text:
By Todd Persaud
Todd Persaud holds a BFA from New School University and an MA in Applied Sociology from William Paterson University. He has taught in over 5 countries, and currently resides in Da Nang, Vietnam where he is writing a book about his experiences, called How to Teach Without Going Insane, soon to be released at Kindle stores near you! Follow him on his journey: www.ToddPersaud.com.
Action! What Teachers Can Learn From Theater Training
When I was studying musical theater at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), we were often instructed on the best practices for walking into an audition room and captivating casting agents with our charm, our glow, and our dazzling performances. Here are some lessons that apply directly to teaching:
- Smile when you enter a room
- Wear colors that show off your face and personality
- Enunciate
- Provide a beat or a second of time before you launch into your piece
- Provide a beat afterward before ending the piece
- Thank the audience for their time
In the theater conservatory, we were also provided with lessons on selecting monologues for the audition room. Use them when planning your next lecture.
- Find a piece with a lot of action
- Find something where you are trying to get something from someone (introduce tension or conflict)
- Find something two minutes or less.
- Find high energy/ high stakes pieces
- Find something with a range of emotion
- Find something that isn't overdone
- Find something that shows off your talent and your "type"
If you keep your emotions flat, you won't resonate with students and they won't find you or the topic "fascinating." Keep it short and be emotive so that students fully understand what you are communicating, while staying riveted to your performance. A rollercoaster of emotion is part of the theater student's repertoire, what they are trained to deliver in audition rooms and ultimately, in the rehearsal space and eventually in performance. Theater people are trained to captivate, to strike even when the iron isn't hot, when the world is totally indifferent and uninspired. They are trained so that no matter what kind of a day they are having, good, bad, or ugly, they can always revert back to their training to see them through. And so it is with the teacher who wishes to enthrall and inspire.
I mentioned "finding something that isn't overdone," as one of the primary strategies of an auditioning actor. When you teach, it's hard to bring the same energy to every lesson. Finding novel lesson material can be useful in this regard. Be on the lookout for new stories, surprising facts, shocking headlines, funny memes, and other real-world connections to your material. Even content that feels old can be freshened up by talented edutainers. Instead of teaching that next math lesson straight from the book, do some role-playing, with you and some students acting out a few word problems. Keep it short, introduce some conflict, make it emotional and action-packed, and the novelty alone will be sure to keep students' glued to their seats.
Finally, like actors, teachers should play to their strengths by showing off their talents and considering their "type." In the theater industry, there are shorthand phrases that we use to refer to "type." There's the "character actor," who plays doctors, professors, pizza deliverymen, and often odd or strange looking characters. Robin Williams comes to mind as being a prominent character actor of the last century. We also have the leading man, who is usually the handsome, debonair type who tries to attract the leading lady, or the young beautiful woman and "the damsel in distress." Brad Pitt is often considered a leading man, while Heather Graham is considered a leading lady.
While many people don't want to admit it, the way you carry yourself does have a lot to do with the way you are perceived, but many different "characters" can find success in the classroom. Some students respond well to the big goofball clown, while others thrive under the direction of the academic-and-widowed school librarian-mage type. Still others are motivated by the exotic beauty with blond hair and blue eyes who smiles at them electrically and lets her students know that they can do no wrong (as long as they're doing the work). Some students respond best to charismatic and authoritative leading-man types.
Being an edutainer is a lot like being an actor. In fact, let's face it: it is acting. You have to smile, emote, and keep the energy up even when you don't feel like it, even in front of a skeptical audience. This is work and don't let anyone tell you differently. It takes practice and discipline to be "on" all the time, and it is exhausting. It takes a lot effort for a person to take all of that energy and bring it to the classroom every day.
It's a pretty remarkable character, the edutainer, almost like a fairy tale character in his own right, providing salvation for those students who just don't believe in themselves or what they are doing, or why they are doing it. It is this performer, this artist, who is likely to be recalled fondly in the timeless stories we tell ourselves as humans striving for greatness.


text:
Saturday, 22 June 2013
In the last few weeks I have been pleased to see that the English Movement and Cause is gaining more and more official recognition. Of course the reporting and comment is all from opponents of English Nationalism. These opponents however now fear that if the English Nationalist dog isn't thrown the occasional bone it may bite them in their tender parts (like the wallet!).
We have had here a call for proper English Devolution, although still mixed in with Graham Allen MP's talk of trying to break England up.
If he thinks that breaking England up will put English Nationalism back in its box, then he need look no further than the history of conflict on the other side of St George's Channel! (AKA the Irish Sea). Here is a link to this piece. Click here >>> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-22826860
The University of Cardiff has held a discussion on the need to do something about English Devolution if Welsh Devolution is to be protected in the long term. Here is a link to this article which is well worth a read. Click here >>>> http://www.clickonwales.org/2013/06/the-english-dog-finds-its-voice/
Last, but not least, we have Sir Merrick Cockell, the President of the Local Government Association saying that England really needs its own Secretary of State. Click here for the link to the story >>> http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10123462/Give-the-English-a-voice-in-Whitehall-says-LGAs-Sir-Merrick-Cockell.html
Only a year or so ago we would have been delighted by any one of these! What do you think?
16 comments:
- Anonymous22 June 2013 at 13:00
The correct analogy with Ireland is not England but the island of Great Britain, with Ireland being analogous to England and Northern Ireland being analogous to Scotland. Most of the Northern Irish are not ethnic Irish, but the descendants of English and Scots who moved there in the early 17th century. Many of the Irish who are in Northern Ireland are descended from Irish immigrants who moved to Belfast and Derry in search of work in the 19th century.ReplyDeleteReplies
- Anonymous24 June 2013 at 07:28
As Irish immigrants went to Glasgow. The ultimate solution for Northern Ireland will be partition between Ireland and Scotland.Delete
- Anonymous4 July 2013 at 09:18
Further confused by the fact that the 'scots' as we know them today are predominantly of irish origin anyway. The original inhabitants of Scotland (the picts) having been slaughtered by the irish immigrants during one of Ireland's numerous imperialist periods.Delete
- Anonymous10 March 2014 at 12:41
Come to that most of the Southern Irish are descended from settlers planted there during the time of a variety of Plantagenet monarchs. Apparently these settlers went wild and caused great annoyance to the authorities. To be really honest a recreation of the old English state would include over half the territory of the present state of Eire. But perhaps we should let that matter alone.Delete
- Anonymous22 June 2013 at 21:30
Graham Allen is right, recognition of England will inevitably lead to the end of the United Kingdom. Allen is a unionist, so can only oppose recognition of England.ReplyDelete
English nationalists are realistic about the end of the United Kingdom. Continuing existence of The United Kingdom and a re-emergent England are mutually exclusive aims.
- Anonymous23 June 2013 at 11:44
Why should political recognition of England inevitably spell the end of the Union? The Welsh seem to be saying that an English Parliament is necessary to safeguard Welsh devolution. What matters is what the people want. If the Scots, Welsh, N Irish and English are happy to remain in what would be a 4-nation federation the Union will continue.ReplyDeleteReplies
- Anonymous23 June 2013 at 23:29
Being In the union, means that the Scots, Welsh and Northern Irish have a say in the government of the UK, and its largest country, often being in the highest seats of power. In a federation they could always be overruled by the English. That is why unionists want to break England up into 8 or 9 regions, each with populations equivalent in size to those of the smaller nations.Delete
With England having 84% of the UK population would make the federation inherently unstable. That is why the allies split up Prussia, which had something like 60% of the population of Germany.
- Anonymous23 June 2013 at 23:53
The Scots, Welsh, N Irish and English would not be happy to remain in what would be a 4 nation federation; so the Union would not continue.Delete
A UK government is necessary to safeguard Welsh devolution from full independence, but pressure for full Welsh independence would follow swiftly on the heels of federation, if England was not replaced by regions, each of which would become an equal partner in the federation. But then Scotland, Wales and N Ireland would be demoted to mere regions among all the rest. They wouldn't be happy about that either.
No wonder Westminster hides its head in the sand over the English question.
- Anonymous23 June 2013 at 12:19
Graham Allen said Scotland, Wales and N,Ireland had benefited with devolution and he'd like the English Councils have the same, Grayham , wake up we know what you are trying to do, it will not work, we will have our English Devolution for the whole of England..ReplyDelete
- Leo Brookes23 June 2013 at 12:52
As someone who campaigned long and hard for English devolution thus forming a Federal UK my mind has been changed by the Unionists saying an English Parliament would destroy the Union. Thereby the English should put up with being treated unequally for the sake of the Union. Well, I would like to thank these Unionists for changing my mind. I am now campaigning for an independentReplyDelete
- Anonymous23 June 2013 at 14:32
It true the English nationalism is higher than before and still on the increase. It would be a dangerous thing now for anymore suggestions to departmentalize or Break up England in favour of others or just at all. The best way forwards is for Politicians to Recognize England as one nation state and work that into the British System if they wish to keep the Union alive. There is some tension out there we can all feel it, with the goings on in the Arab world, Turkey and Brazil now, it would be foolish not to recognize English concerns and their Nation state before it's too late.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous23 June 2013 at 23:07
For God's sake English Democrats, wake up! While you're basking in the glow of the rising recognition of English nationality, Ukip is stealing the ED's natural constituency - the northern working class (and winning council seats in Rotherham, as well as coming second in the South Shields parliamentary by-election, which the English Democrats didn't even contest.)ReplyDelete
- Anonymous24 June 2013 at 00:12
Extract from the University of Cardiff discussion - "All the English regions bar LONDON saw an English predominant identity record more than 70 per cent, with the highest English predominant identity being recorded in the NORTH EAST of England with OVER 80 per cent, an area that the Office for National Statistics notes as home to a largely White-British population. This echoes the Dog that finally barked report, which claimed that 43 per cent of White Britons in England emphasized an English identity over a British one, as opposed to just 17 per cent of non-White Britons"ReplyDelete
So why are the English Democrats cold shouldering the North East?
- Oswald24 June 2013 at 07:07
The Lindisfarne Gospels in DurhamReplyDelete
Be part of an enlightening journey as the Lindisfarne Gospels go on show in Durham from 1 July to 30 September 2013. The exhibition is a must see contemporary interpretation of the North's most enduring story, the tale of our famous saint Cuthbert, and a chance to see some of England's most significant medieval manuscripts alongside stunning Old English treasures.
LINDISFARNE GOSPELS DURHAM is the focus of a North East celebration of the region's creative, artistic and spiritual heritage and is staged in the new world-class facilities on Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For the latest on the exhibition and events that are inspired by the Lindisfarne Gospels
Lindisfarne Gospels Durham will be open to the public from 1 July to 30 September 2013. Open from 10am till 10pm daily.
We recommend you book in advance as admission is for a timed slot.
Discover more about the Lindisfarne Gospels and the Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition.
All you need to know for this summer's Lindisfarne Gospels celebrations in Durham and across North East England. Sign up to our E-newsletter.
- Oswald24 June 2013 at 07:23
Education Secretary for England Michael Gove has made a disorderly retreat over the teaching of history in English schools after a determined onslaught by the globalists led by Simon Schama.ReplyDelete
The English Democrats must make English History and Culture a central plank of the Party's policies. In particular it must put national English (New English) as described by David Cowley in his books 'How We'd Talk if the English had won in 1066', and 'Hastings 1066, Words We'd Wield If We'd Won' at the core of its agenda.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The new year. A new beginning, full of opportunities.
2018 was intense. So much so in fact that some of it is a blur to me. It was one of the hardest years of my life. I have thought about making a post a thousand times and even now that I'm here, typing, I have no idea what to say or how to start.
At the end of the summer, my marriage ended. It was such a monumental thing that it is still on going. I'm still in the depths of it. I'm not going to discuss the hows and the whys right now, or maybe even ever, but it has shaken me to my very core and I have been trying to put one foot in front of the other ever since. The kids don't know, and won't until things are sorted and basically done, which makes it even harder. We are cohabitating by necessity, which as you can imagine, is not an easy thing.
Through all of this, I saw many people leave my life. It's strange how some friendships can't survive hardships. On the other hand, I've also had some relationships strengthen and become a lifeline for me. I've had some friendships renew and become even stronger than ever before. The people who love me and support me through this are truly lifesavers and family to me.
I have also been given some amazing opportunities. I was in a commercial for a skincare line I truly love and support. While I struggle with some self-love and body acceptance, I have had trouble celebrating how I look in it, but have decided to share it anyway because I am proud.
I had a friend who didn't know about the campaign DM me on instagram asking if I had just been on a commercial on youtube. I think it was pretty surreal for both of us.
Another big thing that 2018 brought was my love for bullet journaling and drawing. I really have tried to use my bujo as a way to bring peace, gratitude, organization, and creativity into my life. If anyone is interested, I have lots of pages and spreads on my instagram. I would also be happy to write a post about BuJo and Art journaling if there is interest. I want to try to get back into reviewing makeup too but I am taking baby steps back into blogging. I hope you all understand.
So, now that you know where I've been, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for reading, for visiting my humble little home on the internet and for being patient with me while I try to find my way back to myself and through the journey of being a single mom.


text:
I'm Too Out of Shape to Exercise
I'm too out of shape to exercise!"
We humans are experts at finding "rational" excuses. Even if they aren't always that rational.
Similar arguments are common in other areas too. "Our relationship is too bad to socialize" or "I have too little time right now to manage to plan my time." Consciously or unconsciously we confuse the reasons with the consequences. We put the cart in front of the horse.
Obstacles to Exercising
A study recently investigated what persons with type 2 diabetes reported as obstacles to exercising.1
The argument above, feeling too out of shape to exercise, was one of the most common. Lack of time, bad weather and swollen feet were also given as typical obstacles. Or that exercise was simply experienced as boring.
Environmental factors played a major role. Individuals who lived close to nature or good walking paths exercised more. It was also found that lack of access to workout spaces was a common reason not to exercise. Many people thought that gyms should be better adapted to adults and the elderly in the choice of music, style and equipment.
Having exercise equipment at home, for example an exercise bike or weights, was connected to more exercise. Social support from family and friends was another important factor for a high level of exercise.
An interesting finding was that knowledge about diabetes and the health effects of exercise had no effect whatsoever on exercise level. This confirms what other studies have shown, namely that information and motivation are two completely different things.
These kinds of studies have many weaknesses, and it is difficult to fully correct for underlying social factors. But it can still be valuable to know what other patients experience as common obstacles, realize that you're not alone, and think about how the obstacles can be influenced.
Many Obstacles Are Possible to Influence
Through planning, for example, most people can free up time for exercise. There is almost always some TV program, some phone call, some activity that can give way to take care of health.
Pain is a major problem for many and it can truly be a tangible obstacle to exercise. In many cases it is possible, however, to find activities that are relatively gentle on the body, such as pool workouts or bicycling.
It may also be good to know that in many cases pain can be reduced in the long term by exercise, because supporting musculature is built up and exercise releases pain-relieving endorphins (Note that certain forms of exercise may worsen injuries and pain, so consult with a physiotherapist or doctor if in doubt.)
Some obstacles are truly hard to influence. But in many cases we put up unnecessary obstacles ourselves, or enlarge those that exist. You will no doubt find your own way to get around obstacles if you become aware of them and are truly motivated to exercise. Because after all, motivation is the key.
Focus More on the Experience of Exercise
Exercise is often seen as a means to achieve something else, e.g. lower weight or blood sugar. This is called external motivation. When exercise is driven by external motivation, we readily focus on obstacles, and it's easy to give up.2
But we can also be driven by inner motivation. With this kind of motivation the very experience of exercise is a goal in itself. The feeling of being out in nature or the city. A sense of community. The experience of moving, letting go of everyday problems, and finding peace in your soul.
Of course exercise doesn't have to be about sweating at the gym. It can just as well be a quick walk along the shore, bicycling or ball sports. Asking what form of exercise could give you a meaningful experience is the best start. Then it will be easier to see the value of exercise instead of the obstacles. Regardless of how out of shape you are!
How can exercise be a meaningful experience for you?
1. Heiss V et al. American Journal of Health Education, 45, 278–287, 2014
2. Teixeira et al. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2012, 9:78


text:
- Did you mean
- urban agricultural garden soil less
Search results
Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations- Additional Resources
Ward, and Raymond Weil. 2007. "Nutrient Stratification in No-till Soils." Leading Edge, The Journal of ... No-Till Agriculture. go.osu.edu/stratification Soil Testing North Central Regional Committee on Soil ... E-2567. agcrops.osu.edu/publications/tri-state-fertility-guide-corn-soybean-wheat-and-alfalfa Soil ...
Soil Sampling, Handling, and Testing
The accuracy of a fertilizer recommendation depends on the quality of the soil sample collected ... and analyzed to produce a soil test value. Taking the time to collect a quality soil sample is the ... first and perhaps most important step in developing a sound nutrient management plan. A quality soil ...
Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations for Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, and Alfalfa
possible. This publication represents a tremendous collective effort by many committed agricultural ... Agriculture, the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, the Michigan Wheat Program, Michigan State University ... Project GREEEN, Michigan AgBioResearch, the Michigan State University's College of Agriculture and Natural ...
Executive Summary
published in 1995 provide a solid framework for managing fertilizers and soil fertility. However, some ... Tri-State Recommendation Changes. Soil sampling remains a critical component of effective nutrient ... management. Sample soil in a consistent way every 3 to 4 years, with samples representing no more ...
Soil PH and Lime Recommendations
Soil pH is one of the most important properties in determining the cycling and availability of ... soil nutrients. Soil testing regularly and applying lime to maintain recommended pH levels should be ... the first step growers take to assure crops have sufficient availability of nutrients. Soil pH should ...
Most soils in the tri-state region contain adequate quantities of micronutrients. This is particularly ... rarely been observed in this region of the United States. Some soils, however, may be deficient in B, Cu, ... Both soil testing and plant analysis are useful in diagnosing micronutrient deficiencies. Relative to ...
Quick Reference Guide to Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendation Changes
What has changed? Why the change? Soil Sampling Sample every 3 to 4 years in a consistent way as ... the foundation for an adaptive nutrient management program. No changes. Details Soil pH and Lime ... Default soil test P and K levels now based on Mehlich-3. These recommendations are consistent with current ...
Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur
but less likely to be added as fertilizer as N, P or K. Most soils in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio ... adequately supply these nutrients for plant growth. A standard soil test measures the relative availability ... of Ca and Mg in soils. There is no accurate soil test for S at this time. A plant analysis is the ...
Phosphorus and Potassium
on a build-up and maintenance approach. This framework strives to build soil test levels up to and ... three distinct recommendations based on soil test values: 1) build-up, 2) maintenance, and 3) drawdown. ... fertilizer to build soil test levels) if soils test below the critical level or are "deficient." The ...
Coffee with a Master Gardener Volunteer series
Please join the OSU Extension Greene County Master Gardener Volunteers at 2:30 Wednesday, August ... 5 th, Friday, August 7 th and Saturday August 8 th for "Coffee with a Master Gardener Volunteer" series. ... Garden "Using Worm Compost in the Garden" —Kathy Estabrook Resources: Worm Presentation Notes and ...


text: Growth factors, antioxidants and proteins in this anti-wrinkle cream help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. This hydrating formula also nourishes skin to create a softer, smoother texture. With regular application, this eye cream will soften the signs of aging for a healthier, younger-looking eye area.


text:
Veterans Price, Jackson to pitch as Red Sox meet Jays
David Price is scheduled to return from the injured list Monday afternoon to start for the visiting Boston Red Sox in the opener of a four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Price (1-2, 3.75 ERA) has not pitched since May 2 because of tendinitis in his pitching elbow.
The left-hander will be facing Blue Jays right-hander Edwin Jackson (0-0, 3.60), who set a major-league record of playing for 14 teams when he made his first start for the Blue Jays in San Francisco against the Giants last week.
One of the reasons Price is making his return on the road Monday, instead of possibly pitching in Boston over the prior weekend, is that Toronto's Rogers Centre has a retractable roof.
"He's doing better," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said recently. "As you know, probably the weather (in Boston) is what the weather is. I think that controlled environment in Toronto is better. And also two bullpens in between the start. Instead of going from zero to the start, he gets two bullpens in and then he'll go from there."
Price -- who helped the Blue Jays win the American League East title in 2015 when he went 9-1 with a 2.30 ERA as a midseason acquisition from the Detroit Tigers -- has had success at Rogers Centre, where he is 12-1 with a 3.31 ERA in 17 career starts.
Last season, Price went 4-0 with a 2.63 ERA overall against Toronto. This will be his first appearance against the Blue Jays this season.
In his career against the Blue Jays, he is 21-3 with a 2.43 ERA in 30 games (29 starts) and at Toronto against the Blue Jays he is 8-0 with a 3.73 ERA.
"He can give us 15 to 18 outs," Cora said. "We'll see how it plays out."
It is possible that Sandy Leon will be behind the plate for Price. Leon missed the weekend games; he was on paternity leave because of the birth of his daughter.
The teams split two games at Fenway Park in early April.
Both teams are coming off wins on Sunday afternoon. The Red Sox ended the Houston Astros' 10-game winning streak 4-3 in a duel between the past two World Series champions.
The Blue Jays gained a split in their four-game series in Chicago with a 5-2 victory over the White Sox. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning to break a 1-1 tie. Danny Jansen added a two-run homer in the ninth as the Blue Jays completed their road trip 3-3.
Jackson did not figure in the decision in San Francisco Wednesday, a 4-3 Giants win. Jackson worked five innings, allowing three runs (two earned) and six hits and left a 3-3 game.
Jackson last faced the Red Sox in 2016 and is 3-4 with a 4.64 ERA in 15 games (12 starts) against them.
The 35-year-old is in his 17th season and has a 104-123 career record.
"It says I have a lot of perseverance," Jackson said. "Some of those teams had situations which would make other people want to go home and quit and cry, but for me, it's like the tougher it gets, the harder I work."
Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo seems happy to have him on the team.
"He's going to give you all he's got every time he takes the mound, like he did (Wednesday)," Montoyo said.
--Field Level Media


text:
A huge crowd was at Prestbury Park, which is staging a four-day Festival for the first time.
Tuesday's feature race, the Smurfit Champion Hurdle, went to Hardy Eustace, who held off the challenge of Harchibald and Brave Inca for back-to-back wins in the race.
Arcalis, owned by multi-millionaire Graham Wylie and ridden by Graham Lee, took the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at 20-1.
Trainer Martin Pipe continued his superb record in the Arkle Trophy when the 7-1 shot Contraband, ridden by Timmy Murphy, emerged victorious.
1720 - Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2m ½f)
1. Dabiroun (Miss N Carberry) 20-1
2. At Your Request (D Dennis) 33-1
3. Nation State (JE Moore) 7-1
4. Miss Academy (TJ Murphy) 16-1
24 ran. Dist: 8, 1½
Jockey Nina Carberry claimed her first ever Festival success with a comfortable success on the Paul Nolan-trained Dabiroun.
Carberry, the sister of Paul, had a dream ride and moved to challenge At Your Request coming to the last.
The pair jumped the last but once she overtook David Dennis' mount there was no other challenger to be seen.
Jockey Jamie Moore and Nation State ran on well for third for his father Gary.
1640 - The Cross Country Steeplechase (3m 7f)
1. Spot Thedifference (JT McNamara) 4-1
2. Luzcadou (A O'Keeffe) 22-1
3. Mrs Be (Miss P Gundry) 20-1
4. Lord Noelie (JM Maguire) 14-1
16 ran. Dist: 2½, 6
Spot Thedifference defied top weight to claim a superb victory in the inaugural running of the cross-country race.
Jockey JT McNamara dropped his horse back during the race with the pace proving too tough but McNamara never panicked and eventually mounted his challenge at the right time.
The Cheltenham specialist claimed his third win in a row in the track to give owner JP McManus another big race win.
Luzcadou and Alan O'Keeffe held on well for second with Mrs Be and Lord Noelie both putting in brave runs for the minor places
1600 - William Hill Trophy Handicap Steeplechase (3m ½f)
1. Kelami (R Thornton) 8-1
2. Keen Leader (BJ Geraghty) 28-1
3. Irish Hussar (M Fitzgerald) 33-1
4. Chives (D Elsworth) 50-1
20 ran. Dist: 1¼, 2
Kelami put in a strong run to take the William Hill Trophy and give jockey Robert Thornton his second consecutive win in the race after success on Fork Lightning 12 months ago.
Top weight Keen Leader had taken the lead under Barry Geraghty with three fences to go but the Francois Doumen-trained Kelami was carrying over a stone and a half less and made that count.
Thornton took over the lead coming to the final fence and jumped it ahead of his rivals.
Although Keen Leader cut the lead in the final stages and with Irish Hussar and Mick Fitzgerald also challenging, Thornton managed to hold on.
1515 - Smurfit Champion Hurdle (2m ½f)
1. Hardy Eustace (C O'Dwyer) 7-2jf
2. Harchibald (P Carberry) 7-1
3. Brave Inca (BM Cash)10-1
14 ran. Dist: nk, nk
A thrilling finish saw Hardy Eustace successfully defend his Champion Hurdle title, edging out Harchibald and Brave Inca on the line.
Hardy Eustace had been in contention throughout, setting the early pace and Conor O'Dwyer worked his mount hard.
But the rest of the field caught up and the leading three jumped the last almost together but Hardy Eustace showed the best turn of foot up the hill.
Paul Carberry drew Harchibald alongside but he failed to show any urgency in the closing stages and Dessie Hughes' eight-year-old showed his bravery for a famous victory by a neck.
1435 - Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeplechase (2m)
1. Contraband (TJ Murphy) 7-1
2. Ashley Brook (PJ Brennan) 20-1
3. River City (T Doyle)10-1
19 ran. Dist: 1,4
Contraband jumped the last fence superbly and ran strongly up the Cheltenham hill to give trainer Martin Pipe his fourth win in the race.
But jockey Timmy Murphy had to survive a nerve-wracking stewards inquiry before being confirmed as the winner.
Ashley Brook had been in the lead from the start but Contraband started to challenge coming to the last.
Under pressure, Paddy Brennan's mount made a mistake on landing at the last which cost him the race and although he rallied in the closing stages, Contraband and Murphy were able to hold on for victory with River City third.
The 11-4 favourite War of Attrition was well-beaten back down the field.
1400 - Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices Hurdle (2m ½f)
1. Arcalis (G Lee) 20-1
2. Wild Passion (P Carberry) 10-1
3. Dusky Warbler (JE Moore) 20-1
20 ran. Dist: 6, ½
Arcalis showed a tremendous turn of foot up the Cheltenham Hill to give jockey Graham Lee his first ever Festival victory.
Lee had his mount well-placed throughout the race and he was able to easily outpace Wild Passion after the final fence.
Chilling Place and Justified had set much of the early pace but faded in the closing stages as Wild Passion mounted a challenge.
But Arcalis jumped the last superbly ran on well and the smart ex-Flat horse gave big-money owner Graham Wylie a sweet success and a perfect opener to the meeting.
Wild Passion held on for second with Dusky Warbler just behind in third.


text:
No doubt that innovation is one among the top priorities of the corporate across the globe. Even though CEOs have innovation management on top of their priority list, kick-starting innovation is still the biggest hurdle in front of many.
Limitation of Internal Innovation
A CRISIL report shows that many companies are much effective in terms of innovation management at the beginning, but tend to fail on a long run. What is identified as one of the major reasons why innovation programs fail is the dependency of the organizations on in-house innovators.
It is not a bad ideal to fully nurture innovation internally, mainly due to the fact that the employees are already overwhelmed with their workloads, and also most of them lack in the required skill-set to come up with innovative solutions.
So the key question here is 'how an organization may overcome this barrier to practice proper innovation management and taste its benefits?'
This is not a new avenue to businesses, but mostly associated with funding though. We are trying to explore the option to make use of crowdsourcing for innovation management. Putting it simply, it is all about getting feasible business solutions from the crowd.
On hearing about this, it may seem to bewildering while considering its possibilities initially. But in real, the benefits of crowdsourcing may far outgrow the challenges. In most of the cases, the heterogeneity of crowdsourcing of ideas may yield unbelievable incentives to companies, which one may otherwise find much difficult to attain.
The researches done in this regard showed that while implemented effectively, crowd has a natural desire to experiment and learn and get energized with appropriate motivation. You can see the popularity and spread of the open-source Linux systems for example, which was adopted and improved by billions across the globe.
Leveraging the Crowd for Innovation Management
For the beginners, a four-step approach to crowdsourcing in innovation is;
1. Publishing a challenge
2. Gathering innovative solutions from crowd
3. Choosing the best solution and rewarding it
4. Prototyping the solution
- Publishing a challenge
The most successful mode of engaging the crowd is publishing a challenge. The problem has to be clearly stated with needed inputs, an attractive prize should be offered, and promote it too all possible broadcasting channels to invite the potential problem solvers to participate.
- Gathering solutions
Even though you are going to use only one solution at the end, evaluation of all the solutions should be done as received. This can provide you with a proper insight into where the most successful solution falls. Such a brainstorming can never be performed by your in-house R&D.
Rewarding the Best
In the process of crowdsourcing, the participants are going get motivated primarily for its reward. The longing for such a reward and pride it can bring to them are the major catch of the entire process.
- Prototyping the solution
Towards the final step of crowdsourcing, prototyping the most appropriate solution is the most important and most challenging phase. In most of the cases, you have to work on the prototype as the publisher of the challenge to complete it in house. This is more likely in case of if the innovation to be done is proprietary. Another way around is to leverage the crowd itself to complete the prototype.
However, crowdsourcing may not always be as straightforward as described above. So, effective planning and perfect execution is the key to success when you explore this mode of innovation management.


text:
Need to arrange your expenses? We're happy to help you out!
When checking out via the kiosk, the invoice is automatically sent to the email address given at the time of booking.
Your invoice can be retrieved easily online via my bookings as well. Fill in your confirmation number and last name to view or download your invoice.
If you have a login with citizenM, and you created your booking using your login, you simply need to login at the citizenM website. Once logged in, click on your name and you can select my bookings.
Go to 'my bookings'.
Either login or fill your booking number and last name.
You can find the overview of your booking with 'print/save invoice' on the right, it will download your invoice in PDF format.
If there are any issues, contact us by clicking the chat icon at bottom right of the screen or send us an email if you're not in a hurry.
split invoice
You can split your invoice (for example, to separate your business and private expenses) only before you check out. It is no longer possible after check out. Our ambassadors will help with this, just let them know when you arrive to check in.
pay for room
If you are in need of an invoice before the stay to take over the costs for your guest, please note we cannot send an invoice in advance, or accept third-party payments. However, you can pre-pay the stay online via my bookings. You will then receive payment confirmation by email.
business address
A business address can easily be added during check-in or during the stay with an ambassadors present. If you have received your invoice without the necessary details on it, we will be happy to add these for you, just let us know the details by email.


text:
Wait, wtf? All my games just disapeared!!! And opened the games folder, and it opened AppData->Roaming->Stencyl->Games Then, i went back a folder, and there were all the folders that are in C->Users->Zeljko->Stencyl. I may have opened an old version of Stencylworks. Does that have anything to do with it?
It's very unclear. Please calm down and show us exactly what you have under:1. C->Users->Zeljko (stencylworks and/or pefs)2. C->Users->Zeljko->AppData->Roaming->Stencyl-> (stencylworks and/or pefs)Be very precise.
Stencyl is the easiest way to create games for mobile, web and desktop without code.
© 2020 Stencyl, LLC - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - Proudly made in California


text:
"Everyone Knows Someone Who Needs This Information!" (TM)
When Cathie, a Samoan, posted her comment last week, my heart went out to her and her family, for this ethnic group, as the most afflicted by obesity, symbolizes all our struggles to attain Health. What can help, them and you?
___ Well, the first thing that I am going to say is read all the pertinent articles in the Titles Archive, which is on a tab on the upper navigation bar, as soon as you can! It has my thoughts for nearly 4 years of concerned activism and information to help.
Every family has to have people like Cathie who are sharing the information-gathering needed to help everyone stay healthy. It's not going to happen without education, as most families have lost the skills and know-how to accomplish healthy eating. Brava Cathie, for starting to advocate for you and your whole family!
___ Meanwhile, be realistic about where you are starting from and realistic about setting goals.
Learn how to measure your body fat properly or get it done by a professional. There are several ways to get answers as to percentage body fat, percentage lean mass etc.
All calorie limits are based on your lean body mass NOT your weight.
My state university's medical school has a weight research lab where I was measured in a water tank for % fat composition. The Seventh Day Adventist Hospital in my city also had the same bariatric equipment, for a little larger fee. Some gyms may offer this. Ask your doctor where to go in your area.
This is a clearer process than just a caliper skin pinch test, but even that is better than nothing.
The Biggest Loser website also mentions other options, possibly using the same software they do on the show.
___ The Biggest Loser this week showed the doctor telling a 26 year old woman that she was about 60% fat! Neither he or I had ever heard of such a high number for someone who weighed originally about 270 pounds max, after huge weight gain due to inactivity and then lack of concern, as she gave up.
She'd been bed ridden after a car accident 2 years before and her leg muscles had atrophied. Shame on the caregivers for not providing rehab and physical therapy to strengthen the musculature. After all, regardless of her personal health coverage, insurance should have been paying from the car accident policy.
Our leg and butt muscles are meant to be large, vigorous metabolic engines. With almost no leg muscles, she turned into a giant fat popsicle.
___ So, let's talk about exercise. It should be moderate and consistent.
Use walking to get those leg muscles metabolically active and strong. Aim for a long session, at a conversation pace. Fat-burning does not kick-in until about 45 minutes after you start to exercise, so you need to have 60 – 90 minutes of a minimum exercise work-out, time-wise.
After that 45 minutes, fat-burning kicks in; then you will burn fat until you eat again. As a diabetic, no-one should wait any longer than 5 hours between meals or snacks. Some people will need to eat sooner, especially if you exercised for one long session.
If that's the case, then maybe break up your exercise into 2 episodes: walk 50 minutes at lunchtime and 50 minutes after your evening meal, or better – in the morning. Then you get 2 chances to start the fat-burning cycle.
Exercise in the morning is better than at night, if you have the time and (indoor) equipment or the weather and light co-operates for you to safely go outdoors. Otherwise, consider a gym membership where you can exercise, shower-and-dress and head off to work.
___ The simplest diet to accompany this is to be "true" to the needs of your blood type and know the needed proportions of food families.
In any blood group, as Dr. Barry Sears, PhD, founder of The Zone Diet Plan says, make sure that your plate is about 80% covered with low carb vegetables, one small portion (1/4 – 1/2 cup, max.) of a carb vegetable (like regular potatoes, carrots, beets, parsnip, corn, peas, beans or a combo [grains — not used here]), a dash (about 1 teaspoon) of mono-saturated oil (organic extra-virgin olive oil or macadamia or other nut oils [not peanut — which is really a legume]) (I include organic, extra-virgin coconut oil – a special vegetarian saturated fat that forms important medium-chain fatty acids) and a piece of lean protein* no larger or thicker than the palm of your hand (without the finger area) — or 2 eggs, or half a palm size for a light meal — and half again less, for a "snack" (i.e. 1/4 palm = snack) along with unlimited low-carb veggies.
*Lean protein: any fish (I recommend no shellfish), grass-fed beef, bison** or lamb (all the way through, NOT "finished" with feeding grain before slaughter) – look online for farmers who just grass-feed; goat; free-range poultry (if desired; I don't eat poultry for good reasons) and no pork or fatty cuts of the other meats. ** bison (buffalo) is always only range fed, so if in doubt, use bison, but cook low and slow as it's not fatty; I suggest ground bison rather than steaks or roasts.
___ Everyone needs to drink at least 64 oz. of spring water — spread through the day. Or, drink an alkaline water, like Essentia or Evamore, unless you have kidney disease or are a high-risk diabetic having problems controlling it, in which case ask your doctor to assess the mineral content of your alkaline water and its impact on your (damaged?) kidneys.
Do NOT drink tap water, especially if it is fluoridated!
No other liquid counts as fluid except water! Everything other than just plain water dehydrates your body — some more, some less but all these other "drinks" leave you with less hydration. Use a pinch of Celtic sea salt to replace vital electrolytes lost in sweat. Do not use sports drinks.
___ Eating by your historical, genetic profile — that is, by Blood Type.
If you are Blood Type O, your diet plan is a moderate animal protein one (preferably cold-water fishes and organic, grass-fed meats) and lots of veggies diet – no dairy, no gluten grains (wheat, oats, barley and rye) approach. Wild rice and quinoa are OK to use, as are nuts and seeds. As a Samoan, Cathie, you are most likely Type O, but you must have a blood test to know for sure.
If you are Blood Type A, stay pretty much on veggies (especially the leafy ones), organic brown rice, wild rice, organic quinoa, organic free-range eggs (kept whole, not scrambled; medium boiled and poached are fine), almonds, almond milk, hemp seed, kiwi, other nuts and seeds — no dairy, no gluten grains if you are overweight — this already shows you are not handling one or more of these highly-sensitive food groups.
(A sub-group of A's [like me] need a little cold-water fish, weekly.) Make sure you know the cleanliness of the ocean waters where the fish came from. In the USA the source of all fish must be labeled.
If Blood Type AB, then mostly stay with the vegetarian diet just shown, but add a little cold-water fish more regularly – salmon, cod, herring, sardines, mackerel are best. Same for Blood Type B, although you can get extensive guidelines for these less frequent blood types in the following book.
Get Dr. Peter D'Adamo, ND series of books like Eat Right For Your Type.
___ For diabetics of all types, de-emphasize fruit and have no juice (except 1 dose of pomegranate daily, explained below in heart health OR use lemon with stevia or agave to sweeten once in a while) (lemon is a natural diuretic, so make sure that you are drinking plain water, too).
___ Each day you need at least one Vitamin C source, whether that's whole citrus fruit, kiwi, tomato or other decent source.
___ For heart health, kiwi has Omega-3 essential fatty acids, so that's an important vegetarian source for your heart. Organic walnuts and almonds also have great heart-healthy fats (but buy European almonds, as all California almonds are irradiated!). Get the European nuts online.
Pomegranate is the only juice I allow – 2 oz. of pomegranate will start to clear out arterial blockages if taken daily. Do not take more — it's expensive, and that's the clinically effective dose.
Do have beets – they are a source of natural nitric oxide, which your body needs to dilate arteries and keep healthy blood flow. Dr. Louis Ignarro, PhD won the Nobel Prize for this work. Uncooked, raw beets do bot bleed all over the place, so use them but wash them well. If you bought their nutritious tops, then steam the beet greens lightly or stir fry them – eat only a bit of the greens if any of you take Coumadin or Warfarin.
The natural nitrates found in beets are VERY different from the ones used in hot dogs, sausage and other cured meats. Do not use those nitrates; they are a huge source for stomach cancer.
___ Try to take the pressure off your pancreas by eating and drinking in a pH neutral or pH alkaline way. I've written lots about how to do this, but this is key, as fat walls off toxins and you have to have tissue alkaline pH to be available to neutralize the toxic acids as they are released in weight loss.
Your pancreas is the source of these pH alkaline buffers, but your food choice can help by adding alkaline foods so the organ has less work.
___ Learn about 8 essential, healing sugars (saccharides)!
These are: mannose, glucose, galactose, xylose, fucose (NOT fructose – from fruit!), N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylneuraminic acid. Only glucose and galactose are common in our diets. Fucose comes from seaweed, which is another reason it's so healthy for us, apart from its minerals. Most of the rest are scarce in our diets, but we need them; that's what "essential" means!
Not all of these saccharides are sweet-tasting. Some are tasteless; others are even bitter. Strange, huh?
The amount needed is 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of all of them, in total, daily. They won't make you fat or raise insulin levels. In fact, you need them to help you lose weight, heal and boost your immune system! They help prevent cancer, help memory, sleep, prevent anxiety and depression, too.
These healing saccharides also help with levels of blood fats (triglycerides), cholesterol and raise HDL – the good kind. These needed sugars also protect bone and muscle mass. They are a foundation of Blood Type, too. I will write more about them next time.
Sugars are either monosaccharides (1 molecule), disaccharides (2 molecule structure – like lactose, found in milk or sucrose from sugarcane or sugar beets), or oligosaccharides which are 3 – 6 molecular structures (found in human breast milk and plants). Linking hundreds or thousands of monosaccharides together, produces polysaccharides (starch is one kind, as is your liver's back-up energy source called glycogen).
These 8 essential saccharides are vital for cell communication, for cell structure and for cellular ability to work together as an organism.
But, fructose, from fruits, is NOT an essential saccharide and in its pure form, it is showing to be detrimental. Do NOT use fructose to substitute for table sugar.
As suitable, low-glycemic sweeteners, use stevia or agave nectar (in small portion, once or twice a day). Real, ORGANIC maple sugar (in a small portion, once a day max.) as maple sugar has been shown to be helpful to diabetics. Maple-flavored doesn't count.
Learn more about these 8 essential healing sugars in "Sugars That Heal – The New Healing Science of Glyconutrients" by Dr. Emil Mondoa, MD.
___ Try to take the pressure off your liver, as it's your main detox organ. When losing weight there's lots of residue to be exposed to and have to neutralize (detoxification). Eating organic cuts down the "load". There will always be metabolic waste and environmental toxins breathed in, but you can cut down food and drink sources by eating organic and not drinking tap water.
___ To have a chance at losing a substantial amount of weight in a reasonable time frame, you have to make healthy food choices (as described above), with portion control (related to activity level and metabolic efficiency level – basal rate). Also eat no artificial chemicals in your food!
___ Eat NO table salt. The only type of salt to use is Celtic sea salt or a regular whole sea salt from clean waters. Regular "salt" is only sodium chloride; it has been stripped of the other 90 or so minerals originally in it.
Your cells mirror the exact waters of the ocean, therefore you DO need the trace minerals which were stripped off. You must not drink sea water, but you can use the minerals which were in it, in small quantities. Learn more from The Grain and Salt Society. Their founder, Dr. Jacques de Langre, PhD, did copious research. Get these Celtic salts there, if you can't find them near you.
The products known as "Real Salt" (from a dehydrated ocean in Utah) and "Himalayan Pink Salt" (from a similar source) are not as good in my opinion, as they have been diluted by mixture with other land sediments, possibly distorted by pressure etc., but still, even they are much better than regular table salt.
___ Exercise helps oxygenate your tissues which is important as your cellular mitochondrial furnaces need oxygen to "burn" food for energy. There is a product called CellFood from Lumina Health which is a specially-produced oxygen molecule, which is able to reach to the deepest levels.
The formula was made industrially by a Nobel Laureate scientist, Dr. Everett L. Storey, PhD (Albert Einstein called him a "genius"!) and you will be healthier for getting more oxygen into tissues, as long as you are also taking plenty of anti-oxidants: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, glutathione and alpha lipoic acid.
___ Be sure to be getting plenty of Vitamin D3. As a tropical people, now largely relegated to indoor work, this becomes even more important. But, it is true for everyone. I have written previously about this need for Vitamin D3 — be sure to get it only in that form. Read labels carefully. Look up the articles to learn more.
___ Learn about deep-breathing and stress reduction. The adrenaline "drip" from stress, alone, is enough to make you fat! Stress is very powerful chemistry and it is balanced by proper breathing (and/or a quieting yoga practice) which activates the parasympathetic nervous system and stops "flight or fight" tendencies from the autonomic nervous system. Learn about your physiology; it's fundamental.
___ Get 8 hours of nourishing sleep. Do not underestimate the importance of sleep. If your sleep is interrupted or not of good quality, make sure to get 1 – 2 twenty-minute power naps during the day.
___ Cut-out caffeine sources except for green tea — no coffee, no sodas.
___ No table sugar, tobacco or alcohol if you want to lose weight and the least use possible of any drugs, certainly over-the-counter drugs.
___ Set a reasonable goal of 2lb. a week of weight loss. Your skin can keep up with this pace. If you have lots of water weight, you may lose more than that in the beginning, but it is essential to eat 1,200 – 1,400 calories per day for women and 1,600 – 2,000 calories a day for men — all dependent on height, lean-body weight, basal metabolic rate and activity level. It's best to keep good amounts of balanced healthy food and up your activity in order to lose weight. You need food to fuel your weight loss. Do NOT starve. It's unhealthy and sets you up for failure!
At this pace, it's about 35 pounds of weight loss before mid-June, if all goes well. Let us know how it goes, Cathie, and anyone else who joins you!
These are the biggies that I suggest, that I can put in one post. If I think of something really necessary, I'll add it during the week.
But this is a good start off plan – beginning by just the plate proportions of the various food families and the correct ones for your blood type and to start consistent, gentle exercise, drink your daily water quota and get quality rest.
Best to Cathie and family. Best to all — Em
Please sign-up for alerts to when I post at the opt-in box upper right side-bar.
Please read the archive at the Titles Tab.
Please share this article with your favorite Web 2,0 social networking site (some icons are below).
(c)2011 Em at https://diabetesdietdialogue.wordpress.com
Please respect my copyright. You may quote 2 short paragraphs, but for more, please write for permission to the About Me page, above. Thanks!


text:
Watching fans in T-shirts surfing the pit at the Royal Canadian Legion; scoping the black leather-clad performer in front of the church's pipe organ; being close enough to the guy singing at a legendary hot dog hole in the wall to pass him the ketchup, and losing yourself and maybe your little brother at an all-ages block party . . . Calgary's Sled Island is all that, and, well, more.
The five-day festival at the end of June sees several thousand happy fans strap on their colourful wrist bands and take in 250 gigs, art installations, film-screenings and comedy acts at 30 different venues in central Calgary.
This year's musical lineup included Spiritualized, Bob Mould, Rhye, Killer Mike, Chelsea Wolfe, Rocket from the Crypt, St. Vincent and Touché Amore, playing at rock venues such as the Ship and Anchor, Broken City and Tubby Dog, which are mainstays of the Calgary music scene.
The mash of international stars and local talent along with their adoring fans take over Calgary's core and a couple of adjacent 'hoods, the Beltline and Inglewood. Venues include night clubs, tiny pubs, big beer halls, even the Central United Church.
Last year, the event had its share of drama; the festival was just getting underway when the floods hit Southern Alberta. Sled's venues, some of them right alongside the raging Bow River, were evacuated. With the power out in downtown Calgary, a few gigs moved to bars and basements out of the flood zone. "Flood Island" was essentially washed out. Most concert-goers didn't demand a refund and were given passes to other arts events instead, which helped Sled come back this year with the rallying cry "Nobody rains on our parade."
And the parade may have got a little bigger. This spring, TIME magazine put Sled Island on its list of 14 Music Festivals to Check Out in 2014.
"After the 2013 festival was cancelled due to massive floods that ravaged Alberta, the event is coming back stronger than ever with a killer line-up curated [sic] by Kathleen Hanna, the musician behind Bikini Kill, Le Tigre and The Julie Ruin."
Sled is on the list with Glastonbury, Sasquatch! in Washington State and the Secret Solstice Festival in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Not bad for a festival that started in 2007.
The owner of Broken City thought it would be cool to swing open the doors of different venues and mix it up with different kinds of bands and their different fans.
"We're barely into elementary school as far as festivals go," says Chad Saunders, a long-time Sled board member. "I went to a conference where they referenced a study that said that something like only one in 10 festivals make it to their 10-year anniversary."
Sled is doing more than delivering new and established music to new and established fans; it's helping change the community.
Take the bike racks! "The city installed a whack of new bike racks in 2012, because of Sled Island, based on people riding their bikes to the venue, people parking their bike, and, well, taking back their city by bike," says Saunders.
Calgary's mayor, Naheed Nenshi, gets in on the act. This year, he was on hand when Polaris announced its 2014 Polaris Music Prize Long List nominees at the National Music Centre in conjunction with Sled. In 2011, Nenshi shared the stage with a darling of the local indie scene: "There are not many festivals that can convince the mayor to jump on stage with Chad VanGaalen and introduce him," says Saunders.
As Flood Island proved, Sled is a pretty strong community: hundreds of volunteers, thousands of dedicated fans and a camaraderie of musicians. This year, when travel troubles prevented headliner Neko Case from making it on time for her gig Friday night, Sled refunded the fans and Joel Plaskett Emergency lived up to his name and stepped in fill her spot.
As fans danced in the rain and lightning broke in the distance, Plaskett played the outdoor all-ages show at Olympic Plaza, across from City Hall, before his regularly scheduled gig down the street a couple of hours later. "This is one I haven't played in a long time," he said.
Plaskett is one of many musicians to make repeat performances at Sled. The guys in Rocket from the Crypt, who play in Obits, Hot Snakes and other acts, show up in one guise or another every year. At the Republik, Killer Mike had such a good time, he asked for a hug from everyone in the room, creating "a hip-hop, love-dog pile."
What better way to kick off summer in Alberta?
"After Canada Day, it's Stampede, it's Folk Fest, then August kind of happens, and there's lots of other great festivals," says Saunders.
"Sled Island is just right there, the gateway to summer here.
"And we're ready to rock and roll."
Alberta Summer Festivals
There are hundreds of festivals around Alberta every summer:
Banff Summer Arts Festival until Aug. 24
Big Valley Jamboree, Camrose, July 31-Aug. 3
Blueberry Bluegrass and Country Music Festival, Stony Plain, Aug. 1-Aug. 3
Get some good advice in your inbox
Canmore Folk Music Festival, Aug. 2-4
Calgary Fringe Festival, Aug. 1-9
Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Aug. 7-10
Edmonton International Fringe Festival, Aug. 14-24
Calgary ReggaeFest, Aug. 13-16
Jazz at the Lake Festival, Sylvan Lake, Aug. 14-17
Edmonton's Labatts Blues Festival, Aug 15-17
Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival, Aug. 15-17
Whoop Up Days, Lethbridge, Aug. 19-23
Globalfest, Calgary, Aug. 14-23
The Series
Look for the Toronto Star's Summer in Alberta series in print next Saturday and online on the Travel page at thestar.com
Icefields, Sat., July 26: The Ice Age Adventure is a tour of the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. The new Skywalk in the Rockies provides a truly spectacular view.
And check out our interactive map where you can choose from four trips to match your tastes: Romance, wildlife, adventure and city fun.
Go to thestar.com and click on the Alberta this summer series for videos, photos and more!
Summer in Alberta Online
Read about all the fun things you can do in Summer in Alberta at thestar.com's Travel page. You can plan your trip using an interactive map to match your tastes, check out the action at an Edmonton street performers' gathering and listen up for the downtown Calgary Folk Music Festival.


text:
Opportunity Zone. Great Investment potential. Mixed use building with a Hotel license for 15 rooms fully leased on a week to week basis. First floor is completely open ready for future development.Building has been recently painted, and it has a newer roof. Parking is on the rear of the building.Included with this sale is the rear vacant lot (designated parking)View Virtual Tour
Free Standing, Hotel / Motel, Office/Warehouse, Office/Retail, Office Space
3-Phase Electric, Public Sewer, Municipal Water
All listings featuring the BMLS logo are provided by Beaches MLS Inc. Copyright 2020 Beaches MLS. This information is not verified for authenticity or accuracy and is not guaranteed.
© 2020 Beaches Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved.
Listing information last updated on August 9th, 2020 at 8:45am CDT.


text:
The Atlanta Falcons opened their 2009 pre-season with a one point loss to the Detroit Lions. The preying birds welcomed the 2010 pre-season against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Georgia Dome tonight. Would the Falcons do their fans proud? Televised by NBC, the first quarter started with the Chiefs kicking to the Falcons. Matt Ryan took his place as quarterback. Several plays later, kicker Matt Bryant made a thirty-yard field goal. Atlanta 3 and Kansas City 0. Matt Cassel went in as quarterback when the Chiefs went on the offensive. Three plays later, the Chiefs punted the ball back to the Falcons. Matt Ryan's complete vs. incomplete passes during Atlanta's second possession was about even. Kicker Steve Hauschka was sent in to attempt a fifty-three yard FG–it was no good. Slow-motion instant replay after the commercial break revealed that his ball was two to four feet too low; it hit the crossbar.
With three minutes left in the first quarter, Falcons Kroy Biermann knocked the ball out of Matt Cassel's hands and the Falcons recovered it. Chris Redman stepped in on QB watch; unfortunately, he didn't perform as well as he's demonstrated in the past. They had to punt the ball away by the bottom of the quarter. The second quarter began with the Chiefs improving upon offensive execution. Kicker Ryan Succop tried but missed a fifty-three.five yard FG. The ball ricocheted off the left upright. Chris Redman was at QB in the top of the second quarter and his first pass was complete to wide receiver Roddy White. Matt Bryant's second field goal, at fifty yards, was unsuccessful (wide right). Ryan Succop's second FG attempt, at fifty-three yards, was no good either (wide right). Brodie Croyle took over quarterback gig for the Chiefs in the bottom of the second quarter. The Chiefs were focused on making a touchdown with under a minute left in the first half. They'd have to settle for a twenty-yard FG. Atlanta 3 and Kansas City 3.
The Chiefs went on offense first in the third quarter. Brodie Croyle was back as QB and threw an interception two or three plays in…right into the bosom of rookie safety Shann Schillinger. Chris Redman returned as quarterback. A series of good plays led to a touchdown via running back Dimitri Nance. Atlanta 10 and Kansas City 3. The Chiefs' defense was making more noise in the middle of the quarter, at which point John Parker Wilson had gone in as QB for the Falcons. He moved his teammates down the field to a sneeze away from the end zone.
Dimitri Nance crossed the goal line two plays into the fourth quarter. He did a little dance, just a little one. Atlanta 17 and Kansas City 3. The Chiefs turned the game over by way of Falcons cornerback Chevis Jackson intercepting Brodie Croyle. Steve Hauschka's thirty-seven yard FG went through minutes later. Atlanta 20 and Kansas City 3. Chiefs defensive back Javier Arenas made a 100 yard return for a TD when Kansas City received the ball next. A holding penalty on Chiefs lineback Justin Cole quashed that TD, though. Tyler Palko was QB for that possession. The fourth quarter was scoreless for the Chiefs until there were fewer than thirty seconds left in the game. Palko flung his body over the goal line and broke the plane for a second. Atlanta 20 and Kansas City 10. Final score.
Observations & Miscellania:
1. Randy Waters and Brian Baldinger were commentators.
2. The Chiefs' white tops (with red numbers), white bottoms (with red-yellow stripe down the side), and red helmets made them look like cheesecake.
3. Matt Ryan looked fantastic tonight, corporeally speaking. Great form. The South has certainly rubbed off on him; he now talks with a more pronounced accent. Giddy yup.
4. Former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis is now offensive coordinator for the Chiefs.
5. Halftime consisted of Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson taking 11alive's Fred Kalil to his high school Clarke Central in Athens.
6. Brodie Croyle is only two years younger than ming!
7. On Falcons head coach, Mike Smith, Randy Waters remarked in context of when/where a Chiefs' player's knee went to the ground in the bottom of the second quarter, "Doesn't matter if it's the pre-season or recess in the fifth grade; Mike Smith competes."
8. Falcons President Rich Mckay joined Waters and Baldinger in the top of the third quarter to chat about his team. McKay mentioned that he's beginning to see John Parker Wilson's arm strength.
9. The Falcons had the ball for some ten minutes from the middle of the third quarter through the top of the fourth. Upon returning from commercial break following Nance's second TD, the camera was on a medium shot of the Falcons' QBs sitting on a bench, backs facing the camera. Redman on the left, Wilson in the middle, and Ryan on the right. Numbers 8, 4, 2 respectively. Hmmm. 4^2=16. 16/2=8. 8/4=2. 2^2=4. 4×2=8. 2^3=8. 8-4=4. Redman and Ryan were wearing green caps. Forest green caps.
10. Sam Crenshaw interviewed Falcons on the sidelines throughout the evening. When he spoke with wide receiver Harry Douglas, Roddy White played peek-a-boo with the camera from behind Douglas. White smiled like a boy on his sweet sixteen birthday. Harry soon started chuckling.
Get game summary, stats, and play-by-play here. Click here for a list of the players that did not participate in the festivities.


text:
Packt Publishing has kindly provided me Michael Peacock's Drupal 6 Social Networking to review. They have asked that I publish an except from Chapter 6, "Communicating with Our Users" and I'm glad to do so.
From what I've read so far, it's a well written book that is useful for learning Drupal as well as for understanding why things are done in a certain way. I find the why to be practical… but I'm getting ahead of myself. Still reading (and playing with Drupal — it's awesome).
Enjoy the chapter excerpt, and look for my review within a week or so (I hope!).
Our users can communicate with one another, which is great, but quite often as an administrator the need may arise for us to communicate with a user or users on our site. It may be to remind them about the web site or to inform active users about new changes to the site. In this article, you will learn:
- About mailing lists, and how to use them with our Drupal social network
- How to use an offline approach for contacting our users
- How to use blocks of content to get a message across to your users
Getting Started
We are going to look at a few different modules, some of which we will use. These need to be installed first, so let's do that now to save us time.
The Modules
We need to download the following modules:
- Addresses module to enable the Addresses, Addresses — Phone/Fax and Addresses — Users components.
- Simplenews module
And extract them to our sites/all/modules folder, and enable them via the administration interface.
A Look Back
We have already looked at one very important aspect to communicate with our users — user e‑mail settings. Within the User settings page (Administer | User management | User settings), we have a group of settings under the heading User e‑mail settings. These are various email templates that are sent to our users upon certain events, such as registration, account activation, password reset, account being blocked or account being deleted. The content of these emails can be very important depending on the nature of the web site. In our Dino Space site, we may use a very informal, welcoming and fun tone for our automated emails. But for a business-oriented social network, we would want to use a much more formal tone.
Don't forget, many modules also have their own email templates for sending emails to users, all of which can normally be changed easily from their respective sections in the administration area.
Communicating on an Individual Basis
As we have installed the contact form module on our site, we can also communicate with our users on an individual basis using the contact forms on their profiles. This is handy for those times when we do need to contact an individual user, maybe because of complaints against them by other members of the community, or perhaps to invite them to become a moderator or contributor to the site.
Alternatively, we can contact the user directly via their email addresses listed in their accounts, as this is viewable from the administration area.
Inactive Users
We may wish to contact users who have not been active on the site for a long time, to remind them that the site is still there, and that they would be welcome to become active in the community once again. Drupal records the time a user was last active, which allows us to easily sort the list of users by their activity.
A module (Inactive user) is available for Drupal 5, which is intended to contact inactive users automatically, but (at the time of writing this) one is not available for Drupal 6. You may wish to keep watch on the modules list on the Drupal.org web site to see if anything comes up in future http://drupal.org/project/inactive_user
Communicating with Individuals Publicly
Don't forget, we also have access to all of the communication methods available for our users to communicate with one another, such as replying to posts, commenting on content, or posting on their profiles. So if we need to contact a user, and we can contact them publicly, we can use these features.
Mailing Lists
Drupal has a number of modules available for sending emails to our users. Many of them are still currently under heavy development, or had their development stopped after the release of a previous version of Drupal. One of these modules is Simplenews, which is a native Drupal system for managing newsletters.
One limitation of the Simplenews module, and most of the modules available, is that it can't send to all our users; it requires users to subscribe to the mailing list.
We can manage the Simplenews module via Administer | Newsletter. The features available to us are quite comprehensive. Let's have a look at how the module works:
- Newsletters are created and managed from here
- Users subscribe to various Newsletters
- Users can be imported into Newsletters to become a subscriber
- A message is sent to a newsletter (this is referred to as an issue) by creating Newsletters content
- Issues which have been sent are saved within the module
- Issues which have not yet been sent are saved within the module as drafts
By default, we have a newsletter, which is generic to our site based on our site name.
From here we can also create new Newsletters should we wish so. The Subscriptions tab allows us to see and manage the subscriptions to our various newsletters, the Sent issues tab lists issues sent out to the newsletter lists, and the Drafts tab lists issues which are still being written. From within the Settings tab, we can set how new issues for newsletters are created, as well as the email address shown as the sender of issues.
Don't forget to set the permissions; you want your users to be able to subscribe to newsletters.
Users can subscribe to newsletters from within their account, or we can enable blocks for the relevant newsletters we have on our site.
To send an "issue" to our newsletter list, we need to create the issue as a new content element via Create content | Newsletter issue.
We enter the subject of our email as the Title, select the newsletter to send the message to from the Newsletter drop-down list, and the message is entered into the Bodybox.
Beneath these options, we have some newsletter specific-options within the Newsletter sending options box. These options allow us to set the priority of the email message (this is often ignored by email clients), if we wish to request a receipt to see if a user has read the message (this is also often ignored by email clients) and finally, we can select a sending method.
There are three sending methods, which are:
- Don't send now — this won't send the message, and will save it as a draft.
- Send one test newsletter to the test address — this will send the email message to the test email addresses, which can be set in the administration area. This allows us to review the newsletter, as if we were a subscriber, make any final alterations and then send it to our list.
- Send newsletter — this sends the email to our newsletter list.
How to Send an Email to All our Users?
We can use the module to send an email to all of our users, by taking advantage of the subscriber import feature. Within Administer | Content management | Newsletters | Subscriptions, we have the ability to Import subscriptions, as shown in the following screenshot:
Importing subscribers consists of entering the E‑mail addresses (separated by a comma) and selecting the newsletter which we wish the user to subscribe to. To get all of our current members to subscribe to the mailing list, we could export all of our users' email addresses directly from the Drupal database, using a tool such as phpMyAdmin. If we use the tool correctly, we can even get the data in a comma-separated list ready to be pasted into the form.
HTML Emails
In order to send HTML (that is, nicely formatted) emails, and emails as attachments to our newsletters, we would need to install the Mime Mail module from http://drupal.org/project/mimemail.
Give it a try
We have covered module installation and configuration extensively; so why not try and install the module yourself and experiment with HTML newsletters.
There are legalities involved with sending bulk emails, and mailing lists, especially with regards to SPAM. Most countries have their own laws relating to this.
When web sites send out bulk email campaigns, it is important to be careful about their frequency of emails. If all emails in the campaign are sent at once, this could be seen as a sign of SPAM, leading to blacklisting on mail servers, and also penalties from many shared hosts. If emails are sent out slowly, it may take a long time for a campaign to be sent out to all recipients.
The Simplenews module allows us to configure the frequency of the emails sent. These settings can be accessed from Administer | Site configuration | Simplenews | Send mail. Here the cron box is checked, indicating that emails are sent each time the Drupal cron script is called. The Cron throttle defines how many newsletters are sent each time the Drupal cron script is called. By default, it is set to 20, which is very low. So this should be changed perhaps to 100 or 500. You may wish to contact your hosting company for advice on email limits imposed by them.
Third Party Services
Besides allowing us to run our own email newsletter service from within Drupal, a number of the available modules allow us to make use of third-party mailing list systems.
PHPList is a popular mailing list system written in PHP, if we were to use this system (particularly useful if our Drupal social network is part of a group of sites, or part of a larger site which does not use Drupal), we can use the PHPList integration module to:
- Synchronize users from Drupal to our PHPList system
- Send targeted mailings based on the values of a user's profile
- Allow users to manage their PHPList subscriptions from within their account
- Bulk import into PHPLIst, if we already have a Drupal installation running with many users
The PHPList module for Drupal can be downloaded from here, while PHPList can be downloaded here.
PHPList involves some server configuration; so if PHPList is the solution for you, make sure you read the documentation thoroughly.
Constant Contact
Constant contact is an online email marketing service, which manages newsletter subscriptions itself, with a particular focus on privacy and security for subscribers on mailing lists. Drupal 5 had a module to easily link into a constant contact account. This module, at the time of writing is not available for Drupal 6. But it is worth looking out for updates of this module or an alternative module to take its place if you wish to use constant contact to provide newsletters for your social network.
Google Groups
Google Groups are essentially mini social networks that operate in a way similar to groups in our network with the Organic Groups module. Many organizations and projects, such as open source software projects, make use of Google Groups to complement their communication and collaboration areas. If you wish to use Google Groups to complement your social network, then there is a module to allow users to subscribe to your group directly from the site. The module can be downloaded from http://drupal.org/project/google_groups. This module would probably be of little use if you used the organic groups module because the organic groups module provides very similar functionality. Problems with using a service such as Google Groups is that we are limited in terms of controlling the layout of our communications losing any branding associated with our site, and a potential loss of revenue when we may have used advertisements on our site or on our own newsletter.
Direct Contact
If our social network is an extension of something else, for instance an online supplement to an organization dedicated to the promotion and support of keeping dinosaurs as pets, then we may wish to contact users of our social network using an offline method.
The Address module allows users to supply a physical address and a telephone number, which means we could post newsletters to our users. This would primarily be of use to organizations which are already producing paper mailers to a wide audience, where the online social network is used to complement the services provided by these organizations; otherwise offline contacting may not be cost effective.
The Address Module
Having installed the address module, and having given users permissions to create an address book, we can collect the addresses, telephone numbers, and fax numbers of our users.
User's Perspective
From the user's perspective, they can easily store and edit addresses and contact details from within their accounts, via the Address Book tab.
Administrator's Perspective
Unfortunately, this module was designed to complement other modules (for example, the e‑Commerce module) in providing a convenient location for users to store their address for later use (such as ordering products for delivery with the e‑Commerce module). There is no back-end interface to allow us, as administrators, to view the contact details of our users. We can, however, gain access to the information from the database directly, and can then maintain our own records from there, or from the $user array via custom PHP code. An alternative would be to create additional user profile fields, which can be read only by administrators.
Content Blocks
Modules and themes often make use of blocks to display small blocks of content in specific areas of the web site, generally including the web sites header, the sidebars on the left and right-hand side of the screen, the footer, and the main content area, as well as dynamic functionality, such as group information in the Organic groups module. Blocks we have previously been using, such as with the Organic groups module, are dynamic and populated by the modules that created them. Blocks don't have to be dynamic; we can create blocks of our own to display content that doesn't change dynamically.
We can make use of these blocks to display information and messages to our users. For instance, if we wanted to communicate with guest users, we could create a content block with information on the benefits of joining the site.
Creating a Content Block for Anonymous Users
- Navigate to Administer | Site building | Blocks.
- Select the Add Block tab
- Enter a Description, Title and Body for the block, with the benefits of joining in the Block Body box.
- Under Role-specific visibility settings, select Show Blog for specific roles for anonymous users.
- Under Page-specific visibility settings, select the block to be visible on all pages.
- Save block.
Once created, the block is displayed on our site for users who are not logged in:
Theme Customizations for Communication
We could also user the look and feel of our site to communicate with users. The following are some examples of what we could do:
- A simple bar of information, perhaps relating to a specific feature
- CSS (cascading style sheets) pop ups with information
- A collapsable message, where the user can click an icon to expand an administrative message, which we can update periodically
These options require knowledge of HTML, CSS, and Drupal Themes.
In this article we looked at how we, as administrators, can communicate with our users using a variety of methods, including:
- Newsletters and mailing lists
- Third party mailing lists
- Content blocks
We now have a fully functional social network. Our users can contribute to the site, communicate with each other, and we can communicate with them.
About the Author
Michael Peacock is a web developer from Newcastle, UK and has a degree in Software Engineering from the University of Durham. After meeting his business partner at Durham, he co-founded Peacock Carter, a Newcastle based creative consultancy specializing in web design, web development and corporate identity.
Michael loves working on web related projects. When he is not working on client projects, he is often tinkering with a web app of his own.
He has been involved with a number of books, having written three books: Drupal Social Networks, Selling Online with Drupal e‑Commerce, Building Web Stes with TYPO3, and acted as technical reviewer for Mobile Web Development and Drupal Education & E‑Learning.
You can follow Michael on Twitter


text:
Saving lives
The poorest are always hit the hardest in times of crisis. Many lives are lost each year due to the lack of clean water in emergencies. This is why we provide clean water first. Together we save lives and protect the vulnerable.
Norwegian Church Aid works with people and organisations around the world in their struggle to eradicate poverty and injustice. We help those whose needs are greatest, regardless of ethnicity, creed, political or religious affiliation.
The poorest are always hit the hardest in times of crisis. Many lives are lost each year due to the lack of clean water in emergencies. This is why we provide clean water first. Together we save lives and protect the vulnerable.
To be poor is to lack opportunity. But where there are challenges, we also find the best solutions. Permanent access to clean water is one of them. Together we can help people find their own way out of poverty.
Poverty is injustice. There is enough water, food and work for all, but global structures help keep the rich rich and the poor poor. Together we can advocate for change where decisions are made.
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has already made inroads into the world's poorest countries. If not stopped, the consequences could be catastrophic.
NCA is responding to the pandemic in many of these countries, focusing on protecting the most vulnerable. Access to clean water and good hygiene is critical to stopping the virus spreading and forms the cornerstone of NCA's response.
We thank all our donors for joining us in the struggle for a just world! The donations make a difference to people's lives.
Our international donors include embassies, ministries of foreign affairs, foundations, international corporations and organisations.
We have several business opportunities for contractors in the countries where we operate.
We measure and evaluate the impact of everything we do
Our foundation in faith opens doors for dialogue around the world
The rest is spent on fundraising and quality control
Our projects change the lives of millions of people worldwide every year. Here's just a glimpse of our achievements in 2018:
people were reached through humanitarian response on average during the last three years.
children under five received healthcare.
people received access to clean and safe drinking water.
people have received hygiene training.
children and women survivors of Gender-based Violence received medical and psychosocial treatment and care.
people have access to a safe toilet.
women established their own enterprise.
women developed their skills in conflict management training.
households were trained in agricultural practices better adapted to climate change.