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Saturday, 1 October 2011
Yikes - I'm really too busy working on two new books for the Frankfurt Book Fair to post to my blog, but couldn't resist popping this one up for Illustration Friday this week as it's just perfect for the topic of 'hibernate'. It's an illustration from 'When Will it Snow' by Kathryn White, and just published, so very good timing I think! Back to work now...
Friday, 26 August 2011
Last weekend I went to Edinburgh Book Festival where I did an event in the RBS Imagination Lab with a fantastic big group of little girls ( and one boy ) accompanied by lots of mums ( and about one dad! ). We had story time, drawing and an ambitious craft session where the children all made fabulous furry mice, adding their own personal touches which never cease to amaze me! It was based on a book that I did the illustrations for - 'A Little Fairy Magic' by Julia Hubery . (USA)
Sunday, 12 June 2011
Fantastic news - Yuck! won the Younger Children category in the Red House Children's Book Awards at yesterday's award ceremony in Birmingham! The overall winner was Michael Morpurgo's Shadow so we were in great company! Had a wonderful day and we were pampered by all the wonderful people from the Federation of Children's Book Groups. Thank you to all the children who voted for us and for the opportunity to meet the author of Yuck! for the first time, the lovely Angela McAllister! All the shortlisted authors and illustrators were presented with portfolios containing letters and drawings from lots of the children who had enjoyed our books - they were so lovely and it's something I will always treasure. As category winners, we also received beautiful engraved silver bookmarks - I shall put mine in my trophy cabinet alongside my only other award for illustration (so far!!) my pewter plate from Highlights High Five magazine which I won in 2009. We were even on the BBC news - definitely a first for me!
Friday, 3 June 2011
This weeks Illustration Friday topic reminded me of a lovely book by Cat Weatherill that I Illustrated for Caterpillar Press, called By Lantern Light. It had a lantern that lit up when you pressed it and which appeared throughout the book - hence the shadows! Another book in the series, My Little Night Light had a similar feature, only with a lighthouse on each page. They were great fun to illustrate. It's quite timely as I'm just starting a new book in the same series, this time with party candles as the feature, so it's nice to look back at this one after not seeing it for a while!
Thursday, 5 May 2011
It's been a busy month and I've managed to squeeze in a short trip to beautiful Majorca which was wonderful! I've done some new card designs for American Greetings, some magazine illustrations for Highlights High Five magazine, a commission for a watercolour of a friend's dog ( a rare treat these days, but I promised to do it as they had paintings of their other two from years ago and wanted their new pooch to join them in the hall!)
This week I'm doing some school visits in the run up to the Red House Children's Book Award ceremony to promote Yuck! Had a wonderful day yesterday in Sandford Primary School in Somerset, and tomorrow it's off to Wolverhampton to visit two more schools. Then it'll be time to start my next new book for Little Tiger Press - very exciting as I don't know what it is yet!
This photo was taken after my monster workshop yesterday - I think they liked it!
Friday, 4 March 2011
This is my first blog post in ages - oops! It's been manic here since November - lots of lovely work and new books to look forward to and I'm very excited that 'Yuck' has been shortlisted for the Red House Children's Book Awards as well! Fingers crossed...
This week's Illustration Friday topic is Warning, so I thought this one would be ideal. It's from Star Friends or Ooogle-Doogle and the Boogle by Tracey Corderoy, and the story reads..
But one day, the Boogle raced out of the gate! "No!" gasped Ooogle-Doogle. He never ever went out there! WHAT IF THERE WERE SCARIES? But he couldn't let anything happen to his friend, so nervously he followed.
I'm happily working on a lovely new book by Tracey at the moment, so watch this space!


November 13, 2021
Kansas running back Devin Neal celebrates a touchdown run against Texas with teammate Bryce Cabeldue during the first half of a game in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 13, 2021.
Stories this photo appears in:
After playing a starring role in the Kansas football team’s attention-grabbing overtime win at Texas this past Saturday, running back Devin Neal was named the Big 12’s Offensive Player of the Week on Monday.
A blissful opening half for the perennial Big 12 underdog Kansas football program set the stage for the Jayhawks’ first conference road victory in 13 years Saturday night at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. But it would take overtime to make it happen in Austin, Texas.


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According to the New York Times, Nielsen handed in her resignation at the president’s request after a short meeting in which the president asked Nielsen to stop accepting asylum seekers and close ports of entry along the border, which Nielsen reportedly refused to do.
But despite allegedly refusing the president’s aggressive requests, Nielsen still oversaw the Trump administration’s practice of separating migrant children from their families. And Twitter won’t let her forget it, thanks to her own statements on the matter.
“We do not have a policy of separating families at the border. Period,” Nielsen tweeted in June 2018.
We do not have a policy of separating families at the border. Period.— Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen (@SecNielsen) June 17, 2018
Nielsen blamed the media, members of Congress and advocacy groups for reports of families separated at the border, repeatedly saying there was no official policy separating children from their families at the border.
However, the “zero tolerance” policy of apprehending and arresting adults arriving with children ensured that the families would be separated because children cannot be detained in adult facilities.
It was a tweet that perfectly represented the Trump administration’s tenuous relationship with the truth amidst a draconian change in immigration policy.
New York Times opinion writer Wajahat Ali said of the tweet on Sunday night, “I want this to follow her until the end. Goodbye DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. This is your legacy.”
I want this to follow her until the end. Goodbye DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. This is your legacy. https://t.co/SKG7qAkqZU— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) April 7, 2019
Girl, bye https://t.co/3U2YAAjPSI— SDM (@meddocle) April 8, 2019
[hums “the way we were”] https://t.co/hJtkSpCSoy— Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) April 7, 2019
*Except for the 2,737 children ripped from their parents at the border by the Trump admin plus 1000s of other children potentially ripped from their parents before a federal court req'd the Trump admin to keep track.— Jennifer Bendery (@jbendery) April 7, 2019
Quite a legacy. https://t.co/DGVXvzHOuY https://t.co/UeGhpMlVpY
The Trump administration is now asking for two years to identify and reunite all the children who have been separated from their parents because of his administration’s immigration policy.

domain: news


Another TOP individual who is raising all the way to success and before you know it he will be everywhere.
Cody Simpson has release his song Coast to coast on iTunes. Take a listen to it. The song is impressive from a teen kid who is in the run for the teen awards and will release many other songs. Everyone should support him as the teen has what it takes to be the best singer world-wide. See him in action and become a fan
see his web page
and follow him on Twitter to get to know when his songs are released.
He will be full of surprises and get to know him now till he is a complete known singer. Well, all the best to his singing. He is talented and ambitious in his life.


text: My name is Jason Price. I'm currently in my junior year of studying Industrial Design at Arizona State University. I love anything to do with art or design and constantly seek new skills to learn and acquire. I'm also very active, I love to hike, Mountain bike, Dirt bike, play basketball, and volleyball. Thank you for taking the time to look at my website.

domain: artistic


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|TInews -- Archive
Subscribe TInews Archive
TInews Archive #20030606.html
=== TINEWS ===================================
Total international arrivals to the U.S. in 2003 began on a positive note, however, looming war and continued airline tribulations, economies with slower than expected economic situations resulted in a decline for the total monthly arrivals for first quarter 2003. The 2003 first quarter total international arrivals (includes overseas, Canadian, and Mexican * arrivals) contracted 8 percent.
The U.S. experienced five straight months of positive gains in international arrivals starting in September 2002 through January 2003, which grew 5 percent. However, February arrivals declined by 2 percent as war loomed, and March arrivals stumbled registering a 20 percent decline in total international arrivals as the Iraq war began.
On the monthly arrivals page for 2003, you will see the arrivals for numerous world regions and countries for the first 3 months of 2003. Also included this month is an analysis of the arrivals for the top markets for the first quarter of 2003. Included is information on the top ports-of-entry for overseas visitors to the U.S.
Please visit our monthly section on arrivals to watch these trends
for each of the world regions and 19 select markets generating visitors
to the country at:
A new table that has been added to this area of the site provides information on the top ports-of-entry for all overseas visitors for the first two months. This table is to demonstrate the variances that can occur among different areas of the United States compared to the national average of arrivals. Within the 2003 Quarterly Analysis Update section, the analysis for First Quarter - January through March includes an analysis of the top ports for overseas arrivals.
If you are interested in additional information on this program, please go to: http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/research/programs/i94/index.html
The monthly Summary of International Travel to the U.S. has almost 30 tables that provide data on monthly and year-to-date arrivals to the country. The report provides data on around 90 countries each month, and over 40 ports-of-entry. Numerous breakouts are provided by world region and country for the port tables as well.
Subscribe Now! To subscribe to TInews, visit our web site at: http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/tinews/subscribe.html
If you wish to unsubscribe, send E-mail to firstname.lastname@example.org, with "unsubscribe" in the subject or body of the message.
Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, International Trade Administration
=== END T I N E W S ===========================

domain: economics


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The Supreme Leader’s speech on National Nuclear Technology Day last week has created certain public relations problems for the Obama administration. The Supreme Leader insists that Iran is to be afforded sanctions relief upon signing a final agreement. The United States insists that sanctions are to be lifted as Iran complies with its commitments under a final agreement (details to be determined).
Who ya gonna believe, our Supreme Leader or theirs? I have found Iran to be a more reliable guide in these matters than the Obama administration. President Obama has adopted a variant of Ring Lardner’s “‘Shut up,’ he explained” approach. “It needs to stop,” Obama commented on criticism of the pending arrangement over the weekend. (Mark Salter pushes back on behalf of Senator McCain et al. in “Obama owes critics of the Iran deal an apology.”)
Obama is endlessly understanding of the Supreme Leader’s comments. “Even a guy with the title ‘Supreme Leader’ has to be concerned about his own constituencies,” Obama asserted at the Summit of the Americas over the weekend.
How about a guy with the title “president”? Assuming the observation applies to Khameni, the same applies even more say to him. Barack Obama and John Kerry have proved many times over that they will say anything in the service of a bad cause. Obama’s understanding of the Supreme Leader seems to represent a pure case of projection.
Secretary Kerry appeared yesterday on Face the Nation. “The Russians, who are not our usual allies, released a statement saying that what we have put out in terms of our information is both reliable and accurate,” Kerry said.
The New York Post reports that the State Department points to an article from Russian news agency Interfax where Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov called the White House fact sheet “truthful and reliable.”
I can’t find the Interfax article. AP diplomatic reporter Matt Lee put out a call for it on Twitter yesterday. In his first of two tweets after taking a look at the article, Lee confirmed the “truthful and reliable” quote. In the second tweet (below), Lee noted Rybakov’s observation that the United States “fact sheet” left out unresolved issues like “amount & sequence” of sanctions relief and UN action.
— Matt Lee (@APDiploWriter) April 12, 2015


Material: conductive rubber and metal
Product Description :
- In computing, a stylus is a small pen-shaped instrument that is used to input commands to a computer screen, mobile device or graphics tablet. With touchscreen devices, a user places a stylus on the surface of the screen to draw or make selections by tapping the stylus on the screen.
Product Detail :
- Red, Green, Blue, Orange, Black, Grey, White, Purple
- can become the holder of the smartphone, pen or other material
500, 1000, 3000, 5000


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ASA in the News
With Trump’s Support, STATES Act Could End Nationwide Cannabis Prohibition - Americans for Safe Access
A bipartisan group of senators and representatives introduced a historic bill this morning that could change the cannabis legalization landscape across the United States.
n a move that’s been anticipated for weeks, Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Rep. David Joyce (R-OH) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Entrusting States (STATES) Act this morning on Capitol Hill. The measure would exempt state-legal marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, allowing every state to legalize and regulate cannabis (or keep it illegal) as they see fit.
By Christopher Moraff for The Daily Beast
Dr. Jahan Marcu, Senior Scientist at Americans for Safe Access, a marijuana advocacy group, calls the reemergence of synthetic cannabinoids a “product safety nightmare.”
“It’s like ordering a drink and not knowing if it’s 0 percent alcohol or full proof,” he said.
By Jonathan D. Salant for NJ.Com
"Public opinion is changing on this issue," said Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., the chief sponsor of the Medical Cannabis Research Act, which authorizes research into the medical benefits of marijuana. "Congress is behind. We need to catch up.
"Two pro-marijuana groups, the National Cannabis Industry Association and Americans for Safe Access, held press conferences and met with federal lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
By Herbert Fuego for Westword
Most people thought the fight was over when Colorado voters legalized commercial cannabis in 2012, but that victory led to a series of smaller battles over such issues as social consumption, home-grow limitations and industry expansion. Proposals continue to pop up on both the local and state level that could advance or limit your rights as a cannabis consumer, patient, grower or business owner. Want to make sure things go in the right direction? Here's how to become a cannabis advocate:
By Taryn Luna for The Sacramento Bee
There's a problem with access to legal weed in California, and a Senate bill may help solve it.
A 2016 voter-approved measure to legalize marijuana in the state gave cities and counties the authority to pass regulations outlining the types of weed businesses that can operate within their borders. With limited time to craft rules before the law took effect at the start of the year, many towns approved outright bans of all marijuana businesses.
By Jon O'Connell for The Citizens' Voice
Pennsylvania’s newest industry comes with a learning curve.
More than 7,000 people now carry medical marijuana ID cards to treat illness with cannabis, and thousands more seek them. However, it remains a legal conundrum when it comes to federal law, and it’s still disparaged as weak science by some physicians. Uninformed patients risk getting frustrated or giving up without the right resources.
During the first hour of the Cannabis Learn conference Monday in Philadelphia, Jahan Marcu, Ph.D., chief scientific officer with Americans for Safe Access, and the organization’s associate director, Debbe Churgai, offered some starting guidelines for patients and their caregivers considering cannabis as a treatment option.
Protections Proposed for Vermont Medical Marijuana Users Who Need an Organ Transplant - Americans for Safe Access
By Sasha Goldstein for Seven Days
"There's always the concern that, if there's not a specific statute or guideline [granting protections], then the risk [of discrimination] remains," said David Mangone, legislative counsel at Americans for Safe Access, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that advocates for access to medical cannabis. The group recently graded every state's medical marijuana program and gave Vermont's a zero out of five for its organ transplant protections.
By Graham Averill for Outside
“There is overwhelming evidence that CBD can be effective for mitigating pain,” says Jahan Marcu, chief science officer with Americans for Safe Access, which works to legalize medical marijuana. “But we haven’t seen the full clinical trials necessary to understand exactly how it works.”
By Kyle Jaeger for High Times
In a statement Friday, Steph Sherer, executive director of Americans for Safe Access, noted the “tremendous amount of uncertainty from this administration regarding cannabis and how federal laws would be enforced against states that have lawful medical cannabis programs.”
But Sherer continued: “If the President intends to support a federalism-based solution, we are ready and willing to continue our efforts of ensuring that patients can access the medicine they need through robust state programs.”
By Maranda Whittington for KPLC 7
Landry obtained a scholarship that will allow him to head to Washington D.C. next month to attend a unity conference with Americans for Safe Access.
He plans to march with other veterans supporting medical marijuana there as well.


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While every household will play by different rules, understanding each zodiac sign’s innate domestic style can help you sort it out.
What it like living with a Cancer?
The warm-fuzzy Cancer family member is chicken soup for a family’s soul.
Few things make the Cancer family member happier than spending time with their beloved relatives, bonding as a close-knit unit. They count the days between each festive gathering, especially holidays that center around one of their sign’s passions: cooking. They may be the family “glue,” their home may be the central location for all get togethers.
Cancer is the zodiac’s “mother sign,” and they can be as protective as a mama or papa bear when it comes to their brood. If they have kids, they will be a hands-on parent with PTA creds. They want the best education and opportunities for their kids. Period. It’s important, however, that their nurturing doesn’t turn to smothering. Giving their offspring space to develop their identities, even if their values diverge from their own, can be challenging.
As a child, they need their own share of coddling and special attention, or their shell can become hardened. The relationship between a Cancer child and their mother can affect them deeply. If they didn’t get the TLC you needed, finding a mother figure to “adopt” them can help to heal their heart.
Astrology tip for living with a Cancer
With their heart of gold, their relatives are no strangers to the Cancer family member’s acts of generosity. Yet they often exhaust themselves showing how much they care. Then, look out! When they veer into martyr terrain, their mood can crash and swing. The sudden shift can be shocking for their family. One minute they’re smiling and the next, they’re raging. Yikes! To keep those crab claws from pinching, give them permission to say no they’re too tired to do their family members yet another favor.

domain: sociology


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Canadian authorities are looking to Australia’s asbestos eradication strategy as the nation grapples with rising mesothelioma rates and construction organisations seek more significant reforms to their industry to protect workers.
Adam Melnick, the director of Canadian Affairs for the International Association of Heat and Frost and Allied workers, said the federal ban on asbestos products in 2018 should be seen merely as a starting point for mitigation strategies. He noted that the union’s members and broader construction industry is at risk of asbestos exposure as the country races to meet climate goals.
Asbestos Free Canada has joined with the Insulators, and the Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation to form a working group to advocate for federal and provincial reform, with a focus on implementing a national asbestos strategy, supported by a new agency – the Australian model which works similarly is cited as a successful example.
“We need a strategic approach to asbestos in Canada,” said Alec Farquhar, co-ordinator with Asbestos Free Canada.
“This includes assessing the risk of the legacy asbestos in hundreds of thousands of buildings across Canada and developing a plan to remove it in a cost-effective way, ideally linked with other necessary work on our infrastructure, especially to strengthen our resiliency to the impact of climate change.”
The concerns lie primarily in massive works to retrofit existing buildings, many of which contain asbestos. Asbestos was limited for use in Canada in 1979, but a nationwide ban on its use wasn’t introduced until 1990. It is widely accepted that homes or buildings constructed after 1990 are guaranteed not to contain asbestos. However, municipal requirements relate to hazardous material reports for renovations on homes built before 1990.
“We’re talking about retrofits; we’re talking about our built environment lowering emissions, which means we’re modernising or updating mechanical systems and beyond. What’s inside these existing buildings? Asbestos.”
“We’re about to reembrace it, to be exposed to it again, at a whole new level.”
Melnick explained that the ban, which saw the end of active asbestos use, saw many workers consider the problem solved, but he says that there is a “huge chunk of our built environment [that] still contains the material in a lot of different ways.”
Estimates from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety put the number of workers who die from workplace-related asbestos exposure at approximately 2,000 annually.
The group is also calling for a mesothelioma registry, similar to what is being proposed for silicosis diagnosis in Australia, to track workplace exposure and improve early detection and treatment standards.


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June 6, 2015. The Washington Post reports on how Comedy talk-show host, John Oliver, is shining the bright light of comedy-truth on the darkest secret of the United States Justice System. The Bail-Bond system disproportionately punishes the poor who often have to choose between criminal charges of which they are innocent or sitting in jail for months waiting for a trial if they can’t afford to post a bail bond. A Bail Bond is a cash payment posted by a person charged with a criminal to guarantee their appearance in court. Increasingly, even non-violent, administrative-type criminal offenses are being required to post bail bonds in the thousands of dollars. While the rich easily post bond and bail bondsmen get rich, according to John Oliver, up to forty percent of jail populations in the United States consist of people who have not been convicted, are presumed innocent, but can not afford to post a bail bond. This doesn’t even address the potential for corruption that breeds around Sheriff’s who have absolute discretion on who they will allow serving as bail-bondsmen in their counties; and, lawyers who pay bail-bondsman for illegal referrals which often prevents honest and truly talented lawyers from competing in the market place and showers riches on plea-dog lawyers who never try jury trials and brow-beat almost all their clients to plead guilty. John Oliver is a proponent of pretrial release programs which are fundamentally fairer to the poor and less fortunate in society.
-Author: George Creal

domain: politics


text:
With a padded and contoured back panel, a wide hip belt for improved comfort, and a streamlined fit, the Kapai 3L Hip Pack takes the fanny pack to new heights of form and function. This pack also includes thoughtful internal accessory features to keep your hands free while adventuring.
*Each pack in this collection is one-of-a-kind. Cotopaxi chooses pack colorways to ship at random, and we'll do the same for you! Be prepared for a total surprise!
-Large main compartment
-Zippered front accessory pocket
-Top grab handle
-3L (183 cu in)
-9 x 5.5 x 3 in (23 x 14 x 8 cm)
-7 oz (200 g)
-Repurposed nylon shell fabric

domain: design


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Commercial Unmarketability [Energy] Law and Legal Definition
According to 10 CFR 500.2 [Title 10 Energy; Chapter II Department of Energy; Subchapter E Alternate Fuels; Part 500 Definitions], the term Commercial Unmarketability means:
“(1) A waste by-product of industrial or refinery operations is commercially unmarketable by reason of:
(i) Quality, where the cost of processing (limited to upgrading the waste by-product to commercial quality), storing, and distributing the waste by-product would not be covered by reasonably expected revenues from its sale;
(ii) Quantity, where the cost of aggregating the waste by-product into commercial quantities through storing and distributing the waste by-product would not be covered by reasonably expected revenues from its sale.
(2) A fuel will not be classified as "natural gas" when it is commercially unmarketable by reason of:
(i) Quality, where the cost of producing, upgrading to commercial quality, storing, and distributing the fuel would not be covered by reasonably expected revenues from its sale; or
(ii) Quantity, where the quantities of the fuel are so small that the revenues to be reasonably expected from its sale would not cover the cost of its production, distribution or storage.
(3) Costs associated with upgrading, storing, distributing, and aggregating a by-product or other fuel (to determine if such fuel is natural gas) may properly include a reasonable rate of return on any capital investment required to overcome the problems posed by the quality or quantity of a fuel because the return on investment is a normal aspect of any investment decision. A firm may account for this reasonable rate of return by using its customary discount rate for an investment of similar risk.
(4) As part of any consideration of the rate of return on investment, the cost of replacing the Btu's lost if the by-product or other fuel were upgraded and sold instead of used as a fuel may be taken into consideration. The actual expense that would result from burning a replacement fuel in lieu of the by-product or other fuel in question may therefore be considered. The costs associated with using a replacement fuel are indirect costs that result from upgrading and selling the fuel, instead of burning it. These indirect costs as well as the direct costs associated with the upgrading, storing, distributing, and aggregating of by-products or other fuel may be considered in any assessment of commercial unmarketability.

domain: law


text:
UNION leaders today said the Chancellor’s push for local pay deals will shortchange North East nurses.
The Sunderland-based RCN Northern Region spoke out as the national body moves closer towards balloting for industrial action for first time in its 95-year history.
Responding to a letter from George Osborne to the Pay Review Body, which proposes a move from a national NHS pay deal to one based on local negotiation, acting regional director Estephanie Dunn said: “It’s fundamentally unfair.
“Nurses do the same training, deliver the same services, and are monitored against the same quality measures, regardless of where they work.
“This proposal is a bad deal for the patient, a bad deal for the taxpayer and a bad deal for nurses.
“It is a bad deal for the patient because you will have the situation where well-resourced hospitals will be able to poach senior nurses from hospitals who are in a less fortunate financial position.
“It is a bad deal for the taxpayer because temporary fluctuations in regional and local workforce availability will now have a disproportionate impact on salaries, leading to increased costs for all NHS employers regardless, as they compete to recruit the same workforce.
“In short, this is a proposal to further run down our region, and our community.
“It’s not fair on nurses, and it’s not fair on the local communities that they serve.”
She added: “The RCN Council is meeting on January 10 to decide whether to ballot our members for industrial action.
“The Government seem hell-bent on provoking our members to go down this route.”


549 Magnolia Ave
Join us at the Lark Theater in Larkspur for Tracie Hotchner’s Annual NY Dog Film Festival, a celebration through film of the love between dogs, their people, and the animal welfare groups that bring the together.
The festival will be shown in two parts – the first part shows at 1:00, the second part shows at 3:00.
Cost $10; $15 with pet
10% of the proceeds benefit Marin Humane
Read more about The NY Dog Film Festival here.


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Diego shared this podium photo of the North Street & Flatland Jam with us. The event took place on saturday in Saltillo, Mexico. Congratulations to the winner Fernando Herrera!
1st Fernando Herrera (Chirolis)
2nd Diego Ivan Tejada
3rd Abran Garcia (Piraña)
Who took some photos or videos?
PLEASE LEAVE US A COMMENT...


Acertara Acoustic Laboratories, an independent ultrasound testing and calibration laboratory based in Longmont, Colo, recently surpassed testing of 75,000 diagnostic ultrasound probes, a company milestone. The company also has issued two new probe devices, the AmpSafe transducer electrical leakage tester and the Advantage tissue mimicking phantom.
“Our mission since founding Sonora in October of 1996, and our ongoing mission at Acertara, is to develop innovative testing technologies that can provide quantitative data on the health of ultrasound probes, and partner with hospitals to help them not only provide higher quality and more consistent ultrasound studies, but provide them with substantial savings on probe maintenance,” said G. Wayne Moore, president and CEO of Acertara.
Acertara was originally formed as Sonora Medical Systems and issued its first commercial ultrasound probe testing device, FirstCall, in 1997. Since then, more than 20 peer-reviewed articles have been published exploring the effect of various probe repair defects on the quality of diagnostic studies, according to the company. Acertara’s probe testing devices are currently used in more than 600 hospitals across the United States and Europe. The company also maintains the largest database in the world on ultrasound probes in clinical use, which can provide useful information for developing future probe repair processes, procedures, and tooling, Acertara says.
“Our R&D team is focused on unraveling the new technologies being used in probes, such as 2D matrix arrays and minibeamformer ASICs, and developing testing and repair devices and tools that keep pace with those technologies,” Moore said.
For more information, visit Acertara Acoustic Laboratories.


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It was unfortunate to witness the negative impact of a hand-wringing insurance carrier on the Fourth of July parade in Kings Mills this year.
While organizers suspect the heat as another factor in participation and turnout, the primary culprit appears to have been new restrictions on parade participants.
The brief (and we mean brief) parade was still fun to watch, and the decline in participation should not diminish the commitment of the folks who did show up, including local firefighters and law enforcement.
But folks who go to the parade every year could hardly believe how short the parade was. Along with the drop in numbers, they mourned the loss of some of its unique color and flavor.
The town of Whitefield and the parade organizers point to demands from the town’s insurance carrier as the cause of the new restrictions, but perhaps the town should push back, or find another carrier, or even pay a bit more in premiums to allow the parade to go on as before.
The business about throwing candy, in particular, always makes us shake our head. We cannot recall a single injury at a local parade as a result of throwing candy.
A parade tragedy in Damariscotta in 2011 was the result of much more risky activity. Even so, one tragedy should not bar all such stunts from parades.
If the restrictions must remain in place, we hope more folks in Whitefield fill out the necessary paperwork to participate next year.
But if there’s any chance to eliminate those restrictions and return the event to its freewheeling glory, we hope the town will take advantage of it.


How to Enlist Big Data to Drive Additional Revenue Streams
Stanley Security’s Brad Humphries shares how to utilize Big Data to drive additional revenue streams, profits and efficiencies.
Lately there has been a lot of discussion about artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) and their potential role as resources for the security industry. From client interfaces, data mining, data processing and monetized services, all have been considered with regard to how they will impact the security business in the coming years.
With the massive amounts of client information that is available, how can security customer preferences be set and tracked by systems integrators and their end users to determine the best use for this Big Data?
In determining what this means for the security industry and to harness such potential, there are two focuses to consider from both integrator and user perspectives — internal and external.
Internally, what can Big Data do to drive efficiencies and profits in day-to-day business; and, externally, how can the information be directed to add revenue streams or increase profits?
Get More From Your Labor Force
The main consideration for internal use is: how can AI drive business intelligence (BI) into everyday operations while still adding value to your customers? The largest asset to be considered is also one of the biggest challenges: finding qualified labor resources.
With low unemployment rates nationwide, along with the increased technology complexity within the security industry, how can BI be leveraged to increase efficiency and capacity within existing labor? The simple answer is to focus on the efficiency of your service teams to increase volume.
Can BI match current technicians’ skillsets, locations and availability to on-demand service needs better than what is happening today? This is most likely the case, within the context of processing data faster around current labor demands within supply capacity constraints.
Imagine being able to drive a 20%-30% efficiency increase in service teams and what that would look like for existing customers, as well as the performance implications for potential customers.
AI engines that are integrated into business systems can help support a systems integration company’s administration team to be able to schedule and respond to customer requests — using all of the raw data, at hand, and turning it into actionable information.
Put Actionable Information at Their Fingertips
For the same reason BI should be an active part of an integrator’s business strategy, your customers are searching for the same edge externally to deploy within their own business strategies.
Close inspection of employees’ daily and weekly actions — while being able to interpret and predict the actions of end-user customers — is paramount to driving efficiencies.
With the massive amounts of data available to track customers’ interaction on webpages and apps, for example, it is a leading factor in being able to identify customer actions in real-time.
Other trackable activities that can be facilitated by data-rich security systems integration include: being able to staff on-demand for peak times vs. lull times; tracking sales data in real-time to catch internal theft; and accessing real-time sales information.
Sharing this supply chain data with distribution centers creates opportunities for customers to interface their video, POS and intelligence systems into a singular dashboard to streamline their information and yield better decision-making.
Some of these technologies have been around for a while, but the critical event that merges this information comes from the use of AI and ML to create enhanced business intelligence.
This can be sourced through all of the available information collected in CRM, monitoring and financial platforms to help drive efficiency of operations, as well as the enhancement of life safety and the protection of property. This technology helps forge long-term business partnerships with customers.
Boost Relationships With Satisfied Customers
Enlisting AI and ML to enhance business intelligence capacity makes sense when comparing the levels of performance required to do the same amount of work during the same amount of time.
The ability to integrate the Big Data that is available within the video surveillance, access control and other systems used every day allows for exponential improvements to be made in responding to customers’ daily operations needs.
Specifically, the speed to serve, along with constant efforts to improve customer satisfaction, have always been the hallmark of security companies that have consistently stood the test of time.
As changes continue to take place with technology, combined with the demographic shifts in society, being able to fully utilize strategic information to help increase efficiency — while offering enticing new solutions to customers — can create real-time, actionable information and enhance the value proposition of security system designs.
This allows systems integrators to transform into data-driven solutions providers that will now serve and be considered as trusted partners for their increasingly happy (and loyal) customers.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
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For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add sales to your bottom line.
A free subscription to the #1 resource for the residential and commercial security industry will prove to be invaluable. Subscribe today!


US inbound qualified leads increased 5.37x
The Growth Playbook - CSS Corp
Relentless inbound marketing
Search Engine Optimization
On Page SEO
Conversational AI ebook to nurture existing leads
Conversational AI eBook was created to educate the current “Tech Support” audience on how to drive customer experience with AI, chatbots and more.
This eBook sets the context of AI Bots by playfully introducing Sci-Fi. Some data points sourced through secondary research support how AI powered Bots are changing the ground rules of customer experience. This eBook has been kept readable by providing takeaways as well as elaborate explanations of the new trends in customer experience.
Campaigns - LinkedIn Sponsored Content
Move websites to AWS
CSS Corp had supported many in the Fortune 500 to move a number of their scattered websites to AWS. Objective was to pitch this specific service piggybacking on the AWS brand acceptance.
This was a LinkedIn Sponsored update Prospecting Campaign using LinkedIn Lead Forms. It was a sales offer to generate bottom of the funnel enquiries to be fulfilled by the sales team.
CIO's cloud bonus
The CFO campaigns did not succeed. It was then decided to appeal to the aspirations of the CIO who had earlier not emerged strongly as a Cloud Champion.
This was a LinkedIn Sponsored update Nurturing Campaign using newly launched LinkedIn Lead Forms. Bonus was pitched to CIOs to get them interested in a Cloud Transformation eBook. CIOs targeted, belonged to Organisations across sectors with employees more than 1000. The offer in this classic inbound marketing campaign, was to Download an eBook.
CFO and the Cloud
The CFO is the Buyer Persona when buying Cloud Services. CFO also happens to be the Project Owner when a business is looking at Cloud Transformation.
This was a Sponsored update Prospecting Campaign launched across Social Media – LinkedIn and Facebook. The idea was to get CFOs interested in Cloud Services offered by CSS Corp. CFOs targeted, belonged to Organisations in traditional industries with employees more than 1000. The offer in this campaign, was to talk to a Cloud Solutions expert, so as to progress the conversation to a proposal.
More success stories
Inbound growth continues
Reaped USD 650,000 in new revenue with inbound marketing
Country: United States 🇺🇸
Business: Key account management
Design, content and HubSpot setup to kickstart inbound marketing
Country: Singapore 🇸🇬
Business: Telecom management software


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You can try new fresh produce for free for the first time, and there are many high-quality experts to share their unique life experience. Come to the Sina Public Test and discover the most cutting-edge, interesting and fun products in different fields ~! Download the client and get exclusive benefits!
Original title: New rating: Apple M1 runs 10 times faster than Microsoft Surface Pro X Win almost 2 times faster
IT House News, December 6th. The results of recent studies show that it is almost 2 times faster than the same Apple M1 hardware that runs at the speed of “Windows 10 ARM”. Reference tests show that Windows 10 is much faster than the Surface Pro X on the Apple M1. The Surface Pro X runs the operating system natively and is equipped with a Snapdragon 8cx based processor.
Microsoft developed Windows 10 for ARM-enabled devices. Technically, the operating system should also run on Apple M1 hardware, but it is dependent on Microsoft.
IT House reported last week that some developers have successfully run Windows 10 via ARM on the Apple M1. The new version of the launcher uses open source virtualization technology to run Windows 10 on Apple hardware. The results are much better than expected.
On the geekbench, the benchmark results for the Apple M1 Mac are more than 2,000 points in the multi-core test Surface Pro X. The Apple Mac mini with Windows 10 ARM scored nearly 5,450 points on the Geekbench, and the Surface Pro X scored 3113 points.
IT Home understands that Microsoft does not currently support the use of its Windows 10 ARM version by Apple, and that developers run the operating system through virtualization to get points.
Qualcomm also responded to those reports and promised that the next generation of Snapdragon will be better. Qualcomm said it is developing equipment that is “competitive in the market” and will improve its performance every year.


View Full Version : Turkish Shotgun question!
November 8, 2012, 01:47 PM
I've heard about Turkish shotguns before, but never really did any research on them (until now). I have a buddy that is currently deployed to Turkey right now, so I'm trying to decide on a shotgun that he can have shipped back home for me. I have a pump 12ga Rem870, so I'm thinking an O/U in 20 guage, for a lightweight trap/small game hunting gun. I've done a little research on Yildiz and a few others, but any experience/knowledge/reccomendations would be great!
November 8, 2012, 04:01 PM
I have two yildiz shotguns, they are extremely well made guns for the price. Both of them are 12 ga. one is O/U and one is SxS. For the money it would be hard to find a better shotgun. Mine were $600 a piece new at a small shop in Shreveport Louisiana.
November 8, 2012, 09:18 PM
On one of my many trips to Turkey I bought a Huglu 12-GA O/U back in the 1980s that was very nice - hand engraved; was a beautiful gun. Should have never sold it.
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We started this project to become more conscious about healthy urban living, where our food was coming from, how it was grown, and how we could reduce our carbon footprint by not relying on supermarkets, while supporting local farmers markets.
In 2011 we learned a lot about indoor gardening from within a loft in downtown Atlanta, GA. Since then we’ve moved to a house and although we have new obstacles ahead we are still Growing Within.
What's in Season
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Before & 2 . 5 months in on our project
In regards to our post earlier I thought a visual could come in handy. Look how much we've grown in 2.5 months.

domain: agronomy


Ponce De Leon Health shares pilot results suggesting that its Rejuvant LifeTabs reduce biological age by an average of 8.5 years.
In the pilot, biological age was assessed by way of a DNA methylation biomarker; of the subjects in the analysis, two-thirds showed a statistically significant reduction in biological age. The analysis was based on data from subjects who had taken PDL’s first commercial dietary supplement product: Rejuvant LifeTabs, for a period of four to six months.
Longevity.Technology: This news isn’t the paper coming out of Dr Kennedy’s lab at the Buck Institute, referred to by CEO and Founder, Tom Weldon during our Longevity 2020 event. That paper is expected show that they have statistically/ significantly increased healthspan and decreased morbidity. The timing of this announcement is probably a result of the company’s fundraising activity, but its outcomes are compelling nonetheless.
The data were independently compiled by Dr. Yelena Budovskaya, Ph.D., co-founder and lead scientist of TruMe Labs, a pioneer in the emerging field of epigenetic aging testing. Ponce de Leon is a distributor of TruMe’s TruAge Index, a take-at-home, non-invasive epigenetic age test.
The subjects included in the analysis represent all 17 customers who had taken a TruAge test at the time of their first purchase of Rejuvant, as well as a second test after taking the supplement for four to six months. The TruAge Index measures DNA methylation, which is growing in acceptance by longevity researchers as an important biomarker of biological aging.
All formulations of LifeTabs are a GRAS cocktail of proprietary active ingredient LifeAKG™, which was shown in recent pre-clinical animal studies to increase lifespan (the length of life) and healthspan (the length of healthy life) in mammalian models. Ponce de Leon has eight patents pending for inventions arising from its research and development activities.
The Company’s CEO and Founder, Tom Weldon, commented “The pilot research data appears to be consistent with our earlier mammal results but we appreciate the need for a more robust study to validate this data on lifespan and healthspan research. We look forward to conducting that study later this year and adding to these positive findings.
The potential for Rejuvant to reverse epigenetic aging, as measured by DNA methylation testing and other measurable biological markers, may profoundly benefit not only the individuals who take the product, but also the economies and societies in which they participate and live.”
Ponce De Leon is currently enrolling participants for a larger, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, to be conducted at Indiana University Medical Center later this year. Back in early-May we were told by Tom Weldon that had been delayed by both Covid and the need close its $10 investment round.
The Company’s Chief Medical Officer, Francis R. Palmer, M.D., stated that “Although at this stage we only have consumer data, these findings are very promising. We are only aware of one other published trial where researchers were able to show a reduction in biological age in humans as measured by DNA methylation. In this other trial, modest reductions in biological age were observed in a small number of subjects who were treated with a combination of prescription drugs for a year.
The Rejuvant results are suggestive at this time but it showed a greater average reduction in biological age, achieved in six months, using non-prescription compounds.” Added Palmer, “we expect our human clinical trial results to corroborate the encouraging data we have now, and we believe this will have a meaningful impact on both the scientific and consumer communities.”


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Temporary exhibition "Boshin War and Yonezawa" (the latter period) highlight introduction
We introduce the temporary exhibition "Boshin War and highlight of Yonezawa" (the latter period) held only a little until November 18.
Japan province and district famous place "Shinjyo "
(1868, 1868 Aug)
Yonezawa-shi Uesugi Museum Kura
Titled "Japan province and district famous place," we display seven pieces of repeated cultivation about Michinoku, Dewa, Echigo from Matsumae (Hokkaido) mainly. We describe gokumotei*shu with the stage such as general visit to the capital and Choshu War, Boshin War of the late Tokugawa period as bird's-eye view, and it is pointed out that people read current topics through this color woodblock print.
It is composition of "Shinjyo " to understand the influence of Boshin War plainly. It is color woodblock print (woodcut), but, in a series of products, Shinjyo is valuable document that there are few examples performing existing in a legend.
What you should pay attention to is description to lead from depths side, Yuzawa to in-hospital Yokote, Kakunodate (Akita). All are places where Shonai feudal clan beginning powerful feudal lords alliance various feudal clans fought against the new government from July through August. Composition to draw this range together seems to be able to say that we do not float if we do not take change of Boshin War into consideration.
We describe influence of Boshin War in other works carefully. After visit, please see by all means to every corner.
Details of display is http://www.denkoku-no-mori.yonezawa.yamagata.jp/107boshinn.htm
Temporary exhibition "Boshin War and Yonezawa"
Open: Saturday, September 15, 2018 ～ Sunday, November 18, 2018
[Closed] Wednesday, September 26, Wednesday, October 24
[display spare] From Monday, October 15 to Friday, October 19 ※You can look at permanent construction display.
Opening time: From 9:00 to 17:00 (as for the ticketing until 16:30)
[admission charges] True 250 yen (200 yen) in the general 620 yen (490 yen) high very much straight 400 yen (320 yen) small
※() Groups rate more than 20 as for this
All of you, please visit.
Yonezawa-shi Uesugi Museum 0238-26-8001

domain: history


Londoner Anna Calvi is undoubtedly one of the most critically-acclaimed artists around, building up a reputation as an innovative recording artist and a fearsome live performer.
Supported by the legendary producer Brian Eno (who decribed her as "the biggest thing since Patti Smith"), she released her Mercury Award-nominated, self-titled debut album on the iconic Domino label in 2011, following that with One Breath, which came out last autumn.
Next up, she'll release an EP of covers, Strange Weather on July 15th - but before then, we're delighted to premiere a stunning live performance of Piece By Piece (from One Breath), recorded recently, exclusively for Transmitter TV.
Watch and enjoy below.
Subscribe to Transmitter for more music videos daily


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Simon Jordan has labelled Eddie Howe a ‘coward’ for not taking the Celtic job – but believes the club’s days of landing a high-profile manager are long gone.
The former Crystal Palace owner was discussing the topic on Thursday following confirmation of Ange Postecoglou’s appointment at Parkhead.
Celtic’s top target Howe had agreed personal terms with the Scottish giants to succeed Neil Lennon in the hotseat.
But the move is largely believed to have broken down due to issues with assembling Howe’s suggested backroom team.
Howe was also unhappy with the list of transfer targets Celtic presented him with, as the club look to knock arch nemesis Rangers off the top of Scottish football next season.
And Jordan believes the ex-Bournemouth boss should have jumped at the chance of rebuilding his reputation at a huge football club like Celtic.
“I think Eddie Howe should have run up there and I think he’s a coward for not doing it,” the talkSPORT pundit told Jim White.
“Celtic got Brendan Rodgers when he was at a stage of his career where was going to rebuild because his reputation had been demolished at Liverpool and people were ridiculing his achievements.
“He was outed at Liverpool and went to Celtic to rebuild his reputation and the first opportunity he’s got to get a bigger job he’s gone to the Premier League to manage Leicester City.
“Eddie Howe should have gone to Celtic, he should have bitten the arm off to take that job because it’s a huge job with huge opportunity.
“I think it was too big for him and I think he’s quite cowardly for not taking it.”
While Jordan talked up the stature of Celtic, he admitted he didn’t believe that a ‘top drawer’ manager arriving at the club was ever a possibility.
After Howe seemingly turned the job down, not all fans are happy with the appointment of former Australia manager Postecoglou, who has left his role in charge of Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos to take over in Glasgow.
Most read in Football
But Jordan says a big-name appointment was never likely.
He added: “Undeniably, Celtic are a enormous football club with an enormous fanbase but that fanbase can only be monetised to a certain level.
“Their turnover as a football club is around £50million to £70m- the average Premier League football club has a turnover in excess of £150m!
“You are not going to have the pull or the economics to pull these managers, these big, big name managers into Celtic.
“That’s why people like Eddie Howe, who are peripheral Premier League managers, might have been indexed, rather than bona fide, top drawer managers.”

domain: sports


Police are warning the public to be on the lookout for a man wanted in relation to a parole recall warrant.
Lionel Torrie is believed to be in the Whakatane area, and has links to the Waikato region, police said in a media release tonight.
Police also want to speak to the 33-year-old in relation to a number of incidents in the Waikato district police area.
He should not be approached. Anyone who sees Torrie, who is 176cm tall and of Pacific Island decent, should call 111 immediately.
Torrie also has the name "Lily" tattooed on the left side of his neck and a visible tattoo on the inside of his left forearm.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call Detective Sergeant William Loughrin on 021 190 2963.
Alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


An interview with Tanner Morton about his trip to the 2015 ATMIA conference this year in Las Vegas.
The ATMIA (ATM Industry Associacion) has an annual US conference and expo which is the largest ATM-related event in the world. Prineta is a proud ATMIA member and conference participant. This year the event took place at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.
How was the conference?
It was great. I arrived at 8:30 in the morning and intended on stopping at every single booth in the place, but by about noon I had only visited maybe a tenth of them. Visiting all the booths took a lot longer than I expected because I ended up getting into long conversations with the people I met.
What was the best part about the conference?
The ability to network. There must’ve been over 1000 people there. I met new people from all over the country and made some great connections. I could tell them about some things that we’re doing that have been successful and they’d share some as well. It also gave me a chance to hang out with some of our current affiliates who showed up from Las Vegas, New York, San Diego, Phoenix San Francisco, etc…
What was the important thing you learned?
The number one issue that was highlighted at the ATMIA conference this year was EMV technology. It’s a pretty huge topic in the ATM industry right now. ATM regulations keep changing continually… stickers, ADA compliance, and this year it’s EMV technology. The ATMIA did a good job making sure everyone is informed about the changes.
What was the most innovative or interesting thing you saw at the conference?
The company Magtex had a cashless ATM, POS system called the DynaPro. It was really small handheld device and had EMV and contactless NFC capabilities.
There was also an Interactive Teller Machine (ITM), which was looks like an ordinary ATM but you can interact real-time with a bank teller who can remotely control the machine and guide you through your transactions.
They had all the latest equipment for ATMs: screens, parts, branding, toppers, everything… Overall the level of technology was extremely high and there were some impressive technological innovations.
Who had the biggest presence at the conference?
I’d say Payment Alliance International. They had a big after party at Joe’s Seafood in Caesars Palace where a nice dinner was provided. There were about 70 people there, it was a great time. After that I did a bit of gambling in the casino with “J4” from Payment Alliance International. Overall it was a great time and I was very happy.


Dell Optiplex 4100/Le
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An early model from Dell's Optiplex line of all-in-one business computers. It contains an Intel i486 processor which could achieve speeds of up to 100 MHz, and a maximum of 64MB of RAM.
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This exhibit has a reference ID of CH71331. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.


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SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Rog Stein scored a career-high 27 points, but Lake Superior State men's basketball suffered a 91-83 setback to Northwood in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference matchup on Saturday afternoon at Bud Cooper Gymnasium.
Stein, a sophomore forward, scored 27 points on 12-of-15 shooting. He also grabbed 10 rebounds and for a double-double. The 27 points are a new collegiate best for Stein – surpassing his previous career high of 16, which he has achieved five times as a Laker.
Junior guard Malek Adams also scored 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting with two made three-pointers. Adams eclipsed 20 points for the third consecutive game.
Lake Superior State (4-4, 2-2 GLIAC) was outscored 40-35 in the first half. The Lakers led by as many as seven points, including when they held a 19-12 lead with about 13:30 remaining in the half, but they were outscored 28-16 over the remainder of the period. In the second half, the Lakers remained within striking distance and cut the Timberwolves' lead down to three points with the score 65-62 and about 6:30 remaining in the game. However, the Lakers were outscored 26-21 the rest of the way as the game ended with the score 91-83 in favor of the Timberwolves.
The Lakers shot 53.8 percent from the field and 26.1 percent on three-point shots, while the Timberwolves hit 54.1 percent of their shots and 47.1 percent on three-pointers.
The Lakers made 7-of-10 free throw attempts, while the Timberwolves converted 17-of-24.
Lake Superior State made 5-of-5 from the free throw line, while Northwood converted 11-of-14.
Rebounds were 28-27 in favor of the Timberwolves.
Lake Superior State is back in action against Algoma University on Dec. 18 at Bud Cooper Gymnasium. The start time is scheduled for 5 p.m.
Tickets are available online or in-person at the LSSU ticket office. For additional ticket information, call (906) 635-2602. Children ages 13 and under are admitted to all Laker basketball games free of charge.
Be sure to follow the Lakers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more information and behind-the-scenes action.
Watch head coach Steve Hettinga's postgame interview below.


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BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, March 16, 2023 — Spring’s warmer weather signals the time for more outdoor adventures, especially for dogs who tend to be curious while outside. It also signals a time when owners should begin thinking about protecting their dogs from outdoor dangers by vaccinating them.
Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says there are vaccines that dogs require regardless of going outside.
Parvovirus & Distemper Vaccines
These include vaccines against parvovirus — a viral disease that causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and the shedding of the intestinal tract lining — and distemper — a viral disease that can lead to disorders that affect the nervous system and sometimes even death.
“Parvovirus and distemper can be vaccinated against with one vaccine that also includes protection against canine adenovirus, which is a cause of hepatitis in dogs,” Teller said. “When parvovirus is caught early enough, veterinarians can potentially save the dog’s life, but it can be challenging and expensive to treat. This is definitely an instance where an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”
Teller explained that vaccinations against parvovirus, distemper and adenovirus should initially be given by veterinarians when puppies are 6-8 weeks old, followed by boosters until they are 16-20 weeks old. For animals adopted as adults, Teller recommends owners visit their veterinarians as soon as possible so that their dog can receive any missing vaccinations.
Additionally, dogs should be vaccinated against rabies, which is mandated by law, and receive preventives to protect against diseases spread by fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.
“Rabies is almost always fatal, and dogs can contract it from wildlife, such as bats, raccoons, skunks and coyotes,” Teller said. “Also, keep your pets on year-round preventives that kill fleas and ticks and prevent the development of heartworm disease. Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, so have your pet tested for heartworms every 12 months.”
There also are activity-dependent diseases that owners should consider vaccinating their dogs against this spring.
Leptospirosis, The Silent Killer
For pets who spend any time outside, Teller advises owners to vaccinate them against leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that can lead to liver and kidney failure. Our heart dog Izzy contracted lepto from our backyard and it went undetected for weeks. Once she was diagnosed, excellent vet care including IV antibiotics, fluids and a special diet gave us another year with her. However, lepto is deadly and can also be transmitted to humans. We urge all dog owners to have your dogs vaccinated for leptospirosis.
“Leptospira is a bacteria that is spread in the urine of mice, rats, raccoons, deer and many other animals that inhabit urban, suburban and rural areas,” Teller said. “The bacteria can live a long time in dirt, as well as in lakes and ponds, so dogs across Texas, whether those that live in the middle of a city or that wander open fields, are susceptible to the disease.”
Teller also recommends certain vaccinations for dogs who travel with their owners.
“Owners traveling with their dogs to areas where ticks carrying Lyme disease are common may want to vaccinate against this disease,” Teller said. “Also, owners who take their dogs to areas where rattlesnakes are common should talk to their veterinarian about the rattlesnake vaccine, which can lessen the impacts of rattlesnake venom and may lead to a better chance of recovery.”
Teller explained that vaccines for Lyme disease and rattlesnake venom are initially given as a series followed by annual boosters.
If owners place their furry companions in doggy day care or visit dog parks, Teller suggests vaccinating their dogs against parainfluenza and the bacteria Bordetella, which are leading causes of kennel cough, a common respiratory infection that is rarely fatal but frequently makes dogs sick.
“It’s a good idea for dogs to be vaccinated against kennel cough if they go to areas where dogs congregate,” Teller said. “Kennel cough vaccinations should ideally be given a week before the dog will board or visit a dog park and then repeated yearly.”
Canine Influenza Vaccine
Finally, Teller recommends owners discuss with their veterinarian their dog’s need for a flu vaccine given the recent outbreaks of canine influenza, a respiratory virus, around Texas and the rest of the country.
Ultimately, Teller encourages owners to discuss their pet’s age, current health status, and lifestyle with their veterinarian to determine what vaccinations a pet needs, as vaccinating pets appropriately can protect both pets and their owners.
“Some of the diseases that we vaccinate our pets against are diseases that are also contagious to humans, such as rabies and leptospirosis,” Teller said. “So by protecting our pets, we are also protecting public health.”
Before you and your dog go on your next adventure, make sure to visit your veterinarian to determine the best vaccinations for your pet. Protecting your furry friend from illness can keep both of you healthy and ready for the next springtime activity.
Pet Talk is a service of the School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to email@example.com.


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O.M.G! If you've ever wondered which flowers work best in your yard, this is the site for you! Burpee's "My Garden Designer". It's a mobile design tool made to take the guesswork out of flower color, height and compatibility. Even will create a shopping list for you!
12 excellent ways to hand paint flowers . Please also visit www.JustForYouPropheticArt.com for colorful, inspirational art and stories and like my art page at www.facebook.com/Propheticartjustforyou Thank you so much! Blessings!
I originally did this tutorial for 100LayerCake.com, and it remains one of my favorite projects. Here I’ll share the original post, plus some extra photos and details about how I make paper roses. These unique flowers can be bound into bouquets, or worked into creative centerpieces and decorations. I use [...]


With the ThinkPad X250, Lenovo pushes mobility to the top. The Ultrabook of the business class therefore combines high-performance hardware in a compact housing and has been manufactured in a well-known design. Despite the high robustness, the used notebook weighs just 1.42 kg. Benefit from an excellent system at an attractive price.
the Ultrabook has two USB 3.0 ports, a VGA and Mini DisplayPortconnection.


text: I have a video of a "not released" song posted on YouTube. This song, called Terri, will be featured on my upcoming CD called Family Values. The CD release is set for December, 2011. Check it out by following my links to YouTube, or visit YouTube and search Craig Karolus and look for the video called Terri. I will have the shortcut to the link posted in the future.

domain: entertainment


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Veteran actress Sridevi’s death came as a big shock to everybody. The lady died of accidental drowning in Dubai. Many renowned faces of the silver screen attended her last rights. However, there were few stars who gave it a miss due to their work commitments. Lately, Aamir Khan, Kangana Ranaut, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma visited the residence of the legendary actress and offered condolences to Kapoor family. Other than these stars, Janhvi Kapoor’s Dhadak co-star Ishaan Khatter was also spotted there.
Anushka couldn’t attend Sridevi’s funeral as she was occupied with the work of her upcoming film and was shooting outside Mumbai. Kangana was busy shooting for Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi. Thus, she took out time and now met the Kapoor family.
Aamir is currently shooting for Thugs of Hindostan and thus he was away and couldn’t attend her last rites.
Sridevi’s daughter Janhvi is all set to enter Bollywood with Dhadak. However, her mother won’t be there to watch her little angel ruling the silver screen. Janhvi lately shared an emotional letter for Sridevi stating that she wants to make her proud.
On a related note, Sridevi was in Dubai to attend Mohit Marwah’s wedding when this unfortunate incident took place.


…Coming Soon in April.
Here’s a sneak peek of the cover to a new quarterly photozine project entitled 3hirty6ix headed by once featured artist and long time friend, Aik Beng Chia and supported by the photo app Thirty Six.
The photozine will be based on a set of contact sheets & photos shot from the app Thirty Six. It will contain 36 contact sheets and 36 single photos from 36 iPhone photographers from around the world.
When details on where to purchase 3hirty6ix we’ll be sure to bring you that information.


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This comic book entitled “Heroines of Every Day” sheds the light on the different forms of violence against women in public spaces. The comic book has been developed in partnership with the National Council for Women within the framework of UN Women Egypt’s “Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces for Women and Girls”, with the generous support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Egypt and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.
This brief highlights emerging trends and impacts of COVID-19 on online and ICT-facilitated violence against women and girls (VAWG). It provides examples of strategies put in place to prevent and respond to online/ICT-facilitated VAWG and makes recommendations on how different actors can best address this issue. It is a living document that draws upon the knowledge and experience of a wide range of experts.

domain: library


Music Composed By: James Gelfand
Distributed by: MovieScore Media/Kronos Records
Reviewed by Melissa Minners
In the made-for-television Canadian science fiction film Exploding Sun, the sun is placed in a hyperactive phase thanks to the crash landing on its surface of a privately owned spaceship designed to withstand extreme temperatures. The massive bursts of radiation by the sun have devastating effects on Earth and it is now up to the US military and a NASA astronaut to find a way to stop these bursts before all of Earth is destroyed.
The musical score of Exploding Sun was created by Canadian composer James Gelfand, who began his musical career at a very early age. Beginning with classical piano training at the age of four, Gelfand later branched out into jazz in his teens, performing and competing at jazz festivals in North America and Europe. A talented entertainer and composer, Gelfand has recorded a number of albums combining jazz and classical music, in addition to creating musical scores for a number of television and film ventures, including The Country Mouse and the City Mouse Adventures, Silent Night, Crusoe, Cyberbully, Bounty Hunters, The Killing Game and more.
The musical score of Exploding Sun begins with heroic exhilaration as horns and orchestral music, accompanied by heavy percussion mark the fanfare of the Roebling Clipper's journey through space (To the Moon, First Flight). The music becomes darker and more ominous as the emotion in the film changes with the impending doom visited upon all of humanity (We Have a Problem, No Way Out, Angry Sun). As the album moves forward, the music becomes reflective, expressing the concerns of the main characters and the possible expectation of death (Last Goodbyes, Losing A Friend, Memories), before the music turns hopeful again with a last ditch mission to save the planet (Save the Earth).
The Exploding Sun Soundtrack is an orchestral rollercoaster ride of ups and downs and the people of Earth struggle to avoid impending disaster. The musical score is often fast paced and action based. It is easy to see how this score would make the movie more intense and, yet, the soundtrack would work perfectly as a stand alone album, telling its own heroic story through the art of music. Well done, Mr. Gelfand!


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Hollywood: The Advocate, 1968. Newspaper. 24p., 8.5x11 inches, photos, ads, articles, calendar of events, mild toning at edges, light wear at the fold, otherwise very good newsletter of folded sheets.
Cover story: Groovy Guy Contest and Anatomy of a Raid on a late evening unprovoked raid of The Yukon. Cover photo by Pat Rocco. Lobng-running periodical began in 1967 and became a glossy LGBTQ entertainment magazine.


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Activities in & around Kuah, Langkawi
While originally Kuah was a fishing village, over time it has changed to become the commercial hub and capital of Langkawi. Fishing in this area has long gone and given way to busy activities of business and shopping. There are no public beaches in Kuah except for one manmade beach and a muddy waterfront near the Laden La park.
So There aren't any beach or water activities in Kuah. If you plan to stay in Kuah, then your options are to cool off and get a relaxing treatment in a spa, or visit a fitness center and get you body back in shape before you launch into further strenuous activities.
Another great option for the golf lovers is to visit the nearby Gunung Raya Golf Resort that spans across 300 acres of area offering a magnificent 18-hole golf course and find a T-time. Honestly, there aren't too many other sport or other recreational activities in and around Kuah town. If there is one thing that comes to mind when you name Kuah, that is duty free shopping. The town is littered with numerous shops, shopping centers and malls. But that's a separate discussion which you can know from Shopping in Kuah
Following are some of the popular activities & things to do in Kuah area:
Spas in Kuah
There are couple of great spas in Kuah town.
This is part of the Westin Resort, which is probably the best in Kuah and so is the wonderful Spa that provides a tranquil calm environment. The Heavenly Spa is located on the waterfront amidst rows of green trees and the spa cottage building itself has a decor of dark tropical wood. So overall a great ambience. There is a spa pool adjacent to the spa, Jacuzzi etc. It offers a range of beauty, body & bath treatments, massages, skin care services, salon services and more. There are spa packages available as well.
This is an independent Spa center located in Kuah Town. It offers several no frill treatments at a very reasonable price. The body treatments include traditional and Thai massages, herbal oil massage, foot reflexology, facial treatments etc. They also offer slimming and firming services. There are several spa packages available.
Recreational & Sport Activities
A great water themed park (spreading across an area of nearly 5 hectares) that has been newly opened offering several thrilling rides including a towering slide that winds its way through tunnels all the way down to a thudding splash into the water. The park also has several dining and snack venues where you can try out Arabic, Indian and other cuisine for your lunch or alternatively go for snacks like burgers, fries and variety of fast food. A great place for families with children to spend a fun filled day.
This is a picturesque 300 acres 18-hole golfing venue located at the base of the mountain Gunung Raya and takes about 10-15 minutes to reach by car. The course has been designed by the American golf architect Max Wexler. The club house has a pro shop with nice collections from leading brands, a cafe serving nice dishes and having a patio that overlooks the golf course, shower room, locker room, golf buggy rentals etc.
This is the oldest golf course in Langkawi then known as The Langkawi Golf Club. It has been completely redesigned into a par-72 18-hole championship golf course and re-opened in 2012. The oceanfront course offers magnificent views of the ocean with backdrop of the mountains and rainforests.
Bowling Center in Kuah, Langkawi
Ampang Superbowl, which is Malaysia's largest chain of bowling centers, has its branch in Kuah at the Jetty Point Complex next to the Kuah ferry jetty. There are 20 bowling allays here along with lockers and pro-shop. The company started its first bowling center in 2000 and has expanded rapidly since then to have 13 bowling centers now in 7 states of Malaysia with an aggregate of 328 lanes. These centers have been the venue of many state level, national and even international bowling tournaments.
The Langkawi Bowling Center in Kuah was established in December 2003. All including the visitors and families are welcome to play here by paying charges. You can contact them for rates, tournament updates and upcoming events.
Address: Level 1, Jetty Point Complex Kuah 07000 Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman; Phone: 604-966 2833
2) Kuah Area Guide
: All the top attractions, activities, hotels, restaurants, shopping, nightlife etc in and around Kuah Town of Langkawi.
Share your experience.

domain: travel


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Deoria Tal Trek Devariya Tal (Also known as deoria Tal) is an emerald lake perched at an elevation of 2400 mts above sea level located about 3 Km on an uphill trek from Village Sari. During early morning on a clear day, Devariya Tal blesses the tourists with reflections of chaukhamba peaks on its crystal clear water. At Devariya Tal one can experience the best of two worlds, the first being the real world and the other one being the reflection of the beautiful surroundings on the lake.
Devariya Tal lies in the Kedarnath wild life Sanctuary (Eelier know as Kedarnath Musk deer Sanctuary) serves as a popular trekking destination in the region because of its ease of access and soothing scenic beauty.
Chandrashila falls 1.5 kilometers ahead of Tungnath. The trek is a little uphill after Tungnath but as you reach Chandrashila you realize that have reached in heaven. At Chandrashila, you feel like you are on the top of the world and you See Mountains all around and one can see the Himalayan view at about 180 degrees. Out of more than 60 Himalayan peaks Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, Trishuli Chaukhamba Kedar dome are main peaks. On reaching Chandrashila, you realize the worth of the trek and a voice comes from inside that I would not miss this trek during my lifetime. If you want to fuel your inner adventurer, this trail will certainly put your strength to work. Get ready to lose yourself in the mighty Himalayas.
Chopta is a very beautiful place in the lap of the Himalayas. God has given all the natural beauties to Chopta that a person imagines after coming to the Himalayas, like the beautiful green forest, beautiful Alpine Meadows and the view of the Himalayas all around.
Ideal duration for Chandrashila trek: 2 Night and 3 Days
Recommended Days in Chopta –: 3 Nights and 4 Days (one can also make plan for 4Night and 5days in Chopta to Explore it)
Difficulty level–: Easy in summer and Difficult in Winter
Maximum altitude–: 4000Mts / 13123 feet.
Chandrashila trek accessible in winter too but It might be challenging at that time, because of heavy snow on the trek. Chandrashila trek in winter becomes adventures and can be done with some good snow gears and the help of qualified local guide.
Get in touch with our Travel Expert
Deoria Tal Trek Itinerary
deoria Tal Trek route: Haridwar – Ukhimath –Sari Village – Deoria Tal – Sari (base Camp) – Haridwar
Day I- Haridwar to Sari Village (210Km)-
Start your journey from Haridwar to Ukhimath by road. It's a long journey, so make sure to start early.Check into a hotel in Ukhimath and rest for the night.
Altitude : 2350mt/ 7709 feet
Day 2 – Sari – Deoria Tal -
Wake – After breakfast, travel from Ukhimath to Sari Village. This journey can be done by a local taxi or shared transportation.
Begin the trek from Sari Village to Deoria Tal. The trek is around 2.5 kilometers and takes approximately 1-2 hours.Reach Deoria Tal and enjoy the stunning views. Set up your camp or stay in a guesthouse if available. Altitude: 2,438 Mts / 7,999 feet
Day – 3 –– Deoria Tal – Chopta
Descend from Deoria Tal to Sari Village.
From Sari Village, travel to Chopta. Chopta is about 30 kilometers from Ukhimath.
Enjoy the scenic beauty of Chopta and the surrounding area. Chopta is known for its meadows and views of the Himalayan peaks.
Overnight in Guest House. Enjoy the village life in the evening and night stay here at Sari. Altitude : 2400mt/ 7875 feet
Day 4 – Chopta to Haridwar (215km.)
Explore Chopta in the morning, and if you're up for it, you can trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world.
After exploring Chopta, start your journey back to Haridwar.Reach Haridwar and conclude your trip. End of the Deoria Tal trek with happy memories..
Deoria Tal Package Inclusion
Stay- All accommodation in Camps or Guest House or Home Stay.
Meals- Veg meals during the trek.
Activities– Trekking and Camping.
Other Inclusions- Accommodation in Swiss Camps at Chopta and Guest House in Sari on Triple /Quad sharing basis.
As you know mountains are unpredictable so, always pay heed to the trek guides.
Don’t disturb the wild as well as local life while trekking.
Don’t encourage trekking during the night.
Carry sufficient water with you before commencing the trek and keep yourself hydrated.
You must have good trekking shoes to enjoy the trek.
Keep a small back pack while trekking to kept the essentials.
Always keep a small backpack with you while on trek so that essential items like extra cloth, rain coat, water bottle and some medicines can be kept in it.
Always walk towards the mountain while trekking because there is a risk of falling from hill on other side of the trek.
Things to Carry
CLOTHES- Warm clothes like windproof jackets, fleece/full sleeve sweater, thermals Innerwear, woolen cap and socks, mittens and scarf.Some Light and comfortable clothes like tee-shirts, trousers or tracks pants
SHOES & SOCKS- Comfortable trekking or hiking shoes, at least 3 pairs of warm socks and 2 Cotton socks.
SKIN CARE ESSENTIALS- Sunglasses with 100 % UV protection, Lip Balm, Sunscreen Lotion, Moisturizer,Water bottles
MEDICINES- All required basic medications (or prescribed if any)
OTHER ACCESSORIES- Raincoat or poncho to avoid rains, walking stick or trekking pole, Water Bottle, Hot water Bottle/bag, Led Torch/Headlamps are Preferable. Cap to protect from Sun, hat is preferable.
Why Chopta Tour
Discover unrivaled hospitality and breathtaking views at Chopta Resort, the epitome of luxury in Chopta Valley.
Value for Money
Booking tour with Us assures you of 100% Financial Protection. We offer tailor made packages to suit every pocket.
Chopta Resort's dedicated Support Team is here to ensure your stay is seamless and memorable, providing assistance and expertise throughout your Chopta Valley experience.
All Kind of Packages
-Chopta Resort offers a diverse range of packages tailored to suit every traveler's needs, guaranteeing a customized and unforgettable experience in the heart of Chopta Valley..
We have part of some Chopta's properties and many tie in Chopta,Sari and Deoriatal, Uttarakhand
If cancellations are made 30 days before the start date of the trip, 25% of the total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
If cancellations are made 15-30 days before the start date of the trip, 50% of the total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
If cancellations are made within 0-15 days before the start date of the trip, 100% of the total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain trips or activities may get cancelled. In such cases, operator will try their best to provide an alternate feasible. However, a cash refund will not be applicable for the same.
Cancellations are strictly subjected to cancellation policies mentioned on the website & are irrespective of the date of booking.
The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days.
In case the preferred slots are unavailable, an alternate schedule of the customer’s preference will be arranged and a new confirmation voucher will be sent via email.

domain: geography


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Florida will begin requiring drug testing for individuals receiving welfare on July 1. I find reasonable and otherwise compassionate people who profess religious beliefs endorsing this measure. Perhaps they just don’t understand the impact of their short-sighted belief in this measure.
Why should you care about adults who test positive for illegal drugs and no longer qualify for welfare? Governments tout the budget savings which prevent supporting drug addicts. Consider the money paid out to individuals in welfare compared to what will be paid as a result of this new mandate. I will not argue religion. Budget arguments should be enough.
Oftentimes, drug addicts are actually self-medicating mental health issues ranging from depression to schizophrenia. The mental health system in this country is so barebones that low income people who acknowledge their mental health issues have a great deal of difficultly obtaining help. Those who don’t understand their mental health problems but somehow get pointed in the direction will overwhelm the system.
When these individuals lose their primary financial support, their children will be further deprived and end up in government foster care. People who cannot provide food, shelter and clothing for their children will flood the juvenile court system. This flood triggers a number of fiscal problems. First, children must be housed either in foster homes or groups homes. The State will pay a higher rate to support these children than the initial welfare being saved. Second, the medicaid for children in foster care provides a much higher level of services and costs tax payers more than the medicaid the children qualified for medicaid because their parents were on welfare. Third, the government MUST provide “reasonable efforts” to reunify the family. “Reasonable efforts” means that parents should be provided services like psychological evaluations, drug rehabilitation, parenting classes, family therapy, transportation to visits with their children, and the list goes on. These services, too, cost money. An entire industry exists to support these services. Even at the reduced rate that States negotiate, we, taxpayers, foot the bill. Finally, if the parents don’t get their act together, the children remain in foster care with a need for therapy because of their separation from their parents. The parents are entitled to attorneys in these matters. Attorneys are often appointed at set rate but court is expensive.
Drug testing costs money, too. Guess what folks, the tests cost money. Repeatedly testing folks will create yet another industry that we the taxpayer fund.
Crime will no doubt increase as people attempt to feed themselves, and perhaps their habits. More burdens on the taxpayer resulting from increased jail populations, people who can’t make bond, or increases in sending people to prison. 2 to 3 square meals a day, clothing them, upkeep on aging facilities, paying people to watch the inmates, medical services for folks who usually don’t have medical care. This might actually be a step up for some folks.
How about some education. Provide some services to these people before they end up in the system. The more cost effective plan would be to require drug evaluations and treatment for people before cutting off their aid. “Give a man a fish he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish he eats for a lifetime.” ~ Chinese Proverb.
Why don’t we try some compassion? Compassion doesn’t make headlines or get people elected. Understanding doesn’t make a splashy headline.
For those of you who justify support of this measure with Christian belief, I leave you with this quote. You should be familiar with the source:
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40.


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Olympic Closing Ceremony is the day Last music and dance party in Olympic Games. Olympics closing ceremony for Olympic Games 2008 was celebrated at the Beijing National Stadium, China. Olympics closing ceremony 2008 began at 8:00 pm on August 24, 2008and was intended for by Chinese producer Zhang Yimou.
The number 8 is connected with affluence and buoyancy by the Chinese customs. Wei Wei and Sun Nan Chinese best singers singing wo ai Beijing. In the other singers British singer Leona Lewis, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page with David Beckham making an appearance, Kwesi Edman as the cellist and Elspeth Hanson as the violinist. Andy Lau, Emil Chau, Jackie Chan, Karen Mok, Kelly Chen, Joey Yung and Nicolas Tse from Hong Kong singers show their talents.
Wang Lee Hom was from Taiwanese American, Stefanie Sun from Singaporean and South Korean performer and artist Rain and Han Hong. Klaus Badelt wrote the music for the closing ceremonies a German musician. Olympic Closing Ceremony also incorporated the surrender of the games from Beijing to London. Guo Jinlong, the Mayor of Beijing, handed over the Olympic flag to the Mayor of London to the Boris Johnson.
LOCOG (The London Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games) also show their performance. Lighting Designer Durham Marenghi shed light on the handover in Beijing, with lighting planned by Tim Routledge. At the same time as the opening ceremony was explain as an artistic and serious introduction of China's earliest past, the closing ceremony was explain by Western media like silly, much more lighthearted and fun than the opening ceremony. Reporting of the Beijing Olympics in the United States By the end of the 16 days of NBC's, it had also become the mostly observed in the U.S. television event of all time, with over 211 million spectators tuned in to the Olympics on NBC as said by the Nielsen Media Research this is 2 million more than the Atlanta Games1996, the preceding record holder.


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The movie ‘High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story’ is about poker legend, Stu Ungar — aka Stuey ‘The Kid’ Ungar — who was a man with a gift for cards. The movie’s writer and director is A.W. Tony Vidmer, who hails from Nashville, Tennessee. Here’s why I am in awe of both the movie, and the movie’s writer/director. We’re talking about more than just poker here…
Watch the movie September Tapes and try to determine if it’s ‘real’ or not. Regardless, it’s an interesting movie… a docu-drama on the search for Osama bin Laden.
You’ve probably heard of ‘the six degrees of Kevin Bacon’ game… Actually it’s called the Six Degrees of Separation, and it goes far beyond Kevin Bacon! Here’s the inside scoop.
Here’s our review of the movie ‘Faith of My Fathers’ — Senator John McCain’s personal story.
From the world of ‘the strange and unusual’… a Super Bowl hotdog that sells for $1,800… FREE iPod in exchange for old CD’s… a ‘smart’ power strip that turns itself off… disposable phone numbers… snail mail junk mail revenge… and how long money lasts.
All about the number puzzle craze called Sudoku… Have you tried it? It’s addicting. Here’s how to play Sudoku!
All about Timothy Treadwell movie, Grizzly Man, airing on the Discovery Channel on TV, and now available on DVD. This guy was ‘one’ with the bears.
Try your hand at these fun bubble-popping online games… or drive yourself crazy!
A rundown of Howard Stern’s first day on SIRIUS radio, plus some little-known facts about the King of All Media, Howard Stern.
Can you see the hidden message in the FexEx logo? Here are the secrets behind the FedEx logo, from the creator of that logo. Plus 25 other logos with hidden messages!
It’s refreshing to know that so many people were looking up the word Integrity in 2005 that it became the word of the year!
Have you heard about this study examining the relationship between hoscope signs and the quality of one’s driving? Who knew that you could be a better or worse driver, simply by the nature of your sign?
Here’s the story behind the story of Analiese Michel — the young girl about whom a movie was created and titled ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose’. Yes, the Catholic church approved the exorcism, but check out everything that went wrong!…
What makes Steven Soderbergh’s movie, Bubble, so interesting? It is the first movie ever released in theaters …and on DVD…and on hi-definition TV at the same time. And it’s guaranteed to shake up the way things are done in the movie industry.
I remember hearing about Anthony Swofford’s U.S. Marine story on a talk show years ago. Recently his movie, ‘Jarhead’ opened on the big screen… And his book is now available called ‘Jarhead: A Marine’s Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles’. Here are some interesting one-on-one interviews with Anthony Swofford about the movie AND his book…
Here is a fun interactive online site to try out! 99 Rooms is a one-of-a-kind interactive site which features a lot of great artwork and photographs.
Did you know there are 1 million vertebrates run over each day in the United States? At a rate of one every 11.5 seconds… that’s a lot of roadkill!
You may have seen sidewalk art before, but you’ve NEVER seen 3D sidewalk art like THIS before!!! Check out the AMAZING artwork created by Julian Beever, Mark Cummings, and Kurt Wenner …world-renowned master street painters.
Whether or not you’ve ever seen RENT the musical on- or off-Broadway… I would encourage you to go see RENT the movie in theaters opening November 23rd. Here’s a little background on the Broadway play/musical and its writer, Jonathan Larson. It’s a truly inspiring story…
The Walk The Line movie looks into the world and music of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. Here’s some behind-the-scenes scoop about the filming and actors, including Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter Cash.
Here are some little-known facts about the movies ‘Saw’ and ‘Saw II’. We’ve seen both, and here’s our review.
Locally, I’m kinda known as a ‘pig stalker’. I happen to enjoy the wacky outfits and props that the neighbors use to dress up their porch-sittin’ ceramic Pig, and I’ve photographed some of the wackiness concerning the pig-on-the-block here.
It’s a fact that duct tape is one of man’s best friends. It can be used to repair virtually anything — see the side mirror on this truck!
I’m driving home from work the other day, and I notice something “strange” with the car in front of me: Truth is, being stuck in traffic gridlock during rush hour often lends itself to some of the most interesting…
Following are links to ‘live streaming’ animal cams featuring: baby pandas, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, apes, seals, black bears, polar bears, beluga whales, shamu, dolphins, and penguins. PLUS… an incredible live streaming video from a wildlife cam in South Africa!


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Pete Buttigieg responds to alleged “Black Lives Matter” supporter crashing Black rally in support of his campaign
The 2020 Democratic presidential candidate deemed it "unfortunate" and a sign of the emotional climate we now face as Americans
Democratic presidential candidate, Peter “Pete” Buttigieg, recently responded to a protestor who interrupted a gathering in South Bend, Indiana, consisting primarily of Black supporters in support of Buttigieg.
It all started on Wednesday, December 4, when a protestor sporting a “Black Lives Matter,” shirt, stole the attention from South Bend Common Council Member, Sharon McBride. McBride, a Black woman, was in the middle of expressing her support for Buttigieg, who is currently struggling to win over Black voters, and is far less popular in the AA community than that of fellow presidential candidate and Democratic rival, Joe Biden.
During McBride’s speech, a man interrupted her, demanding to know “Where are the Black leaders?”
“Who chose these people as black leaders? Who organized them?” the man shouted, before grabbing the mic from McBride.
“We have a police crisis in this town,” the unknown man said. “Why are we talking about Pete Buttigieg?”
The event crasher’s action was soon followed by commotion, including several patrons trying to remove him from the scene, as well as an older woman with a cane having to be restrained from hitting the outsider. Upon being escorted from the scene, the protestor shouted, “This is a farce,” to which several other people joined in on the chant.
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A man in a “Black Lives Matter South Bend” shirt stole the microphone at event for African American supporters of Mayor Pete Buttigieg Wednesday. The man took the mic from Sharon McBride, a city council member, who is black. The man who interrupted her is not. The protest has added new fuel to an already heated conversation about the Democratic presidential candidate’s tenuous relationship with African Americans, from low polling numbers among black voters to a contested record at home in Indiana. This time, however, the incident involved an unusual role reversal: Where black residents of South Bend had once confronted their white mayor, here was a black woman standing up for him and getting heckled herself — in an exchange that she labeled “a form of bigotry."
The following day, Buttigieg addressed the situation. In a statement to NBC news, the South Bend mayor stated deemed the incident “unfortunate.”
“It shows kind of where politics has come to, especially for somebody to interrupt an African American woman who was speaking about her truth and in her experience,” Buttigieg started.
He continued, “But this is the climate that we’re in and we need to continue making sure that everyone is empowered to speak their truth, their experience, and in particular, when it comes to South Bend’s story,” he added.
Buttigieg was not present at the scene of the incident.