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The Global Fund's third Board meeting, held in Geneva on 10-11October 2002, was, according to Executive Director Richard Feachem, "a huge improvement on the first two Board meetings," but it still left many participants frustrated when time ran out before the agenda was completed.
The Secretarit's 53-page report on the meeting, and the NGO-North Board member's 3-page summary report, are both available at the Aidspan web site and via email. (For instructions, see below.)
Some highlights of the meeting are as follows:
- Board committees: The Board established four committees: "Monitoring, Evaluation, Finance and Audit"; "Portfolio Management and Procurement" (dealing with proposals, grant management, and procurement); "Resource Mobilization", and "Governance and Partnerships".
- Transparency: It was resolved that "the Board will operate under a principle of maximum transparency and openness," and that subject to some modest restrictions, mostly related to issues where decisions have not yet been made, "the Board will make public all documents and records." One key decision is that the Fund will publish, at its web site, the full text of each approved proposal (or at least that part that is available electronically).
- NGO involvement in Country Coordination Mechanisms (CCMs): NGO Board members expressed concerns about several matters, including late involvement of civil society in the proposal development phase; exclusion of NGOs from the WHO regional consultation process regarding the Fund; lack of transparency by CCMs; uneven status among NGOs and other CCM members; lack of guidelines or mechanisms for non-CCM proposals; lack of clear definition of what constitutes a "well functioning" CCM; and lack of clarity on the role of CCM members during the implementation phase. The Board agreed that there are still "considerable difficulties for NGOs to participate effectively in CCMs." Accordingly, the Board asked the Secretariat to indicate more clearly the ways in which CCMs should "foster strengthened civil society involvement," both while proposals are being developed, and while the grants they lead to are being implemented.
- Drug procurement: The Board agreed on three principles that must be followed when grants from the Global Fund are used to purchase drugs: The procured drugs must be purchased at the lowest available cost; they must be of assured quality; and the purchases must be in conformity with national and international legal agreements. The Fund will require public disclosure of prices paid for drugs, because this "will facilitate a process leading to lower prices." (Note: These principles mean that under certain circumstances it will certainly be possible to purchase generic drugs using Global Fund grants. See also "On drug procurement" in the article "Feachem On The Record," below. )
- Proposals: The Board decided that the Technical Review Panel (TRP) should review proposals based purely on their merits, without consideration of whether there might or might not be adequate funds to pay for them. It added that the TRP should score all proposals and present them to the Board classified according to four categories: Category 1 - Recommended for funding with no or minor modifications; Category 2 - Recommended for funding provided clarifications are met within a limited timeframe (e.g. 6 weeks); Category 3 - Not recommended for funding in its present form but strongly encouraged to resubmit; and Category 4 - Not recommended for funding.
- Local Fund Agents: There was some animated discussion regarding the selection and role of "Local Fund Agents" (LFAs). The role of LFAs is to audit grant-related activities within recipient countries - to be the Fund's eyes and ears on the ground. The Fund has thus far chosen four organizations to play this role: UNOPS (UN Office for Project Services), Crown Agents (a company partly owned by the UK government), and PriceWaterhouseCoopers and KPMG (two global auditing and consulting firms). The Secretariat proposed that the Fund's administrative budget for 2003 be $40 million, with half of this assigned to paying the LFAs. The Board did not agree, and provisionally reduced the total budget to $30 million. The Board also questioned whether it was always necessary to have Western-owned companies play the LFA role. The Secretariat agreed that it "would explore and evaluate possibilities to contract with local organizations for the LFA role, while cautioning that the cost of coordinating numerous LFAs may outweigh the economic benefits of contracting those local LFAs."
- Financial needs: The Secretariat calculated that, based on its projections of how many proposals will be received in future rounds that are worthy of approval, the Fund will need to receive $3 billion in 2003 and $4.9 billion in 2004. (These figures were not articulated clearly during the meeting, but have been stated unambiguously by the Fund since the meeting.) Of this total requirement of $7.9 billion over the next two years, only $1 billion has been pledged thus far. The meeting ran out of time, so further discussion of the Fund's financial predicament was deferred to the next Board meeting, 29-31 January 2003.
Further details are provided in the 53-page "Report of the October 2002 Global Fund Board Meeting" and the 3-page "Brief Summary of Decisions Taken at the October 2002 Meeting of the Global Fund." (See Documents 40 and 39, respectively, at www.aidspan.org/globalfund. Or send an email to email@example.com, with "Send gfo40.pdf and gfo39.pdf" in the Subject line.)


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What I do/don't want from Comedy
I think about what I want or don't want from comedy, and I find that I do this little thing and enjoy the standing up in front of a strange crowd, telling jokes about my past awkwardness and misadventures, while at the same time edge quietly towards being edgy as a host, but I've got the feeling my public persona doesn't fit a profile that either hits the mainstream hard or swims in the obscurity of cult status.
So, to explain my motives, here are my ambitions and avoidances of Comedy:
- DO: want to eventually be performing in front of big crowds. I feel at home with a lot of people warmed up to the idea of a stock comedian making them laugh.
- DON'T: want to continue into my 70's performing in front of tiny open-mic crowds.
- DO: want to work with talented people I gel with, to brainstorm awesome ideas and create a semblance of community that serves the general public in many forms of entertainment.
- DON'T: want to work with guys looking for a quick jump-start to short-term fame.
- DO: want to develop television or radio schemes with others and be part of a creative group with resources to turn it around in a short space of time. I've already written a few, need to start pitching it to a talented guy I've recently met.
- DON'T: want to agree to flimsy promises that never take fruit thanks to ignorance.
- DO: want to write for a magazine, newspaper or website that accepts my unexplored views on everything from life, love to laundry.
- DON'T: want to be limited only to this blog.
- DO: want to make the people I love proud, to show that their support for my abilities aren't unfounded and that they can share in the fruits of my efforts in hichever way they wish.
- DON'T: want to be told I'll never make something of myself because I'm white, single, foreign or never attained a degree/diploma (that one was based on funds).
- DO: want to "stand before kings, and leave a name to be remembered." – Benjamin Franklin
- DON'T: want to be forgotten.

subset: commoncrawl


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By streamlining the learning process, learning management systems (LMS) have become increasingly popular with both organizations and educational institutions. In addition to providing learning, a LMS can be used for a variety of purposes including evaluating performance, getting employee feedback, and tracking compliance training. Moreover, with an LMS, instructional designers can create courses that are more cost-efficient and accessible for learners.
There are different types of learning management systems available in the market today for organizations to manage their eLearning courses for employees. These types include open source, proprietary, web-based, and cloud-based systems.
Cloud-based learning management systems are a top choice because they are hosted on the Internet and can be accessed by logging into a service provider's site from anywhere. Since the content is online, both learners and instructional designers can simply use their web browsers to access the courses.
Here are some reasons why a cloud-based system is a good choice for your company's eLearning program:
Lower setup costs
The price for the use of a cloud-based LMS will cost a few hundred dollars per month, and service packages can accommodate a few hundred users. The vendor takes care of everything from providing the access to resolving any issues and making sure that the LMS is working for everyone in the organization who has the permission to use it. The company just needs to sign up with the LMS service provider and make the necessary payments.
Easier maintenance
The responsibility of maintenance generally lies with the vendor. So any glitches are taken care of beforehand. Any upgrades are typically included, which means that you are receiving new features and upgraded functionality on a regular basis at no extra cost. Because the LMS offers a centralized storage location, it is easy to make any upgrades.
More storage space
The most significant benefit of using a cloud-based LMS is that all of the data, including images and content, is uploaded directly to the LMS. This frees up space on local devices like desktop computers or laptops.
Enhanced data security
LMS providers use different methods like data encryption or SSL to ensure the security and privacy of course content and of users' private information. Hence, course designers can update information in the system without any concerns about security. Organizations can focus on providing better learning for their employees without worrying about data being lost or stolen.
Seamless collaboration
Lastly, for multinational corporations with a global workforce, a cloud eLearning platform can provide employees the ability to access online training materials remotely and get the support they need instantaneously.
These are just some of the myriad advantages to using a cloud-based LMS. With minimal start up cost, automatic upgrades, quick deployment capabilities, easier accessibility, and enhanced security, a cloud-based LMS is the perfect choice for any organization, regardless of size or budgetary concerns.
THORS LMS is cloud based and can be used as a stand-alone system to manage company-specific training courses, or can act as a resource to access THORS Academy courses, or be a combination of the two for manufacturing organizations and educational institutions.
If you want to know more about the THORS LMS, click on the button below.


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Report on Housekeeping Aide - Upland, CA 91786
Housekeeping Aide - Upland, CA 91786
This Housekeeping Aide position is responsible for all cleaning to include, dusting, mopping, linen collection, waste removal and disposal, bathroom cleaning, and cleaning of common areas, offices, patient rooms or specialized areas as assigned.
Education: Able to understand and speak sufficient English to perform the requirements of the position.
Experience: Industrial, healthcare, or similar experience preferred.
Knowledge and Skills: Ability to learn and understand the importance of role in maintaining cleanliness to prevent infections and hospital aquired illnesses of patients, families, employees, physicians and others.
License and Certifications: None.
Equipment: Ability to learn to use basic cleaning equipment such as vaccuum cleaners, mops, and other cleaning supplies.
Physical Requirements: Ability to perform the essential physical requirements of the position as noted on the job description.


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How to Treat Urinary Tract Infection naturally using Herbs in Nigeria
This article would be narrowed on how to treat Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) naturally using herbs or herbal supplements available in the Nigerian Market.
It would also shed some light on natural remedies for treating Urinary Tract Infection and herbal supplements for treating Urinary Tract Infection.
What causes a Urinary Tract Infection in a Woman
Urinary Tract Infections are pretty common among our Nigerian ladies/women, not that the guys do not also suffer from UTI but the UTI has been found to be some of the most re-occurring infections in women world-wide, accounting for over 25% of all infections.
Studies have shown that more than 50% of women will have symptoms or the actual Urinary Tract Infection itself in their lifetime. UTIs are actually the second most common types of infection that occur in the human body, they occur more often in women because women have a shorter urethra so it is easier for bacteria to enter their bladder.
Causes of Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection is more often than not usually caused by the presence of E. coli but may also come from klebsiella, enterobacter, staphylococcus, and other bacteria. These bacteria have mechanisms that allow them to cling to the lining of the bladder and the mucosal wall of the entire urinary tract causing inflammation, cloudy urine with an unpleasant odor, and bladder and pelvic pain.
You May Also Like: 6 Healthy Foods That Helps You Deal With Constipation
UTIs are common infections caused by bacteria and it's logical to think that antibiotics are your go to pills once you've caught an UTI. Did you know that because antibiotics are the most common and conventional treatment for UTIs, bacteria have become antibiotic-resistant and this gives rise to the many recurring UTI you notice from people that have treated it once.
For this singular reason, people have been looking for stronger antibiotics to take and the smart ones have been in search of natural remedies to use in treating UTI once and for all. That being said, I would be sharing with you best practices how to treat Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) naturally using herbs.
Natural Remedies for treating Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Nigeria
- Drink Plenty of Water
As simple as this first stage is, it does magic. This is one of the first rituals you should undergo once you've caught an UTI or is having the symptoms.
Drinking water helps flush toxic materials as well as bacteria from your body system. Taking a lot of water puts you on the best path of quick recovery. Drink at least one glass of water whenever you're having solid food enter your mouth in order to flush out the bacteria that can lead to infection.
Water intake plays a key role in my natural remedies for treating Urinary Tract Infection.
- Practice Good Hygiene Always
It is very important that as a lady/woman you stay clean and dry always. Let me share a vital toilet hack with you, as a lady/women when use the toilet it's important you swipe from FRONT to BACK, especially after a bowel movement.
You know why? This is because it makes sure that bacteria don't get into your urethra.
Another habit most of our Nigerian ladies/women do is to wear what they thing they call 'tight' that is made of a nylon material. As a lady, you should wear loose-fitting underwear that allows proper ventilation down there that would help keep the urethra dry.
Hygiene definitely another issue Nigerian ladies need to work on when talking about easy and natural remedies for treating Urinary Tract Infection.
- Urinate When You Need To and More Often
One thing you need to understand is that every time you empty your bladder, you get rid of some bacteria causing the infection.
Holding your urine or neglecting the message your brain is interpreting from your bladder to urinate can allow bacteria to multiply in your urinary tract.
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Never hold back the urge to urinate please, once your brains sends the message make that bathroom run as frequent as possible.
- Eliminate Bladder Irritants From Your Diet
Once it's been tested and confirmed that you've caught an UTI it is imperative that you eliminate bladder irritants like caffeine, carbonated drinks, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and spicy foods from your meals.
Focus more on consuming healthy foods like oatmeal that support UTI recovery.
I have just given you four (4) easy guides you ought to follow on natural remedies for treating Urinary Tract Infection.
Herbal Supplements Used in Treating Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Nigeria
- Use Probiotics
Ever heard of Probiotics? Do you know what Probiotics are? Probiotics promote good health, healthy digestion and boosts immunity and may even be effective in preventing as well as treating UTIs.
Probiotics also help support your body's normal flora that serves as a defense mechanism. Probiotics can also replace the bad bacteria in your urethra to good bacteria and reduce symptoms of UTI.
Probiotics makes my top list on how to treat Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) naturally using herbs.
- Use Cranberry or Garlic
There has been little research on the health benefits of cranberry and garlic as it concerns treating UTI. A study found that garlic contains Allicin which can function as a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune system booster which can help in treating UTI.
As for cranberry, studies have shown that cranberry juice may decrease the number of UTIs a person develops over duration of 12 months. Cranberry could be used as a preventive strategy.
Cranberry juice supplements are next on how to treat Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) naturally using herbs.
Herbal Supplements for treating Urinary Tract Infection
- Use Activ Urocalm
Doppelherz Urocalm is a herbal supplement used for the prevention and treatment of bladder infection.
It helps maintain a healthy urinary tract and contains natural plant extracts as well as rich in cranberry and dandelion extract for a more efficient fight against recurrent urinary tract infections.
My list on how to treat Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) naturally using herbs couldn't have been complete without mentioning Activ Urocalm.
Click to buy Doppelherz Urocalm online
- Use Forever Living Urinary Tract Infection Pack
This kit contains fruit extracts that are beneficial to maintaining urinary tract health and prevents infection.
The Bee Propolis provides anti-bacteria and anti-viral effects. Also Garlic thyme gives all the benefits of garlic that I have talked about earlier but this time without odour.
The forever living UTI kit ends my list on how to treat Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) naturally using herbs.
Click to buy Forever Living UTI kit online
Eight (8) remedies split into two halves on how to treat Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) naturally using herbs available in Nigeria. I believe you've known some herbal supplements for treating Urinary Tract Infection.
However, I would like to add that UTIs are extremely common, especially among sexually active persons – women.
It's not life threatening but you should treat it fast once you start seeing symptoms.
Ultimately, while treating UTIs without the conventional antibiotics might seem new to you, it is definitely a future possibility. A doctor's prescription medication mustn't be your only defense mechanism, go ahead with some standard therapy – using my home remedies and natural herbal extracts to recover faster and eliminate any recurring possibility.
Did you love this post? If yes then please help us share it over social media with your friends. Do you have any comments or suggestions? If yes, then please do make use of the comment box below.


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This is an excerpt from the book "Florence and Tuscany"
Pienza is town and commune in the province of Siena, in the Val d'Orcia in Tuscany (central Italy), between the towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino.
In 1996 UNESCO declared the town a World Heritage Site, and in 2004 the entire valley was included on the list of UNESCO's World Cultural Landscapes.
History and main sights
Pienza was built on a village called Corsignano, which was the birthplace (1405) of Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini, a Renaissance Humanist born into an exiled Sienese family, who later became Pope Pius II. Once become Pope, he had the entire village rebuilt as an ideal Renaissance town – which has led some historians to dub Pienza as the first "utopian" town. It represents the first application of so-called humanist urban planning concepts, creating an impetus for planning that was adopted in other Italian towns and cities and eventually spread to other European centers.
The rebuilding work was done by Florentine architect Bernardo Gambarelli (known as Rossellino) under the guidance of Leon Battista Alberti, starting in about 1459. Pope Pius II consecrated the Duomo, which sits across from the Piazza Comunale on Pienza's main piazza, the Piazza Pio II, on August 29, 1462. The Palazzo Piccolomini, the Pope's family home (inspired to Florence's Palazzo Rucellai), and the Palazzo Borgia (Palazzo Vescovile, residence of Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, later Pope as Alexander VI) also front the piazza. Noteworthy is the internal court of Palazzo Piccolomini, with a giardino all'Italiana preceded by a portico and sided by a loggiato on two floors.
The travertine well on the Piazza carries the Piccolomini family crest, and was widely copied in Tuscany during the following century.
Though most of the buildings are decidedly Renaissance, the bell tower of the Duomo(Cathedral) has a Germanic flavor as a result of Pope Pius' exposure to German architecture before he ascended to the Papacy.
This can be seen also in the general Hallenkirche structure of the church; the facade, however, is purely Renaissance. The interior has Latin cross plan, with a nave and two aisles divided by high pilasters covered by semicolumns. Artworks include five woods by Sienese School painters. Under the apse of church is the Baptistry (or San Giovanni), including part of the original Romanesque edifice and resembling a crypt.
There is a brick bell tower on the Piazza Comunale, but it is shorter than its religious counterpart, to symbolize the superior power of the church. The tower is annexed to the Palazzo Pubblico, also probably designed by Rossellino.
The Palazzo Borgia is home to the Diocesan Museum, and the Duomo incorporates the Museo della Cattedrale. The Diocesan collection includes local textile work as well as religious artifacts. Paintings include a 7th century painting of Christ on the Cross (La Croce), 14th century works by Pietro Lorenzetti (Madonna with Child) and Bartolo di Fredi (Madonna della Misericordia).
There are also important works from the 14th and 15th centuries, including a Madonna attributed to Luca Signorelli.
The church of San Francesco, with a gabled facade and gothic portal, is among the buildings that survived from the old Corsignano. It is built on a pre-existing church that dated from the 8th century.
The interior contains frescoes depicting the life of Saint Francis, those on the walls having been painted by Cristofano di Bindoccio and Meo di Pero, 14th century artists of the Senese school.
Other noteworthy buildings in Pienza include the Ammannati Palace, the Gonzaga Palace and the Palazzo del Cardinale Atrebatense, all built in the 15th century.
The Pieve of Corsignano, in the neighborhood, is one of the most important Romanesque monuments of the area.
The frazione of Monticchiello is home to a characteristic Romitorio, a series of grottoes carved in the rock by hermits monks.
Pienza gastronomy: cacio
Rather than milky-white or creamy-white, in Pienza its 'cacio' white.
A dream-town brought to life by its former inhabitant, Humanist Pope Pio II, who transformed his poor village, with its privileged panorama over Val d'Orcia, into a small architectural jewel. 'Cacio': today a word abused by a thousand synonyms of 'light' or 'creamy cheese' along with numerous other alchemical concoctions unbeknownst to cows and sheep.
Pienza's 'cacio' pecorino (unimaginatively!) contains just one ingredient: sheep's milk.
The sole basis for a cheese of countless nuances of taste and smell dependent on time of year – the meadow grass is continually in flux – its maturity (it comes fresh, mature and even aged like a bottle of good wine) and its type of manufacture, which means it can be served as it is, preserved in walnut leaves, in bran, in ash and countless other ways.
Each flavor unique: pungent or delicate, clean or scented, with one element in common: its incomparable taste that many have attempted, in vain, to replicate.
End of the excerpt from the book "Florence and Tuscany". Get the entire content of the book free from advertising.
Where to stay in Pienza
There are numerous high quality hotels, villas, apartments and agriturismi (Farm stays) available, check them out and make a reservation here.


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Our Objective
All the Companies under The Star Sapphire Group of Companies are incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to carry out the following business activities.
- To carry out exploration, exploitation and marketing of minerals.
- To carry out construction works and to import machinery, spare parts and other construction materials necessary for the construction activities.
- To carry out business of planting, producing, harvesting, preserving, packaging, milling and manufacturing of agricultural and farm products.
- To carry out felling, extracting (with the permission from the authorities concerned), milling, manufacturing, preserving and seasoning of timber (excluding teak) and forest products.
- To carry out the business of tourism and related services.
- To carry out consulting and liaising services for all kind of business and also providing services for consultancy in financial evaluation, book keeping and auditing.
- To carry out the trading business of import and export goods for retailing and distribution.
Group of Companies
Star Sapphire Co., Ltd.
This company is the parent company involved in various commercial enterprises in Republic of the Union of Myanmar.more»
Star Sapphire Trading Co., Ltd.
Importing and distributing commodities required in Republic of the Union of Myanmar.more»
Star Sapphire Tour Co., Ltd.
Carrying out tour business in Tachileik, Bagan and Naypyitaw.more»
Tha Byu Mining Co., Ltd.
Involving mainly in production and upgrading of Antimony ore from Tha Byu Area.more»
Myanmar Business Consultant Group Ltd.
Providing both technical and commercial advice required to establish business activities in Republic of the Union of Myanmar.more»
Star Sapphire Hotel Co., Ltd.
Building a three and a half storeyed Hotel on 3.899 Acres of land in Dawei City.more»
Contact Us
Room (201), Building (C), Tet Ka Tho Yeik Mon Housing,
New University Avenue Road, Bahan Township, Yangon.
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Articles for Tag: "Dr. Andrea Kane"
Learn how to drink safely and seize your monumental day.
Find out what doctors are doing to better identify and treat youth depression.
New guidelines may save your children from developing this dangerous condition.
A study reveals a striking disparity when it comes to a toddler's ability to retain new words in different environments.
A growing number of kids are suffering traumatic brain injuries from playground accidents.
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Dosage directions in milliliters, not teaspoons, make for safer medication delivery. Learn more.


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JT Holderman (Pastor)
Pastor JT Holderman was installed as the 22nd Pastor of Bellevue Presbyterian Church on Sunday, September 25, 2016. Pastor JT has served on staff since June of 2013, both as an Assistant and Associate Pastor to Bellevue. JT and his wife Kimberly are joyful parents of two beautiful girls, Sophia Grace and Corinne Hope.
JT received a Th.M. in Homiletics from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (2013) and a M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary (2012). He completed his BA in Theology from Whitworth University (2007) in Spokane, Washington.
JT enjoys hiking, woodworking, gardening, and quality boardgames. Two of his favorite books are Augustine's Confessions and John Piper's Desiring God. Prior to Bellevue, JT served many churches through preaching pulpit supply; He was a Youth Director at two different churches and worked for a few years as a Starbucks barista.
JT contributes articles for the Westminster Society Journal. In 2016 JT contributed an article in A Collection of Essays on Jonathan Edwards published by the Jonathan Edwards Society. You may contact him here: Pastor JT.
Brad Moger (Assistant Pastor)
We are delighted to welcome Teaching Elder Rev. Brad Moger (he likes to be known as Pastor Brad) to serve as our Assistant Pastor here at Bellevue for Family and Youth ministries. Brad began his service to us on July 3rd. Prior to coming to Bellevue Brad served as an EPC Pastor to Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Franklin Indiana. He had been there since 2011. Prior to Hopewell, Brad served as an Associate Pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Simsbury, Connecticut, working there as a Pastor of Youth & Family Ministries. Prior to that, he served as an Area Director for Young Life in the greater Hartford, Connecticut area. Brad has a BA from Lafayette College, and later received his Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary.
Brad & Kristin married in 1984 and the Lord has brought them three sons, Eli, age 28, Aaron 26, and Sam 25. Brad has been athletically active his whole life, and still loves baseball, (he is another Red Sox Fan J), football & college basketball, but restricts his playing to an occasional round of golf! Brad & Kristin are passionate about fighting hunger and poverty locally and globally. They have three dogs (to replace the three sons, perhaps) who take them on all sorts of walks and hikes, exploring God's beautiful and glorious creation. You may contact him here: Pastor Brad.
Brenda Brackbill (Office Manager)
Brenda joined the staff of Bellevue in April 2016 and serves as our Office Manager. She graduated from Lancaster Mennonite HS and attended Ecola Hall Bible School in Oregon. She is in the office Monday through Thursdays. Brenda and her husband Jerry will be celebrating 34 years of marriage in October. They live in Paradise. (No pun intended).
She enjoys swimming, gardening and reading in her spare time. Brenda and Jerry have two grown children, Devon, who lives in California and works for Facebook and Nickie, who lives in Lancaster and works for Wellspan in the Vascular Surgery Department.
You may contact her here: Brenda Brackbill.
Kevin Wenrich (Director of Children's Ministries)
Kevin Wenrich joined the Bellevue staff in September of 2015 as the Director of Children's Ministries. His responsibilities include planning and organizing the various ministries that Bellevue has for children. During college Kevin would spend his summers helping with the children's ministries at Bellevue, and now looks forward to the opportunity to continue to serve and help the children grow closer to God.
Kevin graduated from Cairn University in May 2015 with a B.S. in Bible with a major in Youth Ministry, and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. He currently lives with his family in Gap and enjoys soccer, comic books and spending time with his friends and family.
When Kevin is not working at Bellevue he is a cook at Chick-Fil-A by day and Batman by night. He enjoys fighting crime while on a never ending quest to find a wife. You may contact him here: Kevin Wenrich.
Susan Houck (Part-Time Secretary)
Susan joined the staff of Bellevue in January of 2018. She grew up in Lancaster County and graduated from Pequea Valley High School. After High School she worked in her parent's insurance agency as a property and casualty insurance agent, and once children entered the picture, she switched occupations to become a "stay at home" mom. More recently, Susan has worked as a clerk in an antique shop.
Susan has been happily married to Dwayne Houck for twenty-seven years and the Lord has blessed them with three wonderful children, William, Ethan, and Sarah. Susan's hobbies include reading, gardening, and DIY projects. She spends January and February as the costume designer for Pequea Valley High School's musical.
You will find Susan in the church office on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. You may contact her here: Susan Houck.
Steve Hoopes (Director of Music/Organist/Pianist)
Steve joined our staff at Bellevue in the fall of 2017 as our fulltime organist/pianist. Steve lives in Coatesville with his wife, Cindy. Steve also works at Taylor's Music Store in West Chester. He is the manager of the sheet music department.
Steve is married to Cindy who manages the band and orchestra department at Taylor's Music Store.
Steve and Cindy both enjoy playing music.
Betsy Rabon (Choir Director)
Betsy joined Bellevue in 2019 as our Choir Director. She lives in Coatesville and also serves as a Piano/Voice teacher. She has three grown children who live in Texas.
Betsy graduated from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey and the University of Houston with a Bachelors in Piano Performance, and Music Education. She loves her ministry of music and is thankful to God for giving her musical talent, a hard-work ethic, a desire to have a personal relationship with her Savior, and the calling to lead others through music ministry.
In her spare time, she loves to cook, embroider, read, play with her pets, be outdoors, and spend time with her family.
Rob Shaubach (Co-Director of Music and Bell Choir Director)
Rob Shaubach joined the Bellevue staff in 2002. Rob serves as co-director of music with his wife Carol, and directs the New Life Ringers, Resounding Joy, and Immortal Praise Bell Choirs. He was born and raised in Lancaster County. His parents and siblings are all members of Bellevue. He currently lives just outside Lancaster City with my wife Carol and daughter Missy.
Rob is a 1988 graduate of Pequea Valley High School. He earned his B.S. in Music Education from Millersville University in 1992. In 2010 he completed a Master's Degree in Music Education at Boston University. Rob has been teaching music in the public schools since 1992 and presently serves as Director of Orchestras (grades 4-12) in the Lampeter-Strasburg School District. Rob enjoys trains of all sizes and ages, camping and vintage vehicles. Rob says he is blessed to work with the many dedicated and talented members who serve in the Music Ministry at Bellevue.
Chris Manning (Nursery Coordinator)
Chris is on the staff of Bellevue Presbyterian as our Nursery Coordinator.
Chris is a mother of nine adult kids and lives in Gap with her husband Gary.
Buddy Trago (Sexton)
Buddy Trago joined the Bellevue staff in December of 2012. Buddy does a great job in assuring that the Bellevue family has a clean and welcoming place to work and meet and worship our Lord. Buddy and his wife Janice have been married for thirty-nine years and live in Gordonville. Their daughter, Christine, her husband, Mo and fifteen month old daughter, Annabelle, live in London. Buddy and Janice's son, Jeff and his wife, Samantha, live in Ephrata.
Buddy graduated from Coatesville Area High School and Vo-Tech in 1969. He has a master course certification in appliance repair and he has been self-employed for twenty years. Buddy enjoys gardening, fishing and woodworking. He enjoys spending time with family and friends and encouraging others in ways that glorify God.
Roland Berthoud (Groundskeeper)
Roland Berthoud first joined the Bellevue staff in 1986. He is responsible for maintaining the church grounds and cemetery. Roland and his wife, Mary Ann, live in Kinzers. They have two grown children: their daughter Heidy lives in Poughkeepsie, NY and their son Eric and his wife Sarah live in Oxford, PA.
Roland attended primary and secondary school in his native Switzerland before entering a three-year apprenticeship as a cheese maker in 1959. After coming to the United States he attended Franklin and Marshall College where he took courses in sales, marketing and advertising. Roland enjoys stamp collecting, photography, travelling, reading and flower gardening.
Bud Davies (Pastor Emeritus)
Pastor Bud Davies retired on Sunday, July 31, 2016 after having served as Bellevue's twenty-first Senior Pastor for almost 40 years. On August 20, 2017, Pastor Davies was bestowed the honor of Pastor Emeritus for his years of service at Bellevue
Bud enjoys traveling and witnessing to what God is doing in different parts of His world. He and Sharon enjoy working together on home projects and spending time with their Welsh Corgies.


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07 April 2017
Sally Moyle (SM, above) has been working on gender equality her whole career: at the Australian Human Rights Commission for 10 years, then the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (formerly in AusAID) and now as Chief Executive of international aid organisation CARE Australia. Ruby chatted to Sally about her experiences as a woman in leadership. Here are her reflections.
What challenges do you face as a woman in leadership in the development and aid sector?
SM: Discrimination and harassment still exist – of course - but generally, the barriers women face to equality in the workplace and in leadership are those unconscious and structural barriers that are more difficult to see. For example, we work in a long-hours culture, and with women still bearing the bulk of the burden of unpaid work, this is definitely a structural barrier to women's advancement in the workplace.
Research tells us the workplace still bends towards the male perspective. A culture is created by the aggregation of small practices and communication styles in a workplace. Individually, they may not amount to much, but together they can erode women's confidence and create a powerful culture of exclusion. No matter the industry you're in, being a woman and a leader, you really have to back yourself and trust your instincts. We must call out workplace practices with confidence and stick together, and we need to operate with confidence and step forward when opportunities arise.
Do you think women network differently to men, and if so, how?
SM: The best networking happens because you like somebody – you can't force it. I network because I want to know someone – it's about friendship and women tend to do that pretty well, particularly with other women. In fact, we can gravitate towards each other because sometimes we can still be like islands in a sea of blokes.
I don't think men realise how daunting the workplace can be for women. I once had a male boss who found himself for the first time the only man among 120 women, and he was unsettled by that! He said: "We've got to get some more men in here!" And I said, "Do you get it now? This is how women in professional life find themselves all the time!"
What do you bring to your new role as Chief Executive of CARE Australia?
SM: As Chief Executive of CARE Australia, I am leading one of the most effective aid and development organisations there is. I'm enormously proud to be contributing to fighting poverty and social injustice, especially with an organisation that is seriously prioritising gender equality. I have 20 years' experience working on gender issues and in development.
We know we won't end poverty without making a more equal world for women and girls, men and boys. So much entrenched poverty is caused by the inequalities faced by women and girls on many levels; from missing school, eating less food in the family when food is scarce, and not having opportunities to learn the skills needed to earn an income or find a job. This is why I'm so pleased that creating a more equal world is at the very foundation of what CARE does.
In October, Care holds its Walk In Her Shoes fundraising campaign. Walk in Her Shoes is a flexible walking and running challenge, raising funds for CARE Australia's work overseas. Register here for more.
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Understanding Oil Sustainability
The gas and oil exploration as well as production has now become the world's top priority and a number of oil and gas agencies and firms are integrating regulations that could improve the industry's oil sustainability. While gas and oil production and exploration is not necessarily the most ideal practice by nature, this practice that the industry follows helps to grow sustainability with regulations combined with reporting and tracking too.
Among the ways in which gas and oil companies use to track their sustainability progress includes voluntary sustainability reporting; this is basically an organization report that provides information on economic, environmental, social and governance performance. There's a growing number of firms in oil sustainability California that would like to enhance their sustainability by way of establishing process to measure performance, manage change and also, set goals. Sustainability report serves as key platform for relaying both the negative and the positive performance and capture information that may influence operations and policy.
The Global Reporting Initiative, Global Compact and Dow Jones Sustainability Index are some of the bodies that compose reporting initiatives. In the next paragraphs, we will be looking at the primary reporting structures namely GRI or Global Reporting Initiative and Global Impact.
In the latter, this provides 10 principles that are focused in subject of labor, human rights, anticorruption, the environment, that inspires companies to enact, embrace and support set of core values in these areas. The related principles to gas as well as oil sustainability mostly lies in environmental category like:
Principle 7 – any business must be able to support the precautionary approach to any challenges that the environment might present.
Principle 8 – undertaking initiatives in an effort to promote environmental responsibilities.
Principle 9 – encourage the diffusion and development of eco-friendly technologies.
When it comes to the topic of world oil corp sustainability, the organization that tops it among everybody is GRI or Global Reporting Initiative. GRI promotes the use of sustainability reporting as a way for organizations to be more sustainable and to contribute to sustainable development at the same time. GRI produces in-depth sustainability reporting framework that's used widely across the world in order to attain organizational transparency. The framework sets out indicators and even principles that organizations could use to measure and report environmental, economic as well as social performance.
Within the reporting structure that comes from Global Reporting Initiative, there comes a reporting guidance that is available in form of gas and oil sector supplement. This involves extraction, refining, production, exploration and transportation and safe sale as well of oils, gas and petrochemicals and specialized oil service companies to be able to attain oil sustainability worldwide.


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Darude – Sandstorm
"Sandstorm" is a musical composition by Finnish DJ and record producer Darude. It was released as the lead single from his debut studio album Before the Storm. It was initially released in Finland on 26 October 1999 by 16 Inch Records and it was eventually re-released in many other countries in 2000. The song was uploaded to MP3.com where it gained global recognition. It has also gained recognition for its usage in sports and popularity in internet meme culture. On 1 March 2010, over ten years after its original release, "Sandstorm" was certified Gold in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America for sales of over 500,000 copies.


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Just recently i celebrated a milestone birthday. I went head first into it, organised my own party(ies) - with a bit of help from my nearest and dearest...and they were both absolute blinding successes! Actually I had the time of my life, celebrated with all the most important people in my life and I was overwhelmed with both parties (..exhausted by the end of what was 3 weeks of partying!) phew. I decided early on that I wanted to mark the occasion(s) by giving a little handmade gift to each of my girlfriends. Inspired by a handmade hessian bag given to me last Christmas by a crafty friend and so i toddled off to Spotlight to bag me some hessian. From the moment I lay my hands on this gorgeously, aromatic fabric I was smitten. What is it? I can't really place it, but the stuff is so tactile, easy to work with, smells strangely earthy and lovely and well, lets just say I had a bit of a love affair :-) I pulled out my Nan's trusty old Singer (she's gorgeous...you should see her! I'm still a bit dumbfounded how it ended up in my hands - a non-sewer of the family, anyway...) and there I began to create. I then painstakingly (for me, you see, I have NO patience...) cut up one of my darling crochet doilies (bagged from yet another thrifty shop), hand sewed the florets on to each one, and then hand embroidered my girls initials onto each one. I then filled them with a little piccolo of bubbles and tied a handmade (i was on a roll...) thank you card around the neck. All in the space of about a week. Now thats an achievement for me, let me tell you. Before you ask, yes they were received with absolute delight. Mission accomplished. :-)
Thursday, 30 June 2011
I don't have a green thumb. I do however, love flora, i'm just not very good at growing anything, or more so, keeping it alive. That's why succulents are the best little piece of nature I can possibly have, cos the things are darn easy peasey to keep alive! I also have a vast array of ceramics that I collect, Japanese from the 60s and 70s being my fav, but I also love ANY retro style crockery I can put my little hands on, Scandanavian, English, Chinese....as long as it's got good colour or pattern, BUT i'm very partial to Feng Shui in my home, so if any of these little lovelies gets chipped or broken, I have to move it out of the house immediately before I'm bestowed some evil ways of the world. Being a particular lover of my "things" though I find it very distressing parting with anything that is still reasonably intact - (though i'm even guilty of keeping pottery pieces and making a mosaic in my backyard) Of course I always like to do my little bit to avoid adding to landfill so I decided to start filling every little vessel with a succulent off-cut, as these little babies grow roots so dang easily. The result is not perfect, nor amazing, but I just simply LOVE it. It is my little garden made from love, and I love that each bit tells a story....I've even got the little one's first gumboots filled with soil and waiting ready for my next offcut to sprout :-)
I rock!
Wow...a few days of being stuck at home (...in the freezing cold hills, mind you!) is enough to send anyone SPARE. Sick child + interrupted sleep + cold and rainy weather = no motivation/drive and minimal enthusiasm/care-less factor. Aka depression starting to set in... So, in my miserable state I start to feel sorry for myself, ready to throw in the towel, dream of tropical islands, oh and browse the interweb and low and behold I come across this little beauty. It kicked my butt back from the dark side and back over towards the light...thank you so very very much for this witty read, it really made an impact in a much needed moment.
..a great little cause!
Oh...just got another email from these guys recently so wanted to share before i forget! Have you heard of the Yellow Bird Project? It's a fantastic little initiative, a Montreal-based nonprofit company who work with a range of amazing indie rock musicians to create unique t-shirt designs. They then sell them to benefit a variety of charities, each chosen by the musicians themselves! I bought the coolest little colouring book from them for a friend for Christmas, filled with ace pictures drawn by the musicians to colour in - SO cool! A very rad present....(did i just say "rad"? hmmmm). Check them out....their T-shirts are pretty damn ace too! (ace, now that's a bit better than rad, isn't it?!)... I'm so UN-cool, luckily I have discovered Yellow Bird Project? to help me with this.... :-)
..did somebody say "Crochet?"
...who doesn't love crochet?! I mean a few years back it was such a nanna thing, and then boom shanka, it's like taking over the world!!! But what a gorgeous way to take over the world! My mum can do it, some of my girlfriends can do it, heck even my cat can bang a rug together (okay i'm stretching it a bit there...) but I CAN'T DO IT! Not to say i've ever tried, but I dang well should cos it's everywhere...vintage crochet, new crochet rugs, scarves, tablecloths, dresses....there is no end to it, i've even seen a few trees covered in it.. Anyway I still love it, especially vintage bits I pick up occasionally here and there, although I have to admit my mum's ability to crochet her way through a huge blanket and pop it in the post to me just in time for Winter (and goodness gracious, it's working a treat on my freezing tippy toes right now!!) must take the cake. Thanks mum, you're ace! :-)
Check out this just beautiful little crochet blogspot.....sigh.
Check out this just beautiful little crochet blogspot.....sigh.
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
..at least there's chocolate!
...another day and it feels like zero degrees and...goodness gracious me, well, it's only June! Being under the weather what better way to cheer things up a little with some little Choc muffins and a great classic movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! (the original of course, love Gene Wilder..not that I don't like Johnny Depp, but you can't mess with the original...). I pulled out my trusty old Marie Claire "Food Fast" cookbook (the Donna Hay one...whilst i don't warm to her on the tele, she does pull out some dang good recipes..) and this little beauty was so easy, quick and, well, they taste ok too!
little choc brownies
150g butter (softened), 1 cup castor sugar (i used raw, still works!), 3/4 cup cocoa powder, 2 eggs, 1 cup SR flour.
Preheat oven 180 celcius. In a bowl beat sugar and butter til creamy and light in colour. Add eggs and beat in..add sifted flour and cocoa mix til combined. Spoon into patty pans in a muffin tin or cupcake tin...Bake in the oven 10-12 mins...mine took 15mins, or until cooked but soft in the centre. Serve warm with cream or ice-cream..
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Webinar - HB2093: Indemnity & Additional Insured Provisions - September 21, 2011
This webinar will focus on the recent legislation passed by the Texas Legislature regulating the use of indemnity contracts in the construction industry. The webinar will explore prior attempts to obtain anti-indemnity legislation and the results. It will also address existing anti-indemnity provsions that are currently in effect that address construction contracts. It will address under what circumstance indemnity provisions are prohibited and what exceptions exist to those provisions. Finally, the webinar will address the effective date of the statute and how it will impact contracts entered into prior to that date.
R. Brent Cooper
Wes Johnson
Texas MCLE:
This course has been approved for Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of Texas Committee on MCLE in the amount of 1.0 general credit hour.
TDI CE: Provider #32551
This course has been approved by the Texas Department of Insurance in the amount of 1.0 general credit hour. Cooper & Scully, P.C. is a Texas Department of Insurance registered provider.
Seminar TopicsHouse Bill 2093 Presentation
Title 10 Supplement


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Indiana researchers may rejoice that the IN Genealogical Society now has 6 databases online that reach into 92 counties. Visit their blog posting for more information: http://indgensoc.blogspot.com/2015/06/new-databases-and-new-milestone-6-for-92.html?utm_source=FGS+Newsletter&utm_campaign=6fa7b4f65d-Voice_June_20156_20_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1f1c05046e-6fa7b4f65d-38138405
September 2015 Ezine – Genealogy Wednesday, Sep 2 2015
Electronic Magazine and Genealogy blog, database, genealog, Genealogical Society, IN, IND, Indiana, online, research, researcher, resoure 10:11 am
February, 2014 Electronic Magazine – Genealogy Tuesday, May 20 2014
Electronic Magazine and Genealogy Bible, collection, Craven County, Craven County Genealogical Society of North Carolina, Eastern North Carolina, family Bible, Family Bible Collection, Family Bibles Collection, Genealogical Society, Kellenberger Room, NC, New Bern-Craven County Public Library, North Carolina 10:07 am
Craven County, North Carolina: The New Bern-Craven County Public Library's Family Bibles Collection is online, featuring Bibles that date from 1723 to the mid-1900s, with information on many families in Eastern North Carolina.
The online collection, which has 35 Bibles, is a project of the library and the Craven County Genealogical Society of North Carolina.
To view the Family Bible Collection, visit the Kellenberger Room website: newbern.cpclib.org/research
From – http://www.genealogyblog.com/?p=25034
Annual Ozarks Conference Canceled Monday, Aug 26 2013
Events and Updates annual, conference, exhibit, Genealogical Society, Genealogy Society, Missouri, MO, OCGS, Ozarks, ozarks genealogical society, Springfield, springfield missouri, vendor, workshop 8:57 am
We were sorry to learn last week that the Ozarks Genealogical Society of Springfield, Missouri has been forced to cancel this year's annual conference. We always have a great time with them, learn lots and get re-energized. We look forward to their plans for next year. For more information, see their announcement.
October 2008, V7#10: Genealogy Saturday, Jan 10 2009
Electronic Magazine and Genealogy Cashe, cemetery, copy, death certificate, Elgin, eulogies, family, Freedom of Informatin Act, funeral home, Genealogical Society, Highland, imortuary.com, Indiahoma, Lawton, Lawton Constitution, Lawton Public Library, legal, libary, location, memorial park, microfilm, National Directory of Morticians, National Yellow Book of Funeral Directors, obituary, Paul Follett, program, publication, publish, record, refererence, research, resource, Ritter-Gray, rural, sociey, Sunset Memorial, tombstone, Tree tracers, Tulsa, urban, web site 6:28 pm
Use Funeral Homes When Researching
Genealogists are fascinated with cemeteries. Besides being the final resting place for ones ancestors, cemeteries provide vital information. Tombstone and cemetery records often reveal more than death information. Cemeteries, however, are not the only sources of information regarding the deceased. Do not forget funeral homes.
Funeral homes are another resource for providing family information. Their records often contain biographical information not found on the deth certificate or in the obituary. They may also have a copy of the funeral program, printed eulogies, as well as a copy of the death certificate and obituary.
Funeral home records are private business documents. You do not have a legal right to view them. They are not covered by the Freedom of Information Act. Most funeral directors, however, are individuals who are more than willing to help genealogists.
Many funeral directors have allowed their records to be microfilmed. Often genealogical societies have published the records. For example, the Tulsa Genealogical Society has published 12 volumes of funeral home records. The Lawton Ritter-Gray funeral home records to 1994 are on microfilm and available at the Lawton Public Library.
If you do not know what funeral home was used, the death certificate or obituary should provide this information.
If you are looking for a list of funeral homes and cemeteries currently operating, go to www.imortuary.com. Select by location or browse the state and town. The address, phone number, web address and location on a map are given.
That web site is a quick and easy way to locate funeral homes and cemeteries throughout the country. Memorial parks, such as Sunset Memorial (Lawton) are listed under funeral homes and not cemeteries.
The site does not list all known cemeteries for an area. Not included are rural, inactive, family and small cemeteries. For example, Highland Cemetery (Lawton) is listed, but not the cemeteries in Cache, Indiahoma or Elgin. Local funeral homes can often provide you with a list of local cemeteries. They are experts on this subject.
The National Yellow Book of Funeral Directors and The National Directory of Morticians, both published annually, are excellent print guides to funeral homes. Arrangement is by state and town. Genealogy libraries, including the Lawton Public Library, often own a copy.
What if the funeral home is no longer in business? Again, ask the funeral home still in business as it may have the records of the old funeral homes or know where they may be located.
(This information was taken from Paul Follett's column Tree Tracers published in the Lawton Constitution on December 10, 2007.)


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Sapient's blog
James Randi: Of course I accept youSubmitted by Sapient on March 22, 2010 - 7:20pm.
James Randi has come out of the closet at 81 years old.
The original story is on his SWIFT blog, here is a portion...
Well, here goes. I really resent the term, but I use it because it's recognized and accepted.
I'm gay.
From some seventy years of personal experience, I can tell you that there's not much "gay" about being homosexual. For the first twenty years of my life, I had to live in the shadows, in a culture that was — at least outwardly — totally hostile to any hint of that variation of life-style. At no time did I choose to adopt any protective coloration, though; my cultivation of an abundant beard was not at all a deception, but part of my costume as a conjuror.
Let's work together to promote the atheist heroes of the weekSubmitted by Sapient on March 3, 2010 - 1:18am.
I want to extend my congratulations to the Atheist Agenda students The University of Texas at San Antonio. They put themselves on the line in public to raise awareness. Much like the Blasphemy Challenge they have found a way to be controversial thereby grabbing attention and literally forcing theists to think. I should bring you up to speed if you're not familiar. Over the last few days Atheist Agenda students have gathered on campus with magazines and books of various types of pornography and offered to swap any holy book for some porn. The campaign is called smut for smut.
Happy New Year!Submitted by Sapient on December 31, 2009 - 10:46pm.
We've gone around the sun again! Just like we do everyday (see my follow up post if you're not following)... but I wont be a debbie downer... Happy New Year!!
I hope everyone gets what they want out of this coming year. What resolutions will you be making? What resolutions do you think you'll give up on in 2 weeks?
Live Video Chat Party December 25thSubmitted by Sapient on December 18, 2009 - 10:35pm.
On December 25th I will maintain a tradition I started a few years ago, celebrating Christmas day with nonbelievers via webcam, and you're invited! I'll be joined by longtime RRS moderator and friend Shaunphilly and his girlfriend Seana, who was a Christian before she met Shaun. Christmas can be a depressing day if you're a non-believer, especially if you feel alienated or unwelcome at festivities of a more religious nature. We look forward to bringing together a large group of non-believers who want to hang out, blaspheme, and exchange stories of our religious past. This is a gathering in both live text form and video format. We encourage you to hook up your webcam as we can have up to 6 people on webcam at once. Christians are welcome to visit as well!
You'll need an account with http://www.stickam.com If you don't have one, get it now. It's free!
The party will happen in this room: http://www.rationalresponders.com/rrs_webcam_room
Purpose of Christmas response begins (also Ray Comfort the liar)Submitted by Sapient on December 15, 2009 - 12:44am.
I've got two new posts up tonight, the first is my opening shot at Pastor Rick Warren and The Purpose of Christmas.
The second post is long overdue and is a summation covering the Ray Comfort plagiarism in his Origin of Species bullshit.
My opening post here about The Purpose of Christmas is here.
The RRS thread on Comfort plagiarizing is here.
I turned off commenting for this blog post. If you want to post comments, please do so at The Purpose of Christmas or WOTMwatchdog.
Denialism: How Irrational Thinking Hinders Scientific Progress, Harms the Planet, and Threatens Our Lives.Submitted by Sapient on December 10, 2009 - 12:47am.
I found the recent appearance of Michael Specter on The Daily Show to have quite a few correlations to the efforts of atheists to help humanity abandon our unscientific religious past.
I bought my winter gift to myself...Submitted by Sapient on December 9, 2009 - 3:28am.
Do you do that? Do you buy yourself a gift during the Christmas season and call it a Solstice gift or a Saturnalia gift? Whatever you call it... do you do it? And if so, what are you getting for yourself this year?
I haven't bought any new books in a while, and decided to get a few good deals off my wish list. I was able to buy books used for a huge discount. Check these deals out...
Erecting the 2009 Tree of KnowledgeSubmitted by Sapient on December 1, 2009 - 3:26am.
I held an umbrella today over Margaret Downey as she put atheist book covers on the Tree of Knowledge. A display outside of the West Chester County Courthouse in their Free Speech zone. Here is a list of the books on the Tree of Knowledge. Enjoy the video and photos.
Black Friday - Cyber Monday shopping with Amazon (RRS gets extra too!)Submitted by Sapient on November 27, 2009 - 4:02pm.
Amazon just sent me word that of a special deal to pass on to you. As an amazon associate I'm getting a bonus this weekend for your purchases, through the end of shopping on Monday. You're also getting more discounts. Amazon has tons of black friday - cyber monday deals and they're all available here: Black Friday - Cyber Monday Amazon Shopping to support RRS
RationalResponse Youtube Account BackSubmitted by Sapient on November 24, 2009 - 6:14pm.
It's with sorrow and sadness that I announce the Rational Response Youtube account is back online. In the years of my atheist activism I've never had the pleasure of working with a more frustrating and horribly run company. It's often seemed to me as if they have 4 employees, 3 of which have their heads up their ass, and the 4th is measuring how far they managed to insert it. I'd sit here and tell you the stories, but why relive the pain. Nevertheless a few people asked for our youtube account to be back online, so I've been working on it since October 11th, and they finally managed to do what by law was supposed to be done by October 25th. I have no plans to upload another video to that account, however it's likely that I will at some point. I deleted a few videos that I felt were less relevant, and upon seeing some of these videos for the first time in months realized I would prefer to not come off quite as harsh. Not that I don't think we shouldn't be mocking and laughing at religion, I would like to do it with a slightly more calm demeanor if I can. Which of course remains to be seen.
I've decided to put together a little playlist of the videos I'd most want someone to see if they've never seen any of the videos on our youtube account before.
In Rationality,
Brian Sapient
Here they are...


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To access our surf report Perth click on the following links
Part of learning the surf is to learn about surf conditions.
The following websites we consider the best to predict the swell and wind conditions in WA.
surf report Perth | weather forecast for Perth | surf on Perth beaches | check out surf cameras Perth
Check out our article on 'How to read surf conditions for beginners' http://www.surfingschool.com.au/category/blog/
WA Surf Cams


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webOS 126.96.36.199 landing in Europe [UPDATE: Bluetooth tethering (!) ]
The night is well underway in Europe, but that doesn't mean that you can't get a webOS update. As it would turn out, mere weeks after hitting Palm Pre and Pixi phones in the United States and Canada, Pre owners on O2 in Europe can now pull down their latest webOS updated in the form of webOS 22.214.171.124. What's different about this version from webOS 22.214.171.124 in the United States is currently an unknown, we're waiting for the changelog to land right now. In the meantime, welcome to the land of space for apps, Europe!
UPDATE: We have a changelog after the break for you, but what's important may not be in there. According to German-language tech site Heise Mobil, Palm has baked and enabled bluetooth tethering into webOS 188.8.131.52. Users in our forum have tested this out and wonder of wonders, it works.
webOS 184.108.40.206
Version information
- Release date: 11 January 2010
New applications
Feature changes to existing applications
App Catalog
- App Catalog significantly improves the application download experience.
- A user can now download multiple applications simultaneously.
- Downloads continue in the background if the user moves away from the download screen.
- A user can manually pause, resume, and cancel downloads.
- A user can also download all available updates for the user's downloaded applications with a single tap.
- App Catalog automatically resumes downloads in cases where a download was paused because it was interrupted—for example, if a user moves out of network coverage and then moves back into coverage.
- Users can now take advantage of the full storage capacity of the phone for downloading applications. This gives the user more control over how to allocate the phone's storage space across applications, music, photos, and other media. Downloaded applications are now stored on the phone's USB drive.
- App Catalog lists search results based on an improved search algorithm.
- In Day view, switching between days happens more quickly.
- This release fixes an issue in which the Calendar app displayed no events for any account after a user synchronized Calendar with an Exchange account. With this update, Calendar events now appear correctly after an Exchange sync.
Date & Time
- When the user has network time zone enabled, a city and country are no longer displayed.
Device Info
- A user can perform a full erase by pressing and holding Sym + the orange/Option key + power for 10 seconds.
- A user can now edit forwarded text for all email account types.
- When the user sets up more than one Yahoo! email account, the account names displayed in Account List view include the associated email address so that the user can distinguish them.
- If an account mailbox is too full to send messages, after the user frees up space in the mailbox on the server, the user can send the messages successfully.
- The default email signature no longer includes the macron over the "e" in "Pre," so that the product name shows correctly on a recipient's phone.
- If a user deletes a conversation with a contact, new conversations with that contact are now correctly displayed in Conversations view.
- The Phone app offers better handling of prepaid SIM cards.
Regional Settings
- If the user switches the language to a locale that uses a different time format from the current locale, the time format switches automatically.
Screen & Lock
- When the screen is locked, the time displays in a new font.
- Users can now take advantage of the full storage capacity of the phone for downloading applications. This gives the user more control over how to allocate the phone's storage space across applications, music, photos, and other media. Downloaded applications are now stored on the phone's USB drive.
- This update improves battery life in areas of poor wireless network coverage.
- If the user is working in an application that supports landscape mode (such as Web or Videos), notifications now appear at the bottom of the landscape screen.
- After a user signs in to an existing Palm profile, applications the user installed from App Catalog are restored in the background. The user can use other features of the phone while the apps are being restored.
- Swiping to delete a list item that contains a link no longer causes the link to open in the web browser.
- After taking the 1.3.5 update, users can download future updates over a 2G (1xRTT , GPRS , EDGE ) data connection by opening Updates and tapping Download Now.
- The web browser now supports the display of animated GIFs.
- Audio files with a .3g2 extension play correctly as audio files, not video files.
This release includes a security fix to the dev portal. Credit to Kris Siegal for reporting the issue.
Individuals interested in contacting Palm to report suspected security issues can find more information at palm.com/security.


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Well, before I head off to bed for the night, I'm blogging. There is more than one school of thought about this. Some believe that blogging by authors should be purely professional. Others think it is ideal if authors never make any money successfully selling their works, but that it is great if they provide some free interaction and entertainment – wasn't it really just that they wanted attention?
It is weekend. I still haven't revisited the local church for the purpose of seeing if my German has improved enough to understand the service in German now, and to commune with the divine. I do believe, and have dealt with a lot of people who don't and with a lot of people who seem weird about it on the believer side as well. I had thought I would have by now, but still haven't.
I watched some more movies. I under use TV nowadays and over use movies. It means I have been watching some movies just once and others many times over. There are certain ways of handling it that also make it possible to see how the mind changes.
I did yard work today and some housework. Due to my lifestyle I just do some daily instead of mainly catching up on all of it at the weekend. Middle aged stuff. In my own view, I'm now old enough to switch to decaf: age 45 years. I haven't but when I was between 30 and 35 years old I decided in my own mind that age 45 is a good age for dropping the use or abuse of caffeine. Get over it, out grow it, stuff like that.


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New Show: ETERNAL SUMMERS / NETHERFRIENDS / BLEEDING RAINBOW / SHE KEEPS BEES
All touring lineup with dream pop trio ETERNAL SUMMERS who are traveling with lo-fi pop band BLEEDING RAINBOW (the husband & wife duo formerly known as Reading Rainbow). Joining them for this show will be NETHERFRIENDS, who we had play earlier this year at Bro Fest 2012 and NY duo SHE KEEPS BEES.
Here is "You Kill" (via Rolling Stone) from ETERNAL SUMMERS new album Corrective Behavior.
Parade of Flesh presents . . .
Friday, September 21st, 2012 – 8pm
at Bryan Street Tavern
Dallas, TX
18+ show $8 advance, $10 day of show
on sale here
This entry was posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:12 am, filed under News and tagged bleeding rainbow, bryan street, eternal summers, netherfriends, reading rainbow, she keeps bees.
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We are Church (Ephesians 2:17-22)
When each of us comes to faith in Jesus, we belong to one family: the household of God.
Pastor Chris Huff has been with us since July 2009. He and his wife, Abby, have four children. Chris is originally from St. Louis, MO and even though he was raised as a city boy, he has a small town heart. Chris is all over the internet, so you can find him on Facebook,Twitter, Youtube,… (read more)
The Bible contains lots of stories, but what is the main story of the Bible? Is the Bible mainly about you, or about God? Is it about what we must do, or about what God has done? Every story whispers His name.


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Some of the kinds of institutions to study the state-level industrial development banks are:
1. The SFCs and
2. The SIDCs/SIICs.
At the state-level, too, there is a combination of financing agencies and industrial development banks, mainly for the development of medium and small-scale industries in respective states, with some emphasis on the industrial development of their backward regions. They are State Financial Corporation's (SFCs) which are primarily financing agencies. Besides, most individual states have either a State Industrial Development Corporation (SIDC) or a State Industrial Investment Corporation (SIIC). In 1994-95, there were 18 SFCs and 26 SIDCs/SIICs. We study the two kinds of institutions separately.
1. The SFCs:
The SFCs came to be organized in individual states after the enabling Central Act to this effect came into force in August 1952. They are state-level organizations for the provision of term finance to medium and small scale industries. The share capital has been contributed by the state governments, the RBI (transferred to the IDBI after its separation from the RBI in February 1976), the IDBI, scheduled banks, insurance companies, and others.
The control of SFCs is shared by the state governments and the IDBI. At the end of March 1995, the total paid-up capital and reserves of all the SFCs stood at about Rs. 1,200 crores. The two most important items of liabilities were bonds and debentures and borrowings from the IDBI. The IDBI, which is the main source of loans, provides funds mainly in the form of refinance. It also administers the International Development Association (IDA) credit to them in the form of foreign currency loans. The SFCs also borrow from the SIDBI and IDBI.
The SFCs are authorized to provide financial assistance in all the four major forms, namely loans and advances, subscription to shares and debentures, underwriting of new issues, .and guarantee of loans from third parties and deferred payments. As in the case of all-India development banks, the bulk of the SFC finance (about 90 per cent) is made available in the form of loans and advances. They have not yet developed much other forms of financial assistance.
The SFCs are playing an increasingly important role in the development of medium and small industries. A major part of their credit goes to small-scale industries. Up to March 1995, cumulative sanctions and disbursements of financial assistance had aggregated about Rs 19,000 crore and Rs. 15,000 crore, respectively. Liberal assistance is given to technician entrepreneurs and to industrial units in specified backward areas. The latter are given finance on concessional terms. Industry-wise assistance is getting more diversified.
The operations of the SFCs suffer from a very high ratio of over-dues/defaults, excessive concentration of loan finance, weak promotional role, and delays in sanctioning and disbursing assistance. The calibre of their personnel is relatively poor and needs to be upgraded through training and proper recruitment. The removal of these and other operational and organisational deficiencies is essential for making the SFCs play their assigned roles better.
2. The SIDCs/SIICs:
The SIDCs/SIICs came on the scene much after the SFCs. Whereas the SFCs of the state governments and IDBI (earlier, the RBI) the SIDCs/SIICs have been set up entirely by state governments. Besides providing finance, these institutions perform a variety of functions, such as arranging for land, power, roads, licenses for industrial units, sponsoring the establishment of such units, especially in backward areas, etc.
They score over other development banks in that about one-third of their total finance is provided in the form, of underwriting/direct subscription assistance and only about two-thirds of it in the form of term loans. Since inception up-to March 1995 the total amount of assistance sanctioned and disbursed by them was about Rs. 9,800 crores and Rs. 7,000 crores, respectively.
A significant part of this assistance goes to units in the joint sector and the public sector and only the rest to the units in the private sector. The funds are raised from the usual sources, viz., share capital and reserves, borrowings from the IDBI, the state governments and banks, and bonds and debentures. These institutions also suffer from the problems of defaults, inadequate and inexperienced staff, and organizational deficiencies.


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My childhood memories won't be complete if I don't mention the times I spent with my older brother. After 10 long years of fighting over the pettiest of things, when the time came that he needs to leave to further his studies, we realized that we won't be seeing each other that often. Regardless of how much we quarrelled, living away from my brother became one of the most difficult phases in my life. Thanks to technology, however, we still managed to stay in touch and maintain a healthy long-distance relationship. We also do the following activities often to ensure that we stay closer even if he already lives in some far-away city.
- Utilize WhatsApp
Using WhatsApp is one of the best ways for you to maintain your healthy and happy relationship with your sibling even if they're in a far-away place. What's cool about this smartphone app is that it allows you to create a group chat where you can converse with multiple people at once. So create one with your immediate family to stay connected with your parents and siblings at the same time.
- Go on Trips
Planning a trip with your sibling once a year is one of the best ways of stay closer with him or her. You can either go on a vacation together or pay each other a visit every alternate year. Aside from simply going on a vacation, you can also relive the family trips that you had back when you were still kids. After all, nothing beats traveling back in time.
- Send Gifts
Don't have enough money to go on trips together yet? Then send your sibling some gifts instead. For can send a greeting card for your brother, while a customized keepsake would be a perfect gift choice for your sister. Having said that, don't just send them gifts on certain occasions though. Instead, surprise them by randomly sending them stuff that they always wanted.
- Share Updates
Another great yet inexpensive way to stay in touch with your siblings is to share some family updates with them every once in a while. For example, give them a feel of how your mother's birthday bash went by taking photos or recording videos and sharing it on WhatsApp or Skype. This way, they wouldn't feel that bad for missing out on the special occasion.
Staying in touch with your siblings isn't that difficult even if he or she's far away from you. All you've got to do is engage in activities that both you and your sibling can enjoy, and you certainly won't grow apart from each other.


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Artists explain why Bree Newsome became an Internet superhero after taking down SC's Confederate flagBy Jared Goyette
#FreeBree art inspired by @BreeNewsome from @GynoStar @Niall_JayDub & @subtle_squid #BreeNewsome #Bree pic.twitter.com/eAKhC6jI3d
— Imperatriz Furiosa (@lidianycs) June 30, 2015
Bree Newsome became an Internet and media sensation when she did what many were longing to do but didn't dare. She scaled a flagpole outside South Carolina's statehouse and brought the flag down, while police officers waited to arrest her below.
Her actions, and the instantly iconic photos that accompanied them, inspired scores of retweets, headlines, conversations and debates. They also inspired artists.
"Seeing her do that, and then when she came down and they were putting her in custody and she had a smile on her face because she knew she was doing the right thing, it touched me, so I was like I had to do something about that," says Niall-Julian Watkins, a 25-year-old illustrator who lives in Oak Grove, Kentucky.
A single image fundamentally changed the national debate over the Confederate flag and its meaning: Dylann Roof posing with it before he went on his murderous, racist rampage. The photos of Newsome, taken by James Tyson, captured the nation's attention in a different way. Both Newsome and Tyson are facing charges of defacing a public monument and could spend up to three years in jail, if convicted....
Read more here: PRI


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The iPad sensation is truly wild. I have one (of course) and use it often to present mathematical ideas and problems, stories with a mathy context and visual manipulatives to my students while I teach in classrooms around the province and territory. What I struggle with is the never-ending search for quality math games for the iPad that amount to more than digital drill… :oP Surely the technology can offer up something more thought-full??
I found an app this week that is worth sharing, called Pick-A-Path. It was released by the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) and features a number-puzzle for students to solve. The goal of the game is to navigate a maze, moving an octopus (Okta) through a series of numbers and operations, trying to create a maximum or exact amount. In the different levels, students use whole numbers, powers of ten, integers, fractions, exponents and decimals to solve the puzzles, gaining "starfish" as prizes. It had me hooked! Because for the different levels, I can see it being used from grades 2/3 through grade 9 — if you want to stick to the curriculum precisely — and beyond that, if you're looking for a challenging game. Oh – and it's free!


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The Hook - Charlottesville's weekly newspaper, news magazine
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dad's care program
Yo, dads: This class wants YOU
Published on
Sep 4th, 2003
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All right men, listen up! You're about to become daddies.You've never even seen one of those squirmy little munchkin things before, let alone held a screaming wet one in your hands. It's time you...
© 2002-2012 Better Publications LLC - The Hook
100 Second Street NW - Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-295-8700 (fax: 434-295-8097)


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Plotting downloads
Ploticus produces full-color line plots, bar graphs, histograms, scatterplots, pie graphs,...
Added Aug 29, 2004
Popularity: 65%
QMatPlot is a gnuplot-like plotting program. It plots curves, images, 3d surfaces and...
Added Dec 31, 1999
Popularity: 13%
This is a clone of the commercial program Microcal Origin.
Added Dec 3, 2001
Popularity: 3%
Simple Bodeplotter programm to display the Bode-plot of a laddernetwork with inductors,...
Popularity: 6%
Sources of a program for fitting a smooth curve through a given set of points using the...
Added Dec 14, 1997
Popularity: 42%
XCircuit is a UNIX/X11 program for drawing publishable-quality electrical circuit...
Added Feb 8, 2001
Popularity: 29%
Program for plotting function graphs.
Added Dec 30, 1998
Popularity: 39%
Plot files, multiple files and multi-column files. This program features auto-scaling,...
Popularity: 81%
X/Motif 2D data analysis/plotting tool with exporting to PostScript, HPGL or FrameMaker...
Added Aug 28, 1996
Popularity: 35%
A 2D plotting tool based on xview libraries. It produces output in different formats...
Added Jul 9, 1995
Popularity: 32%
yplot is an interface to the PLPlot plotting library written as an extension of yorick.
Added Jun 20, 2001
Popularity: 71%


text: Living in our wonderful state of Colorado gives us at ABC a great opportunity to design and build some of the most breath taking landscapes. We can create a custom landscaping design that can enhance your lifestyle, spending your much needed down time in your own tranquil environment. Whether you desire an awesome water feature, patio or a clean line landscape we can help.


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Gecdesign necesitaba un nuevo diseño de otro y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 8 diseños de 3 diseñadores freelance.
We are an event company that focuses on the entertainment industry.
Teens and young adults.
We need a 3D Vectorized lighting rig for our website. We want it to be as photo realistic as possible. The lights need to be pointed toward the user and the rig itself should be metal and reflective.
Attached are samples:
light1.jpg and light2.jpg - us this as samples of how the lights are suppose to be facing and shining toward the user.
Rig1.jog and rig2.jpg - use this as an example for how the structure of the rigging itself is suppose to look
shell.jpg - gives you an example of where the rig will be placed (at the top of the page). Make sure that it is roughly the same size.


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Tisbury fire chief John Schilling said Verizon representatives have been extremely cooperative in the aftermath of a fire on Sunday in a storage area behind the Verizon building off Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road. As a result, he said, he will issue a warning and not a citation to the company for the illegal trash burn.
Tisbury firefighters turned out at about 11 am Sunday to extinguish a fire in a pile of brush, fence timbers, and debris. With winds gusting past 30 mph, it was no day to be burning anything outdoors. Quick work by firefighters kept the blaze from spreading to nearby pines and woods and contained it in the Verizon work yard.
Chief Schilling, visibly irritated, told The Times at the scene that flames were leaping 10 to 15 feet high when he arrived. "This could have been much, much worse," he said.
Mr. Schilling said that Simonio Cordeiro Albino, an employee for Global Industrial Services (GIS), a Verizon cleaning company subcontractor, told him that his boss in Boston instructed him to burn the debris.
Mr. Albino, who enlisted a friend to translate his Portuguese into English, later told police that when he arrived to take out the trash he saw the debris smoldering and he attempted to put it out with a bucket of water.
Mr. Schilling told The Times that the burn season ended on May 1 and there was no permit issued. "This was done without any forethought for the safety of anybody in the immediate area," he said.
Chief Schilling contacted a GIS foreman who said he understood it was burning trash. In strong terms, Mr. Schilling explained it was not trash. "We were moments away from a conflagration," he told the man on the other end of the phone line. Mr. Schilling insisted that a company representative meet with him to discuss the fire.
In a telephone call Wednesday, Mr. Schilling said that a Verizon representative contacted him immediately Monday morning and offered full cooperation. The work yard was subsequently cleaned up this week, he said, and he now has emergency contact information and keys to gate locks that were previously lacking. Verizon also assured him that yard deficiencies spotted during an inspection would be corrected.
"All in all we're very fortunate that good came out of it," the chief said.
Phil Santoro of Verizon Media Relations in a statement emailed to The Times Wednesday said, "We have worked with our facilities vendor to completely clean out the debris and restore the grounds. We take pride in the condition and safety of all our Verizon facilities and properties. We had a good meeting with Chief Schilling yesterday and are working together to prevent similar incidents in the future."


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2013 New Zealand International Film Festival – Auckland Programme Launced
New Zealand film lovers, now is your time to get excited. The Auckland programme for this year's New Zealand International Film Festival is now online and it is good. It is very good. The Auckland leg of the festival will kick off with the New Zealand première of Steven Soderbergh's Behind the Candelabra, and will close with Jim Jarmusch's newest film, Only Lovers Left Alive. The festival is rich with Cannes titles, including Asghar Farhadi's The Past, Kore-eda Hirokazu's Jury Award winner, Like Father, Like Son, and Singaporean kid-vs-nanny tale Ilo Ilo, which was awarded the Caméra d'Or for best first film in all of Cannes.
The full Auckland programme can be viewed here: http://www.nziff.co.nz/auckland
Later this week Wellington audiences will get their turn to get busy with highlighters, when the Wellington programme is launched on Thursday. Check back on the site later this week for our in-depth look at the programme, including recommendations and links to films which we have already reviewed.
For everything New Zealand International Film Festival related, drop by the festival website, or follow the fest on Twitter.
By Sam McCosh


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Custom-built ComputersWindows, Linux and Servers
One computer or 100, we can build it.
Whether you want more than a system off the shelf, or a customized name brand option for home, office, or business, we've got the solution.
Need more help?
For technical help with hardware or software products purchased from Micro Center, contact our knowledgeable tech support reps by live chat, email, or phone.
All Custom Builds provide more than the basics.
Each build includes:
- Case and parts assembly
- OS installation
- Standard driver installation (all parts and software must be purchased from Micro Center)
Our Service Centers are here to help.
- Service for all computer brands
- OEM and A+ certified technicians
- Most parts in stock
- Fast, economical repairs
- Helpful, friendly technicians
- No appointment needed
- Walk-ins welcome
We can repair systems under a manufacturer's warranty.
If your computer is still under manufacturer's warranty, we're factory-trained and authorized to repair:
Acer, Apple, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, PowerSpec and Toshiba.


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Home > Resources > Industry Reports > Advertising Codes and Regulations > AFGC: Responsible Children's Marketing Initiative
Core Principles
Companies participating in the Responsible Children's Marketing Initiative publicly commit to marketing communications to children under 12, only when it will further the goal of promoting healthy dietary choices and healthy lifestyles.
Each participant is required to develop an individual company action plan that outlines how they will meet the following core principles:
Advertising Messaging
Participants will not advertise food and beverage products to children under 12 in media unless:
1. those products represent healthy dietary choices, consistent with established scientific or Australian government standards.
2. the advertising and/or marketing communication activities reference, or are in the context of, a healthy lifestyle, designed to appeal to the intended audience through messaging that encourages:
Use of Popular Personalities and Licensed Characters
Participants will not use Popular Personalities or Licensed characters' in advertising primarily directed to children under 12 unless such advertising complies with the messaging options set out above and the specific requirements of the Children's Television Standards in relation promotions and endorsement by Program Characters (CTS section 22).
Product Placement
Participants will commit to not paying for or actively seeking to place their food or beverage products in the program/editorial content of any medium primarily directed to children under 12 for the purpose of promoting the sale of those products unless those products are consistent with healthy dietary choices under #1 above.
Use of Products in Interactive Games
Participants will commit that, in any interactive game primarily directed to children under 12 where the company's food or beverage products are incorporated into the game, the interactive game must incorporate or be consistent with healthy dietary choices under #1 above and healthy lifestyle messaging under #2 above.
Advertising in Schools
Participants will refrain from product-related communications in primary schools, except where specifically requested by, or agreed with, the school administration for educational or informational purposes, or related to healthy lifestyle activities under the supervision of the school administration or appropriate adults.
Use of Premium Offers
Participants will commit to not advertising premium offers unless the reference to the premium is merely incidental to product being advertised in accordance with the AANA codes and in the Children's Television Standards (CTS Section 20).
Complaints Process
This initiative is supported by a public complaints program, which is managed by the Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB).Complaints may be made about:
The complaints process follows similar guidelines to those for other Codes administered by the ASB:
The George Institute for International Health, will assist in arbitrating issues surrounding the compliance of the advertisement with the Company Action Plans put forward by the participating food companies.
The AFGC and the AANA, in consultation with the participants, will periodically review the procedures and the overall impact of this initiative. The first such review shall be started after the new program has been operational for at least 1 year.
It is recognised that some marketing activity has been arranged in advance of this initiative becoming operational. Where companies have pre-existing contractual arrangements that cannot be changed, those arrangements will be exempt from the initiative until 30 June 2009. However, participating companies will agree not to renew such arrangements unless they specifically comply with the core principles of this initiative.
Company Action Plans
Companies sign up to this initiative as a minimum commitment and are required to develop and publish individual Company Action Plans that outline how they will meet the core principles of this initiative.
Because companies and their product lines vary, the way companies comply with this framework will differ. However, all commitments must be consistent with the core principles outlined in this initiative. This initiative outlines the minimum commitments required by signatories. Companies may choose to go further if they wish to.
Currently there are 16 companies participating in this initiative: Nestle, Kraft, Cereal Partners, George Weston. Coca-Cola, Pepsico, Cadbury, Patties, Campbell Arnott's, Unilever, Mars, Kellogg, Fonterra, Simplot, Ferrero, and Sanitarium.
For further information go to www.afgc.org.au


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Inside Sales Support
Pricilla works hand-in-hand with our Sales Administrator to ensure that our clients and prospects are promptly and accurately quoted on the products and services that best suit their needs. She reviews quotes, provides support documents, and assists in scheduling sales appointments. As the "Voice of Liberty," Pricilla's cheerful, helpful personality shines through as she handles calls and documents support requests within our Customer Relationship Management System.
Pricilla came to us from Arlington Computer Products, where she worked as an inside sales support representative. She was attracted to Liberty by our people, opportunity for growth, location, and exceptional benefits package.
Pricilla and her husband, Benjamin, have two daughters, Brooklyn and Madison. They love visiting state parks for camping, boating, and sightseeing.


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How to make the most of ACOs and value-based care
"The AOA has made the elimination of barriers to OD participation in accountable care organizations a top priority."
Value-based care is an emerging model that will help shape how you practice eye care in the future. But are you prepared to find your place in it?
Medicare is rapidly moving toward a new system of accountable care organizations (ACO). Both public and private health plans are embracing value-based integrated care models such as ACOs and patient-centered medical homes (PCMH). To help you keep up with these trends, the AOA Third Party Center recently unveiled two new resources: the Optometrists' Guide for ACO Participation and the online ACO Resource Toolkit (member login required to view--click here to become a member).
What the guide and toolkit provide
The guide starts with the basics of the structure and function of ACOs-plus information on how to join a network.
In addition to the guide, the toolkit gives in-depth resources including:
- Selected articles with background on ACOs and other value-oriented health systems
- Links to major ACO-related organizations and relevant industry resources
- A complete list of existing Medicare-sanctioned ACOs (with key contact persons when available)
- Examples of "best-practice" ACO models that properly include optometrists
- Support resources such as PowerPoint slides and short videos to use in meetings with ACO administrators
- Information on AOAExcel's OcuHubTM, which will provide optometrists the electronic health records (EHR) connectivity required for participation in integrated care networks
- Information on a new AOA Third Party Center Access Resource Team, now being established to assist optometrists with local advocacy efforts for inclusion in integrated health networks
"The AOA has made the elimination of barriers to OD participation in accountable care organizations a top priority," said Stephen Montaquila, O.D., chair of the center's executive committee, after the toolkit was introduced at the 2013 Optometry's Meeting®. "I urge all AOA members to review the new guide and then consider approaching, engaging and joining these emerging care systems."


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Kiowa Gordon
Johnny Beck
Synopsis: Larry, a 16-year-old Tlicho Indian, lives in the small northern town of Fort Simmer. He loves heavy metal music and has a crush on his classmate, the high school's hottie, Juliet Hope. Larry's past holds a variety of terrors—his father is abusive and he once had an accident that nearly killed him. When Johnny Beck , a young Métis from Hay River, moves to town, things heat up.
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An interaction between the user and your app involving an intent object.
- iOS 10.0+
- Mac Catalyst 13.0+
- watchOS 3.2+
- Intents
INInteraction object encapsulates information about a SiriKit request and your app's response. SiriKit creates interaction objects automatically when it needs to launch your app to facilitate the handling of, or respond to errors involving, a specific intent. The interaction object is placed in the
NSUser object that the system passes to your app at launch time. You can also create instances of this class in your app and donate relevant interactions to the system.
Donating interactions is a way to provide contextual information that might be helpful to other apps. Some system apps use donated interactions to improve search results or to anticipate user actions. For example, a ride-booking app could donate an interaction containing the user's planned ride information. If the user subsequently uses the Maps app to search for restaurants, Maps can show relevant results near the user's destination.
You choose which of your app's interactions you want to donate to the system. To donate an interaction, create an instance of this class, filling it with your intent object and response, and call the
donate(completion:) method. You can also use the methods of this class to delete interactions when they are no longer relevant.