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NSW KM Forum April Event: Kathryn Howard (Origin Energy) presents "Towards the Technology Concierge"
5 April, 2014
Register Now at our Eventbrite Site: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/nsw-km-forum-april-event-towards-the-technology-concierge-kathryn-howard-tickets-11206881083
Date: Tuesday 29th April 2014
Time: 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start – app 7.30pm finish
Where: Cancer Council Australia, Level 14, 477 Pitt Street, Sydney
Instructions: If you have any access issues please call 0405 676 045
Please Note: a $5 donation will be asked for at the door to cover nibbles and incidentals
Topic: "Towards the Technolgy Concierge"
Does anyone call the service desk unless they really have to? The theory of "single point of contact" is great but it's never worked in practice.
The service desk is a "function" – a group who embrace many processes/activities. Why are we perpetuating the old models? Is your service desk locked into specific processes such as incident or service request and managing them in a very constrained way?
Today there are many alternatives to acquiring service and resolving incidents.
We have tried and failed in training people to use the service desk as the single point of contact and a new order is in the ascendance.
We're not supporting services, we're servicing a customer and we are doing it in an integrated service provider environment. The traditional blended approach of BAU processes augmented with super hero intervention no longer provides value – it's simply not adaptable or agile enough.
The traditional service desk as we know it will become extinct. We must evolve to become the "Technology Concierge" – the gateway to IT services for our business.
This presentation explores some strategies and techniques that can assist the Service Desk evolve to deliver the "Technology Concierge" experience.
Know your customer:
- baseline your customers – "net promoter score" supersedes traditional surveys to identify your recommenders/detractors
- embrace the diversity of everyone from Gen-Z to Veterans collaborating in the workforce – profile their engagement preferences ("tangible" versus "flow of transmission") One size does not fit all!
Communicate what/how for best outcome?
- influence/adapt to your customer behaviours by applying the ISO 38500 principle of Human Behaviour
- replace or augment traditional SLAs with service charters articulating the intent of a service in business terms
- adopt a blended service approach of high touch, self-help and social media
The IT service desk super heroes have a unique opportunity. Reinvention as the technology concierge can provide real value to our customers' business by facilitating and navigating today's technology minefield.
Our time is limited to lead this evolution. Even super heroes must evolve and adapt. Embrace the future by becoming one of the agile super heroes.
About your speaker: Kathryn Howard
Kathryn Howard is an IT professional with over 25 years experience in IT service delivery and service management. Understanding the ongoing need for IT to reinvent itself in order to meet the needs of constantly changing business models, she is passionate about helping organisations achieve good governance of quality value service.
She has experience providing policy/process assessment, change programs and service improvement initiatives in many prominent Australian financial institutions (including Macquarie Bank, St.George Bank) major telecommunications providers (AAPT, Alphawest) plus government agencies including Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).
As an international speaker, she has presented for the itSMF US and UK, the itSMFNZ national conference and often for itSMF Australia. She has also spoken at PINK13, SITS13 (London) and the CACS Oceania conference in Wellington 2012. Kathryn is also a certified ITIL trainer.
She is an active member of itSMF Australia, serving as Chairperson NSW State Branch and on the Australian national conference organising committee. She is committed to the evolution of the customer service experience through meaningful IT/business dialogue in conjunction with the adoption of governance standards and frameworks (ISO20000, ITIL, COBIT). She also believes evolving social media channels are key to delivering successful end-to-end customer service able to support and enhance business objectives.
So come along and spend some time with like-minded knowledge professionals to listen, participate, collaborate and learn. We look forward to seeing you there and at networking drinks following.
Please Note: a $5 donation will be asked for at the door to cover nibbles and incidentals
Register Now at our Eventbrite Site: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/nsw-km-forum-april-event-towards-the-technology-concierge-kathryn-howard-tickets-11206881083
Filed in Uncategorized
Tags: Complexity, Help Desk, IM, Information Management, IT, KM, Knowledge Management, social media


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Parasite That Causes Whirling Disease Found in the Green River
Dutch John -- The parasite that causes whirling disease has been found in four rainbow trout taken from the Green River below Flaming Gorge dam.
WD doesn�t harm people, but it can kill small trout, especially small rainbow trout.
Fortunately, Division of Wildlife Resources fish pathologists and biologists don�t expect the parasite to affect fish populations in the Green River to any great degree:
Most of the trout in the eight-mile stretch below the dam are brown trout. And brown trout are very resistant to WD.
Rainbow trout are more at risk -- if the rainbow trout are small.
The rainbow trout that the DWR stocks into the upper Green River average eight inches long when they�re stocked, so the trout are too large for the parasite to affect them significantly.
�We don�t expect trout in the upper Green River to be greatly affected,� says Roger Wilson, chief of the DWR�s Aquatic Section. �The upper Green River should remain one of the best trout fishing waters in the country.�
Not a surprise
DWR fish pathologists and biologists weren�t surprised to find the parasite that causes WD in the four fish. The parasite was confirmed in 2010 in kokanee salmon the biologists collected as the salmon migrated from Flaming Gorge up Sheep Creek to spawn. And Wilson says the parasite has been in streams and rivers that empty into Flaming Gorge for years.
A sample of 20 rainbow trout collected in September 2010 confirmed their suspicions. The trout were collected about seven miles below the dam at Little Hole. After being collected and placed in a freezer, fish pathologists at the DWR�s Fisheries Experiment Station tested the trout earlier this summer.
DWR Fish Pathologist Chris Wilson says while four of the trout had the parasite, none of the four fish contracted the disease. �To contract the disease,� he says, �trout must be heavily infected with the parasite at a young and fragile age. The trout we release into the upper Green River don�t fit that category. And the wild brown trout in the river are much more resistant to the disease.�
How you can help
While WD shouldn�t affect trout in the upper Green River much, the disease can affect smaller trout in other bodies of water.
To avoid spreading the disease to other waters, DWR biologists encourage you to do the following (the following will also lessen the chance that you move New Zealand mud snails, quagga and zebra mussels or other aquatic invasive species from one body of water to another):
Don�t use wading boots that have a felt sole. Felt-soled wading boots can pick up whirling disease spores and move them from one body of water to another. It�s difficult to completely clean and disinfect felt-soled wading boots.
After you�re done fishing, clean all of the mud off of your fishing equipment, including your boat, trailer, waders, boots, float tubes and fins. Thoroughly dry the equipment in the sun before using it in other waters.
If you�re traveling directly to another body of water, clean your equipment with a solution that�s 10 percent chlorine bleach and 90 percent water. Or, better yet, use another set of equipment.
Don�t dispose of fish heads, skeletons or entrails in any body of water. Instead, place the fish parts in the garbage, bury them deeply or burn them completely.

subset: commoncrawl


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Parent Teacher AssociationWe have an active Parent Teacher Association that through fundraising enhances the educational environment of our students. Their positive support is appreciated and it reflects the supportive community that Tokomairiro High School serves.
A major fundraising event is the Lake to the Sea trail bike ride that is held at the end October every year.
PTA (office bearers, staff & student reps) 2019
Chairperson -
Secretary -
Treasurer - Lisa McElrea
Principal - Glenis Sim
Staff Member -
Student Representative -
Committee Members -


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Recently, I've found myself in a number of situations where those around me (and in one instance even myself) implicitly referred to other animals as dirty, and thus in need of being separated from us "clean" humans. Though I've written before about the animals we typically deem as "pests," these recent situations have prompted me to re-explore the topic.
In one instance, I overheard a conversation that took place in my communal kitchen between two of my housemates. Housemate A was about to place a spoonful of peanut butter into a small cup when Housemate B shouted at Housemate A to stop, warning Housemate A that the particular cup they were about to use had previously been employed to feed the rescued lab rats who live with another housemate. Housemate A thanked Housemate B, expressing their gladness that they hadn't had to eat from the same cup from which a rat had eaten (even though the cup had been cleaned and sanitized in the dishwasher after the rat had used it).
Additionally, my housemates and I have been increasingly encountering cockroaches in the kitchen, pantry, and dining areas of our cooperative household. The majority of my housemates have expressed concern over the insects' presence, citing health risks and food contamination. I myself played into this discourse by not removing a cockroach trap placed in our walk-in pantry by our college's janitorial staff — an inaction that, upon reflection, was supremely speciesist, and one in which I don't intend to engage again. It is with a heavy heart that I think of those beings who met an untimely and violent death in part due to my inaction, and I hope that this post can provide some small memorial to them.
In my view, at the heart of these expressions of disgust toward the rats and cockroaches in our home lies the speciesist assumption that we — the human animals for whose use our house is intended — are cleaner (read: superior) than the other animals with whom we live, and thus that we have a right to determine how they use our house, whether that infringes upon their bodily autonomy or not.
And yet, as the editors of the anthology Trash Animals: How We Live with Nature's Filthy, Feral, Invasive, and Unwanted Species inquire, "Are animals to blame for flourishing in the abundant habitat we create?" (24). Indeed — to use the case of cockroaches as an extended example — cockroaches probably wouldn't want anything to do with human animals if not for our "crumbs, scraps of food, and spilled food that they find" (Orkin) (they have existed for 300 million years before us, anyway [Kraus 212]). In this way, are not cockroaches merely cleaning up after our messes?
Because we human animals — and especially those who enjoy ample amount of privilege — are notoriously unwilling to engage in self-critical reflection, we refuse to acknowledge the situations we create as having the ideal conditions for the prevalence of cockroaches and other "pests." Thus, we attack the symptom — cockroaches — of the manifestation of the messiness at once integral to human nature and demonized out of our fears of appearing "imperfect" in any way. With their astute assertion that "[t]rash is a human creation both literally and figuratively" (7), Nagy and Johnson adequately summarize our construction of certain animals as "pests" out of a fear to acknowledge the mess that we necessarily produce simply by virtue of living (especially in our modern world).
All this talk of human production of trash as the reason for the prevalence of cockroaches is not intended to shame the marginalized groups — namely, economically poor Black people in the United States — who encounter cockroaches on the most regular basis. (To give you some context, a 1996 study by Sarpong et al found that "African-American race and low socioeconomic status were both[…] significant risk factors for cockroach allergen sensitization in children with atopic asthma" [1393]). On the contrary, I want to stress the point that we wealthy white people have a fear of being associated with such marginalized groups due to our historical construction of them as dirty, disease-ridden, and morally inferior (constructions used with high frequency to justify slavery)—a construction that in part depends upon our speciesist understanding of "pests," since such an understanding allows us to point to the concentration of cockroaches in low-income Black homes as evidence of the latter's physical and spiritual filthiness. To concretize this idea, it might be helpful to remember that "[p]olitical, ethnic, and interest groups have […] demonized outsiders [such as Black, Mexicans, and Jews] by nicknaming them after [cockroaches" (Kraus in Nagy & Johnson 204).
Yet just as humans create just the conditions in which cockroaches and other "pests" can thrive, wealthy white people create the conditions in which economically poor Black people face institutional barriers to securing housing that supports their wellbeing (i.e., by not being infested with cockroaches, who have been consistently linked with carrying asthma-related allergens). For example, the housing that is economically accessible to economically poor Black people due to vast structural inequality is often in disrepair, making it incredibly difficult to maintain a "clean" home (how can your food stay safe to eat if your cabinet doors are falling of their hinges, or if your refrigerator can't maintain temperature? And how can you avoid mold if your pipes leak?), and thus one less likely to attract cockroaches and other "pests."
Cockroaches do not inherently cause asthma, but individuals living in areas with a high cockroach presence for a prolonged period of time have a far greater chance of becoming sensitized to cockroach allergens (aka, becoming allergic to cockroaches), and developing asthma in part because of them. So, instead of demonizing the individual non-human animals who seem to me pretty harmless in and of themselves, perhaps we should instead devote our energies toward working in solidarity with marginalized groups to dismantle the structures that reinforce the white supremacy and poverty that forces economically poor Black people into dilapidated housing, prevents them from accessing adequate healthcare, etc. Part of this dismantling, I believe, needs to involve a confrontation of our fear of being associated with beings whom we regard as dirty and inferior — whether that be economically poor people, people of color, or "trash" animals.
In solidarity, Ali.
Arruda, L. Karla, Lisa D. Vailes, Virginia P.L. Ferriani, Ana Beatriz R. Santos, Anna Pomes, and Martin D. Chapman. "Cockroach Allergens and Asthma." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 3 (March 2001): 419-428. ScienceDirect. Web. 20 March 2015.
Garcia, F., M.J. Notario, J.M. Cabanas, R. Jordano, and L.M. Medina. "Incidence of Bacteria of Public Health Interest Carried by Cockroaches in Different Food-Related Environments." Journal of Medical Entomology 6 (November 2012): 1481-1484. BioOne. Web. 20 March 2015.
Jones, Robert Emmet and Shirley A. Rainey. "Examining Linkages between Race, Environmental Concern, Health, and Justice in a Highly Polluted Community of Color." Journal of Black Studies 4 (March 2006): 473-496. JSTOR. Web. 20 March 2015.
McConnell, R., J. Milam, J. Richardson, J. Galvan, C. Jones, P.S. Thorne, and K. Berhane. "Educational Intervention to Control Cockroach Allergen Exposure in the Homes of Hispanic Children in Los Angeles: Results of the La Casa Study." Clinical and Experimental Allergy 35 (2005): 426-433. EbscoHost. Web. 20 March 2015.
Nagy, Kelsi and Phillip David Johnson II. Trash Animals: How We Live with Nature's Filthy, Feral, Invasive, and Unwanted Species. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2013. Print.
Nalyanya, Godfrey, J. Chad Gore, H. Michael Linker, and Coby Schal. "German Cockroach Allergen Levels in North Carolina Schools: Comparison of Integrated Pest Management and Conventional Cockroach Control." Journal of Medical Entomology 3 (2009): 420-427. BioOne. Web. 20 March 2015.
Oldenburg, Marcus. "Occupational Health Risks Due to Shipboard Cockroaches." International Archive of Occupational and Environmental Health 81 (2008): 727-734. EbscoHost. Web. 20 March 2015.
"Cockroaches." Orkin. Orkin. Web. 20 March 2015.
Rauh, Virginia A., Ginger L. Chew, and Robin S. Garfinkel. "Deteriorated Housing Contributes to High Cockroach Allergen Levels in Inner-City Households." Environmental Health Perspectives 2 (April 2002): 323-327. JSTOR. Web. 20 March 2015.
Sarpong, Sampson B., Robert G. Hamilton, Peyton A. Eggleston, and N. Franklin Adkinson. "Socioeconomic Status and Race as Risk Factors for Cockroach Allergen Exposure and Sensitization in Children with Asthma." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 6 (June 1996): 1393-1401. ScienceDirect. Web. 20 March 2015.
Stevenson, Lori A., Peter J. Gergen, Donald R. Hoover, David Rosenstreich, David M. Mannino, and Thomas D. Matte. "Sociodemographic Correlates of Indoor Allergen Sensitivity among United States Children." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 5 (November 2001): 747-752. ScienceDirect. Web. 20 March 2015.


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Wolgan Valley, Australian luxury in the Blue Mountains
Our very first steps on Australia soil lead us straight from Sydney airport out of the city. Destination Wolgan…9 December 2018
Our very first steps on Australia soil lead us straight from Sydney airport out of the city. Destination Wolgan…9 December 2018
Hong Kong equals high-rise buildings therefore it is abolute mandatory to stay in a high-rise hotel. The higher the…18 November 2018
Our recent trip to the South East of the Dominican Republic revolved around golf courses. In between games and…16 November 2018
The Caribbean island Dominican Republic – and especially Punta Cana – has a reputation of great golf courses. I've…11 November 2018
I love the Algarvean countryside and Portuguese food. Don't get me wrong. But from time to time I crave…24 October 2018
[by Marjolein] Yes, we have our own Central Park in Holland. In Voorburg, next to The Hague. Not a…21 October 2018
As much as I heart online, flipping through my article and photos in Dutch Talkies Magazine is something else.…6 October 2018
Hearing British photographer Jimmy Nelson speak vividly about his true connection with people around the world, is fascinating. He brings…1 October 2018
Go, team Europe! Every two-year the international golf fever heats up when the Ryder Cup approaches. Le Golf National…28 September 2018
Oh my, do I have exciting news to share! Exactly one year ago mr. B and I had the…25 September 2018
[by Marjolein] Feeling like a kid on a school outing. The invitation for a press trip to the Namur…18 September 2018
Pink (golf) ladies for a day. The annual Audemars Piguet golf trophy introduces a special Ladies Trophy for the…13 September 2018
[by Marjolein] The location where to find incredible art is not always an obvious one. AkzoNobel, the international corporation…2 September 2018
Monte Rei Golf & Country club is as luxury as golf gets in Algarve. Located in the hinterland of…5 August 2018
[by Marjolein] When does a dress become a gown? You'll know after visiting the first museum exhibition of Dutch…25 July 2018


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Practice Nurse, Leicester
Pay: £25 - £42 per hour (including holiday pay)
Do you want to take control of your work life balance?
Would you like to maximise your income at a schedule that suits you??
Then Chase Medical is exactly what you're looking for!
Chase Medical is excited to be recruiting Practice Nurses with experience in General Practice to work on a flexible basis in variety of GP settings.
Our Benefits:
- Competitive rates of pay of £24 - £42 per hour (including holiday pay) for Practice Nurses
- Full flexibility in when you want to work, with no minimum shift requirements
- Opportunities to pick up shifts the day before or up to 12 months in advance
- Market experts to find the perfect shifts for you.
- Exclusive access to shifts not advertised anywhere else
- A quick and easy registration process.
More about Chase:
Chase Medical is a specialist Primary Care Agency of expert Primary Care clinicians offering locum and permanent work throughout the UK.
We work with almost 40% of Primary Centre's nationwide, so you can be sure that with us you will have access exclusive shifts not advertised anywhere else.
We have a friendly, dedicated team on hand to help you every step of the way, from registration to finding you shifts. We also have a team devoted to permanent recruitment who can help you to find the perfect role for you.
How to Join:
We have been receiving a high number of applications so apply now to make the most of this opportunity. Email email@example.com or call 0114 275 7421 and ask for Kieran for more information.


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wsrep API defines a set of application callbacks and replication library calls necessary to implement synchronous writeset replication of transactional databases and similar applications. It aims to abstract and isolate replication implementation from application details. Although the main target of this interface is a certification-based multi-master replication, it is equally suitable for both asynchronous and synchronous master/slave replication.
Application callbacks provide management of transaction write sets:
* populating of write sets, in the sending side
* applying of write sets, in the receiving end
The applying of received writesets is done by high priority transaction(s).
There are also calls for providing "total order isolated" processing of certain SQL statements. This feature guarantees that each database server in the cluster process the SQL statement in the same order and uninterrupted. .e.g. all DDL statements need to be processed isolated, to maintain data consistency in the cluster.
Mailing list: http://
Project information
- Part of:
- wsrep project group
- Maintainer:
- Codership
- Driver:
- Codership
- Licence:
- GNU LGPL v2.1
View full history Series and milestones
trunk series is the current focus of development.
All code Code
- Version control system:
- Bazaar
- Programming languages:
All bugs Latest bugs reported
Bug #1378890: wsrep_listener.c fails to compile
Reported on 2014-10-08
Bug #1321219: Causal read timeout should be session variable
Reported on 2014-05-20
Bug #1288498: Fix license terms: either GPL2.1 or LGPL
Reported on 2014-03-06
Bug #1247402: pass write set flags to apply/commit callbacks
Reported on 2013-11-02
Bug #1229821: Add open_data_buffer()/close_data_buffer() (was get_data_buffer()) methods
Reported on 2013-09-24
All blueprints Latest blueprints
wsrep state API
Registered on 2009-12-18
Configuration Change Handler
Registered on 2009-01-24


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Gabriola Players would like to wish A Very Happy New Year to all our members and supporters. We'd also likeContinue reading »
Winter 2018 newsletter out now
A big thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the first two productions of our 2018/19 season. YouContinue reading »
There will be four performances at the Community Hall this weekend of Pirates of Nursery Rhyme Island, written and directedContinue reading »
If it's November, it must be nearly PANTO TIME!
That's right! Rehearsals are well underway for the 2018 Gabriola Players panto. And what a special one it is! PiratesContinue reading »
Gabriola Players new board
At our annual general meeting on September 30th, Gabriola Players said a fond – and appreciative – farewell to retiringContinue reading »
Gabriola Players AGM offers up some Farce
The Gabriola Players annual general meeting will be held at the Roxy on Sunday, September 30th at 1pm. The businessContinue reading »
FORGET ABOUT TOMORROW opening tomorrow evening
Gabriola Players is thrilled to be launching its 2018/19 season with four staged readings of Jill Daum's incredibly moving playContinue reading »
New season launches this month with FORGET ABOUT TOMORROW
Gabriola Players has been honoured to receive special permission from the Belfry Theatre to launch our 2018/19 season with fourContinue reading »
Summer 2018 newletter
Our Summer 2018 Newsletter is dedicated to our dear friend Nancy Jenner. Relive the fun of our 2017/18 season andContinue reading »
Panto auditions coming soon!
Mark your calendars so you don't miss out on your chance to audition for the 2018 Gabriola Players pantomime. LikeContinue reading »


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When building a draft strategy, most people are going to study the final totals and rankings from the previous season. Novice fantasy players will rely on these numbers to a fault but the more seasoned understands positional value. They know that leagues are won by running backs and wide receivers. Since most leagues allow 3 or more of both positions into the starting lineup, the decision comes down to which position should be drafted first. I have studied recent history and I will make the case for the runner.
It is vital to make good on the first three or four picks in the draft. Just like in the NFL, teams that draft poorly early on will miss out on the most talented players and have to watch other teams perform with those players. Owners need to get the most value for their picks, and that means obtaining the players who will score the highest above the mean at their position.
Historical Analysis
Over the past five seasons, the top-scoring running back has scored at least 117 PPR fantasy points more than the 12th ranked runner. The other position group that occupies the top-10 players in all rankings I have seen is wide receiver. In the same timeframe, the distance between the top wide receiver and the 12th ranked receiver has been as close as 40 points. The average separation for running backs was 152.44 points compared to only 81.88 points between the 1st and 12th ranked WR. All this means it is very important to land an elite running back if you want to win your league. This may not come as a surprise to anyone but even with the elevated risk of injury, it would be wise to nab a running back that you like early on.
In studying the ADP of the top 12 RBs and WRs over the past 5 seasons, only last year did the ADP of the top 12 WRs end up higher than that of the RBs. The anomaly that was 2016 included Jordan Howard, who went undrafted in most leagues, and the 18 rushing TD explosion by LeGarrette Blount that nobody saw coming.
Another reason to wait on receivers is a simple fact that the NFL has become a passing league. In 2015, the league average for pass attempts per game was a whopping 34.63 per contest. That number rose to 35.83 in 2016. The average amount of rushing attempts per team for those two seasons came out to 25.21 and 25.50 respectively. With several teams employing "3rd down" and "change of pace" running backs, an individual runner does not get near the opportunities their predecessors received. That does not mean that you should be afraid to pull the trigger on RBs, but rather that it is very important to find a talented back that can remain on the field for 3 downs.
Obtaining a quality running back or two is often what will propel your fantasy team into the playoffs. There simply are not enough great ones to be had and the few that find them reap the benefits. I am a firm believer that quality pass-catchers can be found throughout the draft but that is far from the case with RBs. There were 24 WRs who scored at least 200 points in PPR last year. Only 14 RBs hit that mark.
I say all this not to say that you need to draft RBs with 3 of your first 4 picks. What I mean is you need to do your research and figure out the 2-4 runners you think are in the best position to succeed. Look at their offensive line, team philosophy, schedule, and weather patterns. Find the players that will get the most opportunities and go all in. You need to draft quality, not quantity. NFL.com posted the top 10 NFL players who were on the most fantasy league-winning rosters in 2016. There were 6 running backs on that list and only 2 wide receivers. So go find that stud runner and take home the trophy!


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Sarah White Named Distinguished Paralegal
Sarah L. White of Ragsdale Liggett in Raleigh has been honored by the North Carolina Bar Association and its Paralegal Division as the 2018 Distinguished Paralegal Award winner. The award was presented on Thursday, June 21, at the NCBA Annual Meeting Awards Dinner.
The Distinguished Paralegal Award recognizes the outstanding achievements, professionalism and contributions to the paralegal profession by a member of the NCBA Paralegal Division. The recipient of the award is a paralegal who has actively participated in paralegal activities including paralegal professional leadership, paralegal education, promotion of the paralegal profession and civic/community volunteering.
White received her undergraduate degree from East Carolina University and her paralegal degree from Meredith College.
Her nominators cited White's judgment and leadership while recognizing her as a pivotal member of the firm's litigation team. She is noted for her preparation, organization, attention to detail, and for her willingness to serve as mentor to other paralegals.
White grew up in Kinston, and throughout her career has volunteered with various charities, always with a focus on improving her community.


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Document Type
- Journal article (1)
- Doctoral Thesis (1)
- English (2) (remove)
- Prostatakrebs (2) (remove)
BACKGROUND. Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a major health concern in men of the Western World. However, we still lack effective diagnostic tools a) for an effective screening with both high sensitivity and specificity, b) to guide biopsies and avoid histology sampling errors and c) to predict tumor aggressiveness in order to avoid overtreatment. Therefore, a more reliable, highly cancer-specific and ideally in vivo approach is needed. The present study has been designed in order to further develop and test the method of "metabolomic imaging" using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) at 7T to address those challenges. METHODS. Thirty whole prostates with biopsy-proven PCa were in vitro analyzed with a 7T human MR scanner. A voxel grid containing the spectral information was overlaid with the MR image of the middle transverse cross-sectional plane of each case. Subsequent histopathological evaluation of the prostate specimen followed. After the spectral output was processed, all voxels were compared with a metabolomic PCa profile, which had been established within a preliminary study, in order to create a metabolomic map indicating MRS cancer-suspicious regions. Those regions were compared with the histologically identified tumor lesions regarding location. RESULTS. Sixty-one percent of the histological cancer lesions were detected by metabolomic imaging. Among the cases with PCa on the examined slice, 75% were identified as cancerous. None of the tested features significantly differed between detected and undetected cancer lesions. A defined "Malignancy Index" (MI) significantly differentiated between MRS-suspicious lesions corresponding with a histological cancer lesion and benign lesions (p = 0.006) with an overall accuracy of 70%. The MI furthermore showed a positive correlation with the Gleason grade (p = 0.021). CONCLUSION. A new approach within PCa diagnostics was developed with spectral analysis including the whole measureable metabolome - referred to as "metabolomics" - rather than focusing on single metabolites. The MI facilitates precise tumor detection and may additionally serve as a marker for tumor aggressiveness. Metabolomic imaging might contribute to a highly cancer-specific in vivo diagnostic protocol for PCa.
Lymph node metastases associated with prostate cancer (PCa) has been shown to be a poor prognostic factor. The role of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) itself in relation to survival remains unclear, however. A Medline search was conducted to address this issue. The following conclusions were drawn. Only recently, improved survival due to completion of radical prostatectomy (RP) (compared to abandoning RP) in known or presumed lymph-node-positive patients has been shown. Lymph node sampling can only be considered representative if an adequate number of nodes is removed. While several authors have suggested that a therapeutic benefit in patients undergoing RP is not provided by PLND, the reliability of these studies is uncertain. Contrary to this, several studies have indicated the possibility of long-term survival even in the presence of limited lymph node metastases. The role and timing of initiation of adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients who have node-positive disease after RP is controversial. Recent studies suggest that delaying ADT may not adversely impact survival.


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NFL Draft 2014: Bucs may be interested in trading Mike Glennon for draft pick
If time, patience and development are all important in the growth of a quarterback—as many have come to believe they are—then Bucs' QB Mike Glennon is right on track.
He showed a great deal of promise last season in Tampa, with a positive arc as the season progressed. But, perhaps it wasn't enough. Tampa has already signed free agent veteran Josh McCown and according to NFL.com, could be looking to shop Glennon in the upcoming 2014 NFL Draft for a second-round pick.
MORE: See what Teddy Bridgewater bought his mom | Trade possibilities | Moving down
Glennon, a third-round pick in 2013, could prove to be a better fit than the majority of this year's top quarterback prospects.
It's believed that all of them, from Johnny Manziel to Blake Bortles to Teddy Bridgewater and beyond, need to time to grow—time that many franchises are unwilling to spend. Still, it doesn't appear that Glennon is in position to be traded someplace and become the immediate starter.
The teams with the biggest QB need will likely go for a hot name in the draft. Those who need to push their incumbent, like Jake Locker in Tennessee, could be intriguing. The Patriots brought in a number of QBs for visits, and could be developing an eventual transition plan for Tom Brady.
Glennon completed 2,608 passing yards last season, along with 19 touchdowns and only nine interceptions.


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Renewal North West is a Supplier of quality used office furniture. Whatever your needs, we have a vast array of office desks, office tables, office cabinets, storage units, office chairs, reception chairs and more in store.
For a more extensive list of what we do goto TheOfficeShop.net and take a look.


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The general trend in the letters pages has been one of grumbling. Yes, there is a lot wrong at the moment, but for a change let us give credit for excel-lent service.
Firstly, to Mary Worrall and the Green Spaces Team [at Hillingdon Council] - Stuart, Damien and Dragana, who are backing the Friends of Eastcote House Gardens in their attempt to gain a grant for re-planting the Walled Garden in Eastcote House grounds.
They are not just giving lip service but real time, practical help.
Secondly, to Jean Palmer and the planning department, for arranging a seminar for residents groups, to explain the changes to the permitted development laws recently brought in by central Government.
These changes are available on a government planning portal, but totally inexplicable to the semi-initiated.
Jean Palmer and her staff put in many hours of work to make these laws understandable, and gave up their free time to present them to us.
To all concerned: thank you.
chairwoman, Eastcote Village Conservation Area Advisory Panel and Planning Advisor, Eastcote
Residents' Association, address supplied.


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[email protected]
Properties Listed : 1 Phone : 5416016493 Email This Agent
Highly desirable 35+ acre EFU zoned property with home site approval, irrigation, well water and city water in Medford, OR. This conveniently located and income producing property is currently set up for a horse boarding facility with 16 acres of permanent hay production pastures. The gated driveway leads you to an impeccably maintained custom built 14 stall show barn. This dream horse facility has hot and cold wash racks, heated grooming area, feed room, tack rooms and vet area. In addition, the property has 18 individually fenced pastures all with horse shelters. The equestrian center boards up to 39 horses. The property has a lighted 75'x160' covered arena with ample room to add 13 additional stalls. It also has a lighted 80'x 160' outdoor arena, a 135' x 270' grass outdoor arena, two 55' round pens and an all-weather year round trail course. This would be a fantastic property for building your dream home or for a number of agriculture applications. Owners are highly motivated to sell. *The farm fencing is 2 x 4 horse fencing with a hot wire on top and in very good condition. *Hay production equipment and all farm equipment included in sale price. *For sale by owner
: 3855 Foothill Rd
: Medford
: 97504


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300 grams seedless dates (should be soft and moist)
500 grams sesame seeds (Tilli)
1.5 cups powdered or grated jaggery
5 table spoon clarified butter (ghee)
1. Heat a kadhai or a heavy bottomed pan and add sesame seeds.
2. Roast the sesame seeds on low heat for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir at small intervals.
4. Sesame seeds will begin to pop and change color.
5. Remove and keep aside in a plate and let them cool down.
6. Once cooled, grind them coarsely.
7. Heat clarified butter (ghee) in a heavy bottomed pan or kadai.
8. Add powdered or grated jaggery.
9. Keeping the flame low flame, keep on stirring the jaggery so that it becomes soft.
10. Switch off the flame.
11. Grind the seedless dates.
12. Add the dry roasted sesame seeds and seedless dates.
13. Mix well.
14. When the mixture is still hot, begin to form ladoos from it.
15. Be carefull, if the mixture is too hot, then wait few minutes and then form the ladoos.
16. Make all the ladoos this way and Serve 🙂
17. You can store ladoos in an air tight container at room temperature and can be used for 10-15 days.


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Most of the businesses that operate out of a physical location benefit from local SEO. The internet is indeed a powerful tool and a lot of entrepreneurs are able to advertise and sell their products and services through the internet but they don't know How Local SEO Works?
Even before the local SEO became a trend, a lot of businesses created their own websites with the aim of finding customers globally, although this did not become practical at all especially for the ones that did not have the capability of catering outside their location. Customers who used the internet looked for the nearest business where they can easily get product or services from, which is why they conducted localized search. Local SEO plays a big role in helping a business become known to its local customers. People who are looking for the nearest health care provider, for example, will search through the internet locally.
How Local SEO Works?
So how does local SEO work? If for example, you are selling women's bags and accessories in a store located in Florida, and if people in Florida would want to buy bags, they will be looking for the most accessible and convenient place to go to. What local SEO would do is that it will place your business name on top of the results page. Just remember to include the physical address, the city, state, and the zip code of your business firm on your website. You can also use map programs such as Google maps to achieve the best localized SEO.
There are definitely a lot of benefits one can get from localized SEO. The entrepreneurs, especially small and local businesses, are the ones who are able to make the most out of it. It is probably the best way that web businesses are able to grab the attention of their local customers. Local SEO Marketing could be your first step in reaching the global market.


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Submitted by themusicman08 on
Hi all:
A little help please?
I know how to search for movies and tv shows but, how do I find those that are described? I did find 3 of the Chipmunk movies described but, can't find other movies or tv shows. Do I need to put the movie or tv name in with the words audio described?
audio disscription
Submitted by Dawn on
You need to put the words audio disscribed or discsription.
So if yo-le looking fore the movie, Men In Black with audio disscription, you'd search for, Men In Black audio disscription
It works the iame way in iTunes. Hope this helps.
Finding descriptive movies
Submitted by themusicman08 on
It doesn't work that way because when I look for certain films, it says zero items have been found. For instance, if I type in BatMan and the words audio description all spaced, nothing pops up. If I type in, Batman, then all comes up but, nothing with audio description.
re: finding descriptive movies
Submitted by kool_turk on
You need to type the words AudioDescription without the title of the movie itself.
Typing in the movie title won't give you description unless you know to look for the AD symbol in the languages section, and for that you need to go into the movie details.
More work to do it that way.
Typing AudioDescription, will give you a list of described content.
Pity it's movies only.
I wish there was a way to request titles to be described.
For netflix it's pretty easy, just talk to support and they pass on your request.
Audio Described Content Website
Submitted by JTran2013 on
Sorry if this is off topic! Here is a website link for a list of audio described movies available in iTunes.
The AD Project also has a page for audio described tv shows etc. that is available on NetFlix etc. Hope this helps!
Typing words do not work
Submitted by themusicman08 on
Two things in this post.
1. Thank you to the user that posted the link for the audio described movies. That helps if i want to find something actually.
2. Typing the words AudioDescribed, or AudioDescription doesn't work in the search area. I've tried both of those things. Maybe I'm doing something wrong but, i doubt it. I am using an Apple tv when doing all of this.


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Having a Berry nice feed
That's a super photo, Beryl!
Thanks Catherine.
I was hurrying home as it was freezing and sitting in a mobility scooter you can't generate any heat . As I got to near whear I live a flock of starlings decended on the palm trees right beside a sort of black curent bush or similar and it hahd masses of berries. It reminded me of your Starling frenzy
Love it Beryl.
Thanks Rolf
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)


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EDITOR WES RAYNAL: The Series 51 is Bentley's way to order your Bentley any way you want it. According to Bentley, it's called the 51 because the automaker's styling department was created in 1951. So if you want to individualize your Bentley, one of the ways to do it is to get a 51.
It's still a subtle package. The only Speed branding noticeable is on the sill plates to go along with the new 20-inch rims, a rear spoiler and a slightly lower body.
Anyway, for the driving: With the Speed, horsepower is up to 600 from 552. The car will hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and go 200 mph, according to Bentley. The W12 makes the same beautiful bass sounds as ever. And man, is this thing fast! The power is such a smooth whoosh. Yes, the car is heavy but you don't really notice it once you step on the gas. And the engine is so flexible. At any speed, tromp the gas and off you go. The all-wheel drive would make it suitable in any weather with suitable tires for the conditions, I would think.
It is a slightly harder ride than a regular Continental GT, but the softest suspension was too wallowy, in my opinion. The middle setting seemed the best to me.
MOTORSPORTS EDITOR MAC MORRISON: I'd call this car a sleeper, except it's probably impossible for any Bentley to not attract Lohan-levels of attention.
Still, that was my initial impression. Unlike many of my colleagues, I'm not destroyed emotionally every time I see one of these Continentals. For some reason, I've never been a huge fan of the exterior design; it just doesn't capture my imagination. Obviously this is a personal issue, as countless people besieged me to talk about and to take a look at this GT.
As you expect, the hand-worked interior is top-notch, and you feel like you've just left a High Street tailor in a new suit each time you climb aboard.
So why the "sleeper" comment? Because of traffic volumes and road situations, I drove this car for almost an hour and couldn't understand the fuss. The chassis, both comfortable and capable, never hit a sweet spot for me, and the slow, paddle-shifted gearbox was a major letdown. But then, finally, I was able to open the throttle fully. Good. Night. My goodness, does this car bend the horizon much more than I anticipated. Bentley's acceleration numbers actually feel conservative. It's no Porsche 911 Turbo, but when you cruise around in the GT and get used to its normal behavior, you find yourself a bit stunned by the straight-shot testosterone that is actually available.
You can find plenty of other cars that are just as quick, and personally, I like the looks of several of them more than I do the Bentley. But what you do get here is an exclusive combination of hardware and feelings, and that's why people are willing to pay this kind of price for the privilege of experiencing them.
2010 Bentley Series 51 Continental GT Speed
Base Price: $213,995
As-Tested Price: $237,175
Drivetrain: 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12; AWD, six-speed automatic
Output: 600 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 553 lb-ft @ 1,700-5,600 rpm
Curb Weight: 5,181 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA): 12 mpg
Options: Aluminum tint to fascia plus front and rear console panels and roof control panel ($7,650); NAIM premium audio including 1,100-watt, 13.2 channel amplifier, 13 speakers, subwoofer ($6,900); Series 51 GT Speed including three-tone interior, nonindented hide for diamond-quilting contrasting piping for seats and doors, Series 51 treadplates, engine spin and Amboyna trim, 20-inch, 14-spoke polished diamond wheels with dark center caps, Series 51 badge on front wings ($5,070); convenience specification including adaptive cruise control, iPod interface, massage-function front seats, privacy headset, rearview camera, valet parking key ($2,820); deep-pile carpet mats with hide trimming to front and rear ($450); Mulliner alloy fuel-filler cap ($290)


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The Basics On How To Get A Good Auto Insurance
Vehicle insurance policy might appear like an aggravation when you do not have to utilize it, yet if you enter a crash, you'll be exceptionally eliminated that you have it. Not all vehicle insurance coverage plans are developed equivalent as well as you desire to be certain your insurance policy business will certainly provide you exactly what you pay for. Below are some suggestions for any type of automobile insurance coverage customer.
When making a decision to purchase vehicle insurance coverage, you need to see exactly what the plan claims it will certainly make use of as components to fix your automobile in case of a mishap. If you're obtaining brand-new components from the manufacturing facility or not, you'll understand. If you make a decision to offer it later on, the kind of component utilized in repair services could impact the worth of vehicle.
Vehicle insurance policy suppliers will certainly be inspecting your driving document and also will certainly establish just how much to bill you from that details. Examine your driving document for any kind of mistakes.
Make certain to obtain a brand-new vehicle insurance coverage quote every single time you transfer to a much less inhabited location. Given that country and also city locations have greater occurrences of crashes, the insurance coverage prices for automobiles driven in even more backwoods are dramatically reduced. Simply puts, you could conserve some severe money by transforming your address as well as asking for a brand-new price quote as quickly as you relocate.
Every state has certain lawful needs for minimal vehicle insurance coverage. Making certain that a chauffeur's insurance coverage fulfills these needs is the motorist's obligation, not the insurance policy business's.
When acquiring car insurance coverage, examine the small print of the plan to earn certain the insurance provider could not require that your auto be fixed just with aftermarket (or non-factory) components. Some insurance companies will certainly mention it just on your plan or if you inquire outright. You might not have any type of good luck obtaining approval to utilize manufacturing facility released components if you discover out just after you make a case.
Call your insurance coverage business prior to you go to get a brand-new cars and truck. Vehicle insurance coverage could be a massive cost when you are making settlements on an automobile.
If you are an initial time car insurance policy purchaser, store around! Car insurance coverage is exceptionally crucial to have as well as you could obtain terrific bargains out there. Insurance coverage is an affordable company.
Being able to depend on your insurance policy after a crash is fantastic. The guidance in this short article will certainly be an excellent aid in your search for automobile insurance coverage.
Car insurance policy might appear like an inconvenience when you do not require to utilize it, however if you obtain in a crash, you'll be exceptionally eliminated that you have it. Not all car insurance coverage plans are developed equivalent and also you desire to be certain your insurance coverage business will certainly offer you just what you pay for. Be certain to obtain a brand-new automobile insurance coverage quote every time you relocate to a much less inhabited location. Making sure that a vehicle driver's insurance coverage satisfies these demands is the vehicle driver's obligation, not the insurance coverage business's. Vehicle insurance policy is incredibly crucial to have as well as you could obtain terrific offers out there.


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Regular price
tricot 60" wide
Designed to give hunters maximum effectiveness in open terrain. The pattern incorporates cattails, reeds, cane and grasses to blend into flooded marshes. Plus corn, wheat, oats and sunflowers to hide you in open fields. It has branches, twigs and leaves that work in flooded timber. And with open areas that mimic mud, water, bark and shadows.


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During the public comments section of city council and school board meetings, most speakers make the mistake of wasting everyone's time. What those speakers fail to realize or fail to address is that before any big vote, the minds on the panel are already made up. So instead of addressing the panel with the consequences of their action (no reelection, a lawsuit, etc.), they speak as though there is still hope to change a mind or two.
A clear example of this was last night's school board meeting at which the trustees voted 7-0 to approve a significantly larger athletic facility for CdM High. If you think that any of the information or speakers from last night had any effect on the vote, please contact me as soon as possible as I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you, cheap.
In my notes last night, I wrote (Comments in parentheses are from today):
1) [Paul] Reed sounds like he favors [the project]
2) Waited until after the election [to vote on this]
3) "What you're being asked to do this evening…" [Reed]. (Why is he explaining this? Do they truly not know what this meeting and vote are for? If not, this is pathetic.)
4) Principal supports it. [Must not live in Eastbluff]
5) Seven HOA's, they met with two
6) Reed shook hands with the representative of the CdM Foundation. (Did not shake hands with anyone opposing the project)
7) "Most likely [the footprint] will be different than it is now." (This is Reed using code to say that the expansion will be big. And how could a board member vote to approve this without knowing exactly how big it will be? Amazing.)
8) Lack of prior knowledge is astounding (But then, if the minds were made up awhile ago, I guess it doesn't matter how much they didn't know.)
9) Yelsey used "yes" language
10) Will the new noise, traffic and lighting levels be required to be disclosed when a home is being sold? (speaker).
In less than two years, voters will have the chance to replace two of the existing board members. This time around, perhaps there will be a majority who want to have at least one person on the board who truly represents residents.


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The other day I was indulging my nightly wind down ritual of a drink and a few rounds of whatever video game I'm currently immersed in (At the moment it's a replay of Final Fantasy XII because I find a contemplative peace in level grinding) when I realized that I was a grown-ass man sitting on the carpet to play... and I didn't have the foggiest idea why.
It's odd, but pretty much every console gamer I know that doesn't have some sort of super gaming chair sits on the floor during play. Why? I have a couch right behind me. In fact, that's what I'm reclining up against. It's a nice enough couch that I have no problem sitting on to watch TV, so what is it about playing a game that makes me want to get down to floor level.
Admittedly, there's an adult reason, I realized... that aforementioned glass of Brother Booze that eases back the incalculable stress of the a job where I get paid to talk about Doctor Who and that makes my playing of Poker Night at the Inventory 2 resemble the complete lack of sense of consequence I noticed during the government shutdown debates. There's nothing wrong with setting my cheap-ass mix of Nikolai Vodka and Kroger-brand Sprite on the coffee table in front of me while sitting on the couch, but it's just easier to have in a straw-drinking height so that all I have to do is lean my head port-wise and sip without ever taking my eyes off the action.
Plus, when drinking, the closer to the ground you are the safer you are. It's like smoke inhalation, but the opposite and on purpose.
See also: Exp Bar Rises to Our Video Game Cocktail Challenge
Another reason remains that it's just plain easier to see things when you're half a foot closer to the screen, even when you own a nice big HD plasma screen TV. Games are so detail-intensive, and when you get to something like Final Fantasy XIV that is clearly still thinking in PC terms, not console terms, then you're pretty much not going to play at all unless you close to melee distance with your screen.
Games aren't like movies. Sure, films and TV shows have lots of hidden bits in them for you to ferret out. David Lynch built a career on it. The thing is that you don't have to notice those tiny details in a film to keep the movie going. Did you know that Blu-ray has finally settled once and for all whether or not the AI HAL in 2001: A Space Odyssey is an IBM computer? Well, it has, but even back when the debate was still raging you could be completely oblivious of it and still get to the end of the movie. When you're playing a game, a few pixels' difference can decide whether or not you progress or you die.
Booze and clarity, while two things that don't often go together are clearly better-than-average reasons to hunker down on the floor during a session. It still feels ancillary, though. I sat on the floor even before I drank, and even if I'm playing something totally retro that a blind person can it pick up I never sit back on the couch to play.
Piece continues on next page.
I think it has something to do with controllers, personally. These days all controllers are wireless, and in fact the only reason I ever game from the couch is because of titles like Skyward Sword on the Wii that make me because of motion sensors. Of course, it actually took me a year before I realized that the PS3 controllers are all wireless, which maybe why I stuck with old habits initially.
Wireless controllers back in the NES and SNES days were definitely luxuries, even for an item that is pretty much defined as a luxury itself. I didn't know anyone who owned a wireless controller over among the poor folks in Jacinto City. The system came with two controllers so quit being a whiner was the general parental sentiment of my childhood.
"Besides," my dad once added after I asked. "You'll just lose them when you throw them after getting frustrated by that Ninja Gay 'Em thing. At least with a cord we can find them." My dad was a wise man, though I never did convince him that Ryu Hayabusa was not a homosexual ninja.
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So that was your lot, tied to the system by a cable looking up into the big electronic god that you were trying to bend to your will. I think video games are important for kids. It gives them something to conquer on their terms, and that's helpful in a world where they exert so little control.
As an adult, it's a sentiment that I still feel. Bills need paying, houses need cleaning, jobs need doing, and sometimes you feel very small. When you're a kid, an adult is a huge thing that looks like the master of his realm. From the other side, sometimes you get to know a new kind of being powerless.
I think that's why I still game from the floor. When I do it, eyes riveted on the screen as I take down a monster so much easier than I take down a past due notice from the IRS, I remember the best parts about being a kid. I remember the feeling of accomplishment you got from timing a jump just right. When I do it sitting on the couch, I just feel like a man who should be writing instead.
Jef has a new story, a tale of headless strippers and The Rolling Stones, available now in Broken Mirrors, Fractured Minds. You can also connect with him on Facebook.


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Listed below is a short summary of some of the types of services Means To An End has provided.
Systems Engineering/Architecture
Systems Engineering/Architecture is a big subject. They are grouped together here because they are often so intertwined. Also, in most cases
Architecture and
Architecture are intertwined as well.
The systems engineer and the architect may be one and the same person or the may work hand in hand to define, design and implement the solution. They support the Project Manager and the needs of the greater organization from a technical perspective by defining how things can be done. It is their job to address such issues as:
The development, testing, training, and production environments.
The computing infrastructure.
Configuration management procedures and processes.
Backup procedures and processes.
Disaster recovery procedures and processes.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs), both to the customer and from suppliers outside the organization.
Data protection requirements.
Etc. etc.
The information architect will address such issues as:
Defining the mission and vision of the application/system.
The content and functionality of the site.
Data taxonomy.
Application/system organization and components or modules.
A plan for future growth or retirement of the application/system.
The systems engineer will also likely be an advisory member on the application/system Change Board.
Van Chesnutt of Means To An End has assisted organizations within Boeing IT to reach
Level 3.
Business Analysis/Technical Business Need & Requirements Gathering & Options Analysis
Gathering requirements is more than finding out what management wants a system to do. It is also more than asking users what they want. It includes things like:
What is the operational environment?
What other systems does the application need to interface with?
How many users are there? Do they need access 24x7?
What are the service level agreements with other departments?
What are the data protection requirements (e.g. SOx, HIPPA)?
Etc. etc.
With answers to these and other questions, some analysis needs to be done. We ask ourselves, what are our options? Are there trade-offs? Can we buy an off-the-shelf product and what is its long-term viability, or do we need to build this ourselves? Who is going to support the system? All kinds of answers are needed before a recommendation can be made. Means To An End has experience in this area with recommendations for software development project that have gone forward.
Business/Technical Process Improvement
For there to be process improvement, there first has to be a defined, repeatable process. Ones that are documented and are being used. Often this is not the case. Many times there are disparate processes being used within the same organization. Process improvement activities may be as simple as evaluating all the different process and/or procedures and determining which is best of finding a new way altogether. A key force in improvement activities are the
Policies, Procedures, and Processes
that are used to define the success of a project, an organization, or a company.
Program & Project Management
The three legs of the Project Management stool are: Schedule, Resources (people, money) and the Product or end result (driven by requirements). But management of system projects often include other things that don't necessarily fit neatly into one of these buckets: interfaces, certain design elements, security, testing and training to name a few. And, there are
associated with most components of a project. Because system application projects change over time, sometimes dramatically, a key question that needs to be kept in mind is, "What does success look like?". This focus may make the all the difference in determining whether a project is successful or not.
Application Development/Coding
Means To An End also provides application development/coding services in the Microsoft .NET environment, for both windows and web applications. This includes coding/development services for the database(s) that underlie the applications. These applications range from simple websites for small business to things like the complex Cancer Surveillance System for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. This experience only serves to enhance the skills brought to the other disciplines described above.
© 2020 - Means To An End, Inc.


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Photograph of the LAX sign at the Century Boulevard entrance to Los Angeles International Airport.
Author : Florencio Briones (User:Flobrio)
CC/SA 3.0 Unported
Sherry Wright, who is unable to speak following a stroke, was not allowed to board flight
- 15 hours ago April 10, 2014
A WOMAN claims an airport security agent refused to let her disabled sister on board a plane because she couldn't say her own name.
Sherry Wright says she was shocked at the treatment they received at Los Angeles International Airport, where her sister Heidi was due to fly to Phoenix.
The problems began when Heidi, who was left wheelchair-bond and unable to speak or write after a stroke a decade ago, was stopped by the Transport Security Administration (TSA) due to an expired driver's licence, CNN reported.
Sherry claims the TSA agent was rude and insensitive, insisting Heidi talk.
"I showed her ID, her social and her DMV (licence) papers," Sherry said, to no avail.
"He just wanted me to make my sister talk, and I couldn't believe it.


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Cape Coral Plumbing Inc. renovated its showroom to feature new plumbing fixtures and added gas appliance displays such as fireplaces, grills and other outdoor kitchen accessories to its list of available products.
The newly expanded showroom at Cape Coral Plumbing Inc. features the latest trends in plumbing fixtures such as automatic self-cleaning and wall-mounted commodes with remote controls, bidet seats, touchless kitchen faucets, specialty shower fixtures with the latest finishes and designs, body sprays and rain heads. The showroom also features several plumbing fixture manufacturers, including Moen, Brizo, Delta, Kraus, Toto and Kohler.
The recent renovation also included adding working displays of six different fireplaces by Monesson, Majestic and Fire Magic.
Available gas appliance manufacturers include Monesson, Superior, Majestic, Fire Magic, Primo, American Outdoor Grill, Broilmaster and Modern Flames.
Various accessories are also available including specialty log kits, glass kits and outdoor kitchen upgrades. Also working and on display, is a tankless gas water heater by Noritz.
The Cape Coral Plumbing Showroom is located at 5812 Enterprise Parkway in Fort Myers and open between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Appointments are recommended by calling 239-693-4714.
In operation since 1983, Cape Coral Plumbing offers professional personnel, equipment and supplies to handle residential, multi-family, and light commercial new construction. Cape Coral Plumbing also operates a full service department for all your residential plumbing needs in the five-county area of Southwest Florida.


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RANDALL'S ISLAND, New York — Dressing for an outdoor music festival like Governors Ball is an art, not a science. Above all else, concertgoers have to factor in style and comfort. Finding the balance between the two is the key.
For the 2014 festivities, which went down over the weekend at Randall's Island in New York City, heat was a major player. And as the scorching sun pierced through the sky, we couldn't help but notice all the dudes rocking basketball jerseys. And why not? They're sleeveless, breathable, and let you rep a player or team of your choosing.
Not all of these are throwbacks in the way that Jay Z, Fabolous and your favorite rappers made popular last decade. Plenty of them are of the I-used-to-wear-this-in-middle-school-and-still-have-it origin. Salute to all the hoarders out there.
Here are 16 of our favorites.
Jalen Rose, last played for Denver Nuggets in 1996
Vince Carter, last played for Toronto Raptors in 2004
Ray Allen, last played for Milwaukee Bucks in 2003; and Charles Barkley, last played for Phoenix Suns in 1996
Karl Malone, 1992 Team USA Olympic jersey
Shaquille O'Neal, 1996 Team USA Olympic jersey
Michael Jordan, 1996 All-Star Game jersey
Wes Unseld, last played for Washington Bullets in 1981
Patrick Ewing, 1992 Team USA Olympic jersey
John Starks, last played for New York Knicks in 1998
Penny Hardaway, 1995 All-Star Game jersey
Juwan Howard, last played for Washington Bullets in 1997
Allen Iverson, last played for Philadelphia 76ers in 2010
Shareef Abdur-Rahim, last played for Atlanta Hawks in 2004
Jason Kidd, last played for New Jersey Nets in 2008
Walt Frazier, last played for New York Knicks in 1977


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Kids desperate to drive, but who can't yet reach the pedals, can soon take to the road as Peugeot teams up with Alton Towers, the award winning theme park in Staffordshire – to offer the under 10s the drive of their life! Opening in mid July and representing an investment of over £1 million, the Peugeot 207 Driving School attraction will enable young drivers to experience many different elements of modern driving in miniature electric versions of the brand new Peugeot 207.
Young drivers will be able to choose their own route whilst getting to grips with everyday obstacles like traffic lights, roundabouts and cross roads, all with a quirky edge; take a trip to the bubble-blasting car wash, stop for the lollipop lady if she hasn't already melted in the sun and watch out for the tricky gigantic hedgehogs rambling over the zebra crossing!
Budding racing drivers can also test their skills in a special section within the attraction – the ultimate slalom challenge. And if the young drivers are too eager to wait until they are old enough to hit the roads, they can have their very own Alton Towers driving licence!


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Wombat's CITY Hostels Vienna – the NASCHMARKT
Address: Rechte Wienzeile 35 - Vienna
€ 17 price per Bed
Centrally located directly at Vienna's Naschmarkt, wombats opened the doors to its third Vienna hostel on March 1st 2011. No matter where you want to wander in Vienna, it's all just moments away from wombats CITY HOSTEL Vienna at "The Naschmarkt. The center is reached in minutes by foot... Continue reading
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MEININGER Wien Downtown Franz
Address: Rembrandtstrasse 21 - Vienna
€ 46 price per Room
€ 14 price per Bed
The MEININGER Hotel Vienna Downtown Franz is located in lively Leopoldstadt, Vienna's second district, between the Danube Canal and the Danube. Here, in the former Jewish quarter and one of the town's most popular areas, you can find ample green spaces and the Karmeliter Market with numerous stalls, cafés and... Continue reading
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wombat's CITY Hostels Vienna – the LOUNGE
Address: Mariahilferstraße 137 - Vienna
€ 23 price per Bed
In our hostel Comfort, Style & Budget go together! It is best blace to discover Vienna. Let a bar visit carry you back in time with the vaults-atmosphere in the style of The Third Man! This wombats CITY HOSTEL - the lounge is situated right on Mariahilfer Straße,... Continue reading
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Palace Hostel – Schlossherberge
Address: Savoyenstrasse 2 - Vienna
€ 72 price per Room
€ 24 price per Bed
Palace Hostel, also known as Schlossherberge is perhaps in the best location in Vienna, and definitely in the most beautiful location! Hey, we offer rooms with a breathtaking view, yet you are in the city center only within 20 minutes. The Palace Hostel - Schlossherberge is situated in a peaceful... Continue reading
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MEININGER Hotel Vienna Central Station
Address: Columbusgasse 16 - Vienna
€ 72 price per Room
€ 12 price per Bed
We are located on the shopping mile Favoritenstraße not far from the city centre. You can reach the Stephansdom, the Hotel Sacher or the Staatsoper by U-Bahn in just 10 minutes, and the Schönbrunn castle in 15 minutes. The U-Bahn Station Keplerplatz on the U1 line is virtually on our... Continue reading
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Hostel Hütteldorf
Address: Schlossberggasse 8 - Vienna
€ 92 price per Room
€ 18 price per Bed
Officially recognized by Hostelsclub as ECO-FRIENDLY! Modern hostel with 50-year-old tradition! Welcome to the first hostel in Austria! Here you can find the perfect combination of city and green environment, culture and nature, fun and relaxation: The Youth Hostel Hütteldorf is right on the subway line U4, which brings you in 20 minutes to... Continue reading
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Westend City Hostel
Address: Fuegergasse 3, - Vienna
€ 15 price per Bed
We are surely the first choice for anyone, looking for a hostel in Vienna close to the city centre and an uncomplicated arrival. We offer a bathroom in every room, free WiFi and no curfew. We are situated right next to "Westbahnhof" on the intersection of two metro lines... Continue reading
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A&O Wien Stadthalle
Address: Lerchen Gürtel 9-11 - Vienna
€ 55 price per Room
€ 21 price per Bed
Vienna! The A&O City Town Hall in Vienna is only one stop away from Westbahnhof. The short distance to the historic city center and to the shopping mile of the Austrian capital makes this A&O especially attractive for all travelers. A typical A&O is waiting for you in Vienna - clearly... Continue reading
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HappyHostel Vienna
Address: Kurzgasse 2 - Vienna
€ 35 price per Room
HappyHostel in Vienna: enjoy the homelike and familial atmosphere! The private rooms (some with bunk bed, all with shared bathroom, toilet and kitchen) of the HappyHostel are located in the main house Kurzgasse, in Aegidigasse and Bürgerspitalgasse. The much loved shopping street 'Mariahilfer Straße' is just a short walk away. The main... Continue reading
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Hotel-Pension ARPI
Address: Kochgasse 15, 1080 Vienna - Vienna
€ 69 price per Room
Our 3-star hotel-pension is located directly in the center of Vienna. All famous monuments are easy to reach in a couple of minutes by walk. We would love to assist you in booking sightseeing tours, concerts cards, etc...and making your stay as pleasant as possible. All rooms are equipped with Sat.TV,... Continue reading
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Hotel Pension Vera
Address: Alserstrasse 18 - Vienna
€ 55 price per Room
The guest-house Vera is situated very close to the heart of Vienna, with direct access to all public transport means such as bus, tram and underground connecting you to any point in the city, and is only a couple of minutes from guildhall, parliament and many other tourist attractions. The... Continue reading
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Alibi Hostel Vienna
Address: Wilhelm Exner - Gasse 4 - Vienna
€ 56 price per Room
€ 19 price per Bed
Whatever it is that you're looking for you will find it in Vienna – the city that needs no introduction. It's the unique atmosphere of the former empire, the hectic pace of modern metropolis, the variety of cultural events and the buzz of modern life that put this city... Continue reading
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Goldener Bear Hotel
Address: Tuerkenstrasse 27 - Vienna
€ 67 price per Room
The Hotel Goldener Bear is a small and cosy hotel conveniently situated in the center of Vienna. The famous Ring is just 100 meters off the hotel, the Votiv church is 150 meters and the university is only 200 meters away. The subways U1 and U4 as well as several trams stop... Continue reading
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Meet Brad Pitt's Brother Doug and His Average Life
Being a celebrity sibling can be tough. But for every Frank Stallone or Don Swayze who becomes a punchline because they've also tried to make it in entertainment, there are hundreds of brothers and sisters of the famous that you've never heard about because they are busy living completely normal lives.
Until now Doug Pitt -- brother of Brad -- was one of those anonymous siblings.
But Brad's photojournalist brother just had a coming out party of sorts by appearing in an ad for Virgin Mobile Australia, which promises "celebrity deals at celebrity brother prices." Learn more about the life of the "second most famous Pitt in his family" below.
As has been pointed out, Doug looks like a cross between his brother and Zach Braff. (We also detect a hint of Val Kilmer.)
Doug happens to be a natural in front of the camera, with a winning deadpan delivery and a self-deprecating sense of humor. In fact, if we were to compare this ad to Brad's embarrassing early appearances in commercials we'd have to say Doug is better. It may well be that the wrong Pitt got into acting.


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There's a sale on sale going on at Shopbop right now. Take an extra 20% off! Here are a few of my favorites.
cowl sweater, pumps, stripe cardigan, black tee,
mittens, otk boots, sneakers, boots, sunglasses,
asymmetric sweater, blue dress, navy coat
My suggestion is to go take a look around and don't be afraid to dig deep. There is a lot of good stuff hidden in there that I found after pulling together this collage. Don't forget to use code "EXTRASALE".


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For the last year or so the Organic Growers School has been based out of AB Tech's Small Business Center in Candler, NC. This has proved to be a great space for our growing organization, so much so that we've expanded our office into 2 adjoining rooms!
In the new space we are tackling seating and workspace layout, storage concerns, and overall functionality for 8 staff members working out of the office. It has been a process but nonetheless an exciting time and a great marker of OGS's continued growth.
To aid in turning this space into our own we are asking for donations of certain items. All donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated!
- 5 Desk Chairs: more compact, on wheels, ideally ergonomic, yoga balls
- Tables: Either 3×2 ft OR 6×2 ft
- Standing desk adaptors
- A coat rack for back of a door
- Wireless printer/scanner
- Electric Tea Kettle
- House Plants
- Lamps
- Mic/pa system
Author: Ella McCoy
Ella McCoy is a graduate of Appalachian State University's MBA program and a native of Western North Carolina. She grew up reluctantly helping in her family's garden and was as surprised as everyone else when she developed a passion for food advocacy and farming, while interning with Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture. Since moving to Asheville, Ella has been involved with the Grace Presbyterian Community Garden, OGS, F.E.A.S.T, and as an "unpaid intern" at her partner's farm. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, beekeeping, photography, and as much reading as possible.


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A life of action in a white coat and, alternatively, in a Western saddle, has been the lot of Portola Valley resident Walter J. Cole, a Stanford dermatologist, cow roper, occasional veterinary consultant, community benefactor and chuck wagon mess cook, from all of which he has retired.
In view of his many accomplishments in the community and his 57 years of participation in the Mounted Patrol of San Mateo County, the Woodside-based association has named Dr. Cole, now 94 and no longer riding, the Outstanding Horseperson-Citizen of 2009.
"He (is one of) the last surviving members of a small group that organized and moved the patrol forward for our continuing enjoyment," patrol member Bill Wraith wrote in announcing Dr. Cole's award. "His fellow professionals, (Mounted) Patrol and other horse friends join us in honoring him with this special award."
Dr. Cole grew up with horses in Manitoba, Canada, where his father, a surveyor for the railroad, kept a herd of 40, Mr. Wraith said. He studied medicine in college, served as a surgeon in the Royal Canadian Navy, and completed post-graduate studies at Johns Hopkins and Stanford universities and the University of California at San Francisco, and was a medical school professor at the latter two. His local dermatology practice started in 1955 and he retired in 1991, Mr. Wraith said.
In the local hills, he helped cut trails from the Mounted Patrol grounds on Kings Mountain Road to Towne Ranch in La Honda, Mr. Wraith said. Dr. Cole was a regular on cattle drives and round-ups and co-authored "Chuck's On," a cowboy cookbook published by the California Beef Council, with whom he sponsored Mounted Patrol's first barbecue pit.
Dr. Cole had run the barbecue at county fairs for years, organized Mounted Patrol blood donations, participated in search-and-rescue missions, and arranged nursing scholarships at UCSF, Mr. Wraith said.
Artist with rope
Much of Dr. Cole's work with cattle took place in the hills above Portola Valley at ranches with names such as Marthin, Mariani, Piers and Conley, he said in an interview.
On roping days, Dr. Cole would be part of a team of cowboys who gathered in a corral to brand, dehorn (if necessary), vaccinate and castrate (the males), one animal at a time.
Since the cattle tended to be uncooperative to these ministrations, the mounted cowboys would capture them by "heading and heeling": immobilizing the cow with rope lassos looped around the head and rear heels and pulled in opposing directions.
Dr. Cole was a header. "Cowboys, by and large, were either good headers or good heelers," he said. A reporter commented that roping days must have been awful for the cattle. "They don't know where they hurt the most," Dr. Cole replied.
Asked for the key to great cowboy beans, he gave up little by way of secrets: "Everybody's got their own ideas," he said. He soaks his beans -- either Pinto or maroon-and-white Anasazi -- overnight and cooks them with salt pork and onions, he said.
At one end of the spectrum for open-fire cooking is food that tastes great, in part because you're outside, and there's a very clean pot when the meal's over. At the other end, at least there's plenty to eat. Where did his beans place on that scale? "If you don't like it, don't eat it," Dr. Cole replied without hesitation.


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The number of hospital admissions for UK teenagers with eating disorders has risen by 89% in the past three years, it was reported today. While this is clearly of concern, so too is the quick jump some have made to link this rise with social media.
Although nothing new, the Royal College of Psychiatrists' suggestion, quoted by the BBC, that "much of the increase is down to social pressure made worse by online images" is troubling. It risks undermining the lived realities of people with eating disorders by conflating two issues that are not so neatly linked.
Images of sculpted, sucked-in and slimmed-down female bodies across Instagram and Facebook, for example, as well as in the news media, are deeply problematic. They give women of all ages the message that to be of value in contemporary British society they should look a certain way. And, habitually, that way is thin.
This society-wide obsession with the thinness and supposed perfection of female bodies is dangerous. It has the potential to define the boundaries of girls' ambitions, limiting their sense of self to bodies alone.
However, to cite such imagery as a root cause of eating disorders is too simple. It both undermines and genders the condition, making it simply about female bodies, and ignoring men who may be living with these illnesses.
Listening to sufferers
Recent qualitative studies, have suggested that to understand eating disorders, their causes and possible relationships with social media, it is imperative to listen to the stories of individuals themselves.
I first met Miriam in 2007 during the course of PhD research into eating disorders – specifically anorexia – and pro-anorexia websites. Miriam had a diagnosis of anorexia and, during the course of her interview, it became increasingly clear that she was angry. She felt that her illness was misunderstood due to the association widely made between eating disorders and the media.
There's lots of people who think it's just a vanity thing like, you know, anorexia is just the thinness and wanting to look thin but it's not a vanity thing, it's not at all. People go: 'Oh, everyone's trying to copy this size-zero trend.' And it's not, it's not! You don't open a picture … look at a picture, and say: 'Oh, I must look like that girl, therefore I must lose weight, therefore I'm an anorexic!' It's absolutely nothing to do with that.
To understand Miriam and the illness she lived with, we first need to acknowledge that she was not obsessed with being thin and that she never had been. Rather, Miriam discussed how her anorexia caused mental and physical anguish, but also fulfilled a role for her. She had fallen into it as a way to cope with pressures in her life at a particular time, rather than through dieting.
In a 2013 interview from an ongoing research project at the University of Birmingham, another participant, Nita, said that her anorexia had: "been a safety net for so long, removing it is the scariest thing in the world … I think that's what has stopped me getting better completely and being fully recovered, is that it's a safety net that I don't want to remove".
She continued, "it becomes so much a part of you". Without it, she asked: "what would I be?"
Coping mechanisms
There is no doubt that eating disorders are dangerous and also profoundly distressing to individuals, their families and friends. Yet narratives such as Miriam's and Nita's highlight the need to acknowledge that those affected may recognise the suffering that eating disorders cause while also viewing them as integral to how they cope with being in the world.
One participant, Leila, described her anorexia by saying: "It looks after you."
That these illnesses can be an (extremely painful and not necessarily chosen) way of coping with life events – from exams to bereavement, work stress to sexual assault – has been recognised in studies that have looked into the causes of eating disorders.
This means we should reconsider the relationship between body image – and therefore social media imagery of bodies – and eating disorders. Individuals' stories suggest that, although not necessarily a primary goal, thinness may become important to people when already in the grip of an eating disorder. It becomes a visual marker of the continuing presence of this illness that "looks after you".
While this suggests the need for more research that listens to the voices of individuals themselves, it also highlights a different relationship between eating disorders and social media than the one-dimensional relationship cited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
If thinness is not necessarily a goal of people with eating disorders, then looking at online images of thin people is not an underlying cause of those conditions. Rather, as research has suggested, this may be a way of motivating oneself to continue to self-starve when already in the grip of the illness.
This does not take social media out of discussions about eating disorders but it does suggest that we need to be framing these differently. This would involve reflecting on how our societal obsession with thinness and so-called "perfection" may be harming individuals both with and without eating disorders. But not, perhaps, in the ways we might assume.
Names have been changed


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121685152. Baron William de Brewes & 121685153. Maud de Clare
1175, William born in England, heir & s/o 189118344. William de Braose & 189118345. Maud de Saint Valery.
~1175, Maud born in England, d/o 39979056. Richard de Clare & 39979057. Amicia, Countess of Gloucester.
Bef. 1198, William married Maud, acquiring the town and manor of Buckingham.
5/27/1199, John crowned king of England.
By 1203, William [the father] had demised much of his English and Welsh lands on his son William.
1207, A tenant of the honour of Bramber brought a recognition against William the elder for 4 knights' fees. William the elder responded that he could not comply because his son William held the land.
3/13/1208, William became a "hostage" of King John, but was placed in the custody of his brother-in-law Walter de Lacy.
1208, William had to provide his sons John and Giles as hostages to King John. [King John, facing a papal interdict, was taking hostages from any nobles who's loyalty was suspect. King John at the time was also focused on issues with Scotland.]
1210, William de Broase [the father] initially a supporter of King John, had to flee England for Ireland.
6/10/1210, King John going to Ireland, landed at Waterford, and looked for rebel William. King John recieve homage from the Irish Chieftains who helped in the quest. William escaped, but his wife and son [Maud & William, and a daughter] were captured [probably in Scotland]. King John had them transported to Windsor Castle where they were put in a dungeon.
1210, William, "Willielmus iunior, dominus de Brecheniauc", starved to death with his mother in Windsor castle, Corfe, England by King John. [A major factor in the future revolt of the barons.]
8/9/1211, William [the father] died in exile in Corbeil, France.
7/28/1213, Maud restored to her father.
1/1214, William's sons John and Giles were transferred to a new custodian.
10/18/1216, King John died.
10/28/1216, Henry III, age 9, crowned king of England.
1217, Maud had letters of conduct to return to England.
1219, Maud sued her brother-in-law Reynold de Brewes over her dower lands.
7/10/1220, Maud living.
(S) King John, the Braoses, and the Celtic Fringe, Holden. (S) Magna Carta Ancestry, P133.
Family notes:
· William the younger, "domini mei", made a grant to Brecon priory.
· There is a "William de Braose/Brausa/Bruse" in at least 8 records of Henry III between 1223 and 1234 [died bef 5/18/1234]. (S) CPRs, FRsHIII. [This William associated with lands in Wales.]
Children of William and Maud: [4 sons, 1 daughter]
i. John de Brewes (60842576), born 1197 in England.
iv. Walter de Brewes, born ? in England.
By 6/1222, Walter married 23639789. Hawise de Londres, heiress of Kidwelly, Wales.
1233, Walter and his wife Hawise sued the abbot of Gloucester for the church of Hannington, Wiltshire.
Bef. 1/14/1234, Walter died.
i. Maud de Brewes (189134935), born ~1205 in England.


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Christian Coalition of America Will Score "Cut, Cap & Balance Act" on Tuesday
Christian Coalition of America was one of the first organizations, this past May, to come out in favor of legislation, now called the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011, H.R. 2560, introduced by Congressmen Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Mick Mulvaney (R-SC). Eight of the Republican presidential candidates have endorsed their bill. The idea for such legislation was hatched earlier this year in the 180-member conservative House Republican Study Committee, chaired by Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH).
The Cut, Cap and Balance Act of 2011 will be voted on the floor of the House of Representatives next Tuesday, July 19. It is also expected to be voted on in the United States Senate where S.1340, the Cut, Cap and Balance Act of 2011, has been introduced by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT.)
The Christian Coalition of America (CCA) will be scoring this very important vote -- in both the House of Representatives and the Senate -- in the 2011 CCA Congressional Scorecard. Any Representative or Senator who votes AGAINST the Cut, Cap and Balance Act of 2011, H.R.2560 (House) or S.1340 (Senate) will receive a negative score.
It goes without saying, that Christian Coalition of America will also oppose and score in the 2011 CCA Congressional Scorecard the Mitch McConnell/Harry Reid/Nancy Pelosi "Plan B" bill, which will allow the president to raise the debt limit by $2.5 trillion. These 3 Members of Congress have obviously concluded that neither the Cut, Cap and Balance legislation nor a Balanced Budget Amendment to the United States Constitution has the votes to pass the Senate.
Since most Republicans and some conservative Democrats will disagree with Obama's suggested particular budget cuts required by the McConnell/Reid/Pelosi bill, passage of their bill -- which does not force the president to make cuts -- will result in no spending cuts whatsoever, BUT will allow a huge $2.5 trillion increase in the federal debt limit.
Any Representative or Senator who votes FOR the McConnell/Reid/Pelosi "Plan B" legislation will receive a negative score in the 2011 Christian Coalition of America Congressional Scorecard.
Note details, directly below, of the Cut, Cap and Balance Act of 2011, H.R. 2560, in the summary sheet published by the Republican Conference in the U.S. House of Representatives:
- - -
The Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011
Next week the House is scheduled to consider the Cut, Cap and Balance Act of 2011, sponsored by Representatives Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), Mick Mulvaney (R-SC), and Reid Ribble (R-WI). The following is a summary of the legislation courtesy of Rep. Chaffetz.
Cuts total spending by $111 billion in FY 2012. The savings is divided as follows:
- Reduce non-security discretionary spending below 2008 levels, which saves $76 billion.
- $35 billion cut to non-veterans, non-Medicare, non-Social Security mandatory spending.
- Defense budget at President's level.
Total federal spending is scaled back based on the glide path for the fiscal years below:
- 2012, 22.5% of GDP.
- 2013, 21.7% of GDP.
- 2014, 20.8% of GDP.
- 2015, 20.2% of GDP.
- 2016, 20.2% of GDP.
- 2017, 20.0% of GDP.
- 2018, 19.7% of GDP.
- 2019, 19.9% of GDP.
- 2020, 19.9% of GDP.
- 2021, 19.9% of GDP.
Requires the passage of a Balanced Budget Amendment before raising the nation's debt limit.
Provides for the President's request for a debt ceiling increase if a qualifying Balanced Budget Amendment passes Congress and is sent to the states for ratification.
Q&A: The Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011
How much is the first year spending cut in the "cut" portion of the bill?
- The legislation reduces spending by $111 billion in FY 2012.
Why $111 billion?
- This savings total meets the promise to enact immediate spending cuts as part of any debt ceiling bill, and would cause the deficit to finally get back down below $1 trillion next year (a reduction to the previous year's deficit of more than $400 billion).
Does the legislation make any changes to Social Security or Medicare?
- No.
Does the legislation make any changes to veterans spending?
- No.
What does the legislation mean for defense spending?
- It is at the same level as the House-passed FY 2012 budget.
Why cap spending at 19.9% of GDP?
- This would place spending in line with average spending over the last 30 years.
What are the details of the Balanced Budget Amendment?
- The legislation would require that any Balanced Budget Amendment include the following:
- A balanced budget component;
- A super-majority requirement to raise taxes; and
- A limit on spending as a percentage of GDP.
What is the process for the debt ceiling being increased?
- Provides for the President's request for a debt ceiling increase if a Balanced Budget Amendment passes Congress and is sent to the states for ratification.
Why $2.4 trillion debt ceiling increase?
- The President has requested that the debt limit increase by this amount. This amount is less than the amount of the spending cuts in this bill. A debt limit increase of this magnitude is a major sacrifice on the part of House Republicans, which is why it is made contingent on measures to ensure that the federal budget is permanently under control.
What am I missing here? We are going to increase our debt another $2.4 trillion but cut spending only $111 billion? How is that cutting anything? $2,400,000,000,000 - $111,000,000,000 = $2,299,000,000,000 increase in spending. This a 5% reduction in spending money we want to barrow, not money we have. This percentage is not even large enough to qualify as a tip. Five percent would be an insult to any self respecting waitress. I would bet there is a law that allows congress to overspend by more than 5% of any year's budget without taking any formal action. And what is this linking the annual budgets to a percent of GDP? What are we trying to do here make the annual budget a guessing game? Here is a novel approach, how about limiting the annual budget to the prior year's revenues? I think it is time to throw the "smart guys" out of government and find some "common sense guys" to run the show.