text: Seller: zoomonline (804,663) 99.5%, Location: Aylesbury, United Kingdom, Ships to: EuropeanUnion, Item: 293168066051 Home Blu-ray DVD Music Merchandise Zoom > Avengers: Endgame [DVD] Avengers: Endgame [DVD] Description The grave course of events set in motion by Thanos that wiped out half the universe and fractured the Avengers ranks compels the remaining Avengers to take one final stand in Marvel Studios' grand conclusion to twenty-two films, "Avengers: Endgame.ProductAvengers: Endgame [DVD]Based on:The Marvel Comics charactersFormat:DVDCatalogue No:BUA0302001Studio:Walt Disney Studios Home Ent.Certification:12Release Date:2019-09-02Region:Region 2Duration:173 minutesDiscs:1 disc(s)Produced (year):2019Colour:ColourExtras:DVD 9|Language(s): English, Hungarian|Hard of Hearing Subtitles: English|Subtitles: Greek, Hungarian|Interactive Menu|Screen ratio 1:2.39|Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital 2.0 Delivery All items ordered before 12.00 will be dispatched within 24 Hours (excludes weekends and bank holidays. If you experience any issues with delivery, please contact us using the details below. How will I know when my order has been sent? As soon as your order is despatched from our Warehouse you will be sent an email to confirm that it's on its way. From that time we would expect you to receive your order within 3-5 working days. Once my order has been dispatched when will I receive it? From the time you receive your despatch confirmation email we would expect you to receive your order within 3-5 working days for deliveries within the UK. Please note you should allow 10 working days for delivery inside the UK before contacting us about your missing order. Do you charge for delivery? Delivery within the UK is free. What do I do if I have not received my order? Should your order not arrive within 10 days please contact us so that we can investigate with the delivery company. Please remember that we cannot investigate any missing orders until 10 working days after despatch. One of the items is missing from my order. What do I do? All items are despatched individually, in separate packaging. Sometimes items that are ordered on the same day may arrive with you on different days. We will send you an email to let you know when each item is on its way. What happens if I am not at home to accept my delivery? Most of the products on our site do not require you to be at home to take delivery as they will fit through your letterbox. In the event that you have ordered a product which will not fit through your letterbox, and you are not in to take delivery, then the postal service will follow their usual procedure. For UK orders this usually means a card is left to notify you of an attempted delivery and the item will be held at your local sorting office. For items attempted for delivery by a courier service they will also leave a card and allow you to arrange for redelivery or collection. Which countries do you deliver to? We deliver within the UK (no delivery charge) Am I able to change the delivery address to something other than my registered PayPal address? At the moment we are unable to deliver to an alternative address. All items will be posted to your PayPal address. Do you deliver on Bank Holidays? Bank Holidays are not classed as working days so we don't include these in our estimated delivery times. In this instance you should expect delivery on the next working day. Returns Here at Zoom Online we want you to be 100% happy with your purchase, and we'll do everything we can to make sure you are. If you would like to return a product to us, please email us If you live within the UK and are unhappy with your purchase you can return it to us within 30 days of the item being dispatched to you for a full refund*. returns or issue a refund) Please note that DVDs and Blu-rays that have been opened or have had their shrink-wrap removed are not eligible for return. PLEASE BE AWARE WE DO NOT ACCEPT RETURNS FROM THE EU FOR GOODS NO LONGER REQUIRED IF NOT FAULTY UNLESS THE COST OF RETURN IS PAID FOR BY THE CUSTOMER RETURNING IT I have received my item but I no longer require it? If you are unhappy with your purchase you can return it to us within 30 days of the item being dispatched to you for a full refund . Please note that DVDs and Blu-Rays that have been opened or have had their shrink-wrap removed are not eligible for return. All products for return MUST HAVE a Returns Authorisation (RA) number sent by the customer services team prior to returning. I have received an item that I didn't order. Apologies, our mistake! You can return the item to us within 30 days of the item being dispatched to you for a full refund. I have received my item but it's damaged / faulty. What should I do? If your item has arrived damaged or is faulty then we will endeavour to put this right as soon as possible, either by sending a replacement item to you or refunding your account. If we ask for the item to be returned to us, then Zoom.co.uk will pay for the cost of the return via a pre-paid label .In the unlikely event that your order is received damaged or faulty all you need to do is contact us within 30 days of the item being dispatched to you and we will provide you with the relevant returns information. How do I return an item? To arrange a return please contact us and we will be more than happy to arrange this for you. All you need to tell us is which item you wish to return and the reason why. We will then issue you with the Returns address, specific to that item, along with your unique Returns Authorisation (RA) number. When will I receive my refund/replacement? We will process your refund / replacement as soon as your item is received back into our warehouse. Replacements are subject to availability and if not available a refund will be given instead. THIS WILL BE VIA FREEPOST and there will be no charge to you. If I live outside the UK and have a faulty product can I return it? Please email us and explain the issue and we will sort out a replacement. Condition: New, MPN: BUA0302001, Brand: Walt Disney Studios, Format: DVD, Release Year: 2019, Genre: Action & Adventure, Rating: 12A/12, Certificate: 12A/12, DVD Edition Year: 2019, Sub-Genre: Adventure, Region Code: DVD: 2 (Europe, Japan, Middle East...)


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Nelson Mandela, the face of the struggle for social justice in South Africa, constantly stressed the importance of his fellow leaders during the anti-Apartheid movement.
Denis Goldberg, a white South African, was one of those compatriots. Goldberg was tried alongside Mandela at the Rivonia Trial in the 1960s, and both men were sentenced to imprisonment for their political activism.
But Goldberg says the 22 years he spent behind bars with Madiba were not filled with dreams and discussions of victory and fame. Rather, they were immersed in the immediacy of the battle for freedom.
"One doesn't have that kind of discussion," he says. "What you are doing is working together to achieve a vision. And the vision was a South Africa free of racism by law, which was apartheid.
"We were going to get rid of it. That was the vision. I can only speak for myself, but I don't think we expected to survive. We hoped to. We really hoped to. But the vision was a free South Africa. The prize was the freedom."
Mandela admits, and wrote in his book, that he came to politics late in life. But he had a knack for it.
His goal, Goldberg says, was always to negotiate a political settlement to end apartheid. And Mandela was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, the famed Indian activist who called for non-violent protests — theories Gandhi developed while in South Africa.
But Mandela was willing to take up arms when it came down to it.
"For Nelson Mandela and his colleagues, to take a step away from [non-violence], and to convince people of the necessity of that struggle, and to convince the court and many white South Africans and the world of the justice of our cause, was a remarkable feat," Goldberg says. "This was the greatness of the man."

subset: commoncrawl


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5 South-of-the-Border Cocktail Recipes From West of Pecos in San Francisco
Get the Recipes
When you think "Southwestern food" and "cocktails," your mind likely goes to an over-sized, frozen margarita, that's about half bad tequila, half sugar. At least, that's where mine went, until I tried the cocktails at San Francisco's West of Pecos. The restaurant is one of the city's few spots dedicated to Southwestern cuisine and culture (no, Chevy's does not count), and they're putting as serious an emphasis on the drinks as on the food.
That means whole-fish fajitas, a green chili cheese burger wrapped in a pillowy fresh tortilla, and sticky, messy ribs. As for those drinks? They're just the thing to pair with your next summer barbecue, or any spicy dish laced with peppers and fresh sweet corn. Fortunately, we've got the recipes for 5 of the cocktails, thanks to bar manager Brent Butler.
"The idea was to pair drinks well with the food, and keep the Southwestern-North American spirit," bar manager Brent Butler told us. Butler, who formerly was the manager at Castro bar Blackbird, landed the gig at the recently opened Valencia Street hot spot quickly. Run by the MacNiven brothers (of the Woodhouse Fish Company), Pecos is their first restaurant with a full bar program.
That means drinks that highlight the variations in well-crafted tequilas, mezcals, and whiskies. But this serious cocktail menu has a playful side, as well. You can order the requisite margaritas (there's a prickly pear version, too) by the pitcher, or simply go for the Grandote, a fresh cucumber margarita for two that's served in a heavy glass goblet with two straws. Or throw back a cowboy cup, or three, of the dangerously drinkable Pecos Punch, currently featuring fresh muddled cantaloupe.
Mostly, Butler wants to keep things simple, and delicious.
"I've gone through all that barrel-aging, tincture crap—and it doesn't necessarily make the drinks taste better," he says. "I wanted to simplify things a bit. The drinks should have clean, strong flavors, but shouldn't require a dissertation."
This attitude makes them perfect cocktails to make at home—they don't require too many ingredients (or that dissertation), but prove to be flavorful, delicious, and unique. There's a tequila variation of a Manhattan and a mezcal-infused take on a Negroni, both perfect for enjoying on your back porch with some green chili queso.
Learn more about the drinks and get the recipes in the slideshow above.
Go Straight to the Recipes
Cortez the Killer »
Rodeo Ghost »
Grandote (Para Dos) »
Vagabond »
Pecos Punch »
West of Pecos
550 Valencia Street, San Francisco CA 94114 (map) 415-252-7000; westofpecos.com
Get the Recipes
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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Dutch Christians Help Troubled Israeli Youth
Sunday, May 18, 2014 | Israel Today Staff
The pro-Israel Dutch organization Christians for Israel this week presented a state-of-the-art mobile sales van for use by at-risk adolescent girls enrolled in the Eden Association rehabilitation program.
The van will be the centerpiece of a new project called "Vafelina" - a play on the Hebrew form of the word "waffle" - in which girls involved in the program learn to run a self-sustaining business.
The van will operate within Eden Residential Treatment Center at Kibbutz Carmia in southern Israel, where the Vafelina girls will sell Dutch-style syrup waffles, cookies, ice cream, coffee and soft drinks.
A statement by Christians for Israel said of the endeavor:
"The tools and skills that the girls gain in the venture significantly strengthen their self-image, abilities and assist their future integration to the Israeli job market."
Mr. Ruud van Ginkel, who headed a delegation from Christians for Israel's business platform, said at the donation ceremony:
"…the girls of Eden are part of this prophecy [regarding the restoration of Israel]. You are the Chosen People and you are living in the Promised Land. We, as Christians, are connected to you by the same Lord. Christians all over the world are praying for you… We see it as a privilege to be here and to see that there is an organization like Eden that gives the young people who had been neglected or abused, a new start in life. …We hope and pray that many girls are going to realize that they are valuable and that this project will help them to become a good members of Israeli society."
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THE PRIVATE LIFE: WHY WE REMAIN IN THE DARK by Josh Cohen – review [1]
News From:
Jonathan Derbyshire on the collapse of the distinction between public and private
What is at work is a powerful vision of a world without inwardness, one in which the external record of a life is the same as our experience of it. He quotes something the science writer John Brockman said about the "collective externalised mind" promised by the internet. For Brockman, that's not dystopia, it's utopia. Yet, as Cohen points out, there's another name for it: "totalitarianism"–the slogan of the Khmer Rouge, for example, was "Destroy the garden of the individual".
Cohen suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy, which has grown dramatically in popularity in recent years, nourishes a similar fantasy of total liberation from the burden of the inner life. What many people find so threatening about psychoanalysis, by contrast, is its insistence that the self is never whole. It tells us that our best hope, as Cohen writes at the end of this unsettling book, lies in accepting that part of us will forever remain in the dark.
[ED. NOTE: The phrase "collective externalised mind"(above) is from the Introduction to DIgerati: Encounters with the Cyber Elite [3], 1996.]


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Kim Kardashian & Carmen Electra Wrestling Scene In Movie "Disaster Move"!
Here is a little clip of Carmen Electra and Kim Kardashian wrestling in their latest movie Disaster Movie. Coming out Labor Day Weekend. Courtesy of Red Balcony
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USB-C to USB-A Adapter Cable - M/F - 6in - USB 3.0 - USB-IF Certified
Connect your USB Type-C laptop to a USB legacy peripheral device, with this durable adapter
Product ID: USB31CAADP
- USB-IF Certified
- Simple connections through a reversible USB Type-C connector, which plugs into your device with either side facing up
- Thunderbolt 3 port compatible
- Guaranteed reliability with our 2-year warranty
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Have you purchased a new device that only came equipped with a USB Type-C™ or Thunderbolt™ 3 port, such as a laptop or tablet? Do you need to connect to older USB 3.0 or 2.0 devices?
This USB-C™ to USB-A adapter makes it easy to connect USB 3.0 and 2.0 devices to new USB-C devices. Simply plug the adapter into the USB Type-C port to turn it into a USB Type-A port, and you're ready to connect your older devices. The adapter is compatible with USB 3.0 enabled computers, such as the Dell Latitude 11 5000 2-in-1, and more.
Provide superior connections with a USB-IF certified adapter
The adapter has undergone rigorous compliance testing and is certified by USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum) to meet all USB 3.0 specifications. This includes all environmental, electrical and mechanical standards, which ensures a reliable, high-quality connection for all of your USB-C devices.
The USB31CAADP is backed by StarTech.com's 2-year warranty for guaranteed reliability.
Note: USB 3.0 is also known as USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps).
- Connect older USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 devices to newer USB 3.1 laptops or computers equipped with USB Type-C ports, such as the Dell Latitude 11 5000 2-in-1, and more
Product Numbers
Tech Data
Ingram Micro USA
UPC Code
Technical Specifications
|Warranty Information
|2 Years
|Cable Jacket Material
|PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride
|Cable Shield Material
|Aluminum-Mylar Foil with Braid
|Connector Plating
|Type and Rate
|USB 3.0 - 5 Gbit/s
|Connector A
|1 - USB Type-C (24 pin) USB 3.0 (5Gbps) Male
|Connector B
|1 - USB Type-A (9 pin) USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) Female
|Operating Temperature
|0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F)
|Storage Temperature
|-10°C to 70°C (14°F to 158°F)
|Physical Characteristics
|Cable Length
|6 in [152.4 mm]
|Product Height
|0.4 in [1 cm]
|Product Length
|6 in [152.4 mm]
|Product Width
|0.7 in [1.7 cm]
|Weight of Product
|0.5 oz [15 g]
|Packaging Information
|Package Height
|0.5 in [12 mm]
|Package Length
|8.9 in [22.5 cm]
|Package Quantity
|Package Width
|4.9 in [12.5 cm]
|Shipping (Package) Weight
|0.7 oz [20 g]
|What's in the Box
|Included in Package
|1 - USB 3.1 USB-C to USB-A Adapter
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Before You Buy
USB-C is a type of USB connector that is capable of supporting the following:
- Data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps, if you use USB 3.1.
- Bi-directional power delivery up to 100W, if both the USB host connection and the device support it.
- Alternate modes, which deliver different types of data at different speeds. For example, DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode).
If using Thunderbolt 3 over USB-C, the connection is capable of additional features. For example, Thunderbolt 3 is capable of 40Gbps of total bandwidth. For more information, refer to the following FAQ: https://www.startech.com/faq/thunderbolt-3-port-capabilities.
Not all USB-C ports or devices are capable of supporting all of the features listed above, or all of the features at the maximum capabilities. If you require a specific USB-C feature, your USB host connection, cables, and device must all support the feature that you require. For more information about whether your components support specific USB-C features, refer to the information provided by the manufacturers.
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- If Class 1 Laser Product. Laser radiation is present when the system is open.
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- Product installation and/or mounting should be completed by a certified professional as per the local safety and building code guidelines.
- Cables (including power and charging cables) should be placed and routed to avoid creating electric, tripping or safety hazards.
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USB-C to USB-A Adapter Cable - M/F - 6in - USB 3.0 - USB-IF Certified
Product ID: USB31CAADP


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....and I will.
But, for now--Happy six months, my unbelievably wonderful baby girl. This Momma knows how blessed she is....
....and I will.
I know you're having an awesome vacation. But I miss my Dev!! Thanks for at least posting a pic of Lola. Good gravy is she ever cute.
Is she really 6 months old already??
Time flies and she's like totally cute!!!
It makes the Lord happy when we count our blessing.
You make Him happy!
Sooooo precious!!! Love her. Heart hurt precious she is. Happy 6 months you sweet girl!
Enjoy dear friend. Enjoy.


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Sarah Worthington King Peter was born on May 10, 1800, in Chillicothe, Ohio. Her father was Thomas Worthington, an Ohio senator. In 1816 she married Edward King, the son of Rufus King, who was a New York senator, and later, U.S. minister to Great Britain. Coming from a strong political background she had advantages that were unusual for a woman of her time, and she did not let those go to waste. In 1831, Sarah and Edward moved from Chillicothe to Cincinnati, Ohio. The couple had two sons and remained together until Edward's death in 1836.
Following Edward's death, she moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts to be closer to her sons while they studied at Harvard. Once they graduated Sarah settled in Philadelphia, where she met William Peter, the British consul to the city. They were married in 1844. Sarah Peter always had an affinity for philanthropy and the arts, as well as a prominent social position, and in Philadelphia she continued her charitable efforts. In 1848 she founded the Philadelphia School of Design for Women in a spare room of her house on 3rd and Spruce Streets. The mission of the school was to "instruct young girls, who have to support themselves, in the arts of drawing, design, and wood engraving, in the belief that they will be able to succeed in these branches of home industry, not only for their own benefit, but also for the benefit of American manufacturers…"[1] Mr. Peter died in 1853, at which time Sarah moved back to Cincinnati. There she started the Ladies' Academy of Fine Arts, modeled after PSDW, which grew into the Cincinnati Academy of Fine Arts. The academy and the collections she amassed from her travels in Europe together played a formative role in the development of the Cincinnati Museum of Art. She died in Cincinnati on February 6, 1877.
[1] Theodore C. Kmauff, An Experiment in Training for the Useful and the Beautiful, (Philadelphia: Philadelphia School of Design for Women, 1922) , 8-13.


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Lanceur de javelot, Heiva 2016, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Ile de Tauata, Marquises, Mars 2017
Atuona, Hiva Hoa, Mars 2017
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Tiare Tahiti flower, Moorea, French Polynesia, March 2017
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Juicy J - Money Balls / Workout
juicy j money balls prod by lil lody / JUICY J WORKOUT PROD BY LEXLUGER
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Anais Sterling Silver Bee Charm EX196
Range - Nature
Style - Charms
Material - Sterling Silver and White Topaz
All Hot Diamonds products are perfectly presented in Hot Diamonds packaging with a gift bag and box. Hot Diamonds guarantees the entire range of branded products with a full warranty, covering manufacturing and material defaults for a period of up to one year from the date of purchase. Please keep your receipt as proof of purchase.
Free Standard UK Delivery on all orders, other delivery options available.
You can return an item to us for either exchange or refund within 14 days of receiving it.
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Installing SQL Server 2008
The installation process for SQL Server 2008 has many different options. These options allow you more control over your SQL Server Instance configuration. Having this additional control allows you to set up your SQL Server 2008 instances out of the box with the appropriate configuration, like directory structure, accounts, etc. In this article I'll walk you through the SQL Server installation process.
Machine Set Up
Prior to installing SQL Server 2008 you need to make sure your SQL Server machine will meet the requirements for SQL Server 2008. There are many different requirements that your SQL Server 2008 machine must meet depending on what version of SQL Server you are installing and the base operating system you are going to use. It is out of the scope of this article to describe all the different machine setups and dependences. Prior to installing SQL Server 2008 you should review the following webpage to identify the correct machine setup for your environment: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143506.aspx.
Initial Setup Process
When you first stick the SQL Server 2008 CD into your drive it will automatically startup the setup process for SQL Server 2008. If the setup doesn't start then find the "setup.exe" file and run it. When the setup process starts it will check your machine to make sure the .Net Framework and an updated copy of Windows Installer are on your machine. If these are not on your machine then setup will require that these be installed first before you can install SQL Server 2008. The setup process will walk you through installing these prerequisites if they are not already installed. If you have to install them a reboot will be required before you can perform the actual install of SQL server 2008. Once your machine has all the prerequisites installed the setup process will bring up the following window:
On this window you can see you have a number of different hyperlinks you can use. There is a navigation pane on the left that has different SQL Server 2008 items you can pick from and on the right pane are the items associated with the selected left pane item. In my case I have the "Planning" item selected. Note it is displayed in bold font. To install SQL Server 2008 I will need to click on the "Installation" item. When I do that the following screen is displayed:
On this window you can also do a number of different things related to installing SQL Server. For the purpose of this article I will be going through the first item "New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation" item to create a brand new SQL Server 2008 instance.
Page 1 of 2
This article was originally published on November 20, 2009
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TEs: Packers offseason by position
Players under contract
Ryan Taylor
North Carolina
Jake Stoneburner
Ohio State
Brandon Bostick
Unrestricted free agents
Jermichael Finley
Andrew Quarless
Penn State
The good news: There were times last season when it was hard to tell No. 88 and No. 86 apart from afar, and you didn't have to be a fortysomething sportswriter whose eyesight was suddenly starting to worsen. After spending the 2012 season on the practice squad, Bostick made the roster coming out of training camp and patterned his game after Finley's. With similar size, athleticism and a basketball background – Finley, you'll recall, went to the University of Texas thinking he'd be allowed to play football and basketball before coach Mack Brown put the kibosh on that idea – the former small-school hoopster even wore similar receiving gloves and ran his routes like his quasi-big brother. Now, with Finley's future in doubt after a career-threatening neck injury suffered Oct. 20 against Cleveland and ensuing single-fusion cervical spine surgery, Bostick could be in line for a major role in the offense in 2014. He saw action in 11 games last season, catching seven passes for 120 yards and a touchdown before a foot injury suffered at Dallas on Dec. 15 ended his season and required surgery.
Despite his potential, though, Bostick is far from a finished product.
"Brandon is a very speedy, stretch-the-field vertically type of player. He does have a big body, but he has to learn how to use that big body," tight ends coach Jerry Fontenot said. "He hasn't had a lot of experience in run blocking. He did make some strides this year. He does everything that we ask him to do. … It's just a matter of developing him fundamentally as much as we can. I think he's a guy that can definitely have an impact."
The bad news: What had once been a position of strength is now one of uncertainty. Two years ago, the Packers carried five tight ends on the roster, and when they called Stoneburner up from the practice squad five days before Finley suffered a bruised spinal cord against the Browns, they had five on the 53. Now, though, it's hard to say what will happen at the position. Even had Finley's injury never happened, he still might've played his final down in Green Bay because he was off to a terrific start (25 receptions, 300 yards, three touchdowns) and might've priced himself out of Green Bay with the kind of season he appeared to be on his way to having. Now, the unrestricted free agent may never play football again. Although he was working Radio Row at the Super Bowl talking about being cleared for full football drills – including contact – soon, it will be interesting to see how various teams' medical staffs view him. If he gains medical clearance, there's little doubt that he still has a bright football future in front of him, as he'll turn 27 on March 26. If he does not return to Green Bay – whether it's because of the injury or because he signs elsewhere – he will be missed.
"I think production-wise, we obviously felt an impact there without Jermichael," Fontenot said. "Because, you know, to ask anybody to get the yards after catch and yards after contact that he gets is probably not fair. I thought that, overall, as far as we wanted our drop percentage down, and that was definitely down. Protection-wise, I thought we did a good job. Run game-wise, I think we can do better [as blockers]. Other than that, I think that the guys did a good job of helping each other out. Andrew did a great job of taking the young guys and helping them along, and Ryan, as well. In terms of that, I thought that they picked up the slack."
The big question: Finley's loss was certainly significant, but both times he's suffered season-ending injuries – in 2010 (knee) and last season – Quarless was the guy who filled the void. The trajectory of Quarless' career was clearly upward after an unexpectedly productive season as Finley's replacement as a rookie on the Super Bowl XLV-winning 2010 team, but a horrific knee injury in December 2011 has proven difficult for Quarless to overcome. He missed the entire 2012 season as a result – starting the year on the physically unable to perform list, then being added to the 53-man roster before ending up on injured reserve without having played a snap – and admitted last season that he was still working his way back to his pre-injury form. He ended up playing in all 16 games with 10 starts, registering 32 catches for 312 yards (9.8 avg.) and two TDs, all of which were career bests. It will be interesting to see what his market will be come March.
"I think he's got more in the tank, and we talked about that throughout the season," Fontenot said. "I think that he's made strides in being a better receiver and understanding where he needs to be on the field at any given point. As with anything, you always work on consistency. Having to switch between quarterbacks throughout the year probably had an impact as well. The receivers are always in conversation with the quarterbacks and kind of fine-tuning details as far as where quarterbacks want them at any particular point.
"Overall, I thought we made strides in the right direction. But I think we have more in the tank."
Offseason outlook: If both Finley and Quarless depart, the opportunity for Taylor will be enormous. A 2011 seventh-round pick, Taylor caught the eye of quarterback Aaron Rodgers early on but has yet to find a niche in the offense beyond serving as a blocker at the end of the line of scrimmage or motioning into the backfield. In three seasons, he's caught only eight passes, and six of those came last season. A key contributor on the special teams coverage and blocking units, his most memorable offensive play in a game that counted – he did have a late touchdown catch from Graham Harrell in a come-from-behind preseason victory at Indianapolis in 2011 – was his drop against Detroit on Oct. 6 on what likely would have been a touchdown. A knee injury and a limited offensive role thereafter prevented him from atoning. He'll be entering a contract year in 2014 and if the opportunity presents itself, he needs to embrace it. Stoneburner, too, is an interesting prospect who will benefit from an offseason in the program.
"Jake is a very smart player. He works well with the quarterback. Whenever you have a guy that can handle things mentally in our offense, you're going to give yourself a chance to succeed," Fontenot said. "I think that moving forward, I'll be excited to work with him next year."
All that said, the bottom line is the Packers' offense functions much better with a significant receiving threat at tight end. Whether that player is Finley, Bostick, another holdover or an offseason acquisition via the draft or free agency, with Rodgers at quarterback and a running game with the potential to be among the NFL's best with Eddie Lacy, Fontenot believes it's vital.
"I would say so, yeah," he said. "With the quarterback and running back that we have, yes."
Next: Offensive line.
– Jason Wilde


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YAR GX1 Wide Body
Over several years of testing GolfTest USA has determined that when subjective and objective ratings from our Test Administrators and the golfers taking the test are combined the overall rating is a very accurate indication of the actual performance of any particular golf product. There is only a small difference in the ratings yet even a couple of percentage points difference from one club to another is significant enough to indicate a club that performs at a superior level to other clubs.
Categories: Putter Ratings, Putter Test- 2011.
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It's been two months now since I had my EPI-LASIK surgery and I have to say I'm extremely happy with the result. I'm beginning to see things clearly now and have a different perspective on things!
EPI-LASIK isn't like the traditional LASIK where they cut a slit in your cornea and operate with laser behind the lid. Instead, EPI-LASIK operates straight on the surface of the eye. This means that it's much safer (no need to cut in the eye!), and as a result, you don't risk cutting the nerves that control eye fluids, something which tends to make LASIK patients suffer from dry eyes. More info about EPI-LASIK can be found here (warning: marketing material).
To anyone who is considering going through this procedure, here's a bit of info on how it works and what to expect:
- The actual surgery was completely painless and not at all as scary as I thought. The machine handled everything itself, and the only thing the doctor actually did was dropping cooling and disinfecting drops into the eyes before and after the laser did its job.
- After the laser was done, they put a protective contact lens on the eye. Immediately after the surgery, I could see much better than I could without glasses before.
- About 20 minutes after the surgery, the eyes started to itch and I became sensitive to light.
- The following 48 hours were pretty tough with tears running down my cheeks, extreme light sensitivity and itching/painful eyes. I spent most of the time just lying in bed listening to music with my eyes shut. (Christina Aguilera's Hurt was played more often that I would like to admit; maybe my state of mind made me more receptive to emotional lyrics?)
- After these 48 hours, I woke up with essentially no pain at all. It felt a bit like wearing contact lenses for too many hours, which of course was exactly the case too, since I had to wear the protective contact lens for about five days.
- I was still sensitive to light during the third day, but on day four it was all gone.
- After five days (the day before Christmas Eve), I visited the optician again and could finally remove the protective contact lens. From there on, it was as if the surgery never happened!
This is easily the best investment I've ever done to myself (aside from making Sofie my girlfriend). So far, the vision hasn't really stabilized, and some days my left eye is better than the right, and then the next day it has changed. I still don't see perfectly, but it's good enough that I almost never think about it. If Ken pushed me to give a number, I'd say my vision is at 97% right now.
According to the doctor, the healing process can take up to a whole year, so it's too early to tell what the end result will be — we will see! But even if it doesn't get any better than this, it's still better than I had with contact lenses, and without the dry eyes and hassle of taking them in and out of your eyes every day.
See you later!


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380 Kensington High Street
London, W14 8N
380 Kensington High Street
London, W14 8N
To receive the special rate of £ 179 per night, you may BOOK HERE
The perfect base in London's fashionable Kensington, Hilton London Olympia is just a five-minute walk from Kensington (Olympia) station, and ten minutes from Earl's Court and High Street Kensington tube stations — offering easy access into the city center.
The Heathrow Express rail service runs to London's Paddington Station, where you can take a taxi directly to the London Hilton Olympia hotel. The Gatwick Express rail service runs directly to London's Victoria Station, where taxis are also available for the 10 minute car journey.
From Heathrow Airport: Take the Piccadilly Line (dark blue) to Earl's Court - 10 minute walk to the hotel. Take the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station, then District (Green) or Circle (Yellow) lines to Earl's Court - then 10 minute walk.
From Gatwick Airport: Take the Gatwick Express to London Victoria Station. Then either get a taxi to the Hotel, or London Underground, District Line (Green) or Circle Line (Yellow) to Earl's Court - then 10 minute walk
The Hotel is a 5 minute walk from Kensington Olympia Overground Station and 10 minutes walking from Earls Court (District (Green) and Piccadilly (Dark Blue) line or High Street Kensington (District (Green) and Circle (Yellow) lines) stations. London Underground Map
The following buses stop near the Hilton Hotel Olympia:
Bus Stop C - 9, 23, 27, 28 Bus Stop L - 9, 23, 27, 28 Bus Stop M - 49 Bus MAP
If you require a Visa invitation please email: email@example.com Include the following: Passport Name & Number, Address, Phone Number, Class Dates and Approximate Travel. The invitation letter will be created quickly! EJG! Thank you!
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At around midday for about 2 hours
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Economist Caution: Prepare For 'Massive Wealth Destruction'
Tuesday, 05 Nov 2013
Take immediate steps to protect your wealth . . . NOW!
That's exactly what many well-respected economists, billionaires, and noted authors are telling you to do — experts such as Marc Faber, Peter Schiff, Donald Trump, and Robert Wiedemer. According to them, we are on the verge of another recession, and this one will be far worse than what we experienced during the last financial crisis.
Marc Faber, the noted Swiss economist and investor, has voiced his concerns for the U.S. economy numerous times during recent media appearances, stating, "I think somewhere down the line we will have a massive wealth destruction. I would say that well-to-do people may lose up to 50 percent of their total wealth."
When he was asked what sort of odds he put on a global recession happening, the economist famous for his ominous predictions quickly answered . . . "100 percent."
Faber points out that this bleak outlook stems directly from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's policy decisions, and the continuous printing of new money, referred to as "quantitative easing" in the media.
Faber's pessimism is matched by well-respected economist and investor Peter Schiff, the CEO of Euro Pacific Capital. Schiff remarks that the stock market collapse we experienced in 2008 "wasn't the real crash. The real crash is coming."
Schiff didn't stop there. Most alarming is his belief that daily life will get dramatically worse for U.S. citizens.
"If we keep doing this policy of stimulus and growing government, it's just going to get worse for the average American. Our standard of living is going to fall . . . People who are expecting Social Security can't get all that money. People expecting government pensions can't get all their money . . . We simply can't afford to pay them."
The Rest…HERE


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12" x 12" Collage on Canvas
One image not enough? Why not upload a variety of your favourite pictures and create a photo collage on Canvas! In a range of popular sizes, these are all printed onto our high gamut Canvas and wrapped around our environmentally friendly Eco Frame.
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Please be aware that on this product, the wrapped edges of the canvas will be printed the same background colour of your finished design. If you have a flush-to-edge design, the wrapped edges will be white.


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Meeting fellow Mozillians at events like MozCamp is very much like meeting old friends: it's familiar, energizing, and fun. MozCamp 2009 in Prague was no exception and left me with a lot of extra enthusiasm about being part of Mozilla.
This event was extra special from a SUMO point of view, because for the first time, we were able to invite a number of non-localization contributors of SUMO. I was very pleased to finally meet European Live Chat experts Tobbi and mzz in real life (to be fair, we did invite many more SUMO community members, but unfortunately most of them were unable to join). You can chat with both Tobbi and mzz in the #sumo channel of irc.mozilla.org.
Another SUMO contributor I had never met before is Milos from Mozilla Serbia. He is an incredibly multi-talented contributor helping out with things like Serbian localization, QA of new SUMO features, web QA, market share analysis and many other things. As always during events like this, time really flies and I wish I had more time to hang out with Tobbi, mzz, and Milos.
Of course, it was also great to meet long-time SUMO contributors Simone from Mozilla Italia, and Thomas from Mozilla Germany again. I had really productive chats with them about which things to improve with SUMO l10n and I'm hoping we can get these fixes in early in 2010. More on that soon.
My photos from the event can be found on Flickr. Some random things I liked about MozCamp 2009 in Prague:
- Iacopo Benesperi from Mozilla Italia talking about how to be a nice person if you represent Mozilla at public conferences – couldn't agree more!
- My brand new Firefox amulet from ArtZilla superstar Tobias Leingruber
- Robert Nyman's beard
- Discussing Internet history with Glyn Moody
- Celebrating my fellow Eskilstunian Patrick's birthday
One of the absolute highlights of the event was something I had been fantasizing about for almost two years. The idea actually formed at FOSDEM 2008, when Seth and I had a brief moment of genius (or just a strong hangover) and started to play with the idea of having Chris Hofmann come up on stage and do the Ballmer dance, Mozilla-style. When I blogged last year about the almost painful laughs during the Sunday dinner with Seth, Mark Finkle, Mic and Zbigniew, this idea of "I love this community" was the primary reason for the pain. 🙂
So it was with pure joy, pride and excitement that I finally got to experience it for real — it felt like giving birth to a child (or not even close; what do I know?). Thanks Seth and chofmann for making it happen!
I really do love this community.
Update: A blog post about MozCamp 2009 without acknowledging the incredible work by the people who organized it is not cool. William, Irina and the track leaders Patrick Finch, Marcia Knous, Paul Rouget, Gandalf and Brian King all did an amazing job. Thank you!


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Occupied by the same family for over 700 years, Picton Castle near Haverfordwest is among the most important historic houses in Wales, and only in the last decade has been administered by the Picton Castle Trust to ensure it remains open to the public by means of various revenue-producing activities.
The Philipps family, who actually lived in the castle until the death of The Honorable Richard Hanning Philipps less than a decade ago, are direct descendants of its builder, Sir John Wogan, 'Lord of Pykton' in 1302.
Experts say the original small medieval castle was in the style of certain Irish castles, which should come as no surprise since Sir John was Justiciar of Ireland between 1295 and 1313. The last of the Wogan line died in 1420 and after 1469 Picton castle became the property of Sir Thomas Philipps of Cilsant through his marriage to the Wogan heiress Jane Dwnn. It appears that very little was done to change the original three-storey building during the first two centuries of Philipps occupation. But in 1697 an illustrious member of the family, the Good Sir John, 4th Baronet, who was the local MP and was a leading founder member of the SPCK, the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, made some significant alterations. He raised the entrance to its present level by building a balustraded causeway from the high ground to the east and added a storey over the Great Hall, which remains to this day the focal point of the building. Sir John, who has an elaborate tombstone in the chancel of St Mary's Church, Haverfordwest, with which the Philipps family has maintained a centuries long association, was a prominent figure in the promotion of Anglican reform, not only through the SPCK., but also as one of the Commissioners responsible for building 50 new churches in London.
Between 1749 and 1752 his son the 6th Baronet, Sir John Philipps, also an MP and Privy Councillor, executed some lavish and extensive internal remodelling which included refitting the Great Hall and the chapel and improving the main rooms with fine quality plasterwork and panelling.
His son, who became Lord Milford and was also MP for the County, started a major extension in 1791, adding a four storey block to the west end after demolishing the medieval solar tower. The geometrical block of the new building was in stark contrast to the medieval castle with its round towers and imposing battlements, and one observer described it in terms which were just as relevant in the 1960s when architects were given free rein to desecrate town centres with abominations of glass and plastic. This observer said in 1803: "It is always disgusting to the eye of taste to observe ancient and modern architecture blended together in the same edifice." Today Picton Castle is a popular visitor centre its gardens, bright with rhododendron and azalea blossom, catering for outdoor plays and the castle hosting guided tours, special events and weddings.


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TOWSON, Md. – Top-seeded Maryland utilized a balanced attack and a solid ground ball advantage to defeat No. 5 seed Northwestern 9-6 Friday in the semifinals of the 2014 NCAA Women's Lacrosse Championship in front of 8,256 fans at Johnny Unitas Stadium.
Kelly McPartland led Maryland (22-1) with a hat trick whileBrooke Griffin and Zoe Stukenberg each chipped in with two goals. Senior Beth Glaros added three points on a goal and two assists. The Terps mustered a critical 14-5 advantage in the ground ball category, paced by two each from Glaros, Taylor Cummings, Shanna Brady and Casey Pepperman.
Cummings kicked off the scoring for the Terps with a goal 3:29 into the game off a great look from Griffin. Northwestern answered with a Jess Carroll goal up the middle about seven minutes later and backed that up with a second-straight tally at 19:19 for its first lead of the game.
Maryland was able to counter in a big way, however, posting a demonstrative 4-0 run, including two tallies in the final 1:33 of the period for a 5-2 lead at the break. McPartland notched two goals in the stretch while Stukenberg and Glaros also got in on the scoring for Maryland. The Terps were also aided by a decisive 9-3 ground ball advantage through the first 30 minutes of play.
Northwestern snapped a nearly 25-minute scoring drought with a free position goal by Alyssa Leonard 5:30 into the second half before Maryland was able to negate the goal with a Glaros score at 23:13.
McPartland continued to facilitate the offense in the second half, finding Stukenberg for a Maryland goal at 16:19 and Griffin tacked on another score with a highlight-reel shot 14 seconds later for an 8-3 Terrapin lead.
Kara Mupo halted the 3-0 Terrapin scoring drive with a tally at 9:21 but once again the Terps countered with yet another goal from McPartland – her third of the game – for a 9-4 lead.
Northwestern cut the score to 9-6 with consecutive goals from Kelly Rich and Mupo with less than five minutes to play but was unable to get any closer as the Terps punched their ticket to the national title game for a second straight season.
In addition to ground balls, Maryland also topped the Wildcats in draw controls, 10-7, led by four from Cummings.
"I'd like to congratulate Northwestern on a great season and just say how proud I am of the way our team played tonight," head coach Cathy Reese, who has won four national championships as a player, three as an assistant and one as a head coach at Maryland, said. "We came in and fought hard from the very beginning against an opponent who we know is very tough and we haven't seen all season. We fought the entire 60 minutes and that was crucial tonight for our success."
With the win, Maryland will make its 22nd berth to the national championship game. The Terps are 11-10 in the previous 21 appearances.
Maryland will play second-seeded Syracuse for a third time this season at 8:30 p.m. Sunday in the national title game at Unitas Stadium. The Terps are vying for a 12th national championship and their first since 2010. The game will be shown live on ESPNU.


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Is there such a thing as natural law? Is there a common call to compassion inscribed in all of our hearts, a hardware that no software can change, which can be recognized by anyone in any human age? What does natural law demand of us, especially in regard to the care of children suffering from rare genetic disorders?
These are weighty questions, usually reserved for the classroom or the pulpit, certainly not the multiplex. Yet here we have "Extraordinary Measures," a new film starring Harrison Ford, the erstwhile archeologist, fugitive and spy, and Brendan Fraser, Adam Sandler's sidekick from "Airheads." Ford is a doctor, Fraser a father, each on a mission to cure two young children of a rare genetic disease. Along the way they make a compelling case that we are called upon to care for all God's children, however they happen to be made.
Fraser and Keri Russell play John and Aileen Crowley, a married couple who have not one, but two young children destined to die before age nine from Pompe Disease, a rare genetic disorder. The disease causes a build up of sugar in the muscle tissue, which proves fatal when the heart, lungs and other organs stop functioning. Like Cystic Fibrosis, Down Syndrome and other genetic diseases, Pompe Disease can now be detected in the womb; as a result, these babies are at extremely high risk for abortion. One of the most, well, extraordinary aspects of "Extraordinary Measures" is that John and Aileen welcome a second child with Pompe into their family even though they know the future they face.
Any parent of a child who is ill or, in fact, anyone with a sense of compassion can easily enter into this beautiful story. Fraser has lost the easy banter he displayed in "Airheads," and Russell is no longer the doe-eyed beauty exploring New York City in TV's "Felicity." As Dr. Robert Stonehill, the dour-faced Ford looks more like Job than the playful characters he portrayed in the films of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. Supported by the Crowleys, the good doctor sets out to find the funding necessary to develop a cure for the boys' disease.
"Extraordinary Measures" gives a glimpse into the lives of families struggling to provide a good life for children who, in most instances, would not be given this chance. Fraser and Russell movingly convey the suffering and resignation of parents who know their children face an early death, with little to do but watch and try to enjoy the short time left. Ironically, the greatest help the Crowleys receive is not from churches or pro-life movements, but from forces often demonized—insurance companies and pharmaceutical researchers. It is these institutions that help fund the research that could lead to a cure.
Sadly, this reflects the reality of parents who decide to raise a child with genetic anomalies. In most cases, help comes not from churches but from mandated government programs, Medicaid or private insurance, and if a family is especially blessed, grandparents or other family members. (Of course, there are exceptions. The Cardinal Hayes Home in Millbrook, New York, for example, provides excellent faith-based programs for special needs children that continue throughout their lives.)
"Extraordinary Measures" illustrates the deep divide between rhetoric and reality for families caring for children with special needs. Pro-life groups rightly call for parents to welcome all children into their lives, no matter how sick a child might be, but do we offer enough support to the parent who make these brave decisions? Their lives, after all, will never be the same.
In some enlightened parishes, CCD classes and youth groups include special needs children. But unfortunately they are not common. And how many parishes offer programs like volunteer baby-sitting for parents who need a night out? Or child care when parents need to run errands or go to work? How often do buses of pro-life groups visit severely retarded children who must live away from their families in group homes? Every state capital has seen these buses arrive, but how many state developmental centers are destinations for these same volunteers?
It should come as no surprise that by the end of "Extraordinary Measures," the Crowley children receive the care they need. What goes unsaid, of course, is that the family will need a lifetime of support, and it is far from clear who will provide it for them. As Christians we know where that support must come from: the answer is inscribed in our hearts. How strange that it takes a Hollywood film to remind us of this fact.
Another question William Van Ornum could have raised is the following: "Where have the pro-life people been on the health-care billl?" I know after forty + years of advocacy for persons with disabilities, they are not silent. Most are opposed to "government intervention", which provides care for all, such as, the health-care bill.
Thank you, Mr. Van Ornum, for your excellent review of the movie and your comments. For over 40 years I have lived in that deep divide between rhetoric and reality for families who care for children with special needs. Both of my children who have special needs have lived with me their entire lives. Now that I am getting older and less able to care for them, my deepest anxiety is what will happen to them when I am incapacitated or die. I have to rely on governmental programs as the Church does not, by anfd large, have anything to offer my family. While I am avidly pro-life I am also very critical of the pro-life groups who should be in the forefront of helping our families and are strangely missing. I can name only one couple and a single woman friend who reached out to me in loving kindness. And my family's needs were well known in the parishes we belonged to. I have given up on getting any kind of help for us, but there are many many young families (such as Kevin and Megan Clarke's family) who need the kind of loving support that Catholics can and should give as part of the Body of Christ. Why the disconnect between advocating for life of the unborn and then abandoning those families who give birth to a child with disabilities??? It is a sad commentary for me to say that I have been sustained throughout my parenthood by my Catholic faith and I have been abandonned by my church, the people of God.
Thank you for this moving and practical response to a very important issue. Not only did it make me want to run out and see the movie but it really put me to thinking where I want to spend my time and charity dollar. Often the children are cared for and the families suffer deeply and forever, despite their love for their child.
I am blessed that my son, healthy and well, is off to college and a life of his own. Thank you for reminding me that many parents never get that chance
Laura Day
Thank you for this beautiful article which brings to light some very heartfelt situations. I will see this movie. I had my children in my late 30's and did not want to have the genetic testing. It seemed unnecessary. Fortunately, both of my girls are very healthy. My heart goes out to the children whom are born with these issues and the parents who have to face these challenges.
the community of special needs with an open heart and mind, and the dedication to stay involved. Then the "how" to help is able to be clear, spontaneous, and come from the humanity written on our hearts, that the author speaks of.
Thank you for offering this profound point of view on the complexity of the "issue of the week" phenomena. Our cultural tendency to allow ourselves the luxury of emontional manipulation by media, especially cinema, has had the effect of manicuring our involvement with those who have true special needs to the 40 minute compassion break. So many of us conveniently excuse ourselves from the growth, the gifts that would accompany the effort and inconvenience of finding a way to act on that compassion. "I saw the movie" (similar to "I heard the sermon") and "wow, I felt for them" is where we end our involvement, feeling we have made enough gain by allowing our compassion this beginning. This awareness is only one step. The next is acting on that step.
I am the daughter, wife and mother of people affected by Aspergers syndrome. This is not a severe difficulty, yet it is significant and completely affects all of thier lives and mine. I had no impulse on my own to reach out to special needs communities, it was not a choice. I struggle with the delicate balance of understanding and compassion that is required to live with those I love; it seems almost too much to ask that others, who are not affected, find in themselves that same measure. For everyone that does, however, make the effort, a true miracle occurs for my loved ones.
The first thing I recognize about the special needs communities is how challenged they are, how much effort it takes to make it through a "normal" day, and how isolating that can be. I am sure others face that same recognition when wondering how to help. If those of us who live with and love those with challenges are often stymied, how can those on the "outside" fare better? Outreach takes consistancy, dedication, and willingness to grow personally, to move beyond pity and tollerance to true understanding. That requires involvement, despite the clear amount of effort that involvment would take. That means choosing to take our lives beyond the beginning point of being moved by compassion, and finding the courage, strength and humanity to grow that compassion into the miracle of love for our fellow humans, whoever they are.
It also means those of us in the special needs communities need to be clear about our needs, consistantly ask for the help we need, and be understanding of those who are initially daunted-we are aslo daunted. We all have an opportunity to grow, and we will all fall short time and again. In love, we prosper. That love is a choice, a choice of action.
Thank you, William Van Ornum, for your review and thoughts on this very important issue. I work in a special needs classroom in a public middle school and have been quite appalled at the lack of help available within the Christian community for these children. There simply are no Christian schools where I live that have any sort of program for special needs children. If a parent of a special needs child applies to have their child enrolled at a Christian school, they will flat out be denied addmittance. This is something that I can't seem to wrap my mind around. The state-run institutions are who welcome these children.
Working with these chidren has been the most rewarding experience. I feel very blessed and lucky to be a part of their lives. Thank you so much for writing this article. I hope that it may prompt many to reach out and open thier hearts to these beautiful and enchanting children among us all.
I have never seen the movie "Extraordinary Measures," however, now I may have to watch it. As a future special education teacher, this review really spoke to me. I work as a substitute teacher aide in B.O.C.E.S schools across Long Island. I have worked with children with emotional/behavioral disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism, etc., and needless to say, each child is different. One of the most intense schools is Carman's Road. Carman's road deals with the most physically and mentally disabled students. Most are unable to walk unassisted, many are deaf and blind, the majority are nonverbal, and only a few can respond to their own names. This school always puts things in perspective for me. And every time I work there, I always say to myself, these children go home to parents. There are parents that every day have to make major decisions such as what to do with their child when school ends (at the age of 21). How do you deal with a 13 year old child who is only expected to live to the age of 15? My heart goes out to those parents who are forced to answer these questions.


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Event: Archive
Day 2: CFTC-SEC Staff Roundtable Discussion on Dodd-Frank Implementation
Staff of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will hold a two-day joint public roundtable on May 2-3, 2011, to discuss the schedule for implementing final rules for swaps and security-based swaps under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
Monday, May 3, 2011, 9:30 a.m. (ET)
CFTC Hearing Room, 1155 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC
Implementation schedule of final rules for swaps and security-based swaps under the Dodd-Frank Act.
Viewing/Listening Information:
• Call-in to a toll-free or toll-telephone line to connect to a live audio feed. Call-in participants should be prepared to provide their first name, last name and affiliation. Conference call information is listed below
Domestic Toll-Free Number: 866-844-9416
The meeting will be open to the public on a first come, first served basis.
CFTC Staff Concepts and Questions
Last Updated: May 4, 2011


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About the Deep Democracy Institute
The Deep Democracy Institute focuses on bringing forward multi-dimensional leadership, change management, coaching and large group facilitation trainings. We also use a multi-dimensional approach for our Deep Democracy Organizational Design modules, Multi-dimensional Vision and Strategy Development, etc.
"Deep Democracy", a concept developed by Arnold Mindell in 1988, is a key concept in a new paradigm called Process Work. Deep Democracy refers to reformulation of the QM relationship between observer, observed event and method of observation by linking the "observer" from Quantum Mechanics to the process or awareness in psychology. Mindell introduces three awareness levels, which he calls consensus reality level, dreamland level, and essence level. By defining our experience of reality as a multi-dimensional process, in which all dimensions over time need to be included, he created a new paradigm that can be applied in all areas of life.
In the 30 years since its formulation, Deep Democracy has crossed over and is being applied by many other groups and individuals, in addition to the professional Process Work community. Among them are well known politicians like Ralph Nader and Hillary Clinton. Many of these groups focus on one aspect of Deep Democracy, for example the idea that the "ruling" majority needs more relationship to the "ruled" minority, etc.
In the field of these groups, the Deep Democracy Institute International, headquartered in Portland, prides itself on being the one that is closest to the complete, original concepts, applying them in areas of collective and individual transformation. We belong to IAPOP the worldwide community of Deep Democracy practitioners, who like us are interested in researching, studying and applying these original concepts, and have undergone a rigorous IAPOP affiliated training.
We very much appreciate the various spinoffs, and look forward to connecting and working with more of them.
For more information on the concepts and networks, please read the full article below.
The Deep Democracy Institute, Portland, OR, USA: Who Are We?
Founded in 2006 as a think tank and educational institute that researches and teaches Deep Democracy worldwide, DDI's first vision was to connect to global communities that historically have less access to cutting edge theories and training in the areas of collective and individual transformation. Growing out of the Process Work learning community in Portland Oregon, the Deep Democracy Institute has developed an international training program with many specializations in the USA and Europe as well as in the Ukraine, Palestine, Russia, and East Africa (based in Nairobi). We are currently developing trainings in Brazil, Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan), and Vietnam.One of the goals of the Deep Democracy Institute is to further education, research, and application of the original concepts with all of their multi-dimensional richness, robust methodology, and breadth of application. We feel that DDI is the institute that is closest to the original concepts, and teaches the broadest methodology. Our special focus is the wide area of leadership, organizational change, professional development and its relationship to individual personal growth.
DDI International and Process Work Community
Each of the Deep Democracy Institute faculty members has studied for decades directly with the Mindells, is a Certified Process Work Diplomate, and holds a university doctorate in a related field. The Process Work Diploma is awarded after a minimum of 4 years of rigorous training that includes years of personal coaching, and many live supervision sessions with individuals and groups.
Process Work Diplomates further develop Deep Democracy and its practice by participating in the professional body (International Association of Process Work - IAPOP) that debates, innovates, and learns together. All of our faculty members also teach within their own local and national IAPOP affiliated programs. We, the Deep Democracy Institute International, based in Portland, work closely with our sister organization, the Process Work Institute Portland, that runs excellent Process Work and Worldwork trainings including a Masters of Art in Process Work, and a Masters of Art in Conflict Facilitation and Organizational Change - and the many International Process Work Training Programs. All of us are also members of the Global Process Work Institute, which has for decades been organizing the Worldwork Seminars, large scale open forum style group seminars, and are part of the Worldwork facilitation faculty.
Max Schupbach, President and co-founder of the Deep Democracy Institute, is also, together with Arnold and Amy Mindell, a co-founder of the original Process Work community and trainings dating back to the paradigm's origin in Zurich, Switzerland in the late 1970s. Schupbach is also a co-founder of the International Association of Process Oriented Psychology (IAPOP) the professional body of certified process work Diplomates, Worldwork facilitators, and graduates of Masters in Process Work and Masters in Conflict Facilitation training programs. Max is also a co-founder of the Global Process Work Institute.


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Teens could face murder charges if man's death caused by beating
Victim in NCH 'bored' beating dies
More testing will done before a cause of death is released for the southwest Ohio man who died nearly a year after he was badly beaten by teens.
The Hamilton County coroner's office says getting toxicology and other results could take several weeks for 46-year-old Pat Mahaney, who died Friday at a hospital. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports his family says he became sick suddenly last week, and that he neglected his health and became reclusive after the attack last August.
The county prosecutor wants an autopsy report before deciding what his office called "next steps, if any."
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters said Mahaney's death must be a direct result of injuries from beating for him to file murder charges.
"In murder, there's no statute of limitations in Ohio, so he could've died a couple of years later, and we still could've sought more charges if the tests come back, if the autopsy results are that this was a proximate result of beating he took at the hands of these individuals," Deters said.
The prosecutor said a medical condition caused by the beating would be necessary, and that conditions brought on by increased alcohol use or other similar factors would not likely lead to additional charges.
"I don't think that's close enough and I wouldn't feel comfortable bringing murder charges in that case," Deters said.
Police say six teens, all 13 and 14, say they attacked Mahaney because they were bored and looking for something to do. Three youths have pleaded guilty to felonious assault.


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Diana Carney
Public sector productivity: the hidden challenge
April 23, 2012
Echoing Peter Nicholson's paper in The Canada We Want in 2020, Neil Reynolds argues for more attention to be paid to public sector productivity.
Related Content
Opinion: Excellence and Equity in Skills and Higher Education in Canada
Canada has been a strong performer in post-secondary education and skills development for many years. On key measures we are at or near the top of international rankings and highly skilled Canadians contribute to economic prosperity, social innovation, and political and community well-being. But there are signs that Canada's performance may be deteriorating and, despite a commitment to equality, opportunities and achievement in skills and higher education have been poorly distributed across regions and groups.
January 21, 2014
Leveraging the Military Buy: From Opportunity to Reality
Opinion: Industrial policy is back — except in Ontario
Countries with robust industrial policies — especially in Asia and other emerging markets — have seen superior growth performance post-recession.
Canada 2020′s Eugene Lang looks at the sad-state of affairs in Ontario's, Canada's former manufacturing heartland and the things governments can do to promote investment, industrial development and economic growth.
Our 2013 Speaker Series kicks off in front of a packed house
This year's The Canada We Want in 2020 Speaker Series kicked off last night in Ottawa, with a spirited, insightful and provocative conversation about why competition matters to Canadian productivity and innovation.
Issues: Competition Matters – or does it?
It is our contention that if we are to have a more innovative, productive Canada by 2020, the business environment in this country needs to become more competitive. This is by no means the whole solution, and it may not even be the main solution, but it does appear to be part of the answer.
Opinion: Barriers to competition must fall if productivity is to gain
Canada's lacklustre productivity growth has become a preoccupation of policy makers, and a prime suspect is the lack of competition faced by Canadian firms.


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From white papers to solution sheets; you'll find it all here.
Preparing for guided pathways - A readiness assessment for colleges and universities
As interest in structured pathways continues to grow, many institutions have begun the challenging work of mapping their programs of study, helping students select and stay on their chosen pathways, and tracking outcomes. If your institution is considering a guided pathways approach, this questionnaire can help you determine your readiness.
Building a global university
When Heriot-Watt University set out to build a global institution, it didn't just want disparate branch campuses around the world—it wanted to create a unified whole of its parts. But students from different countries have different recruiting and admissions needs. Creating a cohesive, efficient experience for applicants—on a system that worked for recruitment administrators based around the world—was a priority for Heriot-Watt.
This is Ellucian Ethos
Ellucian Ethos is the higher education framework connecting people, processes and applications to power student success.
Guided Pathways helps bolster student success
Students who juggle education and family responsibilities need a clear path to graduation. Guided Pathways, a community college program supported by Ellucian software, provides a roadmap to earning a degree in four years. Hear how this program is helping one student succeed.
Latest Resources
How do students feel about the registration process?
College students share their experiences with their school's class registration process and procedures for identifying course prerequisites.
How do students learn what courses transfer?
Two students discuss how advisors at their two-year institutions supported their transfer process and how they determined which courses were eligible for credit.
What do students discuss with their advisors?
Hear three students speak candidly about how many times they spoke with an advisor in the past year, what they talked about, and what help the wished they received.
The cost of changing majors
A student shares how changing his major impacted his course work, graduation date, and tuition cost.


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I hear Barack Obama wants to be able to kill American citizens with drones and without having to have hearings and a judge's OK. I wonder what his motivation is?
Could it be that there is an American citizen who has complete knowledge of how the Benghazi murder occurred? Could it be that person knows that Obama wanted to make himself look good in the eyes of the citizens, before his next election? He knew how important it was when the Navy Seals killed Osama bin Laden and how the citizens all cheered him. This person probably knew that Obama wanted that glory again so he conspired with his Muslim Brotherhood and devised a plan that called for the Brotherhood to attack the embassy, kidnap the ambassador and whoever else was inside and then Obama would negotiate with them for their release. This American citizen probably also knew that one of the Brotherhood was so gung ho that he had to kill one of the infidels all by himself. Consequently, no prisoners, no negotiations.
Maybe this person, whoever he/she may be, was also privy to how the request for protection was handled. Obama, not wanting anything to go wrong, told all of his staff, forget the message for help. Forget about it. I'll take care of it. Then when everything went wrong in Benghazi, he told everyone to lie. Tell the press and anyone else that we got no message.
So, does this theory sound plausible to you?
— Richard A. Douglas, Paradise


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Now showing items 1-1 of 1
Early adoption of dabigatran and its dosing in US patients with atrial fibrillation: results from the outcomes registry for better informed treatment of atrial fibrillation.
(J Am Heart Assoc, 2013-11-25)
BACKGROUND: Dabigatran is a novel oral anticoagulant approved for thromboprophylaxis in atrial fibrillation. Adoption patterns of this new agent in community practice are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied patterns ...


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After months of contemplating both Edgar Wright and Brad Bird to direct "Mission: Impossible 4," Tom Cruise and J.J. Abrams have finally made their choice.
"I dig Edgar. Very nice guy, very smart, very talented, I'd really like to do something with him," Cruise recently told Empire. "I met Edgar on the set of 'Mission 3.' Simon Pegg and those guys are hilarious. I love 'Shaun Of The Dead.' It's amazing. But we're working with Brad right now. I don't know if I'm allowed to talk about it but everything's signed... Brad is doing it."
"'The Iron Giant,' 'The Incredibles,' 'Ratatouille' – Brad is enormously talented and J.J. and I are having a blast, cranking away," Cruise went on. "We're having a lot of fun. I like working with people I just love hanging out with. You get to hang out and laugh and talk stories and movies and technology: what are we going to do?"
U.S. & World
The idea of Cruise sitting down with a bucket of popcorn to watch "Shaun of the Dead" is beyond incongruous, but, hey, the fact is Cruise homed in on two of the more inventive directors out there when looking for someone to helm "M:I4."
That said, if Bird is going to do a sequel, why on Earth isn't he doing "The Incredibles 2"? The end of the film was clearly written with an eye toward a sequel.Let's hope he can breath a little life into the "Mission" franchise.
Cruise will be seen starring alongside Cameron Diaz in "Knight and Day" on June 25.


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We have been delighted to welcome students from Alberta College of Art and Design, Montana State University & Rochester Institute of Technology for their 9-day Summer Symposium, 24 June to 2 July, along with their professors Natali Rodrigues, Tad Bradley and David Schnuckel and Facilitator Jane Bruce.
They've been out and about visiting sites around Caithness, working hard in the Studio and enjoying getting to know the village and the locals. We hope to see you back in Lybster very soon.
Students Jon Rees and Daniel Cleghorn talk about their experience:
Jon Rees, Rochester Institute of Technology student:
"The journey to a new place far from home can be a daunting one. You never know quite what to expect. The town of Lybster and North Lands Creative Glass are true gems in the weathered landscape of Northern Scotland. There are two things that I find really special about them; the place and the people.
The landscape in and around the town is spectacular. From the weather hewn cliffs of the many harbors and beaches to the stone Cairns at Camster, this area of Scotland is all stone and sea and wind. The constant interaction between these elements creates a sense of unparalleled awe. To stay and work in this type of environment is truly a transformative experience.
The people, both at North Lands and around town are the friendliest people I've ever met. Generosity and humor are the most common traits to be found in the personalities here. From interesting conversations to hilarious stories, it's obvious that the people of this area of Scotland are very welcoming to visitors.
I'm sad to be leaving soon, but I'm very much looking forward to visiting again."
"My name is Daniel Cleghorn. Currently attending the Alberta College of Art + Design in Calgary Alberta Canada and in Lybster Scotland for the student glass symposium presented by North Lands Creative Glass. This is my first experience with working in glass.
The community within Lybster and the Studio is like no other. Strangers coming together to help each other throughout the process of creation. From the idea bouncing to the finished product. Even the environment contributes to the art, drawing, inspiration from the landscape and the people of the town all contribute to the finished piece.The pieces I am working with are all created from the contrast of city life to this small town. The first one is Guessa based on the idea of honour bound tradition. What has inspired me is how the local have reacted to us, with them almost feeling obligated to buy a drink and have a conversation and ensure we have a good time. It is something you have to experience.
The second work is Rustic Modern, inspired by the landscape. By taking shell and rock castings, translating some into glass and keeping the others in their original state, I hope to investigate the difference between a wild coast and the modern city.
The symposium itself is more than glass work; it's about pushing yourself, exploration and communication. For even the more experienced glass artist 9 days is hard to get much glass done due to the lengthly nature of the medium, and we're not restricted to glass, we can do anything. One of things that really inspired me about this time is how it isn't a class. It's about pushing yourself to do work when you have so many options. Giving you a little taste of art outside of school, exploring your limits with the medium and the land. Seeing more than any tour bus would take you, exploring with your peers and yourself of the capabilities of your ideas and work and most importantly communication. With such a diverse background and amazing instructors there is so much to learn in such little time.
Thank you all for the amazing experience
Jane, Natali, David, Tad, Tatara, Kalina, Jon, Cydney, Dani, Randy, Sawyer,
Jess, Blair, Jo, Michael, Grace and the whole town for being such great host."


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Petra Nemcova couldn't outlast "America Night" on "Dancing with the Stars."
The Czech-born supermodel was the fourth celebrity voted off ABC's dance hit Tuesday, the halfway point of the competition.
Nemcova, who suffered a broken pelvis while in Thailand during the 2004 tsunami, said that she never expected to "push my body so far."
U.S. & World
Having formed an education charity that focuses on places hit by natural disasters, Nemcova called her "Dancing" experience a "life changing journey" and said she's started to do "dance-a-thons" at the schools she visits.
Her quickstep to Elvis' "Viva Las Vegas" on Monday's "American Night" had landed her in a three-way tie at the bottom of the leaderboard with reality star Kendra Wilkinson and "Karate Kid" Ralph Macchio.
But Nemcova and pro-wrestler Chris Jericho were the final two to learn their fate on Tuesday, despite Jericho having achieved his personal best a night earlier.
Head judge Len Goodman said there was "no justice" that either could get the boot.
Other celebrities set to return next week are: footballer and increasingly likely frontrunner Hines Ward, Emmy-winner Kirstie Alley, Disney star Chelsea Kane and musician Romeo.
Stars who've already been sent home this season are: radio personality "Psycho" Mike Catherwood, talk show host Wendy Williams and boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard.
In a reality competition twist, "American Idol" cast-off Pia Toscano will perform on the show next Tuesday with "Dancing" pro Mark Ballas, her rumored beau, EW.com reported.


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Hi All, Im fairly new to this program and actually came across it purely by accident. Anyway I'm hooked. But can anyone explain how to import a reference image?
I'd really appreciate it.
Thank you, AJ
Software for Artists - Aartform Curvy 3D
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NEWS- Reprise: Senator to revive state song search
In 1999, when the competition to select Virginia's state song stalled at eight finalists, hopes of replacing "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny" seemed to be fading. A 2006 state senate resolution almost made the folk traditional "Shenandoah" the interim choice, and three new songs being introduced and voted down in the General Assembly this year.
The debate continues to play like a broken record, but with the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement fast approaching, State Senator Emmett Hanger (R-Mount Solon)– chair of the original State Song Contest– intends to put the matter to rest.
"I want to get it resolved this year, while we're making a big to-do about celebrating pride in Virginia," says Hanger. "We won't be able to make the selection until 2008, because the General Assembly has to vote on it, but hopefully this year we can work through the process."
Though he's unsure exactly how that process will work, Hanger predicts that a public announcement "in the spring" will herald an Internet-based vote.
"In 1999, there was no mechanism set up to prevent someone from spending all day voting for their song," he explains. "Now we have an opportunity to conduct an informal vote among a significant number of Virginians in a way that's fair."
Hanger also says the contest will pick up where it left off with the eight finalists– but won't necessarily be limited to those tunes.
"Those eight songs still have to be our primary focus," he says, "but if someone came up with the song that was so outstanding, obviously we'd have to add it."
One of those original eight was "Oh, Virginia" by Palmyra music teacher Bob Clouse, who says that should it go to a popular vote, he likes his song's chances.
"When the state song committee was choosing its original 50 for consideration," explains Clouse, "mine was the only one to get a vote from all 10 committee members. At that point, one of them even got up and half-seriously said, 'Based on this vote, we could make a decision today.'"
In a January interview, Clouse blamed the stalemate on politics, especially the entrance of a song by noted singer and sausage namesake Jimmy Dean, who co-wrote finalist "Virginia" with his wife, Donna. Dean has donated to the campaigns of several Virginia state legislators, including $2,250 to State Senator Stephen Martin (R-Chesterfield) while Martin was a member of the State Song Subcommittee, making him Martin's fourth-biggest individual contributor in the last decade.
"I've donated a lot of money to a lot of different people and will again, but it has nothing to do with that song," says Dean. "That song will stand on its own merits."
Dean, who won a Grammy for his 1961 country hit, "Big, Bad John," blames the delay on the folks running the contest.
"It got into the legislature, and they just hemmed and hawed," he says. "It was political because all these legislators are afraid of their constituency, and it's hard to get a straight answer out of them."
Such political rancor is why Robbin Thompson and Steve Bassett were reluctant to enter their 1977 hit, "Sweet Virginia Breeze."
"I appreciate all the people who came up to me and said it should be a candidate, and it would be an honor for it to be the state song," Bassett says, "but when I saw how this could get hung up, I didn't have much interest."
Thompson says the duo was urged to enter by the Roanoke Times. "They insinuated that if I didn't enter it, they were thinking about entering it," says Thompson. "So I figured it should come from the authors and that after that, we wouldn't get involved because we wanted the song to speak for itself."
But Thompson eventually did get involved– over a legal matter.
"The state took it for granted that the authors would just turn over all the rights to the song," he says. "That's when I started going to meetings."
Thompson and Bassett thought they had reached a suitable compromise after doing a bit of research.
"We offered the state the deal that Rogers and Hammerstein offered the state of Oklahoma for the rights to the song 'Oklahoma,'" Thompson recalls. "We will allow you to use our song for a dollar, and you can use it for anything pertaining to the state. But if someone records the song for profit, we as the authors should receive our rightful royalty for it."
Apparently the committee wasn't keen on the idea. "I remember one committee member got all upset and said, 'You just give us that song, and get yourself a new one,'" Thompson says.
Whether it ever gets the official designation, Bassett says he's heard from thousands of Virginians who have already adopted "Sweet Virginia Breeze" as their personal state song. But at this point, Thompson says all he wants is for the Commonwealth to learn its lesson. "All of the bureaucracy has taken a little bit of the shine off the honor," he says. "I hope it doesn't end that way."
Or, as Dean puts it, "When politics enters, out goes reality."
State Senator Emmett Hanger (R-Mount Solon) is hopeful Virginia could have a state song by this time next year.
Country legend and sausage magnate Jimmy Dean co-wrote "Virginia" with his wife, Donna, for the original State Song competition in 1998.
Robbin Thompson has sung his 1977 hit, "Sweet Virginia Breeze," the world over, including a 2001 at the Great Wall of China.
5 comments
Kenny Keeton and Robert Tredway recently submitted their entry to the "state song search."
As a retired educator in the Virginia School System, I am impressed by the way they integrated historical aspects, geographical features, and patriotism into the lyrics of their song. The lyrics and the accompanying music tend to leave the listener with a memorable image of Virginia. Please consider their entry in your selection process.
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Jocelyn Gold. I am 15 years old. When I was 14 I wrote a song entitled "Back To Virginia." Alot of people keep telling me that I should enter my song as a consideration for the "Virginia State Song." My sisters and I have a touring band. Our website is: www.goldheartbluegrass.com and a clip from "Back To Virginia" can be heard there on the discography page. I would be so thrilled and honored if someone would give my song a chance to be considered. Thank you so much.
Jocelyn Gold
Sweet Sweet Virginia Breeze, sung by Robin Thompson will be the state song. No other song brought more memories of my beloved Virginia to me while I was in the service. The song touches all the great things about Virginia and does bring warm memories to mind even when I was so far from home..........Rick, Dinwiddie, Va.
My friend and I have come up with the perfect state song. We need to know how to submit this song for consideration. Please give me some info on how.
Dear Wanda,
My suggestion would to be to submit the song to your local delegate or senator and see if he or she will sponsor it in a bill.
Thanks for reading!
Lindsay Barnes


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Bulk handling crane with tough energy chain and cables
For the main power and data supplies, a motorised cable drum was initially used, involving slip rings that required a great deal of maintenance. For this reason, the crane operator decided to resolve the supply issue with a roller energy chain and dependable chainflex® cables with a 36-month warranty from igus®. This arrangement is not only simpler, safer and more secure than the motorised cable drum previously used, it also facilitates the supply of data via fibre optic cables. An igus® e-chain® and chainflex® cables have been in successful use since then with a travel of 441 metres and a max. acceleration of 01 m/sec².