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Other kids' games are all such a bore!
They've gotta have rules and they gotta keep score!
Calvinball is better by far!
It's never the same! It's always bizarre!
— Excerpt from the Calvinball theme song
For reasons known only to Calvin and his anthropomorphic buddy Hobbes, cartoonist Bill Watterson concluded his popular cartoon strip back in 1995. Too bad. We suspect that a six-year old boy a little too intelligent for his own good and his sardonic stuffed tiger would've loved the virtual currency known as bitcoin.
Bitcoins are created as a reward in a competition in which users offer their computing power to verify and record bitcoin transactions
By way of crypto-reminder, bitcoins are a decentralized digital currency invented by an unknown programmer, introduced to an unknown mailing list, and released as an unknown-source software. Today, the mysterious payment system has become one of the world's hottest assets, at least on the so-called darknet market, its ethereal market value said to have shot up a gazillion percent or so last year.
"Miners" keep the blockchain consistent, complete, and unalterable by repeatedly verifying and collecting newly broadcast transactions into a new group of transactions called a block
Whatever it's done, the cryptocurrency is assuredly volatile, its price gyrating insanely as computer hackers steal bitcoins while buyers and sellers transmogrify in and out of the market. Naturally, this virtual payment system is now being touted as an adventurous way to invest for retirement. Indeed, California-based Bitcoin IRA is offering retirement accounts that can somehow provide direct ownership interests in bitcoin. And for just a modest 15% upfront set-up charge, payable in actual dollars.
Hierarchical deterministic "wallets" generate pseudorandom "rolling addresses" for every transaction from a single seed
According to the firm's chief strategist, all retirement investors should take a look at bitcoin because its enigmatic price is uncorrelated. To just about everything in the real world, apparently. From where we sit, Calvinball makes more sense.
What the markets have been doing…
Hopes for stronger earnings growth ahead combined with earnings reports from early fourth-quarter to push markets higher across the two-week stretch. At period's end, analysts were predicting an overall year-over-year increase in fourth-quarter earnings for the S&P 500 of 3.2%, slightly higher than the previous quarter. Among the benchmark indexes the technology-heavy NASDAQ performed best and reached record highs. Among the sectors, Financials, which have fared best since the election, started off on a weak note but received a boost from decent bank earnings.
On the economic front, retail sales rose a solid 0.6% in December, with gains concentrated in autos, furniture, and online sales. The news was particularly welcome following lousy news from Macy's and Sears, both of whom announced major store closings. The University of Michigan's gauge of consumer sentiment unexpectedly ticked lower but remained near its highest level since the financial crisis.
|Friday's Close
|Two-Week Point Change
|Year-to-Date Change
Intermediate- and long-term Treasuries went sideways across the period, though a 10-year auction attracted good demand. The investment-grade corporate bond market nicely absorbed a heavy dose of new issuance, while high yield volumes remained below average, due in part to a quiet issuance calendar. Municipal bonds outperformed Treasuries, as coupon reinvestments continued to support the market. Strong inflows and oversubscribed deals look to continue at least until the new issuance calendar catches up to investor demand.
|Fixed Income
|Two-Week Yield Change
|2-Year Treasury
|10-Year Treasury
|30-Year Treasury
|30-Year Municipals
Quote of the Week…
"At the end of the day, Property Assessed Clean Energy (lending) is an unregulated industry, and it's just a matter of time before we get regulated."
Louis Lalonde, chief marketing officer of Ygrene ("energy" spelled backward) Energy Fund Inc.
Number of the Week…
$1 billion
The approximate amount that billionaire hedge-fund manager George Soros lost as a result of the stock-market rally spurred by Donald Trump's surprise presidential election
What Fund Architects has been doing…
After taking a bit of a breather at the end of December, U.S. equities have bounced back this month. The same factors that drove prices post-Election – enthusiasm over the President-elect's legislative agenda and stronger economic data – gave a nice boost to the overweight to U.S. Large Cap stocks we added first of the month and Global Industrials we've held since November.
Not unexpectedly, the fixed income markets have done little so far this year. In this environment, we're pleased with our exposure to Bank Loans and High Yield bonds. Both positions have relatively high interest payments and lower exposure to interest rate movements compared to their fixed income counterparts.
While the political backdrop adds a little uncertainty to the markets on a day-to-day basis, it will have little, if any, impact on our investment process. Our rankings continue to suggest that the fundamentals of improving corporate profits and better nominal growth make stocks – U.S. stocks in particular – the place to be for added performance.
The views in this commentary are those of Fund Architects. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product made reference to directly or indirectly in this commentary, will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), or be suitable for your portfolio. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information provided here serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Fund Architects or any other investment professional. The information contained within this commentary should not be the sole determining factor for making investment decisions. To the extent that you have any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with Fund Architects. Information pertaining to Fund Architects advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in Fund Architect current disclosure statement, a copy of which is available upon request. Fund Architects, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm.


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Voluntary Quit - Section 8-1001 - Maryland Unemployment Decisions Digest - Appeals
Voluntary Quit - Section 8-1001 continued
II. Good Cause - In General
The statute does not define "good cause." However, it does set out some guidelines for determining when there is good cause.
To establish good cause, the claimant must show that the cause for leaving is directly attributable to, arising from or connected with the conditions of the employment or the actions of the employer. Purely personal reasons, no matter how compelling they may be, cannot constitute good cause. Board of Education of Montgomery County v. Paynter, 303 Md. 22, 491 A.2d 1186 (1985).
However, if the conditions of employment cause an employee to violate sincerely held religious beliefs, there is good cause for quitting the job. The belief does not have to be consistent or logical, or shared by all members of the employee's particular religious sect, but it must be sincere. Thomas v. Review Board of Indiana, 450 U.S. 707, 101 S.Ct. 1425 (1981).
The claimant voluntarily quit her employment when the employer offered her another similar job at the same salary in the organization as an accommodation for the claimant's erratic arrivals at work due to "panic attacks". The claimant was being treated by a physician for this disorder. Once the claimant arrive at work, she performed her work satisfactorily. There was no evidence that the alternative offered by the employer was either punitive in nature or a demotion. The employer's action was a reasonable balance between management prerogative to make reasonable changes in the working environment while, at the same time, accommodating the claimant's disability. The claimant declined the "reasonable alternative" by the employer by resigning. The voluntary quit was without good cause or valid circumstances. Praylow v. Chesapeake Appraisals & Settlement Services, Inc., 01712-BR-99.
An employee's health problem is considered to be connected with the work only if it results from an on-the-job injury or if it is caused by a reaction to some unusual item used in the work place. For example, if a claimant quit because he suffered an allergic reaction to a chemical with which he was required to work and he informed the employer of the problem prior to resigning, then the claimant would have quit for good cause if the employer did nothing to correct the problem.
Other health problems are generally not considered to be connected with the employment and therefore are not good cause for resigning, even if the health problems prevent the employee from doing his job.
The statute specifically states three situations where neither good cause nor valid circumstances exist. These situations are when an individual leaves employment: (1) to become self-employed; (2) to accompany a spouse to a new location or to join a spouse in a new location; and (3) to attend an educational institution. The statute requires that an individual who quits due to the above situations receive a total disqualification from benefits.
Section 8-1001(a)(2) was added to the statute effective October 1, 1995. It states that a claimant who is otherwise eligible for benefits from the loss of full-time employment may not be disqualified from the benefits attributable to the full-time employment because the claimant voluntarily quit a part-time employment, if the claimant quit the part-time employment before the loss of the full-time employment.
Prior to being terminated from a full-time position as a secretary for a telemarketing company, the claimant resigned her part-time position as a "shampoo girl" in order to attend beauty school during the hours of 5-9 p.m. The Board applied Section 1002(a)(2)and held that a claimant who is otherwise eligible for benefits from the loss of full-time employment may not be disqualified from benefits attributable to the full-time employment if the claimant quit the part-time employment before the loss of the full-time employment. Khouri v. Hair & Things, Inc., 01768-BR-97 (1997).
A. Connection with the Work
1. Overall Conditions
The Board of Appeals applied the ruling in Total Audio-Visual Systems, Inc. v. DLLR when it considered the precedent case of Gaskins v. United Parcel Service. In that case, the claimant voluntarily quit her job with UPS to work as a private investigator for an insurance company. Applying Total Audio-Visual Systems, Inc., the Board concluded that the claimant did not have good cause to quit her job; however, the Board construed the Court of Appeals decision in finding that if a claimant can show that the acceptance of the new job was "of such necessitous or compelling nature that the individual has no reasonable alternative other than leaving the employment", valid circumstances may be found. To establish "valid circumstances" the Board of Education of Montgomery County v. Paynter, 303 Md 22, (1985), 'necessitous or compelling' test is applicable. Gaskins v. United Parcel Service, 1686-BR-00 (2000).
The Board applied the Gaskins case in finding that valid circumstances might exist when a clamant quits his job to accept better employment. The claimant left his job for another paying 16% more salary, similar fringe benefits, but an 85% less commute difference. The claimant counter-offered the first employer - giving this employer an offer to match what was being offered him by the prospective employer. The first employer declined and the claimant accepted new employment. The Board applied Sinai Hospital v. Dept. of Employment and Training, 309 Md. 28 (1987) noting that "unemployment compensation laws should be read liberally in favor of eligibility. . ." The Board ruled the claimant's reasons for quitting his job were of such compelling nature that the claimant had no alternative other than leave his employment. Griffith v. Leonardtown Ford, Inc., 1258-BR-01 (2001).
Various decisions following Gaskins have held "valid circumstances" for voluntary quits of employment:
The financial package at the new job was substantially better than the former job with a 40% increase in salary, retirement benefits, a 50% increase in vacation time, and a substantial reduction in commute time. These factors were considered compelling, leaving the claimant no reasonable alternative to leaving the former employer. Purcell v. RTA Furniture Distributors, Inc., 749-BR-01 (2001).
The Board ruled that the acceptance of new employment was of such necessitous and compelling nature that the claimant had no reasonable alternative other than leaving his employment. "Valid circumstances were found when the claimant established that the "new" employment increased his income by 50%." Walker v. Rentacrate Inc., 904-BR-01 (2001).
The Board held that leaving one part-time job because it interfered with the claimant's more substantial part-time job supported a finding of "valid circumstances". The facts in this case were different than the facts in Gaskins or Total Audio-Visual Systems in that the claimant did not leave one job to accept another. Davis v. Harford County Public Schools, 1837-BR-00.
The claimant property manager resigned his employment after two years to seek employment in another field because he was no longer willing to cope with the hectic and demanding nature of his job. The claimant was well aware of these job conditions at the time of hire. The claimant had neither good cause nor valid circumstances for resigning. Gisriel v. Charles H. Steffey, Inc., 1085-BH-83.
2. Health
Where the claimant resigns due to a health problem resulting from an on-the-job injury, the reason for quitting is directly connected with the employment and constitutes good cause. Green v. Highland Health Facility, 438-BR-84.
The claimant suffered an on-the-job injury to her lower back. She returned to work but was supposed to be on light duty according to her own doctor and the company doctor. However, she was required to do regular, non-light duty tasks including lifting boxes, putting them on trays and bending, which she could not do. She explained this to her supervisor to no avail. She worked several shifts and then quit because she could not continue. The claimant voluntarily quit for good cause because she was forced to work beyond her physical capacity. Williams v. Maryland Cup Corporation, 545-BH-88.
The medical problems of the claimant were directly attributable to, arising from or connected with the conditions of employment. The claimant produced medical evidence to support her claim, and the employer produced no evidence to rebut this. The claimant had good cause for leaving. Stenner v. Mine Safety Appliance Company, 971-BR-88.
3. Distance
A transportation problem may be "connected with the conditions of employment" where the employer moved its location, and a claimant's resignation due to transportation problems caused by the employer's relocation may be for good cause. Thomas v. Washington Inventory Service, 899-BR-85.
4. Part-Time Work
Where the claimant left a part-time job of one night per week in order to conform to the requirements of her much more substantial part-time job of four to five nights per week, after efforts to resolve a schedule conflict were unsuccessful, the claimant has good cause connected with the total conditions of employment for leaving the inferior job. Pangborn v. Hannah's, 473-BR-82.
The claimant quit for good cause where she quit a part-time job because it was interfering with her ability to perform her full-time job. Pawlak v. Sally T. Mejia, M.D., 855-BR-87.
Quitting a part-time job in order to continue a full-time job, where the part-time work offered so few hours that it was uneconomical to continue, constitutes good cause. Wartzach v. Wendy's, 516-BR-83.
The claimant's resignation was without good cause or a valid circumstance where she left a 30-hour per week job which was to become full-time, in order to accommodate the hours of a much less substantial part-time job. Villalobos v. Paz Medical Association, 285-BR-86.
B. Specific Statutory Exclusions
1. Accompanying or Joining a Spouse
The claimant resigned to accompany her husband, who was transferred to another state to take care of his seriously ill mother. The claimant's spouse, not the claimant, was to provide care for his mother. The claimant resigned to accompany her spouse to a new locality which is neither good cause nor a valid circumstance under Section 8-1001. DeLoach v. Anne Arundel County Schools, 807-BR-85.
Neither good cause nor a valid circumstance is supported where a claimant resigned employment to accompany a person to whom she is not married. Since the legislature does not consider it a valid circumstance for a person to accompany a husband or wife, it follows that the legislature would consider that leaving a job to accompany a person who does not have the status of husband or wife would be an even less valid reason. Beck v. Laurelwood Nursing, 198-BR-85.
The statute specifically provides that leaving one's job to join a spouse in a new location is neither good cause nor a valid circumstance; and the same is true with regard to other family members, unless the claimant has left the job in order to care for a health problem of the family member. Knotts v. Westinghouse, 562-BH-84.
The claimant resigned in order to relocate with her husband who moved to obtain a new job offering normal working hours without job stress. The claimant's husband, although not as healthy as previously, was ambulatory and able to work full-time at his new, less stressful job. The claimant's husband is simply not a person who must be "cared for" by the claimant in a medical sense, which was the sense intended by the legislature. Therefore, the case appropriately falls within that provision of Section 8-1001 which disqualifies claimants who resign to accompany or join their spouses in a new locality. Eastep v. Gaithersburg Day Nursery, 24-BR-85.
Where an employee quits to relocate out of state with an ill spouse, the important issue is whether the employee left primarily just to join the spouse or to care for the medical needs of the spouse. Stidham v. Kelly Health Care, 650-BR-86.
Spouses of military personnel who lose their sponsorship and therefore become legally unable to continue in their jobs are not subject to a disqualification under Section 8-1001 of the law. Matthews v. U.S.A. - F.A. Center, Europe, 2279-BR-83.
2. Attending an Educational Institution
The claimant clearly left her job in order to attend an educational institution. The claimant voluntarily quit without good cause or valid circumstances. Alkire v. Butler Service Group, Inc., 201-BH-90.
C. Religious Beliefs
The claimant voluntarily quit for good cause where the employer had specifically agreed to accommodate the claimant's religious schedule and then decided that it could no longer do so. However, even if the employer had not previously agreed, the claimant would still suffer no penalty under Thomas v. Review Board of Indiana, 450 U.S. 707, 101 S.Ct. 1425 (1981). In that case, the Supreme Court held that where the duties of employment conflict with a sincerely held religious belief causing the employee to voluntarily quit, no penalty may be imposed under the unemployment insurance law. Marshall v. Center Insurance Agency, Inc., 1299-BR-91.
The claimant's religious beliefs do not allow her to work between sundown Friday and sundown Saturday. This belief was in conflict with the shift schedules she would have to work from time to time. As a result, she voluntarily quit. The claimant's resignation was for religious reasons and constitutes good cause. Hickey v. Maryland State Police, 223-BH-88.
III. Valid Circumstances - In General
Section 8-1001 does not specifically define "valid circumstances." However, it does state that a circumstance is valid only if it is either a substantial cause that is directly attributable to, arising from, or connected with the conditions of the employment or actions of the employer or if it is another cause which is necessitous or compelling and leaves the employee no reasonable alternative other than to leave the employment. An employee is required to exhaust all reasonable alternatives prior to quitting only where the primary reason for leaving the job is personal. Exhausting all reasonable alternatives is not statutorily required under Section 8-1001(c)(1)(i) which deals with leaving work for a substantial cause.
When a claimant leaves employment due to either the health of the claimant or the health of another individual for whom the claimant must care, the statute imposes an evidentiary requirement on the claimant. The claimant must submit a written statement or other documentary evidence of the health problem from a physician or hospital. There is no statutory requirement that the written evidence contain a statement that the claimant was advised by a physician to quit the employment. However, mere compliance with the requirement of supplying a written statement or other documentary evidence of a health problem does not mandate an automatic award of benefits. Shifflett v. Department of Employment and Training, 75 Md. App. 282, 540 A.2d 1208 (1988).
Leaving work on account of pregnancy is treated the same way as leaving work for other health problems. Wimberly v. Labor and Industrial Relations Commission of Missouri, 479 U.S. 511, 107 S.Ct. 821 (1987).
Necessitous or compelling personal reasons other than health problems may constitute valid circumstances. However, no necessitous or compelling situation can amount to a valid circumstance unless the claimant shows that there was no reasonable alternative other than to leave the employment.
A. Substantial Cause Connected with the Work
When the reason for leaving is due to the conditions of employment, the standard for determining whether valid circumstances exist is set out in Section 8-1001(c)(1)(i). Under that standard, valid circumstances exist where the reason for leaving was "a substantial cause" connected with the conditions of employment. The "necessitous or compelling" standard is the standard which should be applied when the reason for leaving the job was for personal reasons, under Section 8-1001(c)(1)(ii). Wilson v. Vincent A. Butler and Associates, Inc., 1691-BR-93.
The claimant worked as a part-time secretary/receptionist (1-3 hours per week) for the employer - a physician. When the claimant lost her full-time employment through no fault of her own from another physician - employer at the same location, she resigned her part-time position because she concluded that it was not worth the cost of travel to work for such a small amount of part-time hours. The Board ruled that the claimant's decision to quit and look for full-time work was not unreasonable and while not good cause, amounted to a substantial cause connected with the work for quitting constituting a valid circumstance. Chambers v. Henry H. Yue, 03657-BR-98 (1998).
The supervisor's repeated use of obscenities and his outbursts toward the claimant constitute a "substantial cause, connected with the conditions of employment." This is a valid circumstance under Section 8-1001(c)(1)(i). Where the reason for quitting is work-connected, as in this case, a showing of "no reasonable alternative" is not required. This requirement exists only where the reason for leaving is not connected with the work and the case is decided under Section 8-1001(c)(1)(ii). Meyers v. Allen Family Foods, Inc., 1667-BR-93.
The claimant, after having been laid off from his full-time employment, accepted a part-time position as a telemarketer. This type of work was not his regular line of work and he found the job to be very stressful. The claimant brought home only $50.00 per week after expenses. After working approximately three months, the claimant resigned. The claimant should not be totally disqualified from receiving benefits because he accepted a part-time job that was not suitable for him, after having been laid off. The minimal remuneration, plus the unsuitability of the work, constitutes a substantial cause, connected with the conditions of employment. Brown v. Mena Marketing Services, Inc., 1426-BR-93.
B. Necessitous or Compelling Other Reason
1. Employee's Health
The claimant suffered from a stress-related medical condition which was aggravated by stressful working conditions; her doctor suggested she quit long before her actual resignation. The job was not hazardous to the health of the average worker, and a finding of good cause is not supported. However, since the claimant had no reasonable alternative but to leave the job, valid circumstances are supported. Pinkney v. Host International, 142-BH-85.
The claimant resigned because she suffered an allergic reaction to certain chemicals she was required to work with on the job. The claimant did not inform her employer of her problem prior to resigning. The claimant's reason for leaving was connected with the employment. Since the claimant did not give her employer an opportunity to correct the problem, however, the claimant's resignation was without good cause, but was for a valid circumstance. Weaver v. Murray Corporation, 57-BR-86.
The claimant, who was within two years of retirement, developed arthritis of the ankle. This was documented by a doctor. As a result, she was unable to perform her duties and her commissions substantially dropped. She applied for a transfer to part-time work, but no transfers were available. This was a necessitous and compelling reason to leave and was a valid circumstance. Matheny v. May Department Stores, Inc., 644-BR-87.
An illness that has no connection with the work may still be a valid circumstance if the illness is a necessitous or compelling reason to leave work, and there is no reasonable alternative to quitting. Pearson v. Coca Cola Bottling Company, 2040-BH-83.
2. Health of Another Individual
The claimant's wife was suffering from a serious illness. She was living in North Carolina with their two children, but the claimant resided in Washington, D.C. Because of his wife's illness, the claimant resigned from his employment and moved back to North Carolina to help take care of his wife and children. The claimant quit due to a circumstance relating to the health of his wife who had to be cared for by the claimant, and this is a cause of such a necessitous nature that he had no reasonable alternative other than to leave. Williams v. National Applicators, 539-BR-89.
IV. Burden of Proof
Once it has been established that a claimant voluntarily quit the job, the claimant has the burden of proving that good cause or valid circumstances exist. To show good cause, the claimant must prove that the cause for quitting was directly connected with the conditions of employment or actions of the employer. To show valid circumstances, the claimant must prove either that the cause for quitting was a substantial cause directly connected with the conditions of employment or actions of the employer or, if the cause for quitting was personal, the claimant must show that the reason was necessitous or compelling and that the claimant had no reasonable alternative other than to quit the job.
If the personal reason for quitting was due to a health problem (either the claimant's health problem or that of another for whom the claimant must care), the claimant has the burden of producing documentary evidence of the health problem from a physician or hospital.
To establish either good cause or valid circumstances, the claimant must meet his burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence.
A. In General
When a claimant voluntarily leaves work, he has the burden of proving that he left for good cause or a valid circumstance. Hargrove v. City of Baltimore, 2033-BH-83.
In the case of an alleged voluntary quit, once the employer has shown that the claimant quit, the burden is on the claimant to show that the quit was for good cause or valid circumstances. In this case, the claimant did not meet that burden. Chisholm v. Johns Hopkins Hospital, 66-BR-89.
When a claimant accepts a new position in the company and works at it for over a year, that position becomes the status quo, and the claimant would have to show a change in the new position in order to prove good cause. Bacod v. Bendix Field Engineering Corporation, 567-BR-92.
The claimant testified emphatically (but not credibly) that she was discharged. The claimant in fact abandoned her position and was considered to have voluntarily quit. Since she did not admit that she quit, she had no evidence to meet her burden of proving good cause or valid circumstances for quitting. Bailey v. Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company, 1700-SE-93.
B. When Health Reasons Are at Issue
Section 8-1001(c)(2) specifically provides that "an individual who leaves employment because of the health of the individual or another for whom the individual must care . . . shall submit a written statement or other documentary evidence of that health problem from a hospital or physician." Therefore, where the claimant fails to provide medical evidence of alleged stomach cramps caused by stress and overwork, neither good cause nor valid circumstances are supported. Davis v. Maryland Homes for the Handicapped, 25-BR-84.
A letter from a psychologist is sufficient to meet the requirement of Section 8-1001 when the claimant is referred to the psychologist by her physician, and the psychologist works at a clinic where the clinical director holds an M.D. Turner v. Prince George's County Board of Education, 1189-BR-92.
A written statement from a chiropractor does not meet the requirements of Section 8-1001, which provides that in the case of a health problem, the claimant must produce written or other documentary evidence of that health problem from a physician or a hospital. While the Board would normally construe this requirement liberally to cover all health care professionals, the Board is bound by a decision of the Maryland Court of Special Appeals which specifically held that a chiropractor is not a physician. Beverungen v. Briele, 25 Md. App. 233, 333 A.2d 664 (1975). The decision in this case is prompted only by the specific ruling of the Court and the Board is not ruling that other recognized health professionals connected with physicians and hospitals cannot supply sufficient evidence under Section 8-1001. Rice v. Baltimore City Board of Education, 1025-BH-82.
The statute does not require evidence that a physician "directly advise" a claimant to quit employment. Therefore, where the claimant establishes that he or she is suffering from an ailment made worse by the work performed, valid circumstances may be supported. Williams v. Prince George's County Board of Education, 461-BR-85.
The claimant resigned because of personal problems which resulted at some point in quite serious psychological consequences. However, since the claimant did not submit a written statement or other documentary evidence of a health problem from a physician or hospital, as required by Section 8-1001, the claimant did not meet the burden of proof. Bruce v. People's Security Life, 885-BH-87.
The claimant voluntarily quit due to a medical condition but failed to prove that the condition was sufficiently serious to leave him no other alternative but to leave his job. The claimant voluntarily quit without good cause or valid circumstances. Staples v. Giant Food, Inc., 685-BR-91.
C. Regarding Reasonableness of Employer's Actions
The claimant quit his job rather than face disciplinary action by the employer. The claimant knew he had been charged with alleged sexual harassment of female employees, but the employer withheld from the claimant the names of the complainants as well as the exact nature of the complaints. Because of this, it was impossible for the claimant to prove that the employer's suspension was unreasonable. In this case, the employer had the burden of proving that the disciplinary action was reasonable. The employer failed to meet this burden of proof. The claimant quit his job for good cause within the meaning of the statute. Hull v. Waste Management of Maryland, Inc., 677-BR-89.
The claimant quit because she received a reprimand. The claimant failed to prove that the reprimand was unreasonable or that it was given in a degrading, insulting or harassing manner. The claimant voluntarily quit without good cause or valid circumstances. Daughton v. Oxford Realty Services Corporation, 414-BR-91.
The claimant requested four days off and the employer would only agree to give her three days off. The employer's actions were reasonable given all the circumstances, including the claimant's failure to get a relief supervisor for the fourth day. After the employer refused the claimant's request, the claimant walked off the job and quit. The claimant quit without good cause or valid circumstances. Hebron v. Montgomery General Hospital, 78-BR-87.

subset: commoncrawl


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LITERATURE» Full Dark, No Stars - Stephen King's new novella questions mankind's ability to trust others.
[02.21.2011 by Bridget Doyle]
MUSIC» The Top 30 Albums of 2010 - Fashionably, fabulously late, our favorite music (and believe me, there was a LOT) of 2010, the year that some have called the best year for music ever. And only some of those fools work here. Plenty of usual suspects, lots of ties and a few surprises that I won't spoil, including our unexpected #1.
[12.24.2010 by The LAS Staff]
MUSIC» Live: Surfer Blood/The Drums at Lincoln Hall, Chicago, IL - Remember when Weezer used to put together records that you could sing along to and rock out to? That's what Surfer Blood's show was like!
[11.04.2010 by Cory Tendering]
Music Reviews
»Screaming Females
Castle Talk
Don Giovanni
»Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
The Social Network [Original Soundtrack]
The Null Corporation
Halcyon Digest
»No Age
Everything in Between
Sub Pop
Body Talk Pt. 1/ Body Talk Pt. 2
»The Walkmen
Fat Possum
January 7, 2008Rating: 4/10
If you are looking for "real cinema" (say cinéma véritable et authentique with a snooty French accent), Alien Versus Predator: Requiem probably disqualifies itself from your consideration on name alone. But if you are, like me, a thirteen-year-old boy at heart, AVPR is a rollicking good example of popcorn movies at their non-sensical best. If I were only considering AVPR within the confines of its genre, the film would be getting a much higher score than it is. But as a piece of cinema in the broader scope, a four is all it is worth.
To summarize, this Predator Ship and its two-Predator crew are on a leisurely predation flight around Earth, en route from picking up the body of their dead buddy. The futuristic Rastafarian-looking killers have their guard down, because the leaves are changing and all, but the joke is on them as a castaway alien egg, stashed inside the corpse of the third Predator (fallen at the end of the first Alien Versus Predator), pops out and goes on a killing rampage, a melee that causes the extra-stellar craft to crash into Earth, landing just outside Gunnison, Colorado. And of course there is not just one but a lot of baby Aliens on board, so when the ship plows into a mountainside there is a diaspora of seed a tiny Aliens escape from their specimen jars. Mortally wounded, one Predator manages to survive long enough to send out an SOS distress call, which another Predator, back on Predator Planet, heeds by mounting a one-Predator rescue mission. By the time the Rettungs-Predator touches down there are none of his kind to rescue, and so instead the plot conveniently shifts to a premise of Predator attrition against Aliens. Toss in a never-before-seen Predator/Alien hybrid, and you've got yourself a full-blown movie.
But you know, humans being the narcissistic species we are, there has to be a human element incorporated into our films so that we may properly identify with them; enter the town of Gunnison and its populace, caught in the middle of the epic battle. Not only that, but there's a biomedical twist in that the mutant Alien-Predator Hybrid (APH) has a taste for pregnant humans, as homosapien women can apparently host four APH babies in the womb at once (as opposed to the single chest-baby that non-pregnant-women and men can host). Sure, that all sounds a bit outlandish, but you kind of have to shut down that part of your brain - you know the part that reasons and deals with logic - to properly enjoy AVPR.
That said, if you enjoy watching two things kick the shit out of each other, this film will be highly rewarding. Again, don't try to think about why they are kicking the shit out of each other, just enjoy it. The requisite humans are thrown about the screen for effect, including Michelle from 24. She is actually the only person I recognized, and only as "Michelle from 24"... [insert sounds of Googling] - here we go, Reiko Aylesworth, who plays a soldier on leave from Iraq, so she is there to do military stuff. There is an ex-con coming home, named Dallas, so he is of course there to think "outside the box." In tow Dallas has a lame awkward little brother, who's in love with an inappropriately dressed blonde hottie. There is rather dim sheriff, who also used to hang out with Dallas in his younger, more irresponsible years but is now reformed. Oh, and of course, there is the blonde hottie's overly-agro boyfriend/ex-boyfriend. So you tell me, with all those possibilities, who will die in this movie?
Nearly the whole of AVPR is filmed in the dark, so at times the action can make it hard to tell the difference between the Predator and the APH. If you're following closely you'll be able to catch everything, but my boyfriend didn't even notice there even was an APH, so it may be difficult to follow what is going on. I blame editing for the most part.
Alien Versus Predator: Requiem is what it is. Nothing of substance, a throwaway flick made for cheap thrills, a vehicle for giving B-actors work - where would half of Hollywood be if these films weren't made? Gleaning demographics from the crowd I saw it with, films of this ilk are made for all teenage boys/virgins everywhere. I am neither, but I do love action and gore. I was the kid who took all the girls from my ten-year-old birthday slumber party to see Aliens in the theatre. And in that spirit AVPR does deliver in the best way that it can. Don't expect mush and you won't be disappointed. At one point in my life, I would have considered the concept of pairing an Alien in a movie with a Predator to be cinematic genius. And, you know, it still is... in theory. Where a lot of things, like Communism, work. SEE ALSO: www.avp-r.com
Rachael Neile-Mcgrew
Rather than writing screenplays as her film school education would dictate, Lulu Mcgrew spends her time as a freelance contributor to LAS and a number of other publications, as well as blogging prolifically.
See other articles by Rachael Neile-Mcgrew.
If you'd like to help spread the word about LAS, or simply want to outfit yourself with some adhesive coolness, our 4" circle LAS stickers are sure to hit the spot, and here is how to get them:
--> Send an with $2 in PayPal funds to cover postage. Don't worry, we'll load you up with enough to cover your town. Then just be patient. They will arrive soon.
--> Send an with $2 in PayPal funds to cover postage. Don't worry, we'll load you up with enough to cover your town. Then just be patient. They will arrive soon.
LAS has staff and freelance writers spread across North and South America, Europe, and a few in Southeast Asia as well. As such, we have no central mailing adress for unsolicited promotional material. If you are interested in having your project considered for coverage, please contact us before sending any promotional materials - save yourself time and postage!


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Provale® Cups
Product Group Summary
The Provale® Cup is a Limited Flow Cup for the delivery of thin liquids. Simply by tipping the Provale® Cup in a normal drinking motion, the cup delivers Small Sips™ (5cc, one teaspoon, or 10cc two teaspoons depending on Cup model). By returning the Cup to its upright position, the chamber is refilled and ready to deliver another Small Swallow®. This repetitive, normal drinking motion encourages normal drinking habits and may allow for more patient independence.


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Aquille Carr recently announced he will follow in the footsteps of NBA All-Star Brandon Jennings by skipping college and starting his pro career overseas. He will be joining 'the Lebron James of China', Tracy McGrady, and former NBA greats Gary Payton, Jason Williams and more on the 2013 NBA Legends Tour to China in late June.
Tour organizer and Founder and CEO of Self Motivated Athletic Agency (" SMAA "), Jon Solomon, is the latest to headline the coaching and scouting team for iBall United Pro Combine this June 1st and 2nd in Pottstown, PA (Suburban Philadelphia).
iBall United is a player and agency marketing and consulting startup with staff throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. The iBall United Pro Combine is a comprehensive blend of pro basketball consultation, drills, athletic tests, and games. Players are scouted on and off site by experienced professionals.
All games and drills are captured, mounted, and reported online for superior player marketing and world-wide distribution. All players are promoted to more than 700 professional organizations world-wide. Top players are sent on trips abroad for more exposure.
SMAA was recently featured in SLAM Online after returning from a tour to Mexico where just under half of the players were successfully placed with professional basketball teams.
"Real opportunity is when you're taken to the source (to play against pro teams in their countries). That's what we do and that's why we will continue to be successful," said a giddy Solomon. He had just hung up the phone with a famous movie producer (which we cannot disclose) for planning a documentary to be filmed during one of his future tours.
Solomon and SMAA have been featured three times in SLAM, on Comcast Sportsnet, and also on the set at ESPN. Solomon has placed professional prospects during basketball tours to Las Vegas, China, Mexico, Spain, and Germany.
And as if the young company wasn't already on fire, in just the past month, Solomon has announced the 2013 NBA Legends tour with Care 2 Play Sports, passed the FIBA agency test, and begun talks for a new international basketball reality show. Some month.
And now Solomon and SMAA plan to select from the best players at iBall United Pro Combine for one or more of their future trips. The SMAA Summer and Fall lineup currently include tours to China, Germany, Spain, and Luxembourg. Many more country tours and other opportunities are already in the works. They will be announced soon.
"I'm happy to partner with one of the few pro camps that are doing things right. Pro camp should be about real opportunity, not a paycheck. That's what Howard is doing at iBall."
Sample iBall Pro Combine Player Highlight Video
Not only will Solomon attend the combine, but he has joined other current and former professional coaches, agents, and players to coach, scout, and mentor the men and women pro prospects.
Some of the top Men and Women Professional Prospects from around the country will be on display. Games are open to the Public and weekend passes will be sold at the door. (Speed & Agility and Controlled Drills are closed)
iBall United Pro Combine will be held at the Hill School Sports Complex on Main Campus, at 860 Beech Street Beech St, Pottstown, PA 19464 , (610) 326-1000. Games will be played on Saturday June 1st from 2 pm – 9 pm and on Sunday June 2nd from 10 am – 6 pm.
Men's and Women's applications for iBall United Pro Combine are being accepted at: www.iballunited.net/combine_application
For more information, contact Jon Solomon and Self Motivated Athletic Agency at 267-288-8514 http://www.selfmotivatedathleticagency.com/
iBall Founder and Director, Howard Brown, can be reached by phone: 610-624-3215 by email: firstname.lastname@example.com
More Info About iBall United Pro Combine: www.iballunited.net
Follow iBall on Facebook: www.facebook.com/iballunited1 Twitter: @iballunited


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Warehouse Stocker
Apply today online to be a Warehouse Stocker with Home Depot!As a Warehouse Stocker, youll be: Stocking and cleaning the warehouse. Operating forklifts to load, unload, and stock warehouse freight.To get started, youll need: Communication and good lifting skills. The ability to work as part of a fast-paced distribution team.Warehouse Stockers enjoy health benefits, a 401k, and stock options!


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This vehicle is located at Speedwell Honda in Newton Abbot. If you need any help or assistance, please call a member of our friendly and professional sales team on 01626 355111.
This 2018 Honda HR-V comes with Satellite Navigation, Bluetooth Hands Free Telephone ConnectivityAnti-…Read more…
This 2017 Honda HR-V comes with Anti-Lock Brakes,Climate Control,Alarm,Power-Assisted Steering,Driver,…Read more…
This 2016 Honda HR-V comes with Anti-Lock Brakes,Climate Control,Alarm,Power-Assisted Steering,Driver,…Read more…
Buying your next new Honda is an exciting experience. You will be benefiting from our legendary reliability and be assured that your car is prepared to the highest standards by Honda trained technicians and supported by a full Honda guarantee. Honda cars offer exceptional long-term value, technical innovation, distinctive looks and character. You will also be able to choose from a range of bespoke service packages to keep your car as good as new.
Image Disclaimer: Images are displayed for illustration purposes only - We may sometimes use images from a different car with the same specification until the car is photographed.
Find our main branch at:
Speedwell Honda, The Avenue, Newton Abbot. Devon. TQ12 2DD
Tel: 01626 355111
Bank Holidays are the same as Sunday opening hours.


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Foxborough, Mass. (Aug. 25, 2013) – Philadelphia Union (10-8-8) fell to the New England Revolution, 5-1 Sunday night at Gillette Stadium in the third game of the season between the two sides. The Union now return home to PPL Park for an Eastern Conference matchup vs. Montreal Impact next Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on Comcast SportsNet.
After an equalizing goal from Danny Cruz in the second half made the score 1-1, the Union seemed to take a 2-1 lead on a goal from Conor Casey just minutes later, but a questionable call from the referee appeared to judge New England goalkeeper Matt Reis to have possession before Casey got a foot to it. The Revolution then rallied for four second-half goals to give the Eastern Conference side three points on the night.
"I think there are some plays made early in that second half and we felt like we did all the right things coming out of the locker room at halftime and had the moment and get the equalizer and then we felt like we got the go-ahead goal," Team Manager John Hackworth said after the match. "And for whatever reason, the officials felt otherwise. It's incredibly hard to take that part of it, because it changes so much."
The Revolution opened up the scoring for the game in the 26th minute, as midfielder Kelyn Rowe found space outside the 18 and fired a low, hard shot from distance. The shot flew into the upper corner of MacMath's net to give New England the lead.
After the break, the Union came out firing and eventually were rewarded in the 50th minute, as Casey slid a ball in behind the defense to Cruz, who took one touch and eluded Reis towards the corner. Once clear of the New England keeper, Cruz fired a shot into an empty net from a tight angle, giving the Union the tying goal.
The Union continued to attack for another, but the apparent go-ahead goal from Casey was called back just minutes after the equalizer. The striker pounced on a loose ball inside the box to poke it into the net, but a whistled from the referee seemed to rule that Reis had possession, as the goalkeeper was on the ground near the ball.
From there, the Revolution found a rhythm and scored four unanswered goals, as a Union own goal and others from Rowe, Fagundez and Agudelo gave the Revolution a lopsided victory on the night. It was the Revolution's second win at home this year in which they score five goals, previously defeating defending MLS champions LA Galaxy by a 5-0 score line.
"A loss is a loss. At the end of the day, that's not what we came up here to do," Hackworth said. "We have to keep it in perspective and do what we do every game. Win, lose or draw, we'll go back and look at the video and try to make a lot of corrections and get ready for next week."
As the Union look ahead, another important Eastern Conference match is set for next week against Montreal Impact (7:30 p.m. ET, CSN), who currently are first in Eastern Conference standings. Despite the loss, Philadelphia remains in playoff contention as they sit in fourth place in the East.
"Sometimes results like this are a big wake-up call and you can react one of two ways. You can let it get you down or you can stay strong, stay together, fight harder and do well for the rest of the team," team captain Brian Carroll said. "We have to find the way to do the latter part."


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Problems with PanicAsked by an Anonymous User on with 1 answer:
Q: I have been experiencing problems with panic. I guess you could say since I was in the 5th grade. When I'm in class and certain things are brought up, such as, blood, anorexia, needles, pills, anemia, people cutting, and basically anything to do with diseases, I start to panic. I get chills, I feel very weak, I start sweating, it's hard to set still, and I usually have to leave the room. Once we were watching a movie over anorexia and I started to panic and actually fell out of my desk, and my teacher had to take me to the nurse, my mom got me and then took me to the hospital and they just ran an EKG on me and said I hyperventilated. It seems though that the problem is getting worse, I can't listen/watch much of anything anymore. The weird thing is though that I used to cut, and I also use to abuse prescription drugs. I really need help understanding what the problem is, because honestly I'm scared, and I don't know what to do. I try to forget it but I can't, and it never leaves my mind. Could you tell me at least something that could be useful? Thanks.
A: It sounds like you may be experiencing some type of anxiety disorder. There are many successful treatment approaches to try. First you must learn to relax. You can try doing deep breathing exercises, imagining being somewhere pleasant such as at the beach, talking to yourself through the anxiety, etc. To prevent hyperventilating you must remember to breathe slowly and deeply when you feel anxious. You may even want to shut your eyes while you do this. I would suggest practicing before you are in one of these situations. If you are unable to relax enough on your own, I suggest finding a good counselor to help you learn the techniques to help yourself. Many times if you really work at it you will feel better but if you don't you may need to talk to your doctor about trying a medication that helps with anxiety. Your doctor may also be able to recommend a local therapist, or you can ask your school counselor for some names as well. I hope you feel better soon.


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About 700 hours were spent removing an estimated 24,000 pounds (12 tons) of trash, construction materials, car parts, tires, furniture and other man-made debris from the park.
The bulk of the remaining 108 hours were spent removing invasive species, canvassing, attending meetings, and maintaining his blog.
On Saturday, December 6, eight faithful volunteers logged twenty-four volunteer hours while cutting English ivy from more than 60 trees.
It was the first community clean-up since 2013 to focus on the urgent task of chopping down the fast-growing vines, which weaken and eventually kill trees by robbing their roots of water and nutrition, damaging their bark, weighing them down, and blocking sunlight to their leaves.
In 2011 and 2012 we were able to eliminate English ivy from the tree canopy in the 40 acres of parkland north of Malcolm X Avenue, and in 2013 we did the same with the area from Malcolm X Avenue south to South Capitol Street. Major infestations effecting hundreds of trees remain in the southern half of Shepherd Parkway.
English ivy is a huge threat to forests throughout the eastern United States, and the efforts of volunteers, though valiant, and so far been insufficient to the scale of the problem.
Through sustained effort, we hope make Shepherd Parkway one of the only forests forests in the DC area to be free from English ivy.
For more information, see the August 2013 post Saving Our Trees from the Alien Invaders.


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Experience Young Scooter Feat. Rick Ross, Birdman & Gucci Mane "Colombia (Remix) (Trailer)" Video.
Young Scooter teases the visuals to his all-star remix of his mixtape track "Colombia" with Rick Ross, Birdman & Gucci Mane.
Are y'all feeling this one? Was the inclusion of Rick Ross, Birdman and Gucci Mane a good call? Also, did y'all catch Young Scooter talking about Gucci Mane and Brick Squad recently?
If you're feeling this, make sure to hit up Young Scooter's profile page for the latest info, news, songs and mixtapes, and remember to follow him on Facebook and Twitter.


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I am one person who doesn't need to worry about my weight, until now. Working 9 to 5, watching two pre-teens boy and house chores left very little time for anything else. Walking and commuting is no longer part of my daily routine, so naturally fat is going to pile on. I am also a … Continue reading
My Name is Red has been sitting on my shelf since late 2009, the year I bought many of my first novels into my collections in the UK. 7.5 years…… Sometimes that's how long a book sat on the shelf of book lovers before it is being picked up and read cover to cover. Every … Continue reading
After 18 months of hiatus, I have forgotten how to write a proper review. I probably forgotten how to post a review on WordPress. Would anyone wants to read a long, anecdotal, passage quoting review in the time when social media tools have sprung up more than it had 2 years ago? Would short reviews … Continue reading
'Pamuk has created a work concerning romantic love worthy to stand in the company of Lolita, Madame Bovary and Anna Karenina.' –Financial Times Not sure what happened but the calling to pull out this chunkster of 728 pages calls to me on one weekend after a stressful week at work and I sat down to … Continue reading
The comparison to Gone Girl made me picked up this book. So I have fallen prey to the marketing gimmick of referring a book to a sensational best seller. Is it any better than Gone Girl? Here's what I think, but first a little intro about the book. The book is separated by chapters narrated by … Continue reading
Six months since my last post and 4 months since I finished a book. What have changed? WordPress revamped all its features and gave me a dumb-down version of writing a post. I am not accustomed to it because I can't seem to find my normal widgets and settings. I discovered that there are still … Continue reading
Tóibín's depiction of the most famous mother of all. The Testament of Mary is a sceptical account of Mary witnessing the miracle and the eventual Crucifixion of her son. This wasn't the first time I read about unsympathetic Mother Mary to her son's cause, the first disturbing account I read was from Naomi Alderman's The Liar's Gospel. … Continue reading
If you have been following my blog for the past few years, you would know that I am a big fan of Haruki Murakami. Who isn't? Under my A to Z Review Index you can see a string of Murakami's books reviewed under M. "Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage" sold more than one million … Continue reading
I flip opened the newspaper yesterday and came to know of the shortlist announced by the Man Booker Prize this year. I must say a lot of the books on the longlist and shortlist, pique me with a renewed interest than I could possibly have for Man Booker Prize. I have 4 out of the … Continue reading
The Man Booker Prize Longlist is announced on the 23 July 2014. I can't say that I am a big fan of the Man Booker Prize as many of them seems arid and uninteresting; so for many years I have not attempt to read the shortlists nor the winners. 2014 is the first year of … Continue reading


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Here is presenting official song promo of Latth Maar starring Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar. Song is beautifully sung by Sonu Nigam and Palak Muchhal.
Music for Latth Maar is composed by Manas-Shikhar and lyrics are penned by Garima Wahal and Siddharth Singh. Latth Maar looks a situational track in the film. Almost all the songs looks situational in film right now. Hope song grows once, it film release in theaters.
Keshav aur Jaya ki prem kahani mein kyun aa gayi latth! Dekhiye #LatthMaar --> https://t.co/JCyCnoIssn— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) July 12, 2017
The best love stories have known the greatest pain. Here's #LatthMaar for you ❤ @akshaykumar https://t.co/KIOzZAa5Ef— bhumi pednekar (@psbhumi) July 12, 2017
> Toilet is one of the most awaited film of 2017. It will get release in Independence Day Weekend and set to open big at ticket counters.
Toilet movie is a satirical take on a battle against the age-old tradition of open defecation in the country. From the panchayat to the sanitation department, from the role of the government to the superstitions of the villagers, from scams to the ethos, from first love to a matured romance.
Gori Tu Latth Maar Song Video -
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Delaware State's Bright withdraws from draft
Dover, DE (Sports Network) – Delaware State guard/forward Roy Bright has
withdrawn his name from the 2007 NBA Draft.
Bright, who will be entering his senior season, finished tied with 2007 MEAC
Player of the Year Jahsha Bluntt as the Hornets leading scorer and rebounder
with a 15.5 scoring average and 4.9 rebounds per game. He was named to the
MEAC All-Tournament team and was selected to the All-MEAC second team.
"Roy tested the waters, but has decided to return for his final year of
collegiate competition," said Delaware State head coach Greg Jackson. "We
welcome his return because he is definitely a strong competitor and he will
give us the needed leadership."
Bright helped the Hornets to a 21-13 record and their third straight MEAC
regular season championship, which garnered them their third consecutive post
season appearance.


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Three little pigs form a club to celebrate mud, but what to do when the mud runs dry. Read the story of three little piggies doing everything in their power to make or find mud while learning a valuable moral lesson.
Publisher:Outskirts Press, Inc.
Publication date:10/28/2009
Age Range:8 – 12 Years


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I'm so excited to be able to guest post for Elizabeth today while she is celebrating her marriage! I've just loved following along her journey of wedding planning and we've enjoyed telling stories and sharing ideas!
Today I thought it'd be fun to give you a quick glimpse at my wedding planning and inspiration for our wedding which is April 6, 2013!
I'm Annie and this is my fiance Kevin on the night we got engaged in Hilton Head. You can read that story here!
First things first - location. I grew up in Maryland, he grew up just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. We live in uptown Charlotte (and met here too!). It was only fitting that we got married uptown. St. Peters Episcopal is the church, Charlotte City Club is our reception location!
Then we decided on Lula Kate (Chandler) bridesmaid dresses and classic tuxes for the guys!
Colors for our event will be blue-ish emerald (the color of the bridesmaid dresses) and a light coral. We'll also pair some champagne and light gold with it. I think they're unique colors but very pretty for an evening wedding in Charlotte in the Spring.
Flowers - I'm all about the peonies! Coral peonies to be exact.
May have to use some garden roses too because it's a little early in the peony season, but we'll see!
As for music - we got the band Still Cruzin'. They call themselves the party band of the south! ;) Looking forward to that!
Feel free to come follow along as I wedding plan, share recipes and talk about what I did last night on my blog, Classic Annie! Visit me here!


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Hello, I'm Samantha.
I'm a twenty-two-year-old Fashion Communication and Promotion Graduate, from the Garden of England. I fell in love with all things blogging whilst at University. I wanted something to do in my spare time and blogging seemed like the perfect solution, as it involves fashion, writing and styling.
I'm also a tad obsessed with good coffee, sausage dogs and buying coats. I also love being by the sea and if I had all the money in the world I'd move to a house in Malibu looking over the sea, whilst opening my own coffee shop with my two sausage dogs… so, not too much to ask for?
If you wanna say hi, drop me an email on email@example.com


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Paper Honeycomb Expander Machine
Basic Info.
Max Core Thickness:10-60mm
Cutting Speed:0-6m/Min
Export Markets:Global
Additional Info.
Packing:Wood Box
HS Code:8441100000
Production Capacity:20PCS/Month
Product Description
2014 hot sale honeycomb core expanding machine china supplier
Honeycomb core width=1600mm
Honeycomb core thickness: 10-60mm
Expand speed: 0-6m/min
Cross and vertical cutting inside
PID automatically temperature control
PLC man-machine interface cutting size control
Power: heating: 18KW, hot insulation: 9KW
Air pressure( for honeycomb core cutting):4-6kg/cm³
Convey way: gear motor + frequency transformer
Two heating and forming boxes
Finished goods:
YALIAN Customer's Visiting:
YALIAN in Fair:
Yalian Honeycomb Machinery is one of the top level China Paper Honeycomb Process Machine manufacturers and suppliers, we are always able to offer you cheap and low price paper honeycomb expander machine with high quality.


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all about Katy,Texas
• and • Fulshear • Richmond • Rosenberg •
• and • Fulshear • Richmond • Rosenberg •
Keeping families "inbox" KNOW
Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety!
Trick or Treating should be one of the great adventures of Halloween for kids! They can get dressed in scary costumes and go door to door, begging "Tricks or Treats!" from neighbors or at the local mall. Lots of small towns have a Halloween Safe Night at the community center or school so kids can Trick-or-Treat safely but going door to door is the stuff of childhood memories! It should be a fun time, without trouble and pain, so following some easy tips can keep your child safe every Halloween.
Top Tips
1) Children should always go out trick or treating accompanied by a responsible adult. If you have a group of kids going, the parents should choose two or three of them to go along and keep an eye on things.
2) Some towns set a curfew for trick or treating which makes it easier for townsfolk to know who's coming to their door. Make sure and stick to the curfew times and stick to subdivisions and areas with a lot of homes so your kids can get in as much trick or treating as possible in a few hours time.
3) Plan a safe route so parents know where their older kids will be at all times. Set a time for their return home. Make sure that your child is old enough and responsible enough to go out by themselves. Make sure that they have a cell phone.
4) Let your children know not to cut through back alleys and fields if they are out alone. Make sure they know to stay in populated areas and not to go off the beaten track. Let them know to stay in well lighted areas with lots of people around. Explain to them why it can be dangerous for kids not to do this. If they are going out alone, they are old enough to know what can happen to them in a bad situation and how to stop it from happening.
5) Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be examined by you. This way you can check for any problem candy and get the pick of the best stuff!
6) Instruct your child to never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car. Explain why this is not a god idea and what to do if someone approaches them and tries to talk to them.
7) Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars.
8) Let them know that they should stay together as a group if going out to Trick or Treat without an adult.
Walk Safely
When selecting a costume make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
Since masks can sometimes obstruct a child's vision, try non-toxic face paint and makeup whenever possible.
## Cross at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
## Look left, right and left again.
## Use sidewalks.
## Watch for cars turning or backing up.
Drive Safely
Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.
## Watch out for kids crossing mid-block.
## Slow down and be especially alert.
## Look for kids who might be trying to cross mid-block.
## Keep phones down so you are not distracted.
Sources: www.safekids.org
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Sunday, May 3, 2009
TADS Official List (Traveling paper Art Doll Symposium)
I thought of an acronym for the Traveling Paper Art Doll Symposium ~ TADS. How perfect is this? It could also have been PADS or even T-PADS but my female mind went directly to what I most often associate with PADS and it just wasn't sexy so I decided against it. Now this is getting fun! I can't wait to start seeing #TADS as a trending topic on twitter but enough of that for now. (hee hee ;-) I'll leave you with some photos of my latest commission as you browse the rest of this post. This should give you an idea or two as to just how artful you can get with a simple paper doll.
Since this project will be open to all artists whether you choose to sign up for my network or not (although I hope you will reconsider that), the "official" participant list will be kept here as well as on the Artful Paper Doll Ning network and updated regularly. If you are not part of my network, I will need a way to contact you for mailing purposes so be sure you either provide your e-mail address with your comment or provide it to me privately. If you are comfortable providing a last name, this is also helpful. No additional information is required from you at this time.
Doll 1 will have my photo on it and will be the only one that does. It will be my opportunity for a little bit of immortality captured in the medium I love most ~ paper.
(NN means you joined as a member of my network)
1. Anita V - NN
2. Amanda H - NN
3. Kellie L - NN
4. Tristan - NN
5. Debbie - NN
(Here are my first five who will each receive a doll and journal to start on her way)
The next five will add to one of the dolls above so participants 1 - 5 will mail your dolls in the same order to participants 6 - 10. (i.e. 1 will mail to 6, 2 will mail to 7 etc.) You will want to contact the person you are mailing to directly in order to protect the privacy of the mailing addresses. If you do not know who to mail to you can contact me.
6. Gail F - NN
7. Victoria O - NN
8. Brinda - NN
9. Barb in CA - NN
10. Renee T - NN
11. Brittany - NN
12. KeKe - NN
13. Tammie D - NN
14. Julia R - NN
15. Kim - NN
16. Ann D - NN
17. Victoria (Puyallup) - NN
18. Margaret F - NN
19. Becky S - NN
20. Juanita M - NN
21. Amy F - NN
22. Heather M - NN
23. Gloria C - NN
24. Karen M - NN
25. Kathy Owen - NN
26. Connie - I (Hawaii)
27. Ginger T - NN
28. Samantha - NN
29. Susan D - NN
30. Kristin L - NN
31. Marie W - Dolls by Marie Antoinette
32. Laura G (Vermont)
33. Lori Shatz - NN
34. Lori Ann Merrill - NN
35. Brinda - NN (2nd time hostess)
36. Kitty Kellie
Do not fret, instructions for what to do will come with the journal. Some of you will make your contributions quickly and some may need extra time. That's okay, pass her on when you have finished even if you finish the same day you receive her. I ask that you keep the doll no longer than a week or so. I know everyone leads busy lives so even if you just choose to gaze upon my beauty . . . I mean her beauty for a week that's fine, just pass her along when the week is up. The participants are eagerly awaiting the chance to add their artistic expression to this project too so please be considerate.
Lastly, I am deeply grateful and appreciative for this opportunity and for all of your enthusiasm and support. This project would be nothing without you.
7 comments:
- gail said...
Wow, how exciting about the 1000 journals. I am really looking forward to being a part of this project :) (my name is already on the list) I just was stopping by to say hello. I love your new projectt, she is beautiful.
Have a pretty week,,, gail
- May 3, 2009 at 6:37 PM
- Artist Victoria O'Neill said...
i can't wait to get my hands/heart on this doll!
- May 3, 2009 at 7:21 PM
- KeKe said...
I don't see my name on the list.I wrote to you inquiring about joining, but please, go ahead and sign me up!!
(P.s. I'm already a member of Paperdolls@Ning)
- May 3, 2009 at 7:47 PM
- Kim said...
Hi Kelly, I'm a member of the ning group and would love to sign up for this!
- May 4, 2009 at 3:39 AM
- MaygreenFairies said...
I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful project,can't wait to receive my dolls. Hugs, Mandy x
- May 4, 2009 at 11:09 AM
WOW! What an increadible idea. I really want to be part of this journey. Please add me to your list as a visiting location for one of "the girls". Creatively waiting!
- May 28, 2009 at 6:59 AM
- flowersfleurbelle said...
I would like to be part of the traveling doll or the 1000 journals project. My name is Gloria and my e mail is firstname.lastname@example.com
- June 15, 2009 at 10:30 PM


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Gallery Apel
Hayriye Caddesi 5A, Hasan Efendi Is Hani, Galatasaray/Beyoglu, Istanbul 34400 | www.galleryapel.com | +90-212-292 72 36
Opening Hours: 11.30am-6.30pm Tue-Sat
Gallery Apel was established in November 1998 by Nuran Terzioglu, former gallery director of Ankara Tanbay and Urart Art Galleries (1983 - 1995). Mrs. Terzioglu was one of the founding members of Sanart and artistic activities coordinator of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture Faculty, Bilkent University.
Apel hosts exhibitions in a variety of media that verge on craft and design. Expect weird and wonderful works from Turkey's avant-garde, as well as surreal paintings by international artists.
As you might expect for an underground space, it's a little hard to find: up a few steps at the corner of the street right behind the Galatasaray Lycée.


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Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Hazardously Drinking Women After Incarceration
"At the time of incarceration, women have a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI)," wrote the authors, who noted that women remain at high risk for new infections in the months following community release. In the current report, the team assessed the rates and predictors of incident chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis after incarceration in a sample of hazardously drinking women.
The study involved a total of 245 incarcerated women; the participants self-reported behavioral data. At baseline and three- and six-month time points, vaginal swabs were collected and tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Treatment was provided in response to all positive tests.
The participants comprised 175 Caucasians (71.4 percent), 47 African Americans (19.2 percent), 17 Hispanics (6.9 percent) and six women of other ethnic origins (2.4 percent). The researchers estimated the STI incidence rate to be 30.5 new infections per 100 person-years (95 percent confidence interval, 21.3-43.5). "Number of male sex partners reported during follow-up was a significant (z=2.16; p=.03) predictor of STI; each additional male sex partner increased the estimated hazard of STI by 1.26," according to the results.
"Incarcerated women who are hazardous drinkers are at high risk for STI in the months after their return to the community. In addition to testing and treatment during incarceration, post-release rescreening, education, partner treatment, and follow-up are recommended," the authors concluded.


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You hear the gentle humming of the pump of the drainage machine as you feel the gliding of its glass cups over face or body. Before starting, the technician applies a vegetal-based oil emulsion mixed with a blend of essential oils on the area being treated. The oil facilitates the gliding of the cups on the skin as it also helps maintain an airtight contact of cup against skin. The pumps alternatively suck in and release the skin layers as the cups are guided by the esthetician or massage therapist following prescribed pathways. The essential oil added to the vegetal oil promotes ease and effect of the drainage.
The Biorhythmic Drainer
The Biorhythmic Drainer mechanically reproduces the gentle movement of a hand massage focused on balancing vital energy.
The Biorhythmic Drainer may enhance beauty treatments of the face and body. It contributes to normalizing energy flows. This makes the Biorhythmic Drainer an excellent complement to face and body treatments, particularly anti-aging and contouring treatments.
The five-speed Biorhythmic Drainer has pre-calibrated suction rhythms adapted to the energy of each of the five aspects of vital energy according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The Biorhythmic Drainer can be used on its own or coupled with the Chromapuncteur (light machine) with a "Y" connector to add the attributes of the energy of light. It creates five different energetic effects. This makes the Biorhythmic Drainer a unique tool for superior treatments. For anyone also using a Chromapuncteur, the right complementary color of light to use for each of the five energetic treatments is automatically indicated by a small LED light.
The equipment produces absolutely no pain or unpleasant sensation. There are no invasive frequencies produced or transferred. No electric currents are used on your skin. The machines are fully holistic, energetic, and natural in the work they perform.


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Title: Blackhearts
Author: Nicole Castroman
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: February 9 2016
Blackbeard the pirate was known for striking fear in the hearts of the bravest of sailors. But once he was just a young man who dreamed of leaving his rigid life behind to chase adventure in faraway lands. Nothing could stop him—until he met the one girl who would change everything.
Edward "Teach" Drummond, son of one of Bristol's richest merchants, has just returned from a year-long journey on the high seas to find his life in shambles. Betrothed to a girl he doesn't love and sick of the high society he was born into, Teach dreams only of returning to the vast ocean he'd begun to call home. There's just one problem: convincing his father to let him leave and never come back.
Following her parents' deaths, Anne Barrett is left penniless and soon to be homeless. Though she's barely worked a day in her life, Anne is forced to take a job as a maid in the home of Master Drummond. Lonely days stretch into weeks, and Anne longs for escape. How will she ever realize her dream of sailing to Curaçao—where her mother was born—when she's stuck in England?
From the moment Teach and Anne meet, they set the world ablaze. Drawn to each other, they're trapped by society and their own circumstances. Faced with an impossible choice, they must decide to chase their dreams and go, or follow their hearts and stay.
Don't mind me, sobbing in the corner over here. I'm just a tad heartbroken over here.
Let me just start off by saying that Blackhearts is phenomenal. I love this book. It's been a while since a book has grabbed me by my heartstrings and doesn't let go. I started reading this on the bus to school and then I couldn't stop reading it when I got to school. I decided to go to school early to write an essay that I hadn't started yet, but I still hadn't started it, because I HAD to know what was going on next.
BLACKHEARTS tells the story of Edward "Teach" Drummond, before he became the legendary and notorious pirate, Blackbeard. It also tells of Anne Barret, the illegitimate daughter of a merchant and a slave from Curaçao. With her parents dead and no money to her name, she finds herself working on the Drummond estate as a maid. All she wants is the freedom to choose her own life and to travel to the place her mother was born, just as all Teach wants is out of his arranged engagement and to sail the seas as captain of a ship.
The chemistry between Anne and Teach is palpable. From the first moment they met each other, there was a tension between them that most certainly developed into something more. I loved reading their interactions and the slow development of their relationship. I ship the two so hard.
I love Anne. She's intelligent and educated, thanks to her father teaching her how to read and educating her. She's stubborn and it's clear to others and to Teach that there's something about her that makes her more than just a maid. Anne is a realist and she's very aware of her situation and what she must do in order to get her freedom.
Teach is the son of a successful and wealthy merchant, whose father has aspirations of becoming an aristocrat. This leads Teach to rub elbows with some of the more elite families of Bristol. Despite the fact that he doesn't want the marriage arranged between him and the daughter of an aristocrat, he is under the thumb of his father, especially if he has any hopes of acquiring his inheritance.
I love this novel and it'll be one that I'll be thrusting upon my friends in the very near future. The ending of this novel left my heart in pieces, but it was well worth it. BLACKHEARTS pulled me in from the first chapter and sucked me into the world of Anne and Teach and still has yet to let me go. I hope you guys read this novel and love it just as much as I have.
Purchase here:
Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Kobo | Indigo
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Nicole was lucky enough to come with her very own best friend...she has a twin sister who can read her mind and finish her sentences for her.
At the age of 13, she went to Europe for the first time and it changed her life. She loves learning about different people, languages and cultures and speaks fluent German. She knows enough Spanish to get herself into trouble and can still read the Cyrillic alphabet from when she studied Russian.
She received her B.A. from Brigham Young University and has lived in Germany, Austria and two different places called Georgia. One is located on the Black Sea. The other is the state of Georgia where she now lives with her handsome husband and two beautiful children who continue to amaze her.
Happy Reading!


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The Recycling Factory is a division of Dynamic Cassette International. They collect and recycle over 8 million inkjet & toner cartridges and mobile phones every year and help recycle them and raise money in the process, either for individual customers, businesses or for charity. They are specialists in the industry offering bespoke recycling programs tailored to meet individual requirements. There is no cost to customers to start recycling with The Recycling Factory; they provide a freepost service for smaller quantities and a free courier collection service for bulk orders. To use the service simply find your Ink Cartridge manufacturer and model using their simple online tool then provide your details allowing The Recycling Factory to send a freepost pack with everything ou need to proceed. They'll then make payment for all items that they can successfully recycle. They process all items on-site and do not commit any to landfill. Any items that they are unable to recycle are either broken down for parts or are passed to third party companies who can break them down. Millions of inkjet cartridges, toner cartridges and mobile phones are simply thrown away each year. Many of these items contain hazardous materials that can have a negative affect our environment. The Recycling Factory, by collecting, recycling and reusing these materials, can stop them going to landfill and help to save the environment. If you only have a few inkjet cartridges you can request freepost envelopes. Alternatively, if you have a number of items you can sign up for a free recycling account and get a free courier collection.
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5 happy things from the last 5 days:
1. T arriving safely in Brooklyn.
2. Calaca. Maybe the best restaurant in New York ever.
3. Sunny commute.
4. Early morning sprinting.
5. Happy hour cocktails.
3 things to read this weekend:
1. Is spring here yet? Hurry up sunshine, I need to make these pretty cookies.
2. If you're in London, get yourself to Wilton's. You need to discover this magical, mystical place.
3. Have you listened to S-Town yet? What did you think?
Happy weekend y'all!


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Soulgrinder Zine
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Killing Addiction-Shores of Oblivion (2016)
The sound of this is absolutely fantastic. Featuring guitarists with a listenable tone. It's clear, crisp, weighty, heavy and precise. The opening song sets the tone flawlessly and is a harrowing harbinger of what's to come. Sometimes it's unwise to start an album off with a kick ass song, but in the case of Killing Addiction, it shouldn't have been done any other way. Starting it off with "Engine of Ruin" don't give the listener a chance to breathe before having their head held underwater. By the time "Cult of Decay"is done, you've already drowned. But the most remarkable thing about this album isn't how extreme it is, or how it's a fantastic riff-o-rama. It's how damn catchy it is. "Shores of Oblivion" is essential death metal. I would recommend this to people who enjoy extreme metal of any variety, as this is that great of an an album that they should all hear and enjoy.
Review by Paul Caravasi
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Free UK delivery for orders over £50
To receive free delivery, simply order online, using your credit card, and select 'Free economy shipping' from the list of delivery options. Please note, free UK delivery is available for online orders only.
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Our standard delivery for overseas orders is via International Mail. This may take up to 6 weeks to reach some destinations and is untraceable. If you want to ensure prompt delivery of your books to an address outside of the UK, please contact us and ask for a quotation to have your order sent by courier.
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All of our titles are available as inspection copies. If you are a university or college tutor and would like one of our titles for inspection purposes, let us know the course name, start date and duration, and the expected number of students. Our contact is firstname.lastname@example.com


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2013 Chimp Challenge Discussions: rules discussion ongoing now
Just a friendly heads up about starting discussions right away
I think we had concensus on starting earlier this year
Get or Pick your CC captains and lets start talking already so we can iron things out right away
I'll start a CC thread in the EVGA forums for discussions and if you wish to contact me there you can post or PM me there (im usually on)
Yay, CC time!
This year you will get my dedicated server 2x8core C32 and a few GPU folders from under my desk at work :P
Glad you love Calgary.
I did a stint there while on campus there
Im from Medicine Hat,AB 3hr drive from Calgary
I also forgot to tell you we are starting Folding Madness early at EVGA
depends on the rules I'll try to keep you guys informed on that
I know last year there was some dissent among teams prior to the start of Chimp Challenge, and that the new rules were implemented in order to appease some of the larger teams. Will this be an issue again this year? Does it look like we'll be using the same format? Are there still some rumblings among teams?
I think the formula needs minor tweaking (we kind of like it... it's definitely better than OCN's formula was)
it was one of my submissions that OCN had dismissed
in fact was reborn again when OCN formula was shown to have exponential growth and someone else brought up the idea again
the fact is we need a linear progression on the formula
(a math expert or computer programmer would know)
We could also look at different categories to win I like the OCAU idea with different Idols to win
EVGA's problem is serious lead time - we need it to get members out
we don't get help from EVGA on mailout
we are limited on sending PM's - try sending out 12,000 PMs when you can only send five at a time and you have to re-type and wait a certain time limit
Our problem is a small base...we're but a little team here, kinda like Serenity vs Enterprise.
Might as well just give us the lil' chimp right now and spare all the pissin and moaning......:whistle:
We really need to contact old folders that have fallen off the radar. See if we can get them back into the "fold" again. Does someone have a members email list that we can mass mail out? This would be preferred to PM's as some may not use the PM method. Its good we are talking about it, maybe we can recruit some friends to join in for the CC.:ph34r:
My cards can't help at all I don't think but my CPU's should be decent wonder how much it will cost me in Hydro to put up another million points?
|All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:04 PM.


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Main Content
North Campus Townhouses
The North Campus Townhouses offer quad-occupancy, apartment-style accommodations for students with 90+ credits. Each townhouse features a separate entrance.
Apartments are equipped with a full-size refrigerator, stove/oven, dishwasher, and sink area. The common area living room in each apartment is fully carpeted and provides two couches, coffee and end tables, and cable TV access. Each of the two bedrooms contains a full bathroom with shower for use by the residents of that room. Ample closet space and two dressers per bedroom allow for plenty of storage space. Finally, each bedroom also features two beds, two mattresses, two desks and two chairs. Individual heat and air conditioning units in each bedroom allow for personalized control of the heat of the apartment, and wireless Internet access is available throughout.
Townhouse residents have access to amenities located within the Midrise building including:
- Hoot Loot-operated washers and dryers (accessible during guest sign-in hours)
- A first floor Recreation Room featuring an air hockey table, foosball, a multi-game arcade cabinet, and lounge space with a big screen television
- The North Campus Computer lab
- The North Campus Marketplace, a mini-grocery storage with items for purchase using cash or Hoot Loot (including but not limited to fresh baked goods, frozen items, sandwiches, dairy products, canned items, and other apartment supplies)
Click here to view North Townhouses' Virtual Tour
North Hall DirectorNicholas Gleifert
(203) 392-6378
Assistant Hall DirectorKadijah Shoultz
(203) 392-6665


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The band will kick off their jaunt in Liverpool at the end of October…
Polyphonic Spree have announced details of a UK tour due to kick off in the autumn.
The collective will play seven dates, starting at Liverpool University on October 30 before finishing off at London's Astoria on November 6.
As previously reported on NME.COM, the Texan collective recently found themselves at the centre of a bomb alert after fears that percussionist Brian Teasley may have been carrying an explosive in his luggage.
But bomb experts later discovered that it was a custom-made Copperphone.
Polyphonic Spree's tour dates are:
Liverpool University (October 30)
Sheffield Leadmill (31)
Glasgow QMU (November 1)
Birmingham Carling Academy (2)
Manchester Academy (4)
Bristol Carling Academy (5)
London Astoria (6)
To get tickets, [url=]click here or call the NME Ticketline on 0870 1 663 663.


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Questions and Answers!
Sometimes its hard to read pages of information to find the answer to those questions you have. This page is a quick Q and A page.
If you have a question you'd like to see on this page - please email us and we will do our best to add it.
Answer: Myotonic Dystrophy is a very complex, genetic disorder. It has a unique way of presenting itself which is confusing and complicated. It is a progressive disorder, so often symptoms don't show themselves until adulthood (Adult Onset DM) It is ALWAYS passed down from parent to child (50% chance, so previous children may not be affected, or may only be mildly affected and not show symptoms until teenage/adult years) It doesn't miss generations, and you can't simply be a 'carrier' – you either have the Gene expansion or you don't.
If your parent has DM, there is a 50% chance you will also. Even if you don't show symptoms until you are older. Myotonic Dystrophy symptoms get worse with each generation due to 'anticipation'.
When a person is diagnosed with Myotonic Dystrophy, it affects the whole family.
Answer: There seems to be 2 main ways this disease is diagnosed in a family, most often it seems to be through a severely affected baby (Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy) being born. The mother or father of the baby may be showing little or no symptoms, or may have been given other explanations for the symptoms they are showing. This is often a big shock to the family involved.
With every generation, the disease becomes more severe. It may only be slightly (which is why grandparents, uncles, parents etc. are showing very few symptoms), or it could take a big leap (which is why the new-born may be severely affected).
The symptoms and progress of the disorder cannot be predicted. All we know is, the 'anticipation' of the disorder means that each generation in a family will be more affected than the last. (I believe there is only one documented account of the expansion being less than that of the parent)
It is sometimes diagnosed the other way round too – when a mother or father hits adulthood or becomes elderly, and their symptoms get worse. They may be diagnosed, and then it is realised that any offspring may also have a 50% chance of having Myotonic Dystrophy. (This seems to be the case in the storyline of Coronation Street, where Jim McDonald has been diagnosed so now needs to tell his family, namely the Character Steve)
So why are people not diagnosed earlier? This is the millon dollar question. It often comes down to lack of awareness or experience with Myotonic Dystrophy amongst medical and support professionals. We often hear of people being mis-diagnosed or just told there is no medical reason for their deterioration, until one day they meet someone who has seen DM before.
This is the aim of The Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy Fight Fund. Raising awareness of Myotonic Dystrophy is the first step to finding treatments and cures. It is a progressive disorder which gets worse throughout a persons life – we want to reach these people early!
There is some information on the internet which suggests that only a woman can parent a child with Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy. This is untrue. It was once believed to be the case, however over the last decade there has been more understanding of the condition, and more cases of Congenitally affected children being born (or documented as being born) from the Paternal side.
It is true, however, that it is still a rare occurrence. Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy is most often inherited maternally. There is, however a 1% chance that a father with Myotonic Dystrophy will parent a baby with CDM.
So, what are the chances of having a baby with CDM if you have the condition yourself? Unfortunately there is no straight answer to this. There is always a 50% chance of passing the gene on to your children (whether you be male or female), but the chances of that baby being born with the Congenital form isn't something you can predict. It has no bearing on how severe the condition is within yourself, often a baby with CDM is born from a parent with no symptoms whatsoever.
However, if you do have Myotonic Dystrophy and would like to have children, it is possible to have PGD 'Pre Genetic Testing' which is a form of IVF. This is possible, free, on the NHS in the UK.
Dregan inherited CDM from his father. You can read his story here!
Cure DM CIC Registered Company 10998672
Working in collaboration with Muscular Dystrophy UK
Registered Charity No. 205395 Scottish Registered Charity No. SC039445


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The Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters, a premier art show that takes place every summer in Laguna Beach, Calif., will open next week, on July 5, and continue through August 31. Among this year's featured artists at the Festival of Arts art two pastel artists: Marie Tippets and Mary Alsin.
Marie Tippets: Tippets is known for her still life paintings in which she explores the dramatic possibilities in the juxtaposition of light and dark. At the festival, however, she'll be exhibiting a new series she calls "Essence of Japan," paintings inspired by the artist's trip to the country. Her subjects include figures, landscapes and gardens that are meant to illustrate what the artist experienced as a beautiful land and fascinating culture.
Mary Alsin: Aslin is known for her romantic and luminous portrayals of figures and still life subjects, And, as a working artist in Laguna Beach, she has enjoyed a number of appearances at this annual art event.
The Festival of Arts is California's longest running outdoor fine art show and one of the nation's most highly acclaimed and attended juried exhibitions. "In addition to the exhibition paintings, photography and ceramics, the eight-week event offers a range of activities that includes jazz concerts, guided art tours and workshops. For more information, visit https://www.foapom.com.