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On the Web
May 21, 2015
Students Borrowed Less in 2013-14
Here's actually some good news about student debt: borrowing by undergraduates is now declining.
Annual borrowing by all full-time undergraduates peaked at $6,122 per student in the 2009-10 academic year and fell to $5,490 by 2013-14, according to the Urban Institute's new report, "Student Debt: Who Borrows Most? What Lies Ahead?"
For its shock value, the media toss around the $1.2 trillion figure – the total of all U.S. student loans outstanding. The institute provides a more refined look at student debt by diving into U.S. Department of Education data to learn who tends to borrow the most and why.
The findings are summarized here:
- High debt accumulations – over $50,000 – remain rare among undergraduates.
- Still, 10 percent of all bachelor's degree recipients owe more than $50,000, compared with just 1 percent a decade ago.
- 37 percent of graduate degree recipients borrow at least $50,000 – more than double the percent in 2004.
- A larger share of graduates of for-profit colleges have these high debt levels. The next highest levels are at private universities, with public colleges last.
- The longer students attend school, the more they owe. Bachelor's degree recipients have more debt than those with two-year associate's degrees. Graduate degrees result in more debt than undergraduate degrees, and professional degrees are associated with the most debt.
- Students from low-income families tend to have less debt, often because they earned shorter-term certificates or associates degrees.
- Students who default on their student loans, possibly due to low incomes after college, owe $14,380, on average – less than the $22,550 average for all students.
- Undergraduates who are no longer dependent on their parents are at a higher risk of accumulating large debts. These independent students are over 24, or are married, have children, or are foster children or wards of the courts.


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Are you sick of poorly constructed, unmanageable goals that don't do what you want? Do you want a goal that has the durability, stability, strength, shape and quality of an authentic goal which is also lightweight and portable?
The next generation in professional goals and nets is the Bownet- it is more than a replica, it is the most professional portable goal on the market. The simplicity of its design makes it easy to transport, assemble while strong enough to withstand the constant barrage from all levels of the game. This is a key feature for professionals, clubs or the back yard players that want to spend more time playing and less about cost, setup or storage.
The durability and flexibility of the Bownet is one of its core qualities. It can be used on any surface. It and has powder coated alloys, reinforced fibreglass poles and 100% UV treated knotless netting the Bownet compactly folds down to be carried away by one person. Available in a wide range of sizes, including Futsal to the massive multi purpose barrier net 3.5m x 6.5m- Bownet can be ready to use in 90 seconds- No screws or snags, just snaps together. A full range of accessories and parts is also available, so expanding on your goal is easy.
There is no product that is better suited for the beautiful game. It's compact, easy, looks great and most importantly, works.
Bownet has revolutionised the sports netting business with its energy absorption system. Bownet goals release the energy of the shot- not one, not two but three times. Saving the life of the net while making the goal stable and durable

subset: commoncrawl


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Friday, 1-8-2016
You know I always post really important stuff here like updates, events, birthdays, schedules, etc etc….
Well, add another to the list….
Yes, this one's a little weird too….
The Luke vs. Pancake beard growing contest since they started August 1st….
Jimmy has a slight lead…
But I believe in the Andro to catch up….
I will keep you all updated on their beard-grow-off status….
Workout of the Day
10min Handstand & Handstand Push-up progressions & practice. Spend time getting inverted! then, TWO Rounds for time:
5 Muscle-Ups (sub 5 strict pull-ups)
30 KB Goblet Squats 55/35
30 Push-ups
5 Muscle-Ups
30 KB Snatches 55/35 (15 per arm)
30 Double Unders
5 Muscle-Ups
30 Toes To Bar
30 KB Lunges 55/35
*Rest 3min then begin 2nd round* *Time = Total running time including the 3min rest Post your scores to the Whiteboard.


text: In Wake of Brangelina Divorce News, Chelsea Handler Calls Jolie a "F—ing Lunatic" 7:50 AM PDT 9/22/2016 by THR staff FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Courtesy of Netflix On her Netflix show, 'Chelsea,' she said if Brad Pitt had a substance abuse problem it's because he needs to "self-medicate" from being married to Jolie. Chelsea Handler did not hold back her disdain for Angelina Jolie when talking about the actress filing for divorce from Brad Pitt. "There are rumors that part of the problem was that Brad was allegedly drinking and smoking too much weed," said Handler on her Netflix show Chelsea. "I wonder why he would need to self-medicate. Maybe because he could have been spending the last 12 years at Lake Como hanging out with George Clooney and Matt Damon instead of being stuck in a house with 85 kids speaking 15 different languages." "Oh, yeah, and because he married a f—ing lunatic, that's why," she added. The comedian also joked about how the divorce was going to affect her life. "Brad and Angelina always said they wouldn't get married until everyone could get married," said Handler. "And I always said I wouldn't get married until they got divorced, so I'm officially accepting proposals. I'm ready." "But we should all respect their privacy during this very difficult time," she added. "So this will be the last time I speak of this on TV. You can follow me on Twitter." Handler is friends with Pitt's ex, Jennifer Aniston, but in the past has said her dislike of Jolie has nothing to do with that. "She seems like a demon," Handler said on Watch What Happens Live in 2013. "It has nothing to do with Jennifer. As a woman, I know when you see somebody walking across the room that's a bad girl. I just don't like Angelina Jolie. I don't think she's a girl's girl. I like girl's girls." Chelsea weighs in. #brangelina pic.twitter.com/mCZsP5AHIy — Chelsea (@Chelseashow) September 21, 2016 FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME THR staff firstname.lastname@example.com @thr


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June 1: #RefugioOilSpill @GaviotaCoastC Update
The Santa Barbara Independent, in keeping with its record of extraordinary reporting on this terrible spill, published on Friday an in-depth article on oil transportation safety, pipeline shut-off valves, and the lack of transparency from Plains All American Pipeline, the owner of the ruptured pipe. Noozhawk, another leader in spill coverage, mentioned Phil McKenna's message today. They attended the Unified Command Open House, and left with more questions. Here are their Stand in the Sand images. Here's the Unified Command Report for today. Volunteers (including from GCC, thank you!) have been assisting with endangered Snowy Plover and habitat protection (now seeing oil), and with Unified Command-led cleanup operations.
On Sunday, May 31st, Gaviota Coast Conservancy joined forces with a host of other local and national groups plus over 500 of our fellow concerned citizens for Stand In The Sand, a rally to protest the nearly two-week-old Refugio Oil Spill and to press for greater reliance on renewable forms of energy and greater accountability from the oil industry.
Santa Barbara mayor Helene Schneider addressed the energetic audience, and spoke for many in attendance when she said, "We have seen this before: the 1969 spill in the Santa Barbara Channel, the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska, and in 2010, in the Gulf of Mexico. The reality is that under the status quo we will see more spills like these in the future. We are here because we want to see another alternative. We're here because we want to get ourselves to a better place that is less reliant on oil and more reliant on new clean and renewable technologies."
In addition, our own Phil McKenna, President of Gaviota Coast Conservancy, delivered a powerful and deeply moving speech to the supportive attendees. Touching on the history, biodiversity, and fragility of the Gaviota Coast, it's well worth reading, and we've reprinted it here in its entirety.
President Phil McKenna's Address at Stand In The Sand, May 31st, 2015
Refugio Beach was built from the mountains of Gaviota, its sand washed from Gaviota's stone by the storm water from the North. The sand is ancient, born under the sea, lifted to the mountains, transported back to the sea.
The meeting ground of the Pacific Ocean and the North American continent is the incredibly small ribbon of sand that we call the beach. If it is 25 yards wide, it disappears from maps. At high tide it is swamped under the ocean surge.
It is an extraordinary meeting place of water and land, beyond compare on our planet. It is a place that is in constant motion, yet known for tranquility. A place so ephemeral that it changes twice a day. A place so dynamic that it transforms from summer sand to hard cobble in winter.
Refugio translates to "refuge" in English. There is irony here, and truth. Situated in the middle of the Gaviota Coast, it is a refuge from all that Southern California has become. It is a refuge for the 1400 plant and animals species inhabiting this space that are threatened by climate change. It is a refuge and sanctuary unique in the world; summer feeding ground for the Blue Whale, and host to a winter bird count almost unrivaled.
This is why we stand in the sand today. Our refuge was assaulted.
The Gaviota Coast is a unity; its mountains, streams, beach and ocean were all assaulted by our industrial world. The apologists for the oil industry, with their tepid concerns for the pollution, simply sanction the next spill with their acceptance of its inevitability. This is NOT acceptable.
The speakers today outline the technological solutions available to us to temper, reduce, and someday eliminate our reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
But you can move forward immediately, without cost, and with assurance of success. Our personal antidote, expressed in our daily lives, must be to create a respectful attitude toward our earth that is characterized by restraint: take less, give more – we need to be generous with our mother earth.
Thank you for your presence and commitment; stay connected!
As always, we at Gaviota Coast Conservancy are grateful for your support and dedication. We will continue to report on this disaster, and we encourage you to support the environmental organization of your choice with a donation of time or resources. Click here to donate to GCC's ongoing efforts to protect the Gaviota Coast. (Photos courtesy of Isaac Hernandez).
Showing 2 reactions
Alexia Salgado commented 2016-04-18 14:10:39 -0700Very cool this kind of movement. absurdly support! oxinova da shame funciona https://oxinova.exposure.co/suplemento-oxinova
Janet Koed commented 2015-06-01 12:15:18 -0700This was a very energetic and wonderful experience. Besides walking with the concerned people of many different ages, I loved the fun and positive comments we, on our bikes, got from the bicycle cops down at Sterns Wharf.
Thanks to ALL who were there and REMEMBER, we have a long fight ahead to protect the Gaviota Coast from oil disasters and also commercial development. This is a very good start!


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As with Cabbage Patch Dolls and Tickle Me Elmo, the unexpected popularity of these seasonal cookies has already caused a shortage.
I learned of Joe-Joe's in this Chowhound thread. But when I tried to buy a pack at my local Trader Joe's, I found out a woman had just come in and bought $700 worth, their whole stock.
Are they delicious? Yes. But don't take my word for it; check out the big big love.
The truly desperate for a Joe-Joe fix can always go to the gray market.


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Lest you forget about all the exciting things going on in my life, I am here to remind you that I'm still reading. It just so happens that the chapter I've hit coincides with several of the hot topics around the blogosphere.
I'm pretty sure the posts were well intentioned, however, hot topics that have a controversial figure or issue attached (i.e. Andrea Yates and baby training) to them can often times get misconstrued. Like a bad argument with your spouse, you find yourself arguing about the pair of underwear on the floor (secondary issue) when really you should be discussing responsibilities (core issue).
What both posts were getting at (at one level or another IMO) and which a few people gathered, was the notion of the sacrificial mother. You know, the one who does, gives, and is everything to her family, and leaves nothing for herself. Sacrificial mothering is the new black, didn't you know?
We used to spend our time guilting the working moms who actually *gulp* chose to work rather than stay home. Research studies this and doctor's findings that all "said" that women should be home with their kids. In reality, they said no such thing - in fact, the only solid studies say a happy mom is a good mom - has nothing to do with exactly how many hours you spend with your child.
Then, women started leaving their careers, staying home with their kids, and the sacrificial mother was reborn (it's always been around folks - we're just bringing it back with a new twist). She IS her kids and her family. She eats, sleeps, and breathes them and she is sucked dry on a daily basis.
The problem with the sacrificial mother is terribly obvious, except many of us (me included) still fall into the trap. Some of us (perhaps Andrea Yates) land really hard. We are the only ones who can "do it right" so we have to do it. We HAVE to breastfeed because that's the best thing for our kids, even if we have to eat 4 foods and suffer miserably. We bounce, coddle, jiggle, and rock so our children will sleep and not cry for even a MOMENT for fear that in some way, we will damage their psyches. We try, in our own crazy way, to DO IT ALL. Not necessarily because we want to, but we believe that we have to so that our kids will have the best chance to be, well, the best.
We roll our eyes (either overtly or secretly) at the moms who work, wondering how they can hand their child over to a *gulp* daycare or nanny. How careless, how selfish, how incredibly un-motherlike. We judge the choices of other mothers (baby trainers, CIO-ers, formula feeders, co-sleepers, non-organic eaters), for one reason or another, because they might, at some level, not be giving their child 120% of what they need.
And in all our judging and giving, we lose our own self. We take little, if any, time for ourselves. We don't ask for help, we don't say a word, and secretly, we are MISERABLE.
Sure, we know motherhood brings with it some level of sacrifice. But, how much is too much? When do we say, darling, YOU need to put the baby to bed? Or baby, you need to cry a little bit to get yourself back to sleep? Or, Kristen, YOU need to take a shower today. What about US?
So, I'm here to say that it's okay to go away for a weekend and not miss your families, my fellow CHBM. I'm here to tell you, my blogging buds that shall remain unnamed, that it's okay to get a babysitter and go out as a couple. Dare I say it might be nice for your kids to see someone else other than your tired face? I'm here to let you know that it's okay to demand more from your spousal unit and not feel bad about it. And, I'm here to tell you, that I'm not a bad mother for saying so and either are you for listening to me. I promise.
I'm still glad that I left my job. I don't resent my child, husband, or self for my choices. But, I now truly understand why women work - why they baby train, formula feed, or wean early. And I don't question their choices. In fact, I admire them in a way because I realize that being a mother is not about giving up yourself. It's not about being so run down and trampled over that your semblance of self is totally enmeshed with the people around you. It's about doing what you think is best for your kids while still being a human yourself (with good balance and the health and safety of your child in your mind, of course).
We've paid our dues, people. Let's try on something else. Acceptance? Support? Choice? I'm thinking those are way more flattering.


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Prepared, seasoned tahina is a popular middle eastern condiment and is often served in a pita to accompany falafel or shawarma. Made from ground sesame seeds, tahina has a nutty flavor and smooth texture.
- 1 c. sesame paste
- 1 t. citric acid
- 1 t. salt
- 1 t. garlic powder
- ¾ c. water
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Note: Tahina will get thicker before it gets thinner. If it is still too think once all the water has been added, continue to add water a few tablespoons at a time and blend until it resembles a thick sauce. Once refrigerated, tahina will thicken.
Seasoning and water measurements may vary depending on which brand of sesame paste you use. I prefer Achva brand. Makes 2 cups.
*This is NOT a sponsored post. I am not being compensated in any way for references made to specific products or brands. All opinions are my own.


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If you have too many weekly activities or work a different schedule than most people, it can be hard to stay connected as a church community. It is important to bond as a church family and reflect on God's word. If you have a longing to stay connected, join Community Text.
As a part of Community Text, you will receive text messages with scripture passages to converse and meditate on. You can post a prayer request, or if the Spirit is calling you to share a verse then do so! Through Community Text, we can stay connected to God's word in fellowship with one another throughout the week.
To get connected to Community Text, simply sign up below!


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I chose red since I kind of have those colors going on in my kitchen and dining room. I painted a couple coats, and it was dry about an hour after.
Here is the final outcome. I think it made my frames more interesting, and the room more fun! Something so simple, that really only took less than 10 minutes to do can be something you can do to spruce up your room.


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It was a beautiful day, with the temperature near 70, perfect outdoor painting weather. So I grabbed my gear and headed out. Koda is sold, Belle 6x8 is available, Zoom and Luke 8x10 is available. I didn't have much time with Zoom and Luke before they left, so at some point, I will do a painting in the studio based on this and the photo reference I took.
Seeing the subtleties-Small works from life.
I recently began a personal challenge paint the landscape and horse from life on a small scale, with a focus on seeing subtleties and expressing them in a painterly style. These paintings are on Fredrix Canvas pad and are offered for sale at reasonable rates.
These small works will be sold to the first person that contacts me about them. I will rely on email for that information. They will be priced as marked, plus $4.00 shipping.
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Letter from Mary Rooker to General William Rosecrans
Provided by: Tennessee State Library and Archives
In this letter dated February 4, 1863, Mary Rucker of Rutherford County, Tennessee, begs General William Rosecrans to protect her from marauding Federal soldiers. "Soldiers are here every day . . . coming our foraging and the Pickets threatening to burst open doors and burning our house. Five Pickets here this morning and behaved most shamefully, they called for breakfast...Pickets will not pass me through as I have tried time after time, so I resort to this the only way left to me. So please lend a kindly ear to request and I assure of my and my children's lasting gratitude. Respectfully, Mary Rooker"


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Chennai: All international and domestic flights to and from Chennai have been cancelled and the Chennai International Airport at Meenambakkam has been shut till 12 noon on December 6, the civil aviation ministry announced on Wednesday.
As many as 12 domestic and 12 international arrivals were diverted on Wednesday and 34 aircraft were stranded at Chennai airport, said an official statement.
According to the ministry, only one international flight arrival was cleared owing to a medical emergency.
The unprecedented torrential downpour forced all navigational aids within the airfield to be switched off due to waterlogging, leaving only the secondary surveillance radar available.
By 6 a.m. on Wednesday, the entire operational area of Chennai airport was submerged under seven feet of rain water.
However, air traffic services for the overflying traffic were not affected.
Arrangements were made to transport 90 passengers by buses to Bengaluru and 200 more to Chennai.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) established emergency contact numbers: +91 44 22563100 and +91 8056220066 for assistance.
Meanwhile, budget carrier SpiceJet on Wednesday said it was closely monitoring the situation in Chennai following the ongoing deluge as operations at the city's waterlogged airport had been suspended till further orders.
We are closely monitoring the situation in Chennai. All our operations at Chennai Airport have been suspended till further instructions as the airport is waterlogged and the tarmac is submerged in one and a half feet of water,
"Refunds have also been offered to cancelled flights and alternatives have been offered where ever possible," G.P. Gupta, chief administrative officer of SpiceJet, said in the statement.
On Tuesday, low-cost carrier IndiGo said all flights operating out of Chennai were temporarily cancelled following the closure of the airport.
IndiGo assures all passengers will receive 100 percent refund against the flight cancellations made on grounds of weather conditions, and cancellation and change fee will be waived off for affected passengers till further notice,
"All employees have been accommodated at safe locations," it added. The unprecedented rains, the worst in 100 years, have battered Tamil Nadu's northern districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram and Cuddalore.
(Inputs from IANS)


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Real estate as a career option can be very rewarding if you are a person willing to take risks in life and have a knack for business. There is no pre-requisite degree or a must have certificate to be in the field of real estate. Anybody can choose to deal in this business. Real estate transactions can be any, like renting a house, or buying or selling a house, property, leasing a shop, or helping someone invest in a land or property etc. The real estate business includes a number of transactions, involving big money and legal documentation. Therefore, it also requires the service of attorneys, insurance company agents, bankers, tax experts, and many others besides the broker, the buyer and the seller.
Each year innumerous people try their luck in real estate. Some burn their fingers, while some make good money and grow further. Thus, one has to understand, business is not everybody's cup of tea. You have to be wise, practical, and understand the market The Aston Nha Trang trends. Being friendly with people and having a wide contact list does not help in any business. Any business needs an initial capital to bank on. Sometimes a property in hand looses its value after purchase. Sometimes, you may have to wait for a longer period to find a profitable buyer.
Thus a positive attitude and patience is important in this field. One must also have a back up plan and alternative idea in any deal. Many a times in this business as a broker, meeting the clients' expectation becomes a daunting task. Showing the client the property or houses after houses makes it an exhausting job, besides burning ones finances. As a real estate broker, it is important to understand the client and his needs and motivation behind the deal as well.
In real estate business marketing skills plays an important role. Understanding the psychology of the client, the seller, what is important to them, and what impresses the opposite person, what to highlight in a conversation etc helps strike a deal. Prompt customer service, easy and smooth legal transactions and paper works leaves behind a good impression. Like every business, here too, referral from past clients', by the word of mouth really helps earn a good name and trust amongst clients.


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There's a nice essay in The Telegraph today about how fast the pace of technological innovation is: how quickly we seem to be getting new shiny gewgaws to play with.
We have, of course, Amazon just coming out with it's Fire, Apple are about to release the iPhone 5, Samsung, if it can get the court related matters sorted, has products for both markets. Google has created Android to compete with Apple as Amazon is with the Fire and Microsoft has so many irons in the fire it seems tobe both competing against and cooperating with everyone else.
But underlying the details of who is doing what to and with whom, there's two much larger economic points to make:
For any new device, there's a brief period when it's the plaything of trendsetters with disposable income to burn. But the key moment comes when they enter the mainstream. You might have thought that tablet computers were already taking over the world one commuter at a time – but just wait until you see them in every school, every workplace and every home.
The first is the influence of markets and capitalism upon this process. It's often thought that it is capitalism itself which drives both technical innovation and the higher living standards which that itself brings. But it's not really: it's markets more than capitalism. This is at the heart of a lot of the work of William Baumol, trying to untangle what it is that makes some societies innovate furiously, others not so much.
Yes, of course, the pursuit of profit is influential: but much more than that it's the experimentation, the variance, the consumer choice, that markets enable which really matters.
The reason for this is the second important underlying point. It's not actually the existence of cell phones, of tablet computers, nor even their possession, that makes us richer. It's what we do with them that does.
It might be that we can do the same old thing more swiftly, cheaper or better. Or it might be that we can do completely new things with these new technologies. Doesn't matter particularly which: but it's the use to which technologies are put, the way that they increase productivity, which creates wealth, not the production of the technologies themselves.
Which is where the joy of markets comes in: the consumer gets to choose which version of whatever it is that they want. Which version contains the right ingredients for said consumer to do that value adding thing. More, different consumers, different groups of consumers, will have very different ideas about what is value adding. No one designing a piece of technology can possibly think up all the things that 7 billion people will do with a new technological toy.
For example, the people who designed the original cell phone at Ericsson, none of them had any inkling that a use would be to enable gay people to hook up in bars as with Grindr. Or as a banking system in East Africa.
Which is, in the end, why we really do want to stay a market based economy. Not just because it's a good way for us to get these shiny toys to play with, but because it's an excellent way for us to work out what to do with them.


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Phase 1 (complete)
The Dining Hall has been raised, a solid concrete foundation poured, new beams added and the building has been set back down on the new foundation. New housing hut for the HWT and new electrical room have been built. The walkway between the DH and trailer is complete.
Now that the structure is stabilized and we know the structure is sound, this coming Spring we can proceed with more renovations. They may include, but are not limited to, a re-design of the front of the Dining Hall, new siding, kitchen upgrades and more. These improvements will only begin as finances allow.
Phase 2
Replacement of the front of the Dining Hall. A redesigned entrance will enable us to meet accessibility requirements. It will also allow for an increase in capacity and a more comfortable seating arrangement and improved ventilation.
Measurable Outcomes Camp Cherith Dining Hall
The renovated Dining Hall and Kitchen meets or exceeds all current health and safety codes
- The renovated building features increased accessibility for individuals of all mobility and capability and is compliant with all relevant accessibility legislation such as AODA
- The renovated Kitchen and Dining Hall increases the efficiency and effectiveness of preparing, cooking and delivering meals during camp and specialty weekends
- The renovated Dining Hall provides increased seating capacity and improved comfort in seating
- The renovated Dining Hall provides increased ventilation


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What do you get when you pay for copies of Born to Run, the Immaculate Collection, Screaming for Vengance, piano and voice lessons, and a couple semesters at New York University? A little monster, is what you get. Lady Gaga's sophomore outing Born This Way is as much a product of the privileged, free spirited upbringing of its creator as it is a nod to her favorite albums growing up. Gaga might've missed most of the '80's, having hatched in 1986, but she'll be damned if she lets that stop her from claiming the sound of the era as her own. From its sound down to its collaborators, art, and song titles, Born This Way is a giant love letter to the music of the Me generation.
Check crunchy numbers like "Electric Chapel," "Bad Kids" and the country-inflected, heavy metal umlauted "Yoü and I" for the hair metal influence. The specter of Springsteen hangs heavy over "Hair" and "The Edge of Glory" so much so that Gaga calls in Bruce's right hand man, saxophonist Clarence Clemons (R.I.P.), to give both songs that E Street flair. The album's title track, an apparent nod to the soulful vocals of Whitney Houston, comes off like a lesser "Express Yourself." Adding insult to injury is the Catholic Church-baiting "Judas," which tiptoes into "Like a Prayer" territory, and the Latin-tinged "Americano," which was much better when it was "Alejandro" (or, for posterity's sake, "La Isla Bonita"). There is precious little originality to be found on Born This Way, just familiar sounds drenched in Europop fondue.
So the record doesn't bring anything new to the table. But that's kinda the line on Gaga, isn't it? Her music lives and dies on that brassy voice and its way of slicing through tracks on earworm melodies, right? Innovation, be damned. Born This Way has got its fair share of strong tunes. Opener "Marry the Night" is a winner, with its killer lyrical refrain and Springsteen-esque bridge. "Government Hooker" cuts the karaoke crap and kicks ass on the dance floor with laser-guided blip-pop, as does the somewhat sedate "Bloody Mary" and the bilingual "Scheiße." Incidentally, these are all songs that eschew Born This Way's time traveling ethos in favor of a more modern approach. See, Born This Way is the most fun when it tries the least. Which is, like, never.
Somewhere between the release of The Fame Monster and the recording of Born This Way, Gaga got it into her head that she is the patron saint of the misunderstood, the spokesperson for the disenfranchised. This led her to some fantastic opportunities for activism, as evidenced by her public campaigns against bullying and the US military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. On record, however, her message grates. It's nearly impossible to take in a whole song here without sucking down a thick tablespoon of Born This Way's quasi-religious rot and cloyingly constant message of self-empowerment. Gaga has always been able to anchor her haughty conceptual undertakings with simple, catchy tunes, but with Born This Way, the persona and the message are starting to bleed into the songs. It's not a good look. Nobody wants to think about Jesus or Judas or self-actualization or teenage rebellion on the dance floor. They just want to latch onto something that jiggles and gyrate.
Artist: http://www.ladygaga.com/
Label: http://www.interscope.com/


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Monday, March 5, 2012
Ready Mix Pays $400,000 to Settle Noose Case
Alabama@ Work
By Tommy Eden, Attorney
Ready Mix USA, a major cement and concrete products company in Montgomery, Alabama, will pay $400,000 and furnish other relief to settle a lawsuit for racial harassment filed by the Birmingham District Office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The EEOC charged in its lawsuit filed in 2009 that a class of African American males at Ready Mix's Montgomery-area facilities was subjected to a racially hostile work environment. The EEOC alleged that a noose was displayed in the worksite, that derogatory racial language, including references to the Ku Klux Klan, was used by a direct supervisor and manager and that race-based name calling occurred. Ready Mix denied that racial harassment occurred at its worksites. (EEOC v. Ready Mix USA). Racial discrimination and harassment violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The consent decree settling the suit announced on February 21, 2012, provides that Ready Mix will pay a total of $400,000 in compensatory damages to be apportioned among the seven class members. The two-year decree enjoins Ready Mix from engaging in further racial harassment or retaliation and requires that the company conduct EEO training. Ready Mix will be required to modify its policies to ensure that racial harassment is prohibited and a system for investigation of complaints is in place. The company must also report certain complaints of harassment or retaliation to the EEOC for monitoring.
Common Sense Counsel: To avoid this kind of expensive public embarrassment, employers must understand that it is all about creating a respectful workplace environment. In Fiscal Year 2011, the EEOC received 35,395 charges alleging race-based discrimination and 8776 of those alleged race-based harassment. Historically, race-based charges account for more than 35% of all charge filings nationwide. A noose is a threatening symbol of cruelty that has no place in any American workplace.
First, it begins first with a commitment from top management to not allow certain types of unacceptable conduct to creep into the workplace. I call it the Barney Fife school of human resource management where you have to "nip it in the bud." That is especially true with workplace off-color or sexually laced jokes, pictures or cartoons. Second, a legally defensible equal employment opportunity statement in the employee handbook is absolutely critical. Third, make sure that every employee in your organization is trained on the policy and have signed their name at the bottom of the policy. Fourth, once a complaint comes in made sure that it is investigated within 24 to 48 hours and prompt corrective and remedial action is taken and documented.
Tommy Eden is a Lee County native, an attorney with the local office of Capell & Howard, PC, a member of the ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law and serves on the Board of Directors for the East Alabama SHRM Chapter. He can be contacted at email@example.com, 334-501-1540, or www.AlabamaAtWork.com.
Posted by Tommy Eden at 1:04 PM
Labels: discrimination, EEOC, Ready Mix


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There are many rare and endangered animals at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, at Sanzao Town in Nanhui District, about 35 kilometers from the city center. The park is one of China's biggest wild animal parks and covers an area of 153 hectares. There are over 200 rare species and over 10,000 animals from all over the world, including giraffe, zebra, white rhinoceros and hunting leopards. Some indigenous animals under special protection include giant pandas, golden monkeys, south-china tigers, and Asian elephants and many others.
The Shanghai Wild Animal Park is divided into two areas: one for walking, and one which is accessible to buses. There is a herbivore zone, a free zone, aquatic bird lake, bird zone, animal kindergarten, pet monkey park, rare animal park, animal performance zone, sea lion performance zone and other spots in this Park.
The walking area allows a close look at many gentle animals on foot. During a leisurely walk you will see Australian kangaroos, Asian Sika deer, African ring-tailed lemurs and Latin American yellow and blue macaws and more.
The bus enclosure takes you among zebra, yak, deer, elephant and some other fierce beasts. Be forewarned though: the bus park is not suitable for all, especially young children or those with a delicate temperament. Sometimes, you may encounter unpleasant even gruesome sight.
There is also a special animal zoo which is a hit with small kids where they can have a close-up look at the lovely animals.


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From the Manifesto:
§20. In our universities, the nurturing of care and curiosity will be equally true of our teaching. Since research turns all answers into questions, it cannot be taught as if the questions were already answered. Truth is never given in advance; it is rather a horizon of attainment that ever exceeds our reach. It is not therefore available for transmission, as is implied by models that measure teaching and learning by the achievement of predetermined outcomes. There can be no such outcomes, beyond training in skills of so superficial a nature that their transfer can be achieved and assessed through the completion of tick-box exercises. Teaching is not about the transmission of pre-existent knowledge; it is about guiding students in journeys of growth and self-discovery that they necessarily undertake together.


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Marine aquarium fish
In this article we will discuss the most popular marine aquarium fish. They can be divided into several families.
Angelfish are a large family of aquarium fish (Royal, Imperial, blue-crested, zentropy, larkworthy – more than fifty species), which are very popular because of the beautiful bright color and unpretentiousness. These fish are from 5 to 60 centimeters in length and the most incredible colors – emerald green, lemon, red, blue, purple, black, with patterns and without – depending on the type. Live well with other fish. Live up to 20 years.
Fish-surgeons – a large collection of aquarium fish (surgeon-Achilles, pearl, striped, black-striped, olive – just over seventy). On the lateral surface have sharp thorns, but they get along well with other aquarium fish. Sizes are large – from 10 to 100 centimeters, their body painted in lemon, blue, pink or red, but the picture may be quite different. Live for about 3 years.
Clown fish – fish family, whose distinguishing feature is the brick-red body and three transverse stripes. Fish clowns about thirty species, differ from each other by the color of the body and the stripes. Rarely more than 10 cm, but some individuals reach the fifth part of the meter. Though this kind rybaki gets along well with other species of fish, do not miss any possible aggression on his part. Live up to 10 years.
Butterfly fish – a large collection of aquarium fish, otherwise referred to as settingsprofile – due to the presence of teeth similar to the bristles. Have bright color, preferably yellow, brown, bright blue with the same spots or stripes. Prefer to live in pairs or singly. In nature these fish are very feisty and annoying. The usual size of these fish will be 15 to 30 cm, but specimens of some species can reach half a meter. Live about 4 years.
Fish proteins (fish-soldiers) – the family of fish with an elongated translucent body, only about seventy species. Bright, usually tinged with red coloring, often there are stripes along the body. Body length – about 25 inches, but there are species of fish-protein 60 centimeters long. It is extremely taxing on the environment and food, however, a very stubborn and annoying is more than one such specimen in the aquarium it is better not to keep. Live about 4 years.
Seahorse (yellow-spotted) – beautiful decoration for the aquarium, but very badly gets on with other fish species. The value reaches 30 centimeters, it is bright yellow, red-brown or brown. He lives about 4 years.


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According to Jay Carney, if you view the Obama administration as secretive and believe that its various scandals are real, you're seeing things that don't exist. Carney appeared on Piers Morgan's CNN show last night. Toward the end of the interview comes this bizarre exchange.
PIERS MORGAN: Final question, Jay Carney. Obviously the president made a big deal when he came into office of being not like previous administrations and was going to be much more transparent. The charge today after this week is that you have had that reputation for transparency pretty heavily dented. Do you accept that and just on a general picture, how are you going to move on now and restore perhaps faith that some Americans have lost this week in your openness and honesty?
JAY CARNEY: Well, I'm not sure, again, you're concocting scandals here that don't exist, especially with regard to the Benghazi affair that was contrived by Republicans and I think has fallen apart largely this week. The fact of the matter is that this administration has a record on transparency that outdoes any previous administration, and we are committed to that. The president is committed to that.
"You're concocting scandals here that don't exist…" Plural. Carney just denied that any of the massive scandals ripping around this presidency — the AP phone records sweep, the IRS systematically abusing Americans and even a congressman because of their political beliefs, Benghazi — are real. He also insisted that something is true that clearly is not, and hardly anyone believes — that the Obama administration is transparent. Obama appointed more unaccountable czars than any other previous president, and has operated an opaque and very political administration built in part on a philosophy of "punishing your enemies."
Carney's statement isn't denial and it isn't accidental. It's gaslighting.
In the book Gaslighting, the Double Whammy, Interrogation and Other Methods of Covert Control in Psychotherapy and Analysis, the late forensic psychiatrist Theodore Dorpat defines gaslighting as a situation in which one individual "attempts to exert control over the feelings, thoughts or activities of another." According to Dorpat, the gaslighting behavior itself is covert — neither "directly hostile" nor "intimidating."
"In order to be effective, gaslighting depends on first convincing the victim that his thinking is distorted and secondly persuading him that the victimizer's ideas are the correct and true ones," writes Dorpat.
Carney will continue to insist, even as the facts pile up against him, that there is no scandal here and that you're crazy to think that there is. The facts in the AP scandal suggest that DOJ went on a fishing expedition to retaliate after the news agency ran a story outside of the administration's preferred timing. The facts of the IRS scandal suggest that it went very high up in and probably beyond that agency's leadership, and constituted naked political abuse aimed to intimidate Americans and disengage them from the 2012 election. The facts on Benghazi suggest that the administration abandoned Americans under assault so that it could preserve its campaign narrative that al Qaeda had been more or less defeated. The movie was pushed as the reason for the attack to reach that same end.
No one has been held accountable in any of these scandals yet. The State Department's firings connected to Benghazi turned out to be phony. The IRS resignation turned out to be a sham. Nothing has happened to anyone in connection with the AP sweep yet.
Carney, Obama et al will try to convince America that we're all crazy to be concerned about and demand justice in these scandals. We're being gaslit by an abusive and manipulative administration.


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Grace Budd-Spradley picked up a yellowed packet of seeds labeled "Mayflower" and turned it over in her hand.
"The seeds reminded me of Mrs. McAdory," Budd-Spradley said. "I was just thinking about how much she has taught us."
Amitié means friendship. The Oxford Amitié Club took this word to define them, and for 63 years served the community with kindness and aplomb.
On Tuesday, June 24, 2014 Budd-Spradley presented Amitie's remaining balance of $1,417 to Rosalie Thompson of the Covington food pantry, which the club had supported for decades.
The Amitié Club was organized in 1951 with 18 members. Both Budd-Spradley and Ruth Burson are still chartered members today.
The mother of four boys, Budd-Spradley said the club mainly organized to sponsor a Cub Scout group.
"That's how we got in the business of trying to earn money," she said. "We were cooking meals twice a month at the Lions Club and getting paid, and that's how we supported the clubs we were interested in."
For decades the Amitié Club would prepare and serve meals twice a month at the Lions Club's meetings to earn money for the Cub Scouts. They stopped in 1978 to focus efforts on the Covington Food Pantry and other projects.
Two weeks ago, the Amitié Club emptied a CD account of $5,000 and donated all of it to the Lions Club.
"That's why we donated that money," Budd-Spradley said of the Lions Club donation. "Because that's what it was earned for. Of course, through the years we've had many other projects, but mainly for the Cub Scouts. We helped a lot of boys go through that program, and it's very worthwhile."
The Oxford Lions Club sponsors Boy Scout Troop 211, Cub Pack 211, Scout Crew 147 and the American Heritage Girls.
"The Lions Club not only sponsors the cubs, but the girls, boys and other youth groups," Budd-Spradley said. "They're very busy and very worthwhile."
Budd-Spradley believes that both Amitié's donations have gone to very worthy causes in the community, since they had been supporting both the pantry and the scouts for several years.
In addition to these projects, the Amitié Club started a kindergarten in Oxford in 1954, participated in drives for the March of Dimes, Heart Fund and the Cancer Drive, and supported the Mental Health Association and vision and hearing surveys/testing in local public schools. They have planted trees, donated benches and cleaned up trash on Emory Street to fulfill the goals of their "Clean and Beautiful" project.
Their monthly meeting program read, "The object of this organization shall be to strengthen the civic, social, moral, and spiritual life of the community, to promote projects and to meet the needs of the community, to unite the citizens of the community in a mutual trust and faith and to keep its members apprised of the day."
But because many members were getting older, and membership had fallen over the years, Budd-Spradley said the organization agreed to disband before their usual July-August break between meetings.
"I'll miss it along with others," Budd-Spradley said. "But it's not as easy to have the programs and support projects like we used to. There's more going on in other places where people can support. Oxford has been very fortunate to support projects and make this a nice place to live."
Budd-Spradley turned over the seed packet again and said they had some very informative programs over the years, and learned a lot from each other.
"I hope the young people will step in and then be able to look back on the good they've done."


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What made Scott's songwriting great? There was something really honest about it. Scott wasn't trying to be anyone else apart from himself. The songs spoke for themselves, especially Midnight Organ Fight, which seemed to connect with people on another level. Scott was such a clever guy. He was writing about love and loss and things… Read more »
Carrie Fisher
First published 22nd February, 2004 in The Sunday Herald
When Carrie Fisher goes missing right before an interview, you have good reason to worry. This, after all, is the woman who stopped taking her lithium during a holiday in Australia, had a psychotic episode, and took an impulsive trip to China because it was only six inches away on the map. Her press officer… Read more »
Duglas T Stewart
First published January 26, 2016 in The Guardian
ON the evening before we were due to meet and talk about the 30th anniversary of his group BMX Bandits, Duglas T Stewart got in touch with a warning: over the last couple of years he has been wrestling with serious mental health issues which manifest themselves, now and again, in self-harming behaviour. "Last night,"… Read more »
William McIlvanney
First published August 15, 2010 in Scotland On Sunday
GOING by the books he has written over 45 years, you would expect to see William McIlvanney in particular places and situations. Football grounds and dog tracks. High flats and low company. Certain pubs in which anecdote and incident come as chasers with each drawn pint. So persistently has he hymned the nobility, authenticity, laughter… Read more »
The Bathers
First published 8th October 2016 in The Times
A golden Edinburgh evening after a day of silver haar. In a tiny rehearsal room near the Botanic Gardens, a band is performing. The singer plays a semi-acoustic, eyes squeezed shut, singing songs of French girls and twilight gardens, fireflies and summer rain. At the back of the room, sitting on a leather sofa, is… Read more »


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Adidas Kits 2017 GNPC Speedsters Club Inductees
Madam Valerie Ghajar, Ghana Country Director of Adidas has advised three budding sprinters who have been selected to join the GNPC Speedsters Club to believe in themselves and train hard to become future champions.
Speaking at the presentation of Adidas sports kits to the athletes she noted that the quality equipment would help them to perform better, after they had been nurtured and prepared.
The trio, Samuel Asare of Prempeh SHS, Edwin Gadayi aka "Phobia" of AMASS and Mary Boakye popilarly known as "Jetter" of Anglican Girls SHS who were selected after this year's Ghana Fastest Human final held in Kumasi promised to give off their best to lift the nation high.
Ato Kobbie, a representative of GNPC said his organisation loves partnerships and being associated with the Ghana Fastest Human programme gives them the opportunity to support the youth who are doing sports.
Reks Brobby, the brain behind the Ghana's Fastest Human concept hinted that the programme had been successful so far, as since 2013 when it started, they have produced athletes like, Emmanuel Dasor, Emmanuel Yeboah aka T20, Gifty Oku, Ida Mensah and Desmond Aryee who are all preparing for the next Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.
He informed that the three newly selected sprinters who are also on educational scholarship would be handled by coach Anslem "Mourinho" Nyavedzie of AMASS.


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Nuo Mi Xiang or Glutinous Rice flavoured Pu Er tea is a scented Pu Er tea made of ripe Pu Er tea infused with the scent of the "Nuo Mi Xiang Nen Ye" or " Sweet Rice Tender Leaves" herb. This rare plant herb is normally grown under ancient tea trees and resembles the smell of fragrant rice. Once infused with Pu Er tea, this special brew will deliver an enhanced flavour and increase the health benefits of Pu Er tea.


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• Rhythm is the organization of long and short sounds and silences into patterns, moving with an underlying steady beat.
• Rhythmic durations can be notated with icons or specific music symbols.
• Meter is the organization of the underlying pulse into groups of twos or threes.
• Form is the organization of musical ideas.
• Texture is the layering of sounds.
• Melody is the organization of pitch and duration and may have a tonal center.
• Melodies can be notated with icons or specific musical symbols.
• Timbre is the organization of different qualities of sound generated by the manipulation of various physical materials found in the following: acoustic, electronic, environmental and vocal instruments.
• Harmony is the simultaneous performance of two or more parts that are different yet musically compatible.
Expressive Elements
• Expressive elements (tempo, timbre, dynamics, articulation, and phrasing) are manipulated in performance to create an effect or mood.
• Style is the manner in which music is performed reflecting historic/cultural traditions and genres.
• One piece of music may be performed in a variety of different styles.
• Performances have their own expectations for both audience members and performers.
• Proper respect and care of musical instruments and equipment have a profound effect on their ability to function and endure.


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Our delightful applique kits will allow you to add that personalisation and fun to a shirt, baby romper or anything you like really. Allowing you to make that personal gift yourself to give to someone you love or keep it for yourself.
Each kit contains a needle, coloured thread and instructions on how to apply and sew on to your item of choice.
Monkey measurements 7.95cm wide 5.71cm high


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Doe not 'panicking' about Daggers form
PUBLISHED: 18:30 31 October 2014
Dave Simpson/TGSPHOTO c/o 27 Plaiters Way, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3LR - Editorial Use ONLY - FA Premier League and Football Leagu
Experienced defender positive ahead of Shrewsbury Town this weekend
Dagenham & Redbridge defender Scott Doe is not too concerned about the form of the Victoria Road club because performances have been encouraging.
Wayne Burnett's team secured an excellent point at Adams Park last weekend, although they came close to earning a win before Peter Murphy headed a late equaliser for Wycombe Wanderers.
Daggers had lost their previous two matches before that encounter and have only won four times in League Two this season.
But despite that, the performances have been positive and although they are currently 21st in the table they deserve to be higher judged on their displays of late.
Doe wondered whether the draw at Wycombe could be a turning point but regardless of the result this weekend against Shrewsbury Town, he knows they will start moving up the table soon.
"I think the Wycombe draw could be the turning point," said the Daggers defender.
"You come to top of the league and it doesn't matter how they play, they are here for a reason and we have got a point.
"And if we was playing real bad and losing we would be worried but I know for a fact we have a lot of quality.
"That is why I know for a fact it will turn for us but we need that bit of luck on the way.
"The performances have been alright, even when we have lost, so no one is panicking. We are still confident of doing well."
Although Doe wasn't too aware of how well Shrewsbury have been doing, ahead of their trip to Victoria Road tomorrow (Saturday).
He knows Burnett's team will be in for a tough contest, adding: "I have never ever played an easy game in this league but it is a home game.
"I don't really know how Shrewsbury have been doing but they have come down from the league above so it is going to be a tough game."
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Barking and Dagenham Post. Click the link in the orange box above for details.


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The pace by which SMBs adopted the Cloud in 2012 was surprising, according to Xero Australia managing director, Chris Ridd, who said adoption was much quicker than originally anticipated.
"Looking at our customer numbers alone in Australia, we announced in March 2012 that we had 16,000 paying business customers and by October that number was 32,500," he said.
"That sort of take-up really took us by surprise."
Xero was expecting the add-ons market, consisting of Cloud developers that plug into Xero's products, would start to take off towards the end of 2012, and it turned out that growth through 2012 had been exponential.
"It grew from about 40 partners in late 2011 to over 120 today," he said.
Ridd said this grow was due to SMB customers seeing the value in plug-and-play capability in relation to Cloud offerings, and the growth in Cloud add-ons is a "clear indication of that trend".
"We speak to about three to four new developers every week that want to integrate with Xero, so that ecosystem is really gaining momentum," he said.
Having seen these trends in 2012, Ridd expects the next 12 months to bring about a "real shake-up" for some of competing accounting software providers such as MYOB and Reckon.
"[They] have been slow to respond to the Cloud opportunity and are trying to promote hybrid online offerings," he said.
MYOB responded to the allegation by pointing out that its browser-based accounting solution, LiveAccounts, has been on the market since August 2010.
For those reasons and more, Ridd expects Cloud offerings that "perpetuate all the complexities of on-premise desktop software" are going to come under market scrutiny in 2013.
He attributes this to SMBs jumping on the Cloud in order to do away with the complexities of managing software, as well as all the headaches of dealing with patch updates, software compatibility issues, security, backups, and so on.
"In addition, customers want to be able to access their applications and data anywhere, any time and on device," Ridd said.
"The explosion in new devices will continue to give weight to pure Cloud models that use a version-less modern web interface to access applications."
Growing the ecosystem
The game plan for Xero in 2013 will be to focus on development of new features to its accounting and integrated payroll solutions, such as purchase orders, sales quotes, richer inventory management and more continuous improvements.
Ridd said add-ons will also remain a firm focus for the vendor, with the company continuing to develop its open API to support the continued growth of its ecosystem for Xero integrated solutions.
"We will continue to deliver tools to help accountants and bookkeepers move to the Cloud with the long-awaited release of Report Packs, which will help streamline the preparation of management and annual report templates across their clients," he said.
Xero also has plans to introduce a new look UI for its Cloud Practice Management solution for partners, along with the full release of Work Papers, which Ridd said is currently in beta testing with over 30 of its Australian partners.
"Perhaps most exciting will be the first phases of release of our online tax lodgment platform that is currently under development, which we know many accountants out there are chomping at the bit to see," he said.
Xero's accounting and bookkeeping partners will be interested to know that the practice tools will be available for free when partners sign up 25 or more customers onto Xero.
"That's a very different approach to software in the accounting space, and one that should bring further disruption to the industry," Ridd said.
Patrick Budmar covers consumer and enterprise technology breaking news for IDG Communications. Follow Patrick on Twitter at @patrick_budmar.


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Preferred Living has been developing and managing luxury apartment communities in Columbus, Ohio and the surrounding area since 1996. Our properties include apartments in Downtown Columbus, Upper Arlington, Lewis Center, and Hilliard, Ohio.
Our company was founded to provide more than just everyday apartment units. We set out to encourage the Preferred Life in stylish, relaxing and luxurious environments. That's why Preferred Living apartments include concierge services, monthly resident events and so many popular amenities, from pool and fitness facilities, to theaters, game rooms, full-service business centers and tanning salons. (Amenities vary by location.)
We made a commitment to a very high standard many years ago. It's what separates us from all the "plain old apartment complexes" in the area. And it's why our residents love the Preferred Life.
Explore our luxury apartment communities in Columbus, OH below and contact us to arrange a private community tour.
Preferred Living understands the value of home ownership, too, and we now proudly offer luxury homes for sale at The Bungalows at Mayfair in the prestigious community of New Albany, Ohio.
Enjoy simpler times within a safe neighborhood setting. The community sits on a quiet enclave, recalling days and ways gone by, yet offers all the comfort, conveniences and modern features you associate with the Preferred Living brand.
The Bungalows at Mayfair allow you to personalize finishes like cabinetry, flooring, tile and countertops to suit your taste. You can also select optional upgrades like wood trim packages, ceiling fans and closet systems, as well as structural upgrades like a loft or finished basement to further customize your home to suit your lifestyle.
Learn more about the Bungalows at Mayfair here, and contact your sales agent at (614) 947-8500 for more information about buying a home at The Bungalows at Mayfair.


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Dr. Janice Timothée loves being an orthodontist because it gives her the opportunity to significantly improve people's lives. "I enjoy the art and science of correcting misaligned teeth, but what I truly love is to see the transformation of my patients on a psychological level," she says. "There is nothing more rewarding to me than a happy, satisfied patient stepping out of the chair with a new smile, ready to face the world with excitement and confidence."
Dr. Timothée, or "Dr. T" as she is called by colleagues and friends, was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and she completed her dental training at the University of Puerto Rico School of Dentistry. During dental school, she decided to serve her country by joining the United States Air Force, where she was awarded the Health Professions Scholarship. After graduating with honors, she completed an additional year at an Advanced General Dentistry residency and served for four years as a general dentist in Japan. Dr. Timothée went on to receive her orthodontic training through the Tri-Service Orthodontic Residency program at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. During her 12 years in active duty, she was the Chief of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, taught orthodontics to general dentistry residents, and was awarded the Commendation and Meritorious medals.
As a result of Dr. Timothée's extensive training in general dentistry, she is able to create comprehensive treatment plans where all aspects of oral health are taken into consideration. She continuously pursues professional education opportunities and utilizes state-of-the-art technology in her practice, which includes digital x-rays with less radiation, aligners, laser technology, and temporary anchorage devices.
"My goal is to give my patients top notch quality treatment in a caring and family-oriented environment," Dr. T says. "I love how I get to know my patients during treatment and come to consider them 'part of the family.'"
Dr. Timothée and her husband Chris are the proud parents of two daughters, Janelle and Julianna. When she is not at the office building beautiful smiles, Dr. Timothée enjoys being involved at her church, and she loves spending quality time with her family. Her favorite hobbies include traveling, dancing, and going to her favorite spot on the planet…the beach!
Great experience! Dr. Timothée and her staff are the best! -Tommy G.
Orthodontic care is exceptional! -Holden J.
Awesome experience with Timothée Orthodontics! Wonderful place for braces! -Joey K.
This office is so cool and the staff is friendly. I'm excited about getting my braces! -Peyton R.
I really enjoy coming in and getting to see the very cheerful staff. I feel so comfortable here! -Lily N.
Dr. Timothée and her staff are so great! They are always super nice and act like they really care what's going on with your life. I have always been happy when leaving their clinic and they are super great at working around my school schedule. I would not have wanted to go anywhere else for my experience with braces. Dr. Timothée is highly recommended. – Athena D.
We are very pleased. My daughter was very nervous and the entire staff was very patient while answering all of her questions. She goes back for her first follow-up today and we can see a big difference already. Our local dentist recommended us here and we are very pleased. -Alyssa S.
Awesome crew! Everyone is so helpful and take excellent care of their patients! -Felicia E.
Timothée Orthodontics has some of the most friendliest staff members that I have ever come in contact with. Dr. Timothée along with her staff members have worked miracles with my mouth. I appreciate everything you all have done and will continue to do for me. Thank u very much!!!!!!! – Tonya A.


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We're all about digitisation
At Automated Document Services, we digitise your documents. With a digital archive you can access your documents from anywhere in the world. You can create multiple copies of records and share your archive via the internet. Search your documents for the information you need and back-up your data so that you'll never lose another record again. The environmental benefits of a digital archive will show your green credentials in an ecologically aware epoch. The world is turning digital and no organisation – large or small – can afford to be working with last century's tools.


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Part of my blog post is probably going to piss a few people off. I'm sorry in advance, and want you to know that I'll still love you if you disagree with what I have to say—it's not personal, it's sensible. I have an opinion and I'm not afraid to wave it around occasionally.
So, firstly, the non-offensive part—what's the latest news from my journey with Shadows of the Realm, you may ask (or maybe you didn't but I'm going to tell you anyway). Yesterday I visited a super cool, exists-in-the-real-world, fantasy/sci fi/horror bookshop—Infinitas in Parramatta (in Sydney) where I nervously presented my book to the owner, Tim. I have to admit, he was not blown away like I was hoping, but he agreed to take two of my books, which is awesome!
Tim has been in the book business a long time and he has seen a lot of indie books recently, many of them not up to scratch, so I'm lucky he gave mine a go. I know where he's coming from, because many indie books I read have not been edited, nor proofread, and while it's common to have a few (and I don't mean a lot, I mean a few) typos, it's disheartening when grammar and punctuation have been neglected in the author's attempt to entertain us with their genius.
Why do some authors think it's ok to do only half a job, when they wouldn't do it at their 9-5 profession—imagine going to the mechanic and he takes the engine apart and decides he's had enough. Treat it like a business, because your reader is not an idiot, and while you won't fire yourself, a reader probably won't come back for the second book if the first was a disaster.
I guess I'm having a little whinge because it's been damn hard to get my book into shops. Everyone needs to read it first to make sure it's not more suited to cleaning number twos in the bathroom. Why is this? Is it because my book looks like crap? No, because I have an awesome cover, done by a professional. Is it the fact that I look stupid when I turn up, because I'm wearing a clown suit and have a fish shoved up my nose? No. It's because indie authors have a bad name, as a lot (and I'm not saying all because there's some very professional and talented ones out there) only do half the job. The rest of us get battered with the same crumbs so it's super duper hard to get anywhere.
Anyway, enough whinging from me. I'd like to say thanks again to Tim, I really appreciate the shelf space in Infinitas. I have my fingers crossed that some lucky reader will notice it and do something earthshattering—buy it. I've also managed to get my book into a library and a school, with more shops and school libraries currently considering it, so I'm kinda happy. To all those indie authors out there who work hard to put out the best product they can—you are awesome and I salute you :).


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Tortilla wrap with fresh tomato salsa and a mouth watering shredded chicken filling is to die for. My first attempt at making the whole recipe ground up was an absolute winner and my family loved it. I have made the tortilla myself cause I like to keep it very rustic and if you are adventurous too go ahead and give it a try. But if you are unsure you can always get the machine made tortilla (very monotonous) available in stores.Ingredients:
Corn (Maize) flour - 1 ½ cup
All purpose flour (Maida) - 1 ¼ cup
Oil - 4 tbsp
Warm water
Salt to taste
Cucumber - 1 small, peeled and diced
Tomato - 2, de-seeded and diced
Green Chilly - 1, de-seeded and finely chopped
Garlic - 2 cloves, finely chopped
Onion - 1 medium sized, chopped
Lemon juice - from ½ a lemon
Salt to taste
Chicken breast - 300 gms, cut into strips of
Red bell pepper - 1, roughly cut into small pieces
Onion - 1 large, sliced
Garlic - 5 medium sized cloves, pounded
Black pepper powder - 1 ½ tsp
Balsamic vinegar - 1 tbsp
Sugar - a pinch
Oil - 4 tbsp (I used olive oil here)
Salt to taste
Jalapenos - 4 to 5, chopped
Mix all the ingredients except salt. You can add the salt just before you assemble the wraps (Salt will make the veggies shed out its water content and will make your tortilla soggy).
In a bowl, nicely mix corn and the all purpose flour. Add the oil and salt to taste. Add enough water to make a soft dough. Keep it aside for 5 minutes. Make balls out of the dough and then roll it into tortillas of around 9 inches dia. On a hot pan, cook for about a minute on each sides (one thing to take care of is to make sure the tortillas are not over cooked, they tend to become hard). This batch will fetch you 5-6 tortillas.
Add salt and pepper powder to the chicken pieces and let it stay for about 5 minutes or so. Heat oil in a pan, put the chicken. Cook till the chicken is tender. Leave the oil in the pan, take out the chicken. With a knife and fork, roughly shred the chicken pieces. Meanwhile, in the same oil that we cooked the chicken, thrown in the onion. Saute till they turn translucent. Add garlic, cook till the garlic gives off its aroma. Add sugar and salt. Add the bell pepper and saute for about 2 minutes. Now add balsamic vinegar and the shredded chicken. Cook for another minute or so and switch off the heat.
Now to assemble, take the tortilla (re-heat the tortilla on a pan if you feel the tortillas are cold) and spoon in a bit of salsa and the shredded chicken filling as in the picture above. Garnish with some jalapenos and grated cheese on top. Wrap the tortilla and heat on a hot griddle on both sides for cheese to melt and create the fusion of flavours.
Do post your comments and requests.


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Dr. Bababekov at 1 on 1 Eyecare in Waltham is confident that he can provide the eye care you need. Below you'll find a list of some of the key eye care services that our optometric practice offers.
Thorough Eye Exams in Waltham, Watertown, Newton, Belmont MA
Comprehensive eye exams in Waltham for adults and children, co-management of laser vision correction surgery, caring for eye emergencies and so much more. Our Waltham optometrist provides comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages including treatment for a range of conditions including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, cataracts and macular degeneration.


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Article content
OTTAWA — The governing Conservatives remain Canada's most-preferred federal party, though their popularity has dropped to a two-year low, according to a new poll done exclusively for Sun News Network.
The poll by Abacus Data also finds that both the federal NDP and the federal Liberals are finishing the year with slightly more support than the beginning of the year.
Abacus CEO David Coletto said the combination of a soon-to-be-chosen new federal Liberal leader with what Coletto called "underwhelming impressions" Canadians have of NDP leader Thomas Mulcair and continued negative ratings for Prime Minister Stephen Harper point to a new year of political uncertainty.
"The candidacy of someone like Justin Trudeau for Liberal leader could fundamentally alter the political landscape as a volatile and uneasy electorate looks for a candidate and a party that offers it something different," said Coletto. "Justin may not save the Liberal Party but the political conditions are so that the enthusiasm and dynamism he would bring to Canadian politics could have a profound impact on voting intention and political attitudes in 2013."
The poll also shows sharp regional differences. The Conservatives are strong in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario; the New Democrats dominate in B.C. and Quebec; and the Liberals lead in Atlantic Canada.
Overall though, Abacus found 34% of those surveyed support the Conservatives. That's down two percentage points since Abacus' last survey in November and is down from 40% a year ago.
The Conservatives have not been that low in the polls since November 2010, when 33% of voters were on their side.
Mulcair's New Democrats finish the year at 32% while the Liberals are at 22%, a year-over-year improvement of one point for the NDP and 4 points for the Liberals.
Abacus surveyed 1,505 Canadians between Dec. 7 and 8 using an online survey. The poll participants were chosen at random from a database of 150,000 volunteers. The pollster weighted the survey sample by age, gender, region and education level according to the most recent census data. The pollster's method is widely used and, according to the industry association of which the pollster is a member, is believed to be capable of producing accurate results.
Abacus also found Canadians some sharp divides among political preferences by age. The NDP, for example, has a 24-point lead over the Liberals and Conservatives among Canadians under 30. But the Conservatives have 21-point lead over the NDP and Liberals among voters aged 60 or older.
The Conservatives and New Democrats are competitive when it comes to voters between 30 and 59.
In Quebec, the NDP has jumped back into first place as the preferred choice of 39% of voters there. The Bloc Quebecois saw its support drop six points in the last month down to 25%. The Conservatives and Liberals are essentially tied in Quebec at 17% and 16% support.
The NDP is also number one in B.C. with 43% support followed by the Conservatives with 31% and the Liberals with 14%. B.C. also has the highest Green Party support at 11%.
The Conservatives, meanwhile, are doing best in Alberta where they are the pick of 63% of those surveyed.
Conservatives also lead in Ontario with 38% support followed by the NDP at 29% and the Liberals at 27%.
The Liberals are the leading party in Atlantic Canada where they have the support of 45% of voters compared to 30% for the Conservatives and 24% for the NDP.
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Tragic story. This documentary created a big buzz at Sundance. The story of the cover up is fascinating and tragic.
tags: movie trailer, the tillman story
My Best of 2012 Playlist by Eric Garneau
After being inspired by some friends, for the past few years I've been really into documenting my musical exploration with year-end mixes. I realize this is not a particularly novel thing to do, but hey, who has original ideas any more? Anyway, this has gotten even easier to do thanks to new technology like Spotify. read more
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Synonyms for benignant
SWAP benignant IN A SENTENCE
Join our early testers! See how your sentence looks with different synonyms.
The genii of the East have woven this banner from the rays of benignant stars.
Mr Casby shook his head, in Placid and benignant generality.
They replace the three benignant Baba Yagas of Russian stories.
"You will hold the basin," said he, directing me with his calm, benignant eye.
The benignant laws of the Incas were replaced by the rapine of the conquerors.
"Do not call it foolish, Valerie," returned the old man with a benignant smile.
His hopes were high, his benignant star was once more in the ascendant.
With one of his benignant smiles the captain resumed his progress.
With a benignant smile Bladud said that he had merely asked who she was.
"I have another favor to ask," said he, and this time with his most benignant smile.


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A divorce is the dissolution of a legal marriage. Divorce is never pleasant, but it does not need to last years and cost tons of money. You can file for divorce in Louisiana on your own to avoid attorney fees and expenses. If it is an uncontested divorce, than any disputes will also be avoided. The mandatory waiting period and the filing fee is the only thing standing between you and the single life. You can file for a divorce in Louisiana on your own, as long as you meet the basic residency requirements and fill out the divorce papers.
Confirm that you and your spouse meets the residency requirements to file for a divorce in Louisiana. You must be a resident in the state for at least a year to file.
Find grounds for divorce. Louisiana grants no-fault divorce, but a couple must be separated for at least six months before they petition for a divorce. Couples with children need to wait a year. Other grounds include a felony and sentencing of death or imprisonment, or adultery.
Go to your district court and obtain the proper divorce papers. The petition will need contact information for you and your spouse and relevant information about the marriage.
File the court papers with a Louisiana district court. The filing fee must be paid before your spouse can be served with the divorce papers. You can file a financial hardship form to waive the fee, but you must be suffering from some type of financial hardship.
- Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images


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We are feeling the love around here this year with tons of fun Valentine's Day crafts for kids and adults. ( Because mama needs some craft time too!) We spent so much of last year feeling too down to do much crafting. This year we have decided that things are going to be different. Sure, we still have tons of things going on from meltdowns to migraines. However, we aren't going to let that get in the way of fun this year. This fun DIY Valentine's Day garland featuring colorful conversation hearts is a great project to do with the kids this year. It comes together so quickly and is a great alternative to traditional salt dough crafts.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. For more on our use of affiliate links and our privacy policy please visit our disclaimer page.
The clay used in this colorful heart garland is made from items most people already have in the house which makes it a great low-cost craft. Once the clay hearts are created you can leave them white or paint them with acrylic paint, add glitter, or do your own unique touch to make them your own. We used letter stamps to put words on ours. However, if you don't have letter stamps you can hand letter the clay hearts by using a clay tool before baking.
Related: How to Make Fun DIY Valentine's Crayons for Kids
How Do You Make Air Dry Clay from Cornstarch
This clay is a great alternative to salt dough clay. You can leave it out to air dry or you can put it in a very low oven for a short while to speed up the process if you prefer. It makes a much smoother finished product but can crack slightly if not handled properly. The best way to avoid cracking in baking soda and corn starch clay is to dry it very slowly. Trying to rush things can end up in a less than desirable finished product. Put on some music, grab a cup of tea, and let the clay do its thing!
Ingredients for DIY Air Dry Clay
1/2 C cornstarch
1 C baking soda
3/4 C room temperature water
Directions to Make DIY Air Dry Clay
Place the cornstarch, baking soda, and water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until a milky liquid is formed and no visible clumps are present.
Stir the mixture frequently as it warms. I use a whisk for doing this because it helps keep things smooth and break up even little clumps that form.
After a few minutes (about 5-8 depending on the temperature settings) the mixture will begin to thicken. Keep stirring as the mixture thickens up. After a while, your mixture will reach a consistency similar to mashed potatoes.
Remove the mixture from the stovetop and transfer to a mixing bowl to cool. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and let it cool down for about 20 minutes, or until it is no longer warm to the touch.
Directions to Make Air Dry Clay Hearts
After the mixture has cooled turn it out onto a hard surface and knead until a smooth dough is formed. You can use a little extra cornstarch to keep things from sticking, but you shouldn't have too much trouble as the dough is very smooth. I rolled mine out on a silicone baking mat and had no issues with sticking.
Roll the dough out just as you would with cutout cookies. You can use cornstarch on your rolling pin as well if needed. Using a heart-shaped cutter cut the heart shapes out of your dough and transfer each to a foil-lined baking sheet.
Using a plastic straw poke a hole in each of the hearts so that you can hang them later. If you are making magnets or something you won't be hanging you can skip this step. If you don't have any plastic straws available you can use a toothpick or clay tool. You just want to make sure you have a big enough hole for the string or ribbon you are using to hand your garland. I prefer straws because they automatically pick up the clay removed when you use them to make your hole.
You can let your clay air dry for several hours or place it in a low oven around 175 degrees F for up to an hour. I usually check these around 30 minutes, and again at 45 minutes to ensure that they aren't cracking, browning, or doing anything else they aren't supposed to be doing. A little discoloration while baking isn't too big of a deal if you will be painting them. However, if you are making white hearts it could put a damper on things.
Related: How to Make Fun DIY Galaxy Themed Lip Scrub
Personalizing Air Dry Clay Hearts
We painted our hearts with acrylic paints to make them match the colors of conversation heart candies. Many colors that we already had on hand from other projects worked out well for this one. This dough will get about 8-10 hearts per batch depending on the size of your hearts. You can do all different colors or create a color pattern if you prefer. You can do a glaze before or after painting but I find that this clay holds up well to paint if you let it dry between layers. I decided to leave the glaze off of ours so that they would have more of a matte finish.
There are two ways to go about adding the fun Valentine's Day phrases to the clay hearts to make them conversation hearts. As mentioned above you can do the phrases by stamping or carving the phrases before baking. This will give the hearts more of an embossed feel. We opted to stamp the phrases on with black ink after the clay hearts were dried and painted. I have seen actual conversation heart candies done both ways so this is really just a matter of personal preference.
Hanging Your Valentine's Day Garland
You can use anything from string to yarn and even ribbon to hang your Valentine's Day conversation heart garland. We decided to go with a more natural look by using a jute twine rope to hang our conversation hearts. It holds up well and can easily match any decor so I already had a TON of twine on hand lol.
Make small loops of your twine, ribbon, yarn, etc through the holes you created in each of your hearts. You want your loops to be big enough to hang your hearts but not so big they will shake around much and possibly break. Once you have a loop on each of your hearts you can pass one long piece of twine, ribbon, etc through each of your loops to make your garland. Hang in the window, on the mantle, or wherever you have chosen to put your garland and you're done!
This DIY air dry clay holds up well for many years if properly handled. It makes a great keepsake craft to do with kids because you can reuse this garland for years to come. It also makes a great gift to send to grandparents or family friends. It would be a great idea to do with a bible school or preschool class. Each child could paint a heart to be put together on a fun Valentine's Day garland displaying all of them together!
Do you want to be the first to know when we have a fun new DIY project available? Join our mailing list for all of our latest craft and DIY projects, tasty recipes, parenting tips, and much more!
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Almost two children a day are being abducted by a parent in the UK and taken abroad, the British government has said. The number of abduction and international custody cases being reported to the British foreign office has doubled over the last decade, rising to 580 in 2012/2013.
Children's charity Reunite said it has dealt with 447 new cases involving 616 children so far this year.
The office released the figures following concerns that a spike in cases over the Christmas period last year could be repeated this holiday season. It has launched a campaign with Reunite to warn parents of the "devastating emotional impact" that abducting a child can have on the entire family.
Mark Simmonds, minister for consular affairs, said: "I was very concerned to see an increase in child abduction cases. "Parental child abduction has a devastating emotional impact on the child as well as the taking parent and the parent left behind.
"We are launching this awareness campaign in the lead-up to Christmas to try to prevent parents from doing something that would cause significant distress to themselves, their family and most importantly to the child. "We also encourage parents to look for warning signs that their partner may be considering this. "Once children are taken overseas it can be extremely difficult to secure their return to the UK. Many parents are not aware that by abducting their child, they may be committing a crime."
The foreign office said it can take up to 10 years for an abducted child to be returned to the UK and warned of a "very real possibility" that they could never come back. It is harder for a family to fight for the return of a child from a country that has not signed the 1980 Hague Convention — an international agreement between certain countries which aims to ensure the return of a child who has been abducted by a parent.
The most common country where children are taken to which is not part of the Hague Convention is Pakistan, with 35 reported cases in 2012/13, followed by Thailand with 17 cases and India with 16. The most common country where children are abducted to which is part of the Hague Convention is America, with 32 reported cases in 20102/13, followed by Poland with 29 cases and Ireland with 28. The figures also reveal that around 70 per cent of the abducting parents are mothers. Alison Shalaby, chief executive of Reunite, warned that the cases are not "faith or country specific".
"We see cases involving a range of countries from France and Poland to Thailand, Pakistan and Australia, " she said. "The holidays can be a particularly stressful time for families, especially if the relationship between parents has broken down. "However, there is help available if you think that your partner may be considering abducting your children."


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len is a function to get the length of a collection. It works by calling an object's
__len__ method.
__something__ attributes are special and usually more than meets the eye, and generally should not be called directly.
It was decided at some point long ago getting the length of something should be a function and not a method code, reasoning that
len(a)'s meaning would be clear to beginners but
a.len() would not be as clear. When Python started
__len__ didn't even exist and
len was a special thing that worked with a few types of objects. Whether or not the situation this leaves us makes total sense, it's here to stay.


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PHP poll script is use to create Schedule polls, Customize poll appearance and multiple choice questions with possible answers. Do you know how Poll helps to site owners and developers? It is basically help owners to understand the audience of their sites and the exact feedback to enhance their business. Are you looking for best PHP poll scripts? Don't worry in this article we have listed best PHP poll scripts which helps to improve interactivity between owners and visitors by delivering the exact feedback and to get clear that what a visitor exactly want from the site owners.
12 Best PHP Poll Scripts for Developers:-
- Poll Ajax: –
Poll Ajax is a vibrant and extensive polling system often using My SQL and PHP. This script comes with an installation process to create database manually. By using this script you can simply insert & use polls into any page.
- Flipper Roll: –
This is one of the simple and best PHP poll scripts for developers. It is very lightweight poll script that can install by integrated installation but also has backend administrator panel. You can add unlimited options and use it in different styles.
- Poll Creator: –
Poll creator is also suitable and best PHP Poll Scripts for developers. This script offers you ways to create polls and display them on websites, complete with membership system and stats.
This is an awesome My SQL based script allows you to create polls with so many styles and colours. This script has built by using web technologies such as HTML5, CSS3 and PHP5.
- Smart survey: –
This is convenient and best PHP poll scripts for developers especially for the field of applied statistics. This technique associated with survey data collection techniques and also some methods for improving accuracy of responses and number of surveys.
- Pro polls: –
Pro polls are basically a powerful script design to create premium polls to gain a valuable feedback. This script is powered by PHP and MY SQL to protect you against powerful codeigniter PHP framework, CSRF attacks.
This is best PHP poll script help you to setup easy and quickly. Survey engine offers us two way table analyses, easy to translate any language and admin authentication as well.
- Paragon poll: –
If you want to do an efficient opinion sampling and public survey then it can be easily done with the help of paragon poll. This is one of the best PHP poll scripts which Suggest options to admin panel for better assessment.
- JAX poll: –
JAX poll is a best polling widget for the websites. In this we just need to add few lines in HTML of web page after uploading the code. This script doesn't need any post installation setup and database. It will automatically upload the JQuery library if you are not using it before.
This is one of the best PHP poll scripts and poll management system. You can publish it on any of the web pages and you can create awesome polls results as .xml and .pdf files according your wish or requirement.
- Vote it up: –
This is Best PHP poll scripts which allow visitors to vote for pictures, articles and posts on your websites. Vote it Up is very easy to customize because in this you just need to configure URL of your website into Configuration file. This is very smooth PHP poll components and scripts don't need any coding.
- EZ poll: –
EZ poll is very easy to Use PHP poll script and best interface for web applications. This is a wonderful comes up with many options like limiting votes per day and time sensitive polls.