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Supreme Court Considering Whether to Accept Sarbanes-Oxley Whistleblower Case
Only a handful of employment cases make it all the way to the Supreme Court's august chambers at One First Street. That's largely because the Court has discretion whether or not to review cases decided by lower courts of appeals. Thousands of unhappy litigants file petitions for writ of certiorari every year, asking for review from the highest court in the land. Almost all are turned away.
Tomorrow, the Court will consider whether to accept an appeal by Jonathan Zang and Jackie Lawson in a case that has significant implications for the Sarbanes-Oxley whistleblower protection provision, 18 U.S.C. § 1514A. Section 1514A, which was passed as a response to the Enron and other financial scandals of the early 2000s, prohibits public companies, as well as "any other officer, employee, contractor, subcontractor, or agent of such company," from retaliating against "an employee" for protected activity. The issue in Zang and Lawson's case is whether Section 1514A protects employees of privately-held companies, if those companies are working as contractors for public companies.
The facts of Zang and Lawson's case show how important this issue can be. Zang and Lawson were employees for privately-held Fidelity investment advisory companies. Those companies provided services to Fidelity mutual funds, which were public companies within the meaning of 18 U.S.C. § 1514A. (This is typically how mutual fund companies work – their funds don't actually have any employees, and are run by investment advisers who provide services to the funds in exchange for fees.) In their Sarbanes-Oxley complaints, Zang and Lawson alleged that their employers, the private investment advisors, retaliated against them when they raised issues with the management of the public mutual funds.
The First Circuit decided that Zang and Lawson, because of their status as employees of private companies, did not have claims under Section 1514A. Lawson v. FMR LLC, 670 F.3d 61, 62-63 (1st Cir. 2012). Soon after, in Spinner v. David Landau & Associates, LLC, the Administrative Review Board – which hears appeals from Sarbanes-Oxley whistleblower claims resolved by the Department of Labor – disagreed with the First Circuit, deciding that Congress intended Section 1514A to protect employees of private contractors of public companies, such as Zang and Lawson.
Now, the Supreme Court must decide whether to review Zang and Lawson's case and resolve the split between the First Circuit and the Administrative Review Board. In their petition for certiorari (hat tip to SCOTUSblog), Zang and Lawson say it should take the case, because the First Circuit's decision will lead to forum shopping and fewer protections for the whistleblowing conduct that Sarbanes-Oxley was intended to protect, particularly in the mutual fund industry. The Fidelity investment advisory companies, meanwhile, argue that the First Circuit got it right, and that the Administrative Review Board's decision alone is not an important enough conflict to justify review.
The Court, as it sometimes does when confronted with petitions that raise an issue of interest to the U.S. government, also asked the Solicitor General to chime in. The response was a mixed bag for the litigants. The government agrees with Zang and Lawson that the First Circuit got it wrong, but agrees with Fidelity that this is not the time to finally resolve the issue.
If the Supreme Court decides not to take the case, we won't know whether it did so because it agreed with the First Circuit, or because it agreed with Fidelity and the U.S. government that review would be premature. The Court doesn't issue the reasons for its denials of petitions of certiorari, although sometimes the Justices who would have taken the case publish dissenting opinions explaining their views.


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Find Hostels all over the World
Kenya World News.
Nairobi, thriving modern capitalWild nature in Kenya
DESTINATIONS in Nairobi, Kenya
[ Book Hostels in Nairobi ]
Kenya is a country that only in a century has risen to a thriving modern capital, before being only a brackish and uninhabited land...called also a green city in the sun, Kenya was a capital of British East Africa, Nairobi gained its independence back in 1963 and became Kenya's capital. It's a capital full of contrasts, Nairobi is old enough so you...
Beauty of KenyaSunbathing on the beach
DESTINATIONS in Mombasa, Kenya
[ Book Hostels in Mombasa ]
Who have never dreamed of travelling to Africa? One of the most frequent touristic destination in this magnificent continent is Kenya. It does not surprise anyone, since its rich culture and beautiful diverse views attract every traveler. If you are bored with massive buildings in New York, crowded streets in London and cold weather in Helsinki, ...
Lamu is a city in the Indian Ocean, KenyaAfrican sunsets are magnificent
BACKPACKER STORIES in Lamu, Kenya
[ Book Hostels in Lamu ]
With donkeys as the main mean of transportation and only five cars on the island, Lamu represents more than exoticism. It's hard to find words to explain how this place is incredibly charming. Lamu is a Muslim city located on the Kenyan coast in the Indian Ocean. The streets are old, small, smelly, and dirty: quaint in one word. Careful where ...
Kenya Youth Hostels Volunteers.Countryside Kenya
HOSTELS NEWS in Nairobi, Kenya
[ Book Hostels in Nairobi ]
Kenya Youth Hostels Association Volunteer jobs are available in the cities of Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. We also have volunteer work in Nyeri, Nyahururu, Nanyuki, Kajiado, kibwezi, Machakos, Embu, Meru, Kitui and Kaka mega. More volunteer destinations are available with special arrangements. Kenya Volunteer Program Schedule. Nairobi Placem...
4 news found

subset: commoncrawl


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I'm planning a trip to Quiltsmith in a couple of weeks so I'm very busy making a shopping list! Top priority is backing for Floral Beauty......and a new needleturn project.
Susan x
The blocks look gorgeous!! And I have my SSCS partner now also-very exciting!! I have all sorts of plans buzzing in my head!
Your blocks look wonderful Susan.ReplyDelete
Lovely work on your blocks Susan... And yes another SSCS, happy sewing for you! I am waiting to hear who my partner is for this year...
Well done on stepping out of your 'comfort zone' with the pouch in your previous post, it's lovely, I'm sure your niece will love it x
Your blocks look great. Enjoy making that shopping list. hugsReplyDelete
Your blocks look great. Enjoy making that shopping list. hugsReplyDelete
Love your blocks, the borders look great. Good luck with getting some nice backing fabric for Floral Beauty. Can't wait to see what your new needle turn project is!ReplyDelete
oh your blocks are lovely.... and a reward to buy a new project to start!! so fun for sscs isn't it... happy shopping...
I have mine too...LOL...love those blocks..ReplyDelete
your blocks look beautiful. look forward to them coming together into a top.
good luck selecting your backing. then it will be one step closer to being finished.
Lovely blocks..enjoy your shopping trip.ReplyDelete
Love your blocks... Another book I may have to get :)ReplyDelete
Your blocks are sooo sweet! Good luck in buying some lovely things :)
Your blocks are lovely!
And yes, the stalking is on again! I love SSCS!
Just Love those blocks!!...Are you SURE I'm not your swap partner???? HA HA!ReplyDelete
Your blocks look really sweet. Got to love having a shopping trip to look forward to!ReplyDelete
nice blocks..........welcome to the SSCS..........ReplyDelete
Your blocks turned out lovely Susan...have fun shopping...I love that!ReplyDelete
Hi Susan, I love your blocks, they are really sweet. Have fun on your shopping trip!ReplyDelete
Good progress made Susan. I hope you are saving your pennies while writing that shopping list.ReplyDelete
Your blocks are lovely!!! Have a great time shopping!!ReplyDelete
Lovely blocks Susan. Deciding what to make is the hard part. Great to be in SSCS again this year. Hugs.....ReplyDelete
Wow - you have been busy of late Susan and as usual your work is beautiful. It truly is amazing how needed our finger tips are - I have a (very slightly) sore finger and am amazed at how they throb! Blessings to you and your family.ReplyDelete
You're coasting along quickly with this quilt. The blocks look great.ReplyDelete


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CAMPAIGNERS against post office closures promised to fight on today after 11 Liverpool shops were axed.
Royal Mail faces a backlash from communities after a city-wide post offices cull.
The historic Lyceum post office in Bold Street, Liverpool city centre, is to close along with offices in Edge Hill, Fairfield, Wavertree and Clubmoor.
Six further post offices remain under threat, with a decision on their fate expected shortly.
A cash slump of #194m in the past year has been blamed for the closures, which have prompted an outcry from disabled groups and pensioners.
Today residents, MPs and campaigners condemned the closures and pledged to continue their fight.
Campaigner Alec Gibbons, 71, is fighting to keep the Easby Road post office in Vauxhall open.
He said despite wholesale closures across the city, campaigners remained defiant.
A series of protests are planned for the next few weeks.
Mr Gibbons said: "We will fight for as long as it takes, we will never let this issue go.
"We plan to mount a fresh offensive - we will protest outside the post offices and take our fight directly to the people who run the post office.
"These are vital services. "We are not out for the count by any means." The offices will close in April and May and services will be transferred to post offices nearby.
Bob Wareing MP, who fought the closures, said: "This is disgusting.
"It will be a great nuisance and hardship for many people, particularly the elderly and disabled.
"I shall continue to fight." Post Office spokesman Eddie Herbert defended the decision. He said: "I appreciate customers will have to travel further to use our services.
"We intend to improve facilities in those offices we expect customers will use in the future."


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New Zealand PM makes last-ditch effort to retain "The Hobbit"
By Sean O'Connell
Hollywoodnews.com: After years of inactivity, a flurry of last-minute wheelings and dealings has ensured that the "Hobbit" story changes by the hour.
Shortly after Peter Jackson revealed that Warner Bros. was heading to New Zealand to decide if it was economically feasible to remain in the country to film – or if the studio would be better served moving its act off-shore – word breaks that Prime Minister John Key is stepping in to do whatever he can to keep "The Hobbit" in town.
"He and members of his government want to meet with Warner executives here to discuss what can be done to make sure New Zealand doesn't lose the blockbuster," the Wall Street Journal reports, adding that New Line spokeswoman Candice McDonough declined to comment on whether or not production executives would meet with Key.
Losing "The Hobbit" certainly would have an immediate impact on New Zealand's economy, as film productions contribute to the local job market and pump dollars into countless local resources.
But the damage could also be long-term, as the labor unrest revealed by the "Hobbit" negotiations could go a long way to reversing any progress made by the New Zealand film industry to lure productions to the country.
"When you lose these sorts of projects you don't just lose the direct dollar that was going to be spent here," said Cameron Bagrie, chief economist at ANZ National Bank.
Meanwhile, in a bit of wishful thinking, the London papers are reporting that "Hobbit" could head to the UK is New Zealand manages to chase the production away.
Jackson promised a decision would be reached soon. Stay tuned for more as the story develops.
Follow Hollywood News on Twitter for up-to-date news information.
Hollywood News, Hollywood Awards, Awards, Movies, News, Award News, Breaking News, Entertainment News, Movie News, Music News


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Benefits of Pre-Planning
Choose the way you'll be remembered
How do you want to be remembered? Maybe you had a long career in the military that you'd like to celebrate. Maybe you love animals and would like to encourage donations in your memory to your local humane society. When you pre-arrange your funeral, you put your wishes on paper so that your loved ones will know exactly how to celebrate your life and honor your memory.
Make it easier on your loved ones — emotionally and financially
Did you know that there are more than 70 details that need to be tended to in the first 24 hours after a death? Are your loved ones ready for all that responsibility?
When you pre-arrange, you make those first 24 hours easier for your loved ones. You also save them money. The stress of making last-minute funeral arrangements often causes people to make unnecessary purchases. By taking care of the arrangements yourself, you free them from spending more than they need too.
Protect yourself and your family from rising funeral costs
Like most things, funeral costs tend to rise every year. That means that a funeral today will probably cost less than the same funeral three or four years from now. Paying for your funeral now will save your loved ones money when you pass on.
Let your family know your final wishes
Pre-arrangement takes the guess work out of funeral planning. When you pre-arrange your funeral, everyone benefits. You know that your wishes will be carried out and your loved ones know exactly how to honor you.
Start the process
We've made it easier than ever for you to begin the process of pre-planning with us. Simply click here to begin the process online, in the privacy of your own home; or if you prefer, you can contact us at any time to schedule an appointment with one of our funeral directors.


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By Michael Hay - May 18, 2016
We have briefly outlined below the amendments made to the Guidelines.
The Guidelines have been amended to reflect the introduction of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission ("ACNC") and the current role it plays in the establishment and on-going compliance of registered charities. This is on the basis that ancillary funds were automatically registered with the ACNC from 1 January 2014 and are therefore now required to report to the ACNC.
Broadly, the amendments remove the current requirement placed on ancillary funds to report to the Australian Taxation Office ("ATO") where they are already required to report to the ACNC.
The current investment strategy rules have been updated to ensure that ancillary funds specifically consider:
It is therefore imperative that ancillary funds continually review their investment strategy ensuring that it remains up to date and that it continues to satisfy their charitable endorsement. This emphasises the importance for the investment strategy to be specifically tailored to the fund's objects and purposes.
Broadly, the introduction of this Guideline will allow ancillary funds to provide loan guarantees over borrowings of Deductible Gift Recipients ("DGR").
This fits within the legislated purpose of ancillary funds and enables them to utilise their assets for the benefit of DGR's without having to divest or transfer assets they hold.
The Guidelines now provide the Commissioner with the discretion to lower the annual minimum distribution rate of a fund in certain circumstances.
The amendments include a detailed list of factors which the Commissioner will consider when assessing an application. Some of these factors include; the general market conditions, the past, current and expected levels of returns from the fund's investments, the investment strategy, and the level of distributions made by the fund in previous financial years.
This is a welcome amendment that will provide ancillary funds with the ability to protect the value of their investments where the return on their investments have reduced during a financial year.
PAF's will now have the ability to transfer all of their net assets to another ancillary fund where it has complied with its minimum annual distribution requirements and has not received assets from another ancillary fund during the previous two financial years. This will allow PAF's to consolidate assets with other ancillary funds, to increase the asset base available or to avoid divesting and will provide an avenue to wind up smaller PAFs.
PAF's with revenue and assets under $1 million now have the option, unless otherwise notified by the Commissioner, to have their accounts reviewed by a registered auditor as opposed to a full audit each year. This amendment reduces annual compliance costs for small PAFs and accordingly will allow them to improve their annual distributions by reducing their expenses and ultimately increase their capital.
The changes to the Guidelines are welcomed as not only do they reduce compliance costs and compliance obligations associated with the ongoing operation of ancillary funds, it provides ancillary funds with the ability to grow their investments. Ultimately it is Australia's existing DGR entities who benefit from ancillary funds that will enjoy these amendments.
Please ask either your regular Pitcher Partners tax contact or any of the contacts in the Pitcher Partners firms below for further details on the issues raised in this Tax Bulletin.
Partner/Executive Director - Tax Advisory and Head of Estate Planning
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Partner - Tax Advisory
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Partner - Private Business and Family Advisory and Tax Consulting
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My aunt died the other day. It put me in a pretty dark mood when I found out this morning, and as always, this is my therapy (how the fuck else do you explain some of the shit I post on here). Having said that, I'm not going to bore you with crap about my personal feelings. Instead I'm going to talk about some juicy end of the world stuff.
I hurt myself two and a half months ago. I was sparring with someone and I blew out my knee. Hurt like hell. Of course they did an x-ray (one of those cool bits of technology that I want to keep in the world). It didn't show anything. Then they decided to do an MRI, another one of those cool bits of tech. It took a bit to get an appointment because I don't have a lot of money, and our public medical system has a limited number of MRI machines. I will find out soon if I get to have surgery to restore my knee (odds are strongly in favour). This represents so many different ways I am relying on the modern world to keep my basic mobility about me. This modern world is in threat. The IEA has finally not only acknowledged that peak oil is real, but that it hit a few years ago, and we are now on the downslope of Hibbert's peak. That means shit is going to get much worse than most people think it is, and way faster than anyone seems to realize. The IEA claims we have nothing to worry about, that alternate methods of oil extraction will keep the production numbers stable for the next few decades, and by then we will have figured out something else to do for our energy needs. Somehow this doesn't make me feel comforted.
Way of the Preserver is coming along. One of our members is allowing us to use some land that belongs to his family. It will give us an area to learn valuable skills. Initially this will be through clearing the land and building Monastery 1. Monastery 1 is going to be a general purpose workshop that should grow to include a forge and a laboratory in addition to the more prosaic workshop elements. We are planning to build the initial building from adobe bricks that we form ourselves. By the end of the process we should, as a community, be able to build a simple structure easily. This is my answer to the need to do something about the way I see the world slipping away from us as a species, a way for us to fight at the encroaching darkness.
If you would like to contribute to the Way of the Preserver, and the continuation of knowledge, please let me know. I would love to have as many ideas as possible, as well as increasing the number of hands. Way of the Preserver is an experiment right now, but one that seems to show initial signs of working. Help it to grow.


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Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Assalamualaikum. Hello :)
There was a time my aunt asked me, "Hang tak rasa apa-apa ka?" that I pretended to not know what she meant by her question, "Rasa apa?" and she replied in hesitation, "...Sedih bila dapat tau pasal dia tu?"
Honestly, I couldn't find strength to simply answer that 'simple' question with a Yes or a No because deep inside, it's damn complicated to describe in words that I ended up crying, hoping the tears could possibly help me to explain how painful I actually felt...
...and I was like, "What a shame! I can't even control my tears and now I'm crying in front of you!" when she told me that "It's okay to cry your heart out sometimes" as a sign she totally understands and that's why she asked.
I'm fine, and now you know I lied.
Fairuz Aqilah.


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New and used TP Engineering Evo motors for sale by individuals, parts suppliers, and dealers. New & used TP Engineering Evo motors are direct replacements for your stock V-twin Evo engine.
Clicking on the links below will open a detailed description of the TP Engineering Evo motor in a new window on eBay.
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This post will answer one of our readers' questions. I think it is also a common problem for people using corporate emails. Here is the actual email from our reader:
To Whom It May Concern:
My boss just got a Samsung Galaxy S3 it is deleting emails after he views them. He has went to the T-mobile store they gave him a new phone it is still doing it. We have called the 1-800 number several times. Is there an easy fix that maybe we are over-looking? I have tried to find the option to Keep emails on server I can not find this option even after following the online forums and solutions… his email is set up through IMAP? It is a 1&1 email account.
Name withheld for privacy.
The problem is not with the Galaxy S3, it's with the computer. To solve this problem, you have to edit the settings of the email client you're using. In this case, we'll take Microsoft Outlook 2010 as the example.
1. Launch the Microsoft Outlook 2010.
2. Click File menu at the upper-left corner.
3. Click Account Settings.
4. Choose the email account you have setup on your Galaxy S3 and click Change.
5. Click on More Settings button; a new window will pop-up.
6. Click on Advanced tab.
7. Under Delivery section, check 'Leave a copy of messages on the server'.
8. Click OK.
This will solve the problem.


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Unemployment improved slightly around the state last month. Here are the unemployment rates from some cites and towns in the Pioneer Valley:
- Springfield:
- Northampton:
- Palmer
- West Springfield:
- Southwick:
SPRINGFIELD - The city's unemployment rate was 11.9 percent in November, down from 12.1 percent in October but up from 8.7 percent a year ago.
Springfield's unemployment rate was the ninth highest in the state, according to local unemployment numbers released Tuesday by the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.
"It's going to be a slow improvement without question," said Kevin E. Lynn, manager of business and youth services at FutureWorks, a one-stop career center in Springfield. "We have a lot of long-term unemployed and the jobs they lost are not necessarily coming back."
In greater Springfield, which includes most of Hampden County, the unemployment was 8.9 percent in November, down from 9.0 percent in October but up from 6.4 percent in November 2008. The number of unemployed people in the region fell from 30,948 in October 2009 to 30,851 in November 2009.
In Amherst and surrounding towns in Hampshire County, the unemployment rate increased to 4.4 percent from 4.1 percent in October and 6.1 percent a year ago.
But at 4.4 percent, Amherst had the lowest unemployment rate of any regional labor market in the state.
In Greenfield and its surrounding towns in Franklin County, the unemployment rate was 8.3 percent in both November and October, but it was 5.8 percent in November 2008.
Local unemployment numbers are not seasonally adjusted.
The statewide seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 8.8 percent in November, down from 8.9 percent the month before its second consecutive monthly drop, according to figures released Thursday. The state had an unemployment rate of 9.3 percent in September.
The national unemployment rate was 10 percent in November, down from 10.2 percent in October.
Lynn said FutureWorks is seeing an increasing number of job opening s posted. There were 423 openings posted in November, up 89 percent from the 224 jobs posted in November last year. Most of those jobs were seasonal jobs in delivery and warehousing or year-round jobs in health care and social assistance, administrative support and waste management or in professional, scientific and technical services.
But Lynn said year-over-year comparisons might paint a deceptively positive picture. November 2008 was the first month of statistics that reflected the full impact of 2008's financial crisis.
"In October 2008, we fell off a table," Lynn said.
He also warned that unemployment figures will creep up again in the next few months as people who've given up their job searches out of frustration re-enter the market.
"People will see that and think that the recovery is dead, that conditions are getting worse," Lynn said. "We have to be prepared for that."


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Those who work in the field of engineering technology (engineering technologists) can be credited with helping new developments or advancements in any number of engineering fields. In essence, they are the support arm of the various engineering industries they serve in.
Career Opportunities with this Degree
Those who obtain an advances master's in engineering technology – expectedly a master of science degree – offer support more than developmental usefulness, utilizing their talents less on the theory and development end of the spectrum, and more in the realm of application and implementation. Some job functions may include product testing or quality control; others may fall under operations management or project efficiency assessment. In the end, the job duties will vary based on the nature of the industry the degree holder is working in.
Jobs & Salaries with This Degree
Engineering technologists may find career advancement in such areas of concentration as construction, manufacturing, maintenance, or management across any number of engineering-related fields. The engineering technology industry is expected to see moderate growth over the next 5-to-10 years, but the exact situation will vary depending on what engineering specialty someone with a master's in engineering technology seeks their employment. Median annual wages vary similarly, with technologists in the aerospace engineering and electrical and electronics realms besting $53,000 per year. A median of $44,000 is present for civil engineering technologists, while the median for industrial engineering technologists is $47,000.
Requirements for Earning this Degree
As described by the National Society of Professional Engineers,"Engineering programs are geared toward development of conceptual skills … Engineering technology programs are oriented toward application." Such coursework along those lines include the study of rapid prototyping and product design, programmable devices and systems, and materials for emerging technologies. A bachelor's degree – not necessarily in the engineering field, however – is required for admission into a master of science in engineering technology program.
Online Master's in Engineering Technology Degree Programs
- DeVry University: BS: Electronics Engineering Technology
- Drexel University Online: MS: Engineering Technology
- Penn Foster College: AAS: Engineering Technology


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- You are in:
- Homepage >
- Travel
Are Hotel Rooms actually clean?
Hotels may not be as clean as you think or hope. While it may smell and look hygienic, there are many germs and bacteria that are there discretely unseen.
While your toilet, sink and counters may look clean, other parts of the bathroom might not be. Bathtubs, for example, are rarely cleaned after every visit, and more than likely the person before you took a bath. The glasses in the bathroom are often just rinsed out with tap water, dried off with a towel and placed back on the counter.
Some hotels are known to have bed bugs which will only make you toss and turn thinking about that. Sheets are cleaned after every visitor, but pillowcases and blankets are another story. There are some instances where hotel cleaners have said it is not uncommon for staff to take naps on the beds if they have spare time.
TV Remote
One of the dirtiest things in the room though is something that every visitor is bound to use and would rarely get wiped down by the cleaner, the TV remote. A study done by University of Houston states that remotes are typically as contaminated as the toilet. Lamp switches are not much better.
What You Can Do
If all of this worries you, there are some precautions you can do. Pack your own sanitizer wipes or gels and when you enter into your room, have a quick wipe down and get rid of those germs. If you are worried about the beds, bring your own pillow cases. In the bathroom you can lay a hand towel across the countertop if you are worried it is dirty.
- Tags:
- Hotel cleanlines,
- germs hotels


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that matter to you
The Use of Native Plants for Net Zero Goals
Category: News and Updates
Date: May 18, 2012
Here is the third and final article in our series of three written by Landworks Studio staff providing information and insight in obtaining a Net-Zero goal for project sites.
The first article, "Taking Irrigation Off the Grid," discussed the challenges and opportunities related to capture-and-reuse irrigation techniques. The second article, " Soils: A Foundation for Achieving Net Zero Run-Off" emphasized the importance of knowing existing soil conditions and modifying profiles as necessary to achieve predictable results. This last article, "The Use of Native Plants" narrates Landworks Studio's philosophy and approach to the use of native vegetation in site design.
The Use of Native Plants by Carisa L. McMullen, PLA
The term "native plant" means different things to different people. This can be a problem when the term "natives" is thrown around casually in discussion. According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, a native plant is "One that exists in a given region through non-human introduction, directly or indirectly." While there is some documentation of specific species of plants associated with prairie communities prior to the first settlers, there is some debate over the influence by Native Americans on these plant communities.
Adapted plants are locally grown varieties that have adapted to our conditions over many, many years. The list of adapted plant materials is longer and the plants are hardy. These plants have developed characteristics that allow them to survive the conditions we find here in our region. The term "adapted natives" is also used to classify this group of plant materials. Although some may not consider these plants true natives, these plants, like the true natives, usually require very little maintenance once established. Adapted plants have many of the same benefits as true natives and may also be more readily available.
Cultivars are plants that have been developed for certain, very specific characteristics. These plants are embraced by the general public because of their flower color, growth habit, texture, size, etc.
Why Native?
Natives are grown locally or regionally so environmental transportation impacts reduced. Natives are better acclimated to our weather patterns and have natural pest resistance; this increases survivability without adding nutrients or pesticides to the environment. The root systems of many native plants will eventually penetrate a wide variety of soil types. These deep roots allow more water absorption into the soil, filter the groundwater and keep the plants vigorous during drought conditions.
Most of us have heard these statements before. What you may not have considered is the impact plant materials can have on an entire ecosystem. Local genotypes increase the possibility of transferring genetic material between plant populations. This is good for plants, insects, birds and other fauna.
Non-native species of plants can confuse other forms of life. Surprisingly, insects can get confused by non-native species of plants if the insects have adapted to a certain plant and/or bloom color, scent or blooming period. Non-natives can have a negative impact below the soil surface, as well. Fungi and plant-pathogen interactions below the surface can be considered "foreign" in an ecological community.
Non-native plants often times require specific soil amendments or special maintenance to keep them healthy or to achieve the desired bloom color, like hydrangea, for instance. Non-natives can also be sterile and may not provide any nutritional benefit to the insects, birds and wildlife in a given area. Invasive species are non-natives and threaten species diversity.
Working with Natives
While there are many benefits to using natives, there are a few minor negatives. Natives may take longer to establish. They may have an unkempt look during grow-in or at maturity. Natives require a different type of maintenance that may require "re-training" or education for the eventual caretakers.
Just as there is no "cookie-cutter" response to site design, the use of natives, with all its benefits, may not be the appropriate solution in every instance. Landworks Studio's approach to the use of native plant materials is consistent from project to project, however. First, we gather information from the site and the owner relative to the specific site program. We will never force a plant palette that will not have a chance for success. Some of the questions we ask early in the design process are:
- Is this something the owner is interested and willing to explore?
- Does the site lend itself to the use of natives?
- Can we achieve the look and feel we are after with the use of natives?
- Does the owner have the patience to wait for optimum results?
If natives are appropriate, then we ask a series of follow-up questions:
- Can the design be maintained to a satisfactory level? Can we provide a maintenance manual to assist in future maintenance?
- Is there an opportunity to add "structure" to the landscape? The structure can be as simple as a solid evergreen shrub mass or hard-edged pavement line. It can be as elaborate as an architectural element or feature. The less manicured look tends to be more visually appealing with an adequate proportion of structure. It is also easier to maintain if there are defined edges to the native plantings.
- Can we include a few commercially recognized plants? One example might be shrub roses. If the user or audience can identify some plants in the mass, the landscape tends to feel more accessible.
A diverse landscape with a wide range of plants selected to fit the site and the preferences of the owner and users is a success. We are able to create a landscape with beauty for years to come by incorporating these principles in our planting design. Included here for your use and information is a list of some Midwestern native plants that can be substituted for common commercial species. For the complete list, request "The Native Planting Handbook" written by the great folks at Taylor Creek Restoration Nurseries or contact the staff at Landworks Studio.Back to News


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Why Him? (2017)
Over the holidays, Ned (Bryan Cranston), an overprotective but loving dad and his family visit his daughter at Stanford, where he meets his biggest nightmare: her well-meaning but socially awkward Silicon Valley billionaire boyfriend, Laird (James Franco). The rivalry develops,and Ned's panic level goes through the roof when he finds himself lost in this glamorous high-tech world and learns that Laird is about to pop the question.
Original Title: Why Him?
Country: USA, Cambodia
Release Date: 2017
Genres: Comedy
Creator: John Hamburg
Cast: Zoey Deutch, James Franco, Tangie Ambrose, Cedric the Entertainer, Bob Stephenson, Bryan Cranston, Megan Mullally, Zack Pearlman, Griffin Gluck, Jee Young Han, Mary Pat Gleason, Juliette B. Reiss, Melissa Graver, Steffen Dziczek, Jimmy Badstibner
Runtime: 111 min
Language: English, Khmer
Quality: DVDRip
Resolution: 720 x 480
Audio: AC-3, 248 Kbps
Video: MPEG-4, 1329 Kbps
Size: 1,38 GB


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Budget Advisory Committee Caucuses
Thursday, August 27, 2020
District 1- Commissioner Clark 1:00 p.m.
Meeting link
District 2- Commissioner Wombacher 2:00 p.m.
Meeting link
District 3- Commissioner Blasi 3:00 p.m.
Meeting link
Contact Us
County Departments
Commissioner Agendas & Minutes
Commissions Chairman, Steven E. Joy, called the meeting of the Hancock County Commissioners to order at 12:57 pm. on Friday, August 12, 2016 in the conference room at the courthouse building in Ellsworth, ME with Commissioners Brown and Blasi in attendance.
Commission Business:
MOTION: to approve and have the Chairman sign the letter to Davor Sklizovic in regards to the construction of a new hangar (Brown/Joy 3-0, motion passed). Discussion: Commissioner Blasi asked if the Town of Trenton has issued a building permit and the answer was yes. The protected airspace will not be penetrated with the new building but it will be required to be lit up for any future runway approaches. Commissioner Blasi asked if this new building is a part of the master plan and Manager Madeira replied yes, it is.
County Administrator:
MOTION: to enter into Executive Session under MRSA Title 1 §405 6(d) to conduct labor negotiations. (Brown/Joy 3-0, motion passed).
Commissioner Joy called the meeting back into Regular Session with nothing to report.
Old Business:
Discussion in regards to the RCC expansion, the Commissioners have reviewed the preliminary report from Malm & Associates (which was completed back in 2011). Commissioner Brown reminded the others that any buildings outside of Ellsworth city limits cannot be purchased for a new RCC/EMA center as Ellsworth is the County Seat. There is a statute that stipulates all thirty seven towns in Hancock County will need to be notified as there must be informational meetings for the towns to be made aware of renovations to existing buildings and referendums passed if property is purchased for new construction. The building next to the Maine State Police on Rte 1A on the outskirts of the city has 2,700 sqft available to rent as the MDEA also uses the building. Commissioner Blasi stated that he would rather not get into a lease/rent situation. He also asked if there was space available at our current Airport CAP building, why couldn't we add to our RCC/EMA services at that location on the edge of the runway. Manager Madeira responded via text "I cannot recommend that". Commissioner Joy asked how soon the addition of the City of Ellsworth overnight dispatching to our RCC services and Director Wellman answered it could happen in a couple of weeks. She also stated that we need to make a long term plan for expansion as she feels it will be a permanent move for the City of Ellsworth. Commissioner Brown stated that if we take on the full time dispatching for the City of Ellsworth, we need to make plans to move into or build something in the next few months and definitely before a year goes by. CA Adkins said we need to have a long term commitment from the City of Ellsworth before we do anything permanent. Commissioner Joy stated that in the interest of being an employer, now is the time to expand our facilities so the City of Ellsworth will move over to us for full time dispatching. CA Adkins is adamant that our basement facilities is not the location for any kind of expansion. Commissioner Blasi agrees with Commission Joy, but we need to let them know we are willing to move forward and to proceed quickly. Commissioner Joy asked "How do we pay for all of this expansion? It would have to be through taxation or the City of Ellsworth would have to pay a one-time startup fee to the County before we can get the project established". The one-time fee would help us purchase a building and refurbish it. It should be advertised that the County is looking to purchase a building in the next few months with the project to be completed before a year. Commissioner Blasi stated that as our current RCC town contracts are for one year, do we want to establish a long term lease for all the renovations and rent? In an RFP, we could state a "lease to buy option" or complete purchase with a buy out. Commissioner Joy feels it is better to purchase and own the building from the onset.
Commissioner Brown wanted to talk about the Mount Waldo tower#2 because the radio reception is as important as a new building to house the RCC equipment and employees. Director Wellman had pictures from a visit just yesterday and the tower site looks promising. There are 3 towers and the guide wires are secure. We could locate a building on site as the building currently on site has accessibility concerns. The tower structural analysis passed and was initially built to hold the equipment we would want to add. There are upgrading recommendations by the analysis company. The tower was built in 1999 and it will hold our equipment but CA Adkins suggested the landlord be accountable for the perpetual upkeep of the tower. The rent will be $400 per month ($4,800 per year) and the cost of the equipment and a new building for a generator will cost another $100,000. Commissioner Brown stated that we need to move on this tower site now. Our communications will be greatly improved throughout Hancock County with this tower site and that will encourage more towns (Orland) to move over to the RCC for dispatching.
Commissioner Brown stated that we need to have informative meetings with all the towns in Hancock County to allow residents to understand why we are going to need to raise money through taxation for both of these projects. CA Adkins suggested that the Commissioners borrow money from themselves (with a TAN) as we have almost $3.6million in our accounts. The building needs to be found and the equipment needs to be upgraded – the tax payer needs to know why the County taxes would be increasing. When Ellsworth moves over permanently, hopefully Trenton soon follow.
Commissioner Joy stated that the towns on Mt. Desert Island who already have their own dispatching might never agree with their towns having to pay extra taxes for a new RCC center (along with the City of Ellsworth) but if the space is available, they might eventually come into our services. The City of Ellsworth will need to understand that they will be required to pay us an upfront (impact) fee to get a new building established. We need to get an RFP out so that people are aware we are looking for a new space. We need to schedule some informational meetings to let the tax payers be aware of what we are trying to do. Even after we beg and borrow for the initial building, we still need to raise taxation for the upcoming budget years to pay for that building and the employees to run a third dispatching shift when and if Trenton joins Ellsworth.
Commissioner Joy asked "within this new building, do we really need between 2,000-4,000 sqft and 6 dispatcher stations?". He thinks this is too much for Hancock County but maybe not if we are thinking of the expansion. For the EMA, the building should be at least 2,000 sqft which includes another (heated) storage space of at least 6,000 sqft which could be shared with the Sheriff. Director Sankey asked that a new space for EMA be co-shared with an office, training and storage space. He also stated that the property and infrastructure would be paid for by the County but the EMA equipment and rent is half reimbursed by the State on an on-going basis. Commissioner Blasi asked about the current rental space for the Sheriff which is used for seized properties. Commissioner Joy stated that if we start adding up all these "wants and needs" up, we are talking about large amounts of money. We may just have to decide on the RCC space for now and then, later on look for extra storage space for the Sheriff and the EMA. Commissioner Joy wants to decide now that we should get the City of Ellsworth MOU for dispatching established and get the project moving ahead.
Break from 3:30 to 3:38PM
Commissioner Blasi asked what would happen if the Sheriff came into the new plan for the RCC/EMA and Commissioner Joy said that at this time, this is not a part of the discussion. Commissioner Joy said we need to do at least the RCC now, the EMA soon after and maybe, the Sheriff expansion project can occur sometime later in the future. Commissioner Joy wants CA Adkins to schedule a meeting with the City of Ellsworth to make a commitment for the long term dispatching to get this project moving. Director Sankey suggested that the Commissioners visit the Waldo County EMA and the RCC buildings to see what they have newly constructed in the past four years.
The equipment and telephone systems in the new center will have to be an updated analog with IP hybrid. Director Wellman said that new stations are about $36,000 for the three stations and cabinets (previously purchased). There are other pieces of equipment that could cost more or less that what is listed on the plan.
All three Commissioners agreed that if the City of Ellsworth is ready to go, they are as well – to proceed with searching for the new building.
Discussion in regards to the additional Court Hours requested from the State of Maine, Director Walls stated that there is a meeting scheduled with the State Court Administrator, CA Adkins and himself next week on August 17th. All the Commissioners agreed that the longer operating hours at the Courthouse will not happen (but the meeting will still occur).
MOTION to adjourn at 4pm (Brown/Blasi 3-0, motion passed).
Respectfully submitted,
Pamela J. Linscott
Admin/Finance Clerk


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WEBINAR: Branches in the Digital Age: How to Reset Your Branch Network
Branches in the Digital Age: How to Reset Your Branch Network
May 8, 2018
Sign Up Now
What You Will Learn:
Trends shaping branches
- Keeping the customer experience meaningful and interactive, and finding inspiration from retailers and other banks.
- Approaching branch design with fresh eyes. Explore examples of small footprint technology-enabled branches.
Opportunities to improve profitability and find "Hidden Capital"
- Increased profitability through site development optimization, co-branding, branch right-sizing, closure, and relocation process.
- Hidden Capital deal types. What's best for you?
Creating branch cost savings
- Top 10 mistakes that banks make when building / redesigning branches.
- Why banks overpay between 10-20% on average for real estate and what you can do about it.
Effectively executing your project: How big of a branch should you build?
- Designing to a budget NOT budgeting to a design.
- Discuss concept phases to define the customer experience, design development to and refine material and your budget, permits and construction.
Who Should Attend?
Heads of Retail and Bank Management who are looking to successfully develop and implement a strategic retail delivery plan based on today's emerging trends using informed data and market knowledge; Heads of Operations tasked with redesigning branches for millennials while stretching limited resources; Facilities Managers who need to manage expenses and maximize fixed asset investments.


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- You are here:
- Academic
- Careers and Higher Education Guidance
- Sixth Form Cambridge Uni Nov 18
- Sixth Form Work Placement Coord Nov 18
Careers and Higher Education Guidance
A planned programme of Careers and Higher Education guidance forms an essential part of the curriculum at each Key Stage and students are provided with impartial information, advice and support as they make difficult decisions about what subjects to choose and what career paths to follow.
Many of our students have the opportunity to meet with an Independent Careers Advisor. Students receive a written record of the discussion and an individual action plan. Follow-up discussions enable the Advisor and the student to monitor the progress of their action plan. All students have access to an extensive multimedia careers library, and at Post 16 receive talks from various external agencies and have the opportunity to visit Careers and Higher Education conventions.
Many of our Sixth Form students go on to Higher Education every year and so we place a great deal of emphasis on providing information, guidance and support for students preparing personal statements, completing UCAS applications and preparing for interviews or university entrance tests. Our students achieve a high level of success each year in university applications, with many of them being admitted to their first choice courses at prestigious universities.
Students may choose alternatives to university and the school also offers a programme to support in this process, including visits to apprenticeship fairs, visits from apprenticeship providers and a dedicated Careers Week in the Spring Term. Many have the opportunity to complete a work placement, usually in Key Stage 5 and there are presentations and workshops centred around training students in developing CVs, letters of application and on interview preparation. In addition, we also hold an 'Alternatives to University' information evening for parents, carers and students.
Our Careers Guidance Leaflet, available to view and download on the right, contains information on the school careers education programme from Year 9 to 13. It includes links to many additional useful sources of advice and information to help each student start to plan for the future. In addition to the sources included, How2Become is a good all round resource for planning both education and careers and we have over 50 How2Become reference books, covering a wide variety of job titles, available in the Careers Section of the LRC.
We also have a link to the free online careers website, Start, on our Student Welcome page. Start can help students to make informed choices about further study and future careers.
For information on UCAS and the university application procedure, please visit our Sixth Form Area or click here.


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Half-Day Rafting Barron River
Join us for this Half Day Rafting Barron River tour in the Barron Gorge National Park. Located only 20 minutes from the centre of Cairns (40 minutes ex–Port Douglas).
Barron Gorge National Park is known for its rugged rainforest mountains, steep ravines, the mighty Barron Falls. Barron Gorge has been carved out over thousands of years by the Barron River.
We conduct our half-day white water rafting tour here. Following the ebb and flow of the river, as it snakes its way down from the mountains and heads out to the Coral Sea.
Enjoy this scenic rafting and rainforest adventure which combines calm water floating with a series of white water rapids for adventure and action.
The Half Day Rafting Barron River is a fantastic introduction to White Water Rafting. It's fun, exciting and exhilarating, suitable for all the family. Enjoy up to two hours rafting, on up to grade 3 rapids.
Our rafts carry up to seven passengers plus your river guide. No experience necessary.
Let our guides entertain you on this spectacular river, offering guaranteed water levels year-round!
Another Rafting option is a Full Day on the Tully River CLICK HERE for more details
- Return transfers from Cairns Accommodation (additional costs apply for transfers from Palm Cove & Port Douglas)
- 2 Hours White Water Rafting on rapids up to grade 3
- All Tuition
- Safety equipment
- River Guides (professional and certified),
- Stunning Rainforest and ravines of Barron Gorge National Park
Optional Extras
Shoe Hire, Snacks & Souvenir Photos
What to bring
- Ticket or voucher
- Swimming costume (you will get wet)
- Lace-up shoes or sandals that won't fall off
- Towel
- Dry clothes
- Sunscreen but don't apply to the back of your legs
- Money for photos, snacks, souvenirs & the Barron River rafting levy to be paid onboard
Important Information
Minimum age to participate is 12 years


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These cheesy pork chops will be a new staple on your dinner table. Buttery, semisoft Fontina melts beautifully, making it an ideal choice for grilled cheese, omelets, or any dish that calls for maximum gooiness. To shred the cheese more easily, place it in the freezer for about an hour to firm it up before grating.
How to Make It
Heat 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Add yellow onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly caramelized, about 15 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and 1/4 tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat; set aside.
Using a paring knife, cut a 2-inch slit in sides of bone-in, center-cut pork chops, creating a pocket, cutting to the bone. Stuff each with 1/4 cup shredded fontina cheese and 1 Tbsp. onion mixture. Set aside remaining onion mixture.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter in nonstick skillet over medium-high. Sprinkle both sides of pork chops evenly with 1 tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper. Cook 2 stuffed pork chops in skillet, undisturbed, until golden brown on each side, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer pork chops to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter and remaining pork chops.
Transfer baking sheet to preheated oven, and bake pork until a thermometer inserted in thickest portion registers 140°F, about 18 to 22 minutes. Remove from oven; let rest 10 minutes. While pork cooks, add russet potatoes to a large saucepan; cover with cold water. Bring to boil over medium-high, and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to saucepan. Stir in whole milk, sour cream, 1 cup shredded fontina cheese, 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, 1 1⁄2 tsp. kosher salt, and 1⁄4 tsp. black pepper until combined. Mash to desired consistency. Cover to keep warm.
Add chicken stock and remaining onion mixture to skillet over medium. Cook, stirring often, until slightly reduced, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in apple cider vinegar and 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter. Divide potatoes among 4 plates. Serve with pork chops, and top with sauce. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.


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When they were young
An article on what men of the ATP looked like as a kid. Here are two. See the rest – HERE
Rafa Tweets
Rafa's success at Indian Wells has resulted in a lot of Twitter activity. Here are a few tweets:
4ª final consecutiva para @RafaelNadal tras su retorno! Sin palabras. 4th final in a row for Rafa since his return! Speechless. #GrandeRafa
Nadal still on court signing every last autograph request. #BNPPO13
See the whole article at "Forehand Times" – HERE
Maria Francisca Perello
Number 8 on "The Tennis Space" blog list of the Top 10 most influential women on the ATP Tour. Maria is Rafa's girlfriend.
"Travelling together everywhere, even if I could, would not be good either for him or for me. He needs his space when he is competing, and just the idea of me hanging around waiting on his needs all day wears me out. It would asphyxiate me. And then he would have to be worrying about me … No. If I followed him everywhere, I think there's a risk we might stop getting along," Perello wrote in Nadal's autobiography. "The celebrity world is not a world I want to be part of, and I don't think Rafa would have chosen to be with a woman who looked for that in life."
Read More – HERE
Rafael Nadal: Surprising Signs That He's Ready to Play, and Win, Once More
Practice like a Pro
Steve G Tennis did a great article back in October about how pro's practice vs. how everyone else practices. He feature a video of Rafael Nadal practicing. You can see the video below. To see the article click the link at the end. Here is the opening paragraph from the article:
The difference between the top players in the world and everyone else is mainly strokes, footwork, strategy and the mental game. But what most people don't realize is that these differences start in the way you practice and play tennis.
Watch any pro tennis player ranked in the top 100 and examine the way they practice.Chances are, if you have the opportunity to watch their practice – you'll be stunned at the level of intensity and commitment they possess on every single shot they hit.
Rafael Nadal is the perfect example of this.
Bleacher Report's Most Riveting Points from the ATP's Big 4
Bleacher Report shows some great tennis from Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal. Here is a sampling of the slideshow with all the video's.
The point at 5:45 was one of the best points all year.
This was a cat-and-mouse exchange that lasted way longer than any live spectators anticipated.
To see all the video's – CLICK HERE
Related articles
- Are These The 10 Best Shots Of The 2012 ATP Season? [Video] (tennis-x.com)
ATP's Year in Review
From the ATP web site.
2012 By The Numbers… Novak's 5 M.P. Saved Tops List
Match Points Saved
Five players won matches from the brink of defeat in 2012, most notably Novak Djokovic's heroics to save five match points against Andy Murray in the Shanghai Rolex Masters final.
First-Time ATP Winners
Only one player won his first ATP World Tour title in 2012, compared with 10 in 2011. As players competing for their first ATP World Tour title went 1-15 in finals this season, 23-year-old Martin Klizan was the only breakthrough, triumphing at the St. Petersburg Open with a straight-sets win over Fabio Fognini. He became the first Slovakian to win a tour title since Dominik Hrbaty triumphed at Marseille in February 2004.
Winning Streaks
It was a mark of how competitive the ATP World Tour was in 2012 that the longest winning streak any player was able to put together was Roger Federer's run of 16 matches in February-March. In 2011, Novak Djokovic had opened with a staggering 41-0 mark, while a year earlier Nadal had compiled a 24-match winning run.
Winning Titles Without Losing A Set
Rafael Nadal reminded the tennis world of his clay-court supremacy in 2012, winning three titles at Monte-Carlo, Barcelona and Rome without the loss of a set. Novak Djokovic was also able to win an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title with a clean slate over six matches, retaining his title in Miami.
See the whole article – HERE
Tennis Reporters Top 50 Men
Matt Cronin's tennisreporters.net came up with it's year end Top 50 Men. The top 5 were Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and David Ferrer. The article has two paragraphs on each player.
Here are few excerpts:
Novak Djokovic: Yes, in 2012, he only won one major, the Aussie Open, but he also reached the Roland Garros final, the Wimbledon semis, the US Open final and when a lot of chips were on the line heading into the fall over who the Player of the Year was, he grabbed Shanghai and the ATP World Finals to seal POY honors.
David Ferrer: Has there ever been a more beloved world No. 5 than the gritty and gusty Ferrer? Perhaps not. Everyone loves his hustle, the way he always fight to the last ball, how much he has improved his serve and has been willing to go on the attack more. But while he clearly had a better year than anyone ranked below him, he didn't even end the year ranked higher than Nadal, who stopped playing in late June.
As Ferrer has said, it's more than possible that every member of the Big 4 is simply better than he is. In 2012, he went 0-3 against Djokovic and Nadal, ran his record to 0-14 vs. Federer with two losses, and split matches with Murray. He needs to go after the ball more against those players, but it is altogether possible that outside of Murray, that even if he does, he will be pushed back. But here's hoping he reaches his first Slam final in 2013 in great shape because it would be a lot of fun to see the 30 year old sprinting wall to wall to in an attempt to win his first major. That would cap off one of the most dedicated careers of any 21st century competitor.
Read the whole article – HERE
More Charity from Rafa
This from "The Slice" blog
Rafael Nadal was in Rotterdam today to attend the opening of the 100th playground for the foundation of Richard Krajicek. Rafa joined Krajicek on court for a little fun with kids too!
Rafa also stars in "Diez personas 10″ for 2013, which features ten celebrities and photographs that represent them. The money raised by them will benefit organizations of their choice, in Nadal's case, Fundación Rafa Nadal.
Rafael Nadal: 'Champions Drink Responsibly' Press Conference!
Rafael Nadal is all smiles as he attends a press conference forChampions Drink Responsibly by Bacardi on Monday (November 26) in Sitges, Spain.
The 26-year-old tennis star was joined by Managing Director of Bacardi, Jose Manuel Barcelo, as he answered questions as the new Champion of their responsible drinking campaign.
Fans – Tennis
So who has the most "Fans" on Facebook – Roger Federer (11,838,140) but while Roger has slightly more "Fans" on Facebook that Nadal – 11,341,889 – Nadal also has 3,347,544 "Followers" on Twitter for a total of 14,689,433. Sharapova has 8,600,852 Facebook "Fans". Djokovic has 3,807,966 combined fans and followers while Serena has 4,542,723. Anna Kournikova still has 1,846,049 Facebook Fans, Venus has 2,061,737 Fans and Followers and Andy Murray has 2,180,095 Fans and Followers. No other tennis player has more the 1 million. For a complete list of the top 96 tennis players on social media go to:
How did the Big 4 Get their points?
Drop Shot Dispatch Blog did an interesting breakdown of how the Big 4Men got their points. Below is a graph of Novak Djokovic's points. To see Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal's graphs and read the rest of the article – CLICK HERE
The Right Wing
Another good article from Steve Tignor at Tennis.com.
Here are a few excerpts.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
This morning I could have sworn that I saw a quote from Roger Federer where he referred to early-round losers at the Grand Slams as "the left side of the draw." I can't find the line now in the interview he did with Swiss journalist Rene Stauffer, and he probably never said it, but I like the euphemism nonetheless.
If you've ever seen a practice session by one of the pros, you know that they pull off shots that they never even try during matches. On the one hand, it's depressing to see how supernaturally skilled they are; on the other, you also realize that they get tight in matches just like we do. For instance, Andy Murray can often be seen ripping forehands without hesitation when he's working out, and then playing them much more safely later the same day when he's out there for real. I was curious to see today whether Murray would try, if he got ahead, to bridge that gap and work on being more aggressive during live points.
All of which, in its way, shows why Nadal is better in the big matches than Murray is: He can up his game in the later rounds. In the Monte Carlo final against Djokovic, Rafa went after all of his shots—serve, forehand, backhand, return—with more conviction and aggression than he did today.
Read the entire article – HERE
This Weeks top tennis tweets
Rafa's got a brand new bag
Rafael Nadal debuted a new tennis bag (on account of forgetting his regular one). It has wheels … and its own Twitter account.
Nadal's trolley bag kills me. Looks like he's navigating ohare, heading to Cedar Rapids for the big trade show.
Need a new alarm song. Mine is currently Hold On by Wilson Phillips. Who'd have thought you could get sick of Wilson Phillips?
Alla Kudryavtseva takes a shot at Beyonce and Jay-Z's name for their baby.
On the subject of famous people… Blue Ivy is a good name for a child?Is it even a pretty plant?Despite the fact that's its a parasite?
Mats Merkel, a regular hitting partner for Wozniacki, reminisces about Caro's tall tale about being attacked by a kangaroo last year.
There is finally footage of the epic attack of a kangaroo against @CaroWozniacki… @adidastennis lockerz.com/s/173429072
From Sports Illustrated "Beyond the Baseline" blog – CLICK HERE FOR AL OF THE TWEETS


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A complicated look at uncomplicated topics to ameliorate your day.
The first essential step to writing an essay is to sit down and read the topic. After this, put the piece of paper away and forget about writing anything until there is less than 48 hours until it is due.
48 hours until deadline
Now is the time to find the piece of paper with the topics on it again. This may take a while, so to prepare yourself, take a nap.
46 hours until deadline
Begin your search for the piece of paper with the topics on it. Under the piles of paper on your desk, in the back of your notebook, in your uni bag, oh is that last Monday's paper? You better just catch up on that news while you're searching.
45 hours until deadline
Take a 15 minute brain break, as you will be exhausted from all of this searching.
44 hours and 45 minutes until deadline
Give up searching for the piece of paper and log on to your university portal and find the topics listed on the subject webpage instead.
44 hours and 30 minutes until deadline
Open a new word document and type the topic at the top of the page. Then go to the toilet and outside to say hello to the dog. Pick up an apple to eat while you're at it, after all, you need your brain food.
43 hours until deadline
Sit down and start writing your introduction, make sure you spend at least 15 minutes looking at your readings to find the perfect opening sentence. At the same time, start writing a conclusion.
42 hours until deadline
Now that you've been writing for nearly an hour. It is important to take a break. Go and watch a movie. A nice short one, like Lord of the Rings – Return of the King.
38 hours until deadline
Have a quick look at your essay. Now that you've done a good day's work and there is a solid introduction and 157 words on the page it's best you go to sleep. Sleeping on it always helps.
32 hours until deadline
Roll over and look at the clock. 7am is much too early to be writing anything. Best you rest for another few hours; you are never good at writing in the morning anyway. And you have to let the ideas simmer in your head.
29 hours until deadline
Up and out of bed, your first task for the day is to clean your desk. There is 4 weeks' worth of washing, unopened envelopes and bank statements that need to be sorted, opened and filed. Before you can even start to think about typing, you'll need to clean the entire thing. Make sure you polish it with Mr. Sheen once you're done. This is essential.
27 hours until deadline
Aha! You've just found the piece of paper with the topics on it. Contemplate changing the topic to no 7 on the list, because it does look a bit easier. Decide you'll think about it, while you keep cleaning your desk.
26 hours until deadline
Now your desk is clean and you've decided on a new topic, you can sit down, change the introduction slightly and get working on the first paragraph. Actually, before you do that, it's time to shell some pistachios. Make sure you take about 200. This is essential brain food after all.
24 hours until deadline
Essay is belting along at 344 words. Oh, what's that? You've just noticed that your toenails and fingernails need trimming? It is imperative that is done now.
23 hours and 45 minutes until deadline
Back to writing and on a roll. The guts of the essay are really taking shape! Now is the time to write an essay plan to make sure the plan matches the words you've already got on the page.
23 hours until deadline
After writing for almost an hour, you'll need to check your Facebook, Instagram and Email accounts. Without checking these the next paragraph of your essay will not happen.
22 hours and 45 minutes until deadline
Time to set a Facebook status about the fact your essay is due in 22 hours and you've still got 1950 words to write! Sharing it with Facebook friends will definitely help. While you're there, facestalk three people you went to Primary School with for half an hour.
22 hours until deadline
Back to writing the essay. Time to start ripping quotes from the readings and get that second paragraph taking shape.
21 hours and 15 minutes until deadline
You've been at this essay writing for a while. Take a well-earned break and check your Facebook. It has been 45 minutes since you last did. While you're there, update your profile and check on that kid you went to high school with, isn't he a dental surgeon now?
21 hours until deadline
Time to proofread what you've written. Decide you actually don't like anything in the first paragraph you wrote, better delete it and start that bit again.
20 hours and 30 minutes until deadline
At this point in time you will need to go and bake a cake. From scratch. Oh and you'll need to go to the supermarket to buy eggs while you're at it.
18 hours until deadline
Cake baked and tasting delicious! Back to writing, the essay is coming together; you've got 467 words on the page. Probably should spend some time on YouTube catching up on X Factor videos from 2008 to give your brain a break.
17 hours until deadline
Writing has come to a grinding halt. Time to open the bottle of Baileys and take a big swig. A little bit of Irish Liqueur always helps get the brain cells moving.
16 hours until deadline
Your eyeballs are hanging out of your head. You've got 723 words on the page. Surely that is enough? Why oh why did you ever decide to go to university? Drag yourself off to bed and try not to beat yourself up over the ridiculous tasks they set at uni, like making essays due on a Friday afternoon. Unbelievable.
11 hours until deadline
Drag yourself back out of bed and straight to the computer chair. Check Facebook, check Instagram, reply to your 7 messages and read your 13 new emails, then go and have breakfast.
10 hours until deadline
Open up your essay and take another look at it. Do a quick read through. Now go and say hello to the dog.
8 hours until deadline
Mum's just asked you to do the dishes. Make sure you yell at her and stomp around sufficiently, explaining that you have an essay due in 8 hours and you simply 'DO NOT HAVE TIME' to do ridiculous things such as the dishes. Return to your room and check Facebook before looking at your essay again.
6 hours and 30 minutes to go
Essay is flying along. You've hit the 1000 word mark! Only 1400 words to go. Time to take a well-earned break. Go and cook yourself some scrambled eggs on toast. And set a Facebook status about your recent spate of essay inspiration. Go you!
6 hours to go
Post photo to Instagram of your scrambled eggs.
5 hours until deadline
Things are starting to get pretty hectic. Better text your friend from class to see how she is going. Have a 20 minute text conversation lamenting the state of your essays and groaning about how ridiculous the tutor is. Once this is done, continue writing.
4 hours and 15 minutes until deadline
Toilet break. Apple break. Better say hello to the dog. Wait a second; he looks like he needs a brush. Might as well do that while you are there as well.
4 hours until deadline
Those dishes are still on the sink. Better actually do them now.
3 hours and 30 minutes until deadline
Typing furiously. The words are just coming to you now. Keep going! On a massive roll! Better update Facebook status and let everyone know it's coming together. Finally!
2 hours and 15 minutes until deadline
Definitely the time for some more pistachios. Go and find the packet and finish shelling and eating the last 90 odd.
1 hour until deadline
OMG! Set a Facebook status to tell everyone that you've still got 400 words to go and less than an hour to write them! Shared panic will absolutely inspire you to the finish line! Then get back to writing.
45 minutes until deadline
Better check Facebook and see how many other people totally understand what you're going through with this essay. And reply to all of their comments.
32 minutes until deadline
Now is the time to reread your introduction and make sure your essay makes sense.
31 minutes until deadline
Who are you kidding? You've been staring at those sentences for the last 48 hours; you've got no idea if they make sense anymore or not! Ring your best mate and read the introduction to him over the phone to check you are on the right track.
23 minutes until deadline
Finish off the last paragraph and making sure the conclusion actually remotely relates to everything else you've written in the essay. Take another swig of Bailey's to help you through.
11 minutes until deadline
Start typing the bibliography. You kept a record of the readings and references you used, right?
9 minutes until deadline
Shit. Start making up the bibliography and copying it from the resources list in the subject reader.
4 minutes until deadline
Insert page numbers.
3 minutes until deadline
Log onto the university portal.
1 minute and 30 seconds until deadline
45 seconds until deadline
Upload and submit essay via the university portal.
1 minute after submission
Log onto Facebook and post a status celebrating the fact you FINALLY finished the essay. Jump onto Instagram and post a TGIF photo. Go and find yourself a big piece of that chocolate cake to celebrate, by golly you've earned it!
5 minutes after submission
Shit. Did you put your name on it?!
This is the most accurate thing in the world.
My essay is due on Monday, probably will not be starting it until Friday night.
Friday night? That's like heaps early!
Wrote a 2,200 word take-home exam on Sunday…this is pretty much how it went.
Pingback: December 2014: Lenore Smith - Humanities 21 - Let's put humanities back on the agenda


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Head of Global Regulatory Affairs, Dublin, Ireland
Acorn_Reg Company Confidential
Acorn Regulatory has been exclusively retained by a global pharmaceutical company to identify and recruit a Head of Global Regulatory Affairs for their facility in Dublin, Ireland.
This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a team of regulatory specialists with a global pharmaceutical company.
The Company
Our client is a globally trading firm with facilities across the world. They have a well-deserved reputation as the market leader in their product category, with significant sales in territories such as the USA, Europe and Asia.
In recent years they have experienced significant success with elements of the product portfolio in a number of 'new territories'. They have built up a large and well respected workforce in countries such as the USA, Canada, China and elsewhere.
The Future
The successful candidate will be tasked with developing and implementing a global regulatory strategy to enable the company to maximise their revenue in their target markets. The Head of Global Regulatory Affairs will lead a team of in-house specialists and external consultants to ensure that our client company can continue to grow their business.
The successful candidate can expect a market leading salary and benefits package. As this is a new role, we, along with our client, are willing to tailor a package to best suit the needs of the role holder.
The Head of Global Regulatory Affairs (GRA) will establish the centre of excellence for regulatory affairs with the aim to drive efficiency across regulatory functions. The role holder will drive the design and implementation of strategic and tactical process change initiatives in a manner that creates consistency and efficiency.
The role holder will be responsible and accountable for all operational activities including training, budget and special projects related to the daily activities of GRA. He/she will oversee and ensure overall compliance within GRA.
Head of Global Regulatory Affairs
Principal Responsibilities
• The Head of Global Regulatory Affairs will create vision, strategy and goals for achieving operational excellence within. He / she will identify operational gaps in execution, prioritize, plan, and drive cross functional projects within agreed timelines
• Oversees, coordinates and executes the GRA accountabilities
• Owns the budgetary responsibility for Regulatory Affairs, prepares department budgets and identifies appropriate external resources as needed
• Ensure that each project initiates with clearly articulated 'terms of engagement', has well defined and measurable business results, and is delivered on-time, on-budget and within scope
• Accountable for ensuring training is adequately assessed and performed within GRA
• Ensure that regulatory activities are supported by robust procedures
• Provide expertise across global regulatory teams to ensure most efficient processes are implemented and followed
• Work with the board of the company to identify and manage new regulatory projects
• Develop SOPs and processes for GRA
• Ensure that the regulatory department has/maintains up to date knowledge to meet all country and region-specific regulatory requirements
• Responsible for operational excellence and continuous improvement
• Establish, develop and manage internal talent ensuring a balance between internal resources and use of external vendors to ensure flexibility in the delivery of simultaneous submissions globally
• Experience in the pharmaceutical industry with 10 years regulatory affairs management experience in regulatory operations
• Experience of managing staff in a global matrix organization
• Self-motivated, flexible and creative leader, able to prioritize, multi task and work in a fast-paced and demanding environment
• Strong communications skills: oral, written, with proven negotiation skills, and time-management
• A critical logical thinker with the ability to analyse problems, identify alternative solutions and implement recommendations for resolution
• Sound understanding of information management concepts and tools needed to carry out Regulatory Operations priorities
• A proven ability to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines
How to Apply
This role is being managed exclusively by Acorn Regulatory.
If you would like to have an initial confidential discussion regarding the role then please contact Brian Cleary at Acorn Regulatory on 00353 52 61 76 706.
Alternately, if you would like to submit your up to date CV for consideration, then please email: email@example.com
All applications will be treated in the strictest of confidence.


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Canada's NDT society offering training, certification testing, and professional membership to NDT Personnel
Welcome Visitor
Sign in / Register • Contact Us
CINDE Workshop Feedback Form
For a printable mail-in form, click here.
Please complete the form below and click Submit. Field with an asterisk (*) are required to be completed.


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Request for Proposal
Contact Us With Your Requirements
Conference facilities at Riverside Sun include a choice of 11 flexible conference venues and events spaces, which can accommodate between 12 and 500 delegates.
These venues are ideal for conferences, team building, presentations and training sessions. We pride ourselves on professional, streamlined service so your client is assured of a successful event. A variety of packages to suit your business and event requirements, including day conferencing and accommodation packages.
Riverside Sun's conference facilities are easily accessible and can easily be adapted to the needs of your clients.
Please contact us to submit your request for proposal.
*Indicates Required Field


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Trump orders Chinese owner of TikTok to sell US assets within 90 days
Kamala Harris on student-loan forgiveness, Medicare, universal basic income, credit scores — and a tax on trading stocks
Warren Buffett said this metric signaled the 2001 crash — now it's sounding the alarm on global markets
Don't assume this stock-market value rotation will stick, J.P.Morgan says
Refinancing your mortgage will cost more thanks to a new fee from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Stocks could be melting up like they did in the Roaring '20s, strategist says — we all know what happened next
In Battle Royale against Apple, Spotify and Match Group throw support behind 'Fortnite'-developer Epic Games
When will I get my extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits? Why isn't everyone out of work eligible under Trump's proposal?
Dr. Fauci asks people NOT to politicize coroanvirus: 'We've been through a Depression, we've been through a World War. We pulled together through 9/11'
The extra $600 in weekly unemployment benefits expired — but gig workers and self-employed Americans still qualify for benefits
U.S. closes in on something it hasn't done since WWII — borrow more money than it raises
Value stocks, which trade lowest to growth stocks since 2001, look like a smart play as the economy rebounds
Buy in Europe, where stocks have been 'brutally beaten up,' says fund manager
Here's a pandemic stock tip: Buy on the rumor of a COVID-19 vaccine, sell on the news
'It was like something out of Gilligan's Island!' The FIRE crowd who spent the lockdown partying in the Bahamas
Here's a bullish case for owning bonds now — even with yields close to zero
Virtual Stock Exchange


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I'm neutral on the produce at Produce Galore, but I can't get enough of the corned beef sandwich.
Produce Galore is a small grocery/gourmet shop in the Wilde Lake Village Center. Nice fruits and vegetables. An array of gourmet packaged goods like chocolates, cookies, oils, etc., although those kinds of items are always expensive for my tastes. A dessert section and a salad bar that would be great if you drove past on the way home from work.
But go for the corned beef and a lemonade. The deli counter is far in the back past the salad bars. Tasty corned beef with real flavor, but not too much fat. Sliced when you order. Served up with lettuce and spicy mustard on soft rye bread. It is a $6 sandwich that matches any deli sandwich outside New York. I grabbed one on the way to an evening class, and I ate it right from the wrapper as I drove. They display the beef right next to roast beef, pastrami and a bunch of special sandwiches that I will certainly try when I stop being infatuated by the corned beef.
And grab a lemonade to go. Most restaurant lemonade is just soda without bubbles -- artificial flavor with some sweeter combined. Produce Galore says this is lemon juice, water, and sugar, and it tasted that way to me. Perfect with a sandwich. It'll be even better in the summertime.
(And they sell everything by the pound, so it makes a great hot, open-faced sandwich at home!)
Produce Galore
5430 Lynx Lane
Columbia, MD 21044
NEAR: Columbia Mall, Wilde Lake High School


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"A brilliant, bloody, violent dark fantasy – Charlie Huston turned up past 11."
- Andy Remic, author of the Clockwork Vampire Chronicles
"From its opening chapter, The Dead of Winter lassoed me into
its gritty world of gunslingers and demons. A page-turning thrill ride
of a novel that could well redefine your perception of the 'wild' west."
– Rio Youers, author of Westlake Soul
"The Dead of Winter ain't your granddad's Western. Lee Collins paints a picture of the Colorado wilds as cold and unforgiving as the creatures that inhabit them. And in Cora Oglesby, Collins has created a heroine as tough as saddle-leather, and as fiery and sharp as rotgut whiskey. Read it with the lights on – but for damn sure read it."
– Chris F Holm, author of Dead Harvest and The Wrong Goodbye


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View All Calendars is the default. Choose Select a Calendar to view a specific calendar. Subscribe to calendar notifications by clicking on the Notify Me® button, and you will automatically be alerted about the latest events in our community.
July 18, 2019, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM @ Meeting Room 1
Have a question about your phone/tablet/e-reader/laptop? Let us help!
Walk-ins will be helped on a first come, first served basis. Individuals may be limited to a few questions in order to accommodate more people due to the nature of walk-ins. If you are interested in more one on one time please look into our Tech Help for Adults program .No registration required!
July 18, 2019, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM @ Meeting Room 1
Patti, a local resident will be teaching on-going quilt as you go lessons for those interested in learning to quilt beginning Tuesday, February 5th and Thursday February 21st. She will teach a block at a time from beginning to end, while each class will build upon the previous class, those interested in getting started are always welcome to attend any time. She will teach the same lesson twice a month, one afternoon and one evening. The supply list will be provided at the first class.


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Is The Kemba Walker 'Supermax' A Mavs Free-Agency Problem, Or A Hornets Problem?
DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The fact that All-NBA Team voting qualifies guard Kemba Walker for a new "supermax'' contract means his present employer, the Charlotte Hornets, can pay him $80 million more than the Dallas Mavericks can pay him.
But that doesn't mean the Mavs are the only ones behind the 8-ball here. The Hornets are back there, too.
Before Kemba's honor and the "supermax" contract that can come with it cause problems in Dallas, they cause problems in Charlotte. Why? Before the vote, the Hornets could have planned to try to retain the standout guard with a five-year deal worth $190 million. That would've been their advantage over a Mavs franchise that by rule can only offer four years to someone else's free agent, with a contract totaling $141 million.
Was Kemba going to turn down that extra year and that extra $49 mil? Maybe, as he's on record as saying money will not be the driving force in his July 1 free-agency decision.
But would the extra $80 mil -- the difference between a Charlotte supermax and a Dallas max -- be easy to turn down? One would assume not, even though the Luka Doncic/Kristaps Porzingis Mavs would seem to be a more attractive destination than a small-market Charlotte team that in Kemba's eight stellar seasons there has only qualified for the playoffs twice and never won a series.
But before this becomes Dallas' issue, it is Charlotte's. Are they really prepared to fork out $221 million over the next five years to a smallish 29-year-old guard? GM Mitch Kupchak has called Kemba a "once-in-a-generation kind of player." But there are risks that come with paying the supermax, and they include a franchise's finances spilling over into the luxury tax, a highly-punitive CBA factor that owners tend to wish to avoid. Of course, there are risks in not doing so, too; do they wish to insult their best-ever player by not bothering with his max? How will that reflect on their attempts to do deals with players in the future?
Walker is on Dallas' wish list. (As he has been in offseasons and trade deadlines many times before.) Is he the "perfect'' solution''? No. But the Mavs do not see great problems in pairing him with Doncic, as while he's a "scoring point guard'' he's also an unselfish distributor and what coach Rick Carlisle would call "Our Kind of Guy.'' And Luka/KP/Kemba is a legit "Big 3.'' ... meaning a big step.
Keep in mind two under-publicized options here, one for each team: For Charlotte, they don't have to offer "either/or.'' They can offer any dollar figure and any number of years, just not to exceed the aforementioned supermax. And for Dallas? If Charlotte and Kemba choose to do business together, maybe there is a clog of pricy talent on the Hornets' roster that they'll wish to move, "Nuclear Winter''-style.
Kemba isn't Dallas' only target, of course. But the Mavs' attraction to him, combined with the fact he's represented by Dallas-friendly agent Jeff Schwartz, combined with some realities of what the likes of Kevin Durant will say when Dallas calls (that is, "No'') merits study of the situation on our part ... and on the Mavs' part.
Walker himself has sort of put the onus on Charlotte management to come up with a plan.
"I think now the work begins for those guys," Walker recently said of the franchise attempting to become a winner. "They'll figure it out."
The Dallas Mavericks pretty much hope they don't.


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Chocolate Foundation (Workshop 1.0)
Have you ever thought about working with chocolate? Come and join us on this 2 day course where we will cover basic techniques that will provide you with the confidence to create your own bespoke range of chocolate products.
Who should attend: Anyone who has an interest in developing their chocolate knowledge, whether you are opening your own business or just want to update your professional skills.
- Beverley DunkleyChef
- Julie SharpChef
- Mark TillingGuest teacher
You have no experience in the art of chocolate but are motivated to be immersed in this wonderful world.
The UK CHOCOLATE ACADEMY™ center is based in Banbury, Oxfordshire and is a 'State of the Art' purpose-built training environment with eight individual work stations, allowing for one-to-one, hands-on tuition. The Academy is situated adjacent to the factory allowing easy access for tours of the Barry Callebaut plant.
Our courses have been designed to offer practical and theoretical help for the novice chocolatier through to the chocolate artisan, pastry chef, confectioner, baker, caterer and lecturer.
We are extremely proud to have some distinguished chefs from both the United Kingdom and Europe to help run our courses, all of whom have extensive knowledge, expertise and experience in the field of chocolate.
We would welcome the opportunity to share with you our passion
and expertise to expand and fulfil your chocolate creativity.
OX16 3UU Banbury Oxfordshire
United Kingdom - Ireland
Beverley Dunkley has been sharing her passion for chocolate at the UK Chocolate Academy™ since its concept started 10 years ago.
She has contributed extensively to develop a full range of innovative courses in confectionery, bakery, hotel and restaurant sectors. Her love for teaching goes beyond physical classes as she regularly completes tutorials on the craft of chocolate for Callebaut® and other medias such as Staff Canteen. She has also featured in college manuals such as "Patisserie" by John Hanneman and in professional magazines such as Chefs Magazine and Squires Sugar Craft magazine.
Always keeping at the forefront of latest news in the pastry and confectionery world, she regularly travels across the UK and Ireland to provide technical support to confectionery and bakery businesses with their latest developments. This constantly strengthens her knowledge in product innovation and trends evolution.
Julie Sharp has been sharing her chocolate expertise at the UK Chocolate Academy since 2011.
Her career led her to be Head Pastry Chef at prestigious venues in London, including the Regent Four Seasons ( Landmark) Hotel and the Mandarin Oriental.
Driven by her passion for travel, Julie accumulated experience in prestigious five stars venues overseas.
Firstly to the Bahamas as Pastry Chef for the Lyford Cay Millionaire's Club, then to Canada to Chateau Lake Louise and lastly to the Sofitel in Melbourne, Australia.
Then she moved back to one of London's most iconic hotels: Claridges.
Recognised for her contribution to the Pastry world, Julie was invited to become a member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and was awarded Pastry Chef of the Year by the Craft Guild of Chefs.
After completing a Certificate of Education, an opportunity arose for her to combine her love for pastry, travel and teaching and she joined Barry Callebaut as Chocolate Academy Chef.
Being recognised as a leading Pastry Chef in the UK, Julie regularly features in judging panels for the highest competitions in the industry such National Chef of the Year and Annual Award of Excellence.
More recently she was honoured as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and also invited to be a Fellow of Westminster Kingsway College.
Not only does she teach at the UK Chocolate Academy, but she also shares her craft via many tutorials online and regularly appears in major British hospitality publications such as The Caterer.
Mark has had an extensive career as a pastry chef and chocolatier and is currently Head Chocolatier and Development Chef at Squires Kitchen, Surrey. He has great passion and enthusiasm when working with chocolate and has gained many accolades, gold and silver medals in different competitions over the years and in 2006 he became UK Chocolate Master and for a second time in 2008. He also represented the UK at the World Chocolate Masters Competition 2007 and again in 2009 where he was placed 7th in the world. Mark has also written two books "working with chocolate" and "working with macaroons" also writing for Squires kitchens many magazines.


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Babe's Story
I've loved cats since I was little but as a teenager I became allergic. I heard that if you lived with one cat for a while it would be ok, and I really wanted a cat of my own. Babe was immediately very friendly, and when I brought her home she followed me out of the room and everywhere I went.
Now if you sit down you can bet she will claim your lap, and she loves having her chest rubbed. My husband wasn't too eager about having a cat but now I think he loves her more than me!
-- Sarah


text: I've supplied tissues for my 'non-handkerchief-carrying' students for years. But recently, I found a neat toilet tissue dispenser which I was able to attach to the classroom wall. Now the custodians supply me with some of their short rolls of tissue . . . which I provide for my class. It's a novelty which saves money at the same time.