text: Pam Fessler Cybertraining Election Officials For This Year's Voting By Pam Fessler • Feb 3, 2018 If anyone knows how easily voting can be disrupted, it's a county election supervisor in the state of Florida. That's one reason several dozen of them gathered in Orlando recently to discuss ways to protect against the most recent threat — cyberattacks by Russia or others intent on disrupting U.S. elections. Marion County elections supervisor Wesley Wilcox said he realizes the threat has evolved far beyond the butterfly ballots and hanging chads that upended the 2000 presidential race. And even beyond the lone hacker. Trump Official On Russian Hacking: 'A National Security Issue' By Pam Fessler • Jan 12, 2018 President Trump has shown little interest in fighting the threat of Russians hacking U.S. elections. He's shown a lot of interest in fighting voter fraud, something he insists — without evidence — is widespread. Parts of his administration are doing just the opposite. Bob Kolasky, an acting deputy undersecretary at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), told a group of election officials gathered in Washington, D.C., this week that the threat of Russian hacking in future elections is "a national security issue." Why Affordable Housing Could Become Harder To Find By Pam Fessler • Jan 9, 2018 Poor families in the United States are having an increasingly difficult time finding an affordable place to live, due to high rents, static incomes and a shortage of housing aid. Tenant advocates worry that the new tax bill, as well as potential cuts in housing aid, will make the problem worse. Trump Dissolves Presidential Commission On Voter Fraud By Pam Fessler • Jan 3, 2018 President Trump dissolved the presidential commission he established last year to investigate claims of voter fraud in the 2016 election. Multiple states have refused to comply with the commission's requests for information, but the commission was also mired in several lawsuits, including one from Democratic members of the panel. As Temperatures Fall, No Halt To Evictions Across Most Of The Country By Pam Fessler • Dec 18, 2017 Christine Thompson is eager to leave the two bedroom apartment she rents in a shabby house on the north side of Milwaukee. There are so many things wrong with the place. "In the bathroom I have to turn my shower on in order for the light to come on. And when I turn the shower off, the light goes off," she says. The apartment also has mice, cockroaches, and so many bedbugs that she and her sons — ages 3 and 7 — sleep on an air mattress on the dining room floor, where's there's no carpet. She also has no oven or stove, and water leaking from the ceiling. Homeless Population Rises, Driven By West Coast Affordable-Housing Crisis By Pam Fessler • Dec 5, 2017 Homelessness in the United States went up slightly this year for the first time since 2010. During a one-night count in January, 553,742 people were found living outside or in shelters across the country, a 0.7 percent increase from the year before, according to new data released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development on Wednesday. A Year After Russia Meddling, Off-Year Elections Are Monitored By Pam Fessler • Nov 7, 2017 Copyright 2018 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/. DAVID GREENE, HOST: Nonprofits Fear House Republican Tax Bill Would Hurt Charitable Giving By Pam Fessler • Nov 4, 2017 House Republicans say the tax bill they introduced Thursday will grow the economy, create jobs and simplify tax returns, in part by eliminating tax deductions. "Over 90 percent of Americans will be able to fill out their taxes on a postcard. That's what simplicity means," House Majority Whip Steve Scalise said. But charities and nonprofit groups say that simplicity comes with a price. Even though Republicans promise to preserve the deduction for charitable donations, these groups say other proposed changes in the bill will discourage giving. 'Nothing Going On' With Trump Voter Fraud Commission Due To Multiple Lawsuits By Pam Fessler • Oct 26, 2017 The work of President Trump's commission studying voter fraud and other voting problems has been stalled by the eight lawsuits filed against it, according to one commission member. Indiana's Republican Secretary of State Connie Lawson says the suits, which seek release of all of the commission's correspondence, among other things, have had a "chilling" effect. Some Democrats on the 11-member panel have complained in recent weeks that they're being kept in the dark about its activities and plans. In A Push To House The Homeless, High Prices Are Eroding Gains By Pam Fessler • Oct 24, 2017 Five years ago, James Brown moved into his first apartment after more than two dozen years living on the streets of Los Angeles. Brown was housed as part of a joint effort by the federal government, local communities and nonprofit agencies to help tens of thousands of homeless veterans in the U.S. A Tale Of Two Efforts To Improve Confidence In U.S. Elections By Pam Fessler • Oct 23, 2017 Efforts to boost public confidence in U.S. elections are proceeding on two parallel tracks right now. One is moving slowly, but steadily. The other is hardly moving at all. Most of the attention has gone to a commission set up by President Trump to look into allegations of voter fraud and other electoral problems. The panel — called the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity — has been mired in controversy ever since it was formed earlier this year. Its work now appears stalled amid internal divisions and outside legal challenges. Learning 2016's Lessons, Virginia Prepares Election Cyberdefenses By Pam Fessler • Sep 26, 2017 This fall's statewide elections in Virginia and New Jersey are the first big test of security measures taken in response to last year's attempts by Russia to meddle with the nation's voting system. Virginia was among 21 states whose systems were targeted by Russian hackers last year for possible cyberattacks. While officials say the hackers scanned the state's public website and online voter registration system for vulnerabilities and there's no sign they gained access, state authorities have been shoring up the security of their election systems. Tension And Protests Mark Trump Voting Commission Meeting By Pam Fessler • Sep 12, 2017 A fact-finding hearing by President Trump's commission looking into voter fraud exposed self-inflicted rifts among its members during the panel's second meeting Tuesday in Manchester, N.H. Days earlier, the panel's Republican co-chairman, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, wrote a column in Breitbart News claiming that there was proof of enough voter fraud in New Hampshire last November to possibly have influenced the outcome of a Senate race. Trump's Voting Commission Embroiled In New Controversy Ahead Of Next Meeting By Pam Fessler • Sep 12, 2017 What was already expected to be a contentious second meeting for President Trump's Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, on Tuesday in Manchester, N.H., is likely to get a whole lot more contentious thanks to a column written by the panel's co-chair. Although the chairman, Vice President Pence, said in that first meeting that the commission has "no preconceived notions or pre-ordained results," the panel's co-chair, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, seemed to contradict him in Breitbart News last week. Thousands Of Harvey Flood Victims Will Likely Need Long-Term Temporary Housing By Pam Fessler • Sep 1, 2017 Copyright 2018 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/. ARI SHAPIRO, HOST: At Least 100,000 Homes Were Affected By Harvey. Moving Back In Won't Be Easy By Pam Fessler • Sep 1, 2017 Now that the rain has stopped and floodwaters are slowly starting to recede, government officials are figuring out where tens of thousands of evacuees in Texas and Louisiana can stay. The White House estimates about 100,000 houses were affected by the storm. Many were destroyed or are too damaged to live in. More than 30,000 people are staying in emergency shelters and will soon be in need of permanent accommodations. Disaster Relief Groups Distribute Aid To Flood-Ravaged Texas By Pam Fessler • Aug 29, 2017 Copyright 2018 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/. ARI SHAPIRO, HOST: Want To Help Hurricane Harvey Victims? Experts Say Donate Cash By Pam Fessler • Aug 29, 2017 Disasters like the flooding that has followed Hurricane Harvey, displacing thousands of people, always create a tremendous need for help — and a tremendous desire to provide that help. But those who have dealt with disasters before say people need to be careful about how they contribute to disaster relief, and when. Cash donations are almost always preferred over items — such as blankets, clothing and stuffed animals — often sent into overwhelmed disaster areas by well-meaning donors. Russian Cyberattack Targeted Elections Vendor Tied To Voting Day Disruptions By Pam Fessler • Aug 10, 2017 When people in several North Carolina precincts showed up to vote last November, weird things started to happen with the electronic systems used to check them in. "Voters were going in and being told that they had already voted — and they hadn't," recalls Allison Riggs, an attorney with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice. The electronic systems — known as poll books — also indicated that some voters had to show identification, even though they did not. Timeline: Foreign Efforts To Hack State Election Systems And How Officials Responded By Pam Fessler • Jul 31, 2017 In the thick of the presidential race last summer — Donald Trump was attacking Hillary Clinton over Benghazi; Clinton was widening her lead in the polls — FBI agents uncovered something odd. On June 28, federal cyber experts noticed that the network credentials of an Arizona county elections worker had been posted on a site frequented by suspected Russian hackers. The password and username discovered by the FBI could let someone access the state's voter registration system. Talk Of Voter Fraud Dominates First Meeting Of Election Integrity Commission By Pam Fessler • Jul 19, 2017 A presidential commission born of a presidential tweet held its first meeting on Wednesday to look into problems with voting that may undermine the public's confidence in elections. But the tweet in question, where President Trump alleged without evidence that millions of people voted illegally last November, hung over the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity's first meeting after Trump made a surprise appearance. Amid Skepticism And Scrutiny, Election Integrity Commission Holds First Meeting By Pam Fessler • Jul 19, 2017 President Trump's Advisory Commission on Election Integrity holds its first public meeting on Wednesday under what seems to be an ever-expanding cloud. The panel has faced credibility problems right from the start, and the concerns have only grown: Advocates Worry Trump Administration Wants To Revamp Motor Voter Law By Pam Fessler • Jul 8, 2017 Lost in the uproar last week over a written request by a White House commission for state voter registration lists was another letter sent that same day. It came from the civil rights division of the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ), and asked states for details on how they're complying with a requirement in the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) — also known as the motor-voter law — that election officials keep their voting lists accurate and up to date. Dozens Of States Resist Trump Administration Voter Initiative By Pam Fessler • Jun 30, 2017 Updated July 5, 6:42 p.m. ET More than a dozen states said Friday that they would not, or could not, give a White House commission looking into voter fraud detailed voter registration data as requested. The mass noncompliance elicited this from President Trump on Saturday: White House Panel Asks States For Their Voter Rolls By Pam Fessler • Jun 29, 2017 A letter from Kris Kobach, the vice chairman of a White House commission looking into voter fraud and other irregularities, is drawing fire from some state election officials. The letter, sent Wednesday to all 50 states, requests that all publicly available voter roll data be sent to the White House by July 14, five days before the panel's first meeting. Should It Be Easier To Vote? Americans Are Deeply Divided By Party By Pam Fessler • Jun 28, 2017 Most Americans - 59 percent — think everything possible should be done to make it easy for citizens to vote. Almost 80 percent say they oppose making voting mandatory. These are the results of a new survey from the Pew Research Center, which comes as partisan disputes over voting requirements continue in courts and legislatures across the country. Making U.S. Elections More Secure Wouldn't Cost Much But No One Wants To Pay By Pam Fessler • Jun 27, 2017 What would it cost to protect the nation's voting systems from attack? About $400 million would go a long way, say cybersecurity experts. It's not a lot of money when it comes to national defense — the Pentagon spent more than that last year on military bands alone — but getting funds for election systems is always a struggle. Capitol Hill Hearings Probe Russian Efforts To Hack U.S. Elections By Pam Fessler • Jun 21, 2017 Copyright 2018 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/. KELLY MCEVERS, HOST: 5 Questions Ahead Of The Election Hacking Hearings By Pam Fessler • Jun 21, 2017 Russia's efforts to interfere with last year's elections will be front and center during two hearings on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson will appear before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence while the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence will hear from current U.S. intelligence officials and state election experts. Here are five questions likely to be on lawmakers' minds as they listen to witnesses and ask questions. Despite NSA Claim, Elections Vendor Denies System Was Compromised In Hack Attempt By Pam Fessler • Jun 20, 2017 The Florida elections vendor that was targeted in Russian cyberattacks last year has denied a recent report based on a leaked National Security Agency document that the company's computer system was compromised. Pages1 2 3 4 … next › last »


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Activist: Mosque has torture chamber
'Persecution has gotten worse for Christians since fall of Mubarak'
An attorney and human rights activist in Egypt says a mosque in Cairo has installed a torture chamber, and it is being used to terrorize Christians and others there.
The report comes from Egyptian Coptic Christian and human rights activist Wagih Yacoub, who said the Bilal ibn Rabah mosque in the Cairo suburb of Moqattam serves as a Muslim Brotherhood-approved torture chamber.
The Muslim Brotherhood virtually has taken over Egypt since its candidate, Mohammed Morsi, was elected president after the ouster of former President Hosni Mubarak.
Yacoub says his friend, Amir Ayad, was the victim of the torture after he was snatched by Muslims in Cairo.
"They took him off the bus as soon as they saw that his identity card said he was a Coptic Christian," Yacoub said. "Then they took him inside the mosque. There were six other people who were not Christians, but they were tortured there as well."
Yacoub said the mosque had a sophisticated torture setup.
"They were very well organized. They had stations and one where they made people take off their clothes. The others, they passed their clothes to another group where they (the clothes) could be searched," Yacoub said. "The people in the mosque checked the pockets and took the victims' identification papers."
Yacoub said his friend Ayad reported that the torturers operated in the dark so they would not be identified.
"They (the torturers) also relied on the cell phone lights so no one could recognize their faces. They (the torturers) put their (the victims') hands behind their backs and tied up their legs," Yacoub said. "The torturers lifted their victim's legs up onto a chair and then they beat them with sticks badly all over their body – on their legs, on their hands, on their back, and on their head.
"For six hours they tortured my friend. When they saw his condition, they finally stopped. They released the other six, but they talked about how to get rid of my friend," Yacoub said. "My friend says they said they wanted to get rid of him because he's a Coptic Christian. Others said they didn't want to be involved in a killing or a murder. It was enough to give him a permanent disability as a warning to other Christians. Other Christians may decide they don't want this."
At about that point, Ayad was untied.
"My friend was bleeding badly and he knew that he had little chance to survive. So decided to run away. He thought he was on the first floor, so he jumped out of the window, but discovered he was on the second floor," Yacoub said.
"He was in bad pain, badly wounded, so he rolled around on his back and stomach. Finally he was able to stand and struggle to walk," Yacoub said. "Then he walked to a house, got there and began screaming and yelling. He was able to give the people in the house his family's phone number before passing out."
Ayad woke up later in the hospital.
Open Doors USA Director of Communications Jerry Dykstra also confirmed that the situation for Christians in Egypt is deteriorating.
"The situation is growing more violent each day – especially for Christians in Egypt. Christians are not only caught up in the growing violence but are targeted by Muslim extremists and others who know believers will not be protected by the police or the military," Dykstra said.
Dykstra said the Coptic pope denounced the government's inaction following the recent death of four Coptic Christians.
"Coptic Pope Tawadros II spoke out against the violence and seemed to directly criticize President Morsi for his inaction in the recent deaths of four Christians and the lack of protection at the Coptic cathedral Sunday when a crowd attacked mourners after the funeral for the dead believers," Dykstra said.
But the persecution has just intensified, he said.
"The persecution has gotten worse for Christians over the past two years since the fall of former president Mubarak. The Muslim Brotherhood does feel emboldened with the rise to power of Morsi," Dykstra said.
Dystra says if there is a bright spot, it's a growing dissatisfaction over the Morsi government.
"There seems to be a backlash mainly due to worsening economic conditions, including the rising cost of food, dwindling tourism and lack of jobs. He may have to make some compromises with Christians, youth and democratic reformers, even though he obviously does not want to," Dykstra said.
Christian Solidarity International-USA President John Eibner says while he can't specifically confirm the "torture mosque," mosques used as centers for anti-Christian activity aren't out of character for Egypt.
"There is a long history of mosques being used as centers for the political and military promotion of jihad against perceived enemies of Islam," Eibner said.
Eibner said this connection is the result of Islamic philosophy.
"There is nothing akin to separation of church and state in traditional Islamic political and religious thought. The emphasis is on unity of what in Western political culture is perceived as separate political and religious spheres," Eibner said. "There is no doubt that some mosques in Egypt are used for Christophobic agitation."
Eibner said that Egypt's current state of affairs has some of its roots in past U. S. foreign policy.
"The Islamic authorities in Egypt understand that the United States has for decades had alliances with anti-Christian and anti-Jewish Muslim extremists. Take, for example, one of America's most important regional allies: totalitarian Saudi Arabia," Eibner said.
"The basic condition of the U.S.-Saudi alliance is that the USA will provide military support and promote open trade on condition that the Saudis do not directly threaten other American allies, especially Israel, and cooperate in the defense of America's regional economic interests, especially oil interests," Eibner said.
"As long as the Saudi's meet these conditions, the United States will not apply pressure over religious freedom and other fundamental human rights. This has been the case for decades," Eibner said.
Eibner added that this pattern in U. S. foreign policy isn't lost on Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood.
"Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood leadership understands this probably calculates that they will have a free hand to pursue a radical Islamic domestic agenda provided they do not threaten directly fundamental American strategic and economic interests," Eibner said.
"Judging from the muted reaction in Washington to the upsurge of anti-Christian violence in Egypt, their calculations may well prove to be correct. The human rights interests of non-Muslim minorities appear to have little weight in Washington," Eibner said.
Neither the White House or the State Department have responded to requests for comment on this story or Eibner's comments.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Photographer Minh Tran captures the raw, gritty nightlife of Portland in his series Nights, Camera, Action! The images simultaneously surprise with their intimacy and reflect what one might expect in a Portland night out complete with some PBR cradling. It's a fun, seemingly endless scroll of people who just look like a real good time. When you make it over there, make sure to keep an eye out for a Stevie Wonder cameo.


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16 U.S. Code § 460mm–4 - Administration of recreation area
The White Mountains National Recreation area established by this Act shall be administered by the Secretary in order to provide for public outdoor recreation use and enjoyment and for the conservation of the scenic, scientific, historic, fish and wildlife, and other values contributing to public enjoyment of such area. Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the Secretary shall administer the recreation area in a manner which in his judgment will best provide for (1) public outdoor recreation benefits; (2) conservation of scenic, scientific, historic, fish and wildlife, and other values contributing to public enjoyment; and (3) such management, utilization, and disposal of natural resources and the continuation of such existing uses and developments as will promote, or are compatible with, or do not significantly impair public recreation and conservation of the scenic, scientific, historic, fish and wildlife, or other values contributing to public enjoyment. In administering the recreation area, the Secretary may utilize such statutory authorities available to him for the conservation and management of natural resources as he deems appropriate for recreation and preservation purposes and for resource development compatible therewith.
The lands within the recreation area, subject to valid existing rights, are hereby withdrawn from State selection under the Alaska Statehood Act or other law, and from location, entry, and patent under the United States mining laws. The Secretary under such reasonable regulations as he deems appropriate, may permit the removal of the nonleasable minerals from lands or interests in lands within the recreation area in the manner described by section 387 of title 43, and he may permit the removal of leasable minerals from lands or interests in lands within the recreation areas in accordance with the mineral leasing laws, if he finds that such disposition would not have significant adverse effects on the administration of the recreation areas.
All receipts derived from permits and leases issued on lands or interest in lands within the recreation area under the mineral leasing laws shall be disposed of as provided in such laws; and receipts from the disposition of nonleasable minerals within the recreation area shall be disposed of in the same manner as moneys received from the sale of public lands.
This Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.
The Alaska Statehood Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 85–508, July 7, 1958, 72 Stat. 339, which is set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
Section was not enacted as part of title IV of Pub. L. 96–487, which comprises this subchapter.
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


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Snowshoeing is one of the best ways that a family can spend a cold winter day together outside. Compared to skiing, which can cost a family hundreds of dollars for one day, snowshoeing is a much more budget-friendly alternative, not to mention it is a lot of fun and anyone who can walk, can do it. You don't have to be super athletic or even outdoorsy to enjoy snowshoeing and family members of all ages can enjoy the activity together. Read on to learn how to prepare for your first snowshoeing adventure with your children.
Rent to Try, Before you Buy
I recommend renting snowshoes for your first excursion. This way you can make sure that it truly is an activity that everyone in your family enjoys. Then, if you enjoy snowshoeing and think it will be an activity that your family will enjoy multiple times throughout the year, it's more cost effective to buy your own snowshoes. You can purchase snowshoes for your children for $30-$75 and for adults for $100 and up. You may also want to consider investing in poles, that will help little ones navigate terrain more easily.
Practice, Practice, Practice
It may be a good idea to let your little ones practice at home before your grand voyage. They can practice putting on and taking off the snowshoes, as well as walking forward, turning around in a U-turn (since you can't backup in snowshoes) and going up and down hills. This will take away any anxiety that your child may be feeling about trying a new outdoor activity once you're all bundled up and out in the cold.
Comfort is Key
The most important thing to consider when venturing out for your first snowshoeing adventure is comfort. If your children are uncomfortable, you will hear about it all day long. When dressing your children, think layers. Since they will be in constant motion, you don't want to overdress them. For a moderate weather day, a pair of long johns and a water and wind resistant shell and pants, as well as a pair of gloves, wool socks and hat should suffice. You want to dress your children in clothing that is lightweight and loose fitting — allowing them to move easily. I also recommend bringing a heavier jacket and spare socks and gloves, just in case.
Make a Day of It
Plan ahead and find a nature trail, golf course or other outdoor landscape to enjoy during your first snowshoeing trip. Pack a pair of binoculars in each family member's backpack to view nature from afar. You should also pack water and high energy snacks to keep your children well hydrated and full of energy. You can also pack warm treats and beverages for a surprise afternoon snack. Children will enjoy taking a rest to sit quietly and enjoy nature, make a snow angel or two and enjoy a hot thermos of cocoa with cookies.
Be Prepared
Although snowshoeing is one of the safest winter activities that you family can enjoy together, it's best to be prepared for emergencies. It's a good idea to carry spare clothing, extra water, a first aid kit, a cell phone, compass and each member of your family should wear a whistle in case you are separated. You never know when or what type of emergency you may encounter, so it's always better to be safe and prepared.
Have Fun
Snowshoeing is the perfect time to play nature games, chit-chat and bond with your family. It's a non-competitive outdoor activity, so there's no need to see who can finish the quickest. It's the perfect activity for a slow day together, reflecting on the beauty of nature and your family.
Have you tried snowshoeing with your children? Tell us your top snowshoeing tips.


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Find the perfect hotel in Manalapan using our hotel guide provided below. Search for cheap and discounted hotel and motel rates in or close to Manalapan, FL for your upcoming personal or group travel. Discover the best Manalapan, Florida motel and hotel rooms. Browse the Manalapan area hotels to find the perfect lodging! Please use the provided map of the Manalapan hotels.
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15U CH-47 Helicoptor Repairer
- Employer
- Army National Guard
- Location
- Gunpowder, MD
- Posted
- Jul 13, 2018
- Closes
- Jul 16, 2018
- Function
- Accountant, IT
- Industry
- Engineering
- Career Level
- Experienced (Non-Manager)
- Hours
- Full Time
15U CH-47 Helicoptor Repairer Job ID: 958234 Job Views: 9 Location: APG, Maryland, United States ZIP Code: 21010 Job Category: Aviation Posted: 07.10.2018 Age Requirements: Must be between the ages of 17 and 35 Job DescriptionIf you're looking to take your mechanical skills to the next level, then join the Army National Guard and watch your future take flight. The wide range of missions and diversity of functions of Guard helicopters require a highly specialized maintenance team for each type of aircraft. As a CH-47 Helicopter Repairer you will be responsible for supervising and performing maintenance on CH-47 Helicopters (also known as "Chinook" Helicopters), to ensure that the aircraft remain safe and ready to fly. This includes all requisite inspections, service, and maintenance of aircraft and subsystems. Become a CH-47 Helicopter Repairer in the Guard and you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to not only keep the Guard flying high, but also your civilian career. What you will learn will prepare you for a future with aircraft manufacturers, commercial airlines, and Government agencies. Earn while you learn Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to learn. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance. Job training for a CH-47 Helicopter Repairer consists of 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 16 weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field. Requires military enlistment. Applicants must meet minimum qualifications. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability. Benefits subject to change. Benefits/RequirementsBenefits * Paid training * A monthly paycheck * Montgomery GI Bill * Retirement benefits for part-time service * Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage) * 401(k)-type savings plan * Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000, for existing loans) * Healthcare Benefits Available Requirements * High School Diploma or GED * Must be between the ages of 17 and 35 * Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards * Must meet citizenship requirements (see NATIONALGUARD.com for details) Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $196.26 and $254.91 per drill weekend. Programs and benefits are subject to change. This position may qualify for a bonus, ask your National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information.


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Northwestern and Chicago Botanic Garden Join Forces to Train Botanists
Chocolate, coffee, rice, wheat, corn, eucalyptus, aloe vera, wood, cotton and oxygen. Where would we be without plants?
At a time when native plant species are increasingly endangered around the world, so, it seems, is the plant scientist. Not enough botanists or plant conservationists are being trained to address the growing national and international threats to biodiversity and impending global mass extinctions.
In response to this critical shortage, Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden are joining forces to offer the nation's first master of science degree in plant biology and conservation - a unique interdisciplinary program designed to educate the next generation of plant scientists. This is the first major collaboration between the two institutions.
"This is a wonderful new marriage of intellectual interests, culminating in an important new graduate program that neither institution could offer alone," said Jon E. Levine, professor of neurobiology and physiology at Northwestern and director of the program in biological sciences. "We are experiencing major environmental changes -- loss of habitat and biodiversity, extinction of species, global climactic change -- and these shifts are having a major impact on human life and the science of our globe. By teaching new scientists to apply human reason and science to these large and complex problems, we are looking to the future."
From the Eastern prairie white fringed orchid of the Midwest to the Aloe rauhii of Madagascar, thousands of the Earth's plants are in peril. According to a 1997 World Conservation Union report, 34,000 species, or 12.5 percent, are facing extinction. The United States' flora is the fourth most endangered in the world; 4,669 species, or 29 percent of the country's plants, are in danger of becoming extinct. Here in Illinois, more than 300 species of native plants are listed as threatened or endangered.
The primary causes of species extinction or endangerment are habitat destruction, commercial exploitation (such as plant collecting), damage caused by non-native plants and animals introduced into an area, and pollution. Direct habitat destruction threatens the most species.
To stem the loss of biodiversity and its harm to ecosystems, threatened and endangered plants must be located and safeguarded, their reproductive biology must be understood, and they must be propagated and reintroduced to native habitats that will sustain them into the future. This requires qualified and committed botanists and plant conservationists.
"In light of the colossal environmental changes taking place across the globe, this dynamic partnership between the Chicago Botanic Garden and Northwestern University seeks to create an educational springboard for tomorrow's leaders in plant conservation and biodiversity research," said David Lentz, vice president of scientific affairs at the Chicago Botanic Garden. "This new program is urgently needed to produce conservation biologists who will help anticipate and prevent the potential loss of plant species and the valuable genetic and chemical information they contain."
Students in the Northwestern University/Chicago Botanic Garden program will study populations of endangered plants -- their genetics, the environmental changes to their habitats and their potential for reintroduction. They will learn how to use the Code of Botanical Nomenclature and define plant populations; acquire an understanding of the complexity and interactions of the many organisms that make up plant communities and ecosystems; develop a working knowledge of nucleic acid and chromosome structure; and master recombinant DNA technology and gene cloning.
Upon graduation, the plants scientists will go on to work in the nation's botanical gardens, for the government and non-government organizations, as teachers in high schools or junior colleges or as students in doctoral programs, leading efforts to learn more about plants, save plant species from extinction and increase public awareness.
Applications are being accepted for the first class, entering in fall 2005. The master's degree -- five core courses, four electives, independent research and a thesis -- can be finished in four or five quarters. Molecular biology, biostatistics and plant science will be at the curriculum's core; the independent research component will provide students with opportunities to work on "real world" conservation and botanical problems. Classes will meet at Northwestern and the Chicago Botanic Garden and be taught by faculty from biology, environmental studies, anthropology, archaeology, engineering and economics.
"The master's program is part of a bigger effort to build synergy between Northwestern and the Chicago Botanic Garden," said Levine. "Our undergraduate science students also will benefit from access to new classes and independent research projects conducted under faculty at the Garden. This is an exciting opportunity for them as well."
Megan Fellman
Northwestern University
(1-847) 491-3115
Sue Markgraf
Chicago Botanic Garden
(1-847) 835-6819, direct
(1-847) 917-9654, cell
For more information on the master's program, call (1-847) 491-4031.


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Surface tension
I have seen 'surface tension' mentioned a great deal, on this and other forums and websites, in relation to the shaping of dough to produce a taut 'skin'. Achieving good surface tension is said to help a loaf keep its shape (especially important when using very soft doughs) and improve oven spring.
I feel rather wary of this idea. 'Surface tension' is a term well-known in physics, and decribes an inherent molecular property of liquids. Water forms droplets, for example, because of surface tension. The surface tension of water can be altered chemically - for example, the addition of a little washing-up liquid will reduce surface tension and lessen the tendency of water to form droplets on a smooth surface. But you cannot mechanically change this property - in other words, there is no physical action you can perform that would change the surface tension of water.
I'm not a physicist or food scientist, but my assumption, given the above, is that when bakers talk about surface tension, they are not referring to the scientific phenomenon. Dough does possess this quality, but I can't see how manipulating the dough would alter it. Stanley Cauvain, in his book Bread making: improving quality, does mention surface tension, but observes only that it can be altered by adding emulisifiers (which would be anathema to an artisan baker). He doesn't mention the possibility that surface tension can be altered by shaping. He also notes that surface tension has little impact on dough rheology (that is, it's ability or tendency to flow). In other words, altering the surface tension (the molecular property) of the dough would have little impact on whether a soft dough would spread out on a flat surface.
I guess, then, that when other bakers talk about achieving surface tension in their dough, they are referring less scientifically to creating a taut skin by shaping the dough into a ball or similar. But I still cannot see how or why this would improve the loaf shape, oven spring or any other quality of the finished loaf. In particular, in all my years of working with soft doughs (70+% hydration), I have never been able to prevent dough spreading by shaping it (in any case, shaping soft, sticky dough is very difficult). Does anyone know what the scientific basis for this idea is?
Many thanks!


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https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/ol ... and-going/
Quick summary: I'm bursting with pride; the fans are special; can't believe we haven't won the game; this is a real club we're buildin' 'ere.
And hats off to Mass!
Night all.
Ollie on tonight
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Limestone is a relatively young, sedimentary rock composed of calcite or dolomite. Limestone features a matte, granular surface in earth-toned hues and is gorgeous both indoors and out. Inside, we should use limestone on the floors and on the walls. Outside, it is important to install limestone on the walls only. It is not recommended to use limestone on countertops because it is more porous than marble slabs.
For more information about limestone tiles and slabs, call your Ciot Tecnica sales representative.


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Jan 30, 2012
Free SVG & Printable | Borders
You can Download the file.
For Personal Use Only.
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October 25, 2018
Creative Writing
6:00pm - 7:30pm / 404-Studio
Participants meet weekly in a supportive, creative, and fun environment where ideas move from head to paper. They build connections as they work to express the writer that lives in all of us. Coordinated by writer and Middle member Harold Slazer.


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An event every week that begins at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, repeating until June 27, 2019
An event every month that begins at 7:00 pm on day Third of the month, repeating until July 16, 2019
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That's a lot of ebooks.
The question I get asked more than any other is: How can I make my ebooks sell more copies?
That's actually not the right question to ask. Because there is nothing you can do to make people buy your ebooks, except maybe hold them at gunpoint or kidnap their pets.
This business isn't about what you have to sell. It is about what you have to offer. And luck plays a big part.
But I've found you can improve your odds. Here are some things I've done that have seemed helpful.
I can't overemphasize how important a good cover is. Hire a professional. And keep these things in mind:
1. At a glance, it should convey the type or genre of the book you've written.
2. It should be readable in grayscale.
3. It should be readable as a thumbnail.
4. Your name and the title should be large and clear.
There are other little tips that I recommend. Usually legacy book covers have a lot of writing on them, and that makes them subconsciously identifiable as professional. Taglines. Blurbs. "By the author of Whiskey Sour". That sort of thing.
Your artist should know what vectors are, and the rule of three, and the importance of the color wheel, and all the other tricks used to make a cover pop.
If your sales are slow, consider getting a better cover.
Did you know you can add basic HTML to your book description on Kindle using Author Central? I didn't. But I do now, and I'm using it to make my ebook pages better.
Once your cover gets a browser's attention, you need a good book description to reel them in. Read back jacket copy on some of your favorite mass market paperbacks to get a feel for it. You can also add blurbs, reviews, a bio, past books, and more.
Make sure there is plenty of white space. I don't like big, blocky paragraphs, and I assume others don't either. Use bold and italics when needed, but don't overuse them.
This should be a no-brainer, but every book you publish should be well-written. It should also be well-edited, and well-formatted.
You're going to have to experiment with this one. I have my novels priced at $3.99, my novellas and short story collections at $2.99, my trilogy sets at $9.99, and short stories at 99 cents.
Some of my peers sell for more, some for less. It's all about finding that sweet spot between unit sales and profit. I like my ebooks to be impulse buys, so I keep the prices low. Your results may vary.
The more books you publish, the greater your chances at finding readers. Besides new titles, you can also combine and split up titles to maximize your virtual shelf space.
I have box sets. I have single short stories that are also part of collections. I have joined forces with other authors, each of us putting a title into a set.
I also love to collaborate. That's an easy way to swap fans and increase readership
My take on Twitter and Facebook is similar to my take on advertising. Maybe it'll bring in some sales, but I haven't found it brings in enough to justify the time and money spent.
I have 10,000 followers on Twitter. They don't follow me because they are anxiously awaiting news of my next published book, They follow me because of what I have to offer. Namely, information.
Sure, some of them may buy my books. But this number is minuscule compared to the number of people who have never heard of me before, and discover me for the first time surfing an ebook retailer.
My ebook The List has sold over 200,000 copies. In December it was featured in Kobo and earned $3,000 that month. In the last week, this book has earned me $2500 on Amazon.
I self-pubbed The List in 2009. This is not a new book. I don't advertise it. I don't blog about it, or tweet, or send out email blasts.
It is being discovered by people on their own. Kobo certainly gave it a boost by featuring it, but it was luck Kobo decided to do so. The List just came off a 5 day free period on KDP Select, which no doubt got it some attention, but that was zero cost to me and didn't involve me tooting my own horn anywhere.
I've done things in the past to increase my sales. Blog tours. Sending out review copies. Visiting bookstores. And I saw some success doing these things. But that success pales next to simply being discovered by strangers who haven't heard of you before.
Kobo and Amazon make it easy to find ebooks you like. Their user interfaces are surprisingly smart. Instead of pimping the books you've got, spend time writing more books to publish, then let their algorithms do their thing.
It's no secret that about 90% of my sales have been on Amazon. But 10% haven't. And that 10% equals a lot of money when you've sold a million ebooks.
I like dealing with Amazon. They are so smart, so motivated, and do so much right. They're the one to beat, and their online store is the best in the world.
I also like dealing with Kobo. They're dedicated, hungry, and also extremely smart. If you haven't visited Kobo.com lately, you should. They're doing some really cool stuff, making the shopping experience easier, better, and more fun.
Smashwords continues to raise the bar, innovate, and blaze new trails. Coker is one of the smartest men in the biz. I've done well with Smashwords.
I'm just now uploading my titles to Apple, so I don't have anything to report yet. But I'm not a fan of their iBookstore. It's clunky, not fun to surf, and lacks the ease of Amazon and Kobo.
B&N's PubIt program is easy to use, but I'm not impressed with their online store. Still, I've made some good money there.
Createspace is very easy to use, their books look great, and they integrate into both Amazon and B&N with ease.
Overdrive caters to libraries, and I'm making some money there, but they aren't easy to upload to. In fact, I'm not even sure they have opened up their site to self-pub yet.
As a writer, you should be on as many of these platforms as possible. The more places your books are available, the better.
Competition is good, because it makes everyone try harder, forcing them to raise their game to higher levels.
As a result, I haven't gone all in with Amazon. I don't like the exclusivity aspect of KDP Select. Amazon customers would have more choices, and authors would make more money, if it wasn't exclusive.
I also don't like proprietary formats. I think Kindles should read epub, and Nooks and Kobo ereaders should read mobi files.
My feeling are mixed on this issue.
One one hand, my agent has been amazing selling the foreign rights of my self-pubbed ebooks. I'm in more countries than I'd ever been in during my legacy years.
On the other hand, every right you sell is one you can't exploit yourself.
I've translated two works into German myself, at significant cost (a novel can cost $4k or more), but I'm in the black and set to earn profits forever. Forever is a long time.
But even though I'm doing well with ebooks, I'm not prepared, nor do I have to contacts, to translate every one of my fifty IPs into ten languages. I also don't have the 8 million dollars that would cost.
So my current solution is to sell foreign rights, but limit the term to three or four years, then they revert. That way I can make easy money now, and have the option of do it myself later without losing those rights forever.
If you want foreign deals, audio deals, movie and TV deals, or even a legacy deal, you probably need an agent.
But I don't recommend searching for one until you've sold a lot of ebooks. 50,000 is a good number. And I said sell, not give away for free.
There isn't a single thing I'm saying here that you should automatically believe. Don't trust me, or any other so-called expert. Instead, try things out for yourself and draw your own conclusions.
Many newbies reading this don't understand what it is like to have a publisher controlling your book. Many even welcome that opportunity.
I couldn't be happier having complete control over my intellectual property. Being able to change covers, prices, titles, content, quickly and efficiently, is invaluable to me. I can publish instantly, on all platforms, and reach more readers than publishers can.
This is a business. You need to adopt a businesslike attitude.
Businesslike doesn't mean tweeting every ten minutes, begging your 27 followers to buy your book.
Businesslike means looking at numbers and understanding what they mean. Hiring out for things you can't do yourself, or hiring out when your time becomes so valuable you need to. Learning how to repeat cause and effect.
I have an accountant, a financial planner, and an assistant. I hire out for cover art, formatting, and proof-reading. I use a close-knit group of bestselling authors as editors. I discuss strategies with peers, often try new things that fail, and am constantly trying to prepare for the future by watching trends, predicting what will happen next, and analyzing my own habits.
Self-awareness is something everyone claims to have, but few people do. If you want to sell ebooks, look at why you buy ebooks.
When was the last time you:
- Bought an ebook you saw in a tweet?
- Clicked on an Internet ad?
- Followed a Facebook ad?
- Bought an ebook because you got a postcard in the mail?
- Bought an ebook because you got an email about one?
- Read a free ebook?
If you can figure out why you buy what you buy, not just with ebooks, but with every single thing, you'll learn a lot.
Use that knowledge. And if it works well, write about it so I can learn it too.


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Team Tosh
3 x 200m – 400m – 600m Run
One person works as the other rests.
Post times to comments.
Paleo Power Meals is sweetening the pot for the Team Transformation Challenge! Click HERE for more details.
Love Fuel For Fire? Not sure how to zone it? Check out this awesome little cheat sheet for zoning your favorite FFF flavors! Click HERE! Thanks FFF!
Come out this weekend and cheer on your fellow Crossfit New Englanders at the East Coast Championships on Saturday AND Sunday at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston! First heat goes off at 9am on Saturday and 8am on Sunday. It's $6 for one day or $10 for both.
***Weekend schedule: Saturday 7am-9am and Sunday 8am-10am (open gym both days)***


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CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – Four Barry Buccaneers were among the 644 women's collegiate golfers recognized as All-American Scholars across all three NCAA Divisions by the Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA).
Senior Taylor Babcock, sophomore Daniela Murray and freshmen Maria Paola Fiorio and Nicky Ferre were selected for this prestigious award.
Babcock becomes the second Barry women's golfer to earn the distinction all four years (Anna Haglind 2007-10). One of only three players to compete in every round for the Bucs this year, she carried a 77.23 stroke average this season with three top 10 finishes. Her best came at the Florida Blue SSC Championship where she posted a fourth-place finish. She graduated this spring with a 3.603 GPA in sport management.
Murray, who joined the team in January of 2012, played in 11 of 12 tournaments and also had three top 10 finishes. She tied for eighth at both the Florida Blue SSC Championship and the Tusculum/Kiawah Island Intercollegiate. She carded a 77.96 stroke average for the year. She carries a 3.935 GPA in sport management in the seamless program.
Fiorio emerged late in the season as the Bucs as one of the Bucs' top players. She placed fourth at the SMSU Spring Invitational and added two other top 10 finishes. Her 77.68 average for the 12 tournaments was fourth-best on the team. Fiorio has a 3.661 GPA in business management.
Ferre was the Bucs' number two scorer, averaging 77.10 strokes per round. She had a team-best eight top 10 finishes, including a third-place finish at the NCAA Division II Super Region 2 Tournament. She carries a 3.506 GPA in business management.
The criteria for selection to the All-American Scholar Team are some of the most stringent in all of college athletics, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50.


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Sometimes things don't go your way. This is one of those times. Also no one who ever said money can't buy happiness ever had to pay six quarters into a washing machine to make it work.
Broke as a Joke
No really. And it's not funny. On my way home from work on Friday, I stopped at the corner store to pick up a Lean Cuisine (because glamlife to the max), and my blue card wasn't working. Ok, how about the temporary red one? No? Yellow? Expired in September? Suuuuuck.
Meanwhile, I got a note in my mailbox that I had undeliverable mail from the bank at the post office because my name wasn't on my mailbox. When I moved to Boston, I had to open a new account because my bank in California doesn't exist in this state. Ok, I'd have to go get that on Saturday morning.
Friday night was spent tracking down a store that both sold wine and took checks, because I had no cards and no cash. Yes, I bought wine from a trendy boutique with a Phineas and Ferb check. What? You've never seen a desperate mom before?
No money — no way to get quarters for the laundry. Must waits for Saturday.
Finally found the post office. Waited in line. Was lectured by guy at the counter to put my name on my mailbox. Was handed a thick package. Um, this doesn't look like it contains my new bank card … more checks! Gah.
It was 12:30. The only banks open on the weekends around here close at noon on Saturdays. Until Monday morning.
And my T-pass expired.
Then I got slammed with some work stuff, which was fine because I was stuck at home with my dirty laundry anyway.
Also it was hot.
And my landlord took away my AC last week.
And I live on the 4th floor and it's hot.
And I have no clean clothes because the laundry situation is ridiculous.
And my leg still smarts from when I freaking fell on the T a few days ago because I have the grace and poise of a baby water buffalo.
And my jeans are tight and I have zero motivation to exercise.
And carbs are so yummy.
You know you're feeling gross when you look forward to Monday. Even if just for the bank being open.


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Word to the wise: If you're going to strike a deal that you're maybe not entirely proud of, wait until after your book tour to announce it.
Al Gore did things the other way around and all this week he's been paying the price for it, in the form of having to answer awkward questions about the $500 million sale of his Current TV network to Al Jazeera.
As the former Vice President makes the rounds of talk shows to promote his new book "The Future," he's been under pressure to explain just how the world's most famous climate change activist justifies selling out to an interest backed by oil money. (Al Jazeera is owned by the government of Qatar, the oil-rich Persian Gulf state.) So far, the explanations have been pretty weak.
Nowhere was the pressure greater than on "The Daily Show" Wednesday night. Jon Stewart demurs whenever anyone calls him a journalist, but if he wants it to stop he'll have to quit showing up actual journalists by doing their job better than they do.
On NBC's "Today" Monday, Matt Lauer called Gore to account, even using the word "hypocrisy," but the whole exchange lasted a mere two minutes. Even David Letterman let him squirm longer than that.
Stewart, meanwhile, used almost all of his interview time to cross-examine Gore on the matter, pressing him for a solid nine minutes and even picking it up again briefly after a commercial break.
Asked about the cognitive dissonance of pocketing oil money while railing against fossil fuels, Gore initially -- and repeatedly -- tried the same dodge he'd used on Lauer and Letterman: that Al Jazeera is a fine network with high journalistic standards and particularly strong climate coverage.
"It was an easy choice after doing the diligence on the network itself," he said. "They have a great reputation. They have the highest quality, most extensive, best climate coverage of any network in the world."
But Stewart rejected that as the non-answer it was, continuing to hammer away at the gap between "mogul Al Gore and activist Al Gore." "You had an opportunity to make a statement about your principles," he said.
On the defensive, Gore resorted to crying poverty. "We were competing in a conglomerate world as an independent," he said. "We don't have deep pockets. We were profitable every year, but it got to a point where we had to sell. We could not keep going."
(It would've been nice to see Stewart try to untangle that little nonsequitur -- why a profitable network without a ton of debt to service would have no choice but to bail out. Nobody's perfect.)
He also insisted that Qatar's leaders "have announced a commitment to renewable energy...a visionary plan."
"I'm very, very comfortable with it. I completely get the criticism, but this is a good choice."
It was certainly a good choice financially for Gore, whose share of the sale price has been reported at around $100 million.
By the way, Gore may want to ease up a touch on his claims about Current's journalistic track record, lest he resurrect his old reputation as an exaggerator. A couple of times this week, he's claimed that Current won "every major award in television journalism."
According to Current's website, its list of honors includes "two Emmy® Awards, the Peabody Award, two Livingston Awards, the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award, numerous Webby Awards, the Television Academy Honor and the Hot Bird™ TV Award for Europe's Best News Network."
That's certainly not a bad haul. But it's a far cry from "every single award in television journalism" (as he phrased it on "Late Night"). If Current ever won a George Polk Award or an Edward R. Murrow Award, for instance, this is the first I'm hearing of it. Old habits die hard.


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Suddenly youre thirsty all of the time. Or maybe you cant seem to get enough sleep. You might be going to the bathroom much more than usual. Or perhaps youve lost weight without trying. With any or all of these symptoms, you could be experiencing the early warning signs of diabetes, joining almost 250 million people worldwide who have the disease. But you dont have to become a statistic.
And sometimes people dont even know they are part of the stats: one third of those people dont know that they have the condition, and forty-six percent of them are between 40 and 59 years old.
Diabetes, or complications from the disease, now kills 3.8 million people a year, or about the same number as HIV/AIDS.
The International Diabetes Federation calls the disease the epidemic of the 21st century. Only 20 years ago the numbers were much lower: 30 million people around the world had the disease. The federation expects that by 2025 the number of people living with diabetes will hit 380 million.
The problems behind the numbers are even more alarming. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness and kidney failure among adults. It causes mild to severe nerve damage that, coupled with diabetes-related circulation problems, often leads to the loss of a leg or foot. Diabetes also significantly increases the risk of heart disease.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks and permanently disables the insulin-making cells in the pancreas. This type, once called juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes, affects about one million Americans.
The other form, type 2 (once called adult-onset diabetes), takes years to develop into full-blown diabetes. It begins when muscle and other cells stop responding to insulin's open-up-for-glucose signal. The body responds by making more insulin and the insulin-making cells eventually get exhausted and begin to fail.
But, realistically, no one has to jump on the type 2 diabetic insulin train.
Diabetes prevention
Diabetes prevention is proven, possible, and powerful. Making a few changes can dramatically lower the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. The same changes can also lower the chances of developing heart disease and some cancers. The key to preventing type 2 diabetes can be simplified: Get active and get lean.
Control your weight. Being overweight increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes seven-fold and is the single most important cause of this type of diabetes. About 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Being obese makes you 20 to 40 times more likely to develop diabetes than someone with a healthy weight.
Losing 7-10% of your current weight (if it is above the healthy-weight range) can cut your chances of developing type 2 diabetes in half.
Get moving. Working your muscles more often and making them work harder improves their ability to use insulin and absorb glucose. This puts less stress on your insulin-making cells. Studies suggest that walking briskly for a half hour every day reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 30%.
Tune-up your diet.
Two dietary changes can have a big impact on the risk of type 2 diabetes. Choose whole grains and whole-grain products over highly processed carbohydrates. Carbohydrates that aren't as easily digested cause lower and slower increases in blood sugar and insulin. Examples of the carbs to choose include whole wheat, brown rice, other whole grains, most beans and nuts, and whole grain breakfast cereals.
Choose good fats instead of bad fats. People with diabetes are at increased risk for heart disease. Eating a diet low in saturated fat can reduce the risk. Good fats, such as the polyunsaturated fats found in tuna, salmon, liquid vegetable oils, and many nuts, can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Trans fats do just the opposite. These bad fats are found in many margarines, packaged baked goods, fried foods in most fast-food restaurants, and any product that lists "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" on the label.
Quit Smoking. Smokers are 50% to 90% more likely to develop diabetes than nonsmokers, so add type 2 diabetes to the long list of health problems linked with smoking.
|Blood Pressure
|Bone Health
|Chronic Pain
|Eye Sight
|Healthy Kids
|Lung Health
|Men's Health
|Oral Health
|Senior Health
|Weight Management
|Women's Health


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Jewelry Joomla Templates
We have a collection of 1 designs in this area!
Jewelry is serious business, and you need a serious website if you're a jewelry dealer. You don't make your own gemstones, so why would you make your own joomla templates? Your business is taking care of people, and knowing a beautiful thing when you see it, so let us take care of your website so you can continue to bring people the fabulous wedding rings, diamond pendants, gold earrings, platinum bracelets, rose gold necklaces, and other jewelry you've been bringing them since the beginning.
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Franklin County Official Accused – $1M Stolen For Cocaine!
Dennis Huston, the 65-year-old manager of the Franklin County Public Works Department, is in jail on suspicions of embezzling $1 million from the county. He told police it was mostly for cocaine.According to the Tri-City Herald, Huston created a fake company in 2001 with the same name as a firm his department had contracts with but had gone out of business.
Get this -- Huston was jailed in 1986 for a similar crime in Montana! Doesn't Franklin County do background checks?!
He is assumed innocent until proven guilty and has not yet been charged, but he is under investigation for first-degree theft, money laundering and possession of cocaine.
10 years is a long time, but $1 million is also a lot of blow! Didn't anybody notice his continuously red nose and eyes? He must have had a pretty convincing story about allergies.
$1 million! Think about how many guns that bought drug traffickers in Mexico! This guy sent his dealer's kids to college!
The shake-up also included putting 8 other public works employees on administrative leave. We'll have to see if more develops about that later.


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The Cat Network, Inc.
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text: Exotic, night-blooming flowers with a hint of danger inspire a hothouse of seductive shades. Sensual colours shroud eyes in earthy metallic Eye Shadows and lips suggest hidden motives with deep blue plum and dark berry hues of Sheen Supreme Lipstick. Bronze Powder Blush provides a final adrenaline surge before these beauties dissolve into the night. Discover the collection HERE.


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Spicy Pumpkin Seed-Pecan Brittle Recipe
Read more: Edible DIY: Spicy Pumpkin Seed-Pecan Brittle
- Yield:Makes approximately 1 1/2 pounds
- Rated:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, diced
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 ounces (about 1 3/4 cups) toasted pumpkin seeds
- 6 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) toasted pecans
- 1 1/2 teaspoons flaky salt, such as fleur de sel
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. Combine the sugar, water, butter, and corn syrup in a medium-sized pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is a rich amber color and a candy thermometer registers 300°F, up to 20 minutes.
When the thermometer hits 300°F, immediately remove pot from heat and stir in the cinnamon, cayenne, and baking soda. The mixture will bubble and foam vigorously. Stir in pumpkin seeds and pecans. Immediately scrape brittle onto parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it out as much as possible with back of spoon. Sprinkle salt over hot brittle. Using clean fingertips, gently press salt crystals into brittle.
Allow brittle to cool completely, about two hours, then break into large shards. Brittle will keep for up to three weeks stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
This Recipe Appears InEdible DIY: Spicy Pumpkin Seed-Pecan Brittle
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of degrees
& programs
Fall: March 1 [December 15 for international applicants]
Spring: December 1
[August 1 for international applicants]
Applications are processed as they are received up to the deadline date.
Number Required: 2
From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from evaluators who can provide insight into the applicant's abilities, talents, and aptitude for graduate study.
All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate Bachelor of Music degree at Temple University, which is based on a curriculum of 124 to 135 hours.
A degree in music is expected.
The Statement of Goals should include your special interests within the discipline and expectations for the program.
Minimum TOEFL score or range of scores needed to be accepted:
525 paper-based, 197 computer-based, or 71 internet-based. Any student admitted with a TOEFL score below 600 on the paper-based, 250 on the computer-based, or 100 on the internet-based examination must pass the SPEAK test prior to registration or pass an English skills course during the first semester of enrollment at Temple University.
Solo piano works are to be performed from memory. The pianist should supply the vocalist. All works to be auditioned must be approved by the Program Director one month prior to the audition. Audition will consist of:
1. A Baroque work (Bach, Scarlatti, etc.).
2. An entire sonata by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, or Schubert.
3. A large Romantic, Impressionistic, or Contemporary work.
4. Two songs by different composers, selected from among the following: Mozart, Schubert, Strauss, Wolf.
5. One aria from an opera.
6. One scene excerpt from the standard opera repertoire.
7. Sight-reading.
A resume is required.
A student who wishes to transfer credit should speak with her/his academic advisor and obtain a transfer of credit form, available at: www.temple.edu/grad/forms/documents/Transfer_Grad_Credit_05.pdf. Transfer credits must be approved by the advisor, the department chair, and the Associate Dean. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 6.
Due to the large number of applications for admission and the competitive nature of its music programs, the College admits only a portion of its applicants. In addition to the general admissions credentials required of all Temple University graduate applicants, Boyer College of Music specialized admission criteria (i.e., auditions, portfolios, interviews, recommendations, departmental term papers, and standardized examinations) are very heavily weighted in Boyer College of Music admission decisions. Applicants may be rejected for admission for failing to obtain the required level of proficiency in any one area of the specialized admission criteria regardless of the level of success in meeting the Temple University general admission criteria. In addition to the level of success demonstrated in the above-mentioned criteria, a final admission factor is the College's Optimum Enrollment Policy. This Policy may preclude the admission of any student who meets the minimum requirements.
Number of Didactic Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 30
Required Courses (30 s.h.)
Music 424 (4) Opera Coaching
434,435, 436, 437, or 441(4) Recital Accompanying or
Studio Accompanying
448 (4) Coaching Skills
465 (2) Piano Accompanying/Chamber Music Major
466 (2) Piano Accompanying/Chamber Music Major
467 (2) Piano Accompanying/Chamber Music Major
468 (2) Piano Accompanying/Chamber Music Major
Music Studies 508-513 (3) Seminar in Theoretical or Stylistic Analysis
700 (3) Research in Music
708 (2) History of Opera
709 (2) History of Opera
Internship: No internship is required.
Language Examination: A language examination is required. Candidates in Piano Accompanying/Opera Coaching must present undergraduate college-level coursework in Italian, German, and French (or pass a translating and speaking examination at Temple) at the time of admission to the program. Where the transcript or pass-off examination does not reveal such study, the appropriate deficiency course(s) must be taken prior to the completion of the master's degree.
Comprehensive Listening Examination
Private Lessons:
Private applied lessons beyond the four-semester requirement currently in effect for graduate performance students, may be extended only with the permission of the jury, department chair, and the Associate Dean or Dean of the Boyer College of Music. Tuition for these additional terms of private study (Recital Extension, Music 300) will be the cost of two graduate credits plus a $400 Recital Extension fee. Graduate assistantships and other forms of university-sponsored financial aid do not cover the Recital Extension fee.
2. Failure to Present Recital-The degree status of students who are unable to present a recital after one semester of recital extension will be reviewed by the Associate Dean and the major advisor, who, in consultation with the major teacher and department, will determine whether or not the student may continue in the program. Inability to present the recital after one semester of Recital Extension may be grounds for dismissal from the degree program for failing to maintain reasonable academic progress.
Diagnostic Examinations:
All entering Master of Music students are required to take Diagnostic Examinations in Harmony, Counterpoint, Aural Skills, and Music History prior to the first semester of graduate study. The purpose of these examinations is to determine weaknesses in undergraduate preparation.
Depending on the examination results, students may be required to take one or more remedial courses. In these instances, the remedial courses will be graded on a "Credit / No Credit" basis and the official university transcript will indicate "CR" (for "Credit", meaning that the deficiency has been satisfied) or "NC" (for "No Credit", meaning that the deficiency has not been satisfied). Students must have a "B-" or better average in any remedial course or section thereof to earn the grade of "Credit" and to satisfy the requirement. Students who earn a grade of "NC" (that is, having a class average below "B-") must retake that course or section until an average of "B-" or higher is achieved and a grade of "CR" is recorded on the official university transcript. Remedial courses are offered for undergraduate credit only, and may not count toward graduate degree requirements.
1. All entering MM students must take the harmony, counterpoint, and aural skills examination prior to the first semester of graduate study unless conditions for exemption have been met (see below). Students may take the test only once, and if they do not pass the test or any portion thereof, they must enroll in the remedial course(s) during their first semester of study.
Depending on which section(s) of the examination are failed, the examiners will stipulate which sections of remedial coursework the student must take. The courses are "Diatonic Harmony Review" (Music Studies 201), "Chromatic Harmony Review" (Music Studies 202), "Counterpoint Review" (Music Studies 203), and "Graduate Aural Theory Review" (Music Studies 204).
2. Music History
All entering MM students are required to take Diagnostic Examinations in Music History prior to registering for their first semester of graduate student, unless conditions for exemption have been met (see below). If the student is unsuccessful in passing any portion of the Music History examination, the student may select one of two options. (Option A): Register to take Music History Review (Music Studies 253 for 1 to 5 undergraduate credits, with 1 credit assigned to each of the following five periods: Renaissance, Baroque, Classic, Romantic, and Twentieth Century. Students may register for a maximum of 3 credits of Music History Review in any semester; thus, it is possible to extend the remediation over two semesters. (Option B): Students may study independently and retake the failed sections of the examination at the end of the first semester of study. Students may retake the examination only once, and if any section is failed a second time, they must take the assigned remedial sections in their second semester of study.
3. Conditions for Exemption
The requirement to take the Examination in any of these areas is waived only for graduates of the Boyer College of Music who:
1) matriculate and enroll in the semester immediately following completion of all undergraduate degree requirements, and
2) received grades of "B-" or better in every undergraduate course taken in each individual examination area to be waived.
All incomplete grades and keyboard proficiencies must be completed by the 1st day of the month in which the student expects to graduate.
Except as noted, all degree credits are to be earned at Temple University.
Acceptable English:
All students, including those for whom English is not the native language, are expected to present all written work in acceptable English. No double standard exists to differentiate students on the basis of proficiency in the use of the English language. Students are also responsible for becoming familiar with the College's statement on plagiarism and academic honesty.
Independent Study Courses:
Independent study courses provide a special opportunity for graduate students to work in a highly individualized setting with one or more faculty members. All such study must receive the approval of the faculty member providing the instruction, the students' major advisor, and the Associate Dean. Approval will be granted only after the student has presented a detailed description of the intended independent study project. Approval of independent study projects will be granted only for students whose academic and musical record provides substantial support for the benefits of this type of study. In no case may more than 20% of a graduate student's curriculum be taken as independent study. Private lessons beyond those required in the curriculum are not an appropriate form of independent study.
Professional Development Policy:
All students in the Boyer College of Music, in addition to the required subjects toward their degrees, are obliged to serve in a number of capacities in order to enrich their academic and musical expertise. The Boyer College believes that such experiences give impetus to successful professional careers. Among the duties that may be required are conducting laboratory classes, tutoring, teaching private lessons, coaching, participating in the distribution and inventory control of University-owned musical instruments and instructional materials, participating in ensembles, accompanying, performing at admissions and open house events, supervising performance classes, and other academically related activities.
Graduate Private Lesson Policy:
Weekly one-hour private lessons are provided for all matriculated master's and doctoral performance majors in good standing, provided at least three additional credits of programmatically required graduate level study are taken simultaneously. A $200 per semester lesson fee (subject to change without notice) is charged for all private lessons. Tuition remission may not be used to cover the private lesson fee.
Performing Ensembles:
1. Touring-All students in touring performing ensembles are required to participate in all scheduled tours. These tours, usually one or two weeks in length, often take place immediately after termination of semesters. Students must arrange their schedules to accommodate this requirement.
2. Non-Credit Participation-With special permission, graduate students for whom there is no ensemble requirement, or where previous ensemble credits exceed the graduation requirement, may participate in choral and instrumental ensembles without cost, with prior permission from the ensemble director, the department chair, and the Associate Dean.
Comprehensive Examination:
All candidates for the Master of Music degree are required to take a one-hour comprehensive examination in music literature and theory. It is a list of l00 musical works of the standard literature from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. It is suggested that this examination be taken in the penultimate term of study. A list of the works is available to the student when admitted to the College as an aid to preparation for the examination.
The examination is in three parts: identification of specific selections from a list of 100 works, identification of a "mystery" selection, and score analysis.
Students should plan to take the examination in the penultimate semester of study.
Members of the graduate music history and music theory department select the music scores and musical selections.
Two graduate faculty members grade the examination.
Students must pass all three sections. A score of 70% or better must be achieved in the identification section, and a "pass" or "weak pass" must be achieved in the "mystery" selection and the score analysis section.
The examination is administered approximately ten times each year. Students notify the music graduate secretary no later than one week prior to the requested examination administration date.
For examination dates, visit the Graduate Music Examination Schedule page on Boyer's website.
Recital Accompaniment:
Students must accompany one vocal recital in the first semester, and at least two in succeeding semesters. Students must also have participated in preparing singers for opera productions, and in some cases, conducted opera rehearsals. Graduation recitals are typically one-hour in length, and are typically presented on-campus in either Rock Hall or Klein Recital Hall. Recitals are adjudicated by three full-time music faculty members.
Dept. of Keyboard Studies
Boyer College of Music
and Dance
2001 North 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
James Short
Program Coordinator:
Professor Harvey Wedeen
Graduate Chairperson:
Professor Harvey Wedeen
Professor Harvey Wedeen
The master's degree in Piano Accompanying/Opera Coaching is directed toward pianists who wish to make accompanying and opera coaching the focus of their professional lives. Students learn about the many skills required of opera singers, including diction, foreign languages, vocal technique, stage movement, and acting. Additionally, students learn to negotiate the often unpianistic piano reductions which are part of this scene. Finally, students learn how to conduct rehearsals in a professional setting, and become aware of the special problems encountered by singers.
Time Limit for Degree Completion: 6 years
Students are required to complete the degree program through classes offered before and after 4:30 p.m. Students are also able to complete the degree program on a part-time basis (8 credit hours or less per semester).
Dept. of Keyboard Studies
Boyer College of Music and Dance
2001 North 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Not applicable.
The Boyer College of Music has been ranked
among the top 30 music schools in the country
by U.S. News & World Report.
This degree program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Study focuses on performance of the major instrument and academic support areas in music.
The program prepares musicians for either professional activity or doctoral study.
Not applicable.
Non-matriculated students may enroll in selected courses in music with permission, but may not take applied lessons until they have been fully admitted and matriculated.
Boyer College offers a number of assistantships and academic internships to matriculated graduate students. Full awards carry a cash stipend plus full tuition remission for the Fall and Spring semesters. Partial awards also are available in values of 1/4 or 1/2 of a full award. Duties for assistantships and internships vary, but typically include teaching, tutoring, classroom assistance, research, artistic performance, and/or direct service related to academic programs. Applicants must submit an assistantship/internship application by March 1 to obtain priority consideration for an award. Applications are available online at the Graduate Financial Aid page of Boyer's website. Typically these awards are made only in the Fall semester for up to two semesters: Fall and Spring. Awards may be renewed on an annual basis (typically up to one additional year for master's students and up to three years for doctoral students), based on departmental needs as well as satisfactory academic and musical progress by the recipient.
February 2006


text:
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013
Despite the best effort of far-right Republicans in Congress, including Representatives Bonner, Roby, Rogers, Brooks, Aderholt and Bachus, hardworking families and small businesses across Alabama and the country will start out the New Year protected from steep tax increases.
Thanks to President Obama's leadership, these hardworking middle class families and small business owners will not face higher tax rates and, as a result, our nation's economy will continue down the path to recovery.
With that said, it is an absolute disgrace that Alabama's far-right members of Congress brought our country to the very brink of another financial crisis for political purposes and then had the nerve to not only vote against hardworking families and small businesses but also to vote for a pay raise for themselves.
We will make it a mission to ensure that when Representatives Bonner, Roby, Rogers, Brooks, Aderholt and Bachus face the voters in 2014, the people who elected them will know that their representatives put their own pocketbooks ahead of the best interest of the country.


text:
Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has announced its December schedule for 10 Niagara County service sites it operates in support of NY State of Health, the official health plan marketplace designed to help people shop for and enroll in health insurance coverage.
New York State of Health is a new way for people to shop for, compare and enroll in health coverage. It is also the only place to get a new kind of financial assistance provided by the federal government to lower the cost of health coverage.
Qualified health plans can be purchased now and will be effective Jan. 1, 2014.
For information, visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov, call 716-278-4264 or email [email protected].
The navigation site schedule for December (by appointment only):
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center
•Mondays: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
•Tuesdays: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
•Wednesdays: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
•Thursdays: 8-11:30 a.m.; 3-6 p.m.
•Fridays: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
•Saturdays: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Lewiston Red Brick Municipal Building
•Mondays: 1-4:30 p.m.
•Wednesdays: 9-1 p.m.
Niagara Falls Housing Authority Family Resource Building
•Mondays: 1-5 p.m.
•Wednesdays: 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Wheatfield Community Center
•Tuesdays: 4-8 p.m.
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Niagara Community Action, Lockport
•Mondays: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
•Thursdays: 8 a.m.-noon
United Way, Sanborn
•Tuesdays: 1-4 p.m.
•Thursdays: noon-4 p.m.
YWCA North Tonawanda
•Tuesdays: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
•Wednesdays: 1-5 p.m.
10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Town of Lockport Economic Development Corporation
1-5 p.m.
Dale Association, Lockport
•Tuesdays: 8 a.m.-noon
•Wednesdays: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
•Thursdays: 12:45-4 p.m.
9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Dale Association, North Tonawanda
•Fridays: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.


text:
Republicans keep slamming President Barack Obama's push to move the government away from a war footing and refine and recalibrate counterterrorism strategy.
Republicans keep slamming President Barack Obama's push to move the government away from a war footing and refine and recalibrate counterterrorism strategy.
Capitol Hill Republicans like Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina say Obama is projecting weakness at a time when the United States needs to show resolve against terror networks like al-Qaida.
The South Carolina Republican said Sunday that "at a time when we need resolve the most, we're sounding retreat."
Obama gave a major speech Thursday in which he said al-Qaida is "on the path to defeat" and he's signaling that he's reluctant to commit troops overseas to conflicts like Syria or other countries struggling with instability in the uncertain aftermath of the Arab Spring. He's also modifying policies on the use of unmanned drone aircraft to try to limit civilian casualties and is redoubling his longstanding - but so far unfulfilled - promise to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where many terrorism suspects are being held without formal charges.
Obama is trying to recast the image of terrorists from enemy warriors to cowardly thugs and move the United States away a state of perpetual war.
But Graham said Obama is displaying a "lack of resolve" despite a slew of concerns in the Middle East, including civil war and chemical weapons in Syria and threats to Israel from Syria's unrest and Iran's nuclear program.
"We show this lack of resolve, talking about the war being over," Graham said. "What do you think the Iranians are thinking? At the end of the day, this is the most tone-deaf president I ever could imagine."
"I see a big difference between the president saying the war's at an end and whether or not you've won the war," said Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla. "We can claim that it's at an end, but this war's going to continue. And we have still tremendous threats out there, that are building, not declining, building, and to not recognize that, I think, is dangerous in the long run and dangerous for the world."
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., defended the president, reprising Obama's theme that maintaining a wartime posture runs the risk of compromising U.S. principles.
"If we're constantly thinking of this as a war, we stand a chance of doing things that compromise our freedoms," Durbin said.
Obama ally Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said that "having transparency, having rules and engaging other activities other than military to help curb the war on terror - diplomacy, economic sanctions and things like that - is going to be useful as well. So I think the president did a very, very smart pivot, realizing we're not going to let up on terrorists, but at the same time we're going to meet the changes in the world."
Graham and Durbin spoke on "Fox News Sunday." Schumer and Coburn spoke on CBS' "Face the Nation."


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'Zombie's Day Out' Explores the Simple Pleasures of Being Undead [VIDEO]
The recent pop cultural embrace of all things zombie has focused on the more negative aspects of reanimated corpses — mainly, their mindless lust for munching on the brains of the living.
While it's true there have been plenty of comedic takes on these killing machines, we don't think we've ever seen anything like the short film below, which is an uplifting and whimsical exploration of the simple pleasures of being undead.
Check out 'Zombie's Day Out' from writer/director Travis Betz:
[via The Daily What]