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'The Innocents': Read an exclusive excerpt from Lili Peloquin's YA novel
My current to-read list is daunting. Particularly since I have a fond appreciation for all things YA, and there seems to be a new release in the genre every time I turn around. But tell me about a book that's a cross between Twin Peaks, Revenge, and Pretty Little Liars? I'm going to have a hard time turning it down. Lili Peloquin's The Innocents hit shelves earlier this week, and promises to be just that.
Here's what the official description has to say: "Before Serenity Point, nothing ever came between sisters Alice and Charlie. But their lives are completely ripped apart when their parents divorce, and their mother marries again so quickly they don't even get refills on champagne. Their new stepdad Richard Flood has major skeletons in his closet: the deaths of his first wife and daughter still haunt him.
Reserved, slightly older Alice and feisty, younger Charlie don't trust their stepfather, and they dread moving to his summer estate in the wealthy town of Serenity Point—a place they refuse to like and where they know they'll never belong. Before Alice and Charlie can begin to understand the rules of their new town, the depth of their strange family history, and just how closely they're connected to their dead stepsister Camilla, they're sucked into the strange and seductive life of the extremely wealthy. A life they can't help but hate, and can't help but love."
Check out this exclusive excerpt from The Innocents after the jump, and then sound off in the comments with your thoughts. Does The Innocents pique your interest?
Read more:
The Innocents


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By Wendi Keeler, Penn State
The Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross is facing a shortfall of approximately 700 donations in the wake of Hurricane Sandy and looking to boost donor turnout in the area.
Within the 100-county Greater Alleghenies region, a dozen blood drives in four of the six states it covers were canceled, resulting in a shortfall of approximately 400 blood donations. Operation hours were curtailed at seven of the region's blood drives Oct. 29, representing an additional shortfall estimated at more than 300 donations. The region needs to collect approximately 900 blood and platelet donations daily to meet patient need, according to region representatives.
"The American Red Cross is encouraging blood and platelet donations in the wake of Superstorm Sandy," said John Hagins, CEO of the region. "While the public has been very supportive so far, additional donors are needed to make up for the shortfall caused by the storm. As Sandy continues to affect the number of people available to donate, hospital patients still need blood and platelets despite the conditions."
Nationwide, an average of 44,000 blood donations are needed each day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients and children with blood disorders. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
To view a listing of blood drives in the region, go to http://www.redcrossblood.org/greateralleghenies.
To donate to Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts, visit www.redcross.org, call 800-RED CROSS or text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to local Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.
The University Park campus is currently in the midst of the Penn State-Michigan State Blood Donor Challenge, which runs through Thursday, Nov. 15. Michigan State leads Penn State 1,264 units to 773, following collection efforts Nov. 8. At University Park, the drive was hampered by the storm, which forced the cancellation of some classes and activities Oct. 29.
The final blood drives for the Challenge will be held:
— 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, Nov. 9
— 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12
— 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13
— 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14
— 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15
Donors will receive pizza and a Challenge T-shirt. All donors should eat well and stay well hydrated before donating. A form of ID is also required; a PSU ID, driver's license or Red Cross donor card are the preferred methods. Appointments for any blood drive on campus are strongly recommended and can be made by visiting www.psuredcross.org. Donors with appointments are given priority status at drives.

subset: commoncrawl


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A blazing meteorite has hit the Florida town that is the central battlefield in the war between humans and aliens. Her name is Hanna Cheek.
In "Sovereign," the final chapter of Mac Rogers's rollicking "Honeycomb Trilogy," the downtown actress Ms. Cheek replaces Becky Byers as Ronnie, the forceful, ruthless human leader, transforming what had been a rigid, steely character in Part 2 ("Blast Radius") into a seductive force of nature. With a jutting jaw and the swinging limp of a warrior, Ms. Cheek projects commanding power, then mixes in vulnerability, cutting wit and some girlish vamping. It's the kind of magnetic star turn that could unhinge a production but is actually precisely what this one needs.
As in "Blast Radius," Mr. Rogers displays an impressive control over his sprawling material, creating a convincing postapocalyptic world inside a sturdy theatrical structure. He is assisted again by the director Jordana Williams, whose emphasis on clarity is exactly what this plot-driven epic demands.
The action here takes place 20 years after the events of the first play, "Advance Man." The alien plot to take over every human consciousness has been stymied, and a scrappy resistance, led by Ronnie, has all but defeated the enemy. The drama now centers on Ronnie's adjustment from military campaigning to state building. Her first problem: What to do with her brother, Abbie (Stephen Heskett), a traitor to humanity captured by her army?
In the opening scene Ronnie, dressed in military uniform, looks unhappy and impatient arbitrating a case about how a man handled the remains of his wife. He decorated his house with her intestines. It's a ghoulish description that disgusts Ronnie, but the world has changed since aliens colonized mankind, and one thing Mr. Rogers does strikingly well is use science fiction to make us question the ordinary rituals that govern modern life. This is a play full of debate, where argument always serves another purpose: revealing subtext, underlining theme, complicating character.
"Sovereign" has a driving pace and a sneaky theatrical intelligence. In the program Mr. Rogers says he was inspired by Greek tragedy, and you can see echoes of "Antigone" in this dispute over proper burial.
A cerebral streak can become suffocatingly sober even in smart science fiction. That's why Ms. Cheek's showy performance, marked by a spontaneous, giddy sense of play, complements this script perfectly. While the drama raises fascinating questions about rebuilding society, Ms. Cheek reminds us that science fiction should also be fun. Moreover, the play hinges on Ronnie's decisions. Will she be loyal to family or government? Does she follow the law or a moral code?
Ms. Cheek is such a kinetic dynamo, Ping-Ponging from one emotional moment to the next, that what direction Ronnie takes remains a mystery until the satisfying end.


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MAKO Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which a diseased or damaged joint is replaced with an artificial joint called an implant. Made of metal alloys and high grade plastics (to better match the function of bone and cartilage, respectively), the implant is designed to move much like a healthy human joint.
Over the years, knee replacement techniques and instrumentation have undergone countless improvements. Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology with Triathlon Total Knee implants is an example of how technology is transforming the way joint replacement surgeries are being performed.
When you hear 'robotic-arm assisted technology, it's important to understand that the Mako Robotic-Arm doesn't actually perform the surgery. Surgery is performed by an orthopaedic surgeon, who uses the Mako System software to pre-plan your surgery. Your orthopaedic surgeon will guide the Mako robotic-arm to remove diseased bone and cartilage. Then the surgeon will insert a Triathlon Total Knee implant.
Mako Technology was designed to help surgeons provide patients with a personalized surgical experience based on their specific diagnosis and anatomy.


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U-Step with laser/audio module – with VAT.
Buy this:
If you are a commercial business that normally pays VAT for goods (eg NHS Trust)
If you (or the person you are buying this product for) are chronically sick or have a disabling condition, and the products you are buying (or buying on someone's behalf) are to help you or them personally then you will qualify for VAT relief.
If so you should buy the VAT free version of this product and fill in a VAT declaration form. For more information, see our VAT information page.


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High school basketball coach John Harrison and his team face an uncertain future when their town's largest manufacturing plant shuts down unexpectedly. As hundreds of people move away, John reluctantly agrees to coach cross-country, a sport he doesn't even like. His outlook soon changes when he meets Hannah Scott, an unlikely runner who pushes herself to the limit. Inspired by the words and prayers of a new friend, John starts to train Hannah for the biggest race of her young life.
|Alex Kendrick, Caleb Mikler,
|Stephen Kendrick, Aaron Burns, Justin Tolley, Shannon Kendrick,
There are no showings for the date selected in your area.


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Watch the trailer for Martin Scorsese's new film Silence. The film is adapted from a novel by Japanese author Shusaku Endo and is about two Portuguese Jesuit missionaries in the 17th century, played by Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver, who go to Japan in the time of Kakure Kirishitan ("Hidden Christians") to find answers about their mentor Liam Neeson who went missing. For this movie, lead actors Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver were mentored by a Jesuit by spending seven days of silence in a Jesuit house in Wales.
The film will have its premiere in Vatican at the Pontifical Oriental Institute for Jesuits, where 400 priests are expected to attend.
Silence will screen with a limited release starting December 23rd and will go wide in January 2017.


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Custom Shaped Lucite with Embedment »
As a large producer of canola oil, this client wished to commemorate their excellent safety record with a simple customized award.
Oil Industry Awards – Block »
This custom acrylic block award was created as a recognition gift to all participants involved in a multi-company business deal.
Oil Industry Awards – Oil Drop Shape »
This custom Lucite award was created for a company commemorating the hitting of First Oil.
Oil Industry Awards – Upright Wedge »
This is a perfect example of a corporate gift; a simple wedge deal toy created by Clearmount to celebrate your company's financial milestones.
Oil Industry Awards – Cube »
Clearmount was approached to create a customized award for employees who worked on oil rigs.


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Cancer can feel like a tornado at times. The cancer affects you and the treatment affects you. Your emotions are affected and your family is affected. And there you are, in the middle of it all! That's why it's crucial to do everything you can to look after yourself and boost your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being during this time. Here are four ways you can do just that.
The Role of Spirituality and Religion
The links between religion, spirituality and well-being in cancer patients are complex and personal. Cancer can awaken spirituality in some people, but cause others to question their beliefs. The specific nature of your beliefs seems to play a role. As this article in the Huffington Post points out, there seems to be a link between the belief in a benign God and positive well-being in people with cancer. However, the reverse is also true — spiritual distress is linked to lower well-being in cancer patients.
If you're a religious person, you have existing support in the form of your faith leaders. If you define yourself as spiritual but do not belong to an organized group, practices like mindfulness meditation and yoga may be of some benefit in clarifying your thoughts. Your health care provider can also support your spiritual and religious needs during your treatment.
Create a Comfy Home
You don't have to go on a cleaning spree — and you likely won't have the physical or mental energy to do so anyway — but creating a comforting home atmosphere will be a boon to you during this heavy time. Ask a loved one to help you, or consider hiring a professional to come give your home a good purging and cleaning. Start by getting rid of things you no longer want or need; too much "stuff" not only clutters your home, but can actually drain you emotionally.
Once you've gotten rid of excess items, your cleaning helper can move on to dusting, vacuuming, and mopping, which will improve the health of your home and you. Don't forget your air quality, either. Allergens like mold and smoke have a nasty habit of lingering in the air, which can be especially nauseating to cancer patients. Replacing your home's air filter with one rated MERV 13 or higher will rid your air of these and 98 percent of other irritants in the air.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Cancer treatment can affect your appetite, taste preferences and cause nausea — right at the time when good nutrition is most important. Everyone is affected differently, so adapt your schedule accordingly. If you only have an appetite in the mornings, eat your largest meal of the day at this time. You need to keep up your strength, so if you only feel like eating certain types of foods, then sticking to those is preferable over not eating. Meal-replacement powders or shakes can be a good way to get extra calories and protein when your appetite is low, and remember to stay hydrated. If you need more advice on nutrition, read the Eating Hints guide by the National Cancer Institute.
Start a Cancer Journal
A lot of our mental well-being stems from our thoughts. When we're going through a difficult time, those thoughts can be fast, vague, and confusing. It can seem that no matter how much we think, we don't get any clarity. That's where a cancer journal comes in. Although journaling might seem like a simple exercise, it helps you build a narrative out of your thoughts and feelings, making them concrete and easier to deal with. You can write about your worries, your fears, things you're thankful for, and things you hope for. It's your journal, so do what you want with it.
Use Opioids Safely
If you have been prescribed opioids to help with your pain, use them exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and make sure your doctor is aware of all other medications, supplements, and over-the-counter medications you're taking. Do not take a higher or lower dose than prescribed, as higher doses can cause more side effects and lower doses can cause withdrawal symptoms.
When it's time to stop taking the medication, you'll usually taper off your usage gradually over a few days or weeks. Opioids can cause drowsiness, so don't drive or drink alcohol while you are taking them. If you notice any bothersome side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Cancer can undermine your emotional and physical health. Even if you're not seeing the impact yet, it's a good idea to get positive habits in place. This will make future stresses easier to deal with. However, if things start to get too difficult, it's important to talk to your doctor as soon as you can.
Photo: Pixabay


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Healthy Plant Products BV is registered by the Nederlandse Voedsel -en Waren Autoriteit registrationnumber 9763974, member of the branche organisation NPN for foodsupplements and member of the Europian Hemp Association EIHA. Admission number KOAG/ KAG 4410 - 1117 - 1652
Healthy Plant Products is a total supplier of special hemp products for consumers and retailers.
We can provide all different products, packaging, qualities and private labels.
Now you pay less because of:
✔good harvest ✔increased efficiency ✔lower costs
All special and exciting events around cannabis.
Total overview
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|Label kleur
|10 ml CBD olie 4%
|olive oil (organic)
|10 ml CBD olie 4%
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|hempseed oil (organic)
|10 ml CBD olie 10%
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Special from nature
Retailers displays
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€ 13,95-
(above 3 bottles no charge of shipping costs)
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Hennep tea in 4 tasty packs each € 4,95
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Mission and objectives
Did you know that car doors and dashboards are made from fiber hemp? Or that fiber hemp is also used in bags, ropes and textiles and that this is much more environmentally friendly than cotton, for example?
Fiber hemp is also used in everyday life, but most people are unaware of it because it is special, environmentally friendly and pleasant to use.
The objective of Healthy Plant Products is to introduce you to fiber hemp in a positive way.
Our mission is to make that known to a large audience and to lower the threshold for the use of our hemp products and make it affordable. You will also find a lot of information on our website about the operation of the hemp plant and which products we can offer you.
All products comply with the Dutch fiber hemp legislation and are supplied in accordance with food safety standards.


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Firstly beaches are relaxing places to walk and wind down, secondly the exercise is good for me and last but not least ...
... you just never know what you will find on a beach and the creature I am about to introduce you to is proof of the pudding.
Well there it is, Albunea symmysta in all its glory, but let's rewind and start at the beginning as that is always a good place to start a story!
On the 12 June 2010 I went for a low tide walk along Bramston Beach in North Queensland which is only a few kilometres away from my home.
Here is a photo of Bramston Beach looking north towards the mouth of Blue Metal Creek.
As I said earlier the tide was low which always makes for an interesting beach walk.
Here is the view looking north.
Here is the view looking south towards Cooper Point which is the northernmost tip of the Ella Bay National Park.
I saw the usual wonderful things one can find at Bramston Beach on a low tide.
Sand dollars were present in the shallows.
Both alive
And dead.
Of course there were crabs to be found in the sand.
This one looks like a Moon crab Ashtoret lunaris with wicked spikes on the edges its shell!
As I was walking I saw what looked like a mouse covered in sand scurrying towards the water so I grabbed the mystery creature and gave it a rinse in the brine and saw a creature I have never encountered in my travels!
What I thought was a tail was in fact antennae.
From the rear and side it was obvious that this animal was made for digging!
Turning the animal over I could see it had no claws but instead it had strong hooked legs designed for digging.
After looking this unusual creature over I decided to let it go and released it at the waters edge where it commenced digging in ricky tik double quick!
Eventually all that could be seen of my armour plated discovery was its antennae waving in the current.
This is the bit where my scientist friends hit me over the head and ask why I didn't whack it in a jar of alcohol and send it off to a museum…alas I'm getting soft in my old age and will leave the killing to property developers and beach drivers!
Upon returning home I sent photos off to all of my contacts who might know what this strange animal is and was soon rewarded with a reply from Dr Thomas Schlacher (A brilliant Queensland beach/coastal scientist) who suggested it was a Mole crab.
Not to be out done Dr Helen Larsen (another brilliant scientist with a passion for gobies) said the same thing and offered to look into it further.
Whilst all this was happening I was googling Mole crabs and most of the information I could find related to the genus Hippa.
I found an awesome video of American mole crabs filter feeding and here it is!
Finally Queensland Museum came to the rescue with a name for my mystery Mole crab; well to be a little more precise Dr Peter Davie Senior Curator (crustacea) came to the rescue.
Peter Said:
Dear Russell, Helen, et al.,I would like to thank Queensland Museum for their help not only with this identification but for the assistance they have given freely over the last couple of years. Their staff are always enthusiastic and have never failed to impress me with their knowledge. A special thank you to Kieran Aland who does such a fine job at Queensland Museum's inquiry centre too…you're a champion Kieran!
Your pictures are of one of the "mole" crabs, Albunea symmysta, in the family Albuneidae. These are not true crabs (Brachyura), but "Half-crabs" (Anomura) as they still have full abdomens and tail-fans. A bit more info below:
Albunea symmysta (Linnaeus, 1758)
Distribution: Northern Australia, Lord Howe Island; widespread tropical Indo-Pacific Oceans.
Ecology: benthic, sand bottom, sublittoral, burrowing; often in wash-zone on beaches around low tide mark.
ALBUNEIDAE Stimpson, 1858
Albuneids are relatively small, crab-like anomurans. Typically, like the closely related Hippidae, they burrow into sandy substrates. This habit means that they are rarely encountered unless being specifically targeted for collection, and thus have been poorly studied. They are mostly found in relatively shallow coastal waters, but range in depth down to 225 metres.
P.J.F. Davie
Senior Curator (Crustacea)
Co-Editor (Aquatic Biodiversity), Memoirs of the Queensland Museum
Queensland Centre for Biodiversity
Ok back to my mole crab Albunea symmysta.
I would like to tell you a whole lot more about this species but there really isn't that much out there in google land about this fascinating animal. It appears to be infrequently seen as it lives under the sand and is rarely encountered like so many animals that occupy our beach ecosystems.
12 June 2010 should have been a red letter day with my new crab find, unfortunately the return trip was marred by idiots driving on the beach.
Here is a pic of this same fool reversing back (note the reverse lights) as he didn't get up onto the dunes the first time.
And some of the damage...
Our own species needs to learn that beaches aren't barren wastelands of sand but are dynamic ecosystems just like rainforests and mangroves.
Beaches contain a fascinating array of interesting and important species and should be treasured and respected for all that they are.
Cheers Russ


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WASHINGTON (CNN) - Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick put his stamp of approval on Thursday's debate, calling it "very useful and positive."
Patrick wouldn't say if any candidate stood out, but said they all differentiated themselves "from the Republican candidates in their proposals with regards to issues affecting the lower class."
Patrick is the country's only black governor.
- CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
He's my Governor and besides breaking every promise that he made, just like his opponent said, he is taxing everything that doesn't move.
Another teflon, bleeding heart, crooked Clintonista (see Ameriquest), who talks real smooth as he is taxing and spending this state down the tubes.


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Thursday, April 30, 2015
Lagos State Shuts Down Churches, Mosques, Over Noise Pollution
21 comments:
- Anonymous30 April, 2015 09:24
God bless Lagos StateReplyDelete
EDDY WIZ 19 March 2015 at 02:24ReplyDelete
MR EDDY said this heat wan kill person o.
This is quite serious.
- Anonymous30 April, 2015 09:44
Religious outfits polluting everywhere. C&S churches and celestial churches should be scraped. FAKE PROPHETSReplyDelete
- Anonymous30 April, 2015 09:53
Ghen ghenReplyDelete
Pls give me the minister's email address or something. there's one in mushin area that needs to be sealedReplyDelete
God bless Lagos state government for thisReplyDelete
Motion supportedReplyDelete
It is not until when we make noise before we can serve God. He is so peacefulReplyDelete
Abeg face more important issuesReplyDelete
Fashola is still working despite he will be going on May 29. Our president is busy hiring and firing. See the differenceReplyDelete
Worship to God should be the most paramount not minding the noiseReplyDelete
War against noise makersReplyDelete
- Anonymous30 April, 2015 12:53
Leave them alone and face other mattersReplyDelete
Keep shutting them downReplyDelete
Noise free Lagos loading. Lagos for showReplyDelete
megacity in the making
Mathew 6: 5-6ReplyDelete
5"When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7"And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.…


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I have a question for you. I know that most of you reading this are engineers. My question is how many of you wanted to become an engineer? Today in Tamil Nadu most parents think that their kid will quickly become financially stable, settle down quickly to get married and roam around the world only if he/she studies BE. Every house has an engineer today, we can say this is a growth but how can it be a growth if the "He/She" never wanted to become an engineer? Isn't growth related to a situation where people are free to choose what they want? When someone is in a situation, compelled in most cases, to take up a stream of education that one never wants to, is that growth of the nation? Alos, how many will become successful in the engineering field if they were not interested in it? The other question that's pricking me is how many of them will become stalwarts in various other fields of their own interest if they take that up as studies too? At this point of time, it is really important for parents and some students to realize that their future will be bright if they take up what they are talented and interested in and a mere two letter degree can't spell magic on their lives.
There are a lot of people who have taken different fields among us. I recently interviewed some people I know. Those interviews can be read here->Road Not Taken. More to come.
A book recently caught my eyes when I was browsing through my news feed in Facebook. A book titled 'Wasted In engineering'. This is a story that deals with the much needed subject- how students waste their lives mugging up pages of Engineering books.
Below is the blurb of this book:
'Engineering padicha nalla future – If you study engineering, you will have a good future.' This is a claim often repeated to children and teenagers by parents and teachers in many parts of India. But only those who have gone through an engineering college life know that it's not completely true.
There is a difference between calling yourself as an engineering graduate and an engineer. India produces millions of engineering graduates like you and me but only very few of us are actual engineers. Many of us just graduate with an engineering degree, with an artistic dream in mind.
What do you think is the difference between engineers in many countries around the world and engineers from India? In other countries, if David Pascal studied electrical engineering in college, few years later you can find him working as an electrical engineer. In India, if Ram Krishnamurthy studied electrical engineering, few years later you can find him working in a completely irrelevant field like software coding, banking, photography and even movie directing.
This book is not about the few engineering students in your class who love engineering. I don't hate them. In fact, I am very jealous that they study what they love. This book is about the majority of engineering graduates whose lives are wasted in engineering and is intended to tell you why you should make an attempt in pursuing your real passion, instead of being suffocated under the weight of an engineering degree.
This is a story of India's Youth. Welcome to India, the land of Wasted Engineers.
Buy the book on Amazon at: http://goo.gl/Ia7l7z and on Flipkart at: http://goo.gl/a29ph8


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Education in the United States
Education in the United States is provided by the public sector. The federal, state and local governments control and give funds to help local schools. Public education is available everywhere in the United States. School's curriculum, funds, teaching, employment and other policies are created by the elected school boards.
School districts are sometimes different from other local jurisdictions. They have their own officials and budgets. Education standards and state tests are created by the state governments. Since child education is required by law, ages to start school are different from each state. Children usually start school between the ages of five to eight.[1] They usually end their education when they are between the ages of fourteen and eighteen. Education requirements can be done by educating children in public schools, private schools (who is known by the government to be trusted) or a home school program. In most public schools, education is divided into three levels. The first level is elementary school. Grades in elementary school are different in each state. The second level is middle school. Grades in middle school are different in each state as well. The last level is high school. In some states, middle school is called "junior high school". Grades in high school are also different in each state. After a child has completed their senior year (12th grade), they will earn a high school diploma.
If a child would like to continue on with their education or want to start a career, they can apply for college. Students who cannot afford to attend a four year college or university can study at a two-year community college. Some two-year community colleges are called "Junior colleges". Colleges are not required and are not forced by local laws. After college, the now adult can earn a number of certificates for a career.
References[change | change source]
- ↑ "State Compulsory School Attendance Laws". infoplease.com. Retrieved December 19, 2007.
Other websites[change | change source]
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Education in the United States.
- EducationUSA: Your Guide to US Higher Education
- Search Training Providers in the US | Coursetakers.com
- U.S. Department of Education
- National Center for Education Statistics
- National Assessment of Educational Progress
- Essay about public education paradigms-Youtube
- An essay on the Financial Value of An Education[dead link]
- Recent calculations for particular majors and the projected NPW at retirement (age 65) [dead link]


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I'm back bigger than ever and ready to share with you everything I have been up too in my much needed break from blogging; I'm so excited to be back after lots of planning, new ideas and new motivation to continue what I love. Hello again!
Just a tiny post to start.. A couple of weeks ago now I went strawberry picking for the first time! I can't believe I had never been before then, I loved it! I know it sounds funny but I felt great picking my own food that I will eventually eat ha! I've got to admit I did leave it really late this year and did actually end up going on the last weekend available to strawberry pick, can you believe it? I do think it made it much more fun as you really had to search for the very last ones. It made it more of a game.
We went to Eastfield Farm in Tickhill. It is a lovely little business which grow everything you can think of, from strawberries to gooseberries. They even grew their own sunflowers which I didn't know about until I was home! I even saw plenty of pumpkins in the fields, being prepared for October!
We also bought some fresh vegetables whilst we were there from their onsite shop which are available all year round. Real carrots with their green leaves still on and everything. They were absolutely gorgeous, they are always 100% better when you buy them fresh! Visit their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/EastfieldFarmSoftFruit/ to check out everything they have to offer.
Well I can say that I have ticked off my first activity on my GOMO (going out more often) bucket list! How are you getting on with yours?
Take care,
Emily Jane


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Staffing and Recruiting Industry Animated Video
Streamline your recruiting process with reduced time-to-fill, more referrals, and a larger talent pipeline.
Whether you're filling thousands of roles or building out a small team, finding the right candidate for every role doesn't have to be so challenging. See how SkillSurvey's online reference checking and sourcing solutions can help the staffing and recruiting industry find top talent and fill more positions in less time. Plus, discover how these solutions can help you gain a competitive edge and increase recruiting efficiencies in this short animated video.
Read more about the top 5 ways SkillSurvey's solutions can help you become a better business partner to your clients, while also making the hiring process more efficient and cost-effective, in our blog post, 5 Ways Online Reference Checking Can Help You Give Your Clients More of What They Need.


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The Audi RS 5 Cabriolet makes its world debut on Thursday 6th September, 2012 from 13:10 p.m. (BST) and you can watch the unveiling live, *here on SkiddMark.
You can also listen to a sound clip (below) of the RS 5 Cabriolet driving off from idle.
Sound Clip
As with the recently updated RS 5 Coupé, the Cabriolet will be powered by a high-revving 4.2-litre V8 engine producing 444bhp and 317lb-ft (430 Nm) of torque, mated to Audi's standard seven-speed dual clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive Quattro drivetrain.
With a difference in kerb weight of 205kg between the S5 Coupé and Cabriolet, we expect the RS 5 Cabriolet to tip the scales at around 1930kg.
We can't promise you anything mind-blowing – it is 'just' a cabriolet variant of the RS 5 Coupé that's been available since 2010, but let's play along with Audi's teaser and maybe they'll surprise us..
We'll bring you further details on Thursday, in the meantime let yourself be spellbound by Audi DTM drivers Rahel Frey and Edoardo Mortara as they speak to you from a secret location in Southern Europe.
Remember, you can try to find them, but you will not succeed..
*Other magazine sites and blogs are available, or if you'd like to embed the livestream code on your own forum or community, feel free to get in touch using the contact form on this page.


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There are 6 images tagged with "meadow".
The Season Tree
Which is your favorite?
March 20, 2020
Sapphire & Gold
I love blue flowers - there aren't that many.
September 13, 2019
Cwm Solitude
I like the word "cwm", the way it's spelled and the way it sounds as well as the meaning. I would love to have a solitary retreat in a cwm like this. But this is my digital artwork, not a real place.
May 7, 2017
April Showers
When I was growing up in Japan the cherry blossoms would bloom just in time for my birthday in early April. It was a windy time of year, and there would often be showers of petals falling.
This is what you would see if you lay down on the ground under the cherry tree in my Cherry Tree Concerto scene.
April 7, 2017
Golden Jubilee
This is a rework of my earlier picture, Purple Jubilee with a different color scheme. I don't actually care much for yellow myself, but I try to branch out and use all colors on occasion. I know some people really like yellow and blue together …
March 20, 2016
Cornflower Blue
I had planted a couple packets of wildflower seeds in my window boxes, but the list of flowers only had the scientific names, so I didn't really know what I was planting. Well, now I know what cosmos is and that window boxes aren't the best place for it! But the cornflowers were my favorite. I didn't know how many different shades they were. This is not a photograph of my window boxes, but the cornflowers blooming there inspired me to make this virtual cornflower field in Vue.
March 15, 2016


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Central Hotel London Information and Photos
- Type And Size
- Independent Hotel
- 32
- Address
- 16 - 18 Argyle Street London Kings Cross WC1H 8EG
Central Hotel London
Central Hotel London has developed a great reputation as a family-run hotel. For over forty years, this friendly accommodation has aimed to create a comfortable space for its guests. Central Hotel London is a bed and breakfast hotel, situated near King's Cross Station, making it easy for you to reach a variety of destinations. There are also plenty of attractions within walking distance, including the British Museum and the British Library. The Sherlock Holmes Museum is also nearby.
Central Hotel London has modern rooms with stylish decor. Each room is painted with bright, cheerful colours and all rooms are cleaned to a high standard. You will also find a TV, tea and coffee facilities and more in your room. Some rooms have private bathroom facilities, while other rooms are ideal for budget-minded individuals and have shared facilities. Central Hotel London also serves a full English breakfast daily, the perfect way to begin a day of sightseeing.
- Attractions
Central Hotel London is in the perfect spot for some sightseeing. Jump on an underground train at King's Cross Station and visit the London Eye or London Aquarium. The Museum of Medical Instruments and the British Library are within walking distance. You will also find the Sherlock Holmes Museum and the British Museum just a stone's throw away from Central Hotel London.
Central Hotel London Facilities
- Facilities
Central Heating / Coffee/Tea Maker / Colour Television / Fire Escape / Hotel Safe / Pay-Phones / Phone / Room Service / Shared bathroom / Smoke Detectors / Tea & Coffee / Wake Up Service / Wash Basin / Wireless Internet Access / Wireless Internet Access in Rooms
- Comments
Check in from: 14:00 GMT
Check out by: 11:00 GMT
This London Bed and Breakfast is independently owned and operated.
- Our Prices
Book the Central Hotel London on LondonNetHotels from just £35.00 per person per night
- From Heathrow Airport
Take the Heathrow Express train to Paddington Station. Transfer to the Circle or Hammersmith & City line of the London Underground and take a train to King's Cross St Pancras Station.
- From Gatwick Airport
Catch the Gatwick Express train to Victoria Station, then switch to the Victoria Line of the London Underground and exit at King's Cross St Pancras Station.
- From Stansted Airport
Catch the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street Station, then transfer to the Circle, Metropolitan or Hammersmith & City line of the London Underground. Alight at King's Cross St Pancras Station.
- From Luton Airport
Catch a Thameslink train from the airport to King's Cross St Pancras Station.
- By Eurostar
From the Eurostar terminal at Waterloo Station, enter the London Underground and take the Jubilee Line to London Bridge. Change onto the Northern Line (northbound) and take a train to King's Cross St Pancras Station.
- By Coach
From Victoria Coach Station follow the signs to the London Underground. Take a train on the Victoria Line and exit at King's Cross St Pancras Station.
- By Tube
The nearest underground station to Central Hotel London is King's Cross St Pancras, which is on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Victoria and Piccadilly lines.
- On Foot
Exit King's Cross St Pancras Station and cross Euston Road, bearing right. Turn left down Argyle Street. Central Hotel London is on the right-hand side of this street.


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Squares, Bars, And Barks
S'mores Cannoli
Cannoli Pastry
- 3 Tbsp vegan margarine (we like Earth Balance)
- 2 cups flour
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup any cooking wine
- 1 Tbsp ground flax
- 3 Tbsp water
- Non-dairy milk
- 2-3 cups vegetable oil
- Dandies Mini Marshmallows or Dandies Marshmallows
- 8oz vegan cream cheese
- 1 can of coconut cream (refrigerate overnight, scoop the thick layer of coconut cream from the top, leaving the separated liquid)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup powdered sugar - to taste
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips - melted
- 8 graham crackers - crushed into crumbs
Who knew combining the flavors of S'mores and cannolis into one majestic treat would be insanely good?! I'll be honest, cannolis take a bit of effort to make, but the payoff is definitely worth it.
Makes approximately 18-20 cannolis
In a cup, mix together ground flax and 3 Tbsp water, and set aside. In a mixing bowl, cut margarine into the flour until it becomes crumbly. Stir in sugar and cinnamon. Slowly mix in wine, a few drops at a time. Add flax mixture. Mix until pastry holds together. If mixture appears too dry add a few more drops of wine. Roll pastry into a ball, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Divide dough into quarters. On a lightly floured surface begin rolling out dough as thin as possible. Take a piece of cardboard and cut into an oval shape about 4 inches long. Place cardboard on dough and cut out shape with a pizza cutter, or knife. Loosely wrap each oval around a cannoli form or metal tube. Brush the touching ends with non dairy milk and make sure they are firmly sealed. Deep fry in approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil at 400 degrees. Remove from oil when cannoli shell turns golden brown. Place on a cookie rack lined with a paper towel. Let the shells cool down a bit before removing the metal form. The shells must be completely cool before filling them!
In a microwave, heat up Dandies in 30 second intervals until fully melted. Let cool for a minute. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, vanilla, powdered sugar, coconut cream and melted Dandies. Whip on high speed until marshmallow cream is fully mixed in with the other ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before filling cannoli shells.
In a microwave safe cup or bowl, melt chocolate chips in 30 second intervals, giving a quick stir between each one. Once melted, dip each end of the cannoli shells into the chocolate, and then into a the graham cracker crumbs. Place on a cookie rack and let chocolate harden. Transfer cream filling into a pastry bag. Fill each shell and dust with powdered sugar. Garnish with some additional chocolate chips, and enjoy!
Recipe by Chelsie Jangord
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook for more tasty vegan tips and recipes.


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Shop Online For Handbags & Wallets To Impress The Lovely Ladies
Handbag or wallet is one major accessory for women. They usually love to carry them for keeping all necessary daily things like face wipes, ID cards, comb, etc. They also love to match the handbags with their dress that elevates the good looks or personality. Therefore, you can never be wrong if you get handbags & wallets as a gift for the important ladies in your life. We have a wide collection of handbags and wallets and you must explore these options well before deciding to choose a gift for your mom, wife, daughter, girlfriend, or sister. Made from good quality cotton, faux leather, or jute, these bags are spacious and stylish both – just like the girls want them! These beautiful ladies handbags and purse are available in various colors like red, green, brown, navy blue, royal blue, pastel green, pastel pink, jet black, pure white, etc. We also have variety in terms of types of handbags. You will find sling bags, satchel, clutch, hobo bag, purses, quilted bag, etc. So, explore these types well and place an order soon.
Order Beautiful Ladies Handbags & Wallets Online From Ferns N Petals
Ferns N Petals brings to you an amazing range of handbags and wallets for girls and you can order these accessories for girls to greet them on a birthday, anniversary, Diwali, Christmas, New Year, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Sister's Day, Raksha Bandhan, etc. We assure you of the great quality of these handbags and wallets. We serve in 400+ locations in India and that includes all the metro cities, medium-sized towns, or small villages. You can thus send gifts for her anywhere in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Indore, Jaipur, Pune, etc. Our same-day or next day delivery services are also there to offer you world-class customer experience. So, for any upcoming special occasion, when you have to impress the wonderful women in your life, simply login to our website and place an order for the ladies handbags and purses.


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Friends & Related
You are here: » Links » Computer & Internet » Webdesign » 404 Design Studio - Premium Web Site Design and Application Development
404 Design Studio has been providing high quality web site design, web application development, and web hosting services for over 8 years. We perform web development using text editors instead of auto-generation programs. This makes your site lightening fast, cross-browser compatbile, and in compliance with W3C accessibility standards.
Keywords: design, application, development, hosting, shared, dedicated, php, php5, perl, cgi, affordable, chea
Last edit: 11-08-2006 16:55:27
Category: Computer & Internet » Webdesign
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Send to us: Edit/Correct/Upgrade this link


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Forum on Business and Human Rights
1st session
Joint written intervention by the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), in the framework of their joint programme, the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
December 4-5, 2012
The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), in the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, welcome the opportunity to address the first annual UN Forum on Business and Human Rights.
As rightly pointed out by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Ms. Margaret Sekaggya, in a OHCHR press release issued in April 2012 following the presentation of her last report to the Human Rights Council, environmental and land rights defenders face a large range of acts of criminalization and abuses when pointing out adverse impacts of investment projects. Those include threats, violence, judicial harassment, and even killings, as a consequence of their peaceful activities to defend the right to live in a healthy environment, to protect natural resources and the livelihood of their communities.
Theformer Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Business and Human Rights, Professor John Ruggie, also recommended that 1) the legitimate and peaceful activities of human rights defenders should not be obstructed, and2) that business enterprises, in their due diligence efforts, should consult with "credible, independent resources including human rights defenders".
Humanrights defenders, including those addressing environmental concerns, whose efforts often intersect with both State and corporate activities, are at even greater risk of business-related human rights abuses, as they often find themselves not only vulnerable to abuses by State interests but also the interests of powerful economic actors. Therefore, not only do States, including home governments of corporations and host countries, have the responsibility to effectively protect such defenders and fight against impunity for attacks and violations against them, including by non-State actors, but enterprises also have the responsibility to avoid any adverse impact of their activities
on human rights defenders.
Accordingly, the Observatory would like to make the following recommendations to this panel, audience and subsequent readers of this comment:
1) To States:
- to guarantee in all circumstances the physical and psychological integrity of all human rights defenders, including those addressing land and environmental concerns;
- to give full recognition to the legitimate role and important work they carry out as well as to ensure that they are able to work effectively and without threat of attack by State or non-State actors, including when they protest
against adverse impact of investment projects on human rights;
- to combat impunity for attacks and violations against land and environmental human rights defenders, committed both by State and non-State actors.
2) To companies and multinational enterprises (MNEs):
- to respect the rights to freedoms of expression and assembly of those who speak out or demonstrate against a company's activities; and refrain from retaliating (including through litigation) against human rights defenders, including indigenous and community leaders;
- to guarantee that human rights defenders, including indigenous and community leaders, are adequately consulted and involved in decision-making process related to the establishment of economic projects;
- to publicly support the legitimate activities of human rights defenders and speak out to the relevant public authorities against restrictions on their activities.
3) To the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights:
- to pressure States to fulfil their obligations to protect human rights defenders, including those addressing land and environmental concerns, through tangible measures and monitor the implementation of such measures;
- to take into account and to build on recommendations relating to the criminalisation of activities of environmental and land human rights defenders made by other UN procedures;
- to pay special attention to the actions of companies which contribute to the criminalisation of the actions of human rights defenders.


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S.E.D: Special Enquiry Detail – Review
G5 Entertainment has entered the evidentiary games space with their new S.E.D. (Special Enquiry Detail) game. This is a combination logic game, with fun hidden item and other mini puzzles modelled after crime scene investigations set in New York City. The game has many level, with each level being a new case or crime for the player to survive. This game first hit the market the middle of December last year, and has had a…Read More


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The Word of GOD lives forever!
posted in: A BIT OF EVERYTHING, LIVE FOREVER, PROMISES AND PROPHESIES
GOD's Word lives forever! The seventeenth time we find the words 'live forever' in the bible is when they are mentioned in 1 Peter as follows, Being born again … by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever … the … Read More


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Alive, hopeful & free
My love affair with the ocean began the moment I first saw it. It was an affair that would last a lifetime. As decades came and went, I continued to seek the solace of the saltwater air. When I am near the ocean, I feel alive, and hopeful and free.
My love affair with leadership was not quite as romantic. As I climbed the career ladder, my leadership responsibilities continued to increase. So did my anxiety. I was overwhelmed, exhausted and confused. If I finally had the job I'd worked so hard to get why was I so miserable?
What followed was a soul-searching, gut wrenching journey to get clear about what I really wanted to do. And more importantly, who did I want to be? Those were the questions I had been afraid to ask, because deep down I knew the answers. I had always known.
One of my favorite parts of my work as a leadership consultant is helping others discover what they already know. What they've always known.
My hope for you is that you follow your heart and that it leads you to what makes you feel alive, hopeful and free.
Amy Leneker is a leadership consultant on a mission to spark joy.
June 2020
Amy Leneker
Leadership Consultant
Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator
(360) 529-0290


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Minnie Mouse Denim Backpack
Perfect for days out...
Product Description
Key Features:
- Two zipped pockets
- Bright red 3D bow
Our adorable Minnie Mouse backpack is ideal for a little one on days out! With a red 3D bow, they can pop their toys into the large zipped pocket and carry it easily with the two shoulder straps. The blue bag has Minnie Mouse illustrations and it's sure to become their new favourite accessory!
- 70.6% Cotton, 29.4% Polyester
- Lining: 100% Polyester
Dimensions (approx.):
- H25 x W24cm
- Straps: 32cm
Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews


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Technology evolves quickly. Take Moores Law, which suggests computer processing power doubles approximately every two years. Western militaries have struggled to get to grips with this concept as they continue to labor themselves with deals that can stretch for decades (take the U.K.s BOWMAN project for example). These types of arrangements are not always a bad thing, especially when the concept of operation is complex. However, they are indicative of an ingrained way of thinking that is not flexible enough to cope with todays warfighters needs.
Warfare has evolved and the equipment required to fight in todays conflicts has changed. Yet an evolution in military procurement is still required for many of the worlds major powers. This has already occurred in some parts of the world. Militaries in South America and Africa, for example, are happy to turn to the commercial sector for the latest fit for purpose technologies and to obtain the most cost effective solutions.
Commercial solutions providers are flexible and can quickly adapt their offerings to respond to urgent operational requirements. They are also more likely to offer better value, as procurement is subject to stronger competition in the commercial sector. This is an issue thats worth taking a closer look at, as recent commercial developments do impact heavily on the MILSATCOM community.
Eight Windows
The first of these technologies to consider is the recent launch of Microsofts latest operating system, Windows 8. Up until this point in time, tablet computers used for blue force tracking and other satellite communication exercises were specialized kit pieces that cost thousands of dollars per devicetheir prohibitive price tag made them a rare commodity.
However, as stated, warfare has evolved, and battlefield intelligence transmitted via beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) satellite technology is an essential component of successful intra community warfare. Forces deployed hundreds of miles from forward operating bases need to be able to communicate quickly and easily with their HQs.
Military applications have traditionally been designed for Windows operating systemsthe previous Microsoft OS, Windows 7, was retrofitted to operate on touch screen devices. The user interface was clunky and slow as the OS had been designed for a desktop computerthis meant that any tablet Windows 7 was installed on needed to be state-of-the-art as well as processor heavy in order to adequately support the OS.
Unfortunately, high specification equates to high cost, which is why tablets were a rare commodity within the military environs. Windows 8 changes the game. This OS is designed for touch control and can be deployed on a range of tablets made by different manufacturers. Windows 8 is user friendly and perfect for exercises, such as blue force tracking.
Take a mapping application like FalconView, for example. On Windows 7, its extremely hard to navigate. On Windows 8, it is expected to work quite smoothly. As the OS has been designed for a touch screen, the technology required to run it is not as expensive as what was required for Windows 7.
Android tablets are a great example of how this market is evolving. The challenge for military organizations will be how quickly they can adapt to high quality commercial products and services.
As a result, military commanders could procure six tablets for the same price they would have previously paid for one military spec device. In addition, commanders dont have to place the order six months in advance, as COTS solutions are easy to procure and adapt to need.
Smaller militaries are getting ahead of the game and are faster to adapt as they dont have the traditional relationships with incumbent suppliers to navigate through, which explains the heightened demand from South America and Africa, for example, for this type of technology.
Simultaneous Broadcasting
Any tablet device designed to receive battlefield intelligence via satellite needs a communications bearer. Another commercial technology thats predicted to impact heavily on the MILSATCOM community is IsatData Pro from Inmarsat. It uses a variety of satellite cellular terminals (each designed for different uses, fixed asset, troop on the move, etc.) to send and receive small packets of data (no larger than 10,000kb per message) to multiple assets, wherever they are in the world. Its a cost effective low-data alternative to traditional MILSATCOM as its designed to send the same message simultaneously to multiple units, rather than a single message repeated. This creates airtime savings and ensures all assets are receiving identical data simultaneously.
IsatData Pro is used in commercial sectors, as well, such as transportation and fleet management and oil and gasit is now being considered by forces looking for a cost effective, scalable, command and control SATCOM bearer. BLOS satellite communications are essential for first responders and forces operating in austere conditions which dont lend themselves to radio communications. By using one of the IsatData Pro devices in conjunction with a new tablet, and the appropriate situational command and control software, troops can be cost effectively equipped with situational command and control blue force tracking capability.
Whats Next?
There is increasing commercial crossover in the military world as procurement teams look for cost effective, flexible solutions. Taking a commercial satellite solution such as the IsatData Pro and combining it with a commercial tablet computer running a commercial OS is a highly effective way of increasing capability quickly and easily. The solutions are interoperable, and there is no excessive lead time or long term procurement buy-in.
Carriers such as Inmarsat and Iridium provide the satellite backbone for COTS solutions that range from blue force tracking applications to electronic counter measure signal jamming solutions. Certainly such technology implementations for forces need to be regulated and properly managed. However, by using combined commercial technologies, it is now possible to quickly build military capability that would otherwise have taken years to procure.
About the author
Giles Peeters currently is Track24 Defence Sector Director. He began his military communications career at RAF Digby (U.K.) in 1997 before moving on in 1998 to the Engineering Office at 751 Signals Unit on the Falkland Islands. In 1999, Peeters joined the Defence Communications Security Agency (DCSA) Corsham, as the Duty Operations Officer of the Global Operations Security Command Centre (GOSCC), before becoming the Military Liaison Officer for Signal Intelligence at GCHQ Cheltenham in 2001. Peeters then worked with the DCSA Corsham Satellite Integrated Project Team (SAT IPT) as their MOD Commercial Satellite Service Delivery Officer. From 2004 to 2007 Peeters significant expertise in commercial satellite communications proved invaluable in Iraq and Afghanistan as he provided front line tactical communication and deployment capability for the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) J6 SO2 from HQ Land Command, Wilton. Peeters final rank was RAF Squadron Leader. In 2007 Peeters moved to the private sector to consult for organisations such as NATO, on blue force tracking requirements. Now Defence Sector Director at Track24 Defence, Peeters is the driving force behind the launch of the companys new, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) blue force tracking solution, situational Command & Control (SCC).
Information regarding Track24 is available at their website:


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New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) and Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
The New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) and the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allow eligible employees to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave from their employment to care for personal and family health issues. There are specific conditions and requirements for employees to be eligible for this type of leave, but the laws ensure workers that their healthcare benefits will continue throughout their period of absence, and that their jobs will be protected.
For an employee to be eligible to take medical leave under the FMLA, they must have worked a minimum total of 1,250 hours for their employer prior to the request being made. Conversely, for New Jersey workers, NJFLA only requires that eligible employees work 1,000 hours prior to their requested leave. An important distinction between the state and federal law is that New Jersey does not cover unpaid leave for an employee's own health issues. In some cases, like childbirth, FMLA and NJFLA can be combined to entitle the employee to 24 weeks of unpaid leave if the employee takes federal leave first, and then state leave after the birth of their child.
Under the federal law, employers with 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius are required to provide 12 unpaid work weeks of leave to eligible employees annually. New Jersey law requires employers with a total of 50 employees in any location to provide this same benefit, but allows the 12 weeks of leave to be taken over a 24-month period. The laws only require employers to provide unpaid leave, however they can opt to provide full or partial payment, or require employees to use their accrued personal, sick, and vacation time benefits.
Heath Issues Eligible for NJFLA and FMLA
The medical conditions that are protected under the NJFLA and the FMLA are specific and include:
- Birth of a child and time to bond with the newborn
- Placement and bonding time with an adopted child or foster care child
- Care of a spouse, child, biological or adoptive parent with a serious medical or health condition
- FMLA protection covers leave for an employee's own serious health condition (NJFLA does not)
- Care of a seriously wounded or ill spouse, child, or parent active in the military, including the National Guard, Reserves, or other branches of the military
- In the case of leave requested for an active duty military family member, the laws allow for 26 weeks of unpaid leave.
Job Security During NJFLA and FMLA
New Jersey state and federal laws provide job protection for eligible employees taking medical leave under the NJFLA and FMLA. Upon return to work, the employee is entitled to their previous position without demotion or salary reduction. If the position is no longer available, the employer must offer the employee a position similar in salary, benefits, and status. If a layoff or reduction in force took place while the employee was out on leave, the worker would still be eligible for the same rights and protections as those employees that were not on leave.
Retaliation Due to NJFLA and FMLA
It is not uncommon for employers to unlawfully retaliate after employees use FMLA time. Thankfully, New Jersey state and federal laws exist to protect individuals against retaliatory acts by their employer for protected activity such as taking family medical leave, pregnancy leave, or seeking accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you are subjected to workplace retaliation for putting your health first, an experienced attorney retaliation attorney at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. may be able to protect your career.


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Each Wednesday, Rocks Off arbitrarily appoints one lucky local performer or group "Artist of the Week," bestowing upon them all the fame and grandeur such a lofty title implies. Know a band or artist that isn't awful? Email their particulars to email@example.com.
It didn't strike us until recently, but there are no real poppy male R&B singers of consequence from Houston. There's Marques Houston, but he's from California. There's Houston Summers, who sang "I Like That" with Chingy about two summers ago, but is probably more well known for gouging his own eye out. He's from L.A. (Naturally.) Oh, and there's Bobby Brown, who's married to Whitney Houston, but she's a she, and he's a nutbag (but still coming to the Arena Theatre soon). It's crazy when you think about it, really. There are more than five million people in Houston - three million of whom play in an indie-rock band, sure, but that still leaves about two million people. Surely one of them is a budding Chris Brown, right? (Minus the woman-beating, of course.) Enter Benjamin. Benjamin - full name, no joke, Benjamin Franklin - is a spacey, beguiling, convincingly quirky artist with just enough pop sensibility to make him about one Wale feature away from being a legitimate threat. We reached over to Mr. Franklin and he was kind enough to tell us about how he's not from Earth, his attempt at legitimizing the coolness of work-force boots and the possible correlation between dancing and being a dipshit. Aces. Rocks Off: Okay, Benjamin Franklin is it? Weird name for a pop singer. We're not sure if you're aware of this or not, but there's a pretty famous fellow with that exact same name. Inventor, diplomat, politician. Heard of him? Benjamin [laughs]: Hey, you weren't supposed to know my last name. Hmm. [laughs] Well, when I first started pursuing music I used my whole name, but it quickly began to feel very "gimmicky." People would always make a joke about it before I performed and folks that wanted to work on projects with me would always suggest that the album cover should have my face in the middle of a $100 bill [rolls eyes]. So now I just go by Benjamin. RO: Perhaps you could go with B-Frank? B: Really cool people sometimes call me B-Frank. RO: Or, better yet, Beans and Franks? B: Sorry, but "Beans and Franks" will never happen [laughs]. RO: Tell us, where did you come from? We mean, before a week or so ago we'd never heard of you, despite the fact that your music is clearly impressive. B: I came from Mars by way of intergalactic travel. RO: That's normal. That's a normal thing to say.
B: I've been working with music for a while here on planet Earth, but I've just now gotten into my groove and picked up a great musical partner by the name of Justin "Jay" Cooper. I was crawling, but now I'm flying and you will be hearing a lot more about me in the near future.RO: "Meet Me Again" is super dope, in that airy, Charles Hamilton-esque kind of way. It very much makes us want to call several of our friends over and choreograph a dance routine to it. Was that what you were going for?
B: Thanks. I actually never thought of it as a choreographed number, though I would love to see someone create a dance to it. Do it. Then post it on YouTube. The song is actually a remix to the song "Meet Me" from myConstruction Paper
EP. Its purpose was just to go into more detail about the original song. I'm serious about the YouTube video...RO: Ooh, let us ask you this: So we've been at various clubs/lounges/bars lately, and without fail, every time Beyonce's "Single Ladies" comes on, there is somebody in there that knows - and performs - the entire dance. Don't you think that's lame? Like, we always assumed with that situation you're supposed to get all excited when a song that you've learned a dance to comes on, do the first ten or so seconds of the dance, and then start laughing at yourself. We think the more of the dance you perform, the more of a dipshit you look like. Here's a graph displaying the correlation for clarification purposes. Would you say that you concur with our hypothesis?
B: Totally agree! Like, where do they find the time to practice?! Who coaches them?! I've personally seen it go as far as "Single Ladies" dance battles. No joke. They completely go to war! Blood, sweat, tears, weave, booty-shaking, the whole nine. That graph is spot-on by the way. Are you a down-low statistician?RO: We dabble. You know, we never really noticed it before, but there aren't very many male R&B-pop singers in Houston. Maybe Baby Bash or Frankie J, but that's really stretching. Why go that route?
B: Well, first off, I don't even think I'm like those guys.RO: Nor should you.
B: People have always tried to compare me to someone and I've yet to hear an artist that I sincerely believe matches me. The music I make is basically whatever I feel like creating. Throwing it under the pop genre just gives me the space to do pretty much anything I want. Even though that explanation makes it sound like I'm all over the place, I believe my sound is still very focused. I think you'll be able to easily recognize a "Benjamin song" when you hear it.RO: How do you expect people to take you seriously as a pop singer if you're without big, neon-colored plastic sunglasses or really bright shoes? We're fairly certain that's how The-Dream became famous.
B: I got that covered. I've been wearing work force boots lately. I think they're cool looking. They may not be colorful, but I think they scream, "Look at me!" Plus, I look a lot less of a clown. No shade to The-Dream. I think his music is really cool.RO: This is just a suggestion, but how about if you offer your forthcoming album on your Web site for free? Just a thought.
B: I'm way ahead of you. On April 21st, everyone - plus everyone they know - can download an absolutely, positively, no-strings-attached free copy of my EPWhatever...
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. It's bangin'. It's fresh. It's fun. You need it in your life.
Download Benjamin's forthcoming album, Whatever..., for free April 21 at www.bensingsandwrites.com. His first EP, Construction Paper, is currently available via iTunes and CD Baby.


text: Apr 022019The Cervical Screening Test and HPV Simplified 🏥Have you been putting off your cervical smear test? Are you unsure what the fuss is all about?In today's episode of Dr Nora, I'll be answering all your questions and more, from what the test is for, what the procedure is like and my top tips on surviving your test. I'll also be sharing with you an exciting news update about cervical cancer. By the end of the video you'll be clued up and ready to book in your test.Let's fight cervical cancer together. 💪COMPANION VIDEOSFree Breast Screening: https://youtu.be/quClz8rA6jcContraception Options: https://youtu.be/x1stoHmJtqwCervical Screening Update: https://youtu.be/gzfQL7NVTYEWHAT IS CERVICAL SCREENING?In order to understand this better, let's go through a little anatomy. The cervix is found at the top of the vagina and forms the entrance of the womb - the organ in females that allows us to carry children. By having a cervical screening test it helps to detect any abnormal cells that may go on to causing cervical cancer. THE TESTYou may have already heard of the PAP smear - The PAP smear preceded the cervical screening programme. The test consisted of collecting, staining and microscopic examination of the cells from the cervix. If abnormal cells were found they were removed to stop cervical cancer developing. The PAP test relied on cell changes being visible under a microscope and so it was recommended to have this every 2 years. It was later discovered that HPV causes cervical cancer and the first HPV test was invented 15 years later. And it is this principle that we use today which forms the basis of the cervical screening test. Cells are taken from the cervix in the same way as the traditional PAP smear but instead of looking for cell changes it looks for the types of HPV which can cause cells to change and in come cases cause cervical cancer. HPV is the cause of more than 99% of cervical cancers. WHAT IS HPV?HPV, otherwise known as Human Papilloma Virus, is very common, in fact it's so common that many of us including men, will have it at some point in our lives and not know about it as it has no symptoms. There are a lot of different types of HPV infections - to be precise - there are over 100 of which at least 14 are considered high risk and can cause cancer. HPV is spread from genital skin to skin contact and it is considered the most common sexually transmitted infection. Most HPV infections will be naturally cleared up by your own immune system within one or two years without causing problems. In rare cases your body may not clear it and so your doctor may refer you onwards for further management. THE PROCEDUREIn Australia, the cervical screening test is available from the ages of 25 to 74 years old and is open to hetero and homosexual women, transgender and intersex, as anyone who engages in genital skin to skin contact with a person of any gender can be infected with HPV. The test itself is very quick and should not be painful however it may be uncomfortable. Your practitioner will offer you a chaperone if wished and you will be asked to remove your garments from the waist downwards and place your legs apart on the couch. A plastic speculum is then inserted into the vagina and a quick sample is taken. TOP TIPSTop tips to get you through your smear:- relax and take some deep breaths. the pelvic floor muscles sense when you're anxious and tense up making the procedure longer and more uncomfortable. - make trivial conversation, you'll be surprised by how much this actually helps because by the time you've finished your sentence the procedure is over- don't worry about how things look down there. As doctors we've seen it all, and trust me when I say that by the time you're out the door we've already forgotten (in the nicest way)- and finally, don't put it off. POSSIBLE RESULTS- return to screen in 5 years - repeat the test in 12 months- refer to specialist- unsatisfactory test result. Cervical screening is offered from the ages of 25 to 74 years old in Australia. If you are outside of these age groups and are suffering from symptoms such as abnormal bleeding - for example in between periods, after intercourse or even after menopause it is important to seek the advice from your medical practitioner for further tests.THE FUTUREWith the new cervical screening and vaccination programme now in full swing in Australia, academics say that over 13 million cases of cervical cancer could be prevented in the next 50 years. If these strategies are implemented worldwide, researchers have estimated that by the end of the century, the level of cervical cancer could be so low that it could be considered as eliminated.Thanks for watching and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to leave me a comment in the comments section below or pop by and see me in clinic.Take care and stay healthy.Dr Nora 💉For more information: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/screening/cancer/cervical


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"Nobody needs to know" Beto Campaign Appears to Illegally Spend Funds on Supplies for Caravan Aliens, Campaign Manager Says "Don't Worry"
by Staff Report November 1, 2018
- "I just hope nobody that's the wrong person finds out about this."
- "It's f***ing happening." O'Rourke Campaign Staff Uses Pre-Paid Cards for Honduran Alien Supplies
- "Don't ever repeat this…" Campaign Staffers Explain How to Hide Campaign Expenditures for Aliens
- "If you get caught in some sort of violation that's like a $50,000 fine," "For me I can just ignore the rules and I'm like f**k it."
- Transporting Aliens to "airports… bus stations," "None of this is like sh*t there is a rulebook for"
- Staffer Says She Sent Confirming Texts to Director
(Austin) Project Veritas Action Fund has released undercover video from current Congressman and US Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke's campaign. The video exposes how his campaign staff appear to be illegally using campaign resources to buy supplies and help transport Honduran aliens. This is the eighth undercover video report Project Veritas has released in a series revealing secrets and lies from political campaigns in 2018.
Said James O'Keefe, founder and president of Project Veritas Action:
"Charity and helping your fellow man are things we applaud at Project Veritas Action. The problem is, you can't break the law when you do it."
"Don't ever repeat this"
Featured in this report are campaign staffers who work on Congressman O'Rourke's US Senate campaign discussing how they use campaign resources to help Honduran aliens and transport them to airports and bus stations. Said Dominic Chacon and AnaPaula Themann, who work on O'Rourke's campaign:
Chacon: "The Hondurans, yeah… I'm going to go get some food right now, like just some stuff to drop off…"
Themann: "How did they get through?"
Chacon: "Well I think they accepted them as like asylum-seekers… So, I'm going to get some groceries and some blankets…"
Themann: "Don't ever repeat this and stuff but like if we just say that we're buying food for a campaign event, like the Halloween events…"
Chacon: "That's not a horrible idea, but I didn't hear anything. Umm, we can wait until tomorrow for that."
Themann: "Well that's exactly the food we need. And I will just mark it as, I do have dozens of block walkers."
Read More: https://www.projectveritasaction.com/2018/11/01/beto/


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Gig Economy
The 21st-century economy poses workplace legal challenges that weren't anticipated when many laws were enacted in the 20th century. You don't want a workplace problem to grow so big that it ends up knocking you offline. You need a modern law firm that is on the forefront when it comes to the sharing economy to handle your workplace law needs.
The Fisher Phillips Gig Economy Practice Group is your workplace law partner. Your business attorneys helped you blossom from a wisp of an idea into a viable business, and perhaps even into a monster success story. But once you start hiring workers or engaging labor to help you fulfill your mission, you need to turn to a law firm that exclusively focuses its efforts on representing employers in workplace law matters. That's where we come in.
Proper Classification of Workers
Any gig economy employer that engages workers to help carry out its services knows that you walk a fine line when it comes to complying with classification law. Many government agencies, unions, and plaintiffs' attorneys are eager to catch you in a misstep and will seek to exploit the situation. You can be sure we are on top of this most fluid of challenges. We can conduct a thorough compliance audit and provide up-to-date advice about possible weaknesses and exposure, help you establish a compliant labor force, and defend any legal action challenging your classification system.
One-Stop Workplace Law Shop
Whether you are a brand-new startup company or an established entity, we can help provide all of the necessities you require to be a compliant employer. We can help with the basics, like establishing personnel policies, drafting employment agreements and contracts, providing training, or offering day-to-day advice on hiring, firing, and disciplining. We also can assist with more complex problems, like operating in a multistate environment or developing a business model that meet your needs while staying on the right side of the law. Whatever your situation, we can help to ensure that workplace law is not a problem for you.
Variety of Other Workplace Law Services
Your workers might challenge your compensation system. Your worker and customer data could be susceptible to information thieves who are probing your site for an opening. Unions might be looking to organize your workforce and change the way you do business. Your customers might believe your website or app is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A rogue worker might cause harm to one of your customers. Or a customer might believe their civil rights were violated when interacting with one of your workers. In any of these situations, or in many other scenarios that keep you up at night with worry, we can offer our unique brand of cutting-edge representation to your gig business.
Click here to read the Gig Employer Blog.
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- Sarah Moore
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- Todd Scherwin
- Steven Siegel
- Danielle Urban (CIPP/E)
- Grant Wills
- C. R. Wright
- Robert Yonowitz
- 4.3.20
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Legal Alerts
- San Francisco Grocery, Drug, And Restaurant Employees – And On-Demand Delivery Contractors – Receive New COVID-19 Protections4.23.20
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- Pennsylvania Federal Court Finds UberBLACK Drivers Are Contractors4.12.18
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- The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly: A Quick Primer On Proposed California Employment Legislation In 20172.23.17
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- Gig Economy, High Tech Sector In The Crosshairs10.19.16
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- Three Things You Should Know About Latest Court Decision8.17.16
- 8.4.16
- 503.205.8044
- 949.798.2130


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Season: November 2017 - June 2018
All Mountain Collective Passholders may use their 2 days for Mammoth at Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain (Southern California), or Snow Summit (Southern California).
Redemption Instructions for Mammoth, June Mountain, Bear Mountain, and Snow Summit: Mammoth - Bring a printout of your purchase confirmation and a photo ID to a ticket window at the following locations: Main Lodge, Canyon Lodge, Eagle Lodge and Mountain Center. June Mountain, Bear Mountain (Southern California) and/or Snow Summit (Southern California) - Bring a printout of your purchase confirmation and a photo ID to the season pass office.
**You will not be able to load/autocharge CC**


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I swear I was. People liked hanging out with me, and some even wanted to date me. I stayed up late, I laughed, I partied. At least I think I did. Wait...was it all a dream? No. I'm sure of it. I was hip, er, I mean, cool...um, lit, savage, on fleek? Ugh. Whatever.
There's a fine line when it comes to raising a daughter. We want our little girls to be kind, but we also want them to know that they can throat-punch someone if they need to.
Think of the toughest, meanest, baddest person you know. Now think of the one person they're afraid of. Yup...it's their mom. We're all badasses. Don't mess with us.
Some days I show my strength by lugging the kids AND the groceries up the steps. Some days I show it by kicking ass at the gym, before kicking ass at work. And some days (aka most days), I show it by just getting out of bed and dealing with all the things, all the time.
Two things I make sure I never leave home without: my makeup, and my kid. (Yes, in that order.)
It's funny, because it's true. (And by "funny," I mean "not the least bit funny.")
In case you couldn't tell by my tone of voice or the fire in my eyes. PS - this ain't just for the kids. It goes for my boss, my SO, the patriarchy, the universe, and anyone else who stands in between me and what I know I deserve. (But definitely the kids, too!)
The Perfect Tee: Custom cut, colored, and butter-washed exclusively for Scary Mommy, for a perfect fit and an unrivaled ultra-soft feel.
Take a deeeeep breath. It's all gonna be ok. Probably.
Goldfish, pretzels, cereal, fruit snacks, puffs, booty, popcorn, candy, yogurt, almonds. I carry it all, just in case. And sometimes I even bring snacks for the kids, too!


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homemaking made easy- parenting, housekeeping, cooking, and organizing with frugality and faith
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Yard Sale!
I love yard sales- though I'll admit a preference to shopping over selling. Scoring a great deal is one of my favorite things. However, DH (wisely) prohibited me from bringing anything in until I take some things out - like the old standby organizing trick: one in, one out. So I'm having a sale today, hoping to make some space (and some money.) If you're in the need of help organizing, check back next week for some of my tips, or in the meantime check out a great site- Flylady at http://www.flylady.com/ - she has some great information. What's your favorite organizing quick trick?
Labels: household, organizing
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A tax deduction is always good news, even if it's just a few hundred dollars. After all, reducing your gross income means reducing your taxes. In the case of a traditional IRA, if you contribute the yearly limit, you may have a chance to deduct thousands of dollars. Whether you can deduct the full amount of your yearly contribution depends on whether you and/or your spouse take part in a retirement plan at work.
No Employer Plan
If neither you nor your spouse participates in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, you are entitled to deduct the full amount of your traditional IRA contribution from your gross income when you file your tax return. (This is true whether one of you works or both of you work.) This rule also applies to single tax filers. If you are married but never lived with your spouse during the tax year, the IRS considers you as single relative to IRA contribution deductibility. Consequently, you can deduct the full amount.
Employer Plan Participant -- Married Filing Jointly
If you take part in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, your eligibility to deduct IRA contributions depends on your modified adjusted gross income. You arrive at your modified adjusted gross income by adding back certain deductions to your adjusted gross income, which is the figure at the bottom of page 1 of IRS Form 1040. (Complete instructions on calculating MAGI can be found in Form 1040 and 1040A instructions, as well as in IRS Publication 590.)
As of tax year 2012, if you file your taxes jointly and your MAGI is $92,000 or less, you can deduct the full amount of your IRA contribution. If the figure lies between $92,000 and $112,000, you are eligible for a partial deduction. With a MAGI of $112,000 or more, eligibility to deduct is eliminated.
Spouse Employer Plan Participant -- Married Filing Jointly
As of 2012, if your spouse participates in a retirement plan at work and you do not, eligibility rules are as follows: With MAGI of $173,000 or less, you can deduct the entire amount of your IRA contribution. If your MAGI is between $173,000 and $183,000, you are eligible for a partial deduction. A modified adjusted gross income of $183,000 or more disqualifies you from the deduction.
Employer Plan Participant -- Married Filing Separately
If you or your spouse is covered by an employer-sponsored retirement plan and you file your taxes separately, you can only deduct your traditional IRA contributions if your modified adjusted gross income is less than $10,000. If it is greater, you lose the deduction.
How the Rules Apply
The IRA deductibility rules apply to each taxpayer individually. Following are examples of how the rules apply to taxpayers who are married filing jointly, one or both of whom participates in an employer-sponsored plan:
If both of you participate in an employer-sponsored plan, both of you are subject to the $92,000 to $112,000 limits. So if you calculate your MAGI to be $90,000, you can both deduct your IRA contributions that year. If the MAGI is $95,000, you will each be eligible for a reduced deduction. With a MAGI of $115,000, neither of you can take the deduction.
If, on the other hand, a husband contributes to a plan at work, but his wife does not -- whether she works or not -- the husband is subject to the $92,000 to $112,000 limits. The wife's eligibility to deduct is subject to the $173,000 to $183,000 limits.
So, if their MAGI is $90,000, they can both deduct their IRA contributions that year. if their MAGI comes to $140,000, the husband cannot deduct his traditional IRA contribution because $140,000 is greater than $112,000. The wife can take the deduction because $140,000 is less than $173,000. If their MAGI is $195,000, neither gets the deduction.
Roth IRA -- Contributions Not Deductible
You cannot deduct all or part of any contribution to a Roth IRA. The account type accepts only money that has been taxed.
Photo Credits
- Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images


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China, film, now
Instead of a Chinese documentary which couldn't be shown due to some legal dispute, the cinema attended by yours truly this afternoon screened the documentary "My Camera Doesn't Lie", by Solveig Klaßen and Katharina Schneider-Roos. 92 Minutes, digital video, Chinese with English subtitles. (From the linked site, one can download an informative brochure on the film, as pdf.)
"My Camera Doesn't Lie" is a rough'n ready documentary on current filmmaking in China, well, actually in Beijing. Interviews with filmmakers, a critic, a professor, and lots of clips from films, most of which I'd love to see. Here's a list with all the names of people and films featured. Extracted:
- Liu Hao, director
- Cheng Qingsong, film critic
- Wu Wenguang, documentary director ("Bumming in Beijing"),
- Wang Xiaoshuai, director
- Zhang Yuan, director ("East Palace, West Palace")
- Emily Tang, director ("Conjugation")
- Jia Zhangke, director ("Xiao Wu")
- Dai Jinhua, professor
- Wang Quan'an, director ("Lunar Eclipse")
- Ju Anqi, director ("There is a strong Wind in Beijing")
- Wang Chao, director ("The Orphan of Anyang")
- Cui Zi'en, director
- Liu Bingjian, director ("Men & Women")
- Li Yu, director ("Fish and Elephant")
Most of the time in this film, you see and hear people talk, tell, narrate, which can get a bit tiring if (like me) you don't understand Chinese and just get to listen to staccato-ish singsang, while you're reading subtitles and watching faces doing their staccato. The stories are intriguing, though, and worth one's patience. Filmmakers, more or less young, living under extremely unstable conditions, with no "working group" to be associated with (apparently a requirement for an honourable social existence in Chinese society), no insurance, nothing.
They have two choices: to make films outside any legal framework, freely, but under precarious economic conditions and with the constant threat of some neighbourhood committee watchdog bringing the police upon them, or to submit their films to censorship. In terms of distribution, this boils down to a simple choice: show your films in China (when censured) or don't get anyone in China to see them.
The neighbourhood committee, by the way, a constant in all (the few) recent Chinese films I've seen: constant control, always looming. In "my camera doesn't lie", a director walks about his neighbourhood with the (Western) filmmakers, and while they talk, two elderly people come up to them and sternly inquire for credentials, for approval by the neighbourhood committee, insisting, insisting, insisting, until the camera moves away from the people and fixes its gaze on a broken window frame.
The bizarre result of this entire situation is that most of the films listed above haven't been seen inside the PRC at all (or perhaps only by a handful of friends of the directors), and abroad mostly in the context of film festivals. This is all the more bizarre as these are very rough films with gripping tales of city life, quick and chunky visual material to be digested by those you can see on it. At least such is my impression from the clips shown in the documentary itself, as I haven't seen any of these films in full.
- "East Palace, West Palace", named after two public toilets that used to be located on the east and west sides of Tiannanmen square: a gay man is interrogated by a policeman, the whole night. Shown in Cannes in 1997; smuggled out of China while director Zhang Yuan was under house arrest and deprived of his passport. In the documentary, Zhang Yuan announces his readiness to submit his next film to censorship because he's had enough of the festival circuit and wants Chinese to see his films. An understandable move, somehow. The critic Cheng Qingsong denounces it and voices his strong disappointment with Yuan's development. For him, Yuan caves in, sells out.
- "There's a strong wind in Beijing": a wild trip, filmed on all sorts of 16mm material director Ju Anqui could lay his hands on. Occasionally they ran out of material and just kept recording scenes with sound alone. The basic idea is to just walk up to people and ask them whether the wind in Beijing is strong – all sorts of people. The film team walk into a public toilet, opens a door and asks a man just engaged in shitty business whether he thinks the wind in Beijing is strong; they enter a school and ask perplexed children, and so on. Hey here's streaming video of this piece.
- "The Orphan of Anyang": a man comes across a baby, given away, with a slip of paper attached: take care of the baby, you get 200 yuan a month. He makes the deal, with the mother who is a prostitute, ends up moving in with her. According to the director, the film is about a man who enters deals purely out of his own economic and sexual interests, but ends up getting deeply touched and moved by other human beings, the prostitute, the baby.
"My camera doesn't lie" also deals with gay filmmaking in Beijing, and has been advertised as the first documentary on gay filmmaking in China, even though this is only one form of filmmaking that features in it.
I forgot the name of the director who most extensively talks about gay life and films in China over the past few years (it wasn't Zhang Yuan), but he is shown while shooting a fictional documentary about "money boys" in Beijing. The documentary also contains a clip where he is speaker on a radio station devoted entirely to public toilets (the main meeting place for gays a few years ago). He's a very eloquent personality. Most notable his way of looking at social changes in China: it would be wrong to say that society has opened. Society doesn't open, one has to open windows for it. In some countries, the director says, you open windows easily with just so much as a slight push. In China, however, you have to push very hard, and for a long time, for windows to open just a tiny little bit. And this, he concludes, has happened over the past years, as far as gay life is concerned. At least in Beijing.
On documentary in China, see also: Bérénice Reynaud, "Dancing with Myself, Drifting with My Camera: The Emotional Vagabonds of ChinaÂ's New Documentary" (belatedly noticed at a usual sucpect's site)