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Coding for Outpatient and Professional Services
Students will be introduced to the medical coding systems utilized to report professional (physician) and hospital services within all healthcare entities where physicians and practitioners treat patients. Students will learn how to code using CPT (procedures), ICD-10-CM (diagnoses) and HCPCS (supplies) coding systems. Students will learn about medical record documentation requirements and various Electronic Medical Record systems used to document services rendered to patients, how to use various electronic encoder products used within the healthcare industry and how to comply with national fraud and abuse initiatives for all coding disciplines. The class will also touch on insurance and reimbursement methodologies.
Upon completion students may sit for any of the following National outpatient coding certification exams: Certified Professional Coder, Certified Professional Coder-Hospital, Registered Medical Coder, Certified Medical Coder, Certified Billing and Coding Specialist or Certified Coding Associate.
This class is perfect for those looking to advance their careers within the medical field and for those seeking to enhance their knowledge in current outpatient and professional coding services.
Registration fee includes all textbooks and materials, but it DOES NOT include fees to sit for the National Exam.
Any questions regarding course content can be directed to the instructor at firstname.lastname@example.com
Instructor Daria Bonner, CHCRA, CHCA, CCP, RMC is the President & CEO of Xact Healthcare Solutions, Inc. She has more than 20 years experience in the medical coding, billing, compliance and health information technology and works in both the government (VA and DOD) and commercial sectors throughout the US and Puerto Rico. She has worked for numerous nationally known companies including Ingenix (now Optum), Quadramed (now Nuance) and Booz Allen Hamilton. Dari is a member of the American Academy of Procedural Coders (AAPC), American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), an Associate of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and a member of the Association of Healthcare Auditors and Educators. She has passed three of the four nationally recognized coding exams; Certified Professional Coder, Certified Professional Coder-Hospital & Certified Professional Coder-Physician. She also passed the Certified Professional Medical Auditor certification in 2011. Dari is a past member of the National Advisory Board of the AAPC, 1996 Networker of the year of the AAPC, and past President and founder of the Treasure Coast Chapters of the AAPC in Stuart and Port Saint Lucie Florida. She has been teaching and preparing students for National certification for more than 15 years and has a passing rate of 98% of over 800 students who went on to obtain their National certification.
Please contact The Health Science Department at (772) 462-7550 or 1-866-792-4772 for more information on our physician office health career programs, specifically the specialized certificate and college credit programs i.e. Medical Assistant (certificate) and Health Information Technology (AS degree) which would provide more in depth training and career opportunities. See more details on the IRSC website, www.irsc.edu
- Course Type: Continuing Education Institute, Licensing & Certifications
- Length: Minimum of 48.00 hours
- Format: Classroom, open discussion
- Required Text: Provided in cost
- SIGN UP TODAY! Limited Seating! For more information Call Toll FREE 1.888.283.1177
- Cost of Course does not include cost of Exam
- Classes presented by the CCTI@IRSC are for personal enrichment, professional certification and licensing or continuing education purposes only. They do not qualify for college credit and therefore are not eligible for discounts, Florida pre-paid, State tuition waiver programs or funding for college level classes.


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Geistlich TauroSept®
Safety in use due to outstanding systemic tolerability
Taurolidine is also licensed as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for the local treatment of infections such as peritonitis; up to 200ml of taurolidine 2% are instilled into the abdominal cavity and absorbed fully through the peritoneum. So far, no systemic side effects have been identified. The safety of taurolidine has also been confirmed in clinical studies with long-term intravenous administration of high doses (up to 20 g daily).
In the body, taurolidine is metabolised rapidly via the metabolites taurultam and methylol taurinamide, which also have a bactericidal action, to taurine, an endogenous aminosulphonic acid, CO2 and H2O. Therefore, no toxic effects are known or expected in the event of accidental injection of Geistlich TauroSept®.1,2
- Browne M K, Leslie G B, Pfirrmann R W. (1976) Taurolin, a new chemotherapeutic agent. J ApplBacteriol. 41: 363–368.
- Waser P.G., Sibler E. et al. (1985). Pharmakologie und Toxikologie von Taurolin. In: Taurolin – Ein neues Konzept zur antimikrobiellen Chemotherapie chirurgischer Infektionen. Hrsg.: Brückner W.L. und Pfirrmann R.W., Urban & Schwarzenberg Verlag.

subset: commoncrawl


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Corporate social responsibility
How we make a difference
How we make a difference
"The approach to CSR at Forsters reflects our belief that we have a collective responsibility to be good members of our community. Through a range of CSR activities our staff are able to make a difference by helping others and they have great fun at the same time"
Christine Dubignon – partner and head of the Forsters Charity Committee
Carbon Neutral
Forsters has been a CarbonNeutral® company since 2007 and is currently supporting a reforestation project in Tanzania
Reading scheme
Staff have attended local Westminster schools for many years to provide reading support to local children
Centrepoint Sleepout
Every year in November Forsters partners spend a night sleeping rough to raise money and awareness for young homeless people
Forsters Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy supports charitable causes and community activities, encourages sustainability and promotes diversity. Forsters supports a range of charities both by donations from the Forsters Charitable Trust and through fund-raising activities organised by the staff charities group. Our energetic Green Committee promotes responsible working through a variety of initiatives designed to reduce our impact on the environment.
Valuing the individual
Encouraging individuality is very much part of the Forsters culture. The firm provides an environment which allows everyone to develop and grow regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, maternity or pregnancy, race, religion or belief. At Forsters we are committed to ensuring that each member of the firm treats all of their colleagues with dignity and respect.
Caring for the environment
Forsters is committed to achieving a sustainable and healthy working environment. The principles of sustainability are integrated into our business practices and are reflected in the way we source materials and in the choice of the suppliers and partners we work with. We are dedicated to reducing paper consumption and to recycling as much of our waste as possible. The firm has an active Green Committee and Staff Social Committee, these forums promote wellness initiatives throughout the year.
Centrepoint and staff charity
Centrepoint and staff charity
Getting involved
Centrepoint provides support to homeless young people in London, some of whom will have found themselves living on the streets where we work. Forsters has been a corporate partner of Centrepoint since 2007. We are proud to have been able to support Centrepoint through fundraising, practical help, mentoring and work experience. Our partners and staff work closely with the Centrepoint relationship management team which helps increase our engagement with the charity's work and fundraising activities.
Charity and pro bono
Charity and pro bono
Supporting charities
Partners and staff work together to support a range of charitable organisations. In addition to making donations from our own charitable trust we encourage active involvement through a range of fund raising activities and lawyers working in a pro bono capacity.


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Brooklyn Heights Brownstone
In this large brownstone addition, period restoration and dynamic modernism join forces. The living room's coffered ceiling is a historical re-creation that contrasts with the clean lines of the kitchen. A cut in the parlor floor adds a spatial dimension, while clearing the way for a double-height wall of glass. Moreover, this fills two floors with sunlight and garden views. Crisp new stairs play against refurbished ornate stairs. And lastly, a laundry chute runs from the bedroom floors to the basement laundry room.
photos: Jason Schmidt


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Size: 27 x 40
Price: 65.00
Condition: Rolled, Mint
This item is available for immediate shipment. It is variously known to the public as a Pearl Harbor poster, a Pearl Harbor film poster and a Pearl Harbor movie poster.
The 3 advance posters for this film can be laid out in this arrangement:
Back to the Main Movie Poster List


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As a tenant, you will have certain responsibilities which will be explained to you. To ensure this is made easy, we have provided some information below to help you meet your obligations. If you're ever unsure or need help, please contact us.
While we are happy to chat, all tenant requests must be received in writing – we prefer for you to use our online forms, but you can also mail or fax the forms provided in your tenant kit or download them from this website.
We need to keep up to date telephone numbers and employment records during your tenancy. You must advise Investors Choice if there are any employment or contact detail changes.
Tenants must pay rent in advance as part of the signed tenancy agreement. Rent in full is due on or before the due date – Rental payments are to be paid in the methods specified in your lease agreement.
You must contact Investors Choice if you are unable to pay your rent by the due date. A good tenant respects that the landlord relies on rent being paid on time.
Late payment of rent is treated very seriously. You will receive a reminder via SMS, letter and/or phone call should your rent be late. Eviction processes commence if your rent is 14 days late and may result in Investors Choice listing you with credit reference agencies.
All maintenance issues must be reported to Investors Choice Property Management.If you have a maintenance request please complete the online maintenance form. Alternatively, you can mail or fax the completed form found in your tenant kit or download one from this website.Maintenance appointments are made between tenants and tradespeople. If a tenant is not home at the agreed meeting time, the tenant will be responsible for the standard tradesman service call out fee.
An urgent maintenance is defined by the Residential's Tenancies Act 1997 as:
Urgent maintenance must be reported to Investors Choice Property Management, unless the issue occurs outside of business hours (Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm). See our after hours procedure.
If you need to call out a tradesman for an urgent repair please let us know the next working day.An example of a non-urgent repair is a leaking tap. If you arrange non urgent work you may be liable to pay the account.Repairs caused by tenant neglect, will be billed to the tenant. For example: a cracked/broken window or a foreign object blocking a toilet.It is the tenant's responsibility to replace all damaged, defective, or broken light globes, spotlights and/or fluorescent tubes (including starters) during the term, at the tenant's expense.If you are ever unsure of whose responsibility a repair is please contact your property manager.
If properties are inadequately ventilated or heated, condensation and mildew will result. It is the tenant's responsibility to ensure their property is adequately ventilated by regularly opening windows, particularly in bedrooms and bathrooms.
Routine inspections are undertaken every 6 months to monitor the condition of a property and plan landlord maintenance requirements. You will be given adequate notice before any inspection is conducted.If you are not present at the time of inspections, spare keys will be used to gain access.
If you wish to break your tenancy agreement the following conditions will apply: You are responsible for paying rent until such time as the property is re-let or at the expiry date of the lease, whichever occurs first. You are also responsible for paying the landlords letting fee which is equivalent to 2 week's rent + GST.


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When I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, an auto-immune disease that in my case, effects the entire colon, I was never given a detailed explanation of my disease by my healthcare provider who specializes in gastroenterology.
He only offered large quantities of pills and explained that once the pills stopped working to control my symptoms, I would need surgery. He explained that it was only a matter of time before surgery to remove my colon would be unavoidable and along the way I would be taking medicines with a long lists of side effects.
I was shocked by his lack of help and got a second and third opinion. It turned out every doctor had the same plan, give me large amounts of pills and let me know that surgery will happen someday, there is no cause or cure for the disease, and that diet has nothing to do with it.
I refused to believe that diet had nothing to do with it. It seemed to me that any logically thinking person would agree that digestive diseases are directly related to the foods we eat. I began looking for alternative treatments and even cures although the highly paid medical professionals fought me every step of the way.
I stumbled across a video explaining how the SCD Diet has helped people with Ulcerative Colitis. It referenced a book called Breaking the Vicious Cycle by Elaine Gottschall.
I knew I had put thousands of dollars into doctors bills and I thought why not spend $10 on a book and learn about the SCD Diet?
Once I received the book I couldn't put it down, I was so excited for the possibility of healing my gut. I had been sicker than I had ever been in my life and the pills seemed to be making me worse.
To be completely honest, I had a really hard time understanding the book at first. I had to read most of the book three times before I understood half of it and even then I knew I didn't completely understand it.
Considering I was given very little information by my healthcare providers about this disease, I was a little overwhelmed reading words I had never heard before about body parts I knew very little about.
Although I didn't have the best understanding on why it worked, I tried the diet anyway. The foods were all very healthy and I knew I had absolutely nothing to lose.
To my surprise almost immediately (within a couple of days) I felt better than I had in years. Eventually I felt so good I decided to stop taking my medicines. I knew they were poisoning my body and I knew that the doctors obviously had no clue what they were talking about, it seemed as though they wanted to keep me sick and on pills for the rest of my life.
The food we eat is either feeding a disease or curing one.
That is a truth for everyone, not just for those who suffer from the many diseases the SCD Diet treats. (Chron's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis, Celiac Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Autism, ADHD, and more)
Recently I stumbled across a video of Elaine Gottschall, talking about her book Breaking the Vicious Cycle
I wish I had seen this video when I was struggling to understand the text of her book but now it all makes sense to me. If you are a visual learner like me or have a little bit of time on your hands, I suggest you watch this video, it may change your life for the better. It's free and totally worth every second of your time.
The videos are broken up into 3 parts, explaining the SCD Diet, after viewing the first video, you can watch part 2 and 3 by looking to the right and clicking on the next video.
Has this video inspired you to make lifestyle changes to improve your health? Share your thoughts with me by commenting on this post.


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"Collect reference material before you need it."
Peer into the artist studio and you'll likely find a collection of various reference materials. It could be books, magazine clippings, found objects, colour studies or sketches. Why not start a collection of your own. Keep adding to the pile and don't worry if you're not immediately sure how it'll fit into the big picture.
If your art is nature focused, keep in mind there are the laws to protect plants and animals. You can't just stock your shelves with endangered species just because you're an artist. I recommend getting involved with your local natural history museum where you can draw from their displays. Speak to the staff about access to the specimens that are kept off exhibit in their collection rooms.
Whatever your artistic discipline, become a collector. Over time having this well of inspiration to pull from is invaluable, especially on those days when the creative juices just aren't flowing. You might also find new ideas and directions to explore when you rediscover old sketches or forgotten objects you've stashed away.


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Aleksandra Jagiello
Aleksandra Jagiello is a qualified Clinical Nutritionist with a holistic approach to issues of diet, nutrition and weightloss and overall lifestyle goals. Through consultations she educates, motivates and inspires people to make changes in their lifestyle to lead a healthy and balanced life.
Her passion for nutrition in health led her to expand her expertise in diet management for diabetes, coeliac disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome and underactive thyroid conditions.
Aleksandra works full time at a Harley street weight loss clinic in central London and also runs her own private consultations.
If you would like to manage your weight or wish to change your nutrition and lifestyle habits through informed diet choices that provide overall benefits, Aleksandra can definitiely help. Feel free to find out more about Aleksandra using the links and contact details below:
e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Tel: 07761894500
This is our maiden launch and my team and I are still working to make this site fit-for-purpose. To give you a heads-up on plans for the months ahead, we hope to regularly feature different holistic health experts who will offer their wealth of knowledge and experience on a vast range of health, wellness and fitness issues.
So, watch out for updates and drop us a line if you have any health-related topics you would like to see addressed. We will research it or better still try to get a health expert featured.


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There are 13 double rooms in Palm Inn guest house located on Campus at the Center of Cyprus International University. Guest rooms have 24 hours hot water, internet, security, and air conditioning, mini bar refrigerator, telephone and television services. The guest house also offers breakfast in the morning and is included in the cost of accommodation. Guests can benefit from the food services located in the student center. For information about the canteen-cafeteria, you can get information by visiting the Food Services page.
Tel: 03926711111 Extension: 2929


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About Us
while we intended Exporting to the world marketplace with doing business concentrate in on the process that gets us more closer to that businesses commonly to use to develop export strategies tailored to the needs of our client .In this sequence of business, Cedar overseas Inc is bound to leave an impact by fulfilling the demand and needs of the reputed world wide customer and to take care of export business of their needed product commodities to the world.
Our Services
With growth opportunity to the producers, traders, importers and exporters. We would give a substantial platform to the products. We wish to focus and export we are exporting to few counties mainly in South East Asia and Russia and venturing into the open world of Latin America and USA.


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Will Thursday's State of the City speech be Mayor Steve Bach's swan song, his last appearance at the annual event? Will he go out in a blaze of rhetorical glory, as did Gen. Douglas MacArthur?
On May 12, 1962, as an award recipient at West Point, MacArthur addressed the Corps of Cadets.
"The shadows are lengthening for me," MacArthur said. "The twilight is here. My days of old have vanished — tone and tint. They have gone glimmering through the dreams of things that were. ... Today marks my final roll call with you..."
MacArthur was 82. He could look back on an extraordinary career, unmatched in the history of American arms. That speech, arguably one of the greatest in our nation's history, is as zesty and combative as the general himself. While praising the Army, MacArthur took a few shots at politicians of his time (can you say Democrats?), castigating them for deficit financing, federal paternalism, corrupt politics, rampant crime and low morals.
One-time Army private Steve Bach has a few things in common with Gen. MacArthur. Like MacArthur, Bach is more concerned with the future than the present. Like MacArthur, he's impatient with subordinates, can't understand why any person of reasonable intelligence would disagree with him, and is not fond of the grubby politics of compromise.
Those traits likely will be front and center during the mayor's speech.
Will Bach step genially aside, as befits an elder statesman, and let Amy Lathen, John Suthers, Bob Gardner and other mayoral hopefuls duke it out for the privilege of fighting with City Council?
Declining to run for re-election would effectively end Bach's power to influence events. City for Champions could wither on the vine, his Homeless Initiative would falter, and senior staffers would begin updating their résumés. Bach would be remembered as the tall, feisty guy who made a few reforms but ultimately was frustrated by do-nothing troglodytes on Council.
If the Phil Anschutz-Steve Bartolin-Bill Hybl axis lines up behind Suthers, Bach won't care. He thinks residents appreciate a mayor who leads, isn't afraid of controversy, and doesn't get suckered into supporting a hefty stormwater fee that will disproportionately benefit other jurisdictions. He doesn't care about polls and doesn't give a tinker's damn about "regionalism." His client is the city, and he represents his client — not Manitou, Fountain or El Paso County.
Bach probably will try to make that clear, arguing for his "holistic" plan to fund the city's billion-dollar backlog of capital improvements, including $500 million in stormwater needs. To bolster his pitch, he may cite other jurisdictions (see: Oklahoma City), the continuous deterioration of city infrastructure and ominous macroeconomic trends. Here's what he might say:
"Our local economy is so sluggish that the governor has proposed a state-funded study to figure out why Colorado Springs is so behind the curve. We can't depend on our military-industrial sector to generate growth and jobs. It's shrinking. City for Champions will rebrand our city, furnish jobs and get us moving — so let's stop fighting over details and move forward.
"We need to revitalize our city core, not use our municipal utility service to subsidize big-box retailers who want to build in the county and avoid paying city taxes. We need to continue removing bureaucratic obstacles to business growth and formation. I look forward to working with City Council, county commissioners and our legislative delegation to accomplish these goals."
Here's what he'd probably prefer to say, were he in fact as uncompromising and confrontational as MacArthur:
"Keith King and the Gang of Four are like Terry Maketa. They'll never get out of the way. And the Stormwater Task Force — an unholy alliance of liberal tax raisers and county tax-grabbers. We pay, they benefit. I know that all of you here think I'm too rigid, too unwilling to compromise, but I'm here to lead. I'm not going to kick the can down to the next person in this office. If you don't like it, toss me out in 2015."
In 1951, President Harry Truman removed MacArthur from command in Korea, ending the general's career. MacArthur was 71, as Bach will be at the beginning of 2015. MacArthur did not go willingly, nor will Bach.
Game on.
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Click for Recent Homes Sold In Armour Heights
Click here for a list of homes available in this area Homes in this link will change on a timely manner, come and visit again.
History of Armour HeightsJohn Armour settled on a farm in 1830, the original Armour homestead was situated at the present day Armour Heights Community Centre. In 1911 the Armour family sold the farm to Colonel F.B. Robins, who planned the Armour Heights neighborhood.
Colonel Robins donated land in Armour Heights to t
he air force as a training school for American and Canadian pilots at the start of the First World War. In 1929 Robins and associate developer W.P. Mulock sold all their interest in Armour Heights to R.J. Lillico & Associates. At the time the local papers described the sale as one of the largest real estate transaction ever in Toronto.
OverviewThe Don River Valley, Earl Bales Park and the Don Valley Golf Course form a natural boundary along the north and east end of the Armor Heights neighborhood. Highway 401 one of Toronto's main commuter highways, winds its way through the centre of this neighborhood. The Armour Heights Community Centre has an excellent selection of children's programs, while Armour Heights School and Summit Heights School are highly regarded as the top public schools in Toronto.
HomesHouses in Armour Heights were built from the l920's to the l970's. The houses range in size from two-storey, three-bedroom homes to the impressive Tudor Manor houses situated on the spectacular ravine lots along Sandringham Drive. The homes at the north end of Armour Heights, just south of Earl Bales Park, are located on the former site of the York Downs Golf Club, which operated in Armour Heights from the early 1920''s until 1968. The houses in this area represent excellent examples of the modernist architectural designs that were in fashion during the l960's and l970's.
Shopping and RecreationAlong Avenue Road there is an abundance of shops and restaurants for every taste and budget.
The Armour Heights Community Centre, located at 2141 Avenue Road, offers a library, dance and fitness programs for adults, tiny tots programs and an after school children's program. The Don Valley Golf Course is located at the sout-east boundary of this neighborhood. Earl Bales Park is at the orth end of Armour Heights off Bathurst Stret. The Park is home to the North York Ski Centre which offers lessons, clinics and rentals for skiers and snowboarders. Access to the West Don River Parkland trails is available at the north end of Earl Bales Park off Don River Boulevard.
Schools(P) Armour Heights, 148 Wilson Ave., (416) 397-2950(P) Summit Heights, 139 Armour Blvd., (416) 395-2920(PH) York Mills C.I., 490 York Mills Rd., (416) 395-3340(CA) St. Margaret, 85 Carmichael Ave., (416) 393-5249(CA) Loretto Abbey, 101 Mason Blvd., (416) 393-5510(PJ) Toronto Cheder School, 3600 Bathurst St., (416) 789-9933
If you would like to become a V.I.P member and have a Free Home Evaluation, please click bellow.Free Home Evaluation - Click Here
Call for a free confidential market evaluation for your home.**Source - Your Guide to Toronto Neighbourhoods. Maple Tree Publishing**


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North American Pole Dance Championships Results:
Formerly the Midwest Pole Dance Competition
The North American Pole Dance Championships was retired in 2018
Look for more event info coming soon!
2018 Final Results*
1st: Nelly S
2nd: Pascale L
3rd: Megan Abitua
People's Choice: Pascale Lambert
Open Exotic Low Flow:
1st: Jaclyn Cara
2nd: Diana aka Cosmic Orchid
3rd: Maddy Frechette
People's Choice: Jaclyn Cara
Grand Masters:
1st: Ching Lee
2nd: Loren Seres
3rd: Michelle D.
People's Choice: Loren Seres
Distinguished Performance Awards:
Susan Ohlenkamp: Gold
Patty Yaconis: Silver
Isabelle Pomerleau: Silver
1st: Adrienne Holtzlander
2nd: Theresa G
3rd: France
People's Choice: Adrienne Holtzlander
1st: Amanda Grant
2nd: Cat Zadeh
3rd: Lauren Osters
People's Choice: Cindy Treble
1st: Denise
2nd: Mariana
3rd: Katarina
People's Choice: Marilyn
Champion: Capucine and Derek
People's Choice: Capucine and Derek
North American Elite:
1st: Yue Zou aka Tiramisu
2nd: Jessica Marsh
3rd: Brian Lynch aka Orion
People's Choice: Brian Lynch aka Orion
Distinguised Performance Awards
Kara Lynn Kay: Silver
Corey Elyse: Silver
Nadia Robinson: Silver
International Elite:
1st: Jordan Mazur
2nd: Brandi Renee
3rd: Ann Jennings
People's Choice: Jordan Mazur
Distinguished Performance Awards:
Kristina: Gold
Suzy: Silver
Elizabeth Tuazon: Silver
Sabrina Madsen: Silver
Exotic Floor Work:
Champion: Da Vina Shewolf
People's Choice Da Vina Shewolf
Exotic Low Flow:
Champion: Laura Marie
People's Choice: Laura Marie
Exotic Elite:
Champion: Zixy Z
People's Choice: Christine aka LIttle Snipper
Lyra Novice:
Champion: Olivia Stephano
Distinguished Performance Awards:
Sarah Behenna-Quadlin: Platinum
Theresa G: Silver
People's Choice: Sarah Behenna-Quadlin
Lyra Elite:
Champion: Leela Mae
People's Choice Megan Loreen
2017 Final Results*
*Note: some of the videos of performances were blocked on Youtube due to copyright claims. They will be uploaded in the upcoming weeks to Vimeo. Check back for updates.
1st: Krystle Annice
2nd: Emily
3rd: Lauren Marie
People's Choice: Krystle Annice
Distinguished performance awards:
Laura A – Bronze
Angelique Rachelle – Bronze
Erotic Pole Art:
1st: Seth Bacher
2nd: Maria K
3rd: Lesa
People's Choice: Seth Bacher
Erotic Pole Art Elite:
1st: Suzy
2nd: Danielle Tillie
3rd: Wren Amelia
People's Choice: Suzy
Distinguished performance awards:
Catherine Zadeh – Bronze
1st: Jessica Marsh
2nd: Tanya Wilkins
3rd: May-Fong
People's Choice: Tanya WIlkins
Distinguished performance awards:
Jolyn Thérèse – Bronze
Elite Prep*:
1st: Mandy Higgins
2nd: Lakaska
People's Choice: Mandy Higgins
Midwest Elite:
1st: Divine Em
2nd: Jordan Mazur
3rd: Kristina
People's Choice: Amanda Runion
Distinguished performance awards:
Leah Franklin – Gold
Lisa Mundo – Gold
Elizabeth Tuazon – Silver
Jill Parker – Silver
Amanda Runnion – Bronze
Corey Elyse – Bronze
Hilary Jade – Bronze
Essential Pole:
1st: Lezah Victoria
2nd: Denise
3rd: Lauren Osters
People's Choice: Lauren Osters
Distinguished performance awards:
Erin Chapman – Bronze
Olivia Suzanne – Bronze
Grand Masters:
1st: Mary Caryl Serritella
2nd: Regina aka Dark Angel
3rd: Connie aka Susie Keesling
People's Choice: Susan Ohlenkamp
Distinguished performance awards:
Susan Ohlenkamp – Bronze
Lynn Casey – Bronze
1st: Capucine
2nd: Jane Carter
3rd: Kristen Benney
People's Choice: Kristen Benney
Distinguished performance awards:
Melanie Amaya Piek – Bronze
1st: Tynesha B and Seth Bacher
2nd: Loni Mizerka and Kari Becker
3rd: Leah Franklin and Corey Elise
People's Choice: Loni Mizerka and Kari Becker
Distinguished performance awards:
Ellen Beard and Nora Bock – Bronze
International Elite:
1st: Anna von Hoyningen Huene
2nd: Meredith Burgess
3rd: Anna Alvarez
People's Choice: Meredith Burgess
Distinguished performance awards:
Julien Miguel Amarall – Silver
Megan Megan Bunni Thompson – Silver
Rosalyn Mow – Silver
Rachelle Ribera – Bronze
Shay Williamson – Bronze
Sabrina Madsen – Bronze
Fab Pole*:
1st: Joni Franciskovic
2nd: Tricia Lauerman
People's Choice: Melissa Lulik
Distinguished performance awards:
Melissa Lulik – Gold
Rae Lee Richards – Bronze
1st: Carla Church
2nd: Meg Klowak
3rd: Lauren Levine
People's Choice: Carla Church
Distinguished performance awards:
Krista Marie – Bronze
Jill – Bronze
Megan Loreen – Bronze
*Any divisions with less than 6 competitors are only awarded 1st and 2nd place and any divisions with less than 4 competitors are only awarded 1st place
To view ALL videos from NAPDC 2017 see our Youtube Page Here
2016 Final Results:
Erotic Pole Art:
1st Leah F
2nd Tia Jackson
3rd Charmaine Stephens
Distinguished performance awards:
Emily Kelman – Silver
Kris Mac – Bronze
1st Amber Cahill
2nd Megan Loreen
3rd Courtney Carter
Distinguished performance awards:
Bec Ca – Silver
Hannah Henze – Bronze
Semi-Pro Pole:
1st Anna von Huene
2nd Rose Okoye
3rd Keyona Bragg
Midwest Elite Pole:
1st Kirstie Ellerbe
2nd Jordan Mazur
3rd Elizabeth Tuazon
Distinguished performance awards:
Danielle Tillie – Bronze
Leah Franklin – Bronze
Grand Masters Pole:
1st Arloa Reston
2nd Connie Keesling
3rd Cassandra Croft
Distinguished performance awards:
Susan Ohlenkamp – Silver
Masters Pole:
1st Marina Heck
2nd Tricia Lauerman
3rd Jane Carter
Fab Pole:
1st Sonia Soto
2nd Kris Hurley
3rd Erin M
International Elite Pole:
1st Jazzy Alix
2nd Brandi Renee
3rd Becca Buck
Distinguished performance awards:
Yumiko Harris – Bronze
Intermediate Pole:
1st Sarah Behenna-Quadlin
2nd Kelley Kiefer
3rd Krystle Holland
Distinguished performance awards:
Amanda Leigh – Silver
Maddy Frechette – Silver
Nelly Sell – Silver
Essential Pole Division:
1st Kylie Jones
2nd Lauren Osters
3rd Jessica Marsh
Distinguished performance awards:
Adrienne Holtzlander – Silver
Mandy Higgins – Silver
Melanie Irene – Silver
Candice Tess – Bronze
Rachel LaVoie – Bronze
Doubles Pole Division:
1st Karen Urquhart and LeeAnn Ball – Double Pole Trouble
2nd Jennifer Phillips and Joel Kolenchuk – Vile Pole Arts
3rd Tynesha Brown and Seth Bacher
To see all performances from NAPDC 2016 visit Debra Reid's Youtube page here
2015 Final Results:
North American Essential Pole Division:
Pole Performer of the Year: Catherine Zadeh
2nd Place: Adrienne Holtzlander
3rd Place: Jennifer Scholl
Midwest Elite Division:
Pole Performer of the Year: Melissa Schrader
2nd Place: Danielle Tillie
3rd Place: Jordan Mazur
North American Men's Elite Division:
Pole Performer of the Year: Julien Miguel
2nd Place: Melvin Sanchez
3rd Place: Patrick Ryan
North American Masters Division:
Pole Performer of the Year: Marina Heck
2nd Place: Schannon Hester
3rd Place: Tricia Lauerman
North American Semi-Pro Division:
Pole Performer of the Year: Tara Steed
2nd Place: Tynesha Brown-Emerling
3rd Place: Stef Lim
North American Women's Elite Division:
Pole Performer of the Year: Albena Aleksandrova
2nd Place: Tara Meyer
3rd Place: Renee Todd
To see other finalists and performances from 2015 visit Debra Reid's Youtube page here
2014 Final Results:
North American Essential Pole Division:
Pole Performer of the Year: Megan "Bunni" Thompson
2nd Place: Elizabeth Tuazon
3rd Place: Catherine Teymourzedah
Midwest Elite Division:
Pole Performer of the Year: Anna Alvarez
2nd Place: Amber Cahill
3rd Place: Sara Becker
Distinguished Performance Awards:
Jordan Mazuer – Gold
Mary Brumbaugh – Gold
Sally Sachs – Bronze
Tiffany McDaniel – Bronze
North American Masters Division:
Pole Performer of the Year: Marina Heck
2nd Place: Cassandra Pavolic
3rd Place: Lisa Ann Visco
Distinguished Performance Awards:
Patti Zikmund – Silver
Regina Usher – Silver
North American Semi-Pro Division:
Pole Performer of the Year: Erica Daisy
2nd Place: Tricia Lauerman
3rd Place: Stef Lim
Distinguished Performance Award:
Cass Palmer – Silver
North American Elite Division:
Pole Performer of the Year: Tara Meyer
2nd Place: Jordan Kensley
3rd Place: Rachele Ribera
Distinguished Performance Awards:
Ashley Fox – Platinum
LIsa Cannon – Gold
Becca Buck – Gold
Carolina Mendivil – Silver
To see other finalists and performances from 2014 visit Brian Jackson's Youtube page here
2013 Final Results:
Midwest Essential Pole Division
Pole Performer Of The Year: Elizabeth Tuazon
2nd Place: Ashley Flaska
3rd Place: April McCracken
Midwest Elite Division:
Pole Performer Of The Year: Becca Buck
2nd Place: Danielle Cain
3rd Place: Sara Becker
National Masters Division
Pole Performer Of The Year: Noelle Wood
2nd Place: Lisa Ann Visco
3rd Place: Regina Usher
North American Elite Division
Pole Performer Of The Year: Josiah Bad Azz Grant
2nd Place: Amanda Rose
3rd Place: Carolina Mendivil
To see videos of all performances from 2013 visit Don Curry's Youtube page
2012 Final Results:
Essential Pole Division:
Pole Performer Of The Year: Christine Engelsman
2nd Place: Nekia Morris
3rd Place: Danielle Zack
North American Championship Elite Division:
Pole Performer Of The Year: Charlee Wagner
2nd Place: Mary Kolacinski
3rd Place: Samantha "Star" Cuomo
North American Masters Division:
Pole Performer Of The Year: Andrea Riquelme
2nd Place: Greta Pontarelli
3rd Place: Leesi Ruskaup
Regional Elite Division
Pole Performer Of The Year: Melissa Schrader
2nd Place: Crystal Harris 3rd Place:
Mary Brumbaugh
To see videos of all performances from 2012 visit Don Curry's Youtube page
2011 Final Results:
Masters Division:
Pole Performer Of The Year: Noelle Wood
2nd Place: Maria Kwiatkowski
3rd Place: Emiko Jaffe
Rookie Division:
Pole Performer Of The Year: Meagan Evanoff
2nd Place: Elizabeth Brower
3rd Place: Diana Sekura
Midwest Elite Division:
Pole Performer Of The Year: Andrea Lui
2nd Place: Crystal Harris
3rd Place: Lyndi Rongisc
In 2011 Midwest Pole Dancing hosted the Midwest Pole Dance Competition which included a Midwest Elite division,
Midwest Rook Division and a National Masters Division.
In 2012 the event expanded adding a National Elite division and the Rookie division evolved into a
"pure dance and spin" event named the "Essential Pole Division".
In 2014 all divisions were combined under the event title of The North American Pole Dance Championships"
with both Midwest and International divisions.
In 2015 the event expanded to include the North American Men's Elite Division separate from the Women's Elite division when more than 6 finalists are male.


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I was a slacker and missed out on the "sleep" theme. It's a pretty cool idea, gets your creative juices flowing just like Photo Friday, and you can get to know fellow illustrators you wouldn't usually find.
I hope there are piles of illustrations I can rummage through tomorrow. Participate, it's fun!


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Sometimes artists dare to do the hard work of reaching up to catch the truth's edge in a way that enlarges our vision.
Sometimes artists give in to what's easy, handing down what the audience wants to hear — and they're applauded by the choir to which they preach.
Here's how Ken Morefield begins his review of Grace Unplugged at Christianity Today…
A host at the screening of Grace Unplugged I attended pleaded with the audience to buy out a movie theater auditorium for the film's opening night. We were chastised for going to see The Hunger Games, which, we were told, evangelical Christians frequented at a higher rate than any other demographic. Wouldn't we rather have more movies like Grace than more movies like Hunger? Better reach for our wallets. Otherwise, we had only ourselves to blame when our daughters started emulating Katniss Everdeen.
I've always found this kind of cause marketing puzzling. It seems to tacitly admit that the product is not good enough to sell tickets on its own. I'm not against niche marketing; there is actually something a little refreshing about seeing a Christian film stop worrying about crossover appeal and just making the faith content explicit. But doesn't it still have to be a good movie?
That's just the beginning. Read the whole thing. It's another example of how Christianity Today is refusing to join the "circle the wagons" mentality of so much Christian media, and instead engaging art with critical discernment and an insistence on excellence.
Morefield says,
It's not that Grace Unplugged has a bad message: it just doesn't happen to be a great movie. Because of that, it tries to sell its message, rather than integrate it into a dramatic or entertaining story. And that's a shame, given how few contemporary family films there are about and for girls. Since Grace is eighteen, I feel like I should cross out "girls" and insert "young women" there, but Grace Unplugged thinks of and treats its heroine as a girl. Grace Trey in the city is treated more like Kevin McCallister in Home Alone 2 than Mary Richards in The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
And yet, Morefield's review, good as it is, is unlikely to persuade most of the people who are excited about this film. You can see what many of them think about the work of discernment in comments like this one from a guy named Dave:
"I can tell you that the audience I saw the film with adored it." – proof once again that if a critic doesn't like it, most people will. I will be going to see the movie – and a bit more excited about it now than before I read the review.
I know what Mark Twain would have said to that:
Whenever you find you are on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
And Oscar Wilde might have added:
The public have always, and in every age, been badly brought up. They are continually asking Art to be popular, to please their want of taste, to flatter their absurd vanity, to tell them what they have been told before, to show them what they ought to be tired of seeing…
[NOTE: My Comment Policy will be enforced.]


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Welcome to Refresh!
Helping our Community (and visitors) Feel their Best Since 2005
81 B Hanford Street (Old Hwy 49)P.O. Box 1842Sutter Creek, CA 95685ph: (209) 267-0887
If your call is directed to our voicemail, please do not hesitate to leave a message. All calls are returned promptly.
Monday - Friday.....9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturdays..............10:00am - 4:00pm
(Closed Sundays)
* * *
We are also closed annualy December 25th through January 1st
Copyright 2012 Refresh at Sutter Creek. All rights reserved.
Web Hosting by Yahoo!


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Garage Door Services Inc. offers efficient, reliable & affordable residential and commercial service. Our skilled, experienced/tenured technicians & fully stocked service vans allow us to service any brand door or opener in a timely manner. So whether you have a broken torsion spring or a door that has been hit, we have the material and technicians to service all your garage door needs.
Sales and Installation of garage doors and garage door openers
Garage Door Services specializes in installing garage doors from C.H.I. Overhead Door and garage door openers from LiftMaster. By purchasing products from reputable and qualified manufacturers, we can offer the best garage doors and garage door openers in the Omaha area.
We are the proud to be the LiftMaster ProVantage dealer for our area.
Repair and service of garage doors and garage door openers
Our skilled technicians are seasoned pros at diagnosing and fixing problems with any brand garage door or garage door openers. Call us when your garage door or garage door opener needs repair or service.
We can repair and service any brand, make or model garage door or garage door opener including:
- C.H.I. Overhead Door
- Liftmaster
- Amarr Garage Doors
- Wayne-Dalton
- Overhead Door
- Stanley
- Genie
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We also stock some hard-to-find replacement parts for discontinued brands and models of garage doors and garage door openers.
Areas Served
Garage Door Services is headquartered in Omaha, NE, but we can install, repair and service garage doors and garage door openers in the entire Omaha metro area including Ashland, Bennington, Bellevue, Gretna, La Vista, Omaha, Papillion, Plattsmouth, Ralston, & Waterloo, Fremont and the surrounding area, and Council Bluffs, IA.


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It's been several weeks since we brought our little dog (a Deerhead Chihauhau) home, but I never seem to get over her incredible cuteness. Everything she does, her very being, seems to be the essence of adorableness and cuteness.
I was musing on the astrology of this and I came to the conclusion that cuteness is under the domain of the Moon and Venus, with maybe a touch of Mercury (for impishness).
Venus and the Moon are the only two planets that are feminine in nature. Femininity is not always cute or adorable, but it is definitely an aspect of it.
I've never met a man, for instance, who is flattered by being called cute or adorable (furthermore, my husband told me to never put the word "little" in front of any word describing a man).
Children are cute and adorable, and they are ruled by the Moon. We know how emotionally transparent children are and that openness is what claims our hearts so completely.
In many ways, my cute little dog is just like a child. Her joy is unrestrained and unself-conscious. She is not the least bit embarrassed by wanting what she wants and when she's done sitting on my lap being petted to within an inch of her life, she jumps down without apology.
When she wants affection, she comes over to me and just wiggles her little body and puts her paw on my leg. Of course, even if I'm busy, I can't say no to her (even though it's hard typing with a dog sitting on your lap).
Venus rules pets in general because pets are so close to our hearts and Venus has the most strength in the 4th house of the inner emotional life. Pets are considered part of the family and they bring happiness.
I suspect she's in love with my husband. She follows him everywhere and gazes at him for long stretches of time with her sweet adoring brown eyes.
It's the cutest thing ever!


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[12/22/2013] Masahiro Tanaka News and Notes
by Gen on Dec.22, 2013 @ 3:27 pm, under NPB
The latest on Masahiro Tanaka, from Sunday, December 22, 2013:
- Tanaka did not show up at Kleenex Stadium on Saturday. Team officials told reporters that he boarded a Shinkansen headed for Tokyo in the afternoon/evening. He is scheduled to make an appearance at the Nakayama Racecourse as a presenter for the Arima Kinen today. He will be in Tokyo for another event on Monday. Any meeting he has with the Rakuten Eagles will take place on or after the 24th. [Sanspo 12/22/2013]
- Tanaka could have additional events to attend beginning on the 26th. The Eagles close out the year on the 27th. If a decision is going to be made before the end of the year, it will most likely have to be done on either the 24th or 25th (Japan times). [Sports Hochi 12/22/2013]
Tags: Masahiro Tanaka, Rakuten Eagles


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I am sitting here, Daughter is sleeping, Hubster is at work, neglected sewing machine in front of me (haven't touched it in more than a month), squeaky ironing board is already up and ready, not one but TWO projects sitting on the same table I am at with multiple UFO's just a room away, and I cannot bring myself to touch a bit of it.
How do you get through your quilter's block. Quilting is my mental health and the fact that I can't get started is a bit disturbing to me! There is nothing else I want to do, but I can't get started!!


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Aug 30 2017
In Year 3 we are really enjoying our new IPC Topic which is all about CHOCOLATE! We enjoyed taking part in 5 sensory activities for our Entry Point.
One of our favourite activities was guessing whether pieces of chocolate were dark, white or milk whilst being blindfolded. We also practised using interesting vocabulary to describe what happens when chocolate melts on your tongue! We also used some smell pots to try and guess the ingredients of different types of chocolate bar such as 'Lime Intense' and 'Dark Chocolate with Mint'. It was a delicious and fun start to the topic!


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Contact Us
Project Purley is governed by an Executive Committee elected annually.
Principal contacts are:-
CHAIRMAN – John Chapman 0118 942 6999
SECRETARY – Catherine Sampson 0118 942 2255 email@example.com
TREASURER – Marjorie Butler 0118 941 8856 email@example.com
JOURNAL EDITOR – Ann Betts 0118 942 2485
Official Correspondence should be addressed to:-
Hon Secretary, Project Purley
32 Waterside Drive
Purley on Thames
Contact John Chapman 0118 942 6999 for matters relating to the website.
Most of our meetings are held at The Barn, Goosecroft Lane (off Beech Road) Purley on Thames and visitors are always welcome. Meetings are normally the 3rd Friday of each month Sept-Nov and Jan-April.


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1 Followers
1 Following
Dearest Earl Grey:
I believe you don't have the right to be in my cupboard anymore. Your wife, Lady Grey, may stay. Maybe I understeeped or oversteeped you. But, hey, my stepfather likes you!
sign up
to leave a comment.
I am such a tea n00b. I've only 2 good teas I like. Also, GREEN TEA SUCKS ARSE!
Kickin' It in Wisconsin!


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4 Loves
For as long as I can remember I have always loved animals. As a child we always had dogs and once on my own I adopted two cats who became my fur babies.
A primary attraction to my husband was his similar love for animals. Our compassion not yet fully awakened, we both ate meat and dairy and my husband ate seafood. I had always been troubled by my consumption of animals – yes, it tasted good, but deep down I just knew it was wrong and so did my husband.
After several years of marriage we both decided to try being vegetarian. We avoided flesh for a good six months but then fell back into old habits. Six months later we recommitted to it and this time it 'stuck'. Sadly, we still consumed dairy and eggs and my husband still ate fish. Our lives continued this way for five years, during which time I lost my mother to cancer and my grandmother to pneumonia.
Shortly thereafter I attended PETA's Helping Animals 101 Conference in Philadelphia. It was a two day conference where I met vegans, watched heart wrenching under-cover videos about the dairy and egg industry, and participated in my first demonstration – a Ringling Bros circus protest. I came home from the conference inspired, as if I had finally found my calling in life. I told my husband that I wanted to go vegan right then and there. He supported my decision but I didn't pressure him to do the same. I was very happy when he came to me a few days later and said he wanted to become vegan as well. That was April 2005.
Now, 9 1/2 years later, I couldn't be happier. Not only have I adopted a lifestyle that reflects my ethics, but I have become an activist and a voice for the voiceless. When it comes to speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves my personal shyness gets shoved aside. I have hosted and participated in protests against fur stores, circuses, foie gras and even McDonald's. I have spent vacations volunteering for PETA at their Norfolk, VA headquarters and have hosted and attended several Walk for Farm Animals for Farm Sanctuary. Presently, my husband and I staff tables for Mercy For Animals at VegFests covering at Richmond, VA, Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, Delaware, Philadelphia, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
I live each and every day for the animals. And I have been rewarded for it to. Not only has it been uplifting for my soul, but my physical health has improved as well. I had been on sinus medicine for years before going vegan but afterwards no longer needed it. I have more energy and my cholesterol has never been lower.
I surround myself with vegan friends both in my personal life and on social media. Although both my parents are deceased, my remaining family members – and those of my husband, have not been as supportive. They begrudgingly accept our choice, but they never lose an opportunity to remind us to respect theirs. But I continue the fight and lead by example. And I will continue for the rest of my life…..always for the animals.


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Welcome to my Daily Inspiration - Daily Quote. See today's daily inspirational quotes below.
May the world be kind to you, and may your own thoughts be gentle upon yourself. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie
May the world be kind to you, and may your own thoughts be gentle upon yourself. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie
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Saturday, November 17, 2012
Making a Difference
It does.
- William James
What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?
- George Eliot
We must remember that one determined person can make
a significant difference,
and that a small group of determined people
can change the course of history.
- Sonia Johnson
Almost nothing you worry about today
will matter in a hundred years.
Think carefully about what you can focus on today.
Choose tasks that will actually make a positive difference
to your great-grandchildren.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Further reading: Life Purpose - another look
Eight Rules for Living Your Greatest Life
Plant Trees For Your Grandchildren
Helping Others Quotes
The Future Quotes
Quotes about Making a Difference
Goals Quotes
Meaning of Life Quotes
Cooperation Quotes
Posted by Jonathan Lockwood Huie
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Cruel Fiction$16.00
This is a spectacular debut trying to puzzle though our present, from the workplace to the pop charts but most of all to the politics of struggle.
How Nonviolence Protects the State$12.00
How Nonviolence Protects the State challenges the belief that nonviolence is the only way to fight for a better world and invites activists to consider diverse tactics, passionately arguing that...
I Am Action
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The Global Perspective
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The Global Perspective bridges the gap between Third Worldist theory and the question of "What Is To Be Done?" in a First World context.
Prisoner 155: Simón Radowitzky$26.00
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May Made Me
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The Zapatistas' Dignified Rage
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Why Don't the Poor Rise Up?
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This vibrant collection offers a reassessment of contemporary obstacles to mass mobilization, as well as examples from around the world of poor people overcoming those obstacles in inspiring and...


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In August 2017, my boyfriend and I moved from a small town in Missouri to Los Angeles, California.
— We had no jobs waiting for us or even a place to live (thank God for the only other two people we knew in CA who let us sleep on their floor for a week lol).
— Our living expenses tripled - once we found an apartment, it certainly wasn't the 2 story, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, washer/dryer included, $600/month apartment I had in Missouri.
— My business was not established yet and I didn't have any kind of client base. For 2.5 years photography was just a hobby for me and a way to be creative so I never really tried to get "clients" and of course, once I moved it meant everyone I knew was a couple thousand miles away now.
— I officially started and legalized my business. Licenses, taxes, insurance, etc.
— I've supported myself completely off my photography and never even had to get a part time job after moving (praise Jesus)
— I upgraded my camera + gear + incorporated a better client management system into my business.
— Invested thousands of dollars into photography education (specifically about pricing, marketing, posing, and finances) and I'll be attending my first workshop in January!
— I currently have 12 weddings booked for 2019, which is about 50% of what I plan to take on for the year. (To put things in perspective, I had zero 2018 weddings booked this time in 2017.)
I shared this story on Instagram last month and received an amazing response from so many people who were interested in hearing more about what I did in order to make this possible. SO I typed out my top tips for any photographers who might be making a move to a new area or just getting their business up and going!
This seems obvious, but you'd be surprised about how many people say they love something, or they do a certain thing, and like, you've never heard them talk about it ever. It's one thing if it's a side hobby or whatever, but if you want to build a photography business, people have to know about it. Word of mouth and referrals are huge in this industry. You want people to think of YOU when photography gets brought up and if you never talk about it that's not gonna happen. Even if you're just getting started, share! Ease people into it if you want. You don't have to post every day that you're "trying to get your photography business going", but you can share photos you take, post about how much you're learning and enjoying it, and once you do start getting clients and your business is more established, keep sharing, and people will see for themselves what you're doing!
This was my first priority when I moved. I didn't know anyone in California, I didn't know what the photography market was like, what setting up a business here would involve, or if I'd even have a chance at being a photographer in a place where it seems like everyone and their mom was trying to do the same thing. I searched through posts under #losangelesphotographer and reached out to a few different people and asked if I could meet up with them to talk about photography and possibly make a new friend in the area. This is how I met my now bff Nicole! The first day we met, we planned on getting together and taking a few photos of each other and ended up hanging out for like 6 hours. I learned a lot from Nicole and it was really fun and encouraging to have a friend who was just as passionate about photography as I was!
Outside of reaching out to people individually, I'd say going to meet-ups and events is the best thing you can do for networking. At photography meet-ups you get to meet lots of other photographers and shoot with models — this really helped me with learning posing and directing, making people comfortable in front of the camera, and I got a lot of great content to share. Once I started sharing more on social media, people started to reach out to ME and that's when I started booking my first paid shoots. I also went to a few photography events - showcases and parties (where we were just "socializing" and not shooting or anything) - and I think these are great for meeting people, but make sure you don't leave the relationship there. If you connected with someone you really liked, send them a message afterward and let them know you loved meeting them and suggest getting together again at another time for coffee, a shoot, or whatever.
I have a photography page where I share my work and although my audience is mostly from the midwest, they still like to see what I do (at least my mom does, okay) and as I mentioned before, I want people to think of me when it comes to photography so I try to post regularly. I've booked shoots in Missouri while home for a visit, I've had Missouri friends refer their California friends to me, and I've actually been flown to Missouri to shoot a wedding. So while Missouri isn't my main focus, I have some amazing connections there!
One helpful thing I did after moving was search for local Facebook groups to join. For example, I'm in a few groups for Los Angeles creatives as well as community pages for lots of the surrounding smaller towns. Using these I've found couples to work with, vendors to participate in my styled shoots, and booked a couple sessions from people who posted looking for photographer recommendations.
I'm also in quite a few photography specific Facebook groups! Build and bloom by Jessica Whitaker and LOOKSLIKEFILM LEARN are two of my favorites and I learn so much just from reading other people's posts. It's also fun to share some of my own photos in there, get inspired by others, and since the groups are so big, they're a great place to reach out if you need models or are looking to connect with people in certain areas. I've actually met up with people from build and bloom and became IG friends with even more people through those groups.
From my very first styled shoot, I booked 2 weddings because the venue who hosted us put me on their preferred vendor list! I also made valuable connections with other vendors in my area. By providing them with the photos I took, they got content to share and I got free advertising because they credited me. WIN/WIN. I love doing styled shoots when I'm feeling in a creative rut, need a little extra content, or want to start booking sessions in a specific location I've never been to. They can be as elaborate as you want - models, dress, jewelry, hair/makeup, calligraphy, cakes, signs, etc., or as simple as getting a couple to put their wedding digs back on for an afternoon to go take photos at a cool location.
I actually did a lot of free shoots when I decided to focus my photography on couples and weddings because I needed to strengthen that area of my portfolio. I found a few local LA pages on Facebook, made a model call, and set up shoots with different couples in different locations near me. These gave me content to post, practice posing/directing couples, and helped me figure out what style I wanted to incorporate into my business. The more I posted photos from these sessions, the more I started to get inquiries from them and my business continued to grow. I don't do free shoots very often anymore because I have been blessed with a lot of clients, but when I have a specific shoot idea in mind or want to try something new, I do a model call for a free couples session. Just make sure when you do free shoots that they align with where you want your business to go. If your goal is to do more epic adventure sessions but the couple who answered your model call wants to shoot at their favorite coffee shop downtown, then they might not be the best fit (not that coffee shop shoots aren't cute, but you get the point).
If you don't know - Thumbtack is basically a site that helps people find photographers (or people who provide various other services). A bride or groom makes a post saying they need a photographer on this day, this location, this many hours, etc. and as a photographer you can reply to them with a quote. For thumbtack, it's important to have at least something to show portfolio-wise so they can see your work or else no one will respond to your quote. You do have to pay a small fee when someone replies to you through the site, but if they end up booking a wedding with you for example, the fee is small compared to what you profit. I used thumbtack for a couple months during the summer to fill my calendar a bit and I was able to work with some really awesome people because of it, but it's not something I would recommend relying on. I deleted my thumbtack account once I started getting more inquiries without it and I prefer it much better because instead of competing with other photographers quoting the same person, I have people reaching out to me because they like MY work. Now, almost all of my inquiries come from Instagram (according to responses on my contact form).
Okay, so Instagram is like my baby. I spend 90% of my social media time on here. As I mentioned, I get the majority of my bookings from here now, but it took me a little bit to figure out how to really benefit from this app. One thing I've learned is that you gotta give if you wanna take. First of all, you have to have content to share with people (duh) and it needs to be good quality! And if you want engagement, you have to engage with others. My biggest IG pet peeve is when people always say to "go like and comment on my post" but they never reply back or take the time to comment on anyone else's photos. We allll know about the Instagram algorithm and how important engagement is. The more people who engage with you, the more people see your post, which leads to more potential clients, aka business. So I guarantee if you set aside like 15-20 minutes a day to just engage with other people, you'll see it returned.
ANYWAY here's a list of my top IG tips:
1. Post, post, post!! The more I started posting, the more inquiries I got. If you need content, set up free shoots, attend a workshop, or make your sister/brother/boyfriend etc. model for you.
2. Hashtag locally! Multiple clients of mine have told me they looked up a specific hashtag and found me by scrolling through those photos (examples: #losangelesweddingphotographer #palmspringsphotographer). Think about what words you would search for if you were a normal person (aka non-photog) and you were looking for a photographer. #radlovestories and #loveandwildhearts might get you more likes and possibly a feature, but are your potential clients looking those up? I try to do 2/3 local hashtags and 1/3 feature account hashtags (to help a little with the engagement ya feel). You can do up to 30 tags and there are people who will tell you to do less or only 11 or whatever but I've experimented and my posts do best when I use 28-30 tags.
3. Have a consistent feed!! Some people don't care about this, but I do. If your editing is all over the place, people will have no idea what their photos will look like if they hire you and idk about you, but I like to know what I'm getting if I'm spending hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on something.
I could actually go on and on about all the tips and tricks of Instagram that I've learned (I'm a student at heart and trust me, I've done a lot of research on this subject) but this blog is already long enough SO if you'd be interested in a separate post about that, comment on here and let me know!
Overall, more than any of these other things, I think what propelled me the most is the fact that I truly love learning. I was a chemistry major and I graduated with a 4.0 if that tells you anything - I KNOW how to study. I basically turned all the studying I did in school into studying anything and everything photography related. I read tons of photography articles from the business side of things, to marketing, to all things social media, technical stuff, etc. etc. etc. I watched Youtube videos about editing and paid attention to all the tips my favorite photographers posted on their stories. I research locations and everything I need to know about shooting there. I really just want to learn as much as I can and continue growing no matter how "experienced" I get!
OKAYYYY. So I know that was a ton of information and if you read all the way through, THANK YOU! I hope this was at least a little bit helpful to someone. If you have any questions about anything or would like me to elaborate on something I mentioned, let me know with a comment or DM me on IG. :)


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All of MiTek's engineered building products are rigorously tested and retested to ensure they pass and in most cases, exceed Australian Standards.
Licensed MiTek fabricators can offer the builder or developer an all-of-house solution. They can be a one-stop-shop for all prefabrication needs, including everything from roof trusses and wall frames right through to flooring and engineered building products!
Don't take risks; don't take short cuts - insist on MiTek engineered & tested building products.


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Friday, October 21, 2011
Obama: The No Commutation of Sentence President
President Days before First Commutation of Sentence
----------- ---------------------------------------------------------
Obama 1,004 ... and counting
Clinton 672
Reagan 317
Eisenhower 282
Nixon 282
H.W. Bush 206
Carter 82
Ford (s) 61
Truman (s) 54
Johnson (s) 30
Kennedy 19
4 comments:
You always point out that (largely restoring the civil rights of persons who committed minor offenses decades ago) They still earned the pardon, just lucky enough to get it. I have followed your blog a long time, take a different approach rather than trying to shame the President into granting more pardons.
- October 22, 2011 at 9:11 PM
Editor:Anon, I hardly think my little blog would shame the President of the United States into doing much of anything. But, more importantly, you should know that my larger interest is in informing readers (and those interested) in context and comparative data. I think it is both important and fair to compare Obama's use (or non-use) of clemency powers in exact ways. Best,
- October 23, 2011 at 12:08 AM
I also have followed this blog for a few years and "I" THANK YOU MR.Ruckman for you taking your time to informing us readers, I have never felt MR Ruckman tries to use his blog to shame anyone in Govorment power to grant any pardon..If this blog was not avaliable for us then many would never know when pardons, Federal or State are given....Thank You
- October 23, 2011 at 3:57 PM
I am interested in the process by which the selection of those people whose sentences are to be commuted occurs. How do they apply for the consideration?
- April 17, 2014 at 4:09 AM
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RIVERSIDE, CA. – The Pomona-Pitzer Men's Cross Country team finished in 11th place at the Riverside 8K Invitational on Saturday afternoon.
The Sagehens ended the meet in 11th place overall but were first among Division III school that took part in the meet beating No. 23 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps who finished in 20th overall.
The Sagehens were led by Andy Reischling who ended in 19th place with a top-20 time of 24.37.9. Julian DeGroot-Lutzner finished with the second best Sagehen time in 48th overall at 25:03.8. Pomona-Pitzer had one more runner finish inside the top-100 with Jeremy Adams in 84th at 25:27.4.
The next four runners finished in a close group as Owen Woo took 103rd at 25:37.4, Carter Stripp in 110th at 25:43.1, Nicholas Vucovich in 111th at 25:43.3 and Hugo Ward in 119th at 25:49.7.
Rounding out the day for Pomona-Pitzer was Colin Mulligan in 162nd at 26:24.3 and Daniel Hill in 170th at 26:35.2.
The Sagehens had a few runners run in the 8K Open meet as well as Peter Davis finished in second among non-Division I schools with a time of 25:18.1 and Adam Becker took 10th at 25:38.2.
Daniel Rosen finished in 25th with a time of 26:11.2 and right behind him was Nathan Stringham who took 27th at 26:15.2. The Sagehens had two more runners finish inside the top-50 with Ethan Ashby in 36th at 26:29.5 and Gabriel Elliot in 41st at 26:33.4.
"The depth that we showed was impressive between the two races", said Head Coach Jordan Carpenter. "We had nine runners break 26 minutes. Being ranked 10th in the preseason poll brings some expectations and pressure to the season. Yesterday we proved that we can compete with the best teams in the country."
Up Next: The Sagehens will next run in the SCIAC Multi-Dual Meet at La Mirada Park on Friday, September 29th at 5:30 p.m.


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Changing your environment is the easiest and most powerful way to change your behavior.
Altering the things in your home and your office and carefully picking the people you spend time with will bring you greater and more effortless results than anything else.
But you're an objective, self-determined, independent, unique snowflake, you say? No, you're not.
- Those around you affect more of your behavior than you think. Poor fitness, car purchases, lateness, having children, charitable contributions, divorce and stupidity are all contagious.
- Your environment manipulates your decision-making more than you care to know as well. You act warmer when it's warmer and colder when it's colder. Context rules how you eat; you consume more when plates are bigger and food is closer. When you see kindness, you are kind. What you wear affects how you act.
- Sorry to squash the idea…
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Publisher Information
ReadySteadyBook is an independent (and highly-praised) book review website devoted to reviewing the very best books in literary fiction, poetry, history and philosophy.
We regularly review books - both backlist and frontlist, American and British - from publishers including Alma Books, Anvil Press Poetry, Arcadia Books, BFI, Bloodaxe, Cabanon Press, Calder Publications, Canongate, Carcanet, Constable, Continuum, Counterpoint, Dalkey Archive Press, Edinburgh University Press, Faber & Faber, Granta, Green Integer, Harper Collins, Harvard University Press, Harvill Secker, Hesperus, Jonathan Cape, Knopf, Little Brown, Manchester University Press, Menard Press, Methuen, MIT Press, New Directions, No Exit, Oxford University Press, Penguin, Persephone Books, Peter Owen, Picador, Pluto Books, Princeton University Press, Routledge, Salt Publishing, Saqi Books, Sceptre, Scribner, Seren, Serpent's Tail, Snowbooks, Thames & Hudson, Tindal Street, Trent Editions, University of Chicago Press, Verso, Vertical, Vintage, Wesleyan University Press, William Heinemann and Yale University Press (a number of smaller publishers are distributed by Turnaround - to request a Turnaround catalogue or to subscribe to their mailing list please visit the following link www.turnaround-psl.com/titleinfo.asp).
Our team of ReadySteadyBook reviewers is widely experienced and widely published, with a broad range of interests and knowledge. We will review books from any reputable publisher (and the occassional disreputable one too!). If you are a publisher and wish to have any of your books reviewed please send an email to us at email@example.com. We will endeavour to reply to your mail within 48 hours and, if we wish to review your book, we will do so normally within 60 working days of receiving it.
However, publishers and authors should please note the types of books that interest us here at ReadySteadyBook: literary fiction, poetry, history and philosophy. We do not review erotica, crime -- or most other "genre" -- fiction. We are big supporters of small and independent presses, but we do not review self-published books.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those publishers (and their remarkably pleasant, ever-helpful publicity and marketing folk) who continue to support our efforts -- thanks to all of you!


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The Novel Ideas are a country folk quintet of friends from the great state of Massachusetts. Featuring the voices of three different songwriters, The Novel Ideas create a blend of pastoral, harmony driven, and plaintive Americana. In 2014 they released a 10" single "Lost on the Road", featuring two new songs and marking the band's first effort as a five piece. The following couple years have been spent touring nationally, writing, and recording as a band. Their latest release, St. Paul Sessions, was recorded live in an old church in their hometown. It features six unreleased songs, and aims to capture the raw, live energy of their live performance. Notable performances include Sisters Folk Festival, Four Corners Folk Festival, Freshgrass Festival, Cayamo Cruise and have supported Lord Huron, The Oh Hellos, Little Green Cars, The Apache Relay and Darlingside.
"There's a certain kind of comfort...[they] provide in their music. Whether it's their soothing voices, their harmonies or their penchant for songwriting... [there's] a kind of talent that can't easily be ignored." - Baeble Music
"Homesickness, heartbreak, and longing...[they] sing about familiar themes with a particular beauty you don't find just anywhere...we dare you to listen to it and not feel anything." - Interview Magazine
"Their delicate style finds beauty in fragility… play[ing] liberally with their unique vocal palette, making for stunning harmonies…The Novel Ideas are following a promising path, offering an honest voice in a field where the art of unprocessed melodies has been all but forgotten" - Music Connection
"There is such a peaceful familiarity in The Novel Ideas' music. It feels accessible; not quite nostalgia, yet just as intimate." - WBUR


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Whip Your Memory Into Shape: Mind Strengthening Tricks
Memory loss does not have to be as dire and dreadful as society makes it seem. Many options are available for anyone experiencing a loss of memory sharpness and ability. This article will provide you with many ideas to sharpen your ability to retain information.
Play games that were designed for challenging your brain. These offer a fun way you can improve your memory. You can exercise your brain much the same way you exercise the rest of your body. With regular brain exercises and fun stimulation, you can enjoy greater mental elasticity and improved memory, along with many other helpful benefits. Good games that are known to boost memory are word searches, crossword puzzles and brain teasers.
Take at least a five minute break for each hour you work or study so that your mind can rejuvenate itself. Your brain will be able to retain new information more easily after a break.
Sticky Notes
You should write sticky notes if you are having a difficult time remembering things. Place them where you will notice then, for instance on your computer. Think of these sticky notes as an aid to your memory.
Stop focusing on the negatives and your memory will become faster and clearer. Research has shown that people who regularly experience negative thoughts are subject to more stress, which can also lead to poor memory skills. Speak with a medical professional about safe and effective methods for relieving stress.
Use a mnemonic in the form of a phrase, picture, or song to remember things that are particularly difficult to recall. Utilizing humorous elements in order to enliven the information will help you remember it down the road.
Your library should have a good selection of books on memory improvement that you can borrow. A lot of famous psychiatrists have published important studies about memory and proper brain function. A world of knowledge is available from these resources that you can apply to your personal life.
Exercise regularly to really improve your memory. Even a modest amount of daily exercise improves brain function.
Do not cram. When items need to be retained into memory, study sessions are useful. Don't try learning everything all at once. Your mind won't be able to keep track of everything, and before long, you'll forget the things you worked to learn. Create regular study sessions to get your brain into the habit of remembering.
You should use calendars, journals and other planning tools. Get yourself a day-planner and use it. Create a set schedule and consult it as often as needed. The act of recording this information and recalling it will improve your memory. It decreases your memory load and serves as insurance in case you forget what you need to do next.
Speak out loud as often as possible (without embarrassing yourself!) When you learn the name of someone, or something, repeat it aloud to commit it to your memory. When you say things out loud, you are helping ensure that the information sticks with you. Then, it is easier to remember at a later time. If no one else is around or you really need to remember the information, repeat it multiple times.
You will be less likely to develop a condition that causes memory loss if you have solid and healthy relationships with the people around you. Many studies show that being around people you love, for as little as a couple of hours per week, helps you to keep the area of your brain which helps you to recall memories, strong and healthy.
Develop a consistent study schedule to help improve your memory and learn the topic over a period of time. You will be able to think about how you can retain information. Studies have proven that a subject who divided their study time in different sessions memorized the information more efficiently than a subject who crammed the information in one session.
Making an outline of the materials you are trying to learn is a great way to boost your retention when you are studying. When you have the subjects you want to master organized in groups, it is easier to remember the things you want to learn. You do not have to specifically make a long outline, really any kind of grouping system will work.
Mnemonic Devices
You can use mnemonic devices that help you remember important information. When you do this, you pair current knowledge with new knowledge that you wish to recall easily. Mnemonic devices generally involve rhymes, jokes or songs and can be fun as a way to improve memory and take out some of the frustration of studying.
Paying attention is the best way to stave off memory loss. For example, if you meet someone, think of how to spell their name. For example, check with them whether they spell Jodie with an "ie" or a "y". Then, make a statement about their person's name in order to keep it in our memory. Sneak your memory tricks into conversations with others, and you will not have any issue recalling the information at a later point.
Don't study only the minimum that is necessary. Study more. If you master a topic, you will find it easier to remember information related to it. If you are attempting to memorize word definitions, for example, try to dissect the words into their root terms.
This is simply a part of the process of living. Instead, research memory and make use of the tips you learn, especially those laid out in this article, and you will be more comfortable with memory loss and maybe be able to turn some of it around.


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Wigit Boutique, Inc. carries over 200 different styles of wigs, (If you don't see your color, don't worry.....if we don't have it in stock, we can special order almost any wig in your color). In addition they also carry a large selection of hair pieces, toppers, bangs and hat hair; as well as hats, scarves and accessories to ensure you have a "Great Hair Day Every Day". Regardless of the extent of hair loss, Wigit Boutique, Inc. can help you find the product that best suits your needs. Most importantly, we'll help you discover a solution that will make you the most comfortable.
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and welcome back to another challenge on the Birthday Sundaes blog!
I am sponsoring this weeks challenge...I'm so excited!!!
What a gorgeous card!
I love your take on this challenge! The shape is neat and I love all the little embellies you added, the dress form is cool!
Love the shape of the card...so pretty! Fabulous embellies added to make a stunning card!
I hope to find time this week to enter the challenge...take care!:-)
Í love the shape of this card; and your embellishments; sigh.....That dressform is so so gorgeous. And so are your roses and crown. Wow!
Michelle I love this card!!! It is feminine and gorgeous... perfect for any woman. Love it!
Thanks for sponsoring this week's challenge! You are one of a kind!
So pretty Michelle. Love the great shape and the pretty embellishments.
All your cards are so pretty. Love the variety and how unique each one is.
Carson's Creations
Hi there, Michelle! Just wanted to let you know I'm passing the "Sweet Blog Award" to you. Please see my blog for details, thank you!:-)
Such a beautiful card! Love how you coordinated all the colors in such an elegant way. Love your style!
another amazing shabby chic card, michelle!
Wow! I love the baroque shape for the card!
Michelle, this card is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! WoW! I'm so glad to be working with you at Birthday Sundaes!


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Feb 10, 2003 (CIDRAP News) – The US Department of Agriculture has announced it will release a draft report this week on the risk of Listeria contamination of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products and will discuss the report at a public meeting Feb 26 in Washington, DC.
The draft risk assessment is a scientific examination of how deli meat and hot dogs can be contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species during production and packaging and on the effectiveness of various control steps.
"The draft risk assessment is an important step in developing new regulations for addressing Listeria monocytogenes," the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) stated in a Feb 7 news release. The report will be posted on the FSIS Web site (www.fsis.usda.gov) on or before Feb 14, officials said.
The FSIS has been working on the risk assessment for months. Its completion comes in the wake of a listeriosis outbreak that involved more than 50 illness cases and caused seven deaths in the Northeast last summer and fall. In October, Wampler Foods in Franconia, Pa., recalled more than 27 million pounds of turkey deli meat after Listeria found in a floor drain at the plant was matched to the outbreak strain.
As a result of the outbreak, the FSIS concluded that some plants were not doing enough to control bacterial contamination and that the agency's inspection and testing program also had fallen short. In November the FSIS announced that plants would have to conduct environmental tests for Listeria and show the results to FSIS or else the agency would increase its own testing at the plants.
But plants that produce ready-to-eat meats still are not required to do their own testing of either food-contact surfaces or finished products. Consumer groups have criticized the FSIS for not implementing a rule, proposed during the Clinton administration, to require such testing. But the agency has said it wants to complete the Listeria risk assessment before setting new regulations. In February 2001, the agency proposed a rule that would require ready-to-eat meat plants to either adopt specific Listeria controls or else test food-contact surfaces, according to a Feb 6 (2003) Federal Register notice.
The meeting to discuss the draft risk assessment is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb 27 at the Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle NW, in Washington. Written comments on the report can be sent to the FSIS Docket Room, Docket 03-005N, US Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 102, Cotton Annex Bldg, 300 12th St SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700.
Registration for the meeting will be on-site only, according to FSIS. Further information is available from Moshe Dreyfuss at 202-205-0260.
See also:
FSIS news release
Feb 6 Federal Register notice
Previous CIDRAP report on USDA plan to increase Listeria testing at deli-meat plants


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The Liar's Chair, a haunting psychological thriller that worms its way into your brain, takes hold, and won't let go, is the story of Rachel and David Teller. They run a highly successful business together; they live in a beautiful home; they are the model of upper-middle-class wealth and happiness. It's all a façade, but from the outside looking in, you wouldn't know it…until it happens.
Rachel is driving drunk, on her way home from her lover's apartment, when she hits and kills a homeless man. David, determined to hide her crime and protect their "perfect" life, destroys all the evidence and demands that Rachel act as though nothing happened. Rachel, though, is consumed by grief and guilt, and is determined to atone for her crime however she can. She must do so in secret to avoid David's wrath, but as time goes on and she learns more about the man she killed, her mind strains under the weight of her shame and she begins to get careless…
The Liar's Chair is a fantastic debut by Rebecca Whitney. The story was tense all the way through, and it went some places that I really didn't think it would go (how naïve of me…). If you want something that's going to keep you up at night—whether because you can't stop reading or because your mind keeps racing after you've stopped reading—The Liar's Chair is a good choice.
It was shockingly easy to get tangled up in Rachel's thoughts—I felt a little bit like my own mind was coming unraveled as I watched Rachel's do the same. I'd say about 90% of the book is Rachel's inner monologue; she carries the reader around in her head, and we are privy to her most private thoughts. What we are not always privy to are the actual events of the novel as they happen; many times, chapters begin with Rachel thinking about something that has happened between the end of the last chapter and the beginning of this one.
Living almost entirely in Rachel's head for the duration of the novel is what makes The Liar's Chair so intriguing. Hearing about an event in the past tense instead of living it through Rachel's eyes gives an interesting jump-cut feeling, as though Rachel—and, by extension, the reader—has experienced a blackout. Of course, this is certainly not out of the question for Rachel, the alcoholic pill-popper, but it was an interesting narrative choice nonetheless. And one that was certainly appropriate to the subject matter.
Like Rose Madder, The Liar's Chair is, at it's core, a portrait of an abusive relationship. While the relationships portrayed in each share very few similarities, the reality is that all abusive relationships are different, and there is no "perfect victim." The cycle of abuse is a scary, scary thing, and it's not easy to break—as Rachel Teller well knows. I'm going to include here the same notes and resources that I included in my review of Rose Madder; while I hope none of you will ever need them, I hope that they help you if you do.
There's been a lot of conversation surrounding the topic of domestic violence in the wake of high-profile celebrity cases in the past few years: Rihanna/Chris Brown, Ray/Janay Rice, Adrian Peterson. It's been a long time coming, and for it to finally be in the forefront of our minds is the first step to eliminating it. But it's no secret that we have a long way to go, and I want to use this review to remind everyone of a few things we should all remember about domestic abuse:
- Domestic abuse comes in all shapes and sizes. Some bruises don't show on the surface. Not all abuse is physical.
- Abusers often "gaslight" their victims by making them think that they're crazy, that their emotions are abnormal, and/or that things didn't happen the way the victim remembers them. This is part of what makes it so hard for victims to leave.
- Just because a couple looks happy on the outside, it doesn't mean that there isn't something going on behind the scenes. Don't assume a marriage is happy from its public face.
- Though victims of domestic violence are overwhelmingly female (or children), men can be victims, too. If you know a man who claims to be the victim of domestic abuse, don't dismiss his complaints as "unmanly" or tell him to "suck it up." There's a reason that men hardly ever report being abused.
- If you know someone who is being abused, or you are being abused, there are many resources at your disposal. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) at 1-800-656-HOPE. Here's a list of additional resources you can contact.


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Posts Tagged 'attic'
248-252 Sloane Street. Goulburn, New South Wales
The first in our regional series on Goulburn in New South Wales, this impressive row of three impressive row of three consisting of two triple storey with attic and one single storey currently operates as the Alpine Heritage Motel. It was once a symmetrical arrangement of four terrace houses built in 1872 and modified in 1880. In 1893, the separate houses were conjoined to become a temperance hotel known as "Metropolitan Coffee Palace"1 and later "Stock's Coffee Palace".2 The terrace to the left was demolished at a later date and an attic level was added during conversion to accommodation in the 1990s.
52-60 Argyle Place, Millers Point. Sydney, New South Wales
Although it has the outward appearance of the 1880s, this row of five Victorian era terraces is one of Sydney's earliest, dating as far back as 1842. They were recently sold by NSW public housing for a handsome sum of money to private owners. The terraces were built by whaler Charles Grimes in the early 1840s and were depicted in artist Conrad Marten's work in 1843. The row was completed sometime around 1848 and were originally modest shingle roofed cottages with single storey verandahs and originally had uninterrupted harbour views.1
115-121 Kent Street, Millers Point. Sydney, New South Wales
This flatly laid out Italianate row of four double storey terraced houses could almost be mistaken for a typical Melbourne terrace if not for the discrete attic dormer profiles projecting above the parapet. One interesting aspect of the layout is the end terrace at 115 has a noticeably narrower profile and very subtle and skilled modifications have been made to the design to adjust.
29-33 Berry Street, Spring Hill. Brisbane, Queensland
I became aware of this small but tall row of unnamed terrace houses when Today Tonight did a story on them. Hidden in a small lane off Wickham Terrace, they are currently owned by Astor Hotel Apartments and hired out as budget accommodation. According to the segment, some guests were not happy with their apparent poor interior condition.
Bridget Goggs Terrace: Brisbane Street, Ipswich. Queensland (demolished 1936)
Built in 1858 by Matthew Goggs, this row of five single storey brick terraces with attic level is one of the few built in a Queensland provincial city. The photo was taken just prior to its demolition in 1936, however even then the row was showing its age. In the 1860s Ipswich, a booming mining town, rivaled penal Brisbane in terms of importance and many grand homes and terraces anticipated its further growth. However history shows that Brisbane became the colony's capital, quickly outgrew and absorbed Ipswich in its rapidly expanding western suburbs.
11-17 Walker Street, Lavender Bay. Sydney, New South Wales
Actually a pair of two identical double storey semi detached sets of terraces with an original attic level, this symmetrical row marches up a hill overlooking Sydney Harbour and is an interesting combination of Italianate and French Second Empire styles. (Photo by: Sardaka licenced under (CC-SA))


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When a child falls over and cuts themselves in the playground, headteachers brace themselves for a writ from the parents. If a medical test for cancer is delayed, the standard response from patients is to sue.
But instead of making Britain a safer place - the expressed intention of most litigants - the "litigation culture" is instead making it less safe, according to a report published today.
The threat of litigation is undermining professionalism, reducing transparency and increasing the financial burden on public services such as health and education while increasing discomfort, inconvenience and anxiety for those who use them.


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February 20, 2019 04:35 PM | by The Fustany Team
Video: Try Not to Cry When You See the Oscars Most Memorable Moments
Go down the memory lane with us to see the Oscars unforgettable moments, the happy ones, the sad ones, and even the funny ones. Remember when Leonardo DiCaprio won his first and long-awaited Oscar statuette? Well, we do, and we remember how emotional and happy we felt for Leo. We also remember Julia Roberts' iconic speech when she won for the first time in 2001 and her hysterical laugh.
From Sidney Poitier's historical Oscars speech to the most tweeted selfie ever, watch 20 of the Oscars most memorable moments ever in the video below...
But first let's talk about some of our favorite 2018 Oscar moments that caught us off guard with shock, laughter and emotion.
All eyes were on Jennifer Lawrence for her spontaneity and quirkiness on the red carpet and in the hall, as the cameras caught her as she climbed between the chairs during commercial breaks.
Helen Mirren on a jet Ski? On the Oscars stage? Yeah. That happened. The Jet Ski represented a gift she and the host, Jimmy Kimmel, would present to the actor with the shortest acceptance speech.
Everyone was moved by Gary Oldman's Oscar win. His incredible career and performance has touched so many of us for years. So it was a pivotal moment last year to watch him win his second Oscar nomination.
Now don't miss out on the video below! We cry every time we see it...
For more Oscars 2019 coverage keep following our Oscars tag.