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Actress Jenifer Lewis '79 Named Webster University Commencement Speaker
Five to receive honorary degrees in University's Centennial year
ST. LOUIS (FEB. 3, 2015) - Jenifer Lewis, the St. Louis-born actress, singer, community activist and Webster University alumna (BA Theatre Arts, '79), is adding "commencement speaker" to her repertoire. Lewis will address an estimated 12,000 Webster graduates and guests at the University's 96th annual commencement ceremonies May 9 at St. Louis' historic The Muny at Forest Park outdoor amphitheater.
Born and raised in the St. Louis county suburb of Kinloch, Lewis is the youngest of seven children. After graduating from Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts, she launched a successful entertainment career spanning more than 35 years and resulting in more than 200 television appearances, 60 films and four Broadway shows.
Lewis will receive the Doctor of Humane Letters for her career accomplishments and many international community engagement efforts, most notably as an AIDS activist and mentor to children and as a Human Rights Campaign Ally for Equality.
"Jenifer Lewis' remarkable personal and career achievements, as well as her deep commitment to serving the community, truly embody Webster's mission," said Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble, president of the University. "As we celebrate our Centennial year, we are thrilled to welcome home an alumna who exemplifies a life of leadership and service for our students."
Currently, Lewis is cast opposite Laurence Fishburne in the number two comedy in America, ABC's "Black-ish." Her latest movie, "The Wedding Ringer," starring Kevin Hart, is currently in theaters. Other film credits include "Think Like a Man" and "Think Like A Man Too," "The Preacher's Wife," the "Sister Act" films, and "Beaches." Disney fans recognize her distinctive voice as Flo in "Cars" and "Cars 2" and as Mama Odie in "The Princess and the Frog." Her television work includes six seasons on "Strong Medicine," "Meet the Browns," "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "A Different World." Lewis has co-starred opposite Meryl Streep in the New York Shakespeare Festival's presentation of "Mother Courage and her Children" in New York City and earned two NAACP Theater Awards for her one-woman show "The Diva Is Dismissed." Last year, the multi-faceted entertainer received an electrifying standing ovation at Carnegie Hall while singing with the New York Pops orchestra.
Honorary Degree Recipients
Four additional individuals will be recognized with honorary degrees along with Lewis during Webster's commencement ceremonies:
Sister Barbara Ann Barbato, Ph.D, will receive the Doctor of Pedagogy for her lifelong work as an educator. Sister Barbato joined Webster's History Department as a faculty member in 1963, earning her doctorate in Modern European History and Asian Studies from Saint Louis University in 1964. A pioneer in education for designing non-traditional learning experiences for students, Sister Barbara Ann became the Director of Webster's Center for Individualized Studies, received the William T. Kemper Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1992 and was awarded Professor Emerita upon her 2003 retirement. The beloved Webster professor was also a respected civil rights activist in the '60s and '70s, organizing area protests and workshops.
Dwight Bitikofer (BA, '78) will receive the Doctor of Letters for co-founding the Webster-KirkwoodTimes and for his award-winning work as a journalist. Bitikofer's columns have won awards from the Missouri Press Association and Independent Free Papers of America, and he received the prestigious "Distinguished Service Award" from Independent Free Papers of America. He has served as president of the Webster Groves Area Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of the St. Louis Writers Guild. Bitikofer is currently majority owner of The Webster-Kirkwood Times, which focuses primarily on interesting local individuals and how regional and national events affect area residents' lives.
Helen Hagen (BA,'44, MA '82) will receive the Doctor of Humanities. Hagen co-founded the St. Louis PBS station, KETC-TV, where she created and produced several successful programs and films, including the show "Sunday Morning" which was picked up by 10 affiliates. Hagen also produced several films, including "The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery" starring Steve McQueen. After earning her master's in gerontology, she worked on grant writing, management and placement with several St. Louis area social service agencies who advocate for mature adults. She worked with Leif Sverdrup and was involved with Webster University's theatre program when she taught at the University.
Sanford J. (Sandy) Zimmerman will receive the Doctor of Laws in recognition of his work as chairperson of Webster's first lay board. Zimmerman, recruited by Sister Jacqueline Grennan, the President of Webster College at that time, helped form the first lay board. It was an historic transition from a Catholic school to a non-secterian institution to broaden the school's mission and services to the global community it serves today. Zimmerman, then the young of president of Famous- Barr (now Macy's) was very active in the St. Louis community serving on many boards and in many leadership roles.
"For our 96th annual commencement during Webster's Centennial year, it is altogether fitting to honor these five individuals who have contributed so much to their communities," said Julian Schuster, Webster's provost, senior vice president and chief operating officer. "They were participants in important parts of our history, their legacy is still evident today in Webster's 100th year, and their success is a model for our students who will graduate in May."
Webster's home campus commencement ceremony draws Webster University graduates and families from Webster campuses around the world, including online students. It will be held at 9:30 a.m. Sat., May 9, at The Muny in Forest Park. For more information about commencement, visit www.webster.edu/commencement.
With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is the only Tier 1, private, non-profit U.S.-based university providing a network of international residential campuses and a robust online learning program. Founded in 1915, Webster University's campus network today includes metropolitan, military and corporate locations around the world, as well as traditional campuses in Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa. The university is committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.
Photos of Jenifer Lewis by Hosea Johnson
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- From "Cap & Gown" to "Gown & Crown"
- A Global Perspective
- Benjamin Akande Named President of Westminster College
- Professor Jameca Falconer Earns Fulbright Award
- Five Freshmen Selected as Presidential Scholars
- Baseball Team Headed to 3rd World Series
- Webster University Adds New Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
- Webster University Launches Cyberspace Research Institute
- Webster, Oxford Brookes Sign Memorandum of Understanding
- Cybersecurity Program Launches in Kansas City
- Thomas Johnson Named Interim Dean of Webster University's George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology
- Helping Educators Teach for a Sustainable Future
- Jensen Named Interim Director of the Office of Corporate Partnerships


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Without getting into the weeds, the thing to understand is that this isn't a general admission provision, this is under the generic reciprocity provisions.In other words, this isn't about someone getting their "whatever" degree and trying to get a Texas license. It's a specific rule about how an attorney, license in a different jurisdiction, may also become licensed in Texas. That's why it's called "Applicants From Other Jurisdiction." More specifically, this only applies if you are a practicing attorney, in a different jurisdiction, and you would like a Texas license. So there are two categories-1. Graduate from an ABA-approved school (Sec. 1). In that case, so long as you have been practicing law, you can get the license from Texas without taking the Bar.2. Do not graduate from an ABA-approved school (Sec. 2). This is the unapproved school route; in that case, you so have to take the Texas Bar, and you must have been practicing law for three of the past five years.Clear?
A couple of points:1) Admission under either of these sections requires that the applicant first be admitted to practice in the state in which the school is accredited. Thus, you would first have to pass the CA bar, then get admitted to CA, THEN apply to Texas.2) The most important thing to note (I think) is this: Section 2 refers to "a law school that is accredited in the state where it is located..."California, as you may know, is one of a handful of states that allows ABA accredited, our own CA state bar accredited, and non-accredited law schools. I assume that by "accredited" they mean at least state bar accreditation. Taft is not accredited by the CA state bar, in fact no online or correspondence law schools are accredited by the CA state bar.Taft and other such schools do have accreditation by non-legal entities, but that may or may not be relevant. I would contact the TX bar and ask for clarification on exactly what/which accrediting body needs to approve the school in order to meet the TX requirements. Typically, when talking about law school accreditation, the only accreditation that matters is state bar or ABA.
California online and correspondence law schools are not accredited by California but are "registered", so I think they would fail the Texas test. I think California accredited non ABA schools of which there are several would pass the test though.
Decided that it might be important to review the rule with definitions:Can be met by either:(1) holds a J.D. degree, from an UNapproved law school that is accredited in the state where it is located.(2) holds the equivalent of a JD degree from a law school that is accredited in the state where it is located AND that requires a course of study that is substantially equivalent in duration and substance to the legal education provided by an approved law school. ------------------------------------Accredited means that a law school is recognized as beingqualified by the competent accrediting agency of a state or foreign jurisdiction, by a political subdivision of a state or foreign jurisdiction, or by another authorized body of a state or foreign jurisdiction.Approved law school means a law school approved by the American Bar Association.
Exactly! But what needs to be accredited? The JD one holds? Or the degree by which one judges the JD one holds? The held degree needs to be accredited? (why would section 2 say this, when section 1 already addressed this)... or the degree held need to be EQUIVALENT to one that is accredited? See what I mean about how the lack of a comma between (holds the equivalent of a JD degree) and (from a law school that is accredited...) changes the meaning of the rule...?I feel like this can be read to say that: So long as a Taft degree is "the equivalent of a J.D. degree from a law school that is [actually] accredited in the state where it is located", AND "so long as a Taft degree is equivalent in duration and substance to the legal education provided by an [actual] approved law school," then you may pass go.Is this how you interpret the meaning of the rule?

subset: commoncrawl


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According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), summer fires rank second in incidence rates compared to other seasons, averaging almost 5,000 fires per day. With summer heating up, Cintas Corporation, a provider of fire protection services, has announced six fire safety tips to prevent the likelihood of a fire in high temperatures.
"During the summer, we are most concerned with fire hazards associated with fireworks," said Jamie Samide, Senior Director of Marketing, Cintas. "However, grills, camp fires and other items that are in high use during warm temperatures can also pose additional risks. No matter the time of the year, facility managers should continuously audit their facility for potential risk areas and have an ongoing fire protection program in place to address concerns."
Cintas suggests keeping the following tips in mind to keep your facility safe from a fire in the summer:
1. Properly maintain air conditioner (A/C) units. Dust can settle over electrical components, such as capacitors, and cause tracking faults, which can result in a fire. Additionally, running multiple A/C units consistently and at the same time for long periods of time can cause the units to overload and generate excess heat, resulting in a fire.
2. Properly maintain exhaust fans. Clean exhaust fans regularly and clear any debris that may build up in the vents to prevent fires from starting. Also, just like A/C units, avoid running exhaust fans consistently for a long period of time.
3. Properly maintain lawn mowers. If you are in charge of your facility's landscaping responsibilities, make sure to follow proper lawn mower maintenance schedules. Regularly remove debris and grass clippings from cutting units, mufflers and engines, and never fuel a lawn mower if it is overheated.
4. Properly store gas cylinders. High ambient temperatures in addition to relief valves that open at too low of a pressure can increase the risk of fires. Always store gas cylinders upright and never store them indoors.
5. Practice grilling safety. With summer being peak grilling time, it's especially important to emphasize grilling fire safety. If you have a grill on site, keep it away from your facility and overhanging branches. The USFA states there should be a "safe zone" of three feet around the grill. Regularly clean it by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in the trays below the grilling component. Never leave a grill unattended.
6. Check facility fire alarms. In the event of a fire, it's important to ensure that all fire protection equipment in your facility is up-to-date and in good working order. Test all fire alarms to make sure they will properly detect a fire and notify building occupants. Replace any old or burned out batteries. Consider working with a certified fire protection provider to create a streamlined fire protection program and keep track of all required maintenance and inspection schedules.
"With each new season comes a new set of hazards," added Samide. "We hope by keeping these tips in mind, facility managers and their building occupants can enjoy the remaining summer months ahead of us."


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"Foundations for Success" - Final Report of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel
With National Mathematics Advisory Panel Members A. Wade Boykin, Professor and Director of the Graduate Program, Department of Psychology, Howard University; Vern Williams, Mathematics Teacher, Longfellow Middle School; and Irma Arispe, ex officio, Assistant Director for Life Sciences and Acting Assistant Director for Social and Behavioral Sciences, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President; Moderated by Kent Hughes, Director, Program on Science, Technology, America, and the Global Economy, Woodrow Wilson Center
"Foundations for Success" - Final Report of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel
As part of its series of events on math and science education, the Wilson Center, with co-sponsorship by the Department of Education, brought together three members of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel for a discussion of their recent findings, published on March 13, 2008 as "Foundations for Success." Among the speakers were: A. Wade Boykin, Professor and Director of the Graduate program in the Department of Psychology at Howard University, Vern Williams, Mathematics Teacher at Longfellow Middle School in Fairfax, Virginia, and Irma Arispe, Assistant Director for Life Sciences and Acting Assistant Director for Social and Behavioral Sciences in the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) of the Executive Office of the President.
Established under a Presidential Executive Order in 2006, the panel was charged with studying math curricula and teaching methods in order to suggest effective reform. Its 25 diverse members surveyed teachers and reviewed over 16,000 research studies in order to pool knowledge on the best practices in learning processes, curriculum, instruction, teaching, and assessment methods.
Irma Arispe opened the discussion with an outline of the main goals of the Presidential Executive Order. "By reviewing research relating to proven-effective and evidence-based mathematics instruction," the panelists aimed to provide the U.S. President and the Secretary of Education with the optimal methods to advance the teaching and learning of mathematics, with a specific focus on preparation for and success in algebra. A review of written commentary from 160 organizations and individuals and the testimony of 110 individuals were compiled to produce the best available scientific evidence, which was rigorously assessed and categorized to ensure the quality of all data used.
All three speakers emphasized the importance of algebra for entry into college, "a process that will require a consistent, wise, community-wide effort" according to Arispe. In terms of implementation strategies, Vern Williams cited the need to streamline mathematics in grades kindergarten through to 8th grade, a practice demonstrated in other countries that score well on international mathematics assessments. More specifically, students need critical foundations in algebra. Williams commented that, "you wonder where the algebra went" if you consult many of the newer mathematics programs. The way to change this is by creating benchmarks that guide curricula, textbook development, and state assessments.
As well as creating better definitions of "authentic algebra courses," A. Wade Boykin drew attention to the report's findings on learning processes and social aspects affecting students' cognitive abilities. Children from low income families lag behind their peers, in part because children from families with low incomes, low levels of parental education, and single parents often have less mathematical knowledge when they begin school than children from more advantaged backgrounds. Also, Boykin found that the relationship between children's goals and beliefs about learning are strongly related to their mathematics performance. Interestingly, experiential studies have demonstrated that changing children's beliefs from a focus on ability to a focus on effort increases their engagement in mathematics learning, which in turn improves mathematics outcomes. Therefore, teachers and other educational leaders should consistently help students and parents understand that an increased emphasis on the importance of effort is related to improved mathematics grades.
Another component of mathematics performances relates to the education of teachers. Williams found that, "there is research to support the idea that teacher knowledge does have a positive effect on student learning." He emphasized the need for more research on full-time math teachers in elementary schools, particularly on their use of technology as an instructional tool. Also, in terms of materials used by math teachers, it was found that U.S. mathematics textbooks are far too long, which according to Williams, "tends to undermine coherence and focus."
The discussion closed with some recommendations. In particular, Arispe commented that, "the National Assessment of Educational Progress and states should focus on the mathematics that students should learn, with [assessment] scores reported and tracked over time." Also, Boykin reiterated the need to prepare teachers to be better consumers of high-quality research and to apply best practices, noting that "a lot of the [available] research has not yet come to inform practices in math classrooms." Furthermore, he suggested that researchers must consider the world of the teacher – its traditional methodologies and practical challenges – in guiding research, rather than focusing solely on psychological research into student learning.
Drafted by Sarah Eversman
Please see below for the presentation that was given on April 3rd by the National Mathematics Advisory Panel members.
For more information about the panel, and to download their final report, please visit: http://www.ed.gov/MathPanel.


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Conor Friedersdorf on the forced resignation of Mozilla CEO Brendan Eich for having donated $1,000 to support California's anti-same-sex marriage Proposition 8 six years ago and refusing to apologize for it.
Calls for his ouster were premised on the notion that all support for Proposition 8 was hateful, and that a CEO should be judged not just by his or her conduct in the professional realm, but also by political causes he or she supports as a private citizen.
If that attitude spreads, it will damage our society. . . .
It isn't difficult to see the wisdom in inculcating the norm that the political and the professional are separate realms, for following it makes so many people and institutions better off in a diverse, pluralistic society. The contrary approach would certainly have a chilling effect on political speech and civic participation, as does Mozilla's behavior toward Eich. . . .
Mozilla says, "While painful, the events of the last week show exactly why we need the web. So all of us can engage freely in the tough conversations we need to make the world better." Again, Mozilla's actions will undercut tough conversations by making fewer people willing to engage in them. If you believe that an open, robust public discourse makes the world better, as they purport to, they've made the world worse. This action is a betrayal of their values, not a reflection of them.
At least that's what this Mozilla user and fervent gay-marriage proponent believes.
Additional thoughts on the campaign to oust Eich fromJonathan Rauch("intolerant and obnoxious") andAndrew Sullivan("the whole episode disgusts me").


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On my father's side, I am also the only grandchild my grandfather has ever known. He died from cancer in the same year that I was born.
Sometimes I think that it would have been nice if he was still around.
It's a fucking horror show out there. I'm talking about a mother effing shitstorm. Thirty year olds all over the world are defacating and building high walls out of poo. I now understand why they call it, The Dirty Thirties.
My google search of advice on "turning 30", insinuates that I would have clinical depression or I'm SO INSANELY HAPPY! (which is still described as clinical depression). According to one insightful column all I need is,"A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra." I feel like such a modern woman now. I can drill lots of holes in my walls whilst dancing around provocatively in my underwear. My grandfather would have been so very proud.
My mother will probably buy me another dining set, as she has been for the past five years. It's exciting because I'm sick of eating off the same boring dinner plate. I look forward to more entertaining dinner plate designs.
I don't have anything profound to say about becoming thirty. I am not, by any means, defined by a number.
You can choose how you live your life. If you don't like it, then change it. Don't blame it on anyone else and especially not on something so trivial as a number.
This reminds me of a conversation between a friend and I.
"I don't believe in parent parking.
It's not a disability.
It's a choice!"
Hahahaha! Terrible but also funny.
"Happy THIRTIETH Birthday, Sibby. Aren't you glad you made it?"
I'm giving the finger to my sixteen year old self, you pessimistic young bastard.
Posted by teapot 4 two on August 20, 2012


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We know that many shows did a D23 recap and to be honest, we did too. Instead of a very specific breakdown, we simply provided some of our own thoughts on what was announced. Granted, there was too much announced than what we could talk about in one episode, but give this episodes relaxed nature, we touched on what we believed were the biggest items. What do you think of the D23 announcements this year? Let us know.
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Now sit back, Relax and enjoy your trip through Disney World!
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Su19b / Terror Firmer (IT) "INFERNO SONORO" SPLIT 7" finally available from us too!
Su19b (Japan) play a very interesting mix of ultra slow gloomy sludge and hyper fast violence. Terror Firmer (Italy) play old school grindcore with thrash core influences (incl. Terrorizer cover).
Awesome artwork by our very own Huere Artworks.
Another gem forged in hell! INFERNO SONORO!
Get in touch at firstname.lastname@example.com to get your copy for 5 € plus shipping. Colored version highly limited.
Attila & co.


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David S. Wall
"I believe when you get government involved, it is demonstrably more expensive and less effective," Starrett said."
Starrett didn't use this argument when:
Lobbying for [HB 3383]-"Directs Department of Human Services to develop pilot program contracting with Yamhill County for provision of community-based child welfare services."
This program is going to cost the taxpayers an enormous sum of money and could last for many, many years if not in perpetuity. The State of Oregon is anxiously awaiting a "green-light" on this absurdity while Yamhill County taxpayers are left totally in the dark.
Lobbying for [HB 3199]: "Requires county treasurer to distribute excess proceeds from sale of real property acquired by foreclosure of delinquent tax liens, or by exchange for land originally acquired by foreclosure of delinquent tax liens, to holders of liens unsatisfied at time of foreclosure and to property owner at time of foreclosure or any transferee or successor in interest of owner. Requires county treasurer to provide notice of distribution requirements and process to lien holders and owners. Requires circuit court to determine priority of liens. Provides that total amount distributed may not exceed amount of unsatisfied liens and equity interest of owner at time property was deeded to county."
This is going to be a nightmare to fund the payback of foreclosed property owners equity previously lost in foreclosure...especially, when the foreclosed properties are "given" to Non-profit and or Public Benefit Corporations and then sold a market rate by the aforementioned entities. The costs of this program should bankrupt Yamhill County in a very short time. But, we must remember, Commissioner Starrett is a renowned Constitutional scholar.
There are more Starrett costs-How many LUBA Remands? Diversity Training avoidance. Board Oder for Private Gate(her own) over a Public Road.
David S. Wall


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Yesterday I wrote a letter about defending gun ownership to my fellow believers in Christ. I posted the letter here on my blog and on Medium. Several people have responded. One person on Medium took the time to write a thoughtful reply. What follows is my letter back to him. You can read his letter to me by clicking here.
Dear Will,
Thank you for sharing your fears and thoughts with honesty and vulnerability. I share your fears, and I appreciate you identifying that this conversation is a conversation about faith.
You said, " I see the good in people. I have faith in humanity — but not blind faith." I wish I had the same optimism you do. While I love that people are beautifully creative, astoundingly innovative, designed for community, and capable of the unimaginable (as Genesis says, we are the image of our creator), I know that when I am making decisions from my gut, they are selfish and often destructive. I do not share your faith in humanity. We use our gifts to do terrible things to each other and ourselves. There are "sinister and twisted people out there." Sadly, I far too often count myself among them.
So each night, after I've tucked my kids into bed, I lock all my windows and my doors, because, like you, I am afraid.
And each night, as I lock up, I laugh at myself, because I know I am putting my faith in something that can't really protect me. Unless I were to make my home into a bank vault, if someone wants to come inside, they will find a way. So while the locks make me feel better by easing my fear, I understand that they are a no more than a mental game I am playing with myself.
I know in my heart that there is only one place where my faith belongs. As Psalm 59 says,
You are my strength, I sing praise to you;
you, God, are my fortress,
my God on whom I can rely.
When it comes to the easing of my fears and the protection of my family, as a Christ follower, I know my only true, reliable protection comes from God. Everything else is a crutch I use to make myself feel better, not deserving of the faith I put in it.
I've only been close to a gun once. I was in High School, and the gun was being held by a police officer, and being pointed at my head. But please believe me when I say that I understand your attachment to your guns. I understand how having them, putting faith in their presence, eases your fears.
At the same time I hope you will come to understand you guns like I understand my locks. They are a crutch, not worthy of your faith.
I often wonder what I would do if a sinister and twisted person were to enter my house late at night with the intention of doing my family harm. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego standing at the mouth of the fiery furnace, I hope my words in that moment would be, "I know that my God is able to save us from you, but if he chooses not to, please know that I will not regret putting my faith in Him."
As a final note, in my original letter, I did not directly address gun ownership. My request was not for you to be gun free, because as I said above, I understand your need for them, and could defend their place in society under various circumstances. Rather, my request was for you to stop defending them, because the words of Christ demand his followers defend others with love, and the defense of guns is in the way of that holy mission. Yet still, you and many have once again come to the defense of you guns.
This has left me with a sincere question. Are there any circumstances which would compel you to do away with your guns?
I routinely ask myself this same question about different things in my life. I know I have found an idol — something besides God that I am putting my faith in — when I cannot immediately think of multiple circumstances in which I would do away with the thing or stop the activity. About once a year, this incredibly frustrating exercise leads me to give up coffee for a season.
If you cannot think of realistic things that would cause you to part with your guns, I recommend you fast for them for a season just to see how dependent you are.
With love and respect,


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Video Direct is located at 125 Route 526, Allentown, NJ. This business specializes in Home Electronics.


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Why study biology at ICES ?
Finding out about different professions to choose the one that suits me best
Students are initiated into the different professions, to examine them in the light of their personal expectations, to choose the one for which they are best suited. This pedagogical approach together with the development of independent scientific reflection (personal scientific projects, acquiring the methodology proper to different scientific disciplines) enable the students, closely accompanied by their teachers, to pass from: "I'm interested in biology..." to "I want to be an engineer" or "I want to be a teacher", or "I want to be a scientist"... and thus construct their individual study programs accordingly.
Choosing which scientific discipline I prefer after seeing them all
Biology, or more exactly "Life Sciences" are diverse. Future areas of interest and skills are not the same for all secondary school students who are interested in biological science. Molecular biology is not ecology, cellular physiology is not zoology, botany is not immunology, yet they are all biological sciences. Working in the pharmaceutical industry, agri-food business, biomedical research, sustainable development or fundamental research in molecular genetics are very different realities. The Licence (Bachelor equivalent) of Biological Science at ICES is therefore conceived as a broad based study program leading on to specialization.
Practical work from the 1st year
From Year 1, laboratory classes in chemistry, biochemistry, psychology, biology...and fieldwork in geology, botany and ecology ...are based on concrete, real life experiments.
Integrated preparation for competitive exams
Students can choose to prepare the competitive exams for integration into Veterinary Schools, Schools of Agronomy and Engineering Schools.
Stays Abroad
Students in the 3rd year can choose to study abroad for one semester in the United States, Spain, Canada, Switzerland or in South Africa. Students are helped by the International Relations Office at ICES to organize these stays. The study course abroad is validated as an integral part of the course in France, giving the Biology Degree and the student's CV an international dimension.
Career Opportunities
The field of Biology allows students to prepare for the teaching profession or research (fundamental or applied). The course option Training for the Teaching Professions prepares students to take the national competitive examination for teachers after four years of study in Biology and Geology, allowing them subsequently to teach in middle or secondary schools. More than 90% of students who attend the classes are successful in the examination.
Our Research and Development program has prepared students for successful entry into :
- the pharmaceutical and agronomical industries,
- agri-food business
- the field of biotechnology. Other students have integrated
- hospital departments of clinical research.
Clinical Research
This Masters program created in 2003 is for students interested in the fields of Biotechnology, Pharmacology and Clinical Research with 95% of students subsequently finding jobs, especially in hospitals, biomedical research and the pharmaceutical industry.
Erasmus and exchange students, contact the International Relations Office for more information


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Search Open Positions
NOWCC recruitment operations are continuing during this challenging health crisis due to COVID-19. Health and safety is our top priority. Where necessary, we will be setting up interviews by phone or video conference. In some cases, there may be a delay to start dates or we will be following agency guidance on establishing telework for new enrollees. NOWCC Recruiters are available to assist with any questions or concerns.
NOWCC is proud to connect professionals, age 55+, with part-time and full-time opportunities throughout the country. These are non-federal, grant-administered positions and are not meant to compete with private sector wages. Duties range from clerical and administrative to technical and scientific. Search below to see how you can utilize your expertise!
How to Apply
1. Click the state listed below or shaded in blue to see open positions. If you don't see any positions in your state, check back or contact NOWCC to see if we operate an experienced worker program in your state.
2. Review job openings. Be sure to view the job description, duties and requirements. Be open-minded about how you can apply your experience to these positions. Don't have a degree? Not an Engineer? That's ok! Requirements for positions vary, but it's your years of experience that is the most applicable!
3. Click the To Apply button. This will take you to our Career Center page where you can begin the electronic application process. Upload your resume and complete an application. You can apply to multiple positions at once.
Don't see the specific position you are looking to apply? Click here and submit your application to our general apply.
4. NOWCC reviews applicant materials to determine who meets the job qualifications and forwards your materials to our agency contact. NOWCC will contact you if you have been selected for an interview. Most interviews are face-to-face and take place at the agency where the job is located. In some unique situations, a phone interview is scheduled.
5. Agency makes a selection. The federal agency notifies NOWCC who they have selected for the position. NOWCC checks professional references before making an official offer.
NOWCC then handles the enrollment and works closely with the enrollee to get them started! Please note that some agencies we work with require a background investigation which could take four to six weeks to complete.
If you have not been selected for a position, we encourage you to continue to check our website for additional vacancies.


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Are you a trouble-shooting, problem solving, customer service superstar? If so, we think you'd be a great fit for our property management team!
We are looking to recruit a property manager to cover maternity leave, and join our award-winning Lettings team based in Ealing
The role is extremely varied and some of the duties will include:
· Liaising with tenants on maintenance issues and organising timely repairs using a property management IT system
· Undertaking minor works between tenancies
· Undertaking regular property inspections and making recommendations to landlords
· Arranging check outs and negotiating the return of deposits
· Responsibility for ensuring property compliance, including annual gas safety checks
· Highly motivated individuals with customer service experience or experienced property professionals looking for a career in property management
· Local knowledge of the Ealing/West London area is helpful
· Must be articulate and well-spoken with excellent communication and rapport building skills
· Must be able to work in a fast-paced, targeted environment
· Candidates must have their own car and full clean UK driving licence


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text: About 250,000 people have fled the fighting between rebels and pro-government forces [EPA] Fighters from the National Congress for the Defence of the People (NCDP) of Laurent Nkunda, who says he is fighting to protect ethnic Tutsis, then won control of the village and killed those who they thought supported the Mai Mai.The UN mission said on Friday its investigators had "visited 11 communal grave sites, containing at least 26 bodies, fighters and civilians".ExecutionsAnneke Van Woudenberg, a researcher with Human Rights Watch, and Colonel Jean-Paul Dietrich, a UN military spokesman said it appeared the rebels had committed many more executions than the militia.Some residents told the Associated Press news agency that many victims were shot in the head, while other said the rebels dressed the dead in military uniforms. Video Rwanda massacre witness calls for DR Congo action Attacks upset DR Congo ceasefire Displaced people's misery The killings highlighted the inability of UN peacekeeping forces to protect civilians across the huge region.The UN mission in DR Congo (Monuc) has a base in Kiwanja, but it only has 120 soldiers to protect up to 50,000 people."Sadly we can't protect every person in the Kivus [provinces]," Doss said.Al Jazeera's Mohammed Adow, reporting from Goma, said that the peacekeepers had managed very little success. "The UN is there and has been sending teams to the battle scenes. But they can only stand around and watch as the fighting continues," he said. "In Goma, the UN has only 850 personnel ... They are outnumbered - there are thousands of rebels and thousands of government forces."Dietrich said that UN forces had been pinned down under crossfire for some of the first day of the killings and were hampered because militiamen were hiding in houses among civilians. Peacekeepers were also trying to stop NCDP attacks on two other towns, Nyanzale and Kikuku, while the killings continued on Wednesday . "It's very difficult to protect thousands of civilians, especially at night,'' Dietrich said.Civilians fleeMeanwhile, thousands of people were on the move again as they flocked towards overcrowded refugee camps amid a relative lull in days of fighting between government forces and the rebels. "There is little available to take care of [people displaced by the fighting]," Adow said. "They are going to camps that are already overcrowded, and as the fighting nears the camps they are displaced once again. "Some people are sleeping on the side of the road; there is little aid getting to them. The UN estimates that about 253,000 people have been displaced since September. SOURCE: Al Jazeera and agencies


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One Small Step for Man, One Giant Mess in the Spacecraft
NASA Plans Another Lunar Landing, but Oh! That Nasty Moon Dust
NASA is again shooting for the moon, but before a manned mission can get off the ground, scientists must solve a vexing technological challenge: dust.
As the Apollo 11 astronauts found out when they walked onto the moon 40 years ago Monday, lunar dust is downright treacherous. To the naked eye, it looks powdery, almost fluffy. But each particle is jagged. Dust scratched the astronauts' visors, ground into the joints of their spacesuits, clogged their equipment, and -- after they inadvertently tracked it into their living quarters -- lodged in their lungs.
"It gets into everything," says Jeff Hanley, who manages NASA's next-generation rocket program. "Dust is one of the biggest challenges we face."
And yet now, with NASA preparing to set up a lunar outpost by 2020, researchers are clamoring for the stuff. Some need it to conduct medical and equipment tests. Other scientists hope to study the lunar soil to see if it can be turned into bricks or smoothed into roads. A still more ambitious goal: figuring out how to use solar energy to extract the oxygen molecules bound up in the soil.
Add all these research demands together, and NASA will need 500 tons of the heavenly dust, maybe more. And that is a problem. Over several missions, the Apollo astronauts brought back a grand total of 227 pounds of lunar dust and soil. Those samples, said to smell ever so faintly like gunpowder, are stored in a vault at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. To get access, scientists must petition a NASA committee on extraterrestrial materials. If they are approved, they are lucky to get a sample the size of a couple of aspirins. One eminent geologist once got a sample that consisted of six specks.
"It's a national treasure," explains Carole McLemore, a NASA project manager. "So many people need moon dirt, and there's just not enough to go around."
NASA's solution? Fake it.
Ms. McLemore helps run a $19 million project to fabricate what NASA calls "high-fidelity" lunar simulant. The process can be as complicated as, well, rocket science.
Looking Back: The First Moon Landing
Journal articles on the U.S. Apollo 11 mission to the moon in 1969.
- U.S. Is Set to Begin Apollo Tests Deemed Crucial in Moon Race (Oct. 8, 1968)
- Flight to the Moon by Three U.S. Astronauts Will Culminate a Decade of Preparation, the Expenditure of $24 Billion (July 10, 1969)
- Apollo 11 Flight, if a Success, Points Way to Further Moon Exploration (July 17, 1969)
- Moon Landing Success Is Sure to Spur Planning For New Space Feats (July 22, 1969)
That is because moon dust is not at all like its earthly cousin. The moon is under constant bombardment by micrometeorites, which smash into the surface at tremendous speed, generating an intense heat that fuses dust particles together and melts the component minerals into bits of glass.
When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin planted the American flag on the moon on July 20, 1969, dust almost ruined the photo op. Compacted dust made the particles interlock like a jigsaw puzzle, forming a rock-hard layer that the flagpole could barely penetrate.
Efforts to re-create moon dust are not unprecedented. In 1993, Texas geologist James Carter developed a simulation of lunar soil, called JSC-1, by milling volcanic cinders collected from the Merriam Crater near Flagstaff, Ariz. The mineral content was a good match -- and JSC-1 was widely used in NASA research -- but the particles didn't have the quantity of jagged edges that make real moon dust such a menace. Mr. Carter refined the grinding process in 2007 and is now making a version with a bit more of a bite.
He likes to take the ersatz lunar dust to grade schools to show kids. "They come up and want my autograph," he says.
But JSC-1 was designed to resemble the chemical composition of the basalt rock in the lunar valleys -- the dark patches visible on the moon. The next lunar landings are likely to be in the white patches, known as the highlands. Those are very different in chemical composition and contain more fragments melted by the heat of meteor impact.
So NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey teamed up to scour the globe -- or, actually, the scientific literature on composition of rocks around the globe -- for a spot that mimics the lunar highlands. In 2006, they found it around a working platinum mine in Nye, Mont., near Yellowstone National Park.
"It's as good as it gets," says Doug Stoeser, co-chief of the federal lunar simulant project.
Every year, Mr. Stoeser supervises a field trip to the Stillwater Mine to collect up to 12 tons of rocks and mine waste. He then has it trucked to Denver, where it is pulverized into smooth, rounded grains. Still, the resulting particles are nothing like the irregular glassy ones found on the moon.
Next stop for the stuff: a small engineering firm with a bare-bones office in Boulder, Colo. called Zybek Advanced Products, Inc. A few years ago, in a bid to reduce the days-long processing time for making certain forms of fiberglass, owner Michael Weinstein invented a plasma furnace capable of burning incredibly hot.
The furnace wheezes like an aging jet engine and looks alarmingly Rube Goldbergesque -- all tubes and wires and banged-up sheets of metal. But with two blindingly white, criss-crossing plasma rays, it can concentrate one megawatt of energy on a surface the size of a dinner plate.
All that energy produces an astounding heat, topping 30,000 degrees Fahrenheit. By comparison, the surface of the sun is thought to be about 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit. "It can pretty much melt anything," says Mr. Weinstein of his furnace.
Mix the right blend of minerals and crumbled rock, zap it in the furnace for 1.5 seconds and -- voila! A red-hot molten mess shot through with glassy globules known as agglutinate, common on the moon but rare on Earth. When it cools, Mr. Weinstein pummels it in a special mill that rips apart the particles with violent sonic booms, turning it into jagged-edged moon dust that he sells to NASA and independent researchers for about $35,000 a ton.
Lunar curator Judy Allton, who works at the Johnson Space Center, says she welcomes the innovation of the moon-dust simulant. Yet there is a wistful note in her voice as she talks about the decades she spent painstakingly sifting through the genuine lunar samples brought back by Apollo astronauts.
"It was really gorgeous," she says. "Like jewels."
Write to Stephanie Simon at email@example.com
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Michael "Pinball" Clemons Foundation WE|U|NIGHT Fundraising Event - MEDIA INVITATION
May 08, 2014, 03:45 ET
TORONTO, May 8, 2014 /CNW/ - The Michael "Pinball" Clemons Foundation (MPCF), along with presenting sponsor RBC, is hosting WE|U|NIGHT in support of international charity and educational partner Free The Children.
WHEN: Thursday May 8, 6:30 pm - Midnight+
WHERE: Sound Academy
11 Polson Street
Scheduled speakers include:
Martin Sheen – Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winning actor and activist
Michael "Pinball" Clemons – CFL Hall of Famer, Vice Chair of the Toronto Argonauts, co-founder of MPCF
Craig Kielburger – Co-founder of Free The Children
Marc Kielburger – Co-founder of Free The Children
Performers and special guests include:
Bob McCown – Canadian sports talk show personality and the host of Prime Time Sports
Cabral "Cabbie" Richards – Canadian sports TV personality on TSN's SportsCentre
Classified – Canadian hip-hop artist and producer
Damon Allen – Four-time Grey Cup champion; considered one of the greatest CFL QBs of all time
Jennifer Valentyne – BTV personality; hosts the "Live Eye" segment of the show
JRDN – Juno Award-winning R&B recording artist
Kardinal Offishall – Canadian rapper, record producer, and record executive
Matt Black – Grey Cup champion and defensive back with the Toronto Argonauts
Ricky Foley – Three-time Grey Cup champion; defensive end for the Saskatchewan Roughriders
Wayne Smith – Grey Cup champion; offensive lineman for the Toronto Argonauts
MPCF's mandate is to prioritize those with the fewest resources, at home and around the world. This year, MPCF has committed to building 100 schools in Free The Children's developing communities with the help of guests and donors.
For more information visit www.mpcf.ca
SOURCE: Michael "Pinball" Clemons Foundation
For further information: To register for event access and request interviews with speakers / special guests please contact: Joe Roma, [email protected], 416-705-1723


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Celebrate Purity Gala Night 2013
My son Miguel just turned 14, and it was very timely that we were invited by our good friend Mark for a Purity Symposium and Gala Night last September 21. This event was offered by The Master's Academy (TMA) for home-schooled students. Since his son Nathan is also fourteen, and a good friend of our son, we figured now was the best time to have these two young men go together.
My husband Gerard and I take parenting seriously. We know that it is our divine calling to guide our children, support them, and to teach them to know all about Christ. Our parenting is very intentional. We seek instructions not just from the Word, but from experts and other parents who are as devoted as we are to our God-given vocation.
The Purity Symposium is one of those events we were eager to attend. This in effect is one way of setting up walls of defense for our children, and one of the many teaching opportunities for us to let them know how they can glorify their Lord and Savior.
|Miguel and Nathan, buddies for the symposium, buddies for life.
During our time, our own parents were not exposed to a valuable tool such as this. We learned everything about sex and purity through our classmates, friends, and sadly from TV shows and movies, which were not the best sources, and not the standard we should be looking at for our moral compass in purity.
|O great young men for God!
Attending two half-days' worth of seminar, here are the 10 things I wished I have learned during my teen years about purity:
1. Gods design for purity is a gold standard, 100% pure, and flawless. (1 Peter 1:15-16)
What does it mean to be pure? From a biblical perspective, purity is a virtue of single mindedness, the moral excellence evident in life as you do consistently what is right. One foundational truth is that God is holy and pure! Purity is embracing God's standard in all things.
Man's efforts won't be enough to satisfy a holy and perfect God. Man's dilemma is that God's standard is 100 percent pure. God's dilemma is to bring us to perfection thru John 3:16 by sending Jesus to die for us.
|Gerard and I signing the Purity Covenant, committing to supporting and guiding him in his battle for purity.
2. God created male and female in His own image. (Matthew 19:4-6)
God created us in his own image means we are reflecting his character: we can reason, be creative, have purpose, speak the truth, have goodness, and blessing. God made two different sexes for a purpose, equal before God. There is no third sex. In Genesis, God saw that it was good! We are fearfully and wonderfully made! (Psalm 139)
3. God created us for a purpose. (Jeremiah 29:11)
God has plans to prosper us and to give us hope and a future. In John 10:10, He came for us to have abundant life. Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook founder said, "What you can build can change the world!" In 1 Chronicles 11:22, stories were told of the great exploits of David's 30 men. So is Tim Tebow's great exploits in sports.
Find your purpose in God, not your own. Here's a video to show how one can triumph against all odds just by finding his purpose in life in God. You may be dealt with all 5 cards but God has all the chips.
How amazing for Nick Vujicic: "Even the worst things in your life can come together for good. So stop looking everywhere and just look up – you'll be unstoppable!"
4. Our body is not our own. It is the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
We must honor God with our body. We do not belong to ourselves. God has bought us with a price. There are many issues that beset the youth today – smoking, drinking, and drug abuse. In Romans 1: 18-32, there is a downward spiral for godlessness and wickedness of men. Futile thinking and foolish hearts are darkened, there is sexual impurity, they have exchanged God's truth for a lie, they worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator. So God gave them over to a depraved mind. What we see and read in the newspapers today are all clear examples of godlessness and wickedness of men that resulted from the abuse of their own bodies.
5. The mind is powerful. God wants us to control our thoughts. (Proverbs 23:7)
God wants us to protect our mind from the deceptions of life. It is a battle of the mind. For the rest of our life, the more of these impure images we see, the more of these pictures we will store in our brain.
The way to our head is through our heart, we build emotions in our heart. There are songs with catchy melody but very bad lyrics – and very deceptive! The danger of music can be seen clearly in the music "Marry You" by Bruno Mars. Watch out for what is written and sung, because great is the power of the subconscious.
What man thinks for himself he will be. Romans 12:2 advises us not to copy the customs of this world. Like polvoron, the world squeezes us to its mold to be what we shouldn't be, to forget about God. Let us allow God to transform us into a new person by changing the way we think, then we will know what God wants us to do, which is His will, pleasing and perfect.
We need to practice self control – to control what goes on in our minds, to take control of our thought patterns with Scriptures. We are encouraged to study and read the bible, pointing out to Proverbs, to keep our minds focused on the good things. Psalm 119:11 "I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you." Our objective is not just to flee, but to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Philippians 4:8 shows us the 8 stage filter for our thoughts and to dwell in these things.
6. God desires that we see only what is good. (Psalm 101:3)
Matthew 6:22-23: "The eye is a lamp for our body, it lets sunshine in to our soul." What we allow our eyes to look at really matters. We need to refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar! Have nothing to do with them.
When we pass by and see some of the billboards in Edsa, we should "do the boing boing" – turn our head the other way. It is fleeing with our eyes. We can't run, but we can turn our head away! Train ourselves not to look at worthless things, such as pornography and violent movies.
7. God wants a heart that loves him above all else! (Psalm 37:4)
In Proverbs 4:23, we are told to guard our heart because it affects everything we do. It is the source of life. We live out our hearts. Delight in God principle is "to delight in God, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Know only affection, not love! We need to learn to control our feelings, emotions, or affections (our likes).
Ring Ceremony – putting on the ring as a visible symbol and a constant reminder to keep himself pure.
8. Pursue God, not romance. (Song of Solomon 2:7)
We are advised not to awaken romance or love, until the time is right, when we are ready for marriage. We need to spare our hearts from needless pain, from heart break. While waiting for the right time, we can:
– pursue friendship, not exclusive relationship
– stick to our priority, be an excellent student!
– practice the rule of head over our heart. Don't follow our heart!
– avoid reading romantic novels, movies, music, heartthrobs
9. Prepare now for a great future. (Galatians 6:7)
Enjoy the golden age of opportunity, to enjoy this time with God, the time of discovery, growth, building interests, strengths, fun and new experiences, and new skills. We need to work hard at life – "do hard things, " because the easy life is not real:
1. Be God's best first. Be everything God wants you to be.
2. Obey the "hard things". Obey your parents on what they would like you to do, on varied interests and you will see how those dots connect when the time comes!
3. Practice hearing God in the Scriptures.
4. Be useful.
There is no such thing as teenagers! After being a child, you become an adult right away. Teenager is just a marketing term. The Spartans are the perfect example. When one turns 7, the child is sent to fend for himself, to be trained and educated to do battle.
|The challenge is to wait till marriage, and we'll be there to see him through. He will give this keepsake to his future mate.
10. God designed the home as the place where purity is nurtured. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
We are told to commit to God's teachings and for parents to teach these things to children. The circle of blessing "umbrella" happens when we put ourselves under the protection of our parents during our teen years. To improve relationships at home, we need to discover each other's love language, and engage in lots of conversation, to make small talk special.
Science says that it will only be after the teen years that the frontal lobe of the brain will be fully developed. For this reason, teens need their parents to guide them, to put fences and boundaries for their safety and well-being. We are encouraged to confess, not to hide things, and protect ourselves.


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Also found in: Thesaurus.
1. Very liberal in giving; generous: a munificent benefactor.
2. Showing great generosity: a munificent gift. See Synonyms at liberal.
[Latin mūnificēns, mūnificent-, from mūnificus : mūnus, gift; see mei- in Indo-European roots + facere, to make; see fact.]
mu·nif′i·cence n.
mu·nif′i·cent·ly adv.
1. (of a person) very generous; bountiful
2. (of a gift) generous; liberal
[C16: back formation from Latin mūnificentia liberality, from mūnificus, from mūnus gift + facere to make]
muˈnificence, muˈnificentness n
muˈnificently adv
mu•nif•i•cent(myuˈnɪf ə sənt)
characterized by or displaying great generosity.
[1575–85; < Latin mūnificent-, s., in derivation, of mūnific(us) performing one's obligations, bountiful, generous =mūni(a) functions, duties + -ficus -fic; compare magnificent]
mu•nif′i•cence, n.
mu•nif′i•cent•ly, adv.
syn: See generous.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Switch to new thesaurus
|munificent - very generous; "distributed gifts with a lavish hand"; "the critics were lavish in their praise"; "a munificent gift"; "his father gave him a half-dollar and his mother a quarter and he thought them munificent"; "prodigal praise"; "unsparing generosity"; "his unstinted devotion"; "called for unstinting aid to Britain"
generous - willing to give and share unstintingly; "a generous donation"
adjective generous, liberal, lavish, benevolent, rich, princely, free-handed, philanthropic, bountiful, magnanimous, open-handed, big-hearted, unstinting, beneficent, bounteous a munificent donation
mean, small, cheap, stingy, parsimonious, miserly
mean, small, cheap, stingy, parsimonious, miserly
Characterized by bounteous giving:


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Riso alla Nizzarda
Tomatoes are ripe and ready for stuffing with rice and Niçoise salad ingredients. Serve hot or cold.
- 2 large eggs
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- About 1/3 cup orzo pasta or broken spaghetti pieces
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 cup chicken stock, plus about 1/4-1/3 cup water
- About 1/4 pound thin green beans (haricots verts), cut into thirds
- 3 tablespoons large capers in brine, drained
- 6 anchovy fillets, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup loosely packed flat leaf parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives, chopped
- 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 2 lemons, 1 juiced and 1 cut into wedges
- Extra virgin olive oil ( EVOO), for drizzling
- Salt and pepper
- 12 ounces sustainable/line-caught tuna, drained and flaked
Place the eggs in a pot, cover with water and bring to rolling boil. Cover the pan and let stand off the heat for 10 minutes. Drain, crack the egg shells and soak in cold water to loosen the eggs from the shell. When cool, chop the hard boiled eggs.
Char the red pepper under a hot broiler or over an open flame burner to blacken the skin. Place the pepper in a bowl and cover. Let cool to handle, then wipe off the skin. Seed and cut into thin strips.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepot over medium heat. Add the pasta and toast to deep golden and fragrant. Add the rice and stock; stir. Bring to a boil and cover; reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Add a little water, if needed, if the rice absorbs all its liquid before becoming tender. Add the cut green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes more. Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and place in a serving bowl. Add the capers, anchovies, onion, parsley, olives and tomatoes to the rice. Dress the rice salad with the juice of 1 lemon and the EVOO; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Arrange the rice on a platter, in individual plates, or in large hollowed-out tomatoes. Top the rice salad with red pepper strips, chunks of tuna and chopped hard boiled eggs. Serve with wedges of lemon alongside to dress the tuna.


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Party Jumpers in Los Angeles
It's easy to find party jumpers in Los Angeles when it comes time to plan that special birthday party or community event. From renting an inflatable to owning your own bounce house, there are businesses based in Los Angeles making it easier than ever to enjoy this new party trend.
Why We Love Party Jumpers
Young or old, few people can resist the temptation to defy gravity and bounce on what is basically a giant trampoline. For kids, the temptation is even greater as many jumpers feature popular characters and famous pop culture references most youngsters pay homage to on Saturday mornings, from Spiderman to Dora the Explorer. In a world where traditional party games are slowly dying, the trend of bounce houses remains strong as kids burn off steam and parents enjoy the afternoon off.
What to Look For
When renting party jumpers in Los Angeles, it's vital you go through a reputable company. Just like any other major metropolitan area, Los Angeles is a big city with both its good and bad side. Don't be afraid to ask for proof of licensure and proper insurance coverage. Thanks to the Internet, you can now also search online for any negative customer reviews or reports from organizations to the Better Business Bureau.
While party jumpers are fun and entertaining, they can also be expensive, so make sure you're getting your money's worth before signing any contracts.
Places to Find Party Jumpers in Los Angeles
While picking up the local yellow pages and choosing stores to visit is one option, today's web presence has made it easier than ever before to browse your options online and make a selection without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. From jumpers to party accessories, the websites below can help you out in your search for the perfect rentals.
E & X Party Rentals
E & X Party Rentals are based in Los Angeles and feature some affordable bounce house packages. Check out their "recession specials" which include a jumper, tables and chairs, and in some instances, a bonus amusement such as a snow cone machine or a piñata. The packages start at around $160 for the most basic, and go on up past $500 for the most elaborate options.
Smiling Faces
Just as their name suggests, Smiling Faces Jumpers & Party Supplies offer jumpers that will make kids grin the whole day through. Their jungle castle and sports arena bouncers are adorable and roomy enough for handfuls of kids at once. They even offer a birthday cake-shaped jumper for when you're celebrating your youngster turning another year older.
Don't forget about their waterslides that coordinate with their Adventure and Jungle Castle jumpers, bringing a complete theme to your party. Unlike many companies, Smiling Faces offers holiday delivery.
Owning a Jumper
If you live in Los Angeles, where the weather is kind, and your backyard requires an extra dose of excitement, you may want to consider purchasing a bounce house or inflatable water slide instead of renting. While they can be costly, your investment may be well worth it if your family loves to play outdoors and you have the space for such an amusement. Through companies such as Blast Zone, you can obtain basic jumpers and other inflatable stations for a reasonable price and reap the rewards all summer long. All products featured on the website come with everything you need, including the air blower necessary to maintain their inflatable shape.
Since Los Angeles is home to countless families, you may want to consider renting out your jumper when you are not using it yourself. Posting on a local classifieds site or distributing flyers through nearby neighborhoods can earn you clients that will refer you to others and really get your side business going. If you do choose to rent out your bouncer, make sure you obtain the proper insurance and licenses before you advertise, so you don't run into any problems down the road.
Jumper rentals in Los Angeles are a great party idea, whether you are the owner or buyer. Kids get a kick out of inflatable fun, and in this city where the sun shines year round, you couldn't ask for more.


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• A daily summary of global reports on security issues.
North Korea's reclusive dictator Kim Jong-il has been diagnosed with life-threatening pancreatic cancer, a South Korean TV station reported Monday.
The report cited unnamed South Korean and Chinese intelligence officials. Representatives from the two countries are meeting now in Seoul to discuss how to deal with a North Korea that has become increasingly belligerent in recent months.
However, South Korean officials declined to officially confirm the report, and US officials had no comment, according to Reuters.
Mike Chinoy, author of Meltdown: The Inside Story of the North Korean Nuclear Crisis, raised concerns about the reliability of the report. "The way information leaks out of South Korea is very prone to manipulation," he told Voice of America.
"You have the South Korean intelligence service, which is highly politicized, which has a conservative bent," says the expert with the California-based Pacific Council on International Policy. "Clearly, they know a lot, but they have a long track record of manipulating what they know for their own political purposes.
The report heightens uncertainty about North Korea's direction and worries over Mr. Kim's succession. Bloomberg reported that the news contributed to a slide in both the Korean currency, the won, and the South Korean stock market to their lowest level in two months.
South Korea's YTN Television broadcast the news Monday, according to a report from the English-language edition of the Chosun Ilbo, a South Korean daily.
That and other reports noted that Kim looked "gaunt" and ill during a rare public appearance last Wednesday to mark the 15th anniversary of his father's death. Chosun Ilbo cited other South Korean media reports:
Last month a South Korean newspaper reported that Pyongyang was trying to import expensive medical equipment to treat the leader through intermediaries in China. The report did not specify the disease, but said Kim's condition was serious.
Reuters added further details on pancreatic cancer and Kim's many suspected health problems. It said that Kim was thought to have suffered a stroke a year ago, and to suffer from other health problems.
Separately, the Chosun Ilbo reported that South Korean intelligence officials speculate that Kim's death could result in a power struggle between his youngest son and heir apparent, Kim Jong-un, and a faction lead by Jang Song-taek, the leader's brother-in-law and a member of the National Defense Commission, and "the purported No. 2 man in North Korea."
Many analysts have speculated that there is a connection between the question of who will succeed the senior Kim to lead North Korea, and Pyongyang's recent aggressive behavior.
On April 5, North Korea made a failed attempt to put a satellite in orbit, in violation of UN resolutions. Days later it pulled out of the six-party talks aimed at ending its nuclear program, and later expelled International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors. On May 25 it tested a nuclear device, and on June 8, it sentenced two US journalists arrested on the border with China to 12 years of hard labor.
In a June report, the International Crisis Group wrote that North Korea's nuclear test "might be about ensuring that the military will accept whatever decision Kim Jong-il has made on his successor." The ICG added:
A likely succession in North Korea could unleash instability, or it could result in a much more belligerent or isolated military regime. The transfer of power after Kim Jong-il is far less clear than when his father died in 1994.


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I have been trying to budget successfully for several years now, but something always sabotages me. Unexpected expenses, items I forgot to budget, and lack of discipline on spending were the common culprits. Without fail, we continued to run out of money before we ran out of month. After some serious soul and budget searching I discovered what the missing component was to our budgeting mojo – sinking funds.
What are sinking funds?
A sinking fund is essentially a savings account where you allocate a small amount of money every month before you make a purchase. Or any budget category that doesn't have a fixed amount. Dave Ramsey's favorite example of a sinking fund is a Christmas fund. Christmas comes on the same day every year, so why are we so darned surprised by the expense of it? By putting a small amount aside every month you can easily eliminate the stress of holiday expenses. And that, is the perfect example of a sinking fund.
Which categories should have a sinking fund?
The sinking funds that should be in a budget will be unique for each person and family, but there are a few main categories that may give you inspiration.
Car replacement/repair
This is one area all of us are likely to spend major money, but few of us prepare for! Whether you drive a brand-new car or an old beater, you WILL have repairs. And eventually you will need to replace that vehicle, so make sure you put money aside every month.
Our homeowners insurance is paid by escrow, but we pay our auto insurance bi-annually because it saves money vs. monthly. That can be a big chunk of change and the payment date sneaks up out of nowhere. By setting aside 1/6th of the money we need each month, the whole payment is there when we need it.
We already covered Christmas, but don't forget birthdays, Mother's Day, weddings, and all the other occasions and holidays when you give gifts. Having a sinking fund for gifts has enabled me to buy ahead of time and catch better sales, too!
Depending on the state you live in, car license and registrations can be expensive. This is something we save for monthly, as well as my professional license as a hairstylist.
We have a healthy sinking fund for our pets because we feed them high quality food, and we never want to be in the position where we can't provide them the veterinary care they need because of money.
House Repairs
I can't believe how many homeowners can't afford any maintenance or repairs beyond their payment. If you own a home, you WILL have expenses come up like unexpected leaks, or appliances going out. And you will want to change the paint color or update carpet at some point, so save up for it!
In the same vein, we also have a sinking fund for warranties and insurance. We plan to renew the homeowner's warranty that was included when we purchased our home because our house has an old furnace, water heater and odds are something big will need to be replaced within the first couple of years. We also purchased extra insurance on the water main and pipes coming into our house after my sister experienced a water main break and we saw the expense involved!
Subscriptions and Memberships
Do you have Amazon Prime? A Costco membership? Start a sinking fund so you aren't surprised when these come due.
Do you ever want to go on vacation? Then start saving for it! You wont be shoveling a lot of money into this fund until you are out of debt, but its important to plan ahead.
This isn't a comprehensive list of sinking funds, but it gives you an idea of the types of things you should be saving for. You can be a detailed as you want. I know someone who has a sinking fund for her Erin Condren planner every year!
How do I organize my Sinking Funds?
One area I struggled with was how to organize my sinking funds. I started out with cash in envelopes, but the income and outgo got confusing. And to be totally honest, it was too easy to swap money amongst the envelopes when one category came up short. I tried putting them in the bank, but it was too hard to organize how much money was in what fund when it was lumped into one account.
What Works For Me
The step that has been revolutionary in my budget is putting my sinking funds in Capitol One 360 savings accounts. Capitol One allows you to have up to 50 accounts with no minimum balances or fees. I started with a checking account and transferred all of my sinking fund money over (I also got a free debit card and checks). Once that money cleared I opened individual savings accounts for each sinking fund. No more trying to remember what money belongs to which fund!
How do I decide how much to put in each sinking fund?
For fixed expenses like insurance or memberships, take the total amount and divide it by how many months are between payments. Pay yearly? Divide that number by 12. Every 6 months? Divide it by 6. If the category DOESN'T have a fixed amount, try to estimate what you spend in a year on that category (or should be) and divide that number. You can adjust as you go, and if you have more or less income one month some of the less-vital categories can be tweaked.
No matter what sinking funds you set up or how you manage them, every budget needs them. Sinking funds are the most essential component of your budget that will keep you from going into further debt, and being a good steward of your money in action. Do you utilize sinking funds? I'd love to hear some of your categories in the comments!


text: Vic Hoskins was the head of security for InGen under Masrani Global, and oversaw the Asset Containment Unit for the Jurassic World theme Park on Isla Nublar. In 2001, Vic Hoskins oversaw the cleanup operation of the escaped Pteranodons from Isla Sorna which had escaped to Canada. Due to Hoskin's success at dealing with this threat, he was hired by Simon Masrani to re-develop the InGen's Security division for the Isla Nublar construction of the Jurassic World theme park. Vic Hoskins also oversees the IBRIS project which is a subsidiary of InGen security.


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Click on me and I will take you to one of the Life Guides.
May they be greatly beneficial for you.
Random Guide/Guru/GodBeing
Dan "Anubuddha" McKee was born in 1952, USA. Awakened to the truth of pure consciousness in 1997, while sitting in the presence of Wayne Liquorman.
"Words are shallow, like lifeless streams in the dry season. They can not nourish for long but they can point to the direction of the ocean. The ocean within you is your spiritual heart. This is the direct route back to the Source.
Behind the words is a silent transmission. Its a wave, a resonance of the music of pure love. This is the real teaching. "
|External Websites
You are here: Index Nonduality & Spirituality Guides, Gurus and God-Beings


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Kangana Ranaut is known for not mincing words and on every occasion she has denied the possibility of marriage anytime soon.
However, according to Zoom TV, the actress was spotted wearing a shiny rock on her ring finger leading to speculations if she was engaged.
There's no way to confirm this and it could also be just another rumour considering how she has stressed that she would want to be a mother and change diapers, but getting hitched is something that's not her mind right now.
"I feel it's almost next to impossible for me to marry someone from this industry. However, I don't have any concrete plans for marriage right now because films are my priority," she told Hindustan Times last year.
This statement probably comes from a bitter past she has had with Hrithik Roshan, but none of the concerned parties ever came clean about the much-publicised affair. Apparently, the "Mohenjo Daro" actor's non-committal attitude formed the first cracks in their alleged relationship.
The "Rangoon" actress reportedly gave Hrithik a royal snub at a film festival held a few months ago. Both were spotted at the red carpet but Kangana decided to look through the superstar giving him the cold shoulder. However, they have both laughed off the dating rumours and at times ignored it all together.
In other news, Kangana is on Vishal Bhardwaj's "Rangoon", which also stars Shahid Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan. Hrithik will be seen romancing Pooja Hegde in Ashutosh Gowariker's period drama "Mohenjo Daro".


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The Boston TRANSCRIPT seized another opportunity to attack the Jews for their alleged efforts to receive treatment different from the rest of the people.
The TRANSCRIPT finds fault with the Jews because of Sargeant's painting, the Synagogue, still hanging in the Public Library despite an order of the Legislature for its removal. The painting has caused a new controversy. The State Commissioner of Education, who has been authorized by the Legislature to use the piethre for educational purposes yesterday stated that he cannot fulfill the mandate since the painting is objectionable and therefore unfit to be used in art schools.
Boston Jews are said to be determined to demand that the painting be removed in obedience to the law. The subject promises to be a lively issue for the next Legislature. Commenting on this question, the TRANSCRIPT today finds the present situation is "the direct and logical result of all efforts made by any racial or religious group in the country to receive treatment that marks it from the rest of the people".
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.


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Govt to construct 1 crore houses for rural poor by 2019
Giving a major thrust to rural India in the Union Budget+ , the government today announced bringing one crore householdsRead more
Giving a major thrust to rural India in the Union Budget+ , the government today announced bringing one crore householdsRead more
An Indian-American cricket enthusiast has announced plans to build as many as eight cricket stadiums across the US at anRead more
India's road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkarihas a grand plan to decongest Gurugram with a series of projects worthRead more
Global real estate investors will soon be able to invest in real estate and infrastructure in India, as Real EstateRead more
Delhi Development Authority's 2016 housing scheme, offering 13,000 flats in the Capital, which was expected to roll out around DiwaliRead more
Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA), a part of Australia's Macquarie Group Ltd, and realty firm Tata Housing Development Co.Read more
Mobile phone manufacturer Gionee on Friday has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Haryana Government to set up itsRead more
A day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee invited the Tatas to set up a car factory in theRead more
Actor Vivek Oberoi on Thursday announced the launch of Karrm Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.'s affordable housing project at Shahapur in Maharashtra.Read more
Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Cabinet took several measures to revive the real estate and construction sector. Resurrecting life into stagnantRead more


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Welcome to New Tunes Tues, where we tell you what newly released songs/albums/music videos etc require your attention immediately. This week we've got a Jennifer Lopez remix, a new single from Austin Mahone, and those two cuties above playing lovers in a music video! Take a listen to this week's new music below:
PHOTOS: Rita Ora, Mariah Carey and More Pics of Pop Stars in the Hospital
A Great Big World, "Already Home." Ian and Chad of A Great Big World's new song is all about long-distance relationships, and they got two recognizeable TV stars to play long-distance lovers for the video. Darren Criss of Glee is in LA while it makes sense that Jessica Szohr from Gossip Girl is based in NYC! Watch the cuteness here:
POLL: Vote for Ed Sheeran And Other Amazing New Music
JLo ft. French Montana, Tyga and Big Sean, "I Luh Ya Papi" remix. This song was already a party anthem, but Jenny from the Block called up Naya Rivera's ex, Big Sean, Khloe Kardashian's rumored beau, French Montana, and Tyga to add some rap verses to her song. Like?
PHOTOS: The 12 Hottest Summer Tours of 2014
Iggy Azalea ft, Rita Ora, "Black Widow." Iggy Azalea's album, The New Classic, is officially out today, and this is one of the most talked-about songs on the album. Rita Ora sings the verses, and PS, the song is co-written by Katy Perry!
OK! Exclusive: MKTO Discuss Their Creepiest Encounters With Fans (And Their Moms)
Austin Mahone, "Till I Find You." If you think that Austin Mahone's new single sounds like a recycled *NSYNC song circa 1999, you're not alone. But we'll give the guy some credit because at least it's…catchy?
OK! Exclusive: Cody Simpson Talks About His Elimination from Dancing With The Stars
Avril Lavigne, "Hello Kitty." When you have a song called "Hello Kitty," you obviously gotta film the music video in Tokyo. Avril's new video is giving off some major Harajuku vibes and the vid is just as sugar-coated and candy-esque as the song is. Thoughts?
PHOTOS: Sports Figures and their Rap Alter-Egos
What's your favorite new song of the week? Any we missed? Vote for your favorite song below and tweet your pick @OKMagazine!
For access to all our exclusive celebrity videos and interviews – Subscribe on YouTube!


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April 6, 2012
As I sit in my Southwest Airlines seat headed back home to Baltimore, MD from the 2nd of 3 trips to be with the Rev3 / Ulman Cancer Fund Run Across America Team, it finally hit me….
Why is this 21 day, 3,080 mile cross-country run is so darn impressive!
This may sound silly because when you tell people about the Run Across America they're easily impressed by the shear magnitude of the endeavor (running 3,080 miles in 21 days) and the worthy cause (awareness and fundraising to fight a disease that touches all of our lives). But there's way more to it and it took me this 2nd trip with the team to truly appreciate what was going on. It has to do with the small team of amazing individuals waking up every day and hammering out 150 miles of running through some of the most grueling terrain and conditions in the most remote parts of our country, all for one goal – to help others in the fight against cancer.
Tomorrow (Easter Sunday) marks the first and only day of rest (sort of) for the Run Across America team. I say sort of because they actually have to run 14 miles tomorrow to stay on pace for their April 16th arrival in Washington, DC. Just one example that supports the topic of this blog…read on to hear me where Im' coming from.
As excited as I am to make it home tonight at midnight to be there for my 11 month's old first Easter tomorrow, I'm equally inspired by what I'm leaving and just witnessed and I can't wait to get back. The Run Across America is about a lot of things but the one thing that sunk in to me over the past three days is that this epic journey is about SACRIFICE. Much like the patients and families we work with on a daily basis at the Ulman Cancer Fund, much like our supporters that dig into their pockets to make donations that they probably don't have the income to support, this group of runners and support staff are making an extraordinary sacrifice to fight this disease and make a difference in communities across the country.
In our dedication circle this morning before our run, Charlie Patten, Jr. (the President of Rev3 Triathlon) dedicated his run to a statistic I had shared with the team earlier that week – "I dedicate our run today to the 8 young adults that will be diagnosed with cancer every hour we run today."
I thought to myself, those words are powerful. Here is this guy who has a wife and three young kids at home he hasn't seen in weeks. He's got a company to run that produces some of the top triathlons in the country with events starting in less than a month. And it's the day before Easter and he's in the middle of no-where in a dirt field in Oklahoma – and he's dedicating his next 24 hours and the 20+ miles he'll be running to eight young adults he doesn't even know that will be diagnosed with cancer in our country. Wow – that's selfless and downright inspiring.
Cancer is a ruthless disease that doesn't care who you are. It doesn't listen to what you say. It comes when you least expect it and invades your life ruthlessly. The patients and families we're fortunate to meet at the Ulman Cancer Fund are forced to face this reality and sacrifice a lot to fight the disease. They have to stop school. They're forced to quit their jobs. They're sick and weak from treatment. They can't pay bills due to expensive treatments. They're stuck in hospitals for weeks at a time.
It has been evident in all my conversations with the Run Across America team, they are all committed and have chosen to sacrifice so much to do something positive for those that have it far worse off than we do right now. A core group of ten people and another 20+ part-timers have put three weeks of their lives on hold to dedicate their hearts, bodies and souls to the cancer fight.
To help you better understand the profoundness of this, I challenge you to digest the following…
If you decided to wake up tomorrow, pack a back-pack (because that's all you're allowed), hop in a 15 passenger smelly/sweaty van (because that's what you'll spend 10 hours of your day in while you run) and spend the next 21 days running across America, just think about the things you'd miss or give up in order to just be a part of it – this doesn't even take into consideration the physical challenge of individually running 20+ miles a day. If you have a spouse you may go days without speaking to them because of time differences, limited cell/internet access and the fact you're either running, sleeping or eating. If you have kids you won't see them for days/weeks and you'll have to squeeze phone calls in with them in the back of a van that is about to drop you off on the side of the road to run your next leg. If you have a job you'll have to take off precious vacation time or try to juggle work while running 10 hours of the day. And then the simple pleasures – you most likely won't shower for several days at a time and you'll have to live in an RV the size of the school bus that drove you to elementary school with 10 others. Your morning and daily rituals of grabbing a Starbucks, walking the dog, reading the paper, watching the news, browsing the internet – all gone.
The list goes on but my point is this. We all live extremely blessed lives. Every hour eight young adults will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States and 4 young adults will die from cancer. These people and families we meet at the Ulman Cancer Fund sacrifice a great deal to face and fight this disease. Yet, they rarely complain about it or ask for help.
I see this same quality in the people I've spent the better part of the past 2 weeks with on the Run Across America. Every day is a harder than the one before and they've chosen to do this. No one every forced them and they never complain. Ever day is a great day and they're always smiling at the opportunity to do arguably one of the hardest things I've witnessed. Why are they doing this – because they believe their SACRIFICES will help those that need our help and they're an amazing group of people that care.
THANK YOU to all involved in the Run Across America for the extraordinary sacrifice you're making to change the lives of those facing cancer. And for those of you that are watching from the home, I encourage you to consider making a donation to support this amazing group of individuals that are giving so much.