastic still uses tremendous energy to break down the material and still results in the production of waste and toxins. The unchecked growth of our species has effected the climate of the entire planet and threatens a mass extinction.
It stands to reason that the only way to lessen our impact is to become less numerous, consume less, and produce less waste. We must slow down and live simpler, more sustainable lifestyles in order to stop this growth mentality that has become a global menace. Then we can begin to nurture an equal relationship to this place and its inhabitants.
Let us spend time with this place, pay a lover's attention to its moods, its responses. Let's be careful what we take and what we leave behind. Let's respect this place in every detail and not dismiss the nuances of its character. Let us champion its autonomy and dignity, seeking to understand but not using that understanding for our own advancement and growth. Let's explore to gain wisdom, not to invade. And let us celebrate our love for this place! Teach it! Demonstrate it in song, story, art and work!
I hope we will not grow weary or discouraged in this love. There will certainly come a new age of geography yet, whether our species is included or not. In our own lifetimes, though, living a loving relationship to this place is its own reward. It is a love to fill the heart, soul, mind and body and to bless the entire world.
Essay and all photographs © Priscilla Galasso, 2016. All rights reserved.


text:
By Linda Cole
There's no getting around it, some dogs are quite good at ignoring their owner! It's frustrating when you try to get your dog's attention and he keeps on doing whatever it is he's doing. Here are five reasons why your dog might not be paying attention to you:
Lack of Proper Training
How we train a dog matters, and can make a difference in how they respond to us. If you don't take the time to teach your dog how you want him to behave, you can't expect him to know what you want. Yelling, kicking, hitting or any unfair punishment won't teach a dog how you want him to behave. As responsible pet owners, it's also our job to make sure we put valuable or important things up out of a dog's reach, and provide a safe and secure area in the home where he can wait when we're away from home.
Poor Timing During Training
Most dogs respond to treat training and praise during training sessions. Poor timing (when the reward is late) can mean the difference between a dog learning a command or not getting it. My dogs love CANIDAE TidNips™ treats, especially Keikei. As soon as she sees the treats, she's ready for her lessons. To be effective when giving a treat reward or praise, it has to be given immediately after compliance by the dog. You only have a window of about 3 seconds where your dog can associate the treat with the command. If the dog misses the connection between the two, he won't understand what you want him to learn. If you are teaching your dog to sit, the second his behind hits the floor, give him his reward. When you call him to come, as soon as he's in front of you, give him his reward.
Not Understanding Body Language
Dogs learn not only from our verbal words, but also from watching our face and body language for cues. A dog's knowledge of body language is so refined, they understand what we want by signals we give with our body and tone of voice. If you have an understanding of the body language of dogs and are aware of the signals you are giving your dog, it can help get your point across. It's possible you are being ignored because your pet doesn't understand what you are asking him to do.
For example, if your dog continues to jump up on you and isn't listening to your down command, turn your side to him. Fold your arms so he can't touch your hands, don't look at him and don't speak to him. If he follows you as you move away from him, turn your back to him. If he continues, calmly walk away from him. He knows what that means. Your body language tells him everything he needs to know. Work on his training, but don't neglect your body language to help him learn.
Inappropriate Punishment
Dogs are no more perfect than we are, and mess up once in awhile. The come command is one of the harder commands for owners to teach a dog. Not because the dog doesn't understand the command, but if he is punished for coming, he learns not to come. Punishment to a dog can include being called inside when they're not ready to stop playing.
My Husky was an escape artist. She could slip out of her collar or pen in a matter of minutes, and race off into the woods for a run. When she ran off, I was both angry and concerned because there was no way to find her once she disappeared into the woods. She always came back after an hour or so of freedom, and I greeted her not with anger, but with praise. I didn't want her to learn she'd be punished for coming back home. Thankfully, I eventually found a collar she couldn't slip out of, and fixed her pen so she couldn't escape.
Something Else is More Interesting
Make it worth your dog's time to pay attention to you. If your dog is barking excitedly at squirrels playing in the trees, he's distracted and you need to give him a really good reason to listen to you. What you are offering him needs to be more fun than barking at squirrels. If you're calling him to come inside, give him a few minutes of your time and play catch or tug of war with him before taking him in. You don't want him to associate coming and the end to his fun by going inside right away. Show him you can be fun, too.
If your dog ignores you, take a step back and consider what you may be doing wrong. Sometimes it's just a matter of making some minor adjustments to get your dog's attention. Be positive, stay consistent and add a dash of fun to his day.
Top photo by Dane Khy
Bottom photo by Alan Porter
Read more articles by Linda Cole
Find CANIDAE Retailers Near You!
The personal opinions and/or use of trade, corporate or brand names, is for information and convenience only. Such use does not constitute an endorsement by CANIDAE® Pet Foods of any product or service. Opinions are those of the individual authors and not necessarily of CANIDAE® Pet Foods.


text:
SEASONS GREETINGS FROM TMG – it's cold out there! While reveling in the first snow of the season, our team has been hard at work closing the year and implementing new strategic goals for 2018. Out with the old and in with the new! We started with a bang as TMG's commentary was featured in Washington Technology, and we are proud of our two accountants who achieved professional milestones this month! Don't forget about our CPA Promotion that runs through the end of January. If you are like us, you are hyped for making 2018 the best year ever! Bring on the snow!
TMG Featured in Washington Technology on Writing Winning Pricing Proposals
TMG's authored article on Writing Winning Proposals was featured in the December 21 issue of Washington Technology. The article, written by TMG's President, Matt McKelvey, provides "pro tips" for arming yourself with the tools and successful processes for a winning approach to proposal development. See the link for the full article.
TMG's Secret for Writing Winning Proposals
Financial Training to Suit Your Business Needs
DID YOU KNOW? TMG is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. We offer customized, onsite group training for your team, and attendees can earn CPE credits. Our Standard Course Offerings include:
- Basic, Intermediate & Advanced – Price Proposal Workshops
- DCAA Audit Workshop
- DCAA/FAR Compliant QuickBooks Seminar
- Incurred Cost Submission Seminar
We can also prepare customized corporate training courses tailored to your business needs. Perfect your skills for the new year to make it a success! Click through for more information.
QuickBooks Certified Pros
TMG Accountants, YOBANA BALLESTEROS and BRANDON BARLETTA, are the two latest TMG employees to achieve their QuickBooks certification, validating their professional knowledge and skills in the use of QuickBooks for businesses. We congratulate them on this professional achievement!
In addition to achieving her QuickBooks certification, Yobana Ballesteros was awarded TMG's Rising Star for 2017, earning respect and accolades from clients and teammates for her dedication, reliability, and work ethic. Yobana loves challenges, and in her off-time, she enjoys salsa dancing, traveling with her family, and teaching her coworkers Spanish! Here are some accounting tips from Yobana.
Brandon Barletta, our Excel nerd and resident rock star (a real enigma), supports a number of TMG clients both commercial and government. He enjoys music, meditation, and programming spreadsheets. (Again, the combination is mind-boggling.) Brandon likes to share his knowledge with others, and you can read some of his accounting blog posts here.
10% CPA Promo
It's not too late to participate in our special CPA Promotion for ACCOUNTING SERVICES. Promo runs through January 31!


text:
The significance of Julio Cortázar's title of his short story "Blow-Up" sparked a variety of possible meanings while I was reading the text. Although the text mentions a few variations of the word "blow" ("blowing" on 118, 119 and "blown" on 119), the title's form of the word "blow" appears in a simile: "The kid had ducked his head like boxers do when they've done all they can and are waiting for the final blow to fall" (128). The "final blow" takes the form of a photograph, a depiction that traps the kid's stance and expression in a representation of frozen time. "Blow-Up" also refers to the narrator's blown up version of that particular photograph, although he refers to the magnified copy as an "enlargement" (126). The title also corresponds to the overwhelming burgeoning of one of the photo's figures: the clown-man reflected in the kid's eyes. The narrator imagines the man's image as expanding until he "blotted out the island" (131).
Cortázar allows these various connections to the term "blow-up" to emphasize the outbreak of possible interpretations from a single source. The term indicates movement, but the results of the action "blow" can produce many outcomes, such as stagnancy after the final blow of a fight, or adoration or helplessness as shown through the narrator's photo enlargement.


text:
The beautiful landscape and picturesque locales attract a lot of visitors with their annual numbers exceeding more than 550,000. This makes Milford Sound one of the most visited places in New Zealand even though the city is located quite a distance from the main commercial areas, Milford Sound has a charm of its own.
Milford Sound also offers a lot of sporting facilities like canoeing and trekking. Though a small number of companies ferry people to the rest of the parts of this island country, Milford Sound offers an extravagant package at affordable prices.
Milford Bay is home to one of the underwater observatories and lets the tourist enjoy the viewing of black coral which is usually located in much deeper waters.
|New Zealand.
|New Zealand dollar (NZ$).
|Geographic Coordination
The Invercargill to Te Anau portion of the Southern Scenic Route is a rewarding journey for cyclists, campervans and motorists. The 200 kilometre drive through Tuatapere takes approx 2 hours by car and is sealed throughout the way.
Within Fiordland, a variety of tours depart from Te Anau on a daily basis, providing transport to connect with various activities.
With the availability of coaches and minibus options available for the people the tourists can enjoy and relax while keeping in tune with the scenery along the way.
- → By Road
- → By Air
- → By Coach
ShoppingThere are not enough shopping options in Milford apart from the few merchandising materials like postcards etc.


text:
You are a model citizen. You recycle your glass bottles. You separate your household waste. You don't run the tap while you brush your teeth. You buy A rated appliances. You are doing everything in your power to save the planet, except you won't give up that foreign holiday and you don't pay exceptional attention to the carbon footprint of the Asparagus and Avocados you eat.
You are also fiscally continent. You paid attention to all the good advice not to spend all your cash. You have been squirreling away a good solid percentage of your pay packet. If you are lucky your employer has been matching your contributions. If you live in certain countries the Government is also matching your contributions by making them tax free. Year by year that nest egg is growing and growing to provide you with a well feathered retirement nest.
What is that money doing? Did you think it was sitting in a bank, accumulating cobwebs? You know that the pension fund does something with it, but what? Do you pay attention to how your money is used on your behalf? Perhaps you should.
We read news reports about global corporate businesses exploiting people all over the world and how they damage the environment with oil spills, or cutting down rain forest, employing child labour etc etc. We see these news reports and we are shocked. We wonder who these evil business people are, and how they can do this.
Wake up, the evil global corporation is you. It's your money out there.
Your fund managers are acting on your behalf. What is their motivation? The more successful their fund is the more money it attracts and the more commission they make. In the world of cut throat financial competition the hard numbers are what talk. Success is measured in financial return, not in how many ice-floes you prevented from melting this quarter.
Are you supplying the guns to child soldiers in Africa? There is good money in weapon sales. Perhaps you are funding the expansion of a large tobacco company into South East Asia. The regulatory environment is not so strict there, so you can sell more product to the under 18's. Maybe you are heavily invested in farming, and that's OK isn't it? Perhaps you are growing soya beans, in Brazil, in cleared Rain Forest. And those soya beans are fed to cattle in intensive feed lots, where the run off is polluting local rivers. Maybe that beef led to an outbreak of eColi in the human population.
Truth is you haven't a clue, have you?
Truth is, you don't really want to know. You kind of know that once you lift the lid on that particular can of worms it's going to be ugly. You want to take the empties to the bottle bank, pat yourself on the back, and call yourself a good citizen.
With one stroke of a pen, moving your fund into ethical investments, you can make a larger impact on the planet than a lifetime of visits to the bottle bank.
All those pension brochures show you the picture of the couple on the beach enjoying their retirement. What they fail to show is the mountain of plastic waste on the beach. If you want the clean beach you need to do something about it today.


text:
Ok, so this magazine isn't for me, but maybe some people out there will enjoy this deal!
Go here and enter the code DIGEST at checkout to get a full 1 year subscription to Reader's Digest for only $2.99! Yes, $2.99!
Tanga is the website that is selling the magazine. I have ordered 2 separate magazines from them at an insanely discounted price and got them no problem, so rest assured, this is NOT too good to be true.


text:
After a second for Hyperfocus on Friday, Saturday started in the best possible way as Unforgetable Filly returned to form with a bang. Making smooth progress under Ben Curtis, she burst clear to win Haydock's Dick Hern Stakes (Listed) very comfortably by 8 lengths!
Meanwhile over at Redcar Ghayadh made a bold bid for victory, hitting the front inside the final furlong only to be run down in the final strides and go down narrowly under Jack Mitchell.
After placings for Employer and Dubai Landmark, Central City took up the banner winning by a neck under Nicola Currie after meeting trouble in running.
Temeraire, Pepper Street and Hot Team added further places before Formula One fulfilled the promise of his debut run by comfortably winning at Ffos Las under Ben Curtis.
Roystonia, Minovia and I am Magical added to the places to finish off a satisfactory week.
Seasonal totals: 46 winners and 67 placed horses.


text:
The Parent Manual gives more details about the day to day running of the classroom. Learn about schedules, snack procedures, positive behavior management and more. Please note the
Briefly review the class job descriptions here.
If you are a Kroger shopper, please sign-up for Kroger Rewards. It's as easy as adding CHUP CO-OPERATIVE PRESCHOOL on your Kroger account. Every time you use your Plus Card CHUP will earn rewards!


text:
Clive Daniel Home Interior Designer Wilfredo Emanuel is completing the interiors for a $3,995,000 single-family custom home at 520 Neapolitan Way in Park Shore, a residential community in Naples, Florida. Installation of furnishings is expected in early May. Kipp Development is the developer and Knauf-Koenig Group, a full service construction and remodeling company is the custom homebuilder.
"The interior of this model is unique because we are mixing slick lines and natural wood tones with contrasting blue and turquoise, creating a sublime, classy and comfortable feeling," says Emanuel, "This will elevate the design to another level while at the same time highlight the outdoor area with very edgy contemporary furniture with accents of cranberry, black and neutral resulting in a sophisticated resort ambiance."
Situated on almost a half-acre, southern exposed property this home is unique to this market. The sprawling, single story design has 4,897-square-feet under air with 5 bedrooms and 5.5 baths, plus a den, making it an ideal size for any lifestyle. Upon entry, owners will be greeted with wide plank, white European oak floors that lead to floor-to-ceiling French doors and expansive outdoor area. The outdoor space boasts two covered living areas framed by a resort inspired pool and spa with multiple sun shelves. A charming paver walkway leads directly to the gas fire pit and private gate conveniently placed for walking to nearby shopping and dining.
The interior is a homeowner's dream offering transitional design, unsurpassed quality and craftsmanship throughout. The extended corner lot allows for a third car garage connected to a private porte-cochere, which could be converted to a four-car garage or guest cabana. Residents are eligible for membership to the Park Shore Association offering beach access and eligibility to lease or purchase a boat slip at the Venetian Bay Yacht Club.
Clive Daniel Home (www.CliveDaniel.com) is an award-winning interior design and home furnishings retailer. Contact Daniel Lubner at 239-292-3717.


text:
We are seeking suitably qualified candidates to assume the position of Procurement Advisor – Abuja
The job holder will responsibility for organizing and managing the procurement records and database as well
as for providing necessary support to the Procurement Officer in all procurement activities, including planning, documentation, communication and reporting.
Job Title: Procurement Advisor – Abuja
Job Responsibilities
I. Work closely with the Procurement Officer to register vendors
II. Organize and manage vendor records and database
III. Raise purchase orders, purchase requisitions and other procurement documents
IV. Inspect items supplied by vendors and raise Goods Received Note for all deliveries
V. Assist the Procurement Officer in the conduct of market surveys
VI. Participate in the activities of the Procurement Committee
VII. Maintain the inventory of all the activities of the unit
VIII. Invite and register vendors on annual basis for all categories of supplies
IX. Support the training of relevant site officials on procurement procedures
Technical & Behavioral Competencies
I. Confidentiality
II. Analytical thinking
III. Communication skill
IV. Integrity
V. Ability to work independently with little or no supervision
VI. Self-managed, with excellent organizational ability
VII. Ability to interact with all cadres of staff
VIII. Ability to work under pressure
IX. Proactive, resourceful and efficient, with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality
X. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
XI. Strong decision-making ability and attention to detail
XII. Basic knowledge of procurement and bidding processes
XIII. Computer literacy/skills in usage of personal productivity tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet browsing, emailing, etc.)
Qualification and Experience
A first degree or HND in Purchasing & Supply, Pharmacy or any of the Social Sciences; and a minimum of 5 years' experience in procurement or purchasing & supply, preferably with at least two years working in an international NGO. Professional qualifications in Purchasing & Supply or Procurement Management will be an added advantage.
How to Apply
Qualified and interested applicants should click 'http://apin.org.ng/main.php?careers1&n=66' to complete the online application form. They should also upload their CV, which must contain a suitability statement, highlighting how their knowledge, skills and experience make them suitable for the position, and addressing the person specifications listed above. The statement should not exceed a page and must appear on the first page of the CV, which must be saved in Microsoft Word and as applicant's name.
APIN offers very competitive terms of employment and is an equal opportunity employer. Women who are qualified for the position are therefore encouraged to apply.
All applications must be submitted online on or before January 29, 2013. Late applications will not be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.


text:
Every year on this date (November 11) we take a minute at 11:11 to observe and pay our respects to the many people (both military and non-military personnel) who died during warfare.
These were predominately boys and girls (many of whom had never left home before they enlisted) paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their countries or state.
This year is a momentous one as it is the 100th anniversary of the beginnings of what many consider, with the advantage of having an historical lens to view its events through, was largely a pointless war – World War One – "The Great War".
At the time, WWI was idealistically spoken of as being "the war to end all wars".
We of course know how that ended up.
One only needs to open a newspaper or listen to the sabre-rattling and war-mongering from our political leadership on the news reports to know that war will probably not end anytime soon. These leaders are now increasingly painting war as being something that is both heroic and necessary. This while cynically holding on to the cautionary warnings of "Never Again" and "Lest we Forget" as being guiding truisms.
No one wins when war is fought – except maybe the economic beneficiaries – the armament manufacturers and arms dealers.
Now is the time to head warnings such as those given by Mikhail S. Gorbachev on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall two days ago on November 9th. He stated that, "the world is on the brink of a new Cold War. Some are even saying that it's already begun."
It is also worth listening to those who have served their countries, like Harry Leslie Smith, a 90-year old veteran, who penned a well-written piece for The Guardian that should be required reading for all.
Included in the above referenced article, Smith penned these words:
I am afraid it will be the last time that I will bear witness to those soldiers, airmen and sailors who are no more, at my local cenotaph. From now on, I will lament their passing in private because my despair is for those who live in this present world. I will no longer allow my obligation as a veteran to remember those who died in the great wars to be co-opted by current or former politicians to justify our folly in Iraq, our morally dubious war on terror and our elimination of one's right to privacy.
Then there is this touching story of a 91-year old Canadian WWII veteran Frank "Johnny" Johnston who gives a first-hand account of his time as a PoW and the humanity of enemies toward each other near the end of the war. He states this:
"And this woman, she pulls back an eiderdown bed cover and there are these beautiful white linen sheets, on a beautiful bed, and the [soldiers] just threw me on it. I was bloody. I had muddy boots on. And this lady, she took my boots off, undressed me and she kept talking to me, and she gets a big bowl of hot water and cleans all this mess off. She bandages my hip and then, if you can believe it, she washed my face, my arms, my chest — everywhere — and left me lying there on that beautiful bed.
"Now, why would she do that? I was the enemy. And to this day, sitting here talking to you, I still can't get over it. Then she goes downstairs and comes up with a big bowl of stew and every time I have chunky soup for lunch I picture that nice German lady. I picture her clear as day. Jesus. She was a wonderful person."
He then goes on to talk about his own response shortly thereafter:
Mr. Johnson was liberated from a German POW camp six weeks after the nice German lady cleaned him up. He tried to find her after the war, to say thanks, but never did, and so he just went on living.
Looking back now all he sees are the dead.
"I am only really proud of one thing I did during the war," he says.
He was flying patrol when his air traffic controller said there was a German plane above their airstrip.
"I was up about 4,000 feet and I look down and I see this guy," Mr. Johnson says.
"Anybody who was an experienced fighter pilot would never be flying over an enemy airstrip and would never be flying in a straight line. But this guy was. He was obviously a rookie. Maybe it was his first flight in that goddamn aircraft and maybe he had gotten lost, and so I pulled out from behind him and came alongside and I looked over at him.
"He was just a boy. A kid. And I thought to myself, why the hell would I kill this kid? The war is almost over. He doesn't know what the hell he is doing. So I [waved at him] and flew off. Back at the base they were all, 'Did you get him? Did you get him? I said I let him go.
"It is the only thing that I did in that whole goddamn war that I am really pleased about. We had to kill, see? I remember destroying a ferry where I must have killed 50 or 60 people. And it is human life, and you could say, 'Well, what the hell, it is war.' But it just shows you how stupid war is when a guy like me looks back at things and feels the way I do."
Of course, not everyone returned. A few days ago CBC published a story about an underage soldier from Saltcoats, Saskatchewan named Roy Clarence Armstrong. He fought in Northern France and died when he was still 18. This is an interesting story, one that never would have been told had the family not kept his letters, and recognized their importance when they were found. In the story it also talks about the issue of underage boys who enlisted. There were many who did. I know this, because I have family members that also enlisted while underage. This quote from the article talks about this issue:
For a time the military fulfilled some parents' requests to remove underage sons from the army. The practice stopped after a court ruled in 1915 that a pact existed between the army and an individual soldier regardless of age.
Though the issue of underage soldiers came up in the House of Commons in 1916, the matter doesn't appear to have been pursued in the following years, says Black.
So boys continued to sign up. Two as young as 10 enlisted but never made it to the Western Front, according to historians. Many of the approximately 20,000 teens who lied about their ages were between 14 and 17.
Following in this theme, Calgary Opera will be presenting the Canadian Premiere of Kevin Puts' and Mark Campbell's Pulitzer Prize winning opera Silent Night this week. It tells the story of a spontaneous truce on Christmas Eve 1914, when combatant troops laid down their weapons to celebrate the holiday together and bury their dead.
Tickets are still available for the performances tomorrow and on Friday.
* * *
Of course, this blog is about art – not war.
To that end, public art often incorporates memorials for various reasons – one of those objectives is the remembrance of war and its victims.
Two recent public art installations were unveiled, or completed today, to honour those that fell during WWI. Each took a different perspective in how they portrayed a memorial to those that fell. The differences of perspective are interesting. One is located in northern France, near the town of Ablain-Saint-Nazaire; the other is attached to the Tower of London.
Philippe Prost's International Memorial of Notre-Dame de Lorette
Honouring the 579,606 soldiers from all nations who died on the battlefield in France. The names are all listed in strict alphabetical order, with no designation of rank or country of service in a large elliptical circle.
Noteworthy in the French installation is that part of the circular installation is left hanging above the landscape which serves as "a reminder and a warning about the fragility of peace."
In the BBC story referenced above, there is a poignant story about one of those whose name is listed on this memorial – Geert Hindricks who served with the 3rd Hannover Infantry Regiment. I quote the article:
He described in a last letter to his wife how the German soldiers on the Western Front became friendly with their enemies in the British trench just 20m (65ft) away, warning each other when officers were passing by and sharing meat and cigarettes.
"When you think about it," he wrote, "it's a sad affair when there's no animosity between the locals and the soldiers, and only those at the top can't agree on anything."
I digress, but in some respects this French installation bears a certain resemblance to a component of a planned, but certainly much more hackneyed, circular installation proposed to be located alongside the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island.
Paul Cummin's and Tom Piper's Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red
This temporary public art installation of 888,246 ceramic poppies which only a few hours ago was finally completed through the placement of the final poppy in the moat surrounding the Tower of London. A 13-year old cadet, Harry Hayes, was selected. When one thinks about it, this was an appropriate choice as many of those British servicemen who served and died in action were only slightly older than this young boy.
The poppy installation has a populist appeal. Many will attend or have visited during the installation. However, it is not without its detractors. Jonathon Jones the art critic for The Guardian stated:
It is deeply disturbing that a hundred years on from 1914, we can only mark this terrible war as a national tragedy. Nationalism – the 19th-century invention of nations as an ideal, as romantic unions of blood and patriotism – caused the great war. What does it say about Britain in 2014 that we still narrowly remember our own dead and do not mourn the German or French or Russian victims? The crowds come to remember – but we should not be remembering only our own. It's the inward-looking mood that lets Ukip thrive.
As we move forward from this 100th anniversary, let us reflect on change. It is safe to say that very few are still living who experienced the horrors of that war. Maybe it is time to finally move on and focus on what is truly important.
Will we choose to focus on peace, reconciliation and mutual respect – or will we focus on war, divisiveness and intolerance?


text:
Facebook Diversity Criticism Puts Company on Defensive
Social media staple Facebook has been accused of glossing over internal hiring practices related to reported diversity issues within the company, as well as of falsely blaming the problem on external factors such as the public education system.
Facebook released its annual diversity report this month in which it claimed that the social media giant is looking to grow "an employee base that reflects a broad range of experiences, backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, [and] abilities".
The numbers cited in the diversity report show that 52 percent of its US employees are white, 38 percent are Asian, 4 percent are Hispanic and 2 percent are black, while 67 percent of its global staff are male. New leadership hires have improved to 9 percent black, 5 percent Hispanic and 29 percent women.
While the report does show progress compared to last year's figures, the company has continued to receive criticism from various outlets reporting on the issue of diversity.
Several critics have replied to Global Director of Diversity Maxine Williams, who has said that:
"[Appropriate representation] will depend upon more people having the opportunity to gain necessary skills through the public education system,"
She added that Facebook would pledge more money toward diversity programs. Critics, however, have claimed that the problem lies with Facebook's hiring practices rather than with the pipeline.
In an interview with Engadget, Leslie Miley, a director for engineering at Slack who left Twitter last year over its diversity issues, said that "the pipeline problem is demonstrably false." He went further, saying that the donating of money to diversity programs is:
"⦠a very poorly done PR job to gloss over the fact that while Facebook may be doing the right things externally, they're not doing the right things internally."
Joelle Emerson, founder and CEO of Paradigm, meanwhile, has said that he is:
"⦠shocked that Facebook would continue to perpetuate a narrative that has been so thoroughly disproven by the data".
A recent New York Times piece has cited surveys that suggest the pipeline is more diverse than Facebook and other tech companies make it out to be. According to Education Department data analyzed by Maya A. Beasley, a sociologist at the University of Connecticut, there are more black and Hispanic students majoring in computer science and engineering than work in tech jobs.
However, the problem seems to lie in the fact that many of the people from minority backgrounds fall out of the pipeline somewhere in the process. As cited in Ms. Beasley's book, Opting Out: Losing the Potential of America's Young Black Elite, black computer science and engineering graduates sometimes pursued nonprofit or business work instead of higher paying tech jobs, having heard negative things about the culture at tech companies and having seen how few black people worked there.
According to PCmag, Facebook have stated that they are pushing "recruiters to look longer, harder and smarter for more diversity in the qualified talent pool." The tech company also offers employee training on managing unconscious bias.
Although Facebook is currently under intense scrutiny, the diversity issue, as reported by Engadget, is one that is shared by several Silicon Valley companies, with Twitter and Google also having reported poor diversity figures.
07 22, 2016 Chris Young


text:
Trade102 Week Ending 19th October
Terrapin Trader | Oct 23, 2018 | Comments 3
I'm sure this is a noble venture and can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RobinhoodOptions/
Unfortunately much of what I have seen is just terrible. I mostly see a bunch of hapless punters all taking a 'punt' on this stock or that stock. Even worse they are buying or selling naked without a clue what they are doing. No analysis, no awareness of deltas-and this really hit me- absolutely no idea about volatility. And……… don't get me started on theta! So, while it's great to see options getting publicity, sad to see such ignorance and indolence.
Trade 101 Small Loss…… Kidding!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to confess my heart was not in this and I'd suggested this butterfly: October strikes: 7050/700/6950 puts. Expiry was at 7020.5, so it made in actuality 29.5. We paid 7. That sort of profit is reserved for the crypto currency people isn't it? 185%, 217% 300% profits yadda yadda. We do that too, but in real time – we just don't bang on about it. Please note this is the first time in years I have actually watched expiry- it's not fun. I felt guilty as I had not watched this trade during the week. Selfless to a fault, that's me! I'm intrigued by expiry data though- but you couldn't trade from one expiry to the next. Dogma is the enemy of strategic trading.
The Week's Events
What moved the market? Er, nothing it went nowhere!
OK, some tiny moves but nothing that set this trader's powder on fire. I think volatility is up a bit, but option prices are not reflecting this. In my opinion! I think It's like risk is some dim and distant memory, and options sellers think the big dips are done for the year. Thus all eyes are on the Santa rally, with a few pundits bleating here and there. Options, as used in the Ansbacher Index (referenced here long ago) can be a predictor of the market. Open interest too. So I tend not to read too much into these as an ex-assiduous calculator of Max A's index- it failed often. But maybe it has its moments
Trade 102- Let The Market Decide
Sometimes we like to leg in, when we don't know where we are at. I might think this is the bottom of the dip and 7000 is support. Part of me thinks there is another leg down and that level would be….6700-6800. So, what about the upside? 7300-7350 – ish. I'm making a guess based on recent price- and by recent I mean this year. I note that to date FTSE is down this month 6.13%. Here's the plan-it's a short iron condor. The conventional wisdom says to sell spreads, we will buy them, and the strikes for Nov: buy 6850 put at 50, sell 6800 put for 41, buy the 7250 call for 23.5 and sell the 7300 call for 15.5. So, here's the math' 50-41= 9, 23.5-15.5= 8.Total cost, therefore 9+8= 17.
Logic of The Trade
We are in for a cost of 17, we need to recoup this when the market lets us. Right now there is nothing to the upside-it would be folly to sell another 7300 call for 15.5. On the downside? We could sell a 6600 put for 20. We now have risk at 6550, but a tiny credit of 3 for the trade. Greedy me wants to wait for a bigger move, and leg in.
Filed Under: Featured • Informative • Learn • Strategies • Weekly Trade Idea
About the Author: First found out about options in 1995.From the arcane magazine Exchange and Mart! First trade- a covered call on VOD in 1999. Made 10%,VOD almost doubled. That's when I realised I was not a good trader,and I was forgiven thanks to the amazing world of exchange traded options


text:
A spouse who decides to file for divorce in North Carolina must file a Complaint for Divorce, a Domestic Cover Sheet and a Civil Summons. The complaint will contain the divorcing spouse's allegations, and the summons will request the other spouse's presence. The non-filing spouse can choose to respond to the filings to protect her rights through the divorce process, but there is no requirement under North Carolina law to respond to the summons at all.
Response Generally
North Carolina requires a spouse to file a answer to the divorce complaint within 30 days after receipt of service. Typically a divorce petition will include requests for a distribution of marital property and also contain child custody, visitation and support requests if there are children from the marriage. If an answer is not filed within 30 days, the matter will then be set for a hearing where the judge can issue a final decree of divorce.
Read More: How Do I File a Response to Divorce Papers?
Preservation of Rights
By filing a response, the respondent preserves her rights to equitable distribution of marital property. Judges do not decide divorces based wholly on the pleadings. The pleadings serve to provide notice to the court of the issues. By responding to the allegations in the complaint, the respondent preserves his rights, as the court will conduct a hearing to evaluate the requests of each spouse.
Drafting a Response
A responding spouse can draft an answer by obtaining a blank copy of the form from the clerk's office where the divorce was filed. If the divorce is a fault-based divorce (which claims a specific allegation of misconduct) the respondent can contest the claim in her answer. The respondent can also present her version of division of the marital assets, or at least demand that the distribution be equitable if the petitioner's claim demands a majority of the marital estate. The respondent can also respond to any child custody, support and visitation schedules requested by the petitioner.
Not Responding
A spouse is not required to respond, and can choose not to respond where the spouses are seeking a standard uncontested divorce under Section 50-6 of the North Carolina Code. An uncontested divorce can be filed after a one-year period of separation between the spouses. Uncontested divorces do not consider any fault based arguments, and do not provide for a division of property or award of alimony. If there are children from the union, the custody arrangement will be included, but support and visitation must be separately addressed.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images


text:
Located in picturesque Griffith Park, the large and ever expanding zoo is home to a wide range of wild animals from all over the world that are housed in interesting exhibits, mimicking their real life habitats.
The Los Angeles zoo is not surprisingly a great family destination. The Zoo is usually filled with kids so be prepared! But don't worry there is plenty to interest any adult as well....
The Zoo is pretty big so you can easily spend the whole day exploring it. Especially since a lot of the fun comes from sticking with a particular animal to check out their behavior. A lot of the exhibits have seating, some, like the chimpanzee exhibit, have arena seating!
You can find Reggie near the beginning of the zoo. Reggie is actually a bit of a local folk hero! Back in 2005, two men dumped him illegally in Lake Machado (Harbor Lake) in Harbour City. They apparently had bough Reggie when he was a youngster and couldn't handle him anymore! Not the brightest pair lol...
Anyway, sightings became legendary and Reggie became a media sensation, with local tv networks keeping "Reggie-watch" a staple from 2005 to 2007. After many failed capture attempts by hired wranglers from all over the country, Reggie was finally secured in May 2007 by city wildlife experts and transported to the Los Angeles Zoo, where he now makes his home!
What makes the prairie dog exhibit so cool, are the plastic bubbles the zoo have set up that allow you to poke your head up right into the animal's back yard. I was able to get a great close view of the little guys poking their own heads out of their burrows. Great for picture taking too!
The Aviary was another of my favorite areas in the Zoo. You enter through double doors and enter a beautiful tropical landscape filled with various tropical birds enclosed with protective netting high above. The best section of the aviary has got to be the Flamingo nesting area. When I visited in late October, the Flamingos were getting ready to nest, scouting out the best areas to lay their eggs.
Other birds call this area home and some hilarious bickering ensued between between a Flamingo trying tostake a claim on a particular spot of ground and an Ibis trying to walk by. Relax give the guy a break, he's not trying steal your spot, "he's just walking here!"
So as you can see this is a good spot to check out some fun animal interaction.
My first view of the Hippo at the LA Zoo was an interesting one. Rump only.
After that first funny introduction, I was lucky enough to see him being fed by his trainer. The trainer first sprayed a hose at the Hippo who seemed to love it, opening his giant mouth and and drinking in the spray.
He then stood up on the side of exhibit so the trainer could feed him some hay. The trainer took close up pictures for people. This feeding happened around 2:45 or 3pm. The Hippo was definitely one of the most impressive animals there, he was absolutely massive!
One of the newest animals at the LA Zoo is this type of primate from Southern China, Laos and Vietnam. These animals have faced a tough road and their species is threatened. The zoo is part of the effort to save their kind and has built a beautiful Asian inspired exhibit to house them. They are quite majestic looking as they sit perched, perusing their surroundings aren't they?
This is one of the most elaborate and impressive of the exhibits. There are multiple viewing points for the animals and their habitat includes both indoor and outdoor areas. There are currently 16 chimps at the Los Angeles Zoo.
The exhibit is great because it provides short intros on all of the animals. For example, I know now that "Gracie" who was born at the zoo in 1987, likes to get into all sorts of mischief and that she is one of "Pandora's" daughters. These little snippets really help in creating a connection between the chimps and the public. Take a seat in the "stands" and check out these animals and their fascinating interactions.
One of the newer exhibits , The Campo Gorilla reserve is a beautiful site that allows the animals to roam a lush area filled with plants, grass and rocks. Like the chimps, the different gorillas are introduced to the visitor by panels detailing their traits and personalities. One side of the exhibit provides an unobstructed view of the animals without a glass partition. Just watching them examine objects like rocks or plants is amazing. There behavior sometimes seems so incredibly human like.
Another exhibit not to be missed is the Orangutan habitat. Their area is a cross between a beautiful rainforest and a jungle gym on steroids! The various orangutan's can be seeing flying through the air on ropes and trapeze-like contraptions. So cool! When I visited, one of the females was sitting on the ledge right in front of the glass viewing window. She was just sitting there contently munching on some plants and making funny faces at the various kids sitting at her level. Another great exhibit not to be missed!
The Snow Leopard is one of the rarest animals on the planet and the Los Angeles zoo just had baby cubs! These cubs are two of the cutest new additions to the park. When I saw them they were frolicking and play fighting while their mom dozed under a tree. After seeing the "Planet Earth" documentary and knowing how rare they were it was amazing seeing them up close. Especially while they were playing and having fun!
Here is a link to the map of the zoo.
One of the coolest features that is available toll free, is the cell phone audio tour. You can stroll around the park and take in bios of 14 of the most interesting animals at the zoo. For English call 866 933 4005. For Spanish call 866 933 4006.
The Los Angeles Zoo is always growing and expanding!
The most anticipated exhibit that will return the Asian Elephants to the zoo in glorious fashion is due to be completed in Nov 2010. The construction site is truly gargantuan! And no wonder, at 6 acres and the most expensive at 42 million dollars, the pachyderm forest will be the Los Angeles Zoo's pride and joy when it premieres. The new exhibit will be absolutely state of the art, with brand new dietary and medical examination areas. The space will have waterfalls, water holes, plants and trees to create a natural habitat for the elephants. Should be amazing!
After a 2 year sting operation headed by the U.S. Fish and wildlife service, a Malaysian smuggler's cache of threatened and endangered reptiles was recovered and put in the care of the LA zoo! The species found include Komodo dragons, Chinese Alligators and the rarest tortoise in the world, the ploughshare tortoise of Madagascar. The exhibit that will incorporate these animals will open in Feb 2011.
The park welcomes you to bring in outside food. In fact there are many nice picnic areas scattered around. If you want to buy food here there are plenty of vending machines, restaurants and stalls around to suit your needs.
The tram wasn't working when I was there but when it is running it makes 6 stops throughout the park, saving you some walking.
Child(2-12), 2$
Seniors and physically disabled, 1.50$
There's also a fun little choo choo train for kids near the world of birds show at the eastern side of the park.
Seniors (age 62 and up)
Children (ages 2 to 12)
Children (under 2)
One way to save is by buying a combo ticket for the Los Angeles zoo and the aquarium of the pacific. You can use both tickets with a year of their purchase. This is what i did and I saved 4$ on the zoo ticket and 5$ on the aquarium price.
If you really dig animals maybe a Los Angeles zoo membership is the way to go. There are various membership levels each offering different benefits. The base individual membership is 45$ and gives you access to the park for free for a year, two one time guest passes, free admission for your kids up to 17 years old and more!
For more info on the various membership levels, check out this link.
Both can be rented at the park on a first come first serve basis.
Double stroller: 11$
Conventional wheelchair: 6$ (25$ deposit)
Electronic wheelchair: 25$ (25$ deposit)
The Los Angeles Zoo is located at the northeast corner of Griffith Park at the junction of the I-5 and 134 freeways.
Return from Los Angeles Zoo to the Los Angeles Attractions home page


text:
Face everything and rise
Port City North Carolina: During a routine camp out, a local vagrant discovers plans for an invasion in America. When he tries to notify the local Sheriff about his discovery, the Sheriff dismisses his claims and has him locked up for loitering. When the Sheriff notices odd interactions with other towns folk he begins to look into the vagrants' claim of a sleeper cell living amongst the locals within this small town. After evidence of a beheading is exposed, others begin to fear that the insurgents attack on hometown USA. Questions and tempers begin to rise. Why this little beach community with it's Norman Rockwell way of life? A town where everyone knows one another... or so they thought. When the truth is blind and justice seems lost, It will take an army of five unlikely heroes banding together to infiltrate the insurgents and foil their invasion plans. War is Hell and Hell comes home at the Check Point.
Please enter captcha to continue to video.
If the above stream is offline (saying We are sorry!),
please click on the "Refresh Link" to get a new streaming link. Don't worry it'll just take a second.


text:
This weekend it is the final of X Factor! One Direction, Cher, Rebecca and Matt will all be battling it out for the ultimate prize of X Factor winner!
And all this week ahead of the final showdown, the final four X Factor contestants have been putting on special shows in their hometowns.
One Direction seemed to get a pretty good reception when they performed at Wolverhampton!
Check it out below!
Click here to see how the other finalists got on too!
And of course, if you want to see them live too, then make sure you get tickets to the X Factor Live Tour – click here to find out more!


text:
ABOUT US:We entered into this business venture through lots of prayer. God has blessed us with this opportunity and we plan to do all we can to be successful not only for ourselves but most importantly for our customers, so we can provide you with the up-most quality and service possible. We purchased Creme de la Creme Bridal from Rachel Foster in August of 2008 where for nine years she built a successful bridal boutique paving the way for us. Our daughter chose the boutique's new name and since it was cute and creative we knew it would set us apart! In the mission of growing our business we purchased Candlelight Bridal's inventory upon Vicki's retirement and moved to our new location which has proven to be an awesome opportunity for SSY!!!Through quality as well as value and great selections at She Said Yes! Bridal & Formal we hope you find a positive and memorable shopping experience to cherish forever.
Cyndi entered into this business venture with wonderful support and through lots of prayer. God has blessed us with this opportunity and we plan to do all we can to be your number one resource for all of your bridal and formal needs.
Open currently by appointment only!!Call 740-772-7433 or email us at firstname.lastname@example.com or dm us on our social media pages to schedule your appointment!


text:
"I define restorative justice as a means to awaken a
dormant inner self, to actually heal inside out." (
Incarcerated man, MCI Concord, 24 years old, serving life)
Eighteen men sit in silence as a young Cape Verdeanwoman describes the murder of her three brothers inDorchester, MA. Her hands are trembling as she looksinto the faces of the men and tells them that her littlebrother was paralyzed after being shot in the headand eventually died in the hospital, covered with bedsores. Her voice breaks when she says she has had toleave Boston, where she and her family have lived forgenerations, because of her own sons' growing anxi-ety that they would be killed on these same streets."I forgive you," she says to the men, "Do somethinggood with your lives; give back to your communi-ties." A young Latino man looks up from the floor andbegins his own story of victimization, as his brother isshot and dies in front of him. Another man's eyes fillwith tears. "Growing up in a dysfunctional householdwith little to no discipline, alcohol and drugs having anenormous presence, the morals and values I learnedwere from the streets, I was taken from my house-hold at the age of eleven and placed in the custody ofthe state. I spent almost five years in psych hospitals,group homes, and occasionally foster homes. I wasverbally, physically, mentally and sexually abused, soI too was a victim." After telling of the painful experi-ences that led him to prison, he thanked the panel ofvictims, "know that my heart not only understandsyour pain; it feels your pain as well."This is a restorative justice circle, bringing togetherincarcerated men and community victims of violentcrime who volunteer to share their stories. Thesecircles are part of the UMass Boston Restorative Jus-tice Project's courses at Concord Prison's medium andminimum security facilities. The courses are composedof a series of dialogues, for either twelve or twenty-four weeks, culminating in a panel of surrogate victimsof crimes similar to those committed by participants.
The courses at both prisons are based on Howard
Zehr's notion of addressing offender's needs through
"encouragement to experience personal transformation." The dialogues begin with exploring chapters
from family therapist and educator Kenneth V. Hardy's book, Teens Who Hurt, which center on such
concepts as "devaluation," "disruption of community," and "dehumanization of loss." Hardy explains
that these "aggravating factors" are the root causes
of violence in adolescent populations. According to
Hardy, "devaluation," either on an individual or a societal level is a process that strips a person or a group
of their dignity and sense of worth. The disruption
of a person's relationships, either extended family or
cultural community, leads to what Hardy sees as the
worst consequence of all, the lack of hope, because a
future orientation requires a connection to one's past.
Hardy believes the most damaging kind of loss is that
which, because it is not recognized, acknowledged, or
mourned becomes a precursor to violence. "When
loss is dehumanized, healing cannot occur." Part One
of the curriculum, "Looking Inward" explores these
notions and encourages the men to make connections with their own experiences of trauma, loss and
These connections begin the process of unravellingstories of pain, abandonment, abuse and neglect fromthe childhoods of so many incarcerated people. Oneyoung man wrote, "The first time I experienced beingdevalued in my childhood was when I realized that mymother cared about drugs more than her children;whenever she got money it would go to drugs beforeit would go to food, clothes or rent…so eventually DSS(Department of Social Security) came and took meand my brother away and split us up."More than a curriculum, the course is a journey ofself-exploration, where participants ultimately findcompassion for themselves and for those they haveharmed. As a restorative justice practitioner in pris-ons, I have witnessed this journey again and again.As the men begin to recount their experiences andthe circle slowly opens, an authentic connection canform between the participants, and with the outsidefacilitators. Then the magic happens. I'm never sureexactly how, or the exact moment it begins to occur,but as the stories unfold, participants begin a kind ofself-transformation. As one participant eloquentlyexplained, "I was trapped all these years in a mentalprison that I created and only until recently was I ableto learn that I contain the key to my freedom."
More than a curriculum, the course
is a journey of self-exploration,
where participants ultimately find
compassion for themselves and for
those they have harmed.
About the Author
is a Senior Fellow
at the Center for
Peace, Democracy
and Development
at UMass Boston
and the founder
of its Restorative
Justice Project.
She is currently
working to
begin Boston's
first juvenile
diversion program,
with a focus
on restorative
justice. Daria
has also been the
lead facilitator of
restorative justice
circles at three


text:
The much awaited free voice calling feature of Whatsapp is finally out but is still not available for all of its users.
The news got viral when a Reddit user posted screenshots of the voice calling feature in the app. According to him the feature got enabled when when of his friends called him, as reported by Geeky Gadgets.
The feature has not been activated for all users. It will only be enabled when someone who has it enabled calls them through Whatsapp, it is similar to an invite system.
Also Read: Whatsapp Might Soon Launch a Free Voice Calling Feature
In September 2014, Whatsapp had announced to launch this feature. The delay in the rollout of the feature was due to the technical hurdles faced by the technicians, said Whatsapp CEO Jan Koum, as according to a TOI report.
Recently, instant messaging app Hike had also added free voice calling feature to its app. The feature allows its users to make free calls to other Hike users using the data pack.
The competition among the apps is getting tough with the new added feature. Initially it was Viber, then other apps like Line etc, with Hike opening its gateways to this new feature and now Whatsapp also been spotted in the race, the heat of being the best will rise. They will have to make a continuous effort to improve their services, like the saying goes, 'Survival of the Fittest'!


text:
Bryan, OH - May 2003: "Ready, set, mow" will be the call to action on Sunday, June 29, as the Bryan Chamber of Commerce, the United States Lawn Mower Racing Association (USLMRA) and Spangler Candy Company present the Sta-Bil/Dum Dum Pops Lawn Mower Gran Prix.
Spangler Candy Company will be the primary sponsor of the event, which will coincide with the community's annual Day in the Park festivities. The event, which will be sanctioned by the USLMRA, will be open to experienced racers from around the country as well as to local mowing enthusiasts who are interested in adding a little adventure to a regular summertime chore.
Lawn Mower Racing Association chapters exist in more than 15 states and in Canada. Mowers will race on a specially designed and USLMRA approved track, bordered by straw bales, in the Bryan Recreation Park. The following racing classes and speeds will be available: Stock (10 mph), IMOW (25 mph), Prepared (50 mph) and Factory Experimental (60 mph). All cutting blades are removed for safety, and many other safety regulations are strictly enforced.
On Saturday, May 17, a Drivers' Clinic will be conducted by USLMRA representative Tracy Donihue, for anyone interested in learning more about lawn mower racing. Mr. Donihue will advise potential racers about rules, how to set up a racing mower, safety regulations, and the course itself. The clinic will take place at the Bandstand on the square in downtown Bryan. Mr. Donihue, who is from Reading, Michigan, and is president of the Michigan LRMA, will bring two racing lawnmowers to the clinic for potential drivers to view.
"The Sta-Bil/Dum Dum Pops Lawn Mower Gran Prix is going to be huge for Bryan," said Dean L. Spangler, President and CEO of Spangler Candy Company. "The level of enthusiasm among lawn mower racers and fans is comparable to auto racing. There are also many opportunities for other businesses and organizations to get involved and sponsor portions of this event." Phil Ennen, President of the Bryan Chamber of Commerce and organizer of the Sta-Bil/Dum Dum Pops Lawn Mower Gran Prix, said he looks forward to seeing people from Bryan and other Williams County communities competing. "Anyone with a mower and a little ingenuity can race," Mr. Ennen said. "This also will be an incredible event for anyone who just wants to watch." "At speeds ranging from six mph to 60, this event will give entirely new meaning to an activity that many have in the past considered work," said Mr. Spangler."This event could change lawn mowing in Williams County for years to come."
Dum Dum Pops, Spangler Candy Company's flagship lollipop brand, celebrates its 50th anniversary as a Spangler product this year. The Sta-Bil/Dum Dum Pops Lawn Mower Gran Prix is just one way the company will honor a product that has helped make northwest Ohio famous. The Lawn Mower Gran Prix races will begin at 2 p.m. on June 29, and will coincide with the annual Day in the Park concessions and carnival midway, the car show featuring about 400 cars, and an Ohio Historical Encampment. The annual Fireworks display will happen that evening in the Recreation Park.
Contact: Diana Moore Eschhofen, Marketing Administrator
Phone: (888) 636-4221
Website: www.spanglercandy.com