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For a door entry phone system you'll like the OfficeServ7030, unless you have larger premises when it'll be the OfficeServ7100, OfficeServ7200 or possibly OfficeServ7400. "What to Buy for Business" magazine believes that the OfficeServ is GOOD VALUE.  door_entry.pdf
You can have multiple door entry locations. Each door entry position can be answered by any desk handset you choose. They can then release the door lock by pressing their DOOR button which interfaces with the door releasing electronics.
With a large range of user handsets for each door entry answering point you are spoilt for choice: DS2100B, DS5007S, DS5014S, DS5038S, DS5014D, DS5021D, DS5064, SMT-i3100, SMT-i3105, SMT-i5210, SMT-i5220, SMT-i5230, SMT-i5243, SMT-i5264 , SMT-W5120 and ip SoftPhone.
You have a selection of door entry terminals to mount on the wall next to your entrances. There is a standard door-phone as well as one that is fully weatherproof.
Every OfficeServ7000 door entry is aimed at the business community. Telephone Systems Direct being a Samsung Platinum Partner is able to deliver excellence in communications across the UK. Being a former holder of the trophy for SME Reseller of the Year tells you what our customers think of our services.
So for an door entry solutions contact us on 0800 652 8052 today where all our quotes attract a 25% discount.


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Happy Pi Day! Today is March 14 = 3.14 = Pi
In honor of this fabulous holiday, I'll explain a little about Pi in my own words.
The most simple explanation of Pi is the Circumference divided by the Diameter. All of which will only be used when there is a Circle involved. Speaking of circles, check out the one below:
Diameter = length of the line represented by cutting the pie in half.
Circumference : Circle :: Perimeter : Square. Ie. length of the border.
Circumference = the length of the crust. It's kind of hard to visualize it when it's round. So just take the crust, snip it, and roll it out in a straight line.
If the diameter of the circle is 1, unroll the pie crust and it equals Pi
I don't think in the BC days they had delicious pie crust (nor peach cobbler), so all they could do is continue to keep proving it with different sized circles. If you believe the bible is true, then you have to believe in math, and vice versa. 2 Chronicles 4:2 talks about them approximating Pi = 3 while constructing Solomon's Temple sea of cast metal. Math back in the BC times had to be exciting. Archimedes narrowed down 3 1/7 < Pi < 3 10/71. It is presumed that Zu Chongzhi started with a shape with 24,576 sides to determine his approximation of 355/113! That's impressive.
Tonight, I think I'll celebrate with a Pizza Pie and some Chocolate Silk Pie, yum.

subset: commoncrawl


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Fatigued driving becomes worrisome as hours of service regulations suspended for certain commercial truck drivers
Illinois residents know large commercial trucks on the road often pose a danger to drivers in passenger vehicles. That is why they may be interested in two new hours of service exemptions for certain commercial vehicle drivers. The exemptions went into effect on October 1st and, some say, increases the risk of auto accidents on the roadways caused by truck driver fatigue.
New exemptions
Regulations involving commercial vehicles are implemented and administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. They include hours of service, or HOS, requirements. The rules prohibit commercial drivers from driving more than a set amount of hours in a day. This is to reduce driver fatigue-a common problem of truck accidents today.
However, certain drivers are presently exempt from these HOS requirements. Commercial drivers who transport agricultural commodities and farm supplies, including farm and ranch operators as well as their employees, are exempt from the rules.
The reason for the exemptions is due to environmental factors and to facilitate efficient transportation of these supplies during planning and harvesting seasons.
Effect of exemptions
However, studies over the years have proven that fatigued driving is simply dangerous and increases the risk of trucking accidents.
In the late 80s, the largest most comprehensive study on driver fatigue was conducted in the U.S. The Driver Fatigue and Alertness Study (DFAS), as it's known, studied commercial drivers and provided alarming information about a driver's alertness, performance, psychological and subjective state during road trips.
In the early 90s, the Journal of Public Health Policy published an article entitled: "Long Hours and Fatigue: A Survey of Tractor-Trailer Drivers." The survey interviewed over 1200 semi-trailer drivers at various truck stops in various states across the country.
About 31 percent of truck drivers admitted to driving over the required HOS laws. Additionally, 19 percent of drivers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel one or more times during the previous month. Further, two-thirds of drivers surveyed said they actually falsified log book hours during the previous year.
Consulting an attorney
Now, due to the exemptions, it's more important than ever for all drivers to remain vigilant on the roadways. Limiting driving distractions and avoiding talking or texting while driving can substantially help drivers remain aware of hazardous situations, particularly those involving heavy trucks and potentially fatigued truck drivers.


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SNP Member of the European Parliament Alyn Smith has today (Tuesday) hosted a meeting with the European Commission attended by John Cameron, Scotland's National Sheep Association and the National Farmers Union Scotland to press Scotland's case on EU CAP convergence funds.
Fury erupted across Scotland at a decision by the UK government to allocate funds (which solely accrue to the UK because of Scotland's poor CAP funding outcome) across the whole of the UK, leaving Scotland's farmers out of pocket.
The delegation (composed of Alyn, John Cameron, George Milne from NSA and Scott Walker, Chief Executive of NFUS) met with Jerzy Plewa, Director General of the Agriculture Directorate of the European Commission.
Speaking after the meeting, Alyn said:
"I'm grateful, as ever, for the support I've received from folks back home along with the Scottish government on this. We do find ourselves in a remarkable position.
"Mr Pleva can be in no doubt at the extent of the anger across Scotland at this flatly wrongheaded decision. The UK government had a choice, and made it against the interests of Scotland's farmers. Sadly, this decision is one which is entirely the remit of the UK government to make and they have underlined, so clearly, that had we been independent representing ourselves we would have done so much better. Indeed, it is objective fact that with the worst outcome in the whole of the EU, we could not have done worse!
"The UK government decision directly contradicted the clear policy intention of the European institutions to redistribute money through removing the link to historical references, though as the UK government response to our parliamentary question at Westminster shows, the decision was evidently made on the basis of maintaining historic references.
"This meeting has clarified that where, under the current constitution, nobody disputed the decision was the UK government's to make, that does not mean that objectively unfair decisions are allowed to stand. I believe there are two objective grounds for challenge, and one thing is certain, I will not let this lie."
Industry elder statesman, John Cameron, added:
"I find the DEFRA Minister's decision on the distribution of the convergence money quite indefensible and totally lacking in logic. The fact of the matter is that the basic reason for the convergence funds being made available in the first place is the low level of SFP presently being paid to Scottish farmers. If these levels of payment had been over a predetermined level then no funds would have been available.
"It is a matter of logic therefore that these funds should be distributed in Scotland. Any discussion on redistribution is a matter for the future but we must maintain pressure to achieve an acceptable solution in the meantime.
"That's why I totally agree with Alyn Smith's view that we have grounds to initiate a challenge and therefore we should proceed accordingly."
George Milne, Development Officer of the National Sheep Association, said:
"I emphasised to the Commission that surely this is against the principles and the aims of what they set out to achieve which was quite clearly to top up those who were below the average payment and not to increase others who were already above the average. I believe that Mr Plewa has understood this point and taken it on board."


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Most animal bites require treatment based on the type and severity of the wound. Whether the bite is from a family pet or an animal in the wild, scratches and bites can become infected and cause scarring. Animals can also carry diseases that can be transmitted through a bite. Bites that break the skin and bites of the scalp, face, hand, wrist, or foot are more likely to become infected. Cat scratches, even from a kitten, can carry "cat scratch disease," a bacterial infection.
Other animals can transmit rabies and tetanus. Rodents, such as mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, and rabbits, are at low risk of carrying rabies, but they may transmit other diseases.
The most common type of animal bite is a dog bite. But cat bites are much more likely to become infected than dog bites. Follow these guidelines to help decrease the chance of your child being bitten or scratched by an animal:
Never leave a young child alone with an animal.
Teach your child not to tease or hurt animals.
Teach your child to stay away from strange dogs, cats, and other animals.
Have your pets licensed and vaccinated against rabies and other diseases.
Keep your pets in a fenced yard or secured to a leash.
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The beautiful town of Certaldo (Firenze province) in Valdelsa is of Etruscan-Roman origin, as evidenced by the numerous archaeological finds scattered throughout the city, such as pottery, tools and Etruscan tombs. Certaldo has two centres, the older one rising on high land (Certaldo Alto or Rione Castello), and the other lying below (Certaldo Basso or Borgo).
The clearly medieval Rione Castello is the most important part of Certaldo, and contains a number of significant buildings, such as the Casa del Boccaccio (Giovanni Boccaccio's house) where the great storyteller is believed to have born in 1313 and died in 1375. Certaldo is mentioned by Boccaccio in the Decameron: «Certaldo, come voi forse avete potuto udire, è un castello di Val d'Elsa posto nel nostro contado, il quale, quantunque picciol sia, già di nobil uomini e d'agiati fu abitato» (Decameron VI,10). Palazzo Pretorio rises on the remains of the ancient castle. It is the symbol of Certaldo and the most important building of the medieval town of Rione Castello; originally this was the castle of the counts Alberti in the XII C. along with the nearby Church of Saints Tommaso and Prospero, where you will find a cycle of frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli (1466-67), and now part of a unique museum. Palazzo Pretorio also houses the old and cramped prisons. Palazzo Stiozzi Ridolfi occupies an entire city block in the old castle, consisting of a palace, two towers that overlook respectively Costa Alberti and via Boccaccio, and a large inner courtyard with loggia, brick columns and capitals in tuff. The building dates back to the XIV C. and probably the inner loggia housed the market. The simple Church of Saints Jacopo and Filippo is a Romanesque building of the XIII C. which houses a cloister and the Museum of Sacred Art. Inside are the remains of Boccaccio and Beata Giulia dalla Rena.
Many the events of Certaldo which are worth to experience. Among them "Mercantia", the International Festival of Street Theatre which takes place every year in the month of July. The Festival is now known at European level and offers performances of theater, dance, music and crafts through the streets and squares of the medieval part of the village Certaldo Alto. Or "Boccaccesca", taking place in October, a gastronomic exhibition of local products. The event takes place in the streets, squares and gardens of the old town with food stands, delicious tastings and cooking classes.
Pay a visit to the beautiful Certaldo booking a villa with us in this stunning part of Tuscany!!!
[img src=http://www.holidayintuscany.it/wp-content/flagallery/certaldo/thumbs/thumbs_certaldo_2.jpg]Certaldo, Rione Castello
[img src=http://www.holidayintuscany.it/wp-content/flagallery/certaldo/thumbs/thumbs_certaldo_7.jpg]Certaldo, Palazzo Pretorio
[img src=http://www.holidayintuscany.it/wp-content/flagallery/certaldo/thumbs/thumbs_certaldo_10.jpg]Certaldo, roofs
[img src=http://www.holidayintuscany.it/wp-content/flagallery/certaldo/thumbs/thumbs_certaldo_3.jpg]Certaldo, panoramic view
[img src=http://www.holidayintuscany.it/wp-content/flagallery/certaldo/thumbs/thumbs_certaldo_9.jpg]Certaldo, medieval well
[img src=http://www.holidayintuscany.it/wp-content/flagallery/certaldo/thumbs/thumbs_boccaccio.jpg]Certaldo, Boccaccio's statue
[img src=http://www.holidayintuscany.it/wp-content/flagallery/certaldo/thumbs/thumbs_certaldo-panorama.jpg]Certaldo, panoramic view
[img src=http://www.holidayintuscany.it/wp-content/flagallery/certaldo/thumbs/thumbs_certaldo_6.jpg]Certaldo, panoramic view


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We'd like to take a look at the core of new relationships: the deep bond a couple builds through intimate interaction, in particular through their daily conversations. In this post, we will explain how to apply Dr. Gottman's skills for sharing compassion and empathy with your partner.
Note: While the ideas we share are theoretically pretty straightforward, they can be difficult to put into practice. If you find implementing them to be a challenge, don't get discouraged! Remember Dr. Gottman's advice: No opinions or problem solving until you've gone through the four steps of attunement.
Also, remember that immediate advice may come off as glib and insulting to your partner. They may think to themselves, "Does this person think I'm so dumb I can't come up with my own solution?" This probably rings a few bells – bells of annoyance and maybe even indignation.
Below, you'll find an illustration of two possible conversations between Cheyenne and Will, a young couple walking home from a dinner with their mutual friend, Abby.
The first example is a failed attempt at expressing compassion and empathy in a bid for intimate conversation:
Cheyenne: I couldn't believe how Abby reacted when I brought up what happened at the party. What a crude attempt at changing the subject! Who does she think she is? Just shutting me down like that…
Will: You know Abby just doesn't like crowds. Next time, you shouldn't bring it up, it makes everything so awkward.
Cheyenne: You're such a pushover, why can't you stand up for me? You thought she was acting weird the other night, I don't see why I can't talk to her about it.
Will: Come on, we've been through this before. Let's go get some coffee or something. On the way, I can show you that art gallery I thought you'd like.
Cheyenne: No, whatever. It's fine, let's just go home.
In this scenario, Will reacts without considering Cheyenne's need for support from him when she is upset. He immediately rushes to offer an explanation, even defending the person his girlfriend feels attacked by. He refuses to engage with her on an emotional level and attempts to distract her instead. She is left feeling disappointed and even more frustrated than before. She expected his empathy, and instead received advice she didn't ask for and criticism she certainly didn't expect to hear. Here is a way that Will could apply Dr. Gottman's skills for intimate conversation to the same scenario, increasing his and Cheyenne's attunement and trust in each other:
Cheyenne: I couldn't believe how Abby reacted when I brought up what happened at the party. What a crude attempt at changing the subject! Who does she think she is? Just shutting me down like that…
Will: I'm sorry, I understand how that would make you upset. I know you wanted to help, but she never wants to go there.
Cheyenne: I like Abby… It's just so frustrating that I have to walk on eggshells around her. It's exhausting.
Will: That makes sense. I hate it when I have to censor myself in social situations. I just want to relax, too.
Cheyenne: Yeah. You know what? Let's go see that gallery you've been talking about, the one you said I'd like…
Try these techniques in your own relationship, and the results may surprise you! By engaging in supportive, intimate conversations with your partner, you can build trust – the most important ingredient in a healthy, happy relationship – and be closer than ever!


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Network Services
From large commercial convention centers to the most sensitive government agencies, Tuva leverages its small business sensibilities and its large business capabilities to develop systems that address specific client needs and goals. Working directly with you, Tuva designs solutions that put you in control of everything from timeline to deliverable. Tuva's security cleared staff; subject matter experts; application developers; wireless, network, database, and IT security engineers; and other specialty staff are available to support the most trying contract surge requirements.
Tuva provides infrastructure implementation agnostically across many enterprise hardware and software products. Our team will evaluate your Performance Work Statement (PWS) and provide a solution based on those requirements. We will leverage our existing manufacturer relationships only if they clearly meet or exceed the PWS requirements.
- Network Operations Center
- Network Infrastructure & Architectural Design
- Unified Communications
- Network Management & Reporting
- Fiber Networks
- Gigabit passive Optical networks (GPON)
- Wireless
- Mobile/Mobil Device Management
- Site Surveys
- Network Infrastructure Cabling


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A Black Bean Dip that is creamy, smooth, light, & filled with flavor.
I am so excited about today's Black Bean Dip recipe! I must admit I photographed this Mexican dip January of last year, & I had originally saved it to share when we moved last summer because I knew I would be so busy with our move, buying our first house, & renovating it that I wouldn't have time to create a lot of new recipes & blog content this summer, last summer. But you know, life happens & somehow I never shared this recipe.
Fast forward to last week, I was testing recipes that all miserably failed, & I was trying to figure out what to do next. Well, one of them didn't actually fail, I somehow managed to create muffins that taste just like a popular marshmallow cereal, but it was a funny color & would not have photographed well. So that was that.
Then for some reason, I remembered this almost forgotten recipe for Black Bean Dip.
Since it had been awhile I decided to make it again this weekend ( I shared a picture on Instagram Stories) & it was just as delicious as I had remembered. Roger & I enjoyed this Black Bean Dip with vegetable fajitas, chips, & salsa. Light, delicious, & filling!
And next time our family has a little gathering I'm going to be bringing a triple batch of this black bean party dip!
But back to the recipe!
I feel so bad for keeping this recipe locked up all these months, especially when it is so ridiculously good & easy to make!
When I first expressed my excitement about this Black Bean Dip to Roger (over a year ago) he wasn't too thrilled. I mean the name isn't super enticing to someone who loves Macaroni & Cheese Soup, but let's just say he had a big change of heart after his first bite.
I should also admit that I ate about half of this by myself in one sitting the first time I created it.
And while I love to enjoy this by myself & with Roger, this Black Bean Dip recipe can easily be doubled, tripled, or quadrupled for a fun fiesta with friends & family.
You won't have any leftovers, but you will have everyone asking for your recipe!
It really is that good!
It's creamy, smooth, & light, yet flavorful, filling, & incredibly easy to make. Plus it's super quick to make & can easily be a make ahead dish. You could blend it all up the night before a party, store it in your fridge, & then right before your party just pop it in the oven for a yummy appetizer or vegetarian side dish!
Black Bean Dip
A Black Bean Dip that is creamy, smooth, light, & filled with flavor.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 25
- 1/4 cup cilantro (packed tightly)
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 can black beans (15 oz) rinsed & drained
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 roma tomato diced
- 1/2 cup Mexican cheese + extra for topping
- First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a blender, blend 1/4 cup cilantro, 1 garlic clove, & 2 tablespoons lime juice.
- Once the garlic is well chopped add 1 can black beans, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, & 1/2 cup sour cream.
- Stir in 1 roman tomato diced into very small pieces & 1/2 cups Mexican cheese.
- Bake the Black Bean Dip in a bakeware dish for 10 minutes covered with foil.
- Then sprinkle extra cheese on top & bake for an additional 10 minutes uncovered.
- Top with your favorite toppings & enjoy warm.
What is your favorite way to eat bean dip?
I'd love to hear from you!
Feel free to comment below, email me, or tweet me on Twitter.
Want to connect on a more personal level!?
You can find me & Domestically Blissful on
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Bloglovin, & Pinterest!
With love, G
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free,
& do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:1


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|Level [$]
|Exports-Y/Y [$]
|Imports-Y/Y [$]
|Level [Yuan]
|Exports-Y/Y [Yuan]
|Imports-Y/Y [Yuan]
China's trade surplus in US dollar terms widened from $38.05 billion in April to $40.81 billion in May, falling short of the consensus forecast of $46.1 billion. Both exports and imports increased above expectations, but imports did so to a greater extent. Year-on-year growth in exports picked up from 8.0 percent in April to 8.7 percent in May, above the consensus forecast of 7.0 percent, while year-on-year growth in imports rose from 11.9 percent to 14.8 percent, well above the consensus forecast of 9.0 percent.
The pick-up in year-on-year growth in China's exports in May relative to April was largely driven by stronger demand from the European Union. Exports to the EU rose 9.7 percent on the year in may, up from 4.0 percent in April. Exports to the United States grew 11.7 percent on the year in May, unchanged from the growth seen in April, while year-on-year growth in exports to Japan weakened from 13.3 percent to 3.7 percent.
In seasonally adjusted terms, Chinese exports fell 0.3 percent on the month in May after an increase of 7.8 percent in April. Seasonally adjusted imports fell 3.3 percent on the month, partly reversing the increase of 7.5 percent in April.
Looking at year-to-date data, for the five months to May 2017 China has recorded a trade surplus of $143.8 billion, around a third lower than the surplus of $217.5 billion recorded in the equivalent period in 2016. This smaller year-to-date surplus largely reflects the impact of higher global oil prices on Chinese imports. The value of these imports is around $113 billion higher so far this year than in the equivalent period in 2016, whereas the value of China's exports is up only around $36 billion.
In domestic currency terms, China's trade surplus increased from CNY262.1 billion in April to CNY281.6 billion in May. Exports grew 15.5 percent on the year in yuan terms in May, up from 14.3 percent in April, while year-on-year growth in imports in yuan terms accelerated from 18.6 percent to 22.1 percent.
The Merchandise Trade Balance is the difference in value between imported and exported goods. Data are denominated both in U.S. dollars and renminbi. A positive number indicates a surplus meaning that more goods were exported than imported.
Changes in the level of imports and exports, along with the difference between the two (the trade balance) are a valuable gauge of economic trends here and abroad. While these trade figures can directly impact all financial markets, they also affect currency values in foreign exchange markets. However, the foreign exchange impact is muted here given that the currency is pegged to a basket of currencies and its value is determined daily by the government.
China's growth stems from its exports to the industrialized world. And in turn, global growth is dependent upon Chinese growth, especially since the financial woes of 2008.
Merchandise trade statistics are compiled and published by Customs General Administration (CGA) on a monthly basis. Preliminary estimates are available about 13 days after the reference month with details available within 25 days. Since 1980, the compilation of Customs statistics follows the concepts and definitions of the International Merchandise Trade Statistics: Concepts and Definitions. Data are released for total imports and exports in the Chinese currency and the U.S. dollar. There are five main categories each for primary and manufactured goods. Detailed information is available by category, destination country, foreign enterprises and domestic region to name a few. Geographically, the data covers the customs territory of the mainland China and excludes Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.


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To benefit from our sample service, you will first need to find the wallpaper or paint that you would like a sample of. Look out for the 'Order A Sample' button on the product page. This will add your chosen sample to your basket, allowing you to check out with ease and making that positive step in redecorating your home.
Wallpaper Sample Service
We know that viewing wallpaper on a screen can be difficult to do, and that many of our wallpapers have a texture as well. So for the majority of our wallpapers and borders we offer a sampling service. Our samples are currently A4 in size and will be sent out by standard mail. This means unfortunately we are unable to provide tracking information with our sample orders, as they are sent using an untracked service.
Wallpaper Samples are charged at £1.00 per sample. You can view our entire range of wallpaper here.
Paint Sample Service
100ml sample pots are available for our entire range of Graham & Brown premium paints in a matt emulsion finish. Using a sample pot not only provides you with the confidence that you have made the correct decision but allows you to test the paint on different walls in your room.
We recommend testing small patches of paint in different areas of the room, this allows you to see how the colour looks at different times of the day and light sources.
Ideally your paint should be applied in small areas that attract direct sunlight, indirect sunlight and artificial light as varying light sources can have a big impact on how your colour looks. Paint Samples are charged at £4.50 per sample pot. You can view our entire range of paint here.
Promo codes are not applicable for sample orders.
If you have any further questions, we have a dedicated Customer Service team who are willing and happy to help.


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Aylesbury has been bringing on the beards to get behind this year's Roald Dahl Festival.
A feast of facial hair has been on display in the town as local businesses and organisations show their support for Aylesbury Vale's biggest annual community arts event, a scrumdiddlyumptious Dahl-themed day of family activities and entertainment.
Organised by Aylesbury Vale District Council, the festival's theme this year is The Twits, Roald Dahl's famous tale of the world's most revolting couple. Mr Twit is especially well known for his disgusting, straggly beard – and his trademark whiskers are catching on.
Those who have taken part in their own 'beard selfie' – from local restaurants and market traders to staff at the Visitor Information Centre – have been helped by staff and children at the Jonathan Page Play Centre, who created this fab fake facial hair for the festival. They are now encouraging others to do the same, and to post their pictures on social media with the festival hashtag #RoaldDahlFest.
The breakout of beards is to help promote the 13th annual Roald Dahl Festival, taking place on Saturday 4 July in Aylesbury town centre. A parade will leave St Mary's Church at 11am featuring larger than life puppets and other original artwork created by hundreds of children and young people from across the Vale. There will be music and street theatre as part of the parade, including the debut performance of Aylesbury's very own samba band Cidade Pato.
After the parade there's plenty more to see and do. Find a fun activity including face painting and craft workshops at St. Mary's Church and Kingsbury, take part in lively storytelling at Aylesbury Library and get involved in storytelling or listen to the jazz band at Buckinghamshire County Museum and Roald Dahl Children's Gallery, where you can also visit Mr and Mrs Twits' upside-down living room.
Councillor Angela Macpherson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Communities and Civic Amenities, said: "I'm delighted to see so many Aylesbury people happy to don a beard and help us celebrate our most influential and world famous author, Roald Dahl.
"Our annual Roald Dahl Festival is not just a great day out for the family. It's also a wonderful tribute to Roald Dahl's imagination and his ongoing legacy of encouraging children to love reading."
The Roald Dahl Festival is supported by Chiltern Railways, Mix 96, the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre and Aylesbury Town Council.


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A house fire in Cicero took the life of a man overnight in a building that may have been overcrowded. German Mendoza, 23, was found dead in the attic of the home.
About 12 people were living in the house, a neighbor said.
The fire was ruled an accident. Firefighters say the fire started in the back of the home and spread quickly.
Firefighters said they believe the home had been divided to accommodate several families.
In addition to the fatality, Mendoza's uncle was also hurt in the fire. He was transported to Loyola University Hospital with burns on his arms and smoke inhalation, Cicero fire marshal Ron Opalecky said.
A city spokesperson said a number of people who lived at the home took off before they could be identified, but six of them are staying at a local hotel until they can find more permanent housing.


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Squash Salad
Summer squash
Fresh mint
House vinaigrette (recipe follows)
Parmesan cheese
House Vinaigrette
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Creole mustard, or other whole grain mustard
2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 medium garlic cloves)
2 teaspoons minced shallot (about 1/2 medium shallot)
1½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice
¾ cup vegetable oil
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
To Assemble
- Thinly slice some squash. Toss it with slivers of fresh mint and house vinaigrette (recipe below). Then top with toasted almonds and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Voila. Tastes like… summer! Healthy but filling.
House Vinaigrette
- Combine vinegar, mustard, garlic, shallots, and lemon juice in a food processor or blender; blend thoroughly.
- Gradually add olive oil and vegetable oil while machine is running. The mixture should emulsify – – come together — into a relatively thick consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper.
MAKE THE WHOLE SUNDAY SUPPER /// Pork Jowl, Arugula, and Mozzarella Pizza / Buttermilk Ice Cream


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A new study using a B-Alert EEG (electroencephalography) headset is able to predict within 20 seconds and with 80% accuracy when a person will make a mistake on a standardized math exam. It is still far from being the real life version of Minority Report where computers predict crimes before they happen, but Federico Cirett, a doctoral student in the University of Arizona computer science department believes he has found a way to optimize learning methods.
Noticing English language learners were having more difficulty answering problems, Cirett set out on an investigation for his dissertation work.
"There are so many things going on where students may be getting distracted, but it wasn't clear," said Cirett, a computer science department student working on his dissertation. "So, I thought to measure brain states of students as they were working on the material."
Using EEG technology Cirett began studying specific brain wave activity in students taking the math portion of the popular, but challenging, SAT exam.
Measuring the activity, Cirett was able to detect with 80 percent accuracy whether a student – all of them university students – would answer a question incorrectly about 20 seconds after they began the question.
The findings have important implication for students and educators, said Carole Beal, also a professor and Cirett's adviser and collaborator.
With the findings, Beal and Cirett co-authored "EEG estimates of engagement and cognitive workload predict math problem solving outcomes." The paper has since been accepted for presentation during the User Modeling, Adaptation and Personalization conference to be held in Montreal, Canada in July.
"He's done this great project, and his contribution is applying this research to education," said Beal, who has spent years developing AnimalWatch, a Web-based tutoring system centered on algebra readiness.
But how is this done?
During his work on AnimalWatch, Cirett said he noticed that the English language learners – the majority of them who spoke Spanish as their primary language – seemed to be having a more difficult time answering problems than did their primarily English-speaking peers.
Cirett found that the students performed at comparable levels on the math problems, but the English learners stumbled a bit. "It was the language barrier." "We want students to be able to solve these problems," Cirett said, "but we have to make these problems easier for them to read, but we have to give them better opportunities."
Mexico-born Cirett, who came to the UA to study alongside his wife, spoke with Beal about using the EEG technology, which she had employed in the past.
For his research, which was partially funded by the National Science Foundation, Cirett employs a B-Alert headset developed by the San Diego-based Advanced Brain Monitoring company, which is generally used to monitor high-stress and fatigue in military personnel.
"Some of it is pre-programmed," Beal said, noting that the technology and algorithms had already been designed.
"But what Federico did was to look at these patters to create a classification," Beal said. "His algorithm is much better than chance and it's much better than knowing the number of correct answers people typically get on the exam."
With its nine sensors, the device records information about individual attention levels and cognitive workload as they completed multiple-choice math questions, some easy; some hard. For instance, the measurements were directly correlated to how engaged students were in their work and how they felt in the process.
During the study, students also reported on feelings of frustration and their perceived difficulty of the math problems. Cirett analyzed the data to try and figure out if the EEG data specific to students' attention levels and their cognitive workload could predict when they would answer a question with the correct answer.
The end goal of his research, Cirett said, is to optimize learning at the individual level, especially in the area of math, an increasingly important subject.
"There are different ways to solving this problem," Cirett said. "But if we can detect when they are going to fail, maybe we can change the text or switch the question to give them another one at a different level of difficulty, but also to keep them engaged," Cirett said. "Brain wave data is the nearest thing we have to really know when the students are having problems."
Looking for a new gadget? How about a Drone? You know you want one!


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After college graduation, something as simple as a mobile app can make your future easier to navigate.
We've compiled a list of 20 great apps that can help you do it all: search for a job, network with pros, create a budget, invest, find an apartment, split bills with roommates and more.
>>Professional networking apps
Click to enlarge
Job-hunting apps
Jobr, nicknamed "Tinder for jobs," lets you swipe right or left to apply for — or reject — job opportunities. Login with Facebook and then import your resume using Google Drive or Dropbox. To weed through job postings, filter according to minimum salary requirements, industry (also called "tracks") or location. If a hiring manager is interested, you'll be introduced via the in-app chat feature. The app records your matches so you can keep track as you swipe.
Switch is another swiping app that matches you to available jobs. It imports your information from your LinkedIn profile and filters results according to your previous experience, salary requirements and location. It's also anonymous and private, which means you're matched only according to your credentials. When you find a job you like, and the recruiter thinks you'd be a good fit, the app allows you to chat. Repeated use helps Switch's algorithms to match you with prospective jobs that better fit your skills and interests. Employers already on your resume won't be able to see your profile.
LinkedIn Job Search
iOS, Android
Free, or $29.99 for premium
LinkedIn Job Search helps you find positions using your LinkedIn profile. You can search, sort and filter according to location, company, job posting date and relevance, and the app sends suggestions based on the jobs you view. Clicking on an open position lets you learn more about the job poster and your connections at the company. Then you can apply directly through the app. Not ready to apply? You can track positions you're interested in and set up notifications to find out when new jobs open up. The app is private, so your LinkedIn network won't learn about your activity.
Anthology is for those who are already working, but looking for a change. Through the app, you provide your resume information and criteria for a new position, including its salary requirements, location, seniority, skills, benefits or title. The app's algorithms compile positions that might fit, and if you want to know more about one, Anthology contacts the employer and reveals some of your information, including your current and previous jobs. Your identity remains private until both parties agree to connect. You'll never be matched to your current employer.
Indeed Job Search
iOS, Android
Indeed's Job Search app offers access to millions of positions worldwide. You can search by job title, company, location, job type and more. You can also read company reviews to find out how employers stack up. Use your Indeed Resume to apply in-app, and follow your favorite companies to find out about new openings.
Professional networking apps
Weave is a swiping app for professionals that bills itself as "LinkedIn meets Tinder (minus the dating)." Sign in using your LinkedIn account, and browse other professionals according to city, neighborhood, title and industry. You can chat with people who've also expressed an interest in meeting you, or check out the app's "rooms" for different networking needs, such as hiring or fundraising. Weave even integrates with Uber to pick you up for meetings arranged through the app.
Treatings is a networking app that connects you to like-minded professionals. Use your LinkedIn account to sign in, then add interests and favorite meeting spots to your profile. You'll be matched with others nearby who have the same interests. Once you've matched, you can chat in-app.
iOS, Android, Windows, BlackBerry
LinkedIn is the first name in professional networking, so its app is a must-have to keep track of your post-grad contacts. With it, you can edit your profile, stay on top of your connections, send requests, share updates, search and build your network.
If you're looking to expand your professional network online, but still want to meet people face-to-face, CityHour is the app for you. Sync up the app with your LinkedIn profile to search for nearby contacts in and outside of your network based on industry, professional goals, location and more. To communicate with your new contacts, CityHour provides in-app chatting as well as a "Let's Meet Now!" feature that helps you find people within a 50-mile radius who would like to meet up within the next two hours.
Grip helps you find professional connections with mutual interests. First, login with LinkedIn to import your resume. Then join communities that interest you and use the swiping feature to make connections. You'll acquire "handshakes" when someone you want to meet also wants to meet you; then you can chat through the app.
Personal finance apps
iOS, Android, Windows
Mint is a web-based personal finance tool that helps you manage your money by making all of your accounts — including your bank account, credit cards, student loans and more — viewable in one place. Through Mint, you can set up savings goals and budgets, create bill reminders and receive customized financial tips.
GoodBudget helps you allot money for things like groceries, transportation and dining out each month. Its "envelope budgeting" technique lets you track spending by category, rather than keeping tabs on an overwhelming, all-inclusive budget. You can track what you're spending from each envelope and strategize your savings goals.
iOS, Android, Windows, Kindle
Prism aims to help you stay on top of your bills and get out of debt. Add your billers and your payment information — including your bank account, or credit or debit card number — and set up notifications to track and pay bills.
iOS, Android
Free to download, plus costs of investing
When you have spare change left over after making transactions, Acorns automatically invests it in a diversified portfolio. There are no minimums to start. Once you begin investing, the app costs $1 per month for accounts under $5,000 and 0.25% of the account balance per year for accounts of $5,000 or more. The app invests your money into low cost exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, and automatically rebalances your portfolio as needed. One catch: You must be at least 24 years of age to use it.
Pennies makes it easy to stay on a budget. The app doesn't sync with any accounts, so you must manually add information when you make purchases. Pennies then sends reminders of your daily targets to encourage you from spending too much. The app uses color to indicate the health of your spending — the screen is green when you're free to spend from your budget and turns red when you're getting low on funds.
Lifestyle apps
RadPad lists more than 600,000 apartments and homes available for rent. Each listing includes at least three photos and is searchable according to price, location, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, amenities and more. If you're interested in a place, message landlords through the app. RadPad's DriveTime feature tells you how long it would take to drive, take public transportation, ride your bike or walk from a listing to wherever you want to go. The app also enables rent pay using your credit or debit card to any landlord, even if he or she doesn't use the app.
Apartments for Rent by Apartment Guide
iOS, Android
Apartment Guide's app features thousands of rentals, with filters that help you search by numbers of bedrooms and bathrooms, price and amenities. You can search using a text view of the listings or a map. Save your favorites to access later or share via social media and email. You can also call or email property holders directly from the app.
Splitwise takes the stress out of sharing rent and other bills with your roommates. Through the app you can can view balances, track spending, set up email reminders for bills and even make payments through PayPal and Venmo.
Localeur helps find the best places to eat, drink and play in major cities based exclusively on the knowledge of locals, making it useful whether you're traveling or have moved to a new city. You can use it to save favorites, make lists of places to try and add recommendations of your own.
Instead of packing your wallet or keychain full of plastic rewards cards, keep them all in one place with the Key Ring app. In addition to your scannable reward cards, the app includes weekly ads and coupons for major retailers. You can create and share shopping lists, and add photos to your list so you get the right item at the store.
Sign up for NerdWallet Grad's weekly newsletter to get career and money advice delivered right to your inbox.
More from NerdWallet:
The Best Budgeting Apps for Your New-Grad Budget
Your First Apartment: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Spot
Anna Helhoski is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: [email protected]. Twitter: @AnnaHelhoski.
Images: Brian Yee, NerdWallet


text: When hooked to shore power, the House GFI trips. I went out and turned off all switches and reset gfi, then turned on switches one by one and had son watch gfi in house. It tripped as soon as I turned on the Microwave switch, un-plugged microwave and after a while gfi tripped again. Could problem be in the coach circuit breaker/switch to the microwave? or do I have a convertor problem? Any help is appreciated. Mel


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In summer time we organize canoeing, fishing and ATV safaris and river cruises at river Ounasjoki. We also rent canoes and kayaks, pontoonboats, riverboats, fishing equipments ans motorcycles. In winter time we organize snowmobile safaris which can be combined with different activities such as reindeer rides or icefishing.
We invite you to plan your next adventure in Lapland!


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Our biotechnology canola pipeline seeks to simplify crop management and both increase and secure profitability for the Australian canola industry through herbicide tolerance and improved weed control.
Our strength is in the combination of our Technology and Development team in combination with our product pipeline. It means we're able to identify technologies suited for the Australian market, make them available and provide growers and industry on stewardship and agronomic recommendations – to help growers get the most out of their canola crop.
TruFlex™ Roundup Ready® canola
TruFlex Roundup Ready canola is Monsanto's new trait introduction that will allow growers to maximise their crop's yield potential through unmatched weed control, enhanced crop safety, and greater flexibility to manage weeds.
Many weeds including the key weeds Annual Ryegrass and Wild Radish can germinate multiple times and these subsequent germinations can occur outside the current window of application of Roundup brand herbicides. TruFlex Roundup Ready canola is the second-generation weed control product offering growers greater flexibility through an extended application window up to first flower and an opportunity to apply Roundup Ready® Herbicide with PLANTSHIELD® by Monsanto or Roundup Ready® PL Herbicide with PLANTSHIELD® at higher rates for enhanced weed control.
Monsanto received a license for commercial release of TruFlex Roundup Ready canola from the Office of Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) in 2014. In 2015, Monsanto also received approval from the Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to apply Roundup-brand herbicides over the top of TruFlex Roundup Ready canola.
Prior to launching a biotechnology trait into a market, it is critical that all approvals have been received in markets that may import produce from the crop in question. At present, Monsanto is seeking the final approvals in canola importing countries and anticipate receiving the final one in 2018. At this stage, Monsanto plan to launch TruFlex Roundup Ready canola to Australian growers in the 2019 season (subject to regulatory approvals).
In the seasons leading up to launch, Monsanto will work with licensees to ensure TruFlex Roundup Ready canola is available in leading germplasm. Growers will have a chance to see this material in the field at a number of National Variety Trial (NVT) sites in 2017 and 2018. Please contact your Regional Business Manager for further information.
Return to Top
Our canola Technology Development team consists of:
Matthew Hayes – Glyphosate and Canola Technical Specialist
After completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at the University of Melbourne in 2000, Matthew spent two years with GrainCorp as an agronomist and grain trader in central west New South Wales, focusing on broadacre cropping systems.
While working with Agrisearch, Matthew conducted agricultural chemical trial research as part of new registration submissions, label extensions and minor use permits, for major private crop protection companies and industry groups. This work was conducted in a wide range of crops and pests, weeds and diseases, with a focus on broadacre herbicides.
Matthew joined Monsanto in 2012 as the Glyphosate and Canola Technical Specialist. His role involves:
Our Product Pipeline
Our Expertise
©2002–2019 Monsanto Company - All Rights Reserved Sitemap | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Australian Packaging Covenant | California Transparency in Supply Chains


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There is so much pressure to give your husband/significant other an awesome gift on Valentine's Day. I am all for expressing love, but really, is it necessary to spend tons of money on a gift to express that love? Does buying THINGS really express love anyway? I feel like there are better ways to express love than buying a gift. Not that buying gifts are bad if they are thoughtful gifts given in love, but I really think that Valentine's Day gift giving is just a little over rated. Also it's late at night when I'm writing this so it may seem like I'm rambling… but I digress…
Anyway, I decided that because of budget constraints and personal feelings about buying Valentine's Day gifts, this year I am going to do something different. I'm calling it 14 Days Of Love. My plan is that starting the first day of February, I will do a small act of kindness to show my husband how much I love him and how much he means to me. I feel that these acts of love will bring us closer together than dropping $50 on something that he probably won't like anyway. (He is seriously the worst to buy gifts for…)
So, here is my plan. I would love it if you joined me in this 14 Days of Love event.
Day one – leave post it notes for my husband to find. I plan on putting on in the dash of his car, one in his lunch box, one on the bathroom mirror… and a few other places that I'm not sure about yet. But I'm going to write at least five for him to find throughout the day.
Day two – write a hand written letter to him. I actually try to do this every year. I feel like it means so much to see in writing the way someone feels about you.
Day three – make it a point to compliment my husband for things he does for my family. I often find myself complaining about things he doesn't do, and I don't give him credit for all the hard work he DOES do. This is something I would like to make a habit.
Day four – wake up before he does and make him breakfast. He would LOVE if I did this every day but.. I don't. But, for one day, I can probably peel the sheets off and get up in time to make him breakfast before work.
Day five – Pray for him. This is another things I want to make into a habit. I know the power of prayer is so strong, and I know that if I pray for him to do well at work, to be able to balance his family with his job, and for me to be able to over look his flaws and love him more, it will greatly help our marriage.
Day six – Get ready. I know some of you do this every day but guess what. I don't. It's a good day if I take a shower before noon. On this day, I'm going to make it a point to wear nice clothes, do my make up, actually brush my hair, and look decent when he gets home.
Day seven – Greet him at the door when he gets home from work. So often he gets home from work and I'm busy doing some stupid blogging thing or whatever and I barely even look up to great him. This is another thing I really want to make a habit.
Day eight – Encourage him to spend time on one of his hobbies. I'm going to tell him it's okay for him to go fishing
Day nine – Play his favorite game. We use to have game night all the time when we were first married. Then kids and a job for him came along and it rarely happens. This day, it will happen.
Day ten – Bring him breakfast in bed. Hopefully he doesn't die of shock when this happens
Day eleven – Bake cookies for him. Or whatever his favorite treat is.
Day twelve – Text him during the day just because.
Day thirteen – Talk with him about the first time you met. Reminisce about your first dates, the way you felt about each other, how you felt butterflies in your stomach, etc.
Day fourteen – Make his favorite dinner. Make a different, earlier dinner for the kids. Arrange a sitter or wait until they are asleep and have a romantic dinner with your husband.
There ya go. That's my Valentine's Day plan. I arranged it all in an easy pinnable image (hint hint) so you could refer to it during your 14 Days of Love.


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Mommie FiercestThis is a story about soccer moms. Or, more specifically, sweet yet utterly obsessed moms and the lengths to which they go to chat with their favorite imaginary teen vampire.
Portland invaded by vampires…and "stalker" moms?
This is the world of TwilightMOMS.
Twilight is the first in a series of best-selling young-adult novels by Stephenie Meyer. First published in 2005, the series follows the story of "Bella," a teen who is forced to move to the "small town of Forks, [Wash.]" In Forks she falls in love with Edward, a 100-plus-year-old vampire who looks like a hot teen himself. And, much in the same vein of other young-adult blockbusters like Harry Potter, these books are now being turned into movies. The first, Twilight, has been filming in and around Portland, which has doubled for Forks since February.
"I started [TwilightMOMS] because I was going through some midlife crisis. I was obsessed with the books. I thought I was the only adult woman who had read the books and was preoccupied 24 hours a day with the relationships between these vampires, werewolves and humans. It was my shameful dark secret. I never talked to anyone about it except the teenage girls that babysat my kids."
That's Lisa Hansen, a 34-year-old Utah mother of two. Hansen started up her TwilightMOMS fansite on Oct. 6, 2007. At first it was just Hansen and a few other fans. But the site grew—quickly.
Although there are at least 100 other Twilight-related fansites—most of them by and for teens—the relatively new TM has soared to the top in popularity in less time than it takes to text-message. That's saying a lot, considering that to be a TM you must be one of the following: over 25, a mom, or married. Hansen says TM—forums full of recipes, exercise tips and fan fiction—has 4,000-plus registered members with 100 new ones a day, and at any given time between 6,000 and 23,000 ominous-sounding "lurkers." "In the beginning we found out what actors had filled the [Twilight movie] roles of the [books'] characters. We knew the fans didn't know and nobody was telling them. So we went ahead and did it," explains Hansen about the Moms' unique niche in the Twilight zone.
Hansen—who works full time, has a "full load of housework, kids, husband and a website that feels like a second full-time job"—only got to visit Twilight's Portland set once toward the end of filming (it's scheduled to wrap May 1). But there are plenty of local TMs who are more than happy to keep their fellow vampire-lovers up to date on daily Twilight set drama.
I discovered this not long after the film started shooting in early February and WW posted a couple of cast pictures on wweek.com. "Hi, Byron. I belong to TwilightMoms," read the email. "If you need any help stalking, um, I mean doing 'investigative reporting,' please let me know. I am pretty excited about all of this so I would be willing to do anything (follow you around with a fan, grab your coffee, whatever) to help. (Lynds)."
That's Lyndsey Wymore. A cute, curvy, 31-year-old local part-time pharmacy tech, "Lynds" was one of the first TMs to sneak on the movie's set. By the time she contacted me she said she had already ventured onto a closed Clackamas set, chatted up the actor who plays Edward, Rob Pattinson (also known as "Cedric Diggory" from the Harry Potter flicks), and generally hung around where she wasn't supposed to be.
That's the M.O. of the TMs. They're always popping up where they least belong. Summit Entertainment's Wyck Godfrey, the film's producer, says rabid fans are just part of the package. "It's great that Twilight already has this built-in fan base," Godfrey says about the "religious fervor" Twilight has whipped its frenzied fans into. "[Overall] it's been a positive experience." Then again, this measured response is coming from a pro who dealt with paparazzi sneaking all over the Portland set of Summit's Jennifer Aniston vehicle Management last year.
Access to any film set can vary depending on the studio and talent. Twilight has been open to the media. Guests of the filmmakers were also afforded access to the set. Bloodthirsty moms? Not so much. But with chutzpah and a willingness to drive hours to whispered-about out-of-town locales, almost anybody can figure out a way to wrangle their way to within viewing range of a set.
Local blogger the One True B!x (Christopher Frankonis), runs "Can't Stop the Serenity," a global charity event that screens Serenity—the follow-up to the TV show Firefly, another series with a fanatical following. "I've never heard of some group routinely inviting themselves to watch film shoots," says Frankonis. "[There are] always random individuals who try to go get "scoops" by trying to snag pictures or videos of high-profile shoots in their area (Batman in Chicago or the new Star Trek in L.A.). But that sort of concerted coordinated effort by the TwilightMOMS is new to me."
Hansen believes the TM site has helped its members. "Many women 'found themselves' again after having fallen into routines after marriage—work, kids, etc.," says Hansen. "The social-ness has brought enthusiasm back into [their] lives through the common bond of these books. Perhaps the greatest thing it offers is proof that none of them is actually crazy."
Right. That said, the TMs are capable of crazy stuff.
Take, for example, one of Wymore's local TM buddies: 31-year-old, married Washougal, Wash., mom Rhonda Domurat (the one who helped Wymore hand out cookies). A huge fan of the book, she jokingly admits she sometimes forgets to clean her house, or even feed her kid, due to her obsession with Twilight.
"You have to understand," Domurat explained, "I will do anything for Twilight." And she has. Not only has she visited the set more times than she can remember (she was only officially invited once), she's also tried out to be a teen extra and even has taken "leftovers" (the ultimate no-no) from a working set. "I scored a tree from one of the places they shot where they attached rebar to trees and stuck them on stands as a part of the scenery," she told me. "Nothing like dragging your 2-year-old through the muck in his red wagon to grab a piece of discarded movie scenery!"
For Domurat, it's as important to see the truck Bella drives as it is to see the actress, Kristen Stewart, who plays her. That's how much she loves this book. But movie sets are not always the best place for excitable moms with itchy Internet fingers. Especially ones who are protective of their "baby"—whether it be a book, movie or Internet site.
"We have our reputations to protect," said Domurat after she noticed I had jotted down a note that her husband was planning to take her and their family off to Disneyland the next day to "get away from all the Twilight madness." She looked at me and said, "I hope you're writing something nice about us." That was a big change from an email conversation I'd had with Domurat a few weeks earlier: "So here's an angle for your story...hehehe," she wrote. "Twilight Moms a bunch of soccer moms? Heck no—they're Stalker Moms!" She's right, nothing gets in the way of the entitled fan-ladies and their first loves. "In all honesty, I don't think that any of the press or people involved with the movie realized what they were in for," TM creator Hansen says. "They had no idea of the rabid fan base. I think we did our part to make it known to them that WE ALWAYS WANT MORE!"
(source http://wweek.com/editorial/3425/10912 )


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Good PR is usually what creates good links. This is why Google treats links as authority markers. This means that building links should be a secondary effect. What you really want is good PR for your brand. But that doesn't mean that you can't take into account link building first, especially if your website is in real need of getting organic reach. What we are going to talk about here are methods of getting not just links from bloggers, but links from tier one media and news websites.
I know what you are thinking, "But good PR that gets the attention from big news and media channels usually means PR stunts. And that costs a lot. Is it within my budget?" That may be a consideration, but there are other ways a startup can create a newsworthy story that big news sites would want to link to. Here they are, without further ado:
1. Get an Interview
This requires a little bit of legwork, but if you are able to snag an interview, then you can get a story worth sharing. Your startup company should of course interview someone very influential and newsworthy. It shouldn't be too hard to do something like that. Talking to very successful industry leaders or even talking to the divergent gonzo trailblazers are very viable options for an interview. Just make sure that your topic is something of value and interest to many people.
2. Conduct a Survey
This is another great way to create something newsworthy. It's best to work with a reputable agency whose name will be credible for the news people. Craft the survey with the help of your survey agency. Make sure to craft questions that will get you interesting answers. Finding the right spin would not be hard if you know which topics will surely get surprising numbers. That's all you need. To go the extra mile, create an infographic about your survey and it will get shared to death.
3. Create a Parody
Create a parody of a recent news event that is related to your industry. Or you could choose to parody a very famous movie or pop culture reference. Really, the options are almost limitless, just as long as you can relate it to your own company's service. Not all parodies are biting criticism. Some can just be good fun that will not hurt any party. Just remember that the idea here is to target something very famous so that you could ride that buzz and get links and PR in the process.
4. Write a Criticism
If you have a valid complain regarding something in your industry, and if you have good writing chops, why not write a criticism? This might be a tactic for the braver companies though, but if you pull it off, you might have a good chance to go viral. Again, target something famous or prevalent.
To recap, all good PR should produce good links. It's just a matter of choosing which strategy can get you the most links and which ones are more affordable or at least within your budget.


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Haiti health workers say 13 children died in orphanage firePTI | Port-Au-Prince | Updated: 14-02-2020 20:50 IST | Created: 14-02-2020 20:50 IST
Port-au-Prince (Haiti), Feb 14 (AP) A fire swept through an orphanage run by a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit group in Haiti, killing 13 children, including infants, health care workers said Friday. Rose-Marie Louis, a child-care worker, told The Associated Press that she saw 13 children's bodies being carried out of the Orphanage of the Church of Bible Understanding in the Kenscoff area outside Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital.
Marie-Sonia Chery, a nurse at the nearby Baptist Mission Hospital, confirmed that 13 boys and girls had died. Louis, who worked at the orphanage, said the fire began around 9 pm Thursday and firefighters took about 1.5 hours to arrive. About seven were babies or toddlers and about six were roughly 10 or 11 years old, she said.
She said the orphanage had been using candles for light due to problems with its generator and inverter. Rescue workers arrived at the scene on motorcycles and didn't have bottled oxygen or the ambulances needed to transport the children to the hospital, said Jean-Francois Robenty, a civil protection official.
"They could have been saved,"' he said. ''We didn't have the equipment to save their lives.'' Robenty said officials believed other children's bodies remained inside and emergency workers were trying to pull them out Friday morning.
Orphanage workers on the scene said they believed two bodies were still inside. The Associated Press has reported on a long-standing series of problems at two orphanages run by the Church of Bible Understanding.
The Church of Bible Understanding lost accreditation for its orphanage after a series of inspections beginning in November 2012. Haitian inspectors faulted the group for overcrowding, unsanitary conditions and not having enough adequately trained staff.
Members of the religious group were selling expensive antiques at high-end stores in New York and Los Angeles and using a portion of the profits to fund the orphanage. The Associated Press made an unannounced visit to the orphanage's two homes, holding a total of 120 kids, in 2013 and found bunk beds with faded and worn mattresses crowded into dirty rooms.
Sour air wafted through the bathrooms and stairwells. Rooms were dark and spartan, lacking comforts or decoration. The Church of Bible Understanding, based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, operates two homes for nearly 200 children in Haiti as part of a "Christian training program," according to its most recent nonprofit organization filing. It has operated in the country since 1977.
It identifies the homes as orphanages but it is common in Haiti for impoverished parents to place children in residential care centers, where they receive lodging and widely varying education for several years but are not technically orphans. "We take in children who are in desperate situations," the organization says in its tax filing for 2017, the most recent year available. "Many of them were very close to death when we took them in."
The nonprofit reported revenue of $6.6 million and expenses of $2.2 million for the year. A member of the organization who identified himself only as "Jim" on a phone call referred questions on the fire to their lawyer in Haiti, whom he would not identify. (AP) IND
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Bob and Marcia Vermaire
Bob Vermaire, a family practice physician from Muskegon, Michigan, spent two months at the La Gonave Wesleyan Hospital in Haiti during his fourth year of medical school. Marcia, an RN, first went to Haiti with the Wesleyan Gospel Corps in 1982 where she spent five and a half months at the La Gonave hospital. Throughout the following years, they have taken several short-term mission trips to various locations in Haiti, including another three and a half months on La Gonave in 1991.
The Vermaires feel that God has called them to missions whether they are in Michigan or in Haiti. However, in September 2013, while attending the dedication ceremony of the new La Gonave Wesleyan Hospital in Haiti, they clearly heard God calling their names as ministry needs were described and discussed. In December 2013 Global Partners appointed Bob and Marcia to serve for two years as GO-Net missionaries to Haiti on the island of La Gonave. Bob and Marcia want to be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever they are. It is their desire to encourage, facilitate, and support the work of the Haitian Wesleyan Church and the La Gonave Wesleyan Hospital and its medical staff in their mission to glorify Christ and to provide excellent health care to the Haitian people.I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith (Romans 1:11-12 NIV).
Message from Bob and Marcia
Ways to Give


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Slice of Columbus
Columbus Commons 160 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio
Join the Development Board of Nationwide Children's Hospital and 15 local area pizza shops for Slice of Columbus, Ohio's largest pizza event! Attendees will have the opportunity to sample pizza from all participating shops and vote for their favorites! The event also features live music by THE Drew Allan DUO (5-7p) and The Conspiracy Band (7-9p), a children's area with bounce houses, putt-putt golf, crafts, and face painting. Tickets can be purchased at: www.nationwidechildrens.org/sliceofcolumbus. Proceeds benefit pediatric research at Nationwide Children's Hospital.


text: Managing Your Lifestyle The slideshow presentation that you would like to view is too large for your current screen resolution. Click here to view to view the slideshow at full resolution. Launch Presentation » Share | Have A Question About This Topic? Name Email Address Question Thank you! Oops! Related Contents Acres of Diamonds In life it often happens that the answers to our most pressing questions are right in our own backyards. New Trends Redefine Travel The latest trends in travel reflect a rich menu of exciting new possibilities. Interested in a Fuel Efficient Car? Estimate how many months it may take to recover the out-of-pocket costs when buying a more efficient vehicle.


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Iraq veterans 'may face war-crimes prosecutions'
Iraq War veterans may face prosecution for crimes including murder following a probe into allegations of torture and unlawful killing, the head of the unit investigating the claims has said.
Mark Warwick said there were "lots of significant cases" and discussions would be held further down the line over whether they met the war-crimes threshold.
UK forces withdrew from Iraq in 2009 although lawyers are continuing to refer cases to the Iraq Historic Allegations Team (Ihat), the Government-established criminal investigation into murder, abuse and torture claims linked to the six-year military mission.
Baha Mousa was beaten to death by British soldiers in Basra in 2003 (Liberty/PA)
Mr Warwick, the former police detective in charge of Ihat, told the Independent newspaper: "There are serious allegations that we are investigating across the whole range of Ihat investigations, which incorporates homicide, where I feel there is significant evidence to be obtained to put a strong case before the Service Prosecuting Authority to prosecute and charge."
He added: "Over the next 12 to 18 months, we will review all the caseload to better understand the picture and then I think we can say whether 2019 seems realistic."
The multimillion- pound inquiry's workload reached 1,515 possible victims by September, of whom 280 are alleged to have been unlawfully killed.
Mr Warwick said the case of Baha Mousa, an Iraqi hotel receptionist who died after being interrogated and abused by British soldiers more than a decade ago, remains "a live criminal investigation".
He added: "There are lots of significant cases that we are investigating and at the appropriate time it will be a matter for us to discuss with the SPA (Service Prosecuting Authority) whether they meet the war-crimes threshold, but there are certainly serious allegations currently being investigated."
Mr Warwick said not all allegations will lead to an investigation.
"What's the likely outcome to be if we do a full investigation, and what's the likely penalty if we convict someone?" he said.
"We would look at the credibility of the allegation in the first instance; and, when we've looked at a lot of these extra cases coming to us, some of them are duplicates of cases, some of them we've already identified as part of our own investigation process, and some are multiple allegations, where we would investigate as a single allegation."
Campaigners have pushed for the pace of probe to be speeded up. Ihat's budget is set at £57.2 million, which runs until the end of 2019 - 16 years after the 2003 invasion began.
Carla Ferstman, director of the human rights charity Redress, told the newspaper: "The incredibly slow pace at which Ihat is investigating allegations of criminality committed by UK soldiers against Iraqi civilians is wholly unacceptable.
"Things seem to still be moving at a snail's pace. We call upon the Government to ensure Ihat can, and does, do what it was set up to do, and to do it now. This cannot be a whitewash."
An MoD spokesman said: "The vast majority of UK service personnel deployed on military operations conduct themselves professionally and in accordance with the law.
"The MoD takes all allegations of abuse or unlawful killing extremely seriously.
"Where there is sufficient evidence, members of HM Forces can be prosecuted. It is estimated that the Ihat's work will take until the end of 2019."
Public Interest Lawyers, which represents a number of alleged victims, claimed Ihat was "failing to investigate" those responsible for "systemic" abuse.
A spokesman said: "PIL has 1,386 cases where the victims all make allegations of torture and ill-treatment or of unlawful killings.
"Despite public inquires, court proceedings ongoing since 2004 and the Ihat team of investigators, there is yet to be a single prosecution resulting from Ihat's work.
"This is in circumstances where there is 'significant evidence', according to Mark Warwick, the head of Ihat, that war crimes may have been committed. Ihat are simply failing to investigate any military personnel, civil servants or politicians responsible for the systemic abuse."
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After several years of delays, Universal is finally moving forward with their Untitled Mummy Reboot. Last month, the studio confirmed that Tom Cruise is set to star, with Sofia Boutella portraying the title creature, and the studio setting a June 9, 2017 release date. Today we have word from The Hollywood Reporter that Annabelle Wallis has signed on to play the female lead alongside Tom Cruise.
The site reports that Tom Cruise is playing "a special forces soldier (or former soldier)" in the reboot, which is set in modern-day. The previous Mummy movies starring Brendan Fraser were all period pieces, but this project will fall in line with 2014's Dracula Untold, which ended with a prologue that brought the title character into present day. The Untitled Mummy Reboot will be the first movie in the studio's new monster universe that will be set entirely in present day.
Variety reports that Annabelle Wallis is playing an archaeologist in the movie, although no further details about her character were made available. The studio hasn't released any official plot details as of yet, but a rumor surfaced in October 2014 that claimed the story centers on Navy SEALS in Iraq. That report was never confirmed, but now that the cast is starting to come together, hopefully the studio will reveal a plot synopsis soon.
Sofia Boutella will play the title creature, marking the first time in Universal history that a female has portrayed the Mummy. Universal's original 1932 classic The Mummy starred Boris Karloff as the title character, with Arnold Vosloo taking over the role for the studio's 1999 remake The Mummy and its 2001 sequel The Mummy Returns. Jet Li stepped in to portray The Mummy in 2008's The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.
Alex Kurtzman is directing from a script by Jon Spaihts, with the director producing alongside Chris Morgan and Sean Daniel. We reported last month that Johnny Depp will star in the studio's reboot of The Invisible Man, which is being developed along with several other projects such as Van Helsing, The Bride of Frankenstein and The Wolfman. Annabelle Wallis is perhaps best known for her role as Grace Burgess on Peaky Blinders, and she will next be seen on the big screen this weekend in The Brothers Grimsby.
Untitled Mummy Reboot comes to theaters June 9th, 2017.


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The recent death of a 27-year-old from laryngeal cancer has highlighted the problem of youth smoking in Indonesia. As Ayu Swandewi writes, the government has much work to do to address the aggressive targeting of young people by tobacco companies.
Room 726, Level 7, 185 Pelham St,
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Editor: Tim Mann.
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Dr Dave McRae, Professor Andrew Rosser.
Date created: 1 July 2015


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This document is a walkthrough for setting up a virtual MX (vMX) appliance in Amazon's AWS Cloud. After completing these steps outlined in this document, you will have a virtual MX appliance running in AWS that serves as an AutoVPN termination point to your physical MX devices.
Currently, vMX on AWS supports a one-armed concentrator configuration with split-tunnel VPN architecture. For more info on how to deploy a one-armed concentrator, please refer to this document.
Before deploying a virtual MX, it is important to understand several key concepts.
All MXs can be configured in either NAT or VPN concentrator mode. There are important considerations for both modes. For more detailed information on concentrator modes, click here.
In this mode, the MX is configured with a single Ethernet connection to the upstream network. All traffic will be sent and received on this interface. This is the only supported configuration for MX appliances serving as VPN termination points into AWS.
In this mode, the MX is configured with a single Ethernet connection to the upstream network and one Ethernet connection to the downstream network. VPN traffic is received and sent on the WAN interfaces connecting the MX to the upstream network and the decrypted, un-encapsulated traffic is sent and received on the LAN interface that connects the MX to the downstream network.
Note: This is not supported for virtual MX VPN concentrators operating within AWS.
There are several options available for the structure of the VPN deployment.
In this configuration, branches will only send traffic across the VPN if it is destined for a specific subnet that is being advertised by another MX in the same Dashboard organization. The remaining traffic will be checked against other available routes, such as static LAN routes and third-party VPN routes, and if not matched will be NATed and sent out the branch MX unencrypted.
In full tunnel mode all traffic that the branch or remote office does not have another route to is sent to a VPN hub.
Note: This is not supported for virtual MX VPN concentrators operating within AWS.
This document will make reference to several key AWS-specific terms and concepts.
Amazon Web Services is a hosting platform that allows organizations to host infrastructures and services in the cloud.
A Virtual Private Cloud is a virtual and private network within Amazon's AWS infrastructure. A VPC has a block of associated IP addresses, which can be subdivided into multiple smaller subnets.
Elastic Compute Cloud is Amazon's virtual and cloud-based computing infrastructure. EC2 allows you to run virtual machines within your VPC. A virtual machine running on the EC2 platform is commonly referred to as an EC2 instance.
During the setup of your vMX instance, or over the course of working within AWS, you may encounter additional terminology which is not defined in this document. To find out more about these terms, and for additional details on the terms listed above, please see the AWS glossary.
Begin by creating a new Security Appliance network in your organization. This guide will walk you through creating a new network in the Meraki Dashboard.
The Meraki Dashboard will require a vMX license to be added before you are able to continue. If you do not have access to a vMX license, please reach out to your Meraki Reseller or Sales Rep.
Once you have created the network and added the appropriate license you will be able to deploy a new vMX to your network by clicking on 'Add vMX':
After you add the new vMX to your network, navigate to Security Appliance > Appliance status and select "Generate AWS user-data" to generate the token for AWS user-data field.
Copy the newly generated token and paste it into the User Data field of your EC2 instance.
The authentication token must be entered into the AWS instance within 1 hour of generating it. If it has been more than 1 hour then a new token must be generated.
Next, follow the steps outlined in this guide to configure the vMX as a one-armed concentrator.
On the Site-to-Site VPN page, add each subnet in your VPC that should be accessible to remote Auto VPN peers to the list of "Local Network(s)." For more information on configuring Auto VPN, please refer to the Site to Site VPN settings documentation.
This section walks you through configuring the necessary requirements within AWS, and adding a vMX instance to your Virtual Private Cloud (VPC). For more details on setting up a VPC and other components, please refer to Amazon's AWS Documentation here.
To gain access to the AMI, navigate to this link. A screenshot of the marketplace listing of vMX is included below:
From the marketplace listing, hit continue.
After continuing, you will be prompted to configure the EC2 instance settings.
Begin by selecting 1-click launch.
Leave the version as 1.0.0. It is the only selection available.
Select the region to launch the EC2 instance in. This should match the availability zone your VPC resides in.
Next, select the m4.large EC2 instance to deploy the vMX image on. The resources specifications of the instance type are listed upon selection.
Running EC2 instances has an AWS infrastructure charge. Please be mindful of this when launching your instances. The charge can be found in the cost estimator table to the right of the instance type selection.
As an example, this is the anticipated monthly AWS infrastructure charge for running the m4.large image. This estimate does not account for storage or data fees.
After selecting the instance type, select the VPC and subnet the instance will be a part of:
Next, select the security group for the EC2 instance. The default rule can be a good starting point for bringing the vMX online initially.
The default security group provides fully open access to the EC2 instance. While this can be useful for connecting the vMX initially, it is recommended that security restrictions be put in place to restrict remote access after connecting the vMX to your Dashboard account.
Please see the Help -> Firewall Info page for information on connections that need to be allowed to provide Dashboard connectivity.
Finally, select the key pair to be used with the vMX. This is a required step for EC2 instance setup, however, you will not be able to SSH into the vMX.
If you do not already have a key pair created, follow the instructions provided by AWS on creating one:
After completing all of the launch configurations, click launch with 1-click.
Once this has been completed, it may be several minutes before the software subscription completes and the instance launches.
Now that we have registered the software subscription for the vMX and created an EC2 instance, the vMX instance will need to be provisioned to communicate with the Meraki Dashboard.
The vMX will need to be given specific parameters before booting. In order to begin using these parameters, we must stop the instance, which starts automatically after creation. Begin by navigating to the EC2 instance console.
Select the vMX from the list of EC2 instances.
EC2 images are not given a name by default. If your EC2 instance has just been launched, an easy way to find it from the list is the status checks field. For new instances, it will be initializing.
With the instance selected, go to Actions > Instance State and select stop.
Select yes, stop from the following confirmation menu.
Wait until the instance state is stopped.
After the instance is stopped, select the instance again and navigate to Actions > Instance Settings and select view/change user data.
In the user data text field, enter the token that was generated on the dashboard. The input type must be set as plain text. Then, hit save.
Once the user data has been updated, you'll need to disable Source IP and Destination IP checking on the network interface attached to the Meraki vMX instance.
To do this, navigate to Actions > Networking and select Change Source/Dest. Checking. A dialog box will pop up - confirm the details and click on Yes, Disable.
After the Source/Dest. Checking has been disabled, select the instance, navigate to Actions > Instance State and select start. Hit Yes, start in the following confirmation menu.
The virtual MX appliance will allow for site-to-site VPN connectivity using AutoVPN between AWS and other remote MXs. In order to have proper bi-directional communication between remote subnets that are terminating into AWS via the vMX and hosts within AWS, the VPC routing table must be updated for the remote AutoVPN-connected subnets.
To do this, navigate to the "VPC" dashboard in AWS, and follow the steps below
The virtual MX security appliance is fully managed through the Cisco Meraki Dashboard. This requires the vMX to establish bi-directional communication to the Meraki Cloud. If, after following the steps above, the vMX is inaccessible, please review the following:
Please note that Meraki Support does not troubleshoot AWS specific firewall rules and deployments.


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Behind Bars, in Our Backyard
Alissa Antilla, Feature Reporter
April 13, 2017
It's easy to see prisons as an anomaly in our cute and charming Walla Walla. The state penitentiary can easily just be a set of bright lights you see while driving to the wheat fields, while the Two Rivers Correctional Institution and Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution are unheard of for many...
Whitman Considers Academic Credit for Inmates in "Rhetoric and Incarceration" class
Lindsey Brodeck, Staff Reporter
March 9, 2017
Faculty members and administration involved in Whitman's Rhetoric, Incarceration and Civic Engagement class are at the beginning stages of granting incarcerated students at the Walla Walla Penitentiary academic credit for the course. The course focuses on the connections between criminal justice, civi...
Capital Punishment on Trial
Rachel Needham, Staff Reporter
February 16, 2017
Around ten o'clock on the night of January 4, 1993, Timothy Kaufman-Osborn stood outside the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. A little after midnight on January 5, Westley Allan Dodd would face the death penalty on three counts of aggravated first-degree murder. Not only would Dodd's execution be the first in Washington State in 27 years, but it would also be the first legal hanging in the US since 1965.
Whitman Students and Student Inmates Share Classroom
Elizabeth Friedman, Staff Reporter
December 8, 2016
This fall, the Rhetoric, Incarceration and Civic Engagement and Incarceration class completed its final visit to the Washington State Penitentiary, a minimum-security prison near Whitman's campus. The class is comprised of 21 incarcerated students who are enrolled in an Associate Degree program throug...
Politics, Rhetoric unite to help students engage in election season
Georgie Lyon, News Editor
October 5, 2016
Live screenings of presidential debates have allowed more opportunities for Whitman students to contemplate how political rhetoric is an important component of American democracy. This year, the Politics and Rhetoric Departments teamed up to provide live screenings of the three presidential debates ...
Whitman Women in Academia Reflect on Challenges, Achievements
Helen Angell
April 1, 2014
In the 2013-2014 academic year, 45 percent of the Whitman faculty are female, but women make up only 36 percent of Whitman's tenured professors. The first female professor to achieve tenure was an astronomy professor in 1972. The number of female tenured professors has grown steadily since the '70s, b...